en.malanginspirasi.com — Michael J. Fox, the Canadian-American actor whose personal battle with Parkinson’s disease became a powerful advocacy movement, was honored with the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award at the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards on Monday.
The 65-year-old actor received the award in recognition of his transformative contributions to Parkinson’s disease research and advocacy.
Fox has spent decades using his public platform to raise awareness and support efforts to find better treatments and ultimately a cure for the disease.
Before Fox appeared on stage, the Emmy ceremony presented a video montage highlighting both his celebrated acting career and his work advocating for Parkinson’s research.
Fox was pushed onto the stage in a wheelchair to receive the award, which he kissed before handing it back as standing ovation from the audience following the moment.
During his acceptance speech, Fox reflected on the influence of legendary comedian Bob Hope, whose example had a lasting impact on him.
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He recalled how Hope supported American troops, an experience that resonated with Fox as he grew up with parents who had lived through the Great Depression.
“Bob Hope showed up for the troops,” he said.
“I learned from his example,” the actor, best known for his roles in the television series “Family Ties” and the “Back to the Future” films, added.
Fox also opened up about the difficult period after he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. He initially kept his diagnosis private, fearing that revealing it could cost him important relationships.
Over time, however, he came to understand that acknowledging the disease did not mean giving up.
Instead, he turned his diagnosis into a driving force for advocacy and research.
“You stood up for me, and I appreciate it,” Fox told the audience. “I’m proud of the progress we’ve made.”
From Diagnosis to Advocacy
Fox first experienced early symptoms of Parkinson’s disease in 1991, when he was just 29 and working on the romantic comedy film “Doc Hollywood.” He publicly revealed his diagnosis in 1998.
In 2000, Fox announced his departure from the ABC sitcom “Spin City.”
That same year, he began actively advocating for a cure for Parkinson’s disease and established the Michael J. Fox Foundation to support research into the condition.
The progression of the disease, however, affected his acting career eventually.
Fox retired from acting in 2020, explaining that Parkinson’s had increasingly made it difficult for him to speak and memorize lines.
Despite his retirement, Fox later returned to television.
In 2025, he resumed acting in Apple TV+’s “Shrinking,” portraying another Parkinson’s patient and appearing opposite Harrison Ford. His performance earned him his 19th Emmy nomination this year.
A five-time Emmy winner, Fox has remained a prominent figure in both the entertainment industry and the Parkinson’s community.
His advocacy has helped turn his personal experience with the disease into a broader campaign supporting research and the search for a cure.
The Bob Hope Humanitarian Award, established in 2002, recognizes a figure from the television industry whose philanthropic efforts reflect Bob Hope’s legacy of humanitarian work and positive social impact.
Previous recipients include Danny Thomas, Oprah Winfrey, George Clooney, Sean Penn, Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen.
