Michael J Fox called a 'legend' as he says he's 'more happy than not' in moving interview

Michael J Fox fans were moved as the actor opened up about his Parkinson's battle on ITV’s Lorraine.

The Back To The Future and Family Ties star, 61, was diagnosed with the illness when he was just 29 and has a new documentary about his life streaming on Apple TV+ from today.

During his interview with host Lorraine Kelly, he said he was “more happy than not” and could find the humour and “silliness” in life.

Read more: When was Michael J Fox diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease?

Fox — who has four children with his wife Tracy Pollan — went on: “Our whole family, I always felt this way [that] Tracy is one of the funniest people on this planet and my kids are all funny.

“I think funny is our first response to anything. We say, ‘What’s funny about this?’ It could be some colossal, horrible thing.

“We love each other, we have a good time, we laugh a lot.”

The actor, who tells his story in new film Still, revealed he considered himself to be a happy person.

"I’m more happy than not," he said.

"And I think it helps to be silly. I think you’ve got to be silly sometimes in the face of things that are really daunting and threatening.”

Viewers called the star a “legend” after his chat with Kelly, who noted his work raising over two billion dollars for research.

“Loved the interview with Michael J Fox this am with the release of his film about Parkinson's,” one tweeted.

“Followed him since Family Ties (growing up USA) 2 Teen Wolf & Back To The Future. Total film legend but a true hero for his work with Parkinson's research!”

Another posted: “Your interview with Michael J Fox was simply beautiful. It’s so lovely to see him so full of life despite his Parkinson’s Disease. It’s amazing how he doesn’t let it kick him down.

"What a man!”

“I get so emoshe watching Michael J Fox,” said another fan.

“It’s like seeing an old familiar friend you've grown up with. Just love him.”

“What a legend Michael J Fox is!” said somebody else.

Read more: Michael J Fox admits Parkinson’s battle is ‘getting tougher’ every day

According to the NHS website, Parkinson’s is a condition in which parts of the brain become progressively damaged over many years. Symptoms include involuntary shaking of particular parts of the body, slow movement and stiff and inflexible muscles.

Lorraine airs on weekdays at 9am on ITV1 & ITVX.

Still: A Michael J Fox Movie is streaming on Apple TV+.

Watch: Michael J Fox admitted he was a ‘jerk’ when he was famous