Michael J. Fox, 65, received the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award at the 2026 Emmy Awards on Monday, honoring his decades-long advocacy and philanthropic work in support of Parkinson’s disease research. Fox attended the event seated in a chair, supported by his wife, Tracey Pollan, and their four adult children: Sam, Aquinnah, Schuyler, and Esme. The award recognizes his transformative contributions to the field, including his foundation’s efforts toward finding a cure.
Fox, who has lived with young-onset Parkinson’s disease since being diagnosed at age 29 in 1991, delivered remarks at the ceremony, reflecting on his public disclosure of the diagnosis in 1998. "Initially, I kept my Parkinson's diagnosis a secret," he said. "I worried that it would affect my work and my relationship with audiences. Would they laugh if they knew I was sick? And then I was stunned by the support I got. The support from all of you. It was so uplifting."
The Bob Hope Humanitarian Award, established in 2002, is presented by the Televation Academy and the Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation. It honors individuals in the television industry whose philanthropic efforts align with Bob Hope’s legacy of altruism and societal impact. Fox’s foundation has been instrumental in advancing research, with Fox stating during his speech that they are "close" to finding a cure.
Fox also received a standing ovation as he took the stage, marking his first Emmy Awards appearance in 13 years. His return to acting, including his role in the series Shrinking, was noted in coverage of the event. Fox, a five-time Emmy Award winner, received his 19th Emmy nomination this year for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for his work on Shrinking.
Fox’s public advocacy has extended beyond fundraising, including candid discussions about the challenges of living with Parkinson’s, such as his difficulty memorizing lines. He retired from acting in 2000 but returned for select projects, including television appearances in Scrubs and The Good Wife, before taking another break in 2020. His decision to unretire for Shrinking was attributed to the role’s flexibility, allowing him to perform while managing his condition.
The event drew widespread praise on social media, with viewers commending Fox’s resilience and impact. "Michael J. Fox ❤️❤️❤️❤️👏👏👏 We can all learn so much from him...🙏🏻👍," one user wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Fox’s advocacy has been a cornerstone of his post-diagnosis career, with his foundation funding research and raising awareness about Parkinson’s disease. His receipt of the award underscores the intersection of his professional legacy and humanitarian efforts, as well as the broader recognition of his contributions to medical philanthropy.