Michael J. Fox admits Leonardo DiCaprio inspired him to quit the film industry

Michael J. Fox, known for his iconic role in Back to the Future, has recently revealed a surprising factor that led to his decision to quit acting for good.  

In an interview with Empire, the actor opened up about how Leonardo DiCaprio's role in Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon A Time ... In Hollywood, made him realise that it was time to leave the film industry. 

Fox, who has been battling Parkinson's disease since he was 29, had been working on The Good Fight at the time and found it increasingly difficult to remember his lines due to his illness.  

The Back To The Future actor has revealed the unexpected role Leonardo DiCaprio had in his recent life-changing decision. Photos / Getty Images

"I thought of Once Upon A Time ... In Hollywood," he said. "There's a scene where Leonardo DiCaprio's character can't remember his lines anymore. He goes back to his dressing room and he's screaming at himself in the mirror. Just freaking insane. I had this moment where I was looking in the mirror and thought, 'I cannot remember it anymore. Well, let's move on.' It was peaceful." 

This confession follows a recent interview with CBS Sunday Morning where Fox talked about the challenges of living with Parkinson's disease.  

"It's getting harder. It's getting tougher. Every day it's tougher," he revealed.  

Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio star in Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Photo / Supplied

Parkinson's disease can cause a variety of symptoms, including tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination. As the disease progresses, it can also lead to cognitive decline and dementia. 

According to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, falling is one of the biggest dangers for those with Parkinson's disease.  

As Fox explained in the interview, "You don't die from Parkinson's. You die with Parkinson's...It's all these subtle ways that it gets you." 

Michael J. Fox is the focus of a new documentary STILL: A Michael J. Fox Movie, about his life, career, and battle with Parkinson's. It is out now on Apple TV+.