While shooting “Family Ties,” there were a number of rumors about whether the on-screen couple played by Michael J. Fox and Courtney Cox, actually had a romantic relationship in real life. The gossip went so far that some even claimed Fox broke up with Tracy (Fox’s actual partner), in order to be with Courtney. Thankfully, in the end, the truth prevailed and the rumors were eventually disproven.
In real life, Cox was infamously known for her lengthy relationship history, one which included a marriage to actor Michael Keaton from 1990 to 1995, actor David Arquette from 1999 to 2010, and now, more recently, her engagement to current fiancé, Snow Patrol band member Johnny McDaid.
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".
Alex Keaton’s True Opinion of Trump
With the rise of President Trump, the US Republican Party has had a clear and drastic change of political views from that of Alex’s 1980s Republicanism. In fact, “Family Ties” producer Gary David Goldberg went as far as going on record, claiming Alex would ‘in no way approve of,’ or ‘want to be affiliated with’ the Republicans of today.
Goldberg also said that he believed that if Alex was a real person, living in today's modern world, he would be a successful, pro bono lawyer for a children’s defense fund. He even said to the New York Times: “Alex would be unhappy with the plan to tax the wealthy at a higher rate,” Goldberg wrote. “But Obama’s slogan is very similar to Alex’s own personal mantra: ‘Of Course I Can.’”
Nearly Fired...Over A Lunchbox?
Fox was nearly fired from “Family Ties”—and it was all because of a lunchbox. Apparently, according to NBC president Brandon Tartikoff, Fox was almost fired from the show simply because he did not believe Fox had the right face for 'display on a lunchbox'. “I’m telling you, this is not the kind of face you’ll ever see on a lunchbox,” said Tartikoff.
Years later, after both Fox and the show rose to great prominence and fame, Fox claimed he made a lunchbox just for Tartikoff, which was hilariously decorated with his face. We can’t help but believe Tartikoff definitely deserved that one.
Ubu Roi: The Dog Behind the Show's Logo
Ever wonder who the dog in the show’s production logo was? Interestingly enough, the widely recognized dog—known to all true “Family Ties” fans—was actually the faithful canine of none other than the famed writer, producer, and “Family Ties” creator, Gary David Goldberg.
A black Labrador Retriever known by the name of ‘Ubu Roi’—after playwright Alfred Jarry’s 1896 stage play, “Ubi Roi,”—the particular shot of Goldberg’s dog was taken in Paris, in front of the iconic Louvre art museum. Apparently, during the very same trip in which this dog-portrait was taken, Goldberg and his wife were in the midst of an adventurous hitchhiking journey across Europe.