During the mid-1980s, Michael J. Fox was one of Hollywood’s most sought-after actors, recognized for his role on Family Ties and quickly rising in popularity. His breakthrough as Marty McFly in the film Back to the Future, directed by Robert Zemeckis, cemented his status. However, Fox was not the original choice for the role; Eric Stoltz was initially cast as Marty. Despite Stoltz’s talent, his portrayal proved incompatible with the film’s intended tone, leading to a drastic casting shift that nearly derailed the project. Once Stoltz was dismissed after several scenes were filmed, Michael J. Fox was urgently brought in to save the production.
The film’s development itself was fraught with challenges. Writers Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale experimented with various versions of the story, including a time machine that was initially conceived as a refrigerator. Early versions of Doc Brown, played by Christopher Lloyd, even included a pet orangutan instead of a dog. The unconventional script caused hesitation among studios; Disney rejected it, mistakenly concerned about the plot. Ultimately, it was Steven Spielberg’s support that secured the movie’s production with Universal Pictures, setting off a chain of events leading to the classic trilogy.
Balancing Sitcom Stardom and Movie Stardom: Fox’s Grueling Filming Schedule
Michael J. Fox’s commitment to the role of Marty McFly required extraordinary effort, especially because he was already the star of the popular TV show Family Ties. When Fox was finally offered the Marty role, the creator of Family Ties, Gary Goldberg, insisted on one strict condition: Fox could take the role only if he did not miss any time on the sitcom. This meant that Fox had to film both the television series and Back to the Future on the same days, creating an intense work routine.
Fox’s daily schedule involved being picked up by a Teamster driver at 9:30 am to film Family Ties at Paramount. After an eight-hour day on the sitcom, he would be transported to the Back to the Future set by 6 pm. He then worked through the night on the movie until the early morning hours. Exhausted, Fox would ride home in a production van with just a blanket and pillow, managing only a few hours of sleep before repeating the cycle. He described this relentless routine:
I would work on the film until just before sunrise. At that point, I’d climb into the back of a production van with a pillow and a blanket, and yet another Teamster driver would take me home again. I caught two or three hours of sleep before Teamster driver number one would reappear at my apartment.
—Michael J. Fox, actor and producer
Portraying Two Distinct Characters Simultaneously
During this grueling three-and-a-half-month period, Fox juggled two very different roles. On Family Ties, he played Alex P. Keaton, a young, ambitious conservative often portrayed as a mature Republican trapped in a teenager’s world. In contrast, Marty McFly was the carefree, rebellious teenager who dreams of owning a hot rod and spending time with his girlfriend. Despite the stark contrast between these characters, Fox managed to deliver authentic and compelling performances in both, exhibiting remarkable range and focus.
The challenge went beyond mere acting. Fox’s prolonged fatigue sometimes caused confusion, making it difficult to keep each character’s personality and circumstances straight. Yet, his discipline and dedication helped make Back to the Future not only a major success but a timeless classic. The film’s popularity has endured for over four decades, largely thanks to Fox’s extraordinary effort and determination.
Background on the Supporting Cast and Iconic Characters
The film’s success also hinged on a strong supporting ensemble, with Christopher Lloyd’s unforgettable portrayal of Emmett Brown, better known as Doc Brown, adding essential charm and wit. Marty’s accidental journey 30 years into the past in a time-traveling DeLorean invented by Doc Brown offered a thrilling and imaginative storyline that captivated audiences worldwide.
Crispin Glover, a friend of Fox’s, played George McFly, giving genuine support to Fox’s lead character, while the behind-the-scenes team, including producers like Steven Spielberg and legends such as Gary Goldberg, shaped the film’s unique blend of action, comedy, and science fiction.
The Importance of Fox’s Commitment to the Franchise
Michael J. Fox’s willingness to endure an exhausting filming regimen not only saved Back to the Future after its uncertain beginning but also played a pivotal role in its extraordinary impact on pop culture. His commitment to two demanding roles and the physical and mental toll of such a schedule exemplify the struggles behind the scenes of Hollywood’s brightest moments. Without Fox’s determination, the beloved trilogy might have never reached its iconic status.
Looking ahead, the success of Back to the Future set a benchmark for blending genres and storytelling, influencing countless films and television shows. The intense work Michael J. Fox undertook remains a testament to professional dedication in the entertainment industry, inspiring future generations of actors willing to push their limits for their craft.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How did Michael J. Fox realize he had Parkinson’s?
A. When Michael was working on the movie Doc Hollywood in 1991, he noticed his pinky finger shaking. He visited a neurologist, who gave him an unexpected and difficult diagnosis: he had young-onset Parkinson’s disease.
