Fans send love to Michael J. Fox after he falls on stage during 'Back to the Future' panel

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By Asiya Ali

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Michael J. Fox fans have rallied around the star after he experienced a slight mishap during a Back to the Future Q&A panel at the Fan Expo in Philadelphia.

Over the weekend, the retired 61-year-old - who has been bravely battling Parkinson's disease since 1991 - attended an event with his co-stars from the 1985 classic, Christopher Lloyd, 84, and Tom Wilson, 64.

While walking on the stage after his name was called out, the actor had a stumble, but thankfully, his fall was buffered by a sofa which prevented a potentially more brutal impact with the floor.

However, Fox appeared unfazed about the fall and recovered with grace. He quickly took his place on the panel and continued with the event.

Watch the incident below: 

Upon seeing the footage, many fans of the beloved icon rushed to the comment section to send their love to Fox. One supporter wrote: "He is so brave and strong! A wonderful person! Has been through so much!"

Another remarked: "This guy is a legend and he pulled it off brilliantly. All Class and fantastic sense of humor!"

A third commented: "What a Wonderful Warrior! Hope he is doing ok!", while a fourth shared: "Such a strong determined man, wish you well."

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Credit: Facebook
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Credit: Facebook
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Credit: Facebook

The Teen Wolf actor first discovered he had the degenerative condition at the age of 29 in 1991. Although he was diagnosed at the time, he did not go public with his condition until 1998 and tried to deal with it by drinking excessively.

Fox has since gone on to raise awareness of Parkinson's by setting up his own foundation which helps to finance research into the disease and possible treatments and cures.

Last month, he spoke to journalist Jane Pauley for CBS Sunday Mornings to give an update on his health and sadly revealed that his diagnosis is getting "harder and tougher".

The Stuart Little star described Parkinson's as "the gift that keeps on taking" due to his symptoms, which include tremors, impaired movement, and muscle stiffness.

"My life is set up so I can pack Parkinson's along with me if I have to," Fox said, to which Pauley responded: "You've not squandered any of your capacity, but at some point, Parkinson's going to call for you isn't it?"

The actor replied: "Yeah, it's banging on the door. I mean, I'm not going to lie it's going to hurt," and went on to detail the many health issues he has had over the years, explaining: "I had spinal surgery. I had a tumor on my spine. And it was benign, but it messed up my walking. And then, started to break stuff.

"Broke this arm, and I broke this arm, I broke this elbow. I broke my face. I broke my hand. Which is a big killer with Parkinson's. It's falling and aspirating food and getting pneumonia. All these subtle ways that get ya," he added.

Featured image credit: Terry Wyatt / Getty