Michael J. Fox has been tapped to receive one of the Television Academy’s biggest honors, the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award, at this year’s Emmy Awards. The org announced the news Wednesday, noting that the kudo was “in recognition of his transformative contributions to Parkinson’s disease research and advocacy.”
The Bob Hope Humanitarian Award was created in 2002, with Oprah Winfrey as its first recipient. The idea was “to honor a member of the telecommunications industry whose philanthropic efforts exemplify Bob Hope’s own decades-long altruism and positive impact on society.”
The Television Academy and the Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation jointly find an honoree “whose humanitarian efforts have brought credit to the industry and whose deeds and actions have had a lasting impact on society.”
Fox has been nominated for 19 Emmys and has won five, including three consecutive lead comedy actor wins in 1986, 1987 and 1988 for “Family Ties” as Alex P. Keaton. Later, he won another lead comedy actor Emmy for “Spin City” in 2000, and he won an Emmy for his guest appearance on the drama “Rescue Me” in 2009. His other Emmy noms over the years include guest spots on “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “Boston Legal”, “The Good Wife”, and the recent Apple TV comedy series “Shrinking” as Gerry, a Parkinson’s patient who, much like the actor, handles it with grace and humour.
Fox has also received four Golden Globes, a Grammy Award and two SAG-AFTRA Actor Awards. He has also been given an honorary Academy Award and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He was appointed as an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2010, and promoted to Companion of the Order of Canada in June.
In film, Fox is known for the “Back to the Future” trilogy as Marty McFly, as well as “Teen Wolf,” “The Secret of My Success,” “Casualties of War,” “The American President,” “Doc Hollywood” and more.
Fox first disclosed his diagnosis with young-onset Parkinson’s disease publicly in 1998, and founded The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research in 2000. It’s now the world’s largest nonprofit funder of Parkinson’s research, supporting more than $3 billion in research programs.
“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 TV Academy chair Cris 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.”
Added TV Academy special awards selection committee co-chair Hillary Bibicoff: “Fox’s advocacy has made a lasting impact around the world, and he has consistently leveraged his platform to inspire meaningful change in the fight against Parkinson’s.” Said co-chair Joseph Litzinger: “His dedication to helping others navigate the challenges of this disease serves as an inspiration to us all.”
