Sometimes the best friendships start in the most unexpected places—and for Teen Wolf co-stars Michael J. Fox and Doug Savant, that’s exactly what happened.
Long before red carpets and primetime fame, the two actors crossed paths through a surprising mutual connection: The Facts of Life star Nancy McKeon.
At Lifetime’s Summer Soirée event in Santa Monica earlier this month, Savant opened up to People magazine about how he and Fox became friends, sharing a few nostalgic behind-the-scenes stories from the 1985 cult classic.
From School Hallways to Hollywood Sets
Doug Savant, now 61, grew up in Burbank, California, and had already built strong ties in the entertainment world as a kid.
He went to school with Nancy McKeon and her brother Philip, known for their TV roles in Facts of Life and Alice.
“We were dear friends,” Savant said, reflecting on his close bond with the McKeon siblings.
So when he landed a role in Teen Wolf—playing Brad, the classmate and basketball teammate of Fox’s werewolf character, Scott Howard—it turned out he already had an unspoken connection to the star of the film.
Keeping Quiet… Until Fox Found Out
Interestingly, Savant didn’t mention this connection to Fox at first.
“I just wanted to do my job and be professional,” he explained.
He didn’t want to come off as trying to use personal ties to get ahead. So, he stayed quiet—until Fox found out on his own.
Fox went home one night and mentioned his new co-star to then-girlfriend Nancy McKeon.
As soon as she saw the call sheet, she made the connection.
“Doug Savant? We were family friends!” she told Fox.
The next day on set, Fox playfully confronted Savant: “Why didn’t you tell me that?” Apparently, he was a bit miffed at first—but that quickly turned into camaraderie.
Building a Bond on and off the Set
After that funny exchange, Savant said the friendship took off.
“I had a great time working with Michael,” he said warmly, remembering the experience of shooting Teen Wolf alongside one of the biggest stars of the ’80s.
At the time, Fox was riding high from his breakout roles as Alex P. Keaton in Family Ties and Marty McFly in Back to the Future.
Even amid his growing fame, he managed to form real bonds with his co-stars.
Savant, who later became a TV star himself through his roles on Melrose Place and Desperate Housewives, still looks back at Teen Wolf with affection.
“I have such great memories from that film,” he said. “It’s had a stunning lifetime.”
A Cult Classic That Keeps on Giving
Even now, decades later, the film keeps popping up in the most unexpected places.
While working on a newer show, Savant found himself in the craft service trailer—and Teen Wolf happened to be playing on the screen.
“There I was doing my job on a new show, but watching Teen Wolf in the craft service trailer,” he said with a laugh.
For Savant, it was a reminder of how far he’s come—and how meaningful those early projects were.
The movie’s legacy has endured, spawning sequels and TV adaptations.
“It resonated,” Savant said. “I’m just grateful to have been a small part of it.”
Michael J. Fox’s Journey Beyond Hollywood
While Fox’s career continued to flourish, life threw him a major curveball in 1991 when he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at just 29 years old.
Though he kept the diagnosis private for several years, he made the news public in 1998 and has since become one of the most recognizable advocates for Parkinson’s research.
Despite the health challenges, Fox has remained active and inspiring.
Through the Michael J. Fox Foundation, he’s raised millions for research aimed at finding a cure.
Love, Family, and a Hollywood Romance
Fox’s personal life also blossomed. He met actress Tracy Pollan while filming Family Ties, though they didn’t begin dating until a few years later, during their time on the 1988 movie Bright Lights, Big City. That same year, they tied the knot.
Now, over three decades later, they share four children: Sam, 36, twin daughters Aquinnah and Schuyler, both 30, and their youngest, Esmé, who is 23.
A Legacy Built on Talent and Friendship
Through it all—fame, family, and health battles—Fox’s ability to forge meaningful relationships has been a constant.
For Doug Savant, their bond started over a shared movie set and a secret connection.
And it grew into something both actors still cherish.
Their story is a sweet reminder that even in the glitter of Hollywood, genuine friendships are what make the journey truly memorable.