Actor Appreciation

One of Michael J. Fox's most well known roles was that of the quick-witted protagonist from Back to the Future, Marty McFly. However, it was not always Fox's role. Eric Stoltz was originally going to play Marty McFly but after some recasting and reshoots, Fox took on the role and it launched him into stardom. During filming of Back to the Future, Fox juggled his responsibilities with Family Ties and dealing with the early onset of Parkinson's disease (which he was later diagnosed with in 1991). Many who worked with him on set noted Fox's hard work, dedication, and professionalism on set.

One of the stand outs in the films is the chemistry between Fox's Marty and Christopher Lloyd's Doc Brown. It created one of cinema's most beloved duos that transcended time (1950s, 1980s, 2015, and even the Old West). It even inspired another iconic duo decades later through Rick and Morty, continuing time travel adventures for future generations.

Through his portrayal of Alex P. Keaton, the teenager in the 1980s sitcom, Family Ties, Michael J. Fox became a household name. His character provided a brilliant comedic contrast to his former-hippie parents Steven and Elyse Keaton. Fox's impeccable timing and charismatic delivery earned him three consecutive Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series (1986-1988). The role showcased Fox's remarkable ability to make a politically ambitious, money-obsessed character somehow endearing and relatable, creating a cultural touchstone that defined much of 1980s television.

Michael J. Fox starred as Deputy Mayor Michael Flaherty in ABC’s Spin City. Initially, the role was written for a much older actor, but Fox's impressive audition led the creators to rewrite the character. As the Deputy Mayor of New York City, Fox's character served as Mayor Randall Winston's key strategist, expertly spinning difficult situations while managing a quirky staff at City Hall. Unfortunately, Fox had to leave the show due to medical reasons related to his Parkinson's disease, but his performance in Spin City added to his already impressive legacy.