Christopher Lloyd recently celebrated a significant milestone as he turned 88 years old on 22 October, just one day after the iconic “Back to the Future Day”. His co-star, Michael J. Fox, took this opportunity to share a heartfelt tribute on social media, harking back to their beloved 1985 sci-fi comedy.
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In a warm message posted on Instagram, Fox, aged 65, remarked, “Great Scott you’re 88! That’s some serious shit, love you! 😎” The post featured a photo of the two actors enjoying a meal at a seaside restaurant, originally shared back in March. In response, Lloyd commented, “We truly are timeless. Love you friend,” highlighting the enduring bond formed through their roles in the film.
Celebrating the occasion in his own way, Lloyd shared a personal message on social media earlier that day. In a video, he quipped, “I told you when this baby hits 88, you’re gonna see some serious shit! Today I turn 88…I’ve seen some serious shit,” before reflecting on the importance of love in his life. “The most serious of it all is love. I love my family, my friends, and my wonderful fans. The power of love remains.”
The exchange between Fox and Lloyd taps into a memorable scene from “Back to the Future”, wherein Lloyd’s character, Dr. Emmett Brown, reveals the time-travelling capabilities of the DeLorean car to Fox’s character, Marty McFly. In the film, Brown famously states, “If my calculations are correct, when this baby hits 88 mph, you’re gonna see some serious shit,” right before the iconic vehicle disappears in a burst of light.
Interestingly, Lloyd’s birthday falls just after “Back to the Future Day”, celebrated on 21 October, the date to which Marty McFly and Doc Brown travel in “Back to the Future Part II”, released in 1989. This close alignment adds a layer of nostalgia to the festivities surrounding Lloyd’s birthday.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE earlier this year, Fox described Lloyd as one of the most “youthful” people he knows. He went on to affirm, “Chris is a great guy. He’s very enigmatic.” Their friendship deepened significantly during the making of the final film in the trilogy, “Back to the Future Part III”, which premiered in 1990.
Reflecting on his relationship with Lloyd, Fox stated, “It took me a few films to get to know him. On Back to the Future Part III we connected in a way we hadn’t on the other films.” He acknowledged a newfound understanding of Lloyd’s passion for acting during this time. “To sit down and talk about acting, and talk about Shakespeare and King Lear… This guy can play King Lear! People don’t expect that of him. He’s full of surprises,” he added.
Fox also commended Lloyd for his keen insight into storytelling, indicating that his co-star possesses a deep appreciation for film. “Chris is brilliant at it. His love of film and his love of being an actor… He’s not just a crazy guy, he’s an artist,” Fox said, capturing the complex character that Lloyd embodies.
The friendship between Fox and Lloyd is emblematic of how strong bonds can form in the film industry. Their connection has not only entertained audiences for decades but has also showcased the profound respect they hold for one another, highlighting that their journey together has been at once timeless and significant.
As Christopher Lloyd marks his 88th birthday, the celebrations serve not just as a personal milestone but as a reminder of the lasting impact of “Back to the Future” and the friendships forged through the creative process. The love and admiration shared between these two iconic actors continues to resonate with fans worldwide, ensuring that their legacy endures.