Michael J. Fox
2017 Lifetime Artistic Achievement Award (Screens and Voices (formerly Broadcasting and Film))
Actor, writer, producer and humanitarian
Michael J. Fox is a respected and accomplished screen actor, best known for his award-winning work in the television series Family Ties and Spin City and in the Back to the Future film trilogy. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1991, he founded the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research in 2000. He has received numerous humanitarian awards and has become an outspoken and inspiring advocate for people living with Parkinson’s.
Born in 1961 in Edmonton, Alberta, Mr. Fox was only 15 when he made his television debut in the CBC sitcom Leo and Me. Within a decade he was known to fans worldwide for his iconic portrayal of Alex P. Keaton in the popular NBC comedy series Family Ties (1982–89), for which he won three Emmys and a Golden Globe. He subsequently starred in the ABC series Spin City (1996–2000), winning another Emmy and three more Golden Globes. He also wrote, produced and starred in the NBC sitcom The Michael J. Fox Show (2013–14).
He found equal success on the big screen as the star of the hit film trilogy Back to the Future. Other film credits include the dramas Light of Day and Casualties of War, and comedies The Hard Way, Doc Hollywood, Life with Mikey, The American President, The Frighteners, and Mars Attacks! (alongside fellow GGPAA recipient Martin Short).
Mr. Fox has written three best-selling books: Lucky Man: A Memoir (2002), Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist (2008), and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Future: Twists and Turns and Lessons Learned (2010).
In recent years Mr. Fox has achieved a special kind of recognition for his human and creative courage. He is acclaimed for his bold portrayal of characters with physical limitations (notably in the hit TV series Boston Legal, The Good Wife and Rescue Me), and for his dedicated support of Parkinson’s research.
Michael J. Fox is an Officer of the Order of Canada. Among other distinctions, he has been inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame and the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and holds five honorary degrees. He was one of four Canadians honoured on the Difference Makers series of commemorative stamps issued by Canada Post in 2012.