Michael J Fox fans in floods of tears after his emotional Emmys speech

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Michael J Fox got a standing ovation at last night’s Emmy Awards after delivering a heartbreaking speech reflecting on his Parkinson’s diagnosis. The 65-year-old Back to the Future star received the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award recognising his tireless work advocating for people living with the progressive neurological condition. As Fox came on stage at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles to collect the award, he was met with rapturous applause from attendees. Thanking his The Good Wife co-star, Julianna Margulies, who was there to present the award, he began by paying tribute to his old colleague. ‘You’re so kind. You’re such a great acting partner, and I had a great time on that show,’ he said before adding: ‘And I’m glad I don’t have any frigging legalities ever again in my life. It’s hard to remember those words.’ Fox then began to talk about Hope and the lessons he’d learned watching him perform as a younger man. Fox was awarded the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award (Pictures: NBC / Backgrid) Fox spoke openly and honestly about his Parkinson’s diagnosis (Pictures: NBC / Backgrid) ‘[Hope] embodied everything I came to believe in years later. I learned from his example. When it starts to get tough, you show up, you help, and if you add a little joy while you’re doing it, that’s so you know it’s even better. ‘I couldn’t have known how these lessons would resonate in my own life till my late 30s, my late 20s, when my wife handed me a role that I was 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?’ He then explained how stunned he was by the support shown to him after he went public with his diagnosis. Fox admitted he feared how his diagnosis would affect his work and relationships (Pictures: NBC / Backgrid) He finished by thanking his family for their love and patience (Pictures: NBC / Backgrid) ‘I found brilliant people to lead the effort with 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 as 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 Michael J. Fox Foundation possible.’ Fox finished by thanking his wife Tracy and his children for their sacrifices, their patience, and their love. Fox’s speech was met with applause in the room (Pictures: NBC / Backgrid) Fox received two standing ovations at the Emmys (Pictures: NBC / Backgrid) At the end of his emotional speech, the audience once again rose to their feet to applaud Fox’s words. Online, fans shared how moved they were by Fox’s powerful speech. ‘It breaks my heart seeing a legend like him like this,’ wrote @NeverForgetDemi on X. ‘He’s so strong and resilient!’ ‘Well deserved,’ added @Regulusij6k. ‘Michael J. Fox has inspired millions with his courage, resilience and incredible work for Parkinson’s research. A truly special standing ovation for a remarkable man.’ Deals of the Day Topman’s new-season collection has arrived and prices start at just £10 An Instagram mattress left me with back pain – this one completely changed my mind Book Val d'Isère, Val Thorens and Tignes for less in Club Med's ski sale Save 25% on red light therapy masks, sauna blankets and sleep gadgets in Bon Charge sale The viral LED face mask with over 350 lights that's currently discounted by £100 Meanwhile, @MartyBy62422182 commented: ‘This had me legit crying as a grown man in my living room.’ Emmy Awards winners in full - 2026 Outstanding Drama Series – The Pitt Outstanding Comedy Series – Widow’s Bay Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series – DTF St. Louis Outstanding Television Movie – Remarkably Bright Creatures Lead Actor, Drama – Noah Wyle, The Pitt Lead Actress, Drama – Rhea Seehorn, Pluribus Lead Actor, Comedy – Matthew Rhys, Widow’s Bay Lead Actress, Comedy – Jean Smart, Hacks Supporting Actor, Drama – Tom Pelphrey, Task Supporting Actress, Drama – Allison Janney, The Diplomat Supporting Actor, Comedy – Stephen Root, Widow’s Bay Supporting Actress, Comedy – Kate O’Flynn, Widow’s Bay Lead Actor, Limited Series – Matthew Rhys, The Beast in Me Lead Actress, Limited Series – Sally Field, Remarkably Bright Creatures Supporting Actor, Limited Series – David Harbour, DTF St. Louis Supporting Actress, Limited Series – Linda Cardellini, DTF St. Louis Variety Series – The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Reality Competition Programme – The Traitors Reality/Competition Host – Alan Cumming, The Traitors Live Variety Special – The Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show Starring Bad Bunny Pre-recorded Variety Special – The Muppet Show Guest Actor, Comedy – Rob Reiner, The Bear Guest Actress, Comedy – Betty Gilpin, Widow’s Bay Guest Actor, Drama – Ernest Harden Jr., The Pitt Guest Actress, Drama – Shailene Woodley, Paradise Arrow MORE: Widow’s Bay star Matthew Rhys makes Emmy Awards history after ‘incredible’ win Arrow MORE: Full list of Emmy Award winners as Rob Reiner is given emotional standing ovation TV Newsletter Sign up and tell us which TV shows you love to watch to get personalised updates every morning.