Why Back To The Future’s Biff Actor Has A ‘Complicated’ Relationship With The Movie (And How ‘Butthead’ Is Involved)

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You might not know the name Thomas F. Wilson, but you’ve definitely seen his work. He’s best known for playing Biff Tannen in the Back to the Future movies. Though it’s been over 40 years since Biff first tormented Marty McFly and his father, Wilson now has a somewhat difficult relationship with the films, especially regarding Biff’s signature insult, “butthead.”

I was listening to Thomas F. Wilson on Michael Rosenbaum’s podcast, and he was talking about his time working on Back to the Future. He admitted that Eric Stoltz, who was originally cast as Marty McFly, wasn’t very nice to him. But even with everything that went on – and apparently there were some issues – Wilson said he feels incredibly lucky to have been a part of that movie. It was fascinating to hear him talk about it all.

Our relationship has been really complex. At times, it was the best thing for my career, but for a long stretch, it was actually the worst thing that could have happened to me as an actor.

More on Back to the Future
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  • The ‘Insane’ Story Behind How Michael J. Fox’s Favorite Nikes Became The Signature To Marty’s Back To The Future Style

Though Back to the Future was only Thomas F. Wilson’s second film role – following a small part in the 1985 movie Ninja Turf – no one could have predicted how successful it would become. He actually didn’t initially want the role of Biff, and later felt the film’s popularity hindered his career. He once told Michael Rosenbaum that he jokingly wished Eric Stoltz hadn’t been replaced as Marty McFly, believing the movie might have been less successful and allowed him more opportunities.

Wilson is feeling more positive about Back to the Future these days, but he also told Rosenbaum about how he felt about the film back in 2010, when it marked its 25th anniversary.

For 25 years, I always tried to please everyone who approached me. But after all that time, I decided I’d been more than accommodating. I’m not going to be aggressive or insult anyone anymore.

While the characters Marty and Biff’s opponents probably wouldn’t appreciate being called names, it’s understandable that fans of Back to the Future enjoyed hearing Thomas F. Wilson deliver that insult. Eventually, though, he became uncomfortable repeating it.

I’m entering a phase where I’m happy to pose for pictures without getting upset. I’m aiming for friendly smiles and good vibes. However, everyone still seems to want me to act tough – they ask me to insult them, playfully hit them, or even roughhouse with their family members!

So, Wilson wrapped up that part of the podcast by saying he loves meeting fans of Back to the Future, honestly. But he’d much prefer just chatting with people as, well, a person. He doesn’t want to be seen as some sort of achievement to unlock, or like someone they need to get an autograph from – just a regular guy who also happens to love the movie! That’s what he really wants, you know?

It’s frustrating when people don’t see you as a person, but as a means to an end. They think, ‘If only they’d do this one thing – sign here, say that, record a message – then I’ll get what I want.’ I much prefer connecting with people genuinely, just as people.

If you happen to meet Thomas F. Wilson, don’t ask him to call you “butthead.” Just treat him like any other person – you’ll both have a better conversation. He doesn’t mind people mentioning Back to the Future, and you can even ask him about his other work, like his various roles on SpongeBob SquarePants or his part as Hank Heywood on Legends of Tomorrow – that one’s a personal favorite!

Currently, you can’t stream any of the Back to the Future films. But if you subscribe to Paramount+, you can still hear Thomas F. Wilson – known for his role in Back to the Future – voicing the character Cecil Star in the SpongeBob spinoff, The Patrick Star Show.

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2026-01-24 04:39