BACK TO THE FUTURE Star Claudia Wells: ‘I Am…Proof That God Is Real’
By Movieguide® Contributor
Actress Claudia Wells was a part of one of the biggest movies of the ‘80s, starring alongside Michael J. Fox in BACK TO FUTURE, but substance abuse and a difficult relationship with her mother halted her success. The only thing that saved her? Her relationship with God.
Wells was a successful child actress, living with her two siblings and her single mother. Acting was when she was happiest.
“My fun and joy was when the camera was on and I got to be a person and act,” she explained. “Because every single role I played, the drug addicts, it was really so many wonderful parts; the pregnant girl who was lying about it. I got to take a part of me and express it.”
But when the cameras were off and she had to go home, Wells lived an entirely different life with an angry, alcoholic mother.
“I thought everyone grew up hearing, ‘I regret the day you were ever born,’” she shared. “I really thought that was a normal thing. I was either the greatest or I was worse than my father, worse than her mother. I didn’t know who I was because I was told so many different things.”
By the time she was 16, Wells had already attempted suicide and was bulimic. In 1982, she was cast in HERBIE THE LOVE BUG, and her relationship with costar Dean Jones and his wife Claudia changed her life.
“He talked to me about the hole that was inside of me, and if I don’t fill it with God, and if I don’t fill it with Jesus Christ, it’ll get filled with men and drugs and problems,” Wells remembered. “So, I said the sinner’s prayer with Dean at lunch one day and I became saved. Not really understanding anything that that meant, but God heard me.”
Her big break came with BACK TO THE FUTURE, but when her mom was diagnosed with cancer, Wells left Hollywood to take care of her.
“I took care of her the best that I could,” Wells said. “I was not in a place emotionally to do anything that had anything to do with acting. I was so angry. And I stopped acting because it was so important to my mom.”
In 2008, her mother died, and Wells found comfort in her faith.
“I said, ‘God, I’m really sorry. I’m sorry for the horrible things I said about her,” the actress said. “I’m sorry for hurting her on purpose by destroying myself to the best of my ability. I’m sorry for the mean things I did and said. I’m sorry. Please, will you forgive me?’
“Then it occurred to me, ‘Wait a minute. Why am I being so horrible to myself?'” Wells continued. “Jesus died on the cross and he took up all these horrible sins that I’m condemning myself for.”
“And I said, ‘I’m not a mistake. I am not a mistake.’ And I was sobbing, and I was saying, ‘I am not a mistake.’ I didn’t even know that I thought I was a mistake. I just knew she regretted the day I was born…I said, ‘I’m not a mistake.’”
Today, Wells runs a clothing store, and still shows up on screen from time to time.
“God has given me such a level of peace and it’s from Him, and I can prove I am walking, talking, proof that God is real, that Jesus Christ exists, every blessing comes from Him,” Wells concluded.
View this post on Instagram
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
- Content: +3Share:
- Content: +1