In addition to his role on “Family Ties,” it is also interesting to point out Valentine’s numerous attempts—and ultimate failures—at a leading role on three spin-off television shows. Despite the emptiness of the character known as Mallory’s boyfriend, Nick Moore, the public still loved this seemingly unimportant, lackluster character.
In fact, fans of the show loved Moore so much, that he was ultimately given a chance to star in his very own spin-off series—and another, and another. However, in the end, following the failure of all three attempted spin-offs, Moore ultimately proved not to be interesting enough to have his own show. However, Valentine was still able to experience much success as an actor over the years.
Alex: Loved by Democrats and Republicans
Throughout the largely conservative era the 1980s, though Michael J. Fox is widely known for his portrayal of Alex as a young, dedicated Republican, believe it or not, Fox’s character was also a much-loved character to a number of Democrats. But how could one clearly Republican character be so loved by both political parties?
The answer lies in the fact that, while Republicans believed Fox was successful in representing their conservative, republican views, in contrast, Democrats believed he did a great job of satirizing these very same right-wing views. By channeling both sides of the political spectrum, Alex was able to reach a wide array of fans, many with completely opposite opinions.
The Easy Life of Scott Valentine
For Scott Valentine, a.k.a Mallory’s humorous boyfriend on the show, life has always been easy. At one point in time, the actor was even playfully quoted as he complained about his privileged upbringing, which included an education at a prestigious school—only to ultimately secure the role of a “monosyllabic dude” on “Family Ties.” Valentine then went on to reveal that, despite his only line being a grunt during one episode, the successful actor still received a “bundle of cash for it".
Following his appearance on “Family Ties,” Valentine went on to do several guest appearances on a number of television shows and made-for-TV movies, including “Lady Boss (1992), two episodes of “Murder, She Wrote,” and even a 2004 cameo on "CSI: NY". Other credits include “Double Obsession” (1992), “To Sleep with a Vampire” (1993), and “Paranoia” (1998). Today, Valentine has largely stepped away from the limelight and holds the position of Executive Director at the investment firm Excelsior Capital Partner.
Love at First Show: The Story of Michael J. Fox and His Wife
Believe it or not, Michael J. Fox and his wife Tracy Pollan have “Family Ties” to thank for their loving marriage. It was on the set of “Family Ties” that Fox would meet Pollan. Playing the role of Alex’s girlfriend, Ellen, on the show, according to Pollan, when she first met Fox, she actually thought him to be irritating and entirely full of himself. But obviously, she eventually got to know him and admitted she began to like what she saw.
Despite the alleged chemistry between Fox and Justine Bateman, who often got into playful water gun fights on the set of the show, in the end, it was Pollan that ultimately stole Fox’s heart. Married since 1988, Fox and Pollan are still happily married today and have four children together.
Fox as Alex: Initial Character Interpretations
Interestingly enough, Fox’s initial interpretations of his character, Alex Keaton, was that of someone who was ruled by a life of fear.
In one “Inside the Actors' Studio” interview, Fox said the following about the initial development of the iconic role: “He looked amazing, he felt good about what he presented to the world, but you could poke your finger through it any time you wanted to. And then the fun was watching him react to that and recover from it".