Two Hollywood icons shared a meaningful moment as Harrison Ford honored his longtime friend Michael J. Fox, praising the actor's resilience, optimism and decades-long fight to find a cure for Parkinson's disease.
While presenting the Philanthropic Organization of the Year award to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, Ford, 84, reflected on the moment that changed 65-year-old Fox's life forever and the remarkable way he responded after receiving his diagnosis.
"Thirty-five years ago, Michael J. Fox got some very bad news," Ford told the audience.
"Most people going through something like that endure it; Michael went right to work."
Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1991 at age 29, though he kept the diagnosis private for several years before publicly announcing it in 1998. Since then, he has dedicated much of his life to raising awareness and funding research through The Michael J. Fox Foundation, which he launched in 2000.
Ford praised Fox for turning a difficult personal challenge into a global mission, highlighting the impact of the foundation's work in advancing Parkinson's research.
"Through him, I've seen what his foundation does: fill the gaps in the research, get the right people in the room, raise $3 billion," Ford said.
The Indiana Jones star also reflected on how his own acting career helped him better understand Parkinson's disease.
Ford played Paul Rhodes, a therapist living with Parkinson's, on the Apple TV+ seriesShrinking, a role he said gave him insight into the experience of those living with the condition.
"Playing Paul Rhodes on Shrinking gave me some understanding of what it means to live with Parkinson's," Ford said. "It also gave me Michael—as an actor, a friend, and the most stubborn optimist I know."
Ford went on to praise Fox and foundation co-founder Deborah W. Brooks for their commitment to finding a cure.
"From day one, they've been clear about the goal: find a cure, and then close the door for good," Ford said. "That's the promise he made to the millions living with this disease."
Although Ford and Fox have shared a friendship for years, the two actors rarely speak publicly about their relationship, making Ford's tribute especially meaningful for fans.
Fox's influence has long extended beyond his iconic roles in Back to the Future and Family Ties. Through his advocacy work, he has become one of the most recognizable voices in the fight against Parkinson's disease.
Ford's words served as a reminder that Fox's legacy is defined not only by the characters he brought to life on screen, but also by the millions of people his work has helped inspire.
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