Michael J. Fox gets honest about fear of fans learning he was 'sick'

Michael J. Fox made a raw confessionabout his fear of his fans' reaction after learning he was "sick."

On Monday, the Shrinking actor, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease at the age of 29,made his first ever appearance at 2026 Emmy Awards after 13 yearsto receive the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award.

During the acceptance speech, Michael expressed his gratitude to his family, especially his wife, for their "patience" and "sacrifices" they showed over the past years amid his health scare.

Michael, who shares four kids with his wife Tacy Pollan, thanked his clan “for their sacrifices, for their patience, and for their love. You have no idea”

The actor, now 65, who went on to the stage to accept his award in his wheelchair, then opened up about the challenges he faced due to his ongoing health scare and explained why he "initially" kept his Parkinson's diagnosis a "secret."

"I worried that it would affect my work and my relationships with audiences," he shared, revealing his fears, “Would they laugh if they knew I was sick?”

However, the "support" and love he received from his family left the Back to the Future star “stunned."

Michael, who also received a standing ovation at the award show, further said, “Support from all of you who are so uplifting and just made me feel like I keep doing this.

“I hadn't lost what I do and you couldn't take it away from me. And it's because you stood up for me and I appreciate it. Eventually, I understood that accepting Parkinson's didn't mean I had to surrender to it. It just meant doing what I could for everyone living with this disease.”

For those unversed, Michael J. Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1991 at the age of 29. He pulicly annouced his diagnosis in 1998.