Michael J. Fox Reflects on Iconic 1991 SNL Episode and Dana Carvey Impression

Michael J. Fox is opening up about an episode of SNL in 1991, which he hosted, and is revealing what pivotal moment shocked him the most.

During an interview with Oh! News, actor Fox took a trip down memory lane and discussed what it was like on the set of Saturday Night Liveincluding that memorable opening monologue when Dana Carvey and David Spade joined him on stage as… Michael J. Fox.

Fox recalls the moment and says, “That was great. I didn’t think I had that much to imitate, so I was a little fascinated with how they found something.”

Fox hosted an SNL episode on March 16, 1991, shortly after the release of two back-to-back Back to the Future movies. The actor appeared alongside the late Chris Farley and introduced the band the Black Crowes.

During the opening monologue, Spade and Kevil Nealon joined Fox on stage dressed as Fox’s character Marty McFly and Christopher Lloyd’s character Doc from the Back to the Future franchise. Spade and Fox exchange a lighthearted back and forth, and Spade states, “I’m you! I’m Michael J. Fox! I just came from 90 minutes in the future. The show’s a complete dud!“

Fox recalls the moment fondly and says the sketch was “really good“as he felt he was”pretty milquetoast and generic.” Carvey’s impersonation of the actor left a lasting impression on Fox, and he continues by adding, “I never imagined that he’d do it, but he got that, he totally nailed it. He really did. I love Dave a lot, but I really loved Dana’s impression.”

The actor is known for his role in the Back to the Future franchise 40 years on, but also for other notable roles, including Teen Wolf, Family Ties, Stuart Littleand Atlantis: The Lost Empire. Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1991 when he was 29, but did not make the information public until 1998.

Fox has since released a memoir titled Future Boy and has been semi-retired from acting since 2020 due to his health, but has made several acting appearances since then. He currently advocates for Parkinson’s research and runs a charity titled the Michael J. Fox Foundation.

He received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 2022 for his advocacy and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2024. For his acting, he has won five Emmy Awards, four Golden Globe Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and a Grammy Award.