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Melora Hardin Recalls Being Dropped From Back to the Future After Michael J. Fox Took Over

The renewed attention follows Fox’s memoir, which acknowledges height bias in the 1985 reshuffle.

Overview

  • Hardin says she “burst into tears” at 17 when told she was out after filming weeks as Jennifer Parker opposite Eric Stoltz.
  • She recounts being deemed too tall to play opposite Fox, while Fox’s memoir expresses regret over the prejudice and notes Robert Zemeckis surveyed female crew about audience perceptions.
  • Fox writes he was the filmmakers’ first choice but initially blocked by Family Ties, and that Stoltz was replaced after disappointing dailies.
  • Roughly six weeks of footage with Stoltz preceded the recast; Claudia Wells played Jennifer in the 1985 release, and Elisabeth Shue took over in the sequels.
  • Fox says he later met with Stoltz to talk through the past and that they have maintained a cordial correspondence.