Christopher Lloyd From 'Back to the Future' — A Look At 'Doc Brown' Today

Aug 20, 2021 by apost team

There are some movies that, no matter how old they are, we remember fondly. That's often because we have an emotional attachment to them — perhaps it was the first film we saw at the cinema or a blockbuster of its time that had everyone talking. 

If you grew up in the '80s, one of those movies, without a doubt, is "Back to the Future." The 1985 sci-fi comedy was a landmark of its time, as it showcased incredible special effects and had a fun, adventurous storyline that enthralled a generation. In fact, it was actually the top-grossing movie of that year.

Just as famous as the film are its two stars, Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd. It's impossible to think of "Back to the Future" without thinking of their iconic characters Marty McFly and Doc Brown.

In fact, the pair reunited last year after 35 years since the blockbuster was filmed. However, they weren't working on a new film; instead, they got together for a good cause. Since launching The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s disease, Fox, 60, has held an annual poker tournament where he raises money for research and development for a cure. Lloyd, 82, joined in the tournament and even shared a photo with his old buddy on social media.

While he might not be in the media as often now as he was during the "Back to the Future" heyday, Lloyd has carved out a longstanding career for himself in Hollywood. The octogenarian is still working today, and he's even still recognizable as Doc Brown. Let's take a look at the actor today.

Born on Oct. 22, 1938, in Stamford, Connecticut, Christopher Lloyd was the youngest of seven children. After taking an interest in theater in high school, Lloyd took acting classes in New York when he was 19, some of which were under the tutelage of acclaimed acting coach Sandy Meisner. He credited Meisner with much of his success, telling The New York Times in 1977:

“My work up to then had been very uneven. I would be good one night, dull the next. Meisner made me aware of how to be consistent in using the best that I have to offer. But I guess nobody can teach you the knack, or whatever it is, that helps you come to life on stage.”

He made his Broadway debut at the age of 21 and continued working in theater into the 1970s before he had his film debut in the acclaimed drama "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" (1975). Working across both theater and film over the rest of the decade, Lloyd even turned to TV, appearing on the hit show "Taxi" from 1978 to 1983, for which he would win two Emmy Awards.

But just a few years later, Lloyd would have one of the biggest roles of his life as Doc Brown in "Back to the Future." Instantly a hit, the movie became a worldwide phenomenon and catapulted Lloyd to fame. He and Michael J. Fox would reunite for two more sequels, which were released in 1989 and 1990. The franchise was so popular it had a number of spin-offs, including an animated series, a video game, a stage musical and even a theme park ride at Universal Studios.

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But despite how legendary the movie is — and how iconic Lloyd's role as Doc Brown is — he almost didn't say yes to the film! Speaking with the Sydney Morning Herald in 2017, Lloyd explained that at the time he was doing a movie in Mexico City and wished to return to his theater roots in New York afterward. He explains:

“So when the Back to the Future script came to me I had pretty much made up my mind I was going back to New York and I cast it aside. A friend I was with at the time said that’s not like me, so I thought I’d better take it out of the waste paper basket and have another look. And I did and went back to LA and met Robert Zemeckis (Back to the Future director) and that was that.”

He must be glad he had that friend with him that day! While the movie propelled Lloyd to fame, his talents kept him consistently working in Hollywood after its success. He appeared in dozens of movies over the next few decades, including "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" and "The Addams Family."

But although he worked consistently, he never chased fame, and in fact, he kept a low profile out of the spotlight. Now 82, the actor is still working, having appeared in the action movie "Nobody" alongside Bob Odenkirk this year. He's also happily settled down with his fifth wife, but what is likely most important to him is to keep acting. He told The Guardian earlier this year:

“I don’t really mind as long as I’m working. Whether it’s a lead or cameos, or supporting roles, I love to be doing it. I don’t wait around for the ideal role to come my way — I’ll take what’s given.”

Are you a fan of "Back to the Future"? Do you think Christopher Lloyd still resembles himself when he shot to fame in the '80s? If you enjoyed this, then pass it on so others can bask in nostalgia too!