Future Boy: Back to the Future and My Journey Through the Space-Time Continuum

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

A poignant, heartfelt, and funny memoir about how, in 1985, Michael J. Fox brought to life two iconic roles simultaneously—Alex P. Keaton in Family Ties and Marty McFly in Back to the Future. An amazing true story as only Michael J. Fox can tell it

In early 1985, Michael J. Fox was one of the biggest stars on television. His world was about to get even bigger, but only if he could survive the kind of double duty unheard of in Hollywood. Fox’s days were already dedicated to rehearsing and taping the hit sitcom Family Ties, but then the chance of a lifetime came his way. Soon, he committed his nights to a new time-travel adventure film being directed by Robert Zemeckis and produced by Steven Spielberg—Back to the Future. Sitcom during the day, movie at night—day after day, for months.

Fox’s nightly commute from a soundstage at Paramount to the back lot at Universal Studios, from one dream job to another, would become his own space-time continuum. It was in this time portal that Alex P. Keaton handed the baton to Marty McFly while Michael J. Fox tried to catch a few minutes of sleep. Alex’s bravado, Marty’s flair, and Fox’s comedic virtuosity all swirled together to create something truly special.

In Future Boy, Fox tells the remarkable story of playing two landmark roles at the same time—a slice of entertainment history that’s never been told. Using new interviews with the cast and crew of both projects, the result is a vividly drawn and eye-opening story of creative achievement by a beloved icon.

Michael J. Fox is a successful actor, author, and philanthropist. He first gained fame as Alex P. Keaton on the hit sitcom Family Ties, followed by his starring role as Marty McFly in the worldwide phenomenon Back to the Future. His other films include The Secret of My Success, Doc Hollywood, Casualties of War, and The American President. He returned to television in his Emmy Award–winning role as Deputy Mayor Mike Flaherty in Spin City, and continued acting in guest appearances on Rescue Me, The Good Wife, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Shrinking. Michael’s many honors include five Emmys, four Golden Globes, a Grammy, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards. He recently received an honorary Academy Award and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and he was appointed as an Officer of the Order of Canada. In 2000, he launched the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, which has become the leading Parkinson’s organization in the world, with over $2.5 billion raised to date for better treatments and a pathway to the cure. Fox is the author of four New York Times bestselling books: Lucky Man, Always Looking Up, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Future, and No Time Like the Future. He lives with his family in New York City.


Nelle Fortenberry has worked alongside Michael J. Fox for three decades, first serving as the president of his production company, Lottery Hill Entertainment, which coproduced Spin City. A former network television executive, Fortenberry has brought her creative expertise to Fox’s projects during their long partnership, including assisting him on his previous bestselling books. She is a founding member of the board of directors of the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, and she has written and directed multiple Webby Award–winning films about their work. Fortenberry received an Emmy Award and the National Board of Review Award in 2024 as executive producer of the Apple TV+ documentary Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie. She resides in Sag Harbor, New York, with her family.