Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist

Michael J. Fox on ‘Back to the Future’ 40 Years Later and the Power of Perseverance

Date: October 19, 2025
Host: Willie Geist
Guest: Michael J. Fox

Episode Overview

In this heartfelt and insightful episode, Willie Geist sits down with Michael J. Fox to reflect on the 40th anniversary of "Back to the Future," Fox’s iconic role as Marty McFly, and his extraordinary journey of resilience living with Parkinson’s disease. They discuss Fox’s new memoir "Future Boy," explore the enduring legacy of "Back to the Future," delve into personal stories from Fox's upbringing and early fame, and take a deep look at his pioneering Parkinson’s advocacy through the Michael J. Fox Foundation.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The 40th Anniversary of “Back to the Future”

• Origin of the Book (04:48): Fox shares why he chose to write "Future Boy," focusing for the first time not on his illness, but on a moment of joy and creativity at age 23.

  “This was a chance to write about this specific moment in time that was just so fun. 23 years old, rolled by the tail…” — Michael J. Fox (04:48)

• Still Resonating After 40 Years (05:25): Fox marvels at the movie’s lasting popularity and discusses its universal messages about bullies, perseverance, and hope.

  “It’s a great message…to overcome the doubters…There’s a lot of love and it’s such a positive movie.” — Michael J. Fox (06:06)

Personal Reflection: Watching Himself as Marty McFly

• Fox recounts rewatching "Back to the Future" as an audience member, feeling joy rather than melancholy for his younger self.

  “I own that. It’s not a younger version of me, it’s me. And it’s me that helped get me get to this place, which is really amazing.” — Michael J. Fox (08:43)

  • Timestamp: Rewatching the film and discussing self-acceptance (06:53–09:38)

Making “Back to the Future” Amid Family Ties

• How Fox Got the Role (09:38–12:32): Fox describes the serendipitous way he was cast after Eric Stoltz left the project.
• Balance & Exhaustion (13:05–13:54): He juggled day-long Family Ties shoots with all-night movie shoots. His mother worried he’d get too tired, but he saw it as the opportunity of a lifetime.

  “I’ve been here for three years eating garbage and dumpster diving…And I’m gonna not do this? So it just all rolled so fast.” — Michael J. Fox (13:28)

Creation of Iconic Scenes and Personal Connection to Music

• Johnny B. Goode Performance (15:33–17:55): Fox trained hard for the legendary guitar scene, drawing from his own modest musical past.
  • Nostalgic humor about his Canadian cover band days and his father's reaction.

  “He said…how much does it cost you to rent the equipment? $400. He said, get this, like three stooges. I’m the victim of sabotui.” — Michael J. Fox (16:37)

• Legacy of the Scene: The guitar scene led to meaningful musical collaborations later in life, including sharing a stage with Coldplay and Chris Stapleton.

Catapult to Fame and Family Roots

• Impact of Sudden Fame (18:25–23:26): Fox shares how "Back to the Future" changed his life overnight and reflects fondly on his family's grounding influence.

  “I woke up the next morning, my Emmy was there with my dad’s bowling trophy, my brother’s boxing trophy…That’s great, right? I’ll never get out of control.” — Michael J. Fox (20:11)

• Supportive but Perplexed Parents: Fox’s parents supported his dream, even if they didn’t fully understand it, and his father drove him to the U.S. so he could pursue acting.

Taking Over for Eric Stoltz

• Transition Story (25:33–27:25): Fox explains the unusual circumstances under which he replaced Eric Stoltz, and the quick, high-pressure transition into the role.
• Reconnecting with Stoltz (27:25–28:59): A memorable, warm epilogue in the memoir is about meeting with Stoltz years later; rather than focus on the past, they share laughter and goodwill.

  “We were two 23-year-old guys…actors that were in a situation beyond our control. And these two of them did the best we could.” — Michael J. Fox (27:54)

Acting Today & New Projects

• Still Working (29:47–31:04): Fox discusses his appearance in the series "Shrinking" and praises collaborators like Harrison Ford and Billy Lawrence.

  “Of all Tercen’s amazing. And so generous and so sweet and…one of the great experiences of my life working with him.” — Michael J. Fox (30:03)

The Michael J. Fox Foundation & Parkinson’s Advocacy

• Foundation Origins and Impact (31:19–33:23):
  • Established to give a voice to those marginalized by Parkinson’s.
  • Over $2.5 billion raised to date; focus on research, patient empowerment, and hope for a cure.

  “There was nothing that anybody thought about…it was an old person’s disease…This is an opportunity. This is really like, you don’t get a chance…to step up and make a difference.” — Michael J. Fox (31:54)

• Breakthroughs in Research (33:23–35:58):
  • Development of early biomarkers to detect Parkinson’s before major symptoms appear.
  • Reframing patients as experts in their own care.
  • Encouraging patient-doctor collaboration and optimism about emerging treatments.

  “Everything’s possible. And I’m encouraged and I’m excited. I’m exhausted, but I keep going.” — Michael J. Fox (35:44)

Perseverance, Purpose, and Legacy

• Decision to Stay Public & Positive (35:58–38:12): Fox deliberately chose not to withdraw after his diagnosis; he seeks to offer hope to others, valuing impact over vanity.

  “If I come out of this with some kind of really substantial change…So much better than any movie or any TV show. Not as good as my life and my kids…But important.” — Michael J. Fox (37:48)

• On Legacy (38:12):

  “Legacies are for dead people. I’m not there yet.” — Michael J. Fox (38:12)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “I own that. It’s not a younger version of me, it’s me. And it’s me that helped get me get to this place, which is really amazing.” – Michael J. Fox (08:43)
• “My father thought he could tell me what shoes I could wear, right? ... At some level, he wanted me to keep them on too.” – Michael J. Fox (19:01)
• “If I come out of this with some kind of really substantial change…the way Parkinson’s is treated…so much better than any movie.” – Michael J. Fox (37:48)
• “Legacies are for dead people. I’m not there yet.” – Michael J. Fox (38:12)

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Topic | Speaker | Timestamp | |--------------------------------------------|---------------------|---------------| | Writing “Future Boy” and 40 years of BTTF | Fox | 04:48–06:36 | | Reflections on acting & youth | Fox | 06:53–09:38 | | Getting cast as Marty McFly | Fox | 10:02–12:32 | | Juggling Family Ties & BTTF schedule | Fox | 13:05–13:54 | | Iconic Johnny B. Goode scene & music roots | Fox | 15:33–17:55 | | Fame & family grounding | Fox | 18:25–23:26 | | Replacing Eric Stoltz | Fox | 25:33–27:25 | | Meeting Eric Stoltz years later | Fox | 27:43–28:59 | | Ongoing career (“Shrinking”) | Fox | 29:47–31:04 | | Foundation beginnings & research vision | Fox | 31:19–33:23 | | Patient-led Parkinson's research | Fox | 33:23–35:58 | | Choosing hope and advocacy | Fox | 35:58–38:12 |

Episode Tone

The conversation brims with warmth, candor, and humor—hallmarks of both men’s public personas. Fox is reflective but never sentimental, candid about struggle yet relentlessly optimistic, and as spirited in storytelling as ever. Geist offers personal connection, empathy, and admiration, resulting in a deeply human and wide-ranging interview.

Summary Takeaway

This episode offers a powerful look at how Michael J. Fox’s legacy far exceeds his iconic film roles. His reflections on fame, family, perseverance, and advocacy provide inspiration not just to Parkinson’s families, but to anyone navigating life’s uncertainties with humor and resolve. The insights from the making of "Back to the Future" to the breakthroughs of his foundation make for a rich journey through pop culture and personal bravery.