Though Ronald Reagan won't be around to confer a long-overdue and well-deserved award to Alex P. Keaton, Michael J. Fox is around and will be the recipient of the National Association of Broadcasters Distinguished Service Award for 2010 at the NAB Show in April.
Fox actually is being recognized for more than his successful runs on hit TV shows such as "Family Ties" and "Spin City" and extensive film work, notably the "Back to the Future" trilogy. His work on raising money for Parkinson's Disease has put him at the forefront of the entertainment industry/charity industry nexus.
Fox and his Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research have raised tens of millions of dollars for research. Fox suffers from the disease.
NAB President and CEO Gordon Humphrey said, "Michael J. Fox is a true role model in every sense of the word, using his fame and influence as a successful actor to help fund nearly $160 million in Parkinson's research."
Fox is also a popular author. Books include "Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist" and the upcoming "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Future: The Life Lessons from a High School Dropout."
And lest we forget, he also appeared in movies such as "Mars Attacks!," "The Frighteners," Teen Wolf," "The Secret of My Success" and "Doc Hollywood."
