'Back to the Future' Star Christopher Lloyd Found 'Perfect Love' with 5th Wife: 'You Are My Whole World'
- 85-year-old "Back to the Future" star Christopher Lloyd has a storied career, from theatrical beginnings to a role that turned him into a household name.
- In a heartwarming twist to his journey, he came close to turning down the iconic role that made him a legend.
- With four divorces under his belt, Lloyd finally found his "perfect love" with his fifth wife, and as it appears, the fifth time's the charm.
Christopher Lloyd and Lisa Loiacono Lloyd attend the Michael J. Fox Foundation opening night gala performance of "Back to the Future: The Musical" in New York City on July 25, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
In the world of Hollywood, where love stories can be as elusive as the next blockbuster hit, veteran actor Christopher Lloyd, best known for his iconic roles in "Back to the Future," "Taxi," and "Who Framed Roger Rabbit," seems to have gotten lucky in love.
Lloyd's career has been a long and successful one, but he has not had that much luck in his previous marriages. But the beloved actor seems to have hit the jackpot with his fifth and current wife, Lisa.
Christopher Lloyd as Reverend Jim Ignatowski in an episode of "Taxi" aired on October 31, 1978 | Source: Getty Images
Born on October 22, 1938, Lloyd made his New York theatrical debut in 1961. He stepped into the shoes of another actor in the production of "And They Put Handcuffs on the Flowers" by Fernando Arrabal.
Christopher Lloyd in a scene from the film "Back to the Future 3" in 1990 | Source: getty Images
His Broadway debut came in 1969 when he took the stage in "Red, White and Maddox." Before the mid-1970s, Lloyd was primarily a stage actor, making his mark in both Off-Broadway and Broadway productions.
In 1975, he made his silver screen debut, portraying psychiatric patient Max Taber in "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." However, it was his role as the eccentric Jim Ignatowski, a drug-using taxicab driver in the 1978 sitcom "Taxi," that earned him two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.
Christopher Lloyd during a scene from the film "Back To The Future" in 1985 | Source: Getty Images
One of the most iconic chapters in Lloyd's career is undoubtedly his portrayal of Dr. Emmett "Doc" Brown in the "Back to the Future" trilogy. While audiences worldwide came to adore his kooky scientist character, Lloyd revealed an interesting twist: He nearly let that DeLorean time machine pass him by.
Michael J Fox and Christopher Lloyd in a scene from "Back to the Future 3" in 1990 | Source: Getty Images
Lloyd admitted that he nearly turned down the role after reading the script, jesting, "I threw it in the wastebasket! I just wasn't into it." Little did he know that it would lead to one of the most beloved film franchises in history.
Christopher Lloyd and Thomas F. Wilson in a scene from "Back to the Future 3" in 1990 | Source: Getty Images
The magic happened in 1985 when the first film hit the screens, with two sequels following in 1989 and 1990. Audiences fell in love with the charismatic Marty McFly, played by Michael J. Fox, and Lloyd's portrayal of Doc Brown, the zany scientist who turned a DeLorean into a time-traveling machine.
Christopher Lloyd and Mary Steenburgen in a scene from "Back to the Future 3" in 1990 | Source: Getty Images
Lloyd's personal life is as captivating as his on-screen characters. He has had his fair share of failed marriages, and his first wife, Catherine Boyd Lloyd, made headlines in 2002 when she sued him for unpaid alimony. The legal tangle revealed the terms of their divorce agreement and showcased a lesser-known aspect of Lloyd's life.
But all that is in the past, as it seems that Lloyd has found what he had been looking for in Lisa Loiacano. Celebrating Loiacano's birthday in 2021, he poured his heart out, showcasing his contentment in his fifth marriage. He wrote:
"You are more wonderful and lovely in my eyes than you ever were before; and my pride and joy and gratitude that you should love me with such a perfect love are beyond all expression. Happy Birthday my dear Lisa…you are my whole world."
In a candid interview with The Guardian, which happened via Zoom, it became evident that Lloyd's vibrant personality extends beyond the big screen. He candidly shared the challenges he faces, including Zoom-related mishaps with his hearing aid. He relies on the skill and patience of his wife, Loiacano, to convey questions in these trying situations.
Lloyd proudly describes himself as a method actor, and he even hinted at the idea that he might bring his characters home with him. His wife, his biggest fan, doesn't mind it, and she's right there to support him.
It seems like the fifth time's the charm for Lloyd. He happily declared, "Five is the last," with Loiacano, his fifth wife, sitting right next to him. Their relationship weathered the COVID-19 period that tested couples worldwide.
For Lloyd, accustomed to filming away from their California home for half the year, it was an opportunity to bond and rediscover each other. He disclosed that they spent time enjoying dinners at home, with his wife's culinary skills taking center stage.
But there's a surprising twist to their story – Loiacano hikes with one of Lloyd's ex-wives, Jane Walker Wood, every morning. While some might find this situation awkward, Lloyd takes it in stride, exclaiming, "Funny how life turns out," and adds, "I'm glad they're having fun." Lloyd is also friends with Wood's new husband, and the two couples share meals regularly.
Despite his fame in kid-friendly films, Lloyd has never had children of his own. However, he has a stepson from Loiacano. Her son got married in July 2023, and Lloyd was present at the wedding.
While his personal life had several ups, Lloyd experienced a setback in 2008 when disaster struck through a wildfire that consumed his $11 million Montecito, California, home, which he had shared with Wood. The actor opened up about the heartbreaking experience of sorting through the charred remnants, eventually coming to terms with the fact that the house couldn't be rebuilt.
Christopher Lloyd attending a "Back to the Future Day" fan expo in 2016 in Vancouver, Canada | Source: Getty Images
The devastation was plain to see, with blown-out windows, demolished sections, and piles of concrete and ash scattered around. After losing his home in 2008, Lloyd embarked on a new chapter. He built an Umbria-inspired country home that featured an ocean view, a double-island kitchen, four bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, and 4,600 square feet of living space.
Christopher Lloyd attends "Great Scott! Revisiting Back to the Future" Q&A discussion in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on June 4, 2016 | Source: Getty Images
The five-acre property boasted a pool, a spa, gardens, fountains, and an expansive lawn, along with a Bocce ball court. With the help of his then-listing agent and now his wife, Loiacono, who was working for Sotheby's International Realty, he put the house on the market, turning the page and embracing a fresh start.
At 85, an age when many would consider retirement, Lloyd continues to grace our screens. But why does he keep going, especially in the sweltering heat of the industry? Danny DeVito, his friend and co-star from "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" and "Taxi," shed light on Lloyd's unquenchable passion. "He's an A-C-T-O-R," said DeVito, emphasizing every letter.
Christopher Lloyd's dedication is unwavering, his energy boundless. His career has been a whirlwind, filled with eclectic roles and a deep appreciation for the opportunities that acting has provided him. Having gone from amateur theatrical stages to gracing the silver screen, he's remained thankful for each job that came his way.
He's not afraid to tackle roles in films that might not be considered cinematic masterpieces. It's not about prestige for him; it's about what he can bring to a character. He emphasizes, "I have to feel that I can do something with the part. I'm not that reckless."
As he continues to embrace new challenges and entertain audiences, Lloyd reminds us that age is just a number when you're passionate about your craft.