Magic Johnson, Denzel Washington honored with Presidential Medal of Freedom

President Joe Biden, right, presents the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Nation’s highest civilian honor, to Earvin “Magic” Johnson in the East Room of the White House, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

LOS ANGELES – Former Lakers star Magic Johnson and movie stars Denzel Washington and Michael J. Fox were among 19 people receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, at a White House ceremony Saturday.

“With unmatched vision and versatility, Earvin `Magic’ Johnson drove the Showtime era for the Los Angeles Lakers,” the White House said during Saturday’s ceremony. “… Under the same bright lives, his honesty about his HIV status shattered stigma and saved lives. The first retired athlete to build a true business empire, he champions underserved communities.”

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.

President Joe Biden, right, poses with Denzel Washington after presenting Washington with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Nation’s highest civilian honor, in the East Room of the White House, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

“His portrayals of iconic figures and everyday people have earned him wide acclaim,” the White House said. “The admiration of audiences and peers is only exceeded by that of the countless young people he inspires. With unmatched dignity, extraordinary talent and unflinching faith in God and family, Denzel Washington himself is a defining character of the American story.”

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.

“Michael J. Fox is one of the most beloved actors of our time. …With undaunted resilience and optimism, he also warms hearts and captivates audiences as a fearless advocate for those with Parkinson’s disease, channeling his endearing personality to advance treatments, move us closer to a cure, and remind us of the power of American possibilities,” the White House said.

President Joe Biden, right, presents the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Nation’s highest civilian honor, to Michael J. Fox, center, in the East Room of the White House, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

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.

“Born into an entertainment family in Los Angeles, George Stevens Jr. found his own purpose as a storyteller,” the White House said. “As a young aide in the Kennedy administration he produced hundreds of documentaries that championed freedom and democracy. He then created the American Film Institute and Kennedy Center Honors, lifting up the arts and artists at the heart of American culture. In a career spanning seven decades, George’s creativity and vision has helped redeem the soul of a nation founded on the power of free expression.”

The other recipients chosen by President Joe Biden included 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.

President Joe Biden, right, presents the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Nation’s highest civilian honor, to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, in the East Room of the White House, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

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 here. (CNS)