In a heartwarming gesture four decades after the release of their iconic film, Hollywood actor Michael J. Fox has finally expressed his deep appreciation for his co-star Crispin Glover. The 64-year-old star, known for his role as Marty McFly, recently penned a personal letter to Glover, praising his 'phenomenal' performance as George McFly in the 1985 sci-fi comedy classic, Back to the Future.
A Long-Overdue Thank You
The opportunity for this belated praise arose while Michael J. Fox was revisiting the film to write his memoir, titled Future Boy. As he rewatched the movie, he gained a renewed and deeper admiration for Crispin Glover's work. In his book, Fox reveals that he wrote a letter to Glover, now 61, stating, "Your performance is richer and deeper every time I see it." He even admitted to skipping his own scenes to watch Glover's. Fox confessed that during the original production, they didn't speak much, so he never had the chance to tell his colleague directly that he was a "brilliant actor" and that he was "thrilled to work with you."
From Sitcom Laughs to Cinematic Legacy
The professional rapport between Fox and Glover began even before their time-traveling adventure. In 1984, they starred opposite each other in a season two episode of the popular sitcom Family Ties, titled 'Birthday Boy'. Crispin Glover played Doug, a friend of Fox's character, Alex P. Keaton. Fox recalled that Glover's delivery of several lines earned "the biggest laughs" of that entire episode. He highlighted a unique quality in Glover's acting, noting that he had no awareness of the audience and wasn't trying to milk the laughs, which made his natural comedic timing even more effective. Fox stated he feels the same way about Glover's nuanced work in Back to the Future.
A Unique Actor in a Cast of Rising Stars
When it came to filming Back to the Future, the cast was a mix of seasoned actors like Christopher Lloyd and several rising stars, including Fox himself. Fox admitted that he could not have prepared to work with someone as uniquely talented as Crispin Glover. Despite the film's monumental success, Glover did not return for the sequels, Back to the Future Part II and Part III, due to reported creative differences. This makes Fox's recent acknowledgment, coming 40 years after their initial collaboration, a significant and poignant moment for fans of the beloved franchise. It underscores the lasting impact of Glover's portrayal of the timid yet endearing George McFly, a performance that continues to resonate with audiences and his fellow actors alike.
