Hi Tom,
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Archived from the IMDb Discussion Forums — Thomas F. Wilson
BonIver — 16 years ago(July 22, 2009 10:28 AM)
Hi Tom,
From reading your blog I gathered that you check imdb now and then so perhaps you will stumble across this, perhaps not. Anyhow, I recently saw that you no long wish to sign "Back to the Future" junk anymore. I find this to be quite sad that you now feel that way. Tom, I realise you wish to branch out, focusing on your work as an actor and your comedy act, as well as your art and I can completely understand that you don't wish to be seen simply as "Biff", but you must understand that many, many people have fond memories of that movie and the character you portrayed. Back to the Future is my favourite movie of a2000ll time, bar none. I have so many wonderful and happy memories from watching the movies. I don't own a lot of memorabilia but try to collect when I can.
Admittedly, when I see you in other work, I instantly recognise you as Biff, but continue to watch because of my love of your work from BTTF. My girlfriend and I recently stumbled upon Freaks and Geeks and low and behold, you pop up on the screen. I told her who you were and thoroughly enjoyed every scene you were in. The character was different from Biff, but still terrific.
I have never had the opportunity to meet you and have heard lovely stories but it saddens me to know that if I ever did, I could not have anything to do with BTTF signed by you (which, given that it's my favourite movie, it would likely be something related to the movie), nor could I mention it. I wouldn't yell, "hey, butthead" or anything asinine, I would simply be courteous, give you a compliment, request a picture perhaps or an autograph. I would not sell your autograph on ebay for financial gain and presumably a whole bunch of fans would do likewise. I have read stories in which you claim autograph seekers merely want to sell it online, but a quick search on ebay brings up ONE autograph for $60.
I have read your blog and your daughters who claims it's horrible to be known as "Biff's daughter". Granted, yes, I can see why that may be irritating after a while and since your daughter asked that we look at it from her perspective, I ask she look at it from the perspective of a fan. So many people love what her father did and the movie her father was in. I'm sorry she had to deal with morons yelling, "Biff" or some quote from the movie, but more respectful fans simply love the work you did. You created something special that for the past 25 years has entertained so many and continues to (a recent reunion convention and three sold out showings of the trilogy) and something you will be remembered for. Without (and I wish to cause absolutely no offence) that role, would you be remembered for National Lampoons Men In White or your voice over work? Would you have the luxury to tour around with your comedy act? I would suggest no. I don't wish to belittle your career as you have managed to have a steady flow of work when so many actors stagnate after a large role or resort to tv movies or low budget crapfests.
So Tom, I realise after 25 years it might be a little tired, but you are constantly gaining new fans with more and more people discovering the movies. So I urge you to reevaluate your stance on signing BTTF merchandise or distancing yourself from the movie and the role. You should be proud of what you did and proud that so many people love it and have loved it since it's release.
Thank you. -
franscutchy — 16 years ago(April 03, 2010 10:34 PM)
BonIver,
Nicely worded, my friend. I did meet Tom at the Irvine Improv last December, and yes, that horrible rumor is very true. He told me flat out as I walked to him with my trilogy (already signed by Bob Gale and Neil Canton): "Oh, I don't sign Back to the Future stuff anymore." I know he saw the crushed look on my face so, thinking on his feet like he's good at, he quickly grabbed me and hugged me twice, saying: "This is better than plastic! Human contact is better than plastic!" He was bloody friendly, I'll give him that, along with his comic talent.
I took this pretty hard, as I am collecting BTTF autographs, so I went on his blog and told him all about this. Well, my comments had to be approved by him first before they're posted on there a day later, my comments were on his blog!
The thing is, in recent weeks I have begun to understand how annoying it must be to only be known for one thing in a 25+ year career. Then again, he should be proud of it like you said. So many people, like us, grew up with these movies.
Btw, where are those comments from his daughter? I've never heard that before? -
Banno — 15 years ago(August 20, 2010 07:41 AM)
What a shame to read. One of my fave films and one of the greatest characters. I still quote Biff when talking to my nieces and nephews.
I would be proud to have such a legacy. Most of us don't come close. Its not like he doesn't do anything else 1908is it.
Could have been worse I guess, he could have played Superman. -
!!!deleted!!! (1688273) — 15 years ago(August 20, 2010 12:15 PM)
"He told me flat out as I walked to him with my trilogy (already signed by Bob Gale and Neil Canton): "Oh, I don't sign Back to the Future stuff anymore." I know he saw the crushed look on my face so, thinking on his feet like he's good at, he quickly grabbed me and hugged me twice, saying: "This is better than plastic! Human contact is better than plastic!""
A genuine encounter like that sure beats an autograph any day. -
franscutchy — 15 years ago(August 20, 2010 10:05 PM)
Says you to the one who collects personalized autographs for his own private collection.
Tom is an all-around great guy, nothing at all like Biff, and he oozes with talent. He can do it all. BUT, he should be thanking his lucky stars that he was a part of something that special. He played a cop in "That Darn Cat". what if that movie suddenly gets popular and develops a cult following will he then refuse to sign "That Darn Cat" stuff? It doesn't make any sense.
If he refuses to sign BTTF memorabilia, then why does he even bother mentioning it and doing the lines in his standup act?? Why doesn't he just leave it out?? Why tease us? He's the one that brings it up.
But I don't hold it against him. He's a great man. -
kjwilliamslcsw — 12 years ago(August 20, 2013 11:53 PM)
All those words to persuade someone to do what YOU want him to do and ignore the decision he made about HIS life. Now that's REALLY SAD. We do not have the power to control other people's lives. Nor should we, it's selfish and disrespectful.
I think I am taking all of this rather well.