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 did Michael J. Fox replace Eric Stoltz?
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.
By early January 1985, with more than a month of photography completed, the difficult decision to replace Eric Stoltz was made. Though the announcement would be a surprise to some of the film’s cast and crew, some suspected something drastic was about to happen. Director of Photography Dean Cundey, also quoted in Gaines’ book, remembers, “There were signs, especially the last week or so.