In his highly anticipated memoir, “Future Boy,” Michael J. Fox offers fans an unprecedented look into the making of Back to the Future, revealing behind-the-scenes “tension” with co-star Crispin Glover, insights into his relationship with Lea Thompson, and candid reflections on the immense pressures he faced while simultaneously starring in Family Ties, all while sharing his ongoing, inspiring battle with Parkinson’s disease.
For generations of fans, Michael J. Fox is synonymous with the iconic role of Marty McFly, the time-traveling teenager from the Back to the Future trilogy. While his on-screen chemistry with Christopher Lloyd’s Doc Brown was legendary, Fox’s newly released memoir, Future Boy: Back to the Future and My Journey Through the Space-Time Continuum, peels back the curtain on some lesser-known dynamics that shaped the beloved film.
The Unconventional Genius of Crispin Glover
One of the most intriguing revelations from Future Boy concerns Fox’s working relationship with Crispin Glover, who famously portrayed Marty’s eccentric father, George McFly. Fox writes with both admiration and candor about Glover’s unique acting style, describing it as truly unconventional.
According to Fox, Glover had very specific ideas about George McFly’s movements and mannerisms, which often diverged from the director’s vision. “Nobody puts Crispin in a box,” Fox reflected, noting that this individuality sometimes caused “tension” with director Robert Zemeckis and screenwriter Bob Gale during filming. This was particularly evident in scenes where Glover’s free-spirited interpretation of George’s movements led him to wander out of frame.
To keep Glover within the shot’s parameters, the crew resorted to creative measures. Fox recalled a humorous instance where they “fabricated a miniature corral made of sandbags and C-stands, trapping Crispin into adhering to the parameters of the shot.” Despite these challenges, Fox insists his appreciation for Glover’s talent remained steadfast. “I loved working with him. His talent was unquestionable, although his methods sometimes created friction,” Fox wrote, as reported by Us Weekly.
Fox admitted that preparing to act alongside Glover was an impossible task. “I knew Crispin Glover prior to Back to the Future. I wouldn’t, however, say I was prepared to act with him — there’s no way to prepare for Crispin,” a sentiment shared in his memoir, highlighted by Parade.
More Behind-the-Scenes Dynamics: Lea Thompson’s Initial Impressions
While Crispin Glover’s methods created a unique dynamic, Marty’s mother, Lorraine Baines-McFly, played by Lea Thompson, also had initial reservations about Fox. Thompson later revealed that she didn’t “hit it off” with Fox right away.
Her reluctance stemmed from her friendship with Eric Stoltz, who was originally cast as Marty McFly and had been fired early in production. Thompson openly admitted to being “snooty” towards Fox, viewing him as “just a TV star” compared to her status as a “movie star.” However, this initial frosty reception eventually thawed, and Thompson acknowledged that “it took me a while to warm up to him.”
Balancing Stardom: “Family Ties” and “Back to the Future” Pressure
The intense production schedule for Back to the Future was amplified by Fox’s existing commitment to his Emmy-winning role as Alex P. Keaton on the popular sitcom Family Ties. Fox’s memoir delves into the grueling demands of balancing two major projects simultaneously.
He recalls “operating on no sleep while playing the most important role in my career,” highlighting the immense pressure to succeed. This dedication, often involving long workdays and minimal personal time, underscores the unwavering commitment that defined Fox’s early career and cemented his status as a household name.
A Journey Through Adversity: Fox’s Parkinson’s Battle and Advocacy
Beyond the movie set, Fox’s life took a dramatic turn when he was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease at the age of 29 in 1991. He openly shared his initial struggles, admitting that he “went into a serious tailspin and really had a hard time,” which included isolating his family and “drinking a lot.”
It took nearly seven years for Fox to find stability and purpose after his diagnosis. He eventually went public with his condition in 1998, transforming his personal battle into a global mission. In 2000, he founded the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, which has since raised over $2.5 billion for research, making an extraordinary difference in the lives of millions affected by the disease. Fox discussed this profoundly personal journey during an appearance on The View on October 13.
Even as his battle with Parkinson’s has grown more challenging, affecting his balance and leading to incidents like a tumble at a Back to the Future panel in Philadelphia, Fox’s spirit remains unbroken. His resilience was powerfully demonstrated at the BAFTA awards where he made a surprise appearance, leaving his wheelchair to present the award for Best Film, receiving a thunderous standing ovation from an awestruck audience.
While he retired from acting in 2020 due to increasingly difficult symptoms, including numerous falls and struggles with learning lines, Fox continues to be a beacon of optimism. His documentary, Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie, chronicles his journey, offering an honest look at his struggles and triumphs.
“Future Boy” and Fox’s Literary Legacy
Future Boy marks Fox’s fifth literary contribution, adding to a revered collection that includes Lucky Man: A Memoir, Always Looking Up, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Future, and No Time Like the Future: An Optimist Considers Mortality. Each book has offered fans a deeper understanding of his personal and professional journey, particularly his experiences managing Parkinson’s disease.
Through his candid storytelling, Fox continues to captivate audiences, offering not only insights into the pressures of fame but also profound lessons on resilience, gratitude, and finding purpose in the face of adversity. His latest memoir is a must-read for any fan seeking to connect with the man behind Marty McFly and draw inspiration from his extraordinary life.
