42 Years After ‘Family Ties’ Premiered: See What the Main Cast Looks Like Now

Over forty years after the debut of the hit show “Family Ties,” we’re revisiting the beloved cast to see how they’ve changed and what they’ve been up to since the show concluded. One former cast member even disclosed the surprising reason behind the series’ end.

The sitcom “Family Ties” captured hearts when it premiered in 1982, quickly becoming a cultural phenomenon. Spanning seven successful seasons until 1989, it remains a cherished piece of television history.

Over the years, the cast of “Family Ties” has faced unique challenges and milestones, from embracing their identity and battling health issues to legal troubles and writing books. Here’s a glimpse at where they are today.

Michael Gross

In 2022, Michael Gross, who portrayed the family patriarch, Steven Keaton, reflected on the unexpected success of “Family Ties” in an interview, noting, “You live in fear that you’re going to be canceled after the first 13, or the pilot won’t even get picked up… […] And then seven years later, we had done about 175 episodes.”

He also shared that the show ended because the producers felt the characters had outgrown their stories, with Alex P. Keaton’s journey from high school to graduate school making it unrealistic for him to remain at home. As the producers explained, “It makes no sense” for a character ready to conquer the world to still live with his parents.

Since wrapping up his role on “Family Ties,” the actor, now 77, has taken on diverse projects, showcasing his versatility as an actor. He starred in three “In the Line of Duty” films, lent his voice to audiobooks, and gained recognition as Burt in the cult-favorite “Tremors” films, beginning in 1990.

Despite their busy lives, Gross divulged that he keeps up with his “Family Ties” co-stars “to a degree,” primarily through social media, but remains especially close to Meredith Baxter. “Meredith and I were both 35 when we met… We’ve known each other for 40 years and we’re still friends,” he said in the 2022 interview.

The veteran star also mentioned that he and the beloved TV mom would be performing a play together in July of that year, emphasizing how much they enjoy working together and how deeply they value their friendship.

Meredith Baxter

Baxter played Elyse Keaton, Gross’s on-screen wife on the beloved television show. As a family matriarch, she worked as an architect.

The actress had previously gained recognition with guest roles in popular shows like “The Doris Day Show” and “The Partridge Family.” Years after “Family Ties” ended, she made a life-changing revelation.

In 2009, Baxter came out as a lesbian, sharing, “I’m a lesbian mom.” Reflecting on her journey, she admitted that being gay “had never crossed my mind” during her three marriages to men, but clarified, “That doesn’t mean I was questioning.”

The now-77-year-old’s children, including her son Peter, warmly supported her when she opened up about her sexual orientation. Peter recalled, “I just couldn’t stop smiling because she finally figured it out,” referring to his reaction.

Brian Bonsall

Gross and Baxter’s youngest on-screen son in “Family Ties,” Brian Bonsall, also left a mark in Hollywood. After his role as Andy Keaton, the actor appeared as Worf’s son Alexander Rozhenko on “Star Trek: The Next Generation” and starred in “Blank Check” in 1994.

In 2010, Bonsall faced legal trouble, receiving probation for felony menacing and assault. Since then, he has turned his focus to music, pursuing a career as a rock musician and guitarist.

Married in 2017 and now a proud father, Bonsall, 43, occasionally shares heartwarming photos of his son on Instagram. Fans often comment on his posts, with one joking, “How did you age so much? The ’90s were only ten years ago.”

Meanwhile, others reflected on his resemblance to his son, “He looks exactly like you on Family Ties!” and “He’s a mini you!” Another follower gushed, “Awwwwwww heart melting… happy dads day.”

Michael J. Fox

Bonsall’s on-screen older brother, Alex P. Keaton, was played by Michael J. Fox, who later starred in iconic films like “Teen Wolf” (1985) and the “Back to the Future” franchise.

Having lived with Parkinson’s disease for over 30 years, Fox, 63, reflected on his journey at the Michael J. Fox Foundation’s “A Country Thing Happened on the Way to Cure Parkinson’s” event in early 2024.

The Canadian native shared, “Good things are happening, and life is good,” including his daughter’s upcoming wedding.

While optimistic, the actor—who is married to actress Tracy Pollan and has four children with her—acknowledged the challenges, saying, “A lot of things have been a lot of effort… And so it was a tough year, but a good year, in each of the challenges [that] came up.”

Balancing personal milestones and professional commitments, including a documentary and a movie, Fox remains a source of inspiration.

Tina Yothers

Tina Yothers, now 51, portrayed Jennifer Keaton, the youngest daughter in “Family Ties.” Jennifer was a sharp, witty, and tomboyish character who brought humor and heart to the show.

Yothers, born on May 5, 1973, in Whittier, California, began acting in commercials at the age of three, following in the footsteps of her older brothers, Jeff, Randy, and Cory.

After the series ended in 1989, Yothers took on various TV projects in the 1990s, including guest roles in “Married… with Children” and “Laker Girls.” In 1995, she appeared in “A Perry Mason Mystery: The Case of the Jealous Jokester,” showcasing her versatility beyond sitcoms.

In 2006, Yothers made headlines for her dramatic weight loss on VH1’s “Celebrity Fit Club,” shedding 42 pounds and embracing fitness. She credited her success to portion control, regular cardio workouts, and a strong support system.

Yothers, who reached 210 lbs. during her first pregnancy, proudly embraced her transformation. “We’ve gone to the river three times this year, and I ve [sic] worn a bikini every time!” she said at the time.

In addition to her work in television, Yothers is married to electrician Robert Kaiser, and the couple has two children: Lillian Grace, born in 2005, and Jake, born in 2007. She is also a stepmother to Kaiser’s children from a previous marriage.

In 2022, Yothers appeared on “The Daily Beast Live” to reflect on her time on the iconic show. “It was a good time,” she said, reminiscing about filming with her co-stars. Her appearance at the time captivated fans. “She has grown into such a beautiful woman,” one fan commented while another declared, “Still so pretty.”

Justine Bateman

Following Fox’s inspiring journey, Justine Bateman, who portrayed his on-screen sister Mallory Keaton, thrived in her acting career with roles in “Satisfaction” (1988), “Arrested Development” (2003), and more, earning her a Golden Globe nomination and two Emmy nods.

In 2022, Bateman released her second book, “Face: One Square Foot of Skin,” a collection of stories from 47 women exploring aging and societal pressures to maintain youth. The actress shared that the project was inspired by her shock when Google autofill suggested “Justine Bateman looks old,” a moment that prompted her to examine how society views aging.

Bateman hopes the book helps readers confront their fears, with stories encouraging them to redefine beauty and embrace aging with confidence.

The cast of “Family Ties” has journeyed far beyond their iconic roles, each carving unique paths marked by personal growth, challenges, and triumphs. From Fox’s resilience in the face of Parkinson’s and Baxter’s courageous embrace of her identity to Brian Bonsall’s reinvention as a musician and Justine Bateman’s advocacy for rethinking societal beauty standards, their stories continue to inspire.

Decades after the show’s end, these actors remind us of the enduring power of reinvention and the importance of embracing every chapter of life. As “Family Ties” taught its viewers, growth, love, and self-discovery are timeless themes that resonate long after the credits roll.