Michael J. Fox received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America’s highest civilian honor, in an emotional White House ceremony on Saturday. He was among several other stars and high-profile Democrats recognized by President Joe Biden.
The ceremony included a poignant moment as Fox, assisted to the stage, stood alongside the President. His accomplishments were then recounted, highlighting iconic roles such as Alex P. Keaton in “Family Ties” and Marty McFly in “Back to the Future.” However, a significant portion of the speech focused on Fox’s unwavering optimism in the face of his decades-long battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Diagnosed in the early 1990s and publicly disclosing his condition later in the decade while starring on “Spin City,” Fox has since become a prominent activist, raising substantial funds for Parkinson’s research. His documentary, “Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie,” offers a deeply personal look at his life with the disease.
Fox shared the stage with other esteemed recipients, including music icon Bono, basketball legend Magic Johnson, and actor Denzel Washington, all celebrated for their significant achievements and impactful activism. President Biden, in one of his final acts before leaving office later this month, honored these prominent figures from the worlds of entertainment and beyond.