'I nearly quit acting because of Matthew Broderick': Michael J. Fox on how '80s rivalry almost forced him to become a builder
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With his starring roles in cult '80s movies Teen Wolf and Back to the Future, it’s hard to believe Michael J. Fox nearly gave up acting to become a builder.
But now Fox, 52, has admitted he nearly quit show business to head back to Canada and work in construction, because he kept losing roles to Matthew Broderick.
'In 1982, I was desperate to have a job in LA,' Fox said, when he was honored at the recent Casting Society of America’s annual Artios Awards.
Fox on the box: Actor Michael J. Fox has admitted he nearly quit television to work in construction, because he kept losing roles to Matthew Broderick. Fox is pictured here at the CSA 29th Annual Artios Awards Ceremony on November 18, 2013 in New York City
'I owed money, and my phone was cut off. I was selling sections of my sectional sofa. I was ready to go back to Canada and pick up nails on my brother’s construction site,' he says.
But the Spin City star said his luck changed when he went in to read for the show Family Ties.
'They [initially] wanted Matthew Broderick,' he admits.
'He’d usually go in first for auditions, and you’d hear hands shaking. I was always losing jobs to Matthew Broderick.'
Old rivals: Michael J. Fox was photographed on the set of 'The Michael J Fox Show', and on the right, Matthew Broderick, attended an event in New York City earlier this month.
Fox was honored with the New York Apple Award at XL Nightclub at the Out NYC, where guests included Fox’s Spin City co-star Richard Kind, Orlando Bloom, Hank Azaria, Emily Mortimer and Zosia Mamet. A simultaneous ceremony was held in LA at the Beverly Hilton.
The actor was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1991 and announced his 'semi-retirement' from performing in 2000, when the symptoms of his disease became more acute.
But now Fox is currently starring in The Michael J. Fox Show on NBC, based loosely on his life.
Great Scott! Luckily Fox persisted in acting and eventually landed the role as Marty McFly in Back to the Future, alongside Christopher Lloyd, right.
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How can this be so? Matthew B has been in about 3 great 80's movies - hardly enough to keep Michael J out of a job.
This is pretty funny, dang you Matthew lol. Hopefully they don't hate each other tho, both seem like good guys, and good actors.
Both good actors that bring a lot of their own to entertainment. Glad he stuck it out, Back to the Future wouldn't have been nearly as magical without him.
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Helen, Toronto, 3 days ago
Michael J Fox's comedic timing is beyond compare. Best of luck to him in living with Parkinson's.