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Michael J. Fox received an emotional standing ovation at the BAFTAs on Sunday.
The “Back to the Future” star, 62, was on hand to present the award for best film to “Oppenheimer” at the starry event.
A slew of stars including Cate Blanchett, Ryan Gosling and Margot Robbie were seen standing and clapping for the beloved actor as cheers could be heard.
The actor received a standing ovation from the starry crowd. Anthony Harvey/ShutterstockFox, who is suffering from Parkinson’s disease, used a wheelchair to get on stage before standing at the podium.
“There’s a reason why they say movies are magic, because movies can change your day. They can change your outlook, and sometimes even your life,” Fox intoned.
The actor also received a standing ovation at the National Board of Review gala in New York earlier this year as he accepted an award for the documentary film, “Still.”
Fox spoke on stage about the “magic” of movies. FilmMagicHe attended the BAFTAs ceremony with his wife of 35 years, Tracey Pollan.
The “Family Ties” alum was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 1991 but didn’t reveal the news until 1998.
Since then, Fox has become a tireless activist, raising millions of dollars for his foundation.
The “Spin City” alum has been battling Parkinson’s disease for over thirty years. dpa/picture alliance via Getty ImagesWant more celebrity and pop culture news?
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Last November, he spoke candidly about his mortality.
“One day I’ll run out of gas,” Fox told Town & Country magazine.
“One day I’ll just say, ‘It’s not going to happen. I’m not going out today.’ If that comes, I’ll allow myself that.”
Fox has been a tireless activist raising millions of dollars for research. Getty Images for ReedPopFox noted that at 62 if he, “were to pass away tomorrow, it would be premature.”
“But it wouldn’t be unheard of,” he added. “And so, no, I don’t fear that.”
For more Page Six you love…
Listen to our weekly “We Hear” podcast Shop our exclusive merchFox’s wife told Page Six exclusively in 2023 that it can sometimes be “hard” to stay optimistic while Fox continues to battle the disease.
Fox opened up about his mortality in an interview last year. Marion Curtis/StarPix for Apple/Shutterstock“I don’t think you need to feel the pressure be optimistic all the time,” the actress, 63, explained, “because it’s hard. Life is hard.”
Pollan said that, for her, the key is to “just put one foot in front of the other and lean on family and friends for support.”
Pollan and Fox tied the knot in 1988 and share four children: son Sam, and daughters, Aquinnah, Schuyler and Esmé.
