Lea Thompson, renowned for her role as Lorraine McFly in the beloved “Back to the Future” franchise, recently shared her reflections on the passage of time and her long-standing career in Hollywood. At the age of 64, Thompson light-heartedly remarked that she has been playing the mother of a 17-year-old for an impressive four decades. This revelation came during an interview with *Woman’s World*, where she discussed her experiences in the iconic film series.
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The actress chuckled as she noted, “It’s hilarious that I’ve been playing the mother of a 17-year-old for 40 years!” She acknowledged the unique nature of her character’s journey through time, as Lorraine evolves from a teenager to a woman in her 40s, and later into her 70s across the three films. “It’s interesting,” she added, “because my character got to be 17, 47, and 77, so people are used to me getting older.”
Thompson’s portrayal of Lorraine McFly in the 1985 classic was her breakout role, catapulting her into the limelight. Starring alongside the charming Michael J. Fox, she became a memorable figure in cinema history, loved by audiences across generations. The actress expressed her gratitude for being part of such an iconic movie, describing it as “a gift” to have contributed to something that remains highly regarded worldwide.
The time-bending storyline of “Back to the Future” required Thompson to embody roles that spanned different ages. Reflecting on the experience, she jokingly observed the contrast in filming techniques, especially when it came to the makeup for her older character in the sequel. “The funny thing about doing that old-age makeup was that I could take it off at the end of the day! Now I use some beautiful skincare,” she quipped, showcasing her humorous perspective on ageing in the industry.
Interestingly, Thompson’s initial impressions of Fox were less than favourable due to her prior relationship with actor Eric Stoltz, who was originally cast in the McFly role before Fox. During the filming of “Back to the Future,” Thompson had already established a rapport with Stoltz through their work together in the 1984 film “The Wild Life.” When Stoltz was replaced six weeks into production, Thompson found herself needing to adjust her chemistry with Fox, a transition she noted was distinctly challenging.
In a candid conversation on the *Still Here Hollywood* podcast, Thompson recalled her perception of Fox during the filming process. “At that point, there was a big division between movie stars and TV stars,” she admitted. Initially, she considered herself a movie star due to her background, which included a role in “Jaws 3D,” and felt a certain aloofness towards Fox, who was primarily known for his television role in “Family Ties.” However, she soon recognised Fox’s exceptional talent and ability to bring fun and humour into their scenes together.
Despite the rocky start, Thompson quickly acknowledged the profound shift in the film’s atmosphere with Fox’s arrival. “I had done some scenes with Eric already and then had to redo them with Michael, so I could see how they were completely different scenes,” she explained. Her apprehension faded as she realised that the filmmakers believed in Fox’s capabilities, hinting at the potential of the film even before it achieved its monumental success.
Reflecting on the early days of filming, Thompson admitted that while she had an inkling “Back to the Future” would resonate with audiences, no one could have predicted the extent of its cultural impact. “I had a feeling the movie was going to be a hit, but no one knew that it was gonna be what it was,” she remarked, a testament to the unpredictability of the entertainment industry.
As Lea Thompson continues to embrace her legacy, she remains a beloved figure in film, celebrated not only for her performances but also for her enduring charm and relatable humour about the passage of time. The “Back to the Future” franchise has solidified its place in cinematic history, and Thompson’s role within that legacy continues to inspire fans and fellow actors alike as she navigates the journey of ageing in an industry often fixated on youth.