Tina Yothers, who is most known for her role as Jennifer on “Family Ties,” appeared on an episode of Celebrity Wife Swap in 2012. Beginning her acting career at just nine years old, Yothers eventually transitioned from acting to music. Indeed, following her role in “Family Ties,” Yothers, who rebelliously died her hair black following the end of the show, went on to join a band by the name of ‘Jaded.’
Her career in music would later extend to the theater. Following her pursuit of a career in performing, Yothers decided to return to the world of television, but this time, it was for reality TV. She appeared on “Celebrity Fit Club” (VH1, 2005-2010), and ABC’s “Celebrity Wife Swap” in 2012.
The “Family Ties” Cast Reunion
Despite the cast’s clear opposition to the outcome of the final episode of the show, decades later, they would actually take part in a cast member reunion. During the reunion, Michael J. Fox and “Family Ties” crew members agreed to meet up and reunite, taking part in an Entertainment Weekly sponsored get-together in 2015.
The “Family Ties” cast and creators wanted to give fans a chance to see what the Keatons looked like years after the show’s final episode. Apparently, behind the scenes, the “Family Ties” cast actually managed to stay in touch. "It's cliché to say that it was like a family and everybody always says, 'They're so great. We all loved each other.' But we really did," said Fox, then 54, about the cast back in 2015.
The “Family Ties” Scandal
Though the cast would remain close during and after the airing of the show, behind the scenes, unbeknownst to many at the time, there was actually a big conflict brewing between the “Family Ties” creator Gary David Goldberg and many other big names in TV.
Ultimately, this quarrel would end in an infamously enormous lawsuit—one which involved over 150 television and film writers over the age of 40, who took the industry’s alleged age discrimination to court. Goldberg became the focal point after the lawsuit, after being quoted saying that the writers of “Family Ties” did not include anyone over the age of 29, claiming this choice was ultimately made “by design.”
The Silent “J” In Michael J. Fox
Though Michael Fox may be known for his “J” middle initial, in reality, this letter doesn't actually stand for anything. While born Michael Andrew Fox, as he entered a career in acting, Fox soon realized there was already a Michael A. Fox in the Screen Actor’s Guild. Consequently, Fox decided to change his middle initial to “J” in order to stand out.
According to sources, Fox chose the "J" letter in honor of Michael J. Pollard, a legendary actor known for his role as C. W. Moss in the crime film, Bonnie and Clyde (1967), as well as a number of other leading roles in films like “Tango & Cash” (1989) and “Scrooged” (1988).
Alex Keaton’s “Spin City” Appearance
Following the end of “Family Ties,” Fox went on to act in a number of TV shows and films, and one of these included the role of Mike Flaherty on “Spin City.” Throughout his time on the show, Fox made quite a few friendly nods to his previous role as Alex. In fact, in one particular “Spin City” episode, there is mention of a conservative junior senator by the name of Alex P. Keaton.
However, despite his success as an actor on both television and film, Fox ultimately had to leave his role on "Spin City" and many others because of his worsening Parkinson’s symptoms—a disease which he was diagnosed with in 1991, at the age of 29.