Michael J Fox’s remarkable year is getting better, with the star adding one of television’s most prestigious humanitarian honours to his Emmy nomination at the September awards.

Fox will be the recipient of the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award at the  78th Emmy Awards, recognising his “transformative contributions to Parkinson’s disease research and advocacy” through his work with The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

The honour follows his Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award bestowed on him by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 2022 for his efforts fighting the condition.

The Bob Hope Award continues a remarkable year for Fox, who received his 19th Emmy nomination this year for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for his appearance in Apple TV’s Shrinking.

The Back to the Future actor has previously won five Emmy Awards throughout his career.

He received three consecutive Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series awards for his iconic role as Alex P. Keaton in Family Ties in 1986, 1987 and 1988.

Television Academy chair Cris Abrego praised Back to the Future star Fox’s impact both on and off screen, describing him as one of television’s “most beloved and enduring performers” whose career has inspired generations of viewers.

“The Television Academy is proud to honour him for his extraordinary leadership in advancing Parkinson’s research, transforming public awareness and inspiring global support through The Michael J Fox Foundation, whose investments have accelerated scientific breakthroughs and the search for a cure,” Abrego said.

“He continues to exemplify compassion, courage and service, reflecting the power of one individual to drive meaningful change,” he added.

Fox, 65, was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease in 1991 – a year after the release of Back To The Future Part III, in which he played the character Marty McFly.

The Canadian-American actor, who has spoken often of the debilitating effects of the condition, was diagnosed at the age of 29 after noticing a trembling in one of his little fingers.

He has continued to appear in TV roles in the decades since his diagnosis.

Fox’s foundation has become the world’s largest nonprofit funder of Parkinson’s research, supporting more than $3 billion in research programmes aimed at accelerating scientific discoveries, improving treatments and working towards a cure.

In Shrinking, he appeared opposite Harrison Ford in the third season of the TV comedy. 

Over several episodes, Fox plays Gerry, a Parkinson’s patient who befriends Dr Paul Rhoades, the therapist character portrayed by Ford, who also has the disease.

The Bob Hope Humanitarian Award is a rare distinction, having only been presented only on six previous occasions since being established in 2002.

The award recognises individuals in the television industry whose charitable work reflects the spirit of comedian and entertainer Bob Hope’s decades of humanitarian efforts.

-with AAP