# The Reports of Michael J. Fox's Death are Greatly Exaggerated **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** actor-characters\ **Created:** [April 13, 2026, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reports-of-michael-j-foxs-death-are-greatly-exaggerated/1029246 "2026-04-13T17:02:50Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![CalMeacham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/calmeacham/32/35_2.png) [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2026, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reports-of-michael-j-foxs-death-are-greatly-exaggerated/1029246/1 "2026-04-13T17:02:50Z")
Somehow, I missed this story from a few days ago # **CNN Reports Michael J. Fox Is Dead, And He Respectfully Disagrees** “How do you react when you turn on the TV and CNN is reporting your death?” the actor asked on social media Wednesday. > [Michael J. Fox](https://www.huffpost.com/entertainment/topic/michael-j-fox) is alive and well, and wants everyone to know it ― [especially CNN](https://www.thedailybeast.com/obsessed/cnn-causes-confusion-with-post-remembering-michael-j-fox/). > > On Wednesday, the network shared a video titled “Remembering the life of actor Michael J. Fox” that paid tribute to Fox’s acting career and his work fighting Parkinson’s and promoting stem cell research. > > There was just one issue: The 64-year-old is still very much alive. In fact, he appeared at PaleyFest in Los Angeles on Tuesday to help promote the just-wrapped third season of the Apple TV series “Shrinking.” > **[CNN Reports Michael J. Fox Is Dead, And He Respectfully Disagrees](https://www.huffpost.com/entry/michael-j-fox-not-dead-threads-cnn_n_69d95200e4b0ccb589ecd575?origin=home-entertainment-feed-unit)** > > "How do you react when you turn on the TV and CNN is reporting your death?" the actor asked on social media Wednesday. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2026, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reports-of-michael-j-foxs-death-are-greatly-exaggerated/1029246/2 "2026-04-13T17:19:43Z")
See also > [@Omnibus Stupid MFers in the news thread (Part 2)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/omnibus-stupid-mfers-in-the-news-thread-part-2/995657/6854): > > CNN published an obituary for Michael J. Fox on their website. News of Fox’s death came as some surprise to Fox. and subsequent. ---
**Author:** ![CoolHandCox](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/coolhandcox/32/16233_2.png) [@CoolHandCox](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CoolHandCox)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2026, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reports-of-michael-j-foxs-death-are-greatly-exaggerated/1029246/3 "2026-04-13T17:38:21Z")
**LIP** (Live in Peace) That’s meh, but this happens often enough where there should be a “RIP” for when the person is reported dead but is not dead. Is there anything like that already? ---
**Author:** ![Frodo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/frodo/32/302_2.png) [@Frodo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frodo)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2026, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reports-of-michael-j-foxs-death-are-greatly-exaggerated/1029246/4 "2026-04-13T17:43:55Z")
May be he died but Doc Brown got the DeLorean and changed the timeline? We should check the CNN video to see if it still says that he died or if it’s changing to another title as we watch it. ---
**Author:** ![Q.Q.Switcheroo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/q.q.switcheroo/32/5713_2.png) [@Q.Q.Switcheroo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.Q.Switcheroo)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2026, 5:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reports-of-michael-j-foxs-death-are-greatly-exaggerated/1029246/5 "2026-04-13T17:45:41Z")
> [@Frodo](#): > > May be he died but Doc Brown got the DeLorean and changed the timeline? Obviously CNN was reporting from the timeline where he didn’t wear a bulletproof vest. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2026, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reports-of-michael-j-foxs-death-are-greatly-exaggerated/1029246/6 "2026-04-13T19:10:16Z")
I can’t figure out what you’re trying to say. ---
**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2026, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reports-of-michael-j-foxs-death-are-greatly-exaggerated/1029246/7 "2026-04-13T20:40:10Z")
At least it wasn’t Fox News that got it wrong. ---
**Author:** ![CoolHandCox](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/coolhandcox/32/16233_2.png) [@CoolHandCox](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CoolHandCox)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2026, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reports-of-michael-j-foxs-death-are-greatly-exaggerated/1029246/8 "2026-04-14T16:59:39Z")
Ok. Let me try again. When people are reported dead, and are actually dead, it’s common for someone like me to comment “RIP”. eg…Did you hear Catherine O’Hara died? Me: Dang, RIP Is there anything like “RIP” for when someone is reported dead, but is not actually dead? eg…Did you see that CNN reported Michael J. Fox was dead but he’s still alive? Me: Dang, May he live in peace (LIP). It was a genuine question - is there any phrase that is used in that unique situation (reported dead, not dead)? A phrase like “RIP” is used in the very common situation (reported dead, actually dead). But mostly it was a very mild joke. ---
**Author:** ![Sylvanz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/fbc32d/32.png) [@Sylvanz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sylvanz)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2026, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reports-of-michael-j-foxs-death-are-greatly-exaggerated/1029246/9 "2026-04-14T17:35:20Z")
If it makes you feel better, I got it. And I don’t think there is a version of RIP for this situation. How about, “He’s _ **alive!!!** _ **”** ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2026, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reports-of-michael-j-foxs-death-are-greatly-exaggerated/1029246/10 "2026-04-14T17:39:27Z")
> [@Sylvanz](#): > > If it makes you feel better, I got it. And I don’t think there is a version of RIP for this situation. How about, “He’s _ **alive!!!** _ **”** - He’s not Frankenstein’s Monster. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2026, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reports-of-michael-j-foxs-death-are-greatly-exaggerated/1029246/11 "2026-04-14T17:49:29Z")
So, suddenly, CNN is not reliably checking their sources. I mean, jeez at least ask the reporter what bar they were at when they heard that rumor. WTF? Cannot believe an advertiser, bought and paid for, news organization got something SOOOO wrong! Shocked, SHOCKED 😱 I tell you. I may need smelling salts. ---
**Author:** ![AlsoNamedBort](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alsonamedbort/32/3213_2.png) [@AlsoNamedBort](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AlsoNamedBort)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2026, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reports-of-michael-j-foxs-death-are-greatly-exaggerated/1029246/12 "2026-04-14T17:55:23Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > So, suddenly, CNN is not reliably checking their sources. I mean, jeez at least ask the reporter what bar they were at when they heard that rumor. I don’t think it was a source issue. These news sites already have tons of obits prepared for notable people. Someone just accidentally published it. ---
**Author:** ![Sylvanz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/fbc32d/32.png) [@Sylvanz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sylvanz)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2026, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reports-of-michael-j-foxs-death-are-greatly-exaggerated/1029246/13 "2026-04-14T18:03:33Z")
Yeah, but points for the drama. Right? ---
**Author:** ![DavidNRockies](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidnrockies/32/6279_2.png) [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2026, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reports-of-michael-j-foxs-death-are-greatly-exaggerated/1029246/14 "2026-04-14T18:07:38Z")
So, we’re all just gonna’ take _Michael J. Fox’s word_ for this, now?? ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2026, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reports-of-michael-j-foxs-death-are-greatly-exaggerated/1029246/15 "2026-04-14T18:08:32Z")
It’s not like Strikland’s going to put him in detention. ---
**Author:** ![simster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/simster/32/1047_2.png) [@simster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/simster)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2026, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reports-of-michael-j-foxs-death-are-greatly-exaggerated/1029246/16 "2026-04-14T21:04:51Z")
THat would be a heck of a meeting in the afterlife. ---
**Author:** ![Two\_Many\_Cats2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/779978/32.png) [@Two\_Many\_Cats2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Two_Many_Cats2)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2026, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reports-of-michael-j-foxs-death-are-greatly-exaggerated/1029246/17 "2026-04-14T21:08:48Z")
There seems to be a trend of lying about celebrity deaths going around. I saw a post on Facebook recently about about former Bears Quarterback Jim McMahon dying, and he’s just fine. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2026, 12:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reports-of-michael-j-foxs-death-are-greatly-exaggerated/1029246/18 "2026-04-15T00:28:06Z")
Maybe he was seen in London at a furry convention. 🐺 This is how these rumors get started, ya know. That was when he was a teen. Gah!! ---
**Author:** ![Moriarty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/moriarty/32/49_2.png) [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2026, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reports-of-michael-j-foxs-death-are-greatly-exaggerated/1029246/19 "2026-04-15T00:46:44Z")
This is going to be his death thread, isn’t it? Years from now (hopefully), this thread will be bumped. “Update: Reports no longer exaggerated” ---
**Author:** ![Frodo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/frodo/32/302_2.png) [@Frodo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frodo)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2026, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reports-of-michael-j-foxs-death-are-greatly-exaggerated/1029246/20 "2026-04-15T00:48:58Z")
Michael Fox, Harrison Ford, William Shatner, Mark Hamill and Patrick Stewart are no longer allowed to die, losing princess Leia and Spock was enough thank you, no more childhood icons dying. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reports-of-michael-j-foxs-death-are-greatly-exaggerated/1029246.md?page=2)