Michael J. Fox to receive Emmy humanitarian honor

Sr Digital Curator

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Michael J. Fox, the five-time Emmy Award-winning actor also known for his role as Marty McFly in the “Back to the Future” films, is set to receive an honor from the Television Academy at the 78th Emmy Awards this fall.

Fox has been named the recipient of the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award “in recognition of his transformative contributions to Parkinson’s disease research and advocacy,” a news release from the Television Academy says.

Fox, who received his 19th Emmy nomination this year for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for “Shrinking,” will receive the honor during the Emmy Awards on Sept. 14.

The Bob Hope Humanitarian Award was established in 2002 “to honor a member of the telecommunications industry whose philanthropic efforts exemplify Bob Hope’s own decades-long altruism and positive impact on society,” according to the Television Academy.

“The award is given by the Television Academy and the Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation to an individual in the television industry whose humanitarian efforts have brought credit to the industry and whose deeds and actions have had a lasting impact on society,” the release says.

Aside from a successful acting career, Fox is a bestselling author, advocate and philanthropist who has spoken about his personal diagnosis with Parkinson’s disease and worked to expand Parkinson’s research efforts.

Fox first publicly disclosed his diagnosis in 1998 and founded the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research in 2000. Since its inception, the foundation is now the world’s largest nonprofit funder of Parkinson’s research.

“Michael J. Fox is one of television’s most beloved and enduring performers whose work has left an indelible mark on generations of audiences,” said Cris Abrego, chair of the Television Academy. “The Television Academy is proud to honor him for his extraordinary leadership in advancing Parkinson’s research, transforming public awareness and inspiring global support through The Michael J. Fox Foundation, whose investments have accelerated scientific breakthroughs and the search for a cure. He continues to exemplify compassion, courage and service, reflecting the power of one individual to drive meaningful change.”

Fox is no stranger to the Emmys. One of his first breakthrough roles was in the Emmy Award-winning sitcom “Family Ties,” for which he earned three consecutive Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series.

Fox has also received Emmy Awards for his role in “Spin City” and his guest performance in “Rescue Me.” He’s received nominations for roles in “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “Boston Legal” and “The Good Wife.”

A documentary about Fox’s life, “Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie,” was released in 2023 and earned seven Emmy Awards, winning four.

The Bob Hope Humanitarian Award has previously been awarded to Oprah Winfrey, George Clooney, Sean Penn, Ted Danson, Mary Steenburgen and Danny Thomas (posthumously).