Simply put, “Back to the Future” is one of the most iconic movies ever made.
Robert Zemeckis’ epic sci-fi movie follows the exploits of Michael J. Fox’s Marty McFly. Marty is a teenager sent back to 1955 from 1985 in a time-traveling DeLorean car built by his eccentric scientist friend, Christopher Lloyd’s Emmett “Doc” Brown. While there, Marty’s action end up putting his own existence at risk, but ultimately change the future for the better.
As well as Fox and Lloyd, “Back to the Future” boasts a fantastic cast that includes Lea Thompson, Crispin Glover, and Thomas F. Wilson.
Having been released on July 3, 1985, “Back to the Future” unbelievably celebrated its 40th anniversary last year. So, wouldn’t it be good to take a glimpse of what its core cast members look like now, compared to how they looked back when the film hit theaters? Let’s do exactly that…
Michael J. Fox (Marty McFly)
GettyTeen heartthrob Michael J. Fox played Marty McFly in “Back to the Future.” Marty is a high school student and aspiring musician whose scientist buddy sends him 30 years into the past, where his actions put his own future at risk.
Age when “Back to the Future” released: 24.
Selected movie credits before “Back to the Future”: Midnight Madness (1980), Class of 1984 (1982).
Above is a 2025 social media post by Michael J. Fox showing several recent pictures of him.
Age now: 64.
Selected movie credits after “Back to the Future”: Teen Wolf (1985), Doc Hollywood (1991), Stuart Little (1999).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Christopher Lloyd (Emmett “Doc” Brown)
GettyThe inimitable Christopher Lloyd played Emmett “Doc” Brown in “Back to the Future.” Doc is an eccentric scientist who sends his teenage friend, Marty McFly, back to 1955.
Age when “Back to the Future” released: 46.
Selected movie credits before “Back to the Future”: One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975), Mr. Mom (1983), The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension (1984).
Above is a 2025 social media post by Christopher Lloyd showing several recent pictures of him.
Age now: 87.
Selected movie credits after “Back to the Future”: Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988), The Addams Family (1991), The Pagemaster (1994).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Lea Thompson (Lorraine Baines McFly)
GettyActress, singer, dancer, and director Lea Thompson played Lorraine Baines McFly in “Back to the Future.” Lorraine is Marty McFly’s unhappy mother, who ends up finding her own son attractive when he travels back to 1955 and meets her, putting his future at risk. Her future ultimately improves thanks to her son’s actions.
Age when “Back to the Future” released: 24.
Selected movie credits before “Back to the Future”: Jaws 3-D (1983), Red Dawn (1984), The Wild Life (1984).
Above is a 2025 social media post by Lea Thompson showing several recent pictures of her.
Age now: 64.
Selected movie credits after “Back to the Future”: Howard the Duck (1986), The Little Rascals (1994), J. Edgar (2011).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Crispin Glover (George McFly)
Above is a social media post showing Crispin Glover in “Back to the Future.”
Actor, filmmaker, author, and artist Crispin Glover played George McFly in “Back to the Future.” George is Marty McFly’s meek father whose future is altered for the better by Marty’s actions in 1955.
Age when “Back to the Future” released: 20.
Selected movie credits before “Back to the Future”: My Tutor (1983), Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter (1984), Teachers (1984).
GettyAge now: 61.
Selected movie credits after “Back to the Future”: Wild at Heart (1990), Beowulf (2007), Alice in Wonderland (2010).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Thomas F. Wilson (Biff Tannen)
Above is a social media post showing Thomas F. Wilson in “Back to the Future.”
Actor, comedian, musician, podcaster, and YouTuber Thomas F. Wilson played Biff Tannen in “Back to the Future.” Biff is George McFly’s bully in 1955 and his boss in 1985, but Marty McFly’s actions in the past switch the dynamic in his father’s favor.
Age when “Back to the Future” released: 26.
Selected movie credits before “Back to the Future”: Ninja Turf (1985).
Above is a social media post showing Thomas F. Wilson in 2025.
Age now: 66.
Selected movie credits after “Back to the Future”: Action Jackson (1988), High Strung (1991), The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie (2004).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Claudia Wells (Jennifer Parker)
Above is a social media post showing Claudia Wells in “Back to the Future.”
Malaysian-born actress Claudia Wells played Jennifer Parker in “Back to the Future.” Jennifer is Marty McFly’s girlfriend in 1985. Elisabeth Shue replaced Wells for “Back to the Future Part II” and “Back to the Future Part III,” as Wells put her career on hold while her mother had breast cancer.
Age when “Back to the Future” released: 18.
Selected movie credits before “Back to the Future”: N/A.
GettyAge now: 59.
Selected movie credits after “Back to the Future”: Still Waters Burn (2008), Alien Armageddon (2011), Starship: Rising (2014).
Filmography info per IMDb.
James Tolkan (Principal Gerald Strickland)
Above is a social media post showing James Tolkan in “Back to the Future.”
Veteran actor James Tolkan played high school principal Gerald Strickland in “Back to the Future.” Strickland is the disciplinarian principal of Hill Valley High School in both 1955 and 1985 in the movie.
Age when “Back to the Future” released: 54.
Selected movie credits before “Back to the Future”: Serpico (1973), The Amityville Horror (1979), WarGames (1983).
Above is a social media post showing James Tolkan in 2025.
Age now: 94.
Selected movie credits after “Back to the Future”: Top Gun (1986), Masters of the Universe (1987), Bone Tomahawk (2015).
Filmography info per IMDb.
It’s great to see the cast of “Back to the Future” doing so well. It really is the kind of movie that will never be made again. Oh, and Hollywood, don’t try!
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