Michael J Fox fans in floods of tears after his emotional Emmys speech

Michael J Fox got a standing ovation at last night’s Emmy Awards after delivering a heartbreaking speech reflecting on his Parkinson’s diagnosis.

The 65-year-old Back to the Future star received the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award recognising his tireless work advocating for people living with the progressive neurological condition.

As Fox came on stage at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles to collect the award, he was met with rapturous applause from attendees.

Thanking his The Good Wife co-star, Julianna Margulies, who was there to present the award, he began by paying tribute to his old colleague.

‘You’re so kind. You’re such a great acting partner, and I had a great time on that show,’ he said before adding: ‘And I’m glad I don’t have any frigging legalities ever again in my life. It’s hard to remember those words.’

Fox then began to talk about Hope and the lessons he’d learned watching him perform as a younger man.

‘[Hope] embodied everything I came to believe in years later. I learned from his example. When it starts to get tough, you show up, you help, and if you add a little joy while you’re doing it, that’s so you know it’s even better.

‘I couldn’t have known how these lessons would resonate in my own life till my late 30s, my late 20s, when my wife handed me a role that I was looking for.

‘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?’

He then explained how stunned he was by the support shown to him after he went public with his diagnosis.

‘I found brilliant people to lead the effort with 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 as 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 Michael J. Fox Foundation possible.’

Fox finished by thanking his wife Tracy and his children for their sacrifices, their patience, and their love.

At the end of his emotional speech, the audience once again rose to their feet to applaud Fox’s words.

Online, fans shared how moved they were by Fox’s powerful speech.

‘It breaks my heart seeing a legend like him like this,’ wrote @NeverForgetDemi on X. ‘He’s so strong and resilient!’

‘Well deserved,’ added @Regulusij6k. ‘Michael J. Fox has inspired millions with his courage, resilience and incredible work for Parkinson’s research. A truly special standing ovation for a remarkable man.’

Meanwhile, @MartyBy62422182 commented: ‘This had me legit crying as a grown man in my living room.’