Michael J. Fox receives standing ovation at 2026 Emmys for Parkinson's disease advocacy work

Michael J. Fox was honored with the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award at the 2026 Emmys for his advocacy and philanthropic work supporting Parkinson’s disease research.

The Bob Hope Humanitarian Award is an honorary Emmy presented by the Television Academy and the Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation. Established in 2002, it recognizes a television-industry figure whose philanthropic work has made a lasting impact on society.

Fox attended the award show on Monday night with his wife, Tracy Pollan. This was the couple's first appearance at the Emmy Awards in 13 years.

Michael J. Fox at the 78th Emmy Awards held at Peacock Theater on September 14, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Rich Polk/Variety via Getty Images)

Fox received a standing ovation as he took the stage and talked about his Parkinson’s diagnosis. Fox was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease in 1991 at age 29. He publicly revealed his diagnosis in 1998.

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On the Emmy Awards' stage, Fox said, "Initially, I kept my Parkinson's diagnosis a secret. I worried that it would affect my work and my relationship with audiences."

Michael J. Fox accepts the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award. (NBC via Getty Images)

He continued, "Would they laugh if they knew I was sick? And then I was stunned by the support I got. The support from all of you. It was so uplifting. It made me feel like I could keep doing this and I hadn't lost what I do and they couldn't take this away from me. And it's because you stood up for me, and I really appreciate it."

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During the speech, Fox discussed his foundation and said that they are "close" to finding a cure for Parkinson's disease.

Michael J. Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease at 29. (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

The internet reacted to Fox being honored with the award on Monday night.

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"Michael J. Fox ❤️❤️❤️❤️👏👏👏We can all learn so much from him...🙏🏻👍," one user wrote on X.

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Michael J. Fox's wife, Tracy Pollan, attended the 2026 Emmy Awards with him. (Los Angeles Times via Getty Imag)

Another added on X, "I really do think we underestimate how much Michael J Fox really put Parkinson’s 'on the map' so to speak. I knew about it as a little kid because of him and his advocacy for it."

"Michael J. Fox is an inspiration. The guy got dealt an awful hand," a third wrote on X.

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Janelle Ash is an entertainment writer for Fox News Digital covering Hollywood, celebrity culture and breaking entertainment news through exclusive reporting, interviews and in-depth storytelling.