In his poignant new memoir, Michael J. Fox offers fans an unprecedented look into the whirlwind era of filming Back to the Future and Family Ties simultaneously, revealing how humor and an unwavering spirit have fueled his remarkable life and ongoing battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Michael J. Fox, the beloved actor, author, and Parkinson’s disease research advocate, continues to inspire millions with his unyielding optimism and candor. With the recent release of his new book, Future Boy, Fox delves into the extraordinary period of his career when he famously juggled filming two iconic projects simultaneously: the hit NBC comedy Family Ties and the groundbreaking sci-fi adventure Back to the Future in 1985.
This unprecedented behind-the-scenes account, co-written with longtime collaborator Nelle Fortenberry, offers fans a deeper understanding of the immense pressure and unique challenges Fox faced, even recounting a vivid memory of mistaking a prop camcorder meant for his Marty McFly character for his Alex P. Keaton role on Family Ties. It was a chaotic time, as Fox admits in his book, “it took me a long time to believe that I pulled it off.”
The Double Duty That Defined a Generation
The year 1985 was a whirlwind for Fox. After working a full day on the Family Ties sitcom set, he would shuttle to film Back to the Future until the early hours. The demanding schedule meant that, according to Fortenberry, “anytime that he wasn’t moving, he’d fall asleep.” This intense period forged his reputation for grace under pressure, a trait that has defined his approach to life’s many hurdles.
Interestingly, Fox wasn’t the first choice for Marty McFly initially. Despite being the filmmakers’ preference, Family Ties creator Gary David Goldberg initially blocked his involvement due to his commitment to the show. Actor Eric Stoltz was cast instead, but after several weeks, filmmakers realized he wasn’t the right fit. Goldberg eventually conceded, allowing Fox to take on the role, provided it didn’t interfere with his sitcom schedule, leading to the legendary double-duty that captured cinematic history.
Winning Over a Costar with a Well-Placed Joke
Joining Back to the Future weeks into production meant Fox missed crucial pre-production time, leaving him feeling like he had “no time” to find a “common language” with the cast and crew. This was particularly true with his costar Lea Thompson, who played his teenage mother, Lorraine Baines.
Thompson was initially “standoffish” toward Fox, partly because he was replacing her friend Eric Stoltz and partly due to a prevailing prejudice against “TV actors” crossing over into movies. However, Fox’s natural wit and sitcom experience came to his rescue. In their first scene together, where Marty is in Lorraine’s bed, Fox ad-libbed a physical comedy bit by falling out of bed. He then pitched a line change to director Robert Zemeckis, suggesting Thompson’s line “Over there” regarding Marty’s pants be changed to the funnier “Over there, on my hope chest.” Zemeckis agreed, and as Fox recalled to People, “It was dynamite, and I knew I was in.” This moment of shared humor cemented a friendship that endures to this day.
Living with Parkinson’s: A Gift That Keeps Giving
Fox’s journey has been inextricably linked to his battle with Parkinson’s disease, which he was diagnosed with in 1991 at the age of 29. Since then, he has become one of the most prominent advocates for Parkinson’s research, founding the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research in 2000. The foundation has raised over $1 billion for research, significantly advancing the quest for a cure. You can learn more about their vital work on their official website, Michael J. Fox Foundation.
Despite the physical toll Parkinson’s takes on his speech and motor skills, often requiring him to use a wheelchair, Fox maintains an extraordinary outlook. He shared his profound philosophy at the 2022 New York Comic Con reunion with Christopher Lloyd, stating, “Parkinson’s is a gift… I wouldn’t change it for anything… It’s not about what I have, but what has been given to me.” This remarkable perspective underscores his mantra for staying positive amid challenges: “You take the good, and you seize it.”
His documentary, Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie, streaming on Apple TV+, further showcases his unwavering optimism and the daily realities of living with Parkinson’s. Recently, Fox made a celebrated return to acting with a guest arc on the Apple TV+ series Shrinking, where he plays a character with Parkinson’s, a role he found liberating as he could simply “just do it” without worrying about his symptoms.
Enduring Legacy and Fan-Centric Insights
The enduring popularity of Back to the Future continues to amaze Fox, with movie conventions often sparking ideas for new projects like Future Boy. Fans’ desire to know more about the behind-the-scenes experience motivated him to write the book, which includes interviews with costars like Lea Thompson and director Robert Zemeckis.
The bond between Fox and Christopher Lloyd, who played Doc Brown, remains a cornerstone of the franchise’s legacy. Their emotional reunion at the 2022 New York Comic Con, nearly four decades after the first film, highlighted their “immediate chemistry” that blossomed on set and “never went away.” Lloyd often shares wisdom reminiscent of Doc Brown, famously quoting, “Your future is whatever you make it, so make it a good one!”
While fans have long hoped for a Back to the Future Part IV, screenwriter Bob Gale and director Robert Zemeckis have consistently stated that they have “no plans or desires” to make another sequel, preferring to end the beloved series on a high note. However, the existing trilogy, with its iconic music like Huey Lewis & The News’ “The Power of Love” and its enduring message of resilience, continues to resonate deeply with audiences worldwide.
Fox, who recently revealed the passing of his mother, Phyllis, at 92, humorously recalled her initial opposition to his exhausting dual filming schedule in the 80s. She predicted he’d be “too tired,” a sentiment Fox acknowledged as true, even as he made cinematic history. His life, a testament to seizing the good and facing challenges head-on, continues to inspire, proving he truly has “a lot left to do” as an actor, writer, parent, husband, and friend.
