Actor Michael J. Fox: I went from Teen Beat to AARP

LOS ANGELES, April 9 (UPI) -- Actor Michael J. Fox jokes about how his successful career, which took off in the 1980s, has landed him on the covers of magazines from Teen Beat to AARP.

Fox, 51, is best known for his work in the sitcoms "Family Ties" and "Spin City," as well as in the "Back to the Future" film franchise.

Although he took a break from starring on television after he announced in 1998 he was suffering from Parkinson's disease, he has had several memorable guest spots on established shows and is now gearing up to star in a new, as-yet-unnamed NBC comedy series about a New York news anchorman, whose family and career is impacted by Parkinson's.

Asked about his career longevity and recent appearance on the cover of AARP, a magazine aimed at the 50 and older set, Fox told "Access Hollywood: "I went from Teen Beat and Tiger Beat ... to AARP. There's some great tips about colon health!"

Talking about why he is willing to make a show, which hits so close to home, he said: "Well, I don't have a choice ... But my personal life -- you can sit and project out and say, 'Oh, I'm going to have this and it's going to be like this and I won't be able to do that.' But it's much more about right now. 'What can I do right now?' Right? I just thought, 'I love to do this and as much as anyone will let me do it and give me their time to do it -- I should do it.' And so, I'm doing it."

The married father of four children went on to say his new TV series is based "loosely on my experiences."

"And I don't want to say too much because I don't want my kids to think every time a kid does something goofy on the show that it's a reflection on them," he said.