Where Are the 12 Stars of ‘Family Ties’ Now?

Family Ties Cast: What Are They Up to Now?

 

It’s been 35 years since the classic series “Family Ties” came to an end, and many fans are curious about the actors who brought those beloved characters to life. Here’s a look at where some of the key cast members are today.

 

Brian Bonsall, who was just 5 years old when he joined the show as little Andy Keaton, has had quite a journey. Bonsall fondly recalls his time on set, saying, “Good memories for sure. They were a second family to me.” After “Family Ties,” he took on roles in ’90s productions like “Father Hood” and “Blank Check” before retiring from acting in 1995. He later pursued his passion for music and returned to acting in 2018 with a role in the series “Slaughsages,” plus he appeared in the 2022 indie film “You’re Melting!”

 

Courteney Cox made her mark as Lauren Miller in the show’s final two seasons, right before her iconic role on “Friends.” Following her time on “Family Ties,” Cox starred in the “Scream” franchise, enjoyed a recurring role in “Scrubs,” and graced the screen in shows like “Mothers and Daughters,” “Bedtime Stories,” “Shining Vale,” and “Cougar Town.”

 

Geena Davis is another actress who got her start on “Family Ties,” portraying Karen Nicholson. This role opened doors for her in major films such as “A League of Their Own,” “Thelma & Louise,” and television series like “Commander in Chief” and “Grey’s Anatomy.” Davis recently completed work on “Blink Twice,” which is currently in post-production, and she’s set to appear in the upcoming series “The Boroughs.”

 

Justine Bateman found success as Mallory Keaton and received two Emmy nominations for her performance. Since then, she’s starred in shows such as “Desperate Housewives,” “Psych,” “Deadbolt,” and “The Closer.” Bateman also directed her first feature film, “Violet,” launched in 2021.

 

Marc Price played the fan-favorite character Irwin “Skippy” Handelman. He expressed gratitude for the role, noting that “Family Ties” helped him introduce himself to audiences. Price transitioned to writing and producing after his acting career and has famously supported the Michael J. Fox Foundation with donations from his comedy tour.

 

Meredith Baxter, who portrayed the matriarch Elyse Keaton, continued her career in television with roles in productions like “Finding Carter,” “Being Mary Jane,” and the movie “The Faculty.” She also reunited with Michael J. Fox for several episodes on “Spin City.”

 

Michael Gross is best known for his role as Steven Keaton, a character he remains proud of. Gross reflected on the success of “Family Ties,” noting the fears of cancellation during its early days, yet it lasted seven seasons and over 175 episodes. He has since appeared in numerous shows, including “Suits,” “How I Met Your Mother,” “The Affair,” and “Grace and Frankie.”

 

Michael J. Fox became a breakout star through his role as Michael Keaton, earning three awards and later landing the iconic role of Marty McFly in “Back to the Future.” Despite a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis in 1998, Fox has remained active in Hollywood, advocating for research and education regarding the disease through his foundation.

 

Scott Valentine portrayed Nick Moore, a role that led to a spin-off series called “The Art of Being Nick.” After “Family Ties,” Valentine made guest appearances in shows like “Murder, She Wrote” and “CSI: NY,” and he now serves as managing director of Excelsior Capital Partner.

 

Tina Yothers pursued a music career after her time on “Family Ties” and formed the band Jaded. She has also engaged in acting and musical projects, making guest appearances on shows like “What Not to Wear” and “Celebrity Wife Swap,” and she shares two children with husband Robert Kaiser.

 

Lastly, Tom Hanks made appearances in the first two seasons of “Family Ties” before his career skyrocketed with roles in films like “Sleepless in Seattle,” “Saving Private Ryan,” “Forrest Gump,” and “Philadelphia.” Hanks has been a staple in the film industry, appearing in blockbusters and critically acclaimed projects.

 

Tracy Pollan, who appeared in 13 episodes of “Family Ties,” won Michael J. Fox’s heart, leading to their marriage in 1988. Pollan has remained relatively private but starred in dramas such as “Promised Land” and “Bright Lights, Big City,” and she collaborated with her family on a cookbook in 2014.

 

These former cast members from “Family Ties” have seen diverse paths in their careers and personal lives since the show ended, leaving behind a lasting legacy in television history.