It's about standing up to bullies. We live in a very aggressive culture these days. And I think there's something to that. There's something about seeing the average guy standing up to bullies that people love. Michael J. Fox

At the same time, the saga of Marty and Doc Brown is also about family ties, friendship and the desire to make amends for the past. — themes that continue to cross generations.

Released in 1985 with a budget of US$19 million, the film grossed almost US$389 million and became the box office champion of the year. The phenomenon gave rise to two sequels, an animated series, a Broadway musical, games, theme park rides and countless pop culture references.

But, for Fox, the real reward is not in the records, but in the affection of the public. For the actor, the fans' affection "gave him his life back" — a symbiotic exchange between artist and audience that stayed with him even after his Parkinson's diagnosis, at the age of 29.

They've been giving me something for 30, 40 years. They gave me my life. They gave me joy in the work I do and I am eternally grateful to them all for that. Michael J. Fox

Since then, the actor has reinvented himself. Between breaks and returns, he accumulated notable roles in "Doc Hollywood", "The American President", "Family Ties" and "Spin City", in addition to lending his voice to beloved characters such as Stuart Little and Milo Thatch, from "Atlantis: The Lost Empire".