Michael Gross Was By Far the Most Underrated Star of 'Family Ties' - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Brian Damage · 01-02-2011, 09:16 PM

Sure, Michael J Fox became the breakout star of Family Ties, but in my opinion, the funniest of the cast to me was Michael Gross' Steven Keaton character. I found him to be hilarious. Agree? Disagree?

catlover79 · 01-02-2011, 11:21 PM

He was. MG was definitely the unsung hero of FT, he played one of the best exasperated fathers in sitcom history. Hence the immortal line, "There was a kangaroo...in my living room."

Marvo301 · 01-03-2011, 12:48 AM

Michael Gross' line readings were brilliant and his facial expressions were hilarious. He certainly deserved more of the credit for the success of Family Ties.

Family Ties Forever! · 01-03-2011, 01:23 AM

Michael Gross was funny as Steven Keaton. He should have gotten more credit. I think all the actors/actresses should have gotten more credit, instead of just MJF.

Mr. Television · 01-03-2011, 02:05 AM

Michael Gross was great as Steven...one of the funniest sitcom Dads ever.

JourneyMan · 01-18-2011, 04:28 PM

I agree. Other than Alex he is my favorite character on the show.

mstewart · 01-26-2011, 01:58 PM

His chemistry with Meredith Baxter Birney was incredible plus they share the same identical birthday together. I like the storylines where you would see the depth of Steven and Elyse's relationship. Meredith have stated she does not a better actor for her TV husband but her own, at the time, David Birney.

catlover79 · 01-26-2011, 02:01 PM

Yup, they were both born on the exact same day (6/21/1947). I think that's the only case I've ever heard of on-screen spouses being the exact same age. Pretty cool!! You're also right that they had fantastic chemistry together.

ecjj11 · 03-05-2011, 12:25 PM

I absolutely agree. Michael Gross was fall out on the floor HILARIOUS! His deadpan delivery and ability to make me

over the simplest lines was/is incredible. He was the funniest, imo. The episode where the family meets Nick for the first time, I swear, I crack up at everything Steven says. He was awesome, and had great chemistry with Meredith.

catlover79, the "kangaroo" line ....

catlover79 · 03-05-2011, 02:22 PM

"There was a kangaroo...in my living room..."

Marvo301 · 03-05-2011, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catlover79

"There was a kangaroo...in my living room..."

"He was only here for the party Dad."

Family Ties Forever! · 03-05-2011, 09:02 PM

In the episode "Help Wanted" (Season 3) toast comes flying out of the toaster.

Steven: (holding a piece of toast) Alex, if this had been a pop-tart, we'd be dead now.

catlover79 · 03-05-2011, 09:27 PM

How about when Steven tossed the football at Alex and convinced him to throw it back, breaking the lamp in the process?

Alex: Oh, I'm sorry, Dad!
Steven: No, no, it's my fault - I should've dove for it!!

01-02-2011, 09:16 PM	#1
Brian Damage I'm Rich Bitch Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 03, 2002 Location: What Ain't No Country I Ever Heard Of...They Speak English in What? Posts: 63,107	Michael Gross Was By Far the Most Underrated Star of 'Family Ties' Sure, Michael J Fox became the breakout star of Family Ties, but in my opinion, the funniest of the cast to me was Michael Gross' Steven Keaton character. I found him to be hilarious. Agree? Disagree?
	__________________ The Key to the Kingdom of Heaven: John 3:3 *Money Doesn't Buy Happiness...But I'd Rather Cry in My Private Jet* Last edited by Family Ties Forever!; 01-27-2011 at 08:13 PM.

01-02-2011, 11:21 PM	#2
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,392	He was. MG was definitely the unsung hero of FT, he played one of the best exasperated fathers in sitcom history. Hence the immortal line, "There was a kangaroo...in my living room."
	__________________ "Jesus loves you and He approves this message." "I'm alive. I'm feeling good. I'm trying to live every moment as much as I can." - Valerie Harper, March 2013 Last edited by Family Ties Forever!; 01-27-2011 at 08:11 PM.

01-03-2011, 12:48 AM	#3
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,460	Michael Gross' line readings were brilliant and his facial expressions were hilarious. He certainly deserved more of the credit for the success of Family Ties.
	__________________ Only a life lived for others is worth living. Albert Einstein A life isn't worth living unless it has impact on other lives. Jackie Robinson Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. Benjamin Franklin

01-03-2011, 01:23 AM	#4
Family Ties Forever! Member Forum Fanatic Join Date: Apr 16, 2002 Location: Keaton residence Posts: 10,214	Michael Gross was funny as Steven Keaton. He should have gotten more credit. I think all the actors/actresses should have gotten more credit, instead of just MJF.
	__________________ Jenny

01-03-2011, 02:05 AM	#5
Mr. Television 23 Years at Sitcoms Online Forum Icon Join Date: Jun 06, 2003 Location: Somewhere you're Not Posts: 62,132	Michael Gross was great as Steven...one of the funniest sitcom Dads ever.
	__________________ Sonny

01-18-2011, 04:28 PM	#6
JourneyMan Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Mar 29, 2005 Posts: 15	I agree. Other than Alex he is my favorite character on the show.

01-26-2011, 01:58 PM	#7
mstewart mstewart Senior Member Join Date: Jan 25, 2002 Location: California Posts: 1,780	His chemistry with Meredith Baxter Birney was incredible plus they share the same identical birthday together. I like the storylines where you would see the depth of Steven and Elyse's relationship. Meredith have stated she does not a better actor for her TV husband but her own, at the time, David Birney.

01-26-2011, 02:01 PM	#8
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,392	Yup, they were both born on the exact same day (6/21/1947). I think that's the only case I've ever heard of on-screen spouses being the exact same age. Pretty cool!! You're also right that they had fantastic chemistry together.

03-05-2011, 12:25 PM	#9
ecjj11 Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Mar 05, 2011 Posts: 19	I absolutely agree. Michael Gross was fall out on the floor HILARIOUS! His deadpan delivery and ability to make me over the simplest lines was/is incredible. He was the funniest, imo. The episode where the family meets Nick for the first time, I swear, I crack up at everything Steven says. He was awesome, and had great chemistry with Meredith. catlover79, the "kangaroo" line ....

03-05-2011, 02:22 PM	#10
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,392	"There was a kangaroo...in my living room..." Attached Images

03-05-2011, 09:02 PM	#12
Family Ties Forever! Member Forum Fanatic Join Date: Apr 16, 2002 Location: Keaton residence Posts: 10,214	In the episode "Help Wanted" (Season 3) toast comes flying out of the toaster. Steven: (holding a piece of toast) Alex, if this had been a pop-tart, we'd be dead now.

03-05-2011, 09:27 PM	#13
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,392	How about when Steven tossed the football at Alex and convinced him to throw it back, breaking the lamp in the process? Alex: Oh, I'm sorry, Dad! Steven: No, no, it's my fault - I should've dove for it!!