Michael J. Fox, the beloved actor known for his roles in "Back to the Future" and "Family Ties," received the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award at the 2026 Emmy Awards, moving the audience to tears with his acceptance speech. Fox, 65, who has been publicly vocal about his Parkinson's disease diagnosis, accepted the honor from a wheelchair, reflecting on his journey and the importance of advocacy.
Fox recounted his initial diagnosis at age 29, admitting he feared his career and public perception would be negatively impacted. "Initially I kept my Parkinson's diagnosis a secret," he shared. "I worried it would affect my work and relationships with audiences. Would they laugh if they knew I was sick?"
He expressed profound gratitude for the support he has received, stating, "I was stunned by the support from all of you, so uplifted and I hadn't lost what I do. They couldn't take it away from me. And it's because you stood up for me. I appreciate it." This support, he explained, fueled his commitment to not only manage his own condition but to advocate for others.
"I understood that accepting Parkinson's didn't mean I had to surrender to it," Fox stated. "It just meant I had to do everything I could for everyone living with this disease." He detailed his efforts to fund research and support those affected by Parkinson's through the Michael J. Fox Foundation.
The award ceremony also saw Fox joined by his family, including his wife Tracy Pollan and their four children: Sam, Aquinnah, Schuyler, and Esme. The actor looked dapper in a black suit and tie as he posed with his loved ones on the red carpet.
Fox, a five-time Emmy Award-winning actor, recently returned to acting in the series "Shrinking," where he plays a character navigating a Parkinson's diagnosis. He described the role as allowing him to "show up on set" as himself, a departure from his earlier retirement from extensive 12-hour workdays due to memory challenges associated with the disease. He had previously retired in 2000, two years after publicly disclosing his diagnosis.
The Bob Hope Humanitarian Award, established in 2002, recognizes individuals whose philanthropic efforts align with Bob Hope's legacy of altruism and societal impact. Fox's recognition underscores his significant contributions to Parkinson's disease research and advocacy.