Beloved actor and activist Michael J. Fox received a standing ovation last night as he was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 Global Humanitarian Awards. The honor recognizes his decades-long career in entertainment as well as his groundbreaking advocacy work in Parkinson’s disease research.

Fox, 63, rose to international fame in the 1980s for his role as Marty McFly in the Back to the Future trilogy and as Alex P. Keaton on Family Ties. He later became a household name once again with hit shows like Spin City and guest appearances on The Good Wife and Curb Your Enthusiasm.

Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1991 at the age of 29, Fox publicly revealed his condition in 1998. Since then, he has dedicated his life to raising awareness and funding for research through the Michael J. Fox Foundation, which has become the world’s largest nonprofit funder of Parkinson’s research.

In his emotional acceptance speech, Fox thanked his family, fans, and scientific community. “I may have Parkinson’s, but Parkinson’s doesn’t have me,” he said, earning cheers from the audience. “Every day, I’m reminded that optimism and action are the most powerful tools we have.”

The ceremony also highlighted recent breakthroughs in Parkinson’s research supported by his foundation, including advancements in early detection and promising drug trials.

Fellow actors, scientists, and fans from around the world flooded social media with tributes, celebrating Fox not only for his iconic roles but for his enduring impact on millions of lives.