Courtney Gains Says Michael J. Fox Was ‘Exhausted’ Juggling “Back to the Future” and “Family Ties”: ‘Didn’t Sleep a Lot’ (Exclusive)

**Courtney Gains Reflects on Michael J. Fox and the Legacy of *Back to the Future***

In a recent interview, Courtney Gains, who played the character Dixon in the iconic 1985 film *Back to the Future*, shared his memories of collaborating with Michael J. Fox during the production. The film, directed by Robert Zemeckis, remains a seminal piece of cinema and has had a lasting influence on popular culture with two sequels and numerous adaptations.

The storyline follows the adventures of a teenager, Marty McFly, who unintentionally disrupts the events that brought his parents together while travelling back to 1955. This comedy and science fiction blend established *Back to the Future* as a beloved classic, and it significantly elevated the careers of its cast. Michael J. Fox, who played the lead role of Marty, was already well-known for his work on the sitcom *Family Ties* at the time, which made his casting a risky move in an era where television and film actors typically did not cross over.

Gains reflected on Fox’s relentless work ethic during the shooting, noting the harsh schedule he had to maintain. “What I just remember about him when we did the dance scene was just realising how exhausted he was,” Gains said, highlighting how Fox moved between the two sets. “He was basically sleeping in the limo. He worked tremendously hard.” Gains stressed that Fox’s dedication was commendable, even as he juggled two demanding roles.

Michael J. Fox’s journey to the role of Marty McFly is also noteworthy. He took over the role from Eric Stoltz, who was initially cast but later deemed unsuitable for the character. In a reflective conversation in 2025 between Fox and Stoltz, Fox recounted the experience as a casual discussion between two actors, revealing a sense of camaraderie despite the circumstances.

In Gains’ brief portrayal as the school bully Dixon, he became part of a pivotal moment when Marty’s father, George, intervened to stand up against him. Interestingly, the filming of the school dance scene took an extensive three days, as Gains recalled, “We shot it and shot it and shot it. [Zemeckis] covered it from every possible angle imaginable.” He appreciated the film’s production quality, which allowed for such thorough coverage.

Although Gains’ role in *Back to the Future* was minor, he expressed pride in being part of a franchise that has endured through the decades. “Did I know it was going to go on to be one of the biggest trilogies of all time? That I didn’t know,” he admitted. His initial expectations weren’t nearly as grand, but he now cherishes his contribution to a film that has left such an indelible mark.

Before *Back to the Future*, Gains found his breakout role in *Children of the Corn*, which established him as a prominent figure in the horror genre. Following this, he appeared in several other notable films throughout the 1980s, including *The ‘Burbs*, *Memphis Belle*, *Can’t Buy Me Love*, and *Colors*. His diverse portfolio highlights a successful career in an era rich with cinematic history.

More recently, Gains has continued to evolve as an artist. His latest project, *The Barn III*, is the third installment of an indie horror film series, which premiered at the Popcorn Frights Film Festival in August 2026. Additionally, he has released a solo album titled *Liberation Day*, which showcases his musical talents.

As Gains reflects on his past experiences, including the memories of working alongside Michael J. Fox in *Back to the Future*, he illustrates not just the challenges of being a young actor but also the enduring appeal of films that capture the imagination across generations. His contribution, though small, remains a testament to the collaborative spirit of filmmaking that creates lasting legacies.