‘Family Ties' Star Tina Yothers Turns 53, and She's Still Friends With Michael J. Fox
Tina Yothers rose to stardom as a child star on Family Ties, but she's all grown up and turning 53 on Tuesday.
The former child actress played Jennifer Keaton on the hit NBCsitcom, which followed two former hippies, Steven and Elyse Keaton, played by Meredith Baxter and Michael Gross, as they raised their family during the Reagan era. Of course, that included their aspiring capitalist son, Alex, played by Michael J. Fox in his breakthrough role, and their superficial daughter, Mallory, played by Justine Bateman. The series became a favorite throughout the '80s, and showed the sharp contrast between the ideals of the baby boomer generation and their children.
Back in 2023, Yothers reunited with her onscreen older brother, Fox, to attend the 2023 A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To Cure Parkinson's event at Casa Cipriani in New York City. 24 years after the show ended, the duo still keeps in touch!
Reality TV Show Stardom
In her post-Family Ties life, Yothers appeared on a variety of reality shows, including Celebrity Fit Club: Boot Camp, Celebrity Wife Swap, and What Not to Wear. Check out her 2013 appearance on Celebrity Wife Swap below, where she switches places with Niecy Nash. While Yothers sported jet black hair for a few years back then, it looks like she's back to being a blonde these days.
Primarily living life outside of the spotlight these days, Yothers is a busy mom. She did step into the limelight for a bit back in 2016, when she helped advocate to keep a charter school, Oxford Prep Academy, open in a Chino neighborhood, CBS News reported.
Jennifer's Greatest TV Moments
Jennifer added a sweet innocence to the Keaton family, serving as the youngest child on show until the latter seasons, when they introduced baby Andy. Check out a hilarious scene below, when Jennifer goes missing and finds her way home thanks to a kind city bus driver.
Related: ‘80s ‘Family Ties' Star Justine Bateman Turns 60 and Isn't Afraid To Voice Her Opinions
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This story was originally published May 5, 2026 at 1:42 PM.