In his memoir ‘Future Boy,’ Michael J. Fox candidly revisits some of his most iconic projects, including ‘Back to the Future’ and ‘Teen Wolf.’ The actor, now 64, reflects on the year that solidified his status as a Hollywood icon, which included filming two major projects simultaneously in 1985. While ‘Back to the Future’ became a massive hit, earning $80 million with a $4 million budget, ‘Teen Wolf’ was a more modest success. However, Fox’s recollection of his experience on set reveals a candid moment of vulnerability.
Fox recounted feeling ‘like a whore’ during a specific day on the set of ‘Teen Wolf’ when the prop department asked him to take photos holding a chocolate bar to showcase the product to the candy supplier. Despite being covered in yak hair, which presumably referred to the prop used for his werewolf transformation, he expressed discomfort with the situation, telling the prop guy, ‘I feel like a whore.’ The prop guy’s blunt response, ‘Well, you are a whore,’ highlights the raw honesty of the moment.
While ‘Teen Wolf’ wasn’t the cultural phenomenon that ‘Back to the Future’ became, Fox’s reflections illustrate the challenges of navigating the pressures of fame and the behind-the-scenes intricacies of film production. The actor also delves into his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis, a condition he publicly revealed in 1991 at the age of 29. Despite the challenges, Fox continues to work, notably in the Apple TV+ comedy ‘Shrinking,’ where he plays a character with Parkinson’s, a role that came about through a chance encounter with co-creator Bill Lawrence.
When Fox learned that the show’s character, played by Harrison Ford, had Parkinson’s, he reportedly joked with Lawrence, saying, ‘You did a show about Parkinson’s, and you didn’t call me?’ This comment led to his involvement in the series, showcasing his willingness to embrace the challenges of his condition while continuing his career. Fox has openly discussed the unpredictable nature of Parkinson’s, noting that unlike many diseases, there’s no clear timeline or progression to the condition. His determination to continue working in the industry, despite the physical and emotional toll, underscores his resilience and commitment to his craft.
In the memoir, Fox also touches on his broader career trajectory, including his role on the hit sitcom ‘Family Ties,’ which helped launch his career and the massive success of ‘Back to the Future.’ His reflections on these pivotal moments provide a deeper understanding of the emotional and professional landscape that shaped his career. Despite the challenges of Parkinson’s, Fox remains undeterred, eager to continue his work and share his story with the world.