Michael J. Fox, a shining star of television during his time on Family Ties, juggled filming the iconic film Back to the Future at night while working long days on set. This whirlwind phase of his life is beautifully chronicled in his new memoir, Future Boy: Back to the Future and My Journey Through the Space-Time Continuum, co-authored with Nelle Fortenberry.
We have a sneak peek from the book, releasing today, aligning perfectly with the remastered return of Back to the Future to theaters for its 40th anniversary.
The Making of Marty McFly’s Iconic Look
My journey in assembling the wardrobe for Back to the Future came together over one intense weekend. I made final tweaks just before stepping onto the set for the first time. One unique detail was the addition of a pair of naff suspenders, which completed my ensemble. Sporting tailored 1950s attire with vibrant colors and dynamic patterns felt exhilarating. Interestingly, my wardrobe shifted from the bold primary colors of 1985 to softer pastels when I time-traveled back to the 1950s. To match the era, my hair was slicked back, leaving me smelling like Tenax pomade for months after filming.
Fashion and Personal Growth
Embodying Marty McFly coincided with my growing interest in fashion. The salary from three seasons of Family Ties helped me clear old debts and start saving for the first time. I indulged in purchasing flashy shoes—my personal flair shining through.
With my earnings, I made another meaningful investment: I purchased a house for my parents in Burnaby.
Facing Expectations and Embracing Authenticity
Following the immense success of Back to the Future, I was invited by the mayor of Vancouver to host a gala honoring the city’s new symphony hall. I opted to stay with my parents rather than a luxurious hotel. On the event night, I walked into the kitchen in an Armani tuxedo, balanced with black Converse sneakers adorned with a skull and crossbones. My dad frowned at my choice, insisting that such shoes were inappropriate for the occasion.
I stood there in a house I had bought, feeling both proud and a bit defiant. “Dad, what’s important here is that they want me to be authentic. I’m not one for patent leather shoes. My style, even with the skull and crossbones, represents who I truly am,” I remarked, reminding him that my journey in fame shouldn’t mean losing my identity.
The Roads to Success
With each commute over the Cahuenga Pass, where the 101 freeway meets the 134, I transitioned from my day job to my night role, embodying both Alex Keaton and Marty McFly. The sharp contrast of day and night blended into a seamless travel through Los Angeles, missing the broad daylight that most enjoyed.
During early 1985, I became intimately familiar with this stretch of road. My commute—travelling from Paramount Studios to Universal Studios—became a transformative experience as I mentally shifted from one persona to another. As I rolled past glowing landmarks like the Hollywood sign and Capitol Records, I felt a mix of awe and familiarity, just as I had on my first visit to the city.
In this rapid journey through fame, one thing stood out: the importance of being oneself. I made a promise to stay true to my identity, regardless of where my career took me.
Future Boy is now available for purchase; you can secure your copy here.
What makes Back to the Future such a lasting classic? Its engaging storytelling, memorable characters, and stunning visuals resonate with generations, ensuring its continued appeal.
Are there any fun facts about Back to the Future? Absolutely! For instance, the iconic DeLorean was almost replaced with a refrigerator before settling on the unique time machine design we all know today.
Did Michael J. Fox face challenges while filming Back to the Future? Yes, the demanding schedule of filming both Family Ties and Back to the Future posed significant challenges, requiring a balance of energy and focus.
In conclusion, Michael J. Fox’s memoir captures the essence of maintaining one’s identity amidst the whirlwind of fame. If you’re intrigued by the journey of artists and their stories of authenticity, consider exploring more content on Moyens I/O.