Michael J. Fox had his family by his side at the 2026 Emmy Awards, posing alongside wife Tracy Pollan and their four children while seated in a director's chair.
The 65-year-old actor smiled for photographs at the Los Angeles ceremony on Monday, 14 September, with Tracy standing beside him and resting a hand on his shoulder.
Their son Sam, 37, twin daughters Aquinnah and Schuyler, 31, and youngest daughter Esmé, 24, gathered around their father for a family portrait.
It was a particularly meaningful evening for Michael, who was named this year's recipient of the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award in recognition of his work advancing Parkinson's disease research and awareness.
© Tammie Arroyo/AFF-USA.com / MEGAMichael J. Fox's family joins him at the Emmys
Michael looked smart in an all-black ensemble, pairing his suit with a matching shirt and tie and polished lace-up shoes.
Tracy complemented her husband in a flowing black gown with an ornate gold neckline, accessorising with a gold cuff and wearing her blonde hair loose.
Their children coordinated in a mix of eveningwear, with green satin, shimmering gold and black tailoring bringing different textures to the family photograph.
© Tammie Arroyo/AFF-USA.com / MEGAA separate image captured Michael and Tracy together, with the actress smiling beside her seated husband as he rested his hands on the chair's wooden arms.
The couple celebrated their 38th wedding anniversary in July, having married in 1988 after first meeting through their work on Family Ties.
A special honour for Michael J. Fox
The Emmys appearance recognised a part of Michael's life that has become as significant as his screen career. After publicly disclosing his Parkinson's diagnosis in 1998, he established The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research in 2000.
According to the Television Academy, the foundation has supported more than $3 billion in research programmes, helping scientists pursue improved treatments and a cure.
The Bob Hope Humanitarian Award recognises television figures whose philanthropic work has made a lasting contribution to society. Previous recipients include Oprah Winfrey, George Clooney and the acting couple Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen.
"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? I was stunned by the support from all of you, so uplifted and I hadn't lost what I do. They couldn't take it away from me. And it's because you stood up for me. I appreciate it," he said during an emotional speech.
© Tammie Arroyo/AFF-USA.com / MEGA"I understood that accepting Parkinson's didn't mean I had to surrender to it. It just meant I had to do everything I could for everyone living with this disease. I set out to advocate for Parkinson's disease and raise money. I found brilliant people to start - sorry, I'm losing it.
"I found people to lead the effort for 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. 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 the Michael J. Fox foundation.
"And now the part where I thank Tracy and our kids. Aquinnah, Esmé, Schuyler, and Sam, for their sacrifices, for their patience, and for their love. You have no idea. And, of course, my mom and dad and my sisters and brother," he added.
Michael also received his 19th Emmy nomination this year, for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for Shrinking.
Michael J. Fox's latest health update
Michael was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 1991, aged 29, and has spoken candidly about the changing challenges of living with the condition.
In an interview published by People on 9 September, he acknowledged that those challenges have increased while explaining his continued commitment to research. "Of course, things have gotten harder over the years," he told the publication.
His return to acting in Shrinking, playing a character who also has Parkinson's, offered an opportunity to incorporate his lived experience into his work. "This new character allows me to show up on set as myself," he explained.
Michael and Tracy's approach to marriage
Through decades of marriage and raising their children, Michael and Tracy have spoken about the importance of giving each other understanding.
In a November 2025 interview with People, Tracy described their approach to balancing their relationship, work and Michael's health. "We just take it one day at a time, and it's worked," she said.
Michael has also reflected on how his career brought him the family he treasures. Appearing at the Actor Awards earlier this year with Sam, he recalled meeting Tracy when she played his girlfriend on Family Ties. He ended his introduction with a simple statement of his priorities. "I'm Michael J. Fox. I'm a dad and I'm an actor."
© InstagramMichael J. Fox on being present for his children
Although all four children are now adults, Michael's reflections on parenting have consistently emphasised making time for them.
Speaking previously to Reader's Digest, in comments reproduced by People, he explained that delaying a conversation can mean missing the moment when a child most wants to share something.
His advice centred on paying attention to those everyday invitations, however small they might seem. "I've never gotten up to see something one of my kids wanted to show me and not been rewarded," he said.
