Michael J Fox has received a humanitarian Emmy for his dedicated advocacy on behalf of people living with Parkinson’s disease.
The 65-year-old Canadian-American actor was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s a year after Back To The Future Part III, in which he played Marty McFly, came out in 1990.
He established the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research in 2000, which has since raised over two billion dollars (£1.58 billion).
At Monday night’s Emmy Awards, he was honoured with the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award for his contributions to Parkinson’s research and advocacy.
Following his presentation by former The Good Wife co-star Julianna Margulies, Fox spoke of the award’s namesake and his own dedication to helping others.
He said: "I learned from his example. I couldn’t have known how these lessons would resonate in my own life, until my late 20s, when my life handed me a role I wasn’t looking for.
"Initially I kept my Parkinson’s diagnosis a secret. I worried it would affect my work and relationships with audiences.
"Would they laugh if they knew I was sick? I was stunned by the support from all of you, so uplifted and I hadn’t lost what I do. They couldn’t take it away from me.
"And it’s because you stood up for me… I understood that accepting Parkinson’s didn’t mean I had to surrender to it. It just meant I had to do everything I could for everyone living with this disease."
He continued: "I set out to advocate for Parkinson’s disease and raise money. I found people to lead the effort for me and vowed to fund the best science in the world. I’m proud of the progress we’ve made to benefit Parkinson’s patients and families.
"We move closer to eradicating this disease forever. I’m deeply grateful to our staff, donors, researchers, and most of all the patient community who make our work at the Michael J. Fox foundation possible."
Fox also used his speech to thank Tracy Pollan, his wife of more than 30 years, and their four adult children – Sam, Aquinnah, Schuyler and Esme – for their steadfast support.
"I thank Tracy and our kids for their sacrifices, for their patience and for their love. You have no idea," he said, while also mentioning his parents and siblings.
He was also up for guest actor in a comedy series for Shrinking, though Rob Reiner won the category posthumously.
Fox launched his research foundation in 2000, nine years after receiving his diagnosis at age 29.
When Fox was named the recipient in July, Television Academy’s chairman Cris Abrego said he demonstrated "extraordinary leadership in advancing Parkinson’s research, transforming public awareness and inspiring global support" via his foundation, which has "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," he said.
Mr Abrego noted that Fox’s campaigning had "made a lasting impact around the world".
Fox has won five Emmys across his career. He rose to fame playing Alex P Keaton on Family Ties, claiming three consecutive trophies for outstanding lead actor in a comedy series.
He later secured another lead actor Emmy for Spin City and an outstanding guest actor award for Rescue Me. His work on screen has also earned nominations for series including Curb Your Enthusiasm, Boston Legal and The Good Wife.
The actor has also claimed four Golden Globe Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards and a Grammy Award.
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