The 2026 Emmys delivered a moment that everyone will be talking about for weeks. Michael J. Fox, 65, was honored with the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award on September 14, presented by his The Good Wife costar Julianna Margulies. As Fox appeared in a wheelchair, the audience rose to its feet for a long standing ovation, and he called the recognition a humbling honor while paying tribute to Bob Hope himself.
The award celebrates more than two decades of advocacy. Fox disclosed his young-onset Parkinson’s diagnosis in 1998 and founded the Michael J. Fox Foundation in 2000, which has since supported more than $3 billion in Parkinson’s research. He has said his name could attract attention to help the foundation reach its goals faster, adding that he also lives with the disease and shares his community’s sense of urgency.
The night also proved Fox’s acting career is far from over. He was nominated for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for AppleTV’s Shrinking, the show he works on alongside Harrison Ford. That nomination brings him to 19 total Emmy nods and five wins. He has admitted things have gotten harder over the years, but said he’s privileged to commit his time and energy to helping cure this disease.
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.