Eric Stoltz (born September 30, 1961) is an American actor, director and producer. He played Rocky Dennis in the biographical drama film Mask, which earned him the nomination for the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture, and has appeared in a wide variety of films, from mainstream ones including Some Kind of Wonderful to independent films such as Pulp Fiction, Killing Zoe and Kicking and Screaming.
Why was Eric Stoltz fired from Back to the Future?
Eric Stoltz was fired from Back to the Future after a month of filming, making way for Michael J. Fox to take over as Marty McFly. Stoltz’s method of acting and lack of comedic chops led to reservations from the cast and crew, who felt he wasn’t bringing the right energy to the role.
Stoltz has never publicly discussed Back to the Future. Lloyd’s concern is better understood when, later in the retrospective, the actor explains that while making One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, after a break in production he struggled to recommit to the Max Taber character.