Michael J. Fox, beloved for his roles in ‘Family Ties’ and ‘Back to the Future,’ recently revealed a poignant regret: not taking the iconic red Gibson ES-345 guitar from the set of ‘Back to the Future,’ despite his meticulous efforts to master the ‘Johnny B. Goode’ scene. While he did manage to snag a brass whale from ‘Family Ties,’ the legendary guitar remains a missing piece of cinematic history, now the subject of a global search.
Actors often develop a deep connection with the items that define their most famous characters, sometimes leading them to “borrow” a memento from set. Stories abound of Hollywood stars making off with props, from Robert Downey Jr. claiming the giant “A” from Avengers Tower to Chris Hemsworth keeping Thor’s mighty weapons, Mjolnir and Stormbreaker, in his home, as revealed on “The Graham Norton Show.” Daniel Radcliffe, though initially joking about stealing glasses from “Harry Potter,” later clarified he simply asked and was granted them. These treasured items serve as tangible links to unforgettable cinematic experiences.
Yet, for Michael J. Fox, the star who brought Marty McFly to life in the groundbreaking ‘Back to the Future’ trilogy, there’s a lingering regret about two specific props he wished he could have brought home but never did. His candid reflections offer a glimpse into the personal significance of these items, particularly one that has captivated fans for decades.
A Prop He Wished He’d Kept: Marty McFly’s Guitar
Speaking at a New York Comic Con panel and later on stage during a discussion for his new book, ‘Future Boy: Back to the Future and My Journey Through the Space-Time Continuum,’ Michael J. Fox confessed his yearning for two particular items from the ‘Back to the Future’ universe. First, the horse named Whiskey, which he rode in ‘Back to the Future Part III.’ Second, and more famously, the iconic red Gibson ES-345 guitar that features prominently in the original film’s unforgettable “Johnny B. Goode” scene at the Enchantment Under the Sea Dance.
The guitar, and the sequence in which Marty McFly introduces the 1950s high schoolers to a rock and roll classic years ahead of its time, became one of the most celebrated moments in the entire trilogy. Fox’s dedication to perfecting this scene was immense. In a 2020 interview with Empire, he recounted how he pushed himself, telling director Bob Zemeckis, “when I do this scene, I play guitar, so you can finger sync me. Feel free to cut to my hands any time you want.” This self-imposed pressure led him to work tirelessly with guitar teacher Paul Hanson and a choreographer who had worked with Madonna, incorporating moves inspired by legends like Pete Townshend, Jimi Hendrix, and Chuck Berry. Given this meticulous effort, it’s hardly surprising that he wishes he had kept the instrument.
The Case of the Missing Guitar: A Fan-Driven Hunt
Sadly for fans and Michael J. Fox alike, the beloved red Gibson ES-345 guitar used in ‘Back to the Future’ has reportedly been missing since the film’s production concluded. This absence has sparked a significant, fan-driven effort to locate it. In honor of the film’s 40th anniversary, the cast, in collaboration with Gibson Guitars, has launched a global search.
Lea Thompson, who played Lorraine Baines McFly, told People exclusively that she had “little idea where the ‘incredible’ guitar could have disappeared to,” noting that unlike ‘Star Wars,’ few props were meticulously collected from the original ‘Back to the Future’ set because no one anticipated its monumental success or the possibility of sequels. Thompson herself only kept the dress, shoes, and jewelry from the prom scene.
The quest to find the guitar is so fervent that Gibson Films is even producing a new documentary titled ‘Lost to the Future,’ which chronicles the worldwide hunt for Marty McFly’s iconic instrument. Directed by Doc Crotzer and Gibson’s Mark Agnesi, the film will feature interviews with the cast, creators, and musicians inspired by the movie, inviting fans to submit tips at LostToTheFuture.com.
What Michael J. Fox Did Keep: A Whale of a Tale from ‘Family Ties’
While the ‘Back to the Future’ guitar remains a lost treasure, Michael J. Fox did confirm taking a prop from his other hit 1980s show, ‘Family Ties,’ where he played the fiscally conservative Alex P. Keaton. During a recent on-stage discussion, he revealed to People, “I had a whale from ‘Family Ties’ – the whale above the sink, above the stove. It was a brass whale that I took.” He clarified, “I didn’t take anything valuable,” highlighting the sentimental, rather than monetary, value of his acquisition.
This revelation connects to his new book, ‘Future Boy,’ co-written with Nelle Fortenberry, which delves into the intense period when Fox balanced filming ‘Family Ties’ during the day (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and ‘Back to the Future’ at night (6 p.m. to 4 or 5 a.m.). A teamster would literally pick him up from bed, throw him in the shower, and then reverse the process at the end of the day, as he shared with NPR’s Scott Simon. This grueling schedule underscores the profound impact both productions had on his early career.
Beyond the Props: Fox’s Enduring Legacy
Fox’s career, profoundly shaped by ‘Family Ties’ and ‘Back to the Future,’ has seen him navigate tremendous success and personal challenges, including his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis. He retired from acting in 2020 but is set to make a return in the Emmy-winning comedy ‘Shrinking’ for a three-episode arc, playing a character with Parkinson’s. This role offers him a unique opportunity to act without the typical pressures, embracing how his condition can inform his performance.
His new book and recent appearances continue to provide fans with candid insights into his life, lessons learned from disappointment and loss, and the enduring impact of his iconic roles. As fans eagerly await his return to the screen and the documentary about Marty McFly’s guitar, Michael J. Fox’s legacy as a cinematic legend, a resilient individual, and a beloved figure in popular culture remains as strong as ever.
