Actor, author, advocate and founder of The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF), Michael J. Fox, has been recognised with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the U.S’s highest civilian honour, at a White House ceremony.
President Biden presented Fox with the medal, which honours individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavours.
The White House said: “Michael J. Fox is an actor who has won five Emmy Awards, four Golden Globe Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and a Grammy Award. He is a world-renowned advocate for Parkinson’s disease research and development.”
“Receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom is humbling, an honour I could never have anticipated,” said Fox.
“I’m grateful for this recognition, which I share with the patients, families and researchers who have brought us closer than ever to ending Parkinson’s disease once and for all.”
Founded by Fox in 2000, MJFF has grown to become the world’s largest non-profit funder of Parkinson’s research, having allocated more than US$2bn to global research programmes to speed better treatments and a cure.
The Foundation has enabled milestones including the 2023 breakthrough discovery of a Parkinson’s biomarker — a long-sought research tool that is helping to speed clinical trials — and the National Parkinson’s Project, a 2024 law that establishes the first-ever federal initiative to accelerate research, improve patient care and ultimately prevent and cure Parkinson’s.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom was presented to 19 honorees including leaders in sports, entertainment, fashion, film and philanthropy.
During the conferral ceremony, Michael’s introduction to the stage read: “The Presidential Medal of Freedom is awarded to Michael J. Fox. Michael J. Fox is one of the most beloved actors of our time with remarkable wit and charm, he introduced iconic characters to the centre of American culture from Alex P. Keaton to Marty McFly and more.
“With undaunted resilience and optimism, he also warms hearts and captivates audiences as a fearless advocate for those with Parkinson’s disease. Channelling his endearing personality to advance treatments move us closer to a cure and remind us of the power of American possibilities.”
