Key Takeaways:
– Michael J. Fox discusses the unique experience of being “80s famous”
– The actor compares his era to the modern age of instant fame through social media
– Fox underscores the importance of talent over popularity in the 80s
Michael J. Fox, the emblematic face of 80s pop culture, regaled People Magazine with his perception of stardom during their 50th-anniversary celebration this week. Known for his iconic roles in Family Ties, Teen Wolf, The Secret of My Success, and Back to the Future, Fox reflected on a term he was introduced to – “80’s famous.”
Reliving the Past: The Era of ’80s Fame
Fox unpacked his interpretation of being “80’s famous” in his candid interaction with the magazine. He reminisced about the toughness of being famous during that time, crediting it to the absence of social media and the heavy reliance on individual talent.
“There’s an expression I referred to when they gave me an honorary Academy Award —being ’80s famous.’ I thought, that’s cool,” he narrated. Fox showcased how celebrities of his age had to rely on their own resources. In his words, “We were unique. We were tough. No social media, none of that nonsense. We were just famous.”
A Comparison: Then and Now
When questioned if it was tougher being famous in the 80s than it is now, Fox responded, “Well, you had to be talented. That helped.” He further elaborated on how being an actor then required serious dedication to the craft. According to him, actors had to work hard, constantly hone their acting skills, and engage in learning conversations about acting with their peers. This contrasts starkly with today’s social media culture, which often thrusts individuals into instant fame.
Fox ridiculed the present-day notion of fame by stating, “And now you’ve got people who just query, ‘Who’s your attire designer? Show me that dance step?’ And you’re globally famous.”
Journey of Struggle to Stardom
Fox’s gripping journey from Canada to Hollywood, young and alone, with no work permit, has also been documented in the film “Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie.” He details his life in a cramped studio apartment, with a sink doubling as his kitchen sink. The constant pile of unwashed dishes and sectional couch got him through difficult times.
The actor chuckled about how he occasionally sold sections of his couch when he had a money crunch. Amidst this struggle, Fox kept auditioning consistently, earning bit roles until he finally got to Family Ties. The rest, as they say, was history.
Though he became an intrinsic part of 80s pop culture, his journey underscores the grit, hard work, and sheer dedication it took to make it big in an era where talent was championed over instant fame strategies.
The nostalgia of 80s fame brings us back to a time when hard work, resilience, and actual talent were the key to breaking into Hollywood. Michael J. Fox’s reflection on his journey and emphasis on ’80s fame remind us of the real substance behind stardom.
