Where the Back to the Future cast are now from Michael J Fox and Christopher Lloyd to tragic death
The movie was a huge hit when it was unveiled in the 80s
Back To The Future gave us a cast we’d grow to cherish, and they have travelled a long road since the time-travelling classic first hit cinemas in 1985 – so where are they now?
From life-altering health battles and headline-making relationships to faith, family and enduring friendships, the stars behind the beloved trilogy have each followed very different paths since leaving Hill Valley behind.
Watching a cult classic has become a staple for Christmas TV viewing, so buckle up!
Back To The Future cast now: Michael J Fox played Marty McFly
Leading the way is Michael J Fox, who shot to global fame as Marty McFly. Now 64, Michael was just 24 when the first film was released. But his life changed dramatically a few years later when he was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s disease at the age of 29. He made his diagnosis public several years later, speaking candidly about the dark period that followed.
Since then, Michael has become one of the most prominent advocates for people living with the condition. In 2000, he founded the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. He has continued to work steadily on screen, appearing in shows including The Good Wife, The Good Fight, Designated Survivor and Apple TV’s Shrinking. Married to Tracy Pollan since 1988, Michael is a father of four – Sam, Esme and twins Aquinnah and Schuyler.
His bond with Back To The Future co-star Christopher Lloyd has also stood the test of time. The pair delighted fans when they reunited on stage in 2022 and remain close friends. Reflecting on the trilogy’s enduring appeal, Michael has spoken about its themes of resilience, bullying and courage, explaining why the story still resonates with audiences today.
Christopher Lloyd played Dr Emmett Brown
Christopher, who played the unforgettable Dr Emmett Brown, is now 87. He shows no sign of slowing down.
He continues to appear in film and television, including Netflix hit Wednesday, where he played Professor Orloff.
Married five times, he tied the knot with real estate agent Lisa Loiacono in 2016, having met her when she sold his house four years earlier.
Looking back on the trilogy, Christopher has said he is still amazed by how deeply the films affected young people. He described the final instalment as a chance to relax and enjoy the ride.
Back To The Future cast – Clara Clayton-Brown played by Mary Steenburgen
Back To The Future Part III also introduced audiences to Clara Clayton. She was Doc Brown’s love interest, played by Mary Steenburgen.
Now 72, Mary had already won an Oscar before joining the franchise and has continued to act ever since.
She has been married twice and is currently wed to Ted Danson. She shares two children with her first husband, Malcolm McDowell, including son Charlie, who is married to Lily Collins. Most recently, Mary appeared in Man On The Inside alongside Ted.
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Back To The Future cast: Lea Thompson played Marty’s mum Lorraine
Lea Thompson starred as Lorraine Baines-McFly across all three films. Now 64, Lea went on to enjoy a successful television career, most notably with her hit sitcom Caroline In The City.
She has also directed projects and lent her voice to video games, including Mystery Case Files: Shadow Lake.
Elisabeth Shue played Jennifer Parker
Jennifer Parker was played by two actresses across the trilogy. Claudia Wells appeared in the original film but stepped away from acting to care for her mother following a breast cancer diagnosis, meaning she did not return for the sequels. She is now 59.
The role was later taken over by Elisabeth Shue. She was a major Hollywood star throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Now 62, Elisabeth earned critical acclaim for Leaving Las Vegas in 1995 and has since appeared in shows including The Boys and On The Verge.
She is married to director Davis Guggenheim and has three children.
Jeffrey Weissman and Crispin Glover played Marty’s dad George McFly
George McFly became the centre of controversy when Crispin Glover declined to return for the sequels following a salary dispute and disagreements over the films’ tone.
He was replaced by Jeffrey Weissman. Producers usied heavy prosthetics that led to a lawsuit from Crispin over the unauthorised use of his likeness. The case changed how Hollywood treats actors’ image rights.
Crispin, now 61, has continued acting in films including Charlie’s Angels and Hot Tub Time Machine. Jeffrey, now 67, has appeared in shows such as Diagnosis: Murder and Saved By The Bell and now teaches theatre and film technique.
Back To The Future cast: Thomas F Wilson played Biff
Biff Tannen actor Thomas F Wilson remains a familiar voice to many, thanks to his work on SpongeBob SquarePants.
Now 66, Thomas has also appeared in films including The Heat and released a Christian album, In The Name Of The Father, in 2000. He is a father of four and also paints.
Wendie Jo Sperber played Linda McFly
Wendie Jo Sperber played Marty’s sister Linda. Tragically, she died in 2005 aged 47 after a long battle with breast cancer, continuing to work throughout her illness on shows including Will & Grace and Home Improvement.
Billy Zane played Match in Back To The Future
One of Biff’s cronies, Match, was played by Billy Zane. Now 59, Billy went on to appear in Titanic, Memphis Belle and Twin Peaks. He has been engaged several times and has two children.
Marc McClure played Dave McFly
Marc McClure, who played Marty’s brother Dave, is now 68. Best known beyond the trilogy for his role as Jimmy Olsen in the Superman films, he later appeared in Smallville, Justice League and Frost/Nixon.
James Tolkan played Mr Strickland in Back To The Future
Finally, James Tolkan brought authority to the role of teacher Mr Strickland. Now 94, James also appeared in Top Gun, Dick Tracy, Miami Vice and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and returned in Part III as Strickland’s ancestor.
Back To The Future III airs today, December 31, at 2pm on BBC One – a timely reminder now that, nearly four decades on, the cast and the film’s legacy are still very much part of popular culture.
Watch Back to the Future III on BBC One at 2pm on December 31, or on iPlayer.
