Michael J. Fox

Michael J. Fox is a Canadian-American actor and activist known for his extensive work in television, film, and Parkinson's disease advocacy. Fox began his career as a child actor and gained recognition for his role as Alex P. Keaton on the NBC sitcom "Family Ties" and as Marty McFly in the "Back to the Future" film trilogy. He also starred in films including "Teen Wolf," "The Secret of My Success," "Casualties of War," "Doc Hollywood," and "The Frighteners." Fox returned to television as Mike Flaherty on the ABC sitcom "Spin City." Over his career, he has received 18 Emmy nominations with five wins, four Golden Globe Awards, one Grammy Award, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and the People's Choice Award.

At age 29, Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, a fact he shared publicly several years later. He established The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, which has become the world's largest nonprofit funder of Parkinson's research. The Foundation has raised significant funding and contributed to advancements in Parkinson's science and policy, including the identification of a Parkinson's biomarker and the launch of the National Parkinson's Project.

Fox serves on the Foundation's Board of Directors and frequently speaks on Parkinson's disease research, scientific innovation, and the development of new therapies. He has authored several memoirs, including "Lucky Man," "Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist," "No Time Like the Future: An Optimist Considers Mortality," and "Future Boy: Back to the Future and My Journey Through the Space-Time Continuum."

The documentary "Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie" chronicles Fox's career and experience with Parkinson's disease. The film received multiple Emmy nominations and wins. Fox has also appeared in the Apple TV+ dramedy "Shrinking," portraying a character with Parkinson's disease. His performance in "Shrinking" earned him his first Emmy nomination in a decade. In 2026, it was announced that Fox would receive the Television Academy’s Bob Hope Humanitarian Award at the Emmy Awards, honoring his substantial contributions to Parkinson's disease research and advocacy.

Fox's advocacy and humanitarian work have been recognized with honors such as the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, inclusion in Time Magazine's list of influential people in health, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Fox continues to contribute to Parkinson's disease awareness and research, sharing his experiences through public speaking and writing.