Former Lakers star Magic Johnson, movie star Denzel Washington, movie and TV star Michael J. Fox and Hollywood scion George Stevens Jr. are among 19 people set to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, at a White House ceremony Saturday.
In its announcement early Saturday, the White House described Johnson as “a legendary retired basketball player who led the Los Angeles Lakers to five championships. Off the court, he is a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist who supports underserved communities through his Magic Johnson Foundation.”
In addition to his numerous acting accolades, Washington, 70, has served as national spokesman for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America for over 25 years.
Fox, 63, was one of the world’s most recognized actors when he developed Parkinson’s disease, and has since become one of the leading advocates for research and development into a cure.
Stevens, 92, whose father directed the classic films “Shane” and “A Place in the Sun,” founded the American Film Institute and co-created the Kennedy Center Honors. He is also an award-winning writer, director, author and playwright.
The other recipients chosen by President Joe Biden include former first lady and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, slain New York Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, investor and philanthropist George Soros, conservationist Jane Goodall, science television personality Bill Nye, fashion designer Ralph Lauren, Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, former Michigan Governor George Romney and soccer star Lionel Messi.
They will receive their medals in a ceremony at the White House on Saturday.
President John F. Kennedy issued an executive order in 1963 modifying the Medal of Freedom created in 1945 by President Harry S Truman to honor civilians who “performed a meritorious act or service which has aided the United States” during wartime and national emergencies, including by giving it a new name, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, to be awarded by the President to “any person who has made an especially meritorious contribution to (1) the security or national interests of the United States, or (2) world peace, or (3) cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.”
The complete list of 2025’s recipients can be found at whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2025/01/04/president-biden-announces-recipients-of-the-presidential-medal-of-freedom-3/.