Michael J. Fox shared that he initially kept his Parkinson’s diagnosis to himself, amid concerns it would negatively impact his career. Fox reflected on coming to terms with the illness in his twenties, during his acceptance speech for the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award at the Emmys on Monday night.
“Initially, I kept my Parkinson’s diagnosis a secret,” he told the audience, while accepting the prestigious award for his outstanding contributions to Parkinson’s research and advocacy. “I worried [it] would affect my work and my relationships with audiences. Would they laugh if they knew I was sick?”
“The support from all of you was so uplifting and made me feel like I can keep doing this,” Fox continued. “I hadn’t lost what I do, and they couldn’t take it away from me. And it’s because you stood up for me. I understood that accepting Parkinson’s didn’t mean I had to surrender to it. It just meant doing what I could for everyone living with this disease.”
Fox’s award was presented by his former co-star on The Good Wife, Julianna Margulies, who saluted Fox as a “dear, dear friend” who has made a powerful impact on the world.
“A man whose deeds and actions have had a lasting impact on society,” she said. “This year marks only the sixth time [the award] has been bestowed, and I can think of no one more deserving of it than Michael.”
Following a montage showcasing Fox’s television career and philanthropic work, the actor entered the stage and commended Margulies for being a wonderful acting partner and friend. He then shared the significant impact Hope had on his life.
“My parents were born during the Great Depression and came of age during World War II,” he explained. “To them, Bob was more than an entertainer. He was a selfless champion of soldiers and military families like mine for decades. Christmases, Thanksgivings, other holidays where he could have been celebrating with his family — he was showing up for the troops in Berlin, Saigon, the Middle East with a turkey leg and a golf club.”
“He embodied everything I came to believe in, years later,” Fox continued. “I learned from his example. When it starts to get tough, he’d show up, he’d help and if he had a little joy doing it, even better. I couldn’t have known how these lessons would resonate in my own life from my late twenties, when my life handed me a role that I wasn’t looking for.”
Fox was 29 when he announced his diagnosis in 1991. Following his initial hesitations about going public with the illness, he has worked tirelessly towards awareness, research and fundraising, most notably through creating the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research in 2001. The foundation has raised more than $2.5 billion while shining a global spotlight on Parkinson’s.
When announcing Fox’s selection for the award, Television Academy chair Cris Abrego noted how Fox’s foundation had “accelerated” scientific advancements.
“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 Abrego. “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.”
The Bob Hope Humanitarian Award was established by the late entertainer and philanthropist in 2002 and the first recipient was Oprah Winfrey. Presented by the Television Academy and the Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation, honorees are named as and when the Academy deems fit, rather than annually.
Fox’s award came 40 years after he made history winning his first Emmy — best actor in a comedy series — for his unforgettable role as Alex P. Keaton in Family Ties. The 1986 win made him the youngest actor to win the prize and marked the first of 19 Emmy nominations and five wins, which also covered his roles in Spin City and Rescue Me.
At this year’s Emmys, Fox was nominated for best guest actor in a comedy series for his role on Shrinking, but the trophy went to late Rob Reiner for his portrayal of Albert in The Bear.