In light of his Parkinson’s diagnosis, Michael J. Fox has undergone significant transformations in his life. One of the most notable changes was his retirement from the world of acting. The beloved actor reached a point where memorizing scripts became an insurmountable challenge. It was a particular scene in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, that served as a poignant catalyst for Michael J. Fox’s introspection about his career and ultimately led to his decision.
Leonardo DiCaprio, against Quentin Tarantino’s initial intentions for the Rick Dalton scene, actually improvised the scene in question. Tarantino ultimately recognized that DiCaprio’s creative direction elevated the film, and fans, too, celebrated the scene as it etched itself into the collective memory as the most unforgettable moment of the entire movie.
How Leonardo DiCaprio’s Once Scene Forced Michael J. Fox To Retire
In the year 2019, Leonardo DiCaprio took the lead in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, where he brilliantly embodied the character of Rick Dalton. True to form, DiCaprio excelled in this role, infusing the Quentin Tarantino film with his signature flair.
While observing the improvised scene, it appears that Michael J. Fox experienced a profound revelation. In a particular scene, Rick Dalton undergoes a complete breakdown in his trailer as he struggles to recall his lines. Michael J. Fox empathized with this instance and recognized that his tenure in acting might have reached its conclusion.
Fox said (via The Things):
“I thought of Once Upon A Time In Hollywood. There’s a scene where Leonardo DiCaprio’s character can’t remember his lines anymore. He goes back to his dressing room and he’s screaming at himself in the mirror. Just freaking insane.”
Fox went on to express gratitude for his enduring career and the people he influenced throughout his journey. Nonetheless, the harsh reality is that managing Parkinson’s presents daily challenges. Ultimately, the actor made a prudent decision, particularly in terms of reducing some of the burdens in his life.
Not The First Time Leonardo DiCaprio Has Gone Off-script
Quentin Tarantino often places his iconic characters squarely within the morally ambiguous territories of humanity. However, with Calvin J. Candie in Django Unchained, the director delved into the depths of despicable villainy. Leonardo DiCaprio poured his heart and soul into the intense portrayal of this merciless slave owner, even though he found the role unsettling.
What started as a friendly conversation swiftly soured into something far darker. In the midst of one of his emotional outbursts, DiCaprio forcefully struck his hand against a glass, resulting in his hand being smeared with blood for the rest of the scene.
The injury wasn’t scripted into the plot; rather, it occurred because the actor from The Great Gatsby became so deeply engrossed in the scene that he inadvertently harmed himself.
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is available for streaming on Starz.
Source: The Things
