The 2026 Actor Awards, previously referred to as the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards, commenced on Sunday evening with contributions from various celebrities, including Kristen Wiig, Teyana Taylor, Delroy Lindo, and Kate Hudson, who shared their personal “I Am An Actor” experiences. However, one individual truly energized the audience: Canadian actor Michael J. Fox.
"Prior to finishing my education, I transitioned from Canada to Los Angeles in pursuit of an acting career. A teacher once remarked to me, 'Fox, you won’t remain charming forever,'" Fox reminisced. "I was at a loss for words, so I replied, 'Perhaps just long enough, sir.'"
Actor Awards Highlights
"After spending several years scavenging through dumpsters in Los Angeles, I found myself on Family Ties, where I received the greatest opportunity of my life. It was there that I met my wife, actress Tracy Pollan, who portrayed Ellen, my love interest. She also blessed me with four wonderful gifts: our children, Schuyler, Aquinnah, Esmé, and Sam."
Michael J. Fox during the 2026 Actor Awards ceremony (Netflix)
Michael J. Fox remarked, "I often tell them that without acting, they wouldn’t be in this position," while gesturing towards his son, Sam, who was beside him, adding, "Just so you know, he's not an actor; he's my companion for the evening."
Personal Journey of Fox
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"I’m Michael J. Fox, a father and an actor," Fox remarked as he wrapped up his speech.
Memorable Quotes from the Night
Harrison Ford and Michael J. Fox star in “Shrinking,” currently available for streaming on Apple TV.
Viewers of the Apple TV series Shrinking have been delighted to see Michael J. Fox join the cast, portraying a new acquaintance that Harrison Ford’s character Paul meets in the waiting area of a neurology clinic. They connect over their mutual Parkinson’s diagnosis and often find humor in their situation whenever possible.
"It felt somewhat intimidating when I considered it, as I am portraying a character who has Parkinson’s, and Michael, naturally, experiences it in reality," Ford remarked about collaborating with Fox during an Apple TV press event in February. "I’ve always had a strong sense of duty to accurately represent that aspect of my narrative."
Impact on the Acting Community
"However, Michael is an exceptional, kind-hearted, and wonderful person whom I had the opportunity to get to know while working on this project. Collaborating with him was truly remarkable. He possesses such a commanding presence, along with immense grace, bravery, and resilience. I hope that some of these qualities will influence how I portray a character living with Parkinson's."
Although Michael J. Fox is not up for an Actor Award, this year, Ford is being honored with the SAG-AFTRA Life Achievement Award.
