The 1980s were a golden era for sitcoms, and nestled among the beloved shows was “Family Ties.” This iconic Tv Show Family Ties Cast charmed audiences with its heartwarming portrayal of family life, humor, and the generational clash between parents and their children. Let’s take a nostalgic look at the cast of Family Ties and see what they’ve been up to since leaving the Keaton household.
Michael Gross as Steven Keaton
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Michael Gross perfectly embodied Steven Keaton, the progressive and loving father managing a TV station. Even before Family Ties, Gross had established himself with several television roles. His portrayal of Steven resonated deeply as he navigated the relatable challenges of marriage and raising a family amidst changing times.
Post-“Family Ties,” Michael Gross, now 75, has enjoyed a prolific career across film and television. He is particularly known for his role as Burt Gummer in the Tremors film franchise, showcasing his versatility beyond sitcoms. He also made memorable appearances on television dramas like ER and The Young and the Restless, further solidifying his status as a seasoned actor. In a reflective 2022 interview with ET, Gross spoke about the enduring legacy of “Family Ties,” highlighting the initial uncertainties of a show’s lifespan in the competitive television landscape and the eventual long-term success they achieved. Married to casting director Elza Bergeron since 1984, Gross became a stepfather, embracing family life both on and off-screen.
Meredith Baxter as Elyse Keaton
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Meredith Baxter brought warmth and intelligence to the role of Elyse Keaton, the family matriarch. Prior to “Family Ties,” Baxter had already earned Emmy nominations and gained recognition from her roles in Bridget Loves Bernie and Family. Elyse Keaton was a departure from typical sitcom moms, being an architect and a strong, independent woman balancing career and family.
An interesting fact is that Meredith Baxter and Michael Gross share the same birthday, forging a close bond that continues to this day. Gross mentioned in his ET interview their enduring friendship and mutual admiration, noting their 40-year connection. Since “Family Ties” concluded in 1989, Baxter, also 75, has remained actively engaged in acting. She reunited with Gross in a 2022 stage play and has an extensive list of credits in TV movies, series, and films. Notably, she even reprised her role as Michael J. Fox’s mother in several episodes of Spin City. A mother of five, Baxter has been married to Nancy Locke since 2013, openly sharing her journey and experiences as a lesbian mom.
Michael J. Fox as Alex P. Keaton
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Michael J. Fox, while a relative newcomer at the time, became the breakout star of “Family Ties” as the ambitious young Republican, Alex P. Keaton. His portrayal earned him five Emmy nominations and three wins, solidifying his place as a major talent. Gross recalled the overwhelming fan response to Fox’s character, recognizing his widespread appeal, especially among young female viewers.
Fox’s career trajectory after “Family Ties” is nothing short of phenomenal. He became a global superstar with the Back to the Future trilogy and starred in hit films like Doc Hollywood. He continued his television success with Spin City, Boston Legal, and The Good Wife, garnering an additional 13 Emmy nominations and two more wins. Beyond acting, Michael J. Fox’s impactful advocacy for Parkinson’s disease has become a defining aspect of his life. Diagnosed in 1991, he publicly shared his condition and established the Michael J. Fox Foundation, a leading organization in Parkinson’s research and awareness. His journey is documented in the poignant film Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie. Now 62, Fox is married to Tracy Pollan, whom he met on the set of “Family Ties,” and they have four children.
Justine Bateman as Mallory Keaton
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Justine Bateman was only 16 when “Family Ties” premiered, taking on the role of Mallory Keaton, the fashion-conscious older sister. Her performance earned her two Emmy nominations. However, the immense fame that came with the show had its challenges for the young actress. Bateman described the intense level of fame as overwhelming, making it difficult to navigate everyday life and feeling a lack of control over public perception.
Following “Family Ties,” Bateman continued to act in film and television, with roles in Men Behaving Badly, Easy to Assemble, and Men in Trees. Simultaneously, her younger brother, Jason Bateman, also rose to fame. In recent years, Justine Bateman, now 57 and a mother of two, has become a vocal advocate for natural aging in Hollywood. She has openly discussed her decision to forgo plastic surgery and challenges age-related stereotypes, as explored in her book, Face: One Square Foot of Skin.
Tina Yothers as Jennifer Keaton
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Tina Yothers charmed audiences as Jennifer Keaton, the wise-beyond-her-years younger sister, joining the cast at just 9 years old. In a 2020 reunion, Yothers fondly recalled her audition and the fun-loving atmosphere on set, highlighting the water gun fights and playful antics behind the scenes.
After “Family Ties,” Yothers pursued other acting roles before transitioning away from scripted television. She participated in reality shows like Celebrity Fit Club and Celebrity Wife Swap, showcasing a different facet of her personality. Now 50, Yothers is married to Robert Kaiser and has four children, embracing family life away from the spotlight of acting.
Brian Bonsall as Andrew “Andy” Keaton
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Brian Bonsall joined “Family Ties” as the youngest Keaton sibling, Andy, at the young age of 5, staying with the show for its final three seasons. In a 2020 interview, Bonsall shared warm memories of his time on the series, considering the cast his second family. He recounted anecdotes of Michael J. Fox’s kindness, including learning to play guitar from him, which ignited a lasting passion for music.
After stepping away from acting in the 1990s, Bonsall, now 41, pursued music, playing in several bands. His life also included personal challenges, including a 2007 arrest. However, in 2018, former co-star Marc Price indicated that Bonsall had moved forward and recently gotten married, suggesting a positive turn in his life.
Marc Price as Irwin “Skippy” Handelman
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Marc Price played Irwin “Skippy” Handelman, the lovable and persistent neighbor with an unrequited crush on Mallory. While Price had other acting roles after “Family Ties”, his true passion lies in stand-up comedy. Despite being widely recognized for his sitcom role, Price acknowledged that “Family Ties” ultimately helped him introduce himself as Marc Price the comedian to a broader audience.
In a 2018 interview, Price, now 55, revealed his continued close relationships with his “Family Ties” castmates. He even demonstrates his support for Michael J. Fox by donating proceeds from his comedy tour merchandise to the Michael J. Fox Foundation, showcasing the enduring bonds formed during their time on the beloved TV show family ties cast.
“Family Ties” remains a cherished part of television history, not just for its comedic and heartwarming storylines, but also for the talented cast that brought the Keaton family and their world to life. The actors who made up the tv show family ties cast have each carved out unique paths since the show’s conclusion, leaving lasting impressions both on and off screen.
