Discover the sentimental prop Michael J. Fox took from the ‘Family Ties’ set and the invaluable ‘Back to the Future’ item he now regrets leaving behind, shedding new light on his dual iconic roles and the demanding schedule that shaped his career.
For fans of classic television and film, Michael J. Fox holds a special place, thanks to his unforgettable performances as the conservative wunderkind Alex P. Keaton on “Family Ties” and the time-traveling teen Marty McFly in “Back to the Future.” Decades after these roles cemented his status as a pop culture icon, Fox is offering new insights into those pivotal years, including a surprising revelation about a small memento he kept from one set and a significant prop he wishes he hadn’t left behind on another.
A Humble Souvenir from the Keaton Household
In a recent discussion promoting his new memoir, “Future Boy,” Fox shared the one item he decided to take from the set of “Family Ties” when the beloved sitcom wrapped in 1989. While many might expect a prop of significant monetary or symbolic value, Fox’s choice was endearingly modest: a brass whale.
“I had a whale from Family Ties – the whale above the sink, above the stove,” Fox explained to Donny Deutsch. “It was a brass whale that I took. I didn’t take anything valuable.” This simple item, likely unnoticed by most viewers, offers a charming peek into the sentimental attachments actors can form with their on-screen environments, underscoring the everyday reality of the Keaton family kitchen that became such an iconic backdrop for his breakout character. This detail was reported by People magazine, which also covered the original story from Parade.
The One That Got Away: Marty McFly’s Missing Gibson
While Fox held onto his unassuming whale from “Family Ties,” he harbors a significant regret about a prop he didn’t manage to acquire from his other legendary project. Speaking candidly, he expressed a particular longing for Marty McFly’s iconic red Gibson ES-345 guitar, the instrument used for the electrifying “Johnny B. Goode” performance at the Enchantment Under the Sea Dance in the first “Back to the Future” film. “I should’ve taken the goddamn guitar,” Fox admitted, calling himself “stupid” for the oversight. The valuable prop has reportedly been missing since production concluded, and the cast has even teamed up with Gibson Guitars to locate it in anticipation of the film’s upcoming 40th anniversary in July.
The Grueling Balance: Filming Two Icons Simultaneously
The period during which Michael J. Fox filmed both “Family Ties” and “Back to the Future” simultaneously is legendary for its intense demands. From 1982 to 1989, Fox portrayed Alex P. Keaton, a role that brought him widespread acclaim. However, commitments to the sitcom nearly cost him the part of Marty McFly, as he was not the first choice. Initially, the role went to Eric Stoltz, who was replaced a few weeks into filming when producers realized he wasn’t quite the right fit for the character.
Ultimately, the network granted Fox permission to take on both projects, leading to a famously grueling schedule. As detailed in his new memoir, “Future Boy,” Fox would spend his days filming “Family Ties” and then transition directly to evening shoots for “Back to the Future” in 1985. This demanding routine, which Fox described as “grueling” and something that “would never work today,” showcases his extraordinary dedication and the immense pressure he navigated at the peak of his early career. These details of his intense schedule and the challenges of balancing both iconic roles are further elaborated in his book and interviews, as highlighted by a People magazine article discussing his memoir.
The Eric Stoltz Connection and Setting the Record Straight
In his memoir, “Future Boy,” and related interviews, Michael J. Fox also addresses long-standing speculation about any lingering tension with Eric Stoltz, the actor he famously replaced as Marty McFly. Fox revealed that the two actors recently met for the first time while he was working on his book. Though Stoltz declined to participate in the memoir, Fox expressed his admiration, stating, “I’m a big fan of his. He’s really great. And particularly I’m a big Tarantino fan — ‘Pulp Fiction’ was amazing.”
Fox was eager to dismiss any “mythology” of rivalry or “backstabbing” surrounding the casting change. He described their meeting as “a great conversation,” emphasizing, “it just was the thing that happened. We had different experiences with the same situation and you absorb it and you move on.” This candidness helps to clarify a chapter in film history that has often been viewed through a lens of dramatic speculation, offering a mature and respectful perspective from both sides.
A Legacy Beyond the Screen: Fox’s Resilience and Return
Michael J. Fox’s career trajectory took a significant turn after he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, leading him to step back from acting for much of the 2000s and 2010s before officially retiring in 2020. However, his enduring spirit and advocacy have remained constant. Five years post-retirement, Fox is set to join the cast of the Emmy-winning comedy “Shrinking” on Apple TV+ for a three-episode arc, marking a welcome return to the screen for many fans.
Intriguingly, Fox’s decision to join the show was inspired by the fact that Harrison Ford’s character, Dr. Paul Rhoades, also has Parkinson’s. Fox, a fan of the show, personally contacted series creator and former “Spin City” colleague Bill Lawrence, asking, “‘You did a show about Parkinson’s, and you didn’t call me?’ and he said, ‘Oh, you want to do it?’ and I said, ‘I’d love to do it.’” This return is particularly meaningful for Fox, who shared that it was the first time he could be on set without worrying about his Parkinson’s symptoms, allowing him to authentically incorporate his experience into his performance.
Fan Favorites: Cast Reflections on the Trilogy
The enduring appeal of the “Back to the Future” trilogy continues to spark discussion among its cast and fans alike. Lea Thompson, who played Lorraine Baines McFly, has revealed that her favorite installment is the original “Back to the Future.” She credits its “perfect screenplay” and concise narrative, noting that the second and third films were originally conceived as a single, extended story, which altered their structure. Thompson also candidly shared that her preference for the first film stems partly from having a less significant role in the third movie.
Interestingly, her co-star, Christopher Lloyd, who portrayed the eccentric Doc Brown, holds a different view, reportedly favoring the third film. These varying perspectives from the cast highlight the unique impact each movie had on both its creators and its audience, further enriching the lore of the beloved franchise.
From the subtle sentimental value of a brass whale to the poignant regret over a missing guitar, Michael J. Fox’s recent reflections offer fans a deeper connection to the iconic roles and demanding period that shaped his early career. His candidness about his experiences—from the grueling dual filming schedules to navigating his Parkinson’s diagnosis and making a meaningful return to acting—only reinforces his status as a truly beloved and inspiring figure in entertainment history. These stories, shared through his memoir and interviews, continue to resonate with a community that has followed his journey for decades, celebrating his talent, resilience, and unwavering spirit.
