Already have an account?
Get back to the

Lea Thompson Reflects on the Legacy of Back to the Future 30 Years Later

Huffington Post Live logo

It’s been 30 years since Back to the Future hit the big screen, but the sci-fi movie is still considered a classic today. In a new interview with HuffPost Live, Lea Thompson, who played Lorraine, reflected back on the iconic film and its legacy.

Related: PHOTOS: ‘80s Stars: Then and Now

When asked why she thinks the movie has had such a cultural impact, the actress, 54, said, “I think that there’s a lot of reasons. One, it’s a great script. It’s still studied by screenplay experts. Another reason, I think, is because it’s something that you wanna share with your kids because the central theme in my opinion is that one moment can change your life, one moment of courage could change everything about not only your life, but your children’s lives. I think that’s a really important thing to share with your family and your kids.”

Lea Thompson with Michael J Fox
Lea Thompson with her Back to the Future costar Michael J. Fox.

Thompson spent a lot of time working on the Future films, but she admitted that she never thought about what 2015 would be like back then.

Related: PHOTOS: Stars Rewear Their Most Iconic Costumes From Movies, TV, and Music Videos

“I know that [the filmmakers] were thinking about the comedy of 2015, that’s why they made the costumes the way they did and the flying cars. I knew there wouldn’t be flying cars. I’m sure they could make them. They pretty much have the technology,” she laughed. “Another thing I was sure of was that we would still be wearing cotton. I don’t know why they always make these gross, polyester clothes. And I see all these poor people wearing those rubber coats that Marty McFly wore and they’re always sweating. Not a good thing. Stick with the cotton.”

Lea Thompson on Huffington Post
Lea Thompson stopped by HuffPost Live to reflect back on Back to the Future and its legacy.

Last year, Thompson put on her dancing shoes as she joined the Season 19 cast of Dancing With the Stars. She finished in sixth place with her partner, Artem Chigvintsev, and even paid tribute to her Back to the Future role in one of her dances. Now, she remembers her role fondly.

Related: PHOTOS: Dancing With the Stars Season 19 Cast: See the Celebs and Their Partners!

“It was such a great part. I’m so grateful to be known mostly for such a great movie and such a great part,” Thompson said. “I can’t think of my favorite scene. It’s magic to walk into the Enchantment Under the Sea dance and everyone’s dressed in ‘50s clothes and all of a sudden you’re transported into a different time. It was a really great thing about my job.”

Have a question you’d like to ask a celebrity? Check out who will be appearing on HuffPost Live and submit your question to be asked live on-air!

In this article

Got a Tip form close button
Got a tip for US?
We're All Ears for Celebrity Buzz!