Michael J. Fox elevated to Companion of Order of Canada
Michael J. Fox was promoted to Companion of the Order of Canada on June 26, 2026—the country's highest civilian honor—alongside children's TV producer Roger Damon Price, credited as the father of Nickelodeon's iconic green slime. The announcement included 61 new appointments recognizing Canadian achievement in entertainment, science, and public life.
Key Takeaways
- Michael J. Fox advanced from Officer (2010) to Companion for Parkinson's advocacy and his Michael J. Fox Foundation.
- Roger Damon Price was named a Member for creating You Can't Do That on Television and introducing Nickelodeon green slime.
- The June 26 list included 61 appointees across arts, sports, journalism, and research.
- Other honorees include Bard on the Beach founder Christopher Gaze and statistician Mary Thompson.
- Investiture ceremonies will be scheduled at a later date at Rideau Hall.
Why Was Michael J. Fox Promoted in the Order of Canada?
Canadian-born actor Michael J. Fox, known for Family Ties and the Back to the Future franchise, first received the Order of Canada as an Officer in 2010. On June 26, 2026, Governor General Louise Arbour announced his promotion to Companion—the highest rank in Canada's civilian honor system.
Former Governor General Mary Simon's citation noted Fox is "in a remarkable chapter of his life, blending selective acting with powerful global advocacy and unflinching honesty about Parkinson's." Diagnosed at age 29, Fox founded the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research in 2000. The 2023 documentary Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie chronicled his Hollywood career and disease journey.
Fox, now 65, was born in Edmonton and raised in Burnaby, British Columbia. He told reporters the honor was humbling and said he would return to Rideau Hall to receive his upgraded insignia—trading the Officer's white pin for a red snowflake emblem, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Who Created Nickelodeon's Green Slime?
Roger Damon Price was named a Member of the Order of Canada in the same announcement. The longtime children's TV producer is widely credited as the father of Nickelodeon's signature green slime gag.
Price created and wrote You Can't Do That on Television for five seasons beginning in 1979. He introduced the neon green substance in the show's seventh episode on CTV; when Nickelodeon picked up the series in 1982, slime became a defining brand marker. Price also co-founded YTV, Canada's cable kids network.
Now 84 and living in Ottawa, the British-born producer is writing his memoirs. While honored by the appointment, he has said formal recognition is not how he measures success.
Who Else Was Named to the 2026 Order of Canada?
The June 26 list included 61 new appointments and promotions spanning entertainment, science, and sports. Soccer icon Christine Sinclair, journalist Stephanie Nolen, and infectious disease specialist Caroline Quach-Thanh were among other prominent names.
In arts and culture, Bard on the Beach founder Christopher Gaze was appointed for building Vancouver's Shakespeare festival into a major cultural force, according to Stir. Film producer Niv Fichman (The Red Violin, Blackberry) was named an Officer, and singer-songwriter Loreena McKennitt also joined the ranks.
University of Waterloo Distinguished Professor Emerita Mary Thompson received Officer status for pioneering work in statistical science and survey methodology that has informed public policy for more than two decades.
What Does This Honor Mean for Legacy and Influence?
The Order of Canada does not carry a cash prize, but it reflects decades of cultural and philanthropic capital. For figures profiled in our Net Worth & Wealth coverage, such recognition often accompanies foundations and careers that reshape entire industries.
Fox's foundation has driven transformative Parkinson's research globally, while Price's television innovations helped launch careers—including writer Bill Prady, co-creator of The Big Bang Theory, and a young Alanis Morissette. Their honors underscore how Canadian talent has exported influence far beyond national borders.