Movies

Can You Recognize This 80s Sitcom Mom Who Came Out as a Lesbian at 77?

BBG News

This week, a popular actor from one of the most iconic sitcoms of the 1980s was seen having a relaxed day out in Santa Barbara at the age of 77.

In the 1970s, she began her acting career, sharing screen time with esteemed actors like Robert Redford, Jacqueline Bisset, and Lana Turner in various films.

However, the next decade proved particularly fortunate for her as she took on a significant role in a popular TV show that mirrored the societal shifts occurring during the Reagan administration.

In the show, she was cast as the mom of a clever teenager, portrayed by an actor who eventually rose to fame as one of the most prominent movie stars during the ’80s and ’90s.

Looking back at two vibrant decades since the conclusion of my beloved TV series, I’ve embarked on a unique journey that’s seen me share my life with three remarkable partners and welcomed five incredible offspring into our family. Recently, I felt it was time to openly embrace another significant aspect of my identity: I am a proud member of the lesbian community. This decision was not made lightly, but one that I hope will inspire others to live their truth boldly and authentically.

Can you guess who she is?

Meredith Baxter, a renowned actress, was the character who portrayed the family matriarch in the beloved 1980s sitcom Family Ties.

This week, she was spotted out and about in Santa Barbara, her home town, sporting a relaxed yet fashionable outfit while doing her grocery shopping. She resides there with her partner, Nancy Locke.

In simpler terms, the TV show “Family Ties” catapulted the career of Michael J. Fox, where he portrayed the role of the teenage son of his character in the series. During Ronald Reagan’s time as president, this character was a Young Republican.

As an utterly smitten admirer, I’d rephrase it like this: Meredith and Michael Gross brilliantly portrayed Elyse and Steven, the parents of the Keaton family – a couple of once-free-spirited hippies from yesteryears who were compelled to adapt to the burgeoning conservatism sweeping across America.

In this portrayal, Michael took on the role of their conservative character named Alex, whereas Justin Bateman and Tina Yothers acted as the sisters, Mallory and Jennifer.

Throughout the duration of Family Ties, Meredith got pregnant with twins by her spouse David Birney at that time. Thus, a pregnancy plotline was incorporated into the series for her character, resulting in the Keaton family adopting another son named Andy, who was portrayed by child actor Brian Bosnell.

For seven consecutive years between 1982 and 1989, this popular sitcom graced our television screens, captivating audiences and earning five Emmy Awards. Among these accolades, Michael received an impressive total of three awards.

In the ’70s, I embarked on my professional journey, gracing the silver screen in a series of unforgettable films. From the gripping All The President’s Men alongside Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman, to the passionate Stand Up And Be Counted with Jacqueline Bisset, and the captivating Bittersweet Love as Lana Turner’s co-star, I found myself immersed in a world of storytelling that has become an integral part of my life.

In the early days of her TV career, she made appearances on shows such as The Partridge Family and The Doris Day Show. Eventually, she secured her own sitcom in 1972.

Titled “Bridget and Bernie,” this television series starred actress Yvette Freeman as Bridget, and David Birney in the role of Bernie, a story about a Catholic woman and a Jewish man who decide to marry each other, navigating their differences and finding love amidst cultural clashes.

Despite garnering high viewer ratings, the show “Bridget Loves Bernie” was terminated after just one season due to protests from Jewish organizations who felt the plotline disrespected their religious beliefs, as well as threats from the Jewish Defense League.

In 1974, Meredith and David got married in reality, but they divorced in 1989 following a difficult marriage. As she detailed in her 2011 memoir, there were allegations of physical abuse against her by him, which he firmly rejected.

Throughout their turbulent marriage, Meredith gained unprecedented success as she starred in the Aaron Spelling series “Family” that aired from 1976 to 1990. This role garnered her not one but two Emmy Award nominations.

1982 marked the year when she secured her career-highlight role as Elyse on Family Ties, propelling her into nationwide fame and recognition.

I’ve been absolutely hooked on this incredible journey of an actress, as her career soared from triumph to triumph. One pivotal moment for me was when she delivered an Emmy-worthy performance in the 1992 TV movie “A Woman Scorned: The Betty Broderick Story.” In that role, she breathed life into a real woman, portraying none other than Betty Broderick, who found herself convicted for the chilling murder of her ex-husband and his new wife.

In 2009, following three marriages with men, Meredith openly disclosed on the Today show that she identifies as attracted to women.

She shared with Matt Lauer that she has recently come to terms with her sexuality as a lesbian, acknowledging that it was a realization that came later in life. Contrary to what some may suggest, implying she’s been living a lie, she clarified that this is a relatively new development for her, having only come to this understanding seven years ago.

Upon emerging, she was already involved with her future spouse, Nancy Locke. They got married in 2013, having been romantically linked for eight years prior to their union.

Over the past few decades, Meredith has remained active on TV shows, featuring in series such as Glee, The Young and the Restless, RuPaul’s Drag Race, and Switched at Birth.

Her most recent work is the 2021 film ‘Genesis: The New Era of Humanity Belongs to Women,’ which tells a humorous and action-packed story about a character who can conceive without sperm.

Read More

2025-03-23 17:19

Previous post When Buying Bitcoin Becomes a National Debt Eraser: One Man’s Crazy $584M Gamble! 💸
Next post Paul Rudd teases MCU return for new Avengers movies