Michael J. Fox’s Heartfelt Speech at the Actor Awards
Michael J. Fox made a cheeky joke while introducing his son Sam to the audience during a speech at the Actor Awards, previously known as the SAG Awards.
The ceremony traditionally kicks off with monologues from various stars, who share anecdotes from their careers and conclude by stating their names followed by: ‘I am an actor.’
Fox, 64, who has garnered immense respect for his dignified fight against Parkinson’s disease and his advocacy for those affected by it, received such a thunderous round of applause when the camera focused on him that he had to pause before starting his speech.
He shared a story about how his acting journey led him to meet his wife and Family Ties co-star Tracy Pollan, with whom he has four children.
The Back to the Future icon then pointed to his son Sam, 36, who was seated beside him, and quipped: ‘By the way, he’s not an actor, he’s just my date.’
He added a touching twist to the traditional closing of the monologue, saying: ‘I’m Michael J. Fox and a dad, and I’m an actor.’
Reflecting on His Journey
Fox began his speech with a humorous anecdote: ‘Before I left school….’ but had to pause briefly to let the applause die down before continuing.
‘Before I left school and moved from Canada to LA to try and make it as an actor, a teacher of mine told me: “Fox, you’re not gonna be cute forever.” I didn’t know how to respond, so I said: “Maybe just long enough, sir,”‘ he recounted, eliciting laughter from the audience.
‘After a few years of dumpster diving in LA, I landed on Family Ties, where I received the greatest gift of my career – I met my wife, the actress Tracy Pollan, who played my girlfriend Ellen,’ Fox continued.
‘And she gave me four gifts, our children Schuyler, Aquinnah, Esme, and Sam. Sometimes I like to remind them, if it weren’t for acting, they wouldn’t be here.’
Michael B. Jordan’s Surprise Win
In other news from the Actor Awards 2026, Michael B. Jordan achieved a surprising victory by beating Timothee Chalamet for the top acting award.
Jordan’s film, Sinners, also took home the Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture award during the event held at The Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in Los Angeles.
The 39-year-old actor was visibly emotional as he accepted the Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role award, triumphing over Chalamet, who starred in Marty Supreme, along with Leonardo DiCaprio, Ethan Hawke, and Jesse Plemons.
Chalamet, 30, graciously applauded Jordan alongside his co-star Gwyneth Paltrow, 53, when the announcement was made.
When Jordan’s name was called, his mother, Donna Jordan, displayed a shocked yet joyful expression as she celebrated his win.
The Ryan Coogler-directed horror film later won the top ensemble acting prize, surpassing other contenders such as Frankenstein, Hamnet, Marty Supreme, and One Battle After Another.
Delroy Lindo represented the cast as they accepted the Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture award, following a week filled with controversy after a guest at the BAFTAs made an inappropriate remark during their presentation.
Jordan’s film, Sinners, revolves around two brothers returning to their hometown, only to confront an even greater evil in the form of vampires.
During his acceptance speech, Jordan expressed gratitude to his mother, saying: ‘Mom, thank you for driving me back and forth to New York when we didn’t have enough money to go through the Holland Tunnel.’