Michael J. Fox on Taylor Swift, Ryan Reynolds’ ‘Amazing’ Global Impact

Michael J. Fox believes Taylor Swift and Ryan Reynolds are among notable figures who will have an even greater impact in the next 50 years.

During a recent interview with People Magazine, the Back to the Future star said both the singer and actor came to mind when he thinks of people who are going to be “really important,” even in the future.

“I think she moves economies, she changes the way the world works, and that’s amazing,” Fox said of Swift, noting her impact on what she’s “said publicly about issues.” The Grammy-winning singer has spoken out in support of the LGBTQ community, as well as shared the importance of registering to vote with her fans, leading to spikes in voter registration.

As for Reynolds, Fox called the Deadpool star “so smart” and “talented,” and someone who “knows how to leverage things and make them succeed in other areas.”

The Spin City alum also described Reynolds as a “very philanthropic person,” adding, “I think he’s positioned to really do amazing things.” The Free Guy actor has been committed to advocating for the environment and helping the Michael J. Fox Foundation.

When Fox later pondered why many notables in Hollywood, such as Swift and Reynolds, have had such an impact on society, organizations, causes and more, he explained, “What is it about Ryan Reynolds that everything he touches is gold? What is it about people in my position that get involved in causes and have success and progress? You just show up and do it. And you don’t worry about what everybody thinks, what everybody says, or what you get out of that.”

It also made him think about his own advocacy work following his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis in 1991. “I didn’t think about it,” he said. “I wanted to work on Parkinson’s because I want a cure.”

He continued, “I just wanted to put us in the best position to find a cure, and hopefully, I did. And as far as other people, I think those are two good people.”