Canadian-American actor and advocate Michael J. Fox was honored at the 2026 Emmy Awards when he received his prestigious Bob Hope Humanitarian Award.
The Bob Hope Humanitarian Award is an honorary recognition for extraordinary contributions to television and film for long decades commitment to raising awareness and funding.
Fox attended the Emmy Awards with his wife, Tracy Pollan, as it was the couple’s first appearance at the Emmy Awards in 13 years.
On the stage, he spoke about his Parkinson’s diagnosis, which he was diagnosed in 1991 at the age of 29 and revealed publicly in 1998.
“Initially, I kept my Parkinson’s diagnosis a secret. I worried that it would affect my work and my relationship with audiences… It made me feel like I could keep doing this and I hadn’t lost what I do and they couldn’t take this away from me. And it’s because you stood up for me, and I really appreciate it,” Michael said.
The Bob Hope Humanitarian was established in 2002 to honor an individual in television industry whose humanitarian efforts exemplify those of its namesake and selflessness.
In the early 1980s, Michael J. Fox began his career in films including Family Ties (1982-1989), Back to the Future (1985-1990), Spin City (1996-2000).
He stepped back from full-time acting in 2000, due to health challenges, but continued to make guest appearances in shows like “The Good Wife” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm.”
