Before becoming a time-traveler icon in Back to the Future, Michael J. Fox gained fame through his role in the television series Family Ties. However, his career almost took a different turn due to the doubts of Brandon Tartikoff, President of NBC at the time. He didn’t initially see Fox’s potential and tried to persuade the show’s creator to replace him. Tartikoff believed Fox's face was the sole reason he wouldn't work for the show. He said, “Look at that kid, that’s not a face you’re going to see on a lunchbox.” Despite Tartikoff’s objection, creator Gary Goldberg believed in Fox’s comedic talent and defended him. Fortunately, Fox went on to become a pop culture icon and starred in one of the most beloved movies of the '80s and remained on the show, becoming one of its most celebrated characters. In a playful response to Tartikoff's initial doubts, Fox had a lunchbox made with his picture on it and sent it to Tartikoff with a note saying, "Brandon, this is for you to put your crow in, love Michael J. Fox.” Tartikoff kept the lunchbox behind his desk as a reminder of the unpredictability of show business.
