Michael J. Fox walked onto the 2026 Emmys stage to accept the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award, and the entire room stood up. His wife, Tracy Pollan, was with him, marking their first Emmys appearance together in 13 years. The honorary award, created in 2002 by the Television Academy and the Bob&Dolores Hope Foundation, recognizes those who use their fame for the greater good.
Fox knows that road well. He was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease in 1991 at just 29 years old and kept it private for years, afraid it would change how audiences saw him. When he went public in 1998, the response was the opposite of what he feared. In his acceptance speech, he told the crowd,“It’s because you stood up for me, and I really appreciate it.”
Today, Fox says his foundation is close to finding a cure, news that means everything to families navigating Parkinson’s. His decades of advocacy have raised both awareness and funding for research. Have you or someone you love been affected by Parkinson’s disease? Share your story with us in the comments.
About the Author
Ava Hart
Ava Hart is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
