Michael J. Fox, who is best known for his portrayal of high schooler and aspiring musician Marty McFly in the 1985 Robert Zemeckis movie Back to the Future, first rose to fame as the lovable Alex P. Keaton on the hit TV show Family Ties. While the sci-fi blockbuster catapulted him to global stardom, it was his seven-season run on the beloved sitcom that solidified his status as a household name and forged lifelong bonds with his castmates.
The actor, who is currently battling Parkinson’s disease, recently turned 64 on June 9. In a heartwarming display of affection, his Family Ties onscreen father celebrated the occasion in a hilariously over-the-top way.
Michael Gross celebrates Michael J. Fox with a hilarious Instagram post
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Michael Gross, who played Steven Keaton, the beloved father of Fox’s character on Family Ties, took to his Instagram page to celebrate Fox’s 64th Birthday with a heartfelt and humorous tribute. The 77-year-old actor shared a goofy throwback photo of the celebrant rocking a suit and tie, which he complemented with a hat while grinning from ear to ear.
In his post, Gross, who affectionately referred to himself as Fox’s aging father, extended warm birthday wishes to his former co-star, a nod to the camaraderie and enduring friendship between the two actors that has continued even several decades after the show ended.
Fans react to Michael Gross’ post
Gross’s post in honor of Fox’s 64th Birthday has generated a lot of love from fans of the popular sitcom Family Ties, who have now taken to the comments section to share heartfelt messages. Many of them commented on the strong tie between the two actors and noted how much they admired the deep bond that has lasted for decades and remains as fresh as ever, several decades after the show ended.
Others reminisced about the considerable impact the sitcom had on their childhoods, praising the actors for bringing the Keaton family to life with authenticity and warmth as one fan humorously admitted that they would have loved to trade their parents for Steven and Elyse Keaton, if only for a day.