The Real-Life Couples of the ‘Family Ties’ Cast: Michael J. Fox, Michael Gross and More!
Get the inside scoop on the real relationships of the ‘Family Ties’ cast and see which stars are married!
There are no ties like the ones with family that are tested the most, and nobody knows that better than the stars of Family Ties. Liberal, ex-hippie parents Steven and Elyse struggle to raise their growing family in a suburban, conservative America. With kids who are totally the opposite of themselves, the Keatons comedically banter due to their different ways of life.
But behind the scenes, the stars of the show have their own family ties and have been involved in their own marriages and relationships over the years. Catch up with the cast of Family Ties and see which stars are married, divorced or single!
Michael J. Fox and Tracy Pollan
The love between Michael J. Fox and his wife, Tracy Pollan, began right on the set of Family Ties. Fox, who portrayed Alex P. Keaton, was paired up with Pollan when she was cast as his on-screen girlfriend, Ellen Reed, in 1985. Although they were romantically involved on the show, their real-life relationship was strictly platonic, as they were both dating other people.
But in 1987, the eventual couple reconnected on the set of Bright Lights, Big City and they were both single. Not long after, they began dating.
“It sounds really horrible, but it was one of those things,” Fox shared in 1989. “Someone goes, ‘Did you hear that so-and-so aren’t together anymore?’ And you go, ‘Hmm, that’s too bad. Where’s the phone?’”
Fox and Pollan wed on July 16, 1988, and although they intended to have a private ceremony, paparazzi found out and security measures were taken. In 1989, the couple welcomed their first child, son Sam Michael. In 1995, their twin daughters Aquinnah Kathleen and Schuyler Frances were born, and another daughter, Esmé Annabelle, arrived in 2001.
Michael Gross and Elza Bergeron
Michael Gross, who starred as Steven Keaton, also has Family Ties to thank for meeting his wife. Gross and Elza Bergeron met when the actor signed onto his role, as Bergeron was a casting director at Paramount Television, who signed off on his hiring.
In 1984, Gross and Bergeron tied the knot and have been together ever since. Although they never had children together, Bergeron already had two, Theodore and Katharine, from a previous relationship.
Meredith Baxter and Robert Lewis Bush
Meredith Baxter, who starred as Elyse Keaton, was previously married to actor Robert Lewis Bush. The couple exchanged vows in 1966, and they welcomed two children together: son Ted and daughter Eva. Baxter and Bush ultimately split up after five years of marriage in 1971.
Meredith Baxter and David Birney
Baxter met her second husband, actor David Birney, on the set of another series, Bridget Loves Bernie, in 1972. Two years after the series aired, the duo were married and remained together for about 15 years. They welcomed three children: daughters Mollie and Kate and son Peter.
The couple divorced in 1989 and years later—in 2011—Baxter revealed she was abused by her ex-husband during their marriage. However, Birney denied the claims.
Meredith Baxter and Michael Blodgett
The actress met her third husband, actor and novelist Michael Blodgett, during an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. The couple married in 1995 and were together for about five years before they split in 2000.
Meredith Baxter and Nancy Locke
Baxter’s fourth spouse is wife Nancy Locke, whom she met around 2005. The two first connected when Baxter was seeking help in getting sober. A mutual friend set the two up to speak over the phone and they continued to converse for about five months before meeting up in person.
In 2006, their friendship became a relationship. They eventually decided to marry in 2013 and the two have been together ever since.
“I’m so grateful you didn’t show up in my life until I was able to be as open and honest as you are,” Baxter said to her wife during an interview.
Justine Bateman and Mark Fluent
Justine Bateman, who you know best as Mallory Keaton, has been married to husband Mark Fluent for nearly 25 years. The couple wed in 2001 and welcomed their son, Duke, in 2002. Two years later, they had a daughter, Gianetta.
Tina Yothers and Robert Kaiser
Tina Yothers has been happily married to husband Robert Kaiser since 2002. The couple has had two children together: daughter Lillian in 2005 and son Robert in 2007.
Brian Bonsall and Courtney Bonsall
Brian Bonsall, who you know best as Andy Keaton from Family Ties, has found love with wife Courtney Bonsall. The couple wed in 2017 and have welcomed one child together.
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