cast reunion

“Great Scott!” It’s hard to believe that it has been 40 years since *Back to the Future* first graced theaters in July 1985. This iconic film not only captured the hearts of audiences but also became a significant part of pop culture history. Starring Michael J. Fox as the time-traveling teenager Marty McFly and Christopher Lloyd as the eccentric scientist Dr. Emmett Brown, the film tells the story of Marty’s adventures as he travels back to 1955 and inadvertently risks altering his own future. Upon its release, *Back to the Future* quickly climbed to the top of the box office, dominating for nearly three months. It garnered numerous accolades, including a nomination for Best Original Screenplay at the 1986 Academy Awards, and eventually led to two successful sequels in 1989 and 1990. However, the impact of the film extended far beyond its commercial success; it transformed the careers of its stars and left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Reflecting on his unexpected rise to fame, Michael J. Fox recalled in a 2001 interview, “I didn’t think about having a film career. There was a silliness to the role that I think they kind of pictured me for. … Basically within a week, I was doing both jobs. I’d do *Family Ties* in the daytime and I’d do *Back to the Future* at night, I was working 18, 19, 20 hours. … Then all of a sudden it was a huge hit.” Fast forward to today, and the cast members of *Back to the Future* continue to reflect fondly on their time spent filming the beloved classic. In May 2020, Fox and his co-stars participated in a remote reunion hosted by superfan Josh Gad, celebrating the film’s milestone anniversary. During this reunion, actress Lea Thompson expressed her surprise at the film’s lasting impact, stating, “I didn’t really have any idea that this movie would still have people that want to talk about it. That’s so incredible.” As we commemorate the 40th anniversary of *Back to the Future*, let’s take a closer look at where the cast members are today and how their careers have evolved since the film’s debut. Michael J. Fox (Marty McFly) After *Back to the Future*, Fox became a household name, starring in the hit series *Family Ties* and later in *Spin City*, for which he won multiple Emmy Awards. In 2000, he stepped back from acting after revealing his diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. Since then, he has dedicated his efforts to advocacy, founding the Michael J. Fox Foundation to support research for the degenerative disorder. Fox has been married to his *Family Ties* co-star Tracy Pollan since 1988, and they share four children: son Sam and daughters Schuyler, Aquinnah, and Esme. Christopher Lloyd (Dr. Emmett Brown) Lloyd continued to build on his success after *Back to the Future*, appearing in notable films such as *Star Trek III: The Search for Spock*, *Who Framed Roger Rabbit*, and *The Addams Family*. He also lent his voice to various animated projects, including *DuckTales the Movie* and *Anastasia*. Lloyd has been married five times, with his most recent marriage to Lisa Loiacono in 2016. Lea Thompson (Lorraine Baines) Thompson, who played Marty’s mother, has had a diverse career since the film. She starred in the teen drama *Switched at Birth* from 2011 to 2017 and competed on *Dancing With the Stars* in 2014. More recently, she has appeared in Hallmark’s series *The Chicken Sisters*. Thompson has been married to director Howard Deutch since 1989, and their daughters, Madelyn and Zoey, are also making names for themselves in the entertainment industry. Crispin Glover (George McFly) Glover has taken a unique path since his role as Marty’s father. He has appeared in films like *What’s Eating Gilbert Grape* and *Charlie’s Angels*, and he even founded a publishing company, Volcanic Eruptions, through which he has published several books. Glover has also directed two films that premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. Thomas F. Wilson (Biff Tannen) After portraying the iconic bully Biff Tannen, Wilson continued to work in voice acting, contributing to *Batman: The Animated Series* and *SpongeBob SquarePants*. He has also made guest appearances in shows like *Freaks and Geeks*. Wilson has been married to Caroline Thomas since 1985, and they have four children together. Claudia Wells (Jennifer Parker) Wells, who played Marty’s girlfriend, faced personal challenges that led her to step back from acting for several years. After her mother’s cancer diagnosis, she took time off to support her family and later founded the clothing brand Armani Wells. She returned to acting in 2011 and has since taken on smaller roles. Marc McClure (Dave McFly) McClure appeared in various TV shows post-*Back to the Future*, including *Happy Days* and *Cold Case*. He also made a cameo in the 2003 remake of *Freaky Friday*. McClure married Carol Courson Cowley in 1985, and they welcomed their first child shortly after. George DiCenzo (Sam Baines) DiCenzo had a prolific career, appearing in over 30 films and making regular appearances in shows like *Murder, She Wrote* and *Law & Order*. He was married to Donna Artz-DiCenzo until his passing in 2010. Frances Lee McCain (Stella Baines) Before *Back to the Future*, McCain starred in *Gremlins* and *Footloose*. After earning a degree in psychology, she founded an experimental theater project in New Mexico. McCain’s most recent work includes a role in the 2018 comedy *Ideal Home*. James Tolkan (Mr. Strickland) Tolkan has had a varied career, featuring in films like *Top Gun* and *Dick Tracy*, as well as TV shows such as *Miami Vice*. He has been married to Parmelee Welles since 1971. As *Back to the Future* turns 40, the film remains a testament to the power of storytelling and the lasting impact it can have on both audiences and the lives of those who create it. The cast’s journey since the film’s release showcases the diverse paths their careers have taken, and their fond memories of working together continue to resonate with … Read more