Emmys Honour Michael J. Fox for Decades of Parkinson’s Advocacy

Actor and Parkinson’s disease advocate Michael J. Fox has been honoured with the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award at the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards for his decades-long advocacy and efforts to advance research into the disease.

Fox received the honour during the Emmy ceremony in Los Angeles on Monday, September 14, 2026, earning a standing ovation from the audience as he took the stage.

The award recognises Fox’s leadership in supporting Parkinson’s disease research through the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, which he founded in 2000. The foundation has supported more than $3 billion in research programmes aimed at accelerating treatments and finding a cure.

Fox was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease in 1991 at the age of 29, while he was still building his career as one of Hollywood’s leading actors. He publicly revealed his diagnosis in 1998 and subsequently became one of the most prominent advocates for Parkinson’s research and awareness.

Accepting the award, Fox reflected on the difficulty of initially keeping his diagnosis private and his fears that revealing his condition could affect his career and relationship with audiences.

He also expressed gratitude for the support he received after going public with his diagnosis, describing that support as instrumental in helping him continue his work and advocacy.

The honour came as Fox, 65, continues to remain active in the entertainment industry despite retiring from regular acting in 2020 because of the progression of Parkinson’s disease. He returned to the screen in a guest role on Apple TV+’s Shrinking, earning his 19th Emmy nomination this year.

The five-time Emmy winner has enjoyed a celebrated career spanning television and film, becoming internationally famous for roles in Family Ties and the Back to the Future trilogy. He has also received a Presidential Medal of Freedom and an honorary Academy Award.

The Bob Hope Humanitarian Award, established in 2002, recognises figures in the television industry whose philanthropic work has had a lasting impact on society. Previous recipients include Oprah Winfrey, George Clooney, Ted Danson and Sean Penn.

Fox’s former The Good Wife co-star Julianna Margulies presented him with the award at Monday’s ceremony.

His recognition added one of the most emotional moments to an Emmy ceremony that also saw major victories for Widow’s Bay and The Pitt, while celebrating several milestones in television.