Lou

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

In 1955, Lou operates his cafe during a pivotal moment when Marty McFly, stranded in the past, seeks to repair the timeline. After saving George McFly from an oncoming car, Marty wakes up being tended to by Lorraine Baines at this location. Lou's establishment serves as the backdrop where Lorraine first becomes infatuated with Marty, mistaking him for a future suitor. The cafe is also where Biff Tannen and his gang, including Skinhead, 3-D, and Match, harass George McFly.

In Their Own Story

Norman Alden portrays Lou in both the 1955 and 1985 segments of the film. In 1955, he watches over his cafe as Marty navigates the dangers of interacting with his teenage parents. The cafe is where George McFly eventually finds the courage to stand up to Biff after Lorraine is threatened. Lou's presence anchors the scene where George knocks Biff unconscious and escorts a grateful Lorraine to the dance. In 1985, Lou likely continues his business as usual, unaware that his employee Goldie Wilson once dreamed of becoming mayor but was stuck working for him.

Reader's Guide

Lou appears in the 1955 flashback sequences and the 1985 main timeline. He does not appear in the 2015 sequence shown at the end of the film, nor does he feature in Back to the Future Part II or Part III. His role is strictly confined to the cafe setting where George and Lorraine's relationship is forged and repaired. Fans looking for Lou should focus on the scenes involving Biff Tannen bullying George McFly inside the cafe.

Did You Know?

• Lou is played by actor Norman Alden.
• His cafe employee, Goldie Wilson, is a character who appears as Dixon's future mayor in the film's timeline.
• Lou serves as the location manager for the scene where Lorraine Baines first falls for Marty McFly instead of her intended husband, George.
• The 1955 version of Lou witnesses Biff Tannen and his gang (Skinhead, 3-D, and Match) harassing a young George McFly.