Burnaby's Michael J. Fox awarded U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom

The Canadian-American actor and Parkinson's advocate was recognized by U.S. President Joe Biden at a White House ceremony on Saturday

Published Jan 05, 2025  •  Last updated 1 hour ago  •  2 minute read

Canadian-American actor Michael J. Fox is awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House on Jan. 4, 2025. Photo by Tom Brenner /Getty Images

B.C. actor and activist Michael J. Fox is among 19 people honoured with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden.

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At a ceremony in the East Room of the White House on a frigid Saturday afternoon, Biden recognized famous names from politics, sports, entertainment, civil and LGBTQ+ rights and science.

Fox, who was born in Edmonton, grew up in Burnaby and is both a Canadian and American citizen, has been a passionate advocate for Parkinson’s research since being diagnosed with the degenerative disease in 1991.

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Fox was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2010 and the theatre at Burnaby South Secondary is named after him.

The star of the Back to the Future franchise and former sitcom mainstay on shows like Family Ties and Spin City is retired from acting, but continues to support research into Parkinson’s treatment and cures through his foundation.

Fox was recognized as “one of the most beloved actors of our time with remarkable wit and charm” and for his determination to change the future for millions living with Parkinson’s.

Actor Michael J. Fox awaits his turn to receive the Medal of Freedom during a ceremony at the White House in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 4, 2025. Photo by CHRIS KLEPONIS /AFP via Getty Images

“With undaunted resilience and optimism, he also warms hearts and captivates audiences as a fearless advocate for those with Parkinson’s disease, channelling his endearing personality to advance treatments that move us closer to a cure and remind us of the power of American possibilities.”

In a statement to his Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Fox said receiving the medal “is humbling, an honour I could never have anticipated. I’m grateful for this recognition, which I share with the patients, families and researchers who have brought us closer than ever to ending Parkinson’s disease once and for all.”

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The foundation is the world’s largest non-profit dedicated to Parkinson’s research, raising more than $2 billion for high-impact research programs.

Among other honorees on Saturday were former secretary of state Hillary Clinton, who received a standing ovation from the crowd, actor-director Denzel Washington, Irish rocker and humanitarian Bono, philanthropist George Soros and sports stars Lionel Messi and Earvin (Magic) Johnson.

“For the final time as president I have the honour of bestowing the Medal of Freedom, our nation’s highest civilian honour, on a group of extraordinary … people, who gave their sacred effort … to shape the culture and the cause of America,” said Biden said in his opening remarks.

The presidential medal is the highest civilian honour in the U.S. The full list of Saturday’s honorees is at whitehouse.gov.

With files from The Associated Press

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