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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.”
Fox is already an Emmy nominee this year; he’s among the performers competing in the outstanding guest actor in a comedy series category via his role on Apple TV’s “Shrinking.” That award will be given out during the nontelevised Sept. 6 Emmys; his Bob Hope Humanitarian Award will be telecast on NBC (his one-time “Family Ties” home) as part of the 78th Emmy Awards on Sept. 14.
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.”
Last year, Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen received the honor. Although it has been around for 24 years, this will only be the sixth time it has been given: Besides Winfrey, Danson and Steenburgen, past honorees are Danny Thomas (given posthumously in 2004), George Clooney (2010) and Sean Penn (2022).
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” and “The Good Wife.”
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 well as “Teen Wolf,” “The Secret of My Success,” “Casualties of War,” “The American President,” “Doc Hollywood” and more.
Apple TV’s doc about the star, “Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie,” won four Emmys. Last year, he released his fifth New York Times bestselling book, “Future Boy.”
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.”
The 78th Emmy Awards, hosted by Mariska Hargitay, broadcasts live from the Peacock Theater at L.A. Live on Monday, Sept. 14, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on NBC and streaming on Peacock.
