See What The Cast Of ‘Family Ties’ Looks Like Today

Among the many television families we’ve encountered over our years glued to the TV set it seems certain that the ‘Family Ties’ cast is one of the most beloved. Week after week viewers flocked to the box to see what the Keatons had in store for America — and it was rarely a letdown. Perhaps unintentionally, the cast became the ideal family for the American culture of the 1980s as it dealt with issues such the changing liberalism of the ’60s and ’70s to the conservatism of the Reagan years. Amid it all, the series accidentally produced one of the most successful actors of all time: Michael J. Fox.

And while the rest of the cast haven’t had a list of credits like Fox (sans some noticeable guest stars) they’ve all been doing just fine. If only there were a way to see what they’re doing now. Oh, look at that…we have a list below!

Meredith Baxter – Elyse Keaton

Then: Baxter played Elyse Keaton, the ex-flower-child mother of Alex, Mallory, Jennifer and Andrew, and wife to Steven. Having already had a steady career and a  big break with ‘Bridget Loves Bernie,’ her role on ‘Family Ties’ turned her into America’s favorite mother — even if she played an ex-hippie in a country turning progressively more conservative.

Now: Though ‘Family Ties’ has been off the air for just about 24 years, Baxter’s work seems to have never stopped. Post-‘Ties,’ she began producing and starring in telefilms such as ‘The Kissing Place’ and ‘The Betty Broderick Story,’ earning her something of a reputation as the queen of melodramatic Lifetime TV movies. And at the age of 61, Baxter came out as a lesbian.

Michael Gross – Steven Keaton

Then: Not only was Gross famed for his role of Steven Keaton but he also garnered some attention for that mean beard he grew throughout the seasons. Having appeared in some television and film roles before ‘Ties,’ the show undoubtedly acted as his breakout role — one that would surely last him a lifetime of recognition.

Now: Gross’ career after ‘Family Ties’ has definitely been better than before. After the show’s end, he co-starred in the cult classic ‘Tremors’ alongside Kevin Bacon — a role that would offer him a few movies and even a show of its own. He’s also made several spots on ‘ER’, ‘How I Met Your Mother,’ ‘Call Me Fitz’ and many, many more.

Michael J. Fox – Alex P. Keaton

Then: Before ‘Family Ties,’ Fox was admittedly selling off sections of his couch for money, but once he won over the audition (after a second attempt because creator Gary David Goldberg wasn’t sold on the first) things changed quickly. Playing the young Republican Alex P. Keaton, America became obsessed with Michael J. Fox — especially when he was cast in a little-known film, ‘Back To The Future.’

Now: Having appeared in hit after hit over the years — and even another hit series, ‘Spin City’ — Fox now mainly focuses his celebrity on attempts to discover a cure for Parkinson’s, for which he was diagnosed in 1991. His organization, the Michael J. Fox Foundation, proves to be one of the leading foundations in finding a cure. In the midst of his efforts, Fox has appeared in several current television roles as well as even reprising a famous ‘Johnny B. Goode’ performance back in 2011.

Justine Bateman – Mallory Keaton

Then: Playing a contrast to her mother on the show Justine (older sister of Jason Bateman) portrayed Mallory, a materialistic yet lovable young woman who was often used as fodder for jokes. Despite that — and her being the butt of many of her brother’s schemes — we couldn’t resist Justine’s charms.

Now: Bateman’s career post ‘Family Ties’ has encompassed not only acting but also producing, consulting and writing. Following appearances on everything from ‘Lois and Clark’ to ‘Desperate Housewives,’ Bateman ran and operated the production /consulting company, SECTION 5. And as of Fall 2012, she is at UCLA studying Computer Science. Will she reprise her ‘Arrested Development’ role opposite her brother in the new season?