Nostalgia
‘Family Ties’ Star Michael Gross Shares Sweet Tribute to TV Wife Meredith Baxter
Michael Gross is celebrating more than just another trip around the sun.
The Family Ties star marked his 79th birthday on Sunday, June 21 with a sweet Instagram tribute to his longtime costar Meredith Baxter, who shares not only his television history but also his exact birthday.
“79 years ago today, baby Michael was born in the Central Time Zone and baby Meredith in the Pacific Time Zone. Thirty-five years later, the two of them met and played husband and wife on @nbc’s FamilyTies,” Gross wrote alongside a photo of the pair from the beloved sitcom. “@familytiescentral #fans already know this, but for those who don’t, ‘Happy Birthday, Meredith Baxter!!!'”
Gross and Baxter portrayed Steven and Elyse Keaton on NBC’s Family Ties, which aired from 1982 to 1989. The hit sitcom followed former 1960s activists raising their family in suburban Ohio, including conservative son Alex P. Keaton, played by Michael J. Fox, 65.
Fans flooded the comments section with birthday wishes and memories of the show’s lasting impact.
“Happy birthday to the best TV parents of all time!!!!” one follower wrote. “Still watch Family Ties and can recite every episode. So grateful for your perfect comedic timing and the heartfelt life lessons you gave us!”
Another commenter shared that the series continues to resonate across generations, writing, “You were the best TV-parents ever ❤️ Just a few hours ago I watched Family Ties with my 15 year old daughter. Oh how I have loved that show for more than 35 years.”
Others echoed the sentiment, with one fan calling Gross “my favorite TV dad of all time,” while another wrote, “I’ve always loved this fun fact about you two! And I cannot believe you’re 79! My favorite TV parents ever.”
More than three decades after Family Ties ended, it’s clear the bond between its TV parents — and the affection fans still have for them — remains as strong as ever.
