Actor Michael J. Fox has been honored with the Lasker-Bloomberg Public Service Award for his public service and contributions to Parkinson's disease research through his foundation.
The 65-year-old actor received the award from the Lasker Foundation, which presents annual scientific research honors widely referred to as the American Nobels.
Since Fox established the Michael J. Fox Foundation in 2000, the organization has provided more than $3 billion in funding for scientific research aimed at finding a cure for the condition.
Funding Research and Sharing Urgency
In statements to People magazine, Fox explained that he knew his public profile could draw attention and help the cause achieve its goals faster.
Living with the condition himself, Fox noted that he understands the daily problems and shares the deep sense of urgency felt across his community.
Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder of the central nervous system that primarily affects movement, often causing tremors, stiffness, and balance difficulties.
Fox acknowledged that managing symptoms such as tremors and balance issues has become harder over the years, but stressed that it is a great honor to dedicate his time and energy to help find a cure.
A Legacy of Fighting Stigma
Explaining why the Lasker recognition holds special significance, Fox said the award winners demonstrate what science can achieve when researchers remain focused on their goal.
He noted that being included in such a group was an honor that filled him with humility, adding that he shares the recognition with front-line researchers, clinicians, patients, and families who provide critical information for the mission.
The Lasker Foundation was established in 1946 to recognize fundamental biological research and public health service.
In an official statement, the foundation noted that Fox first began exhibiting symptoms of Parkinson's disease in 1990 at age 29, before later going public with his diagnosis.
The foundation credited Fox and his organization with helping combat the stigma accompanying the disease and pioneering a revolution in the field of Parkinson's research.
Return to Screen and Emmy Nominations
Alongside his philanthropic efforts, Fox returned to screen acting earlier this year, building on a career that spans several decades in television and film.
The actor had previously retired from full-time acting in 2000, stepping down from his Emmy and Golden Globe-winning role on the sitcom Spin City after announcing his diagnosis.
Spin City, an American television comedy set in New York municipal government, marked one of Fox's major career roles following his earlier starring turn in Family Ties.
He recently received another Emmy Award nomination for a guest appearance on the comedy series Shrinking, where he performed alongside actor Harrison Ford.
In Shrinking, Fox plays a character living with Parkinson's opposite Ford, whose character also copes with the condition. Fox described the experience as incredibly fun, noting that the role allowed him to show up on set as himself.
Navigating Health and Career Milestones
The actor admitted there was a time in his career when he was unsure whether he could ever regain the joy of acting.
Following his initial retirement in 2000, Fox accepted guest roles in television series including the medical comedy Scrubs and the legal drama The Good Wife.
He stepped away from acting again in 2020, explaining that a new factor had emerged involving his ability to memorize lines.
Known internationally for playing Marty McFly in the Back to the Future film trilogy, Fox continues to combine his advocacy work with select professional projects.
