Back to the Future star Claudia Wells explains how faith has helped her cope with tragedy: it’s “the reason I’m alive”



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Claudia Wells rose to fame after playing Marty McFly’s girlfriend Jennifer Parker in “Back to the Future” in 1985 – but then apparently disappeared from Hollywood.

The beloved classic, which starred Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd and Lea Thompson, among others, told the story of a high school student who is sent into the past with a time-traveling DeLorean invented by an eccentric scientist. .

The film’s success spawned a trilogy, but Wells reluctantly declined the offer to reprise his role. Elisabeth Shue then replaced her in “Back to the Future II” (1989) and “Back to the Future III” (1990).

At the time, Wells’ mother was dying of breast cancer, People magazine reported.

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Claudia Wells and Michael J. Fox.  on the set of 'Back to the Future'.

Claudia Wells and Michael J. Fox. on the set of ‘Back to the Future’.
(Photo by Sunset Boulevard / Corbis via Getty Images)

“I know she wanted me to continue playing the part and didn’t agree with my decision,” the 55-year-old told Fox News. “But I just wasn’t in a place emotionally where I could handle more than I already managed. I wanted my mom to be supported and cared for. I gave up the job completely, but I knew I would come back. Never felt it was over. I’m still waiting to come back. I still don’t feel like it’s over.

Wells credited her Christian faith with helping her face a dark period in her life.

“It made all the difference in the world,” she explained. “I did a TV series with Dean Jones when I was 15. And he was talking to me about God, the Holy Spirit and Jesus being his savior throughout the filming of the show. And then him and his wife. took my mom and go to church every Sunday… then I went through so many different things in my life when my mom was dying of cancer. I believe God put me through a lot. “

Wells admitted she was facing her “own rebellion” over her mother’s diagnosis. She said turning to her faith kept her from going down a turbulent path as she tried to hide the pain she was feeling.

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Claudia Wells put her Hollywood career on hold to take care of her mother.

Claudia Wells put her Hollywood career on hold to take care of her mother.
(Photo by CBS via Getty Images)

“I’ve had a lot of experiences that I wouldn’t want people to have, but God brought me out of them all,” the actress said. “I feel like it was all for a purpose so that one day I can help others through difficult times.”

“But God is everything to me,” she continued. “I can’t find happiness or peace without him. He’s really, really my only source of comfort and joy. Every time I turn my back on him, even during the darkest moments, I’ve lost that peace and that joy. [My faith is] the reason I’m alive, without a shadow of a doubt. And because of God, I know my mom is in Heaven. She is at her best and she is happy. She has no more pain and sadness. “

“My church family is my family,” she added.

According to Wells, the ailing matriarch died in October 1994. For nearly 30 years, Wells ran her Armani Wells menswear store, where she provides personal styling services. She said her role as a store owner gave her the opportunity to connect with others over the years as she healed.

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Claudia Wells is the proud owner of Armani Wells, a men's resale store where she also offers styling services.

Claudia Wells is the proud owner of Armani Wells, a men’s resale store where she also offers styling services.
(Photo by Amy Sussman / Getty Images)

“I say to all of my clients and clients, ‘This is God’s store and I have the privilege of working here,” she said. “The store has been completely fulfilling. I can show men the dignity they deserve. I want my customers to feel their best and experience the quality of a beautiful suit that they can wear forever. dress people to show them how beautiful they are. I see beauty in all people. Sometimes people don’t realize their own beauty. So I can show them just that through [clothes]. It gives me the same fulfillment as being an actor because it allows me to create a personal bond with someone. And I help them feel a sense of joy. “

But Wells hasn’t given up on acting for good. In fact, she would be ready to star in another “Back to the Future” movie.

“I wouldn’t just think about it, but I would raise my hand and say ‘Close please?'” She laughed. “The answer is absolutely… I feel like I’m at a point in my life where I can play so many different roles that I didn’t have the first hand knowledge to play when I was 18, 19. . I really believe it’s always in my future. “

And Wells hasn’t forgotten the past.

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Claudia Wells has said she is set to appear in a new sequel.

Claudia Wells has said she is set to appear in a new sequel.
(Photo by Hollywood To You / Star Max / GC Images)

Most recently, the Hollywood Museum went “Back to the Future” on Thursday when it reopened to the public with its blockbuster exhibition honoring the film trilogy.

Founder and President Donelle Dadigan presented a check for $ 5,000 to the Michael J. Fox Foundation, which is dedicated to finding a cure for Parkinson’s disease. Fox, who played McFly, started the foundation in 2000 after publicly disclosing his 1991 diagnosis at the age of 29. A personal video of the 60-year-old was presented for the occasion.

Wells supported the Hollywood Museum and its new exhibit. She is also an ambassador for Kids in the Spotlight, a non-profit organization that teaches young people in foster care how to write, cast and act in their own short films.

“I am so grateful for the life I have today,” Wells said. “My father is 96 years old. He and his wife have been married for 50 years. I’m my sister’s best friend. Actually my sister’s name is Jennifer … and I can’t wait to see what the future holds. Reserve.”

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