Actor Michael J. Fox will receive an honorary Oscar from the American Film Academy for his contribution to the world of entertainment and his efforts to find a cure for Parkinson's disease from which he has suffered for many years, but continues to act despite his medical condition.
The 61-year-old Fox, best known for his roles in the iconic "Family Ties" series, the "Spin City" series and the "Back to the Future" film trilogy, was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 1991, and founded the Association for Disease Research in 2000. "Along with his endless optimism, they serve as an example of how a single person is capable of influencing the future of millions," said Academy President David Robin.
"His contributions to cinema in particular and never at all are negligible," the president added.
Michael J. Fox and his wife Tracy Pollen in 2014, Photo: AFP
Over the years, Fox has won five Emmy Awards, four Golden Globe Awards and two American Actors Guild Awards, but has never been nominated for an Oscar.
Among his other familiar roles are the film "Young Wolf," the children's films "Stuart Little," in which he contributed his voice to the lovable mouse, and the character Lewis Canning in the series "The Good Wife" and "The Best of the Battle."
The award he will receive at the Oscars, to be held in Los Angeles on November 19, is in fact a humanitarian Oscar named after Jean Herscholt - a Hollywood star of Danish descent, who founded a fund designed to help film industry people fund medical care.
The Oscar in his name has since been awarded to a man from the American entertainment industry for outstanding achievements in the field of humanitarian activity.
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