In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Brian Bonsall became a household name for his portrayal of the adorable Andy Keaton on the hit sitcom “Family Ties.” As the youngest member of the Keaton family, Bonsall’s character brought a fresh and youthful energy to the show, capturing the hearts of viewers across the nation.
Background Information
Brian Bonsall was born on December 3, 1981, in Torrance, California. From a young age, Bonsall displayed a natural talent for acting.
His early roles included appearances in commercials and guest spots on various TV shows. However, it was his role as Andy Keaton on “Family Ties” that catapulted him to stardom.
Family Ties
“Family Ties” was a popular American sitcom that aired from 1982 to 1989, focusing on the Keaton family.
Set against the backdrop of the 1980s, the show portrayed the cultural and political shifts of the era, highlighting the generational divide between the liberal parents, Steven and Elyse Keaton, and their conservative son, Alex.
Brian Bonsall joined the cast in the show’s fifth season, playing the role of “Andrew ‘Andy’ Keaton,” the youngest member of the Keaton family. He would star in the show alongside Tina Yothers and Justine Bateman.
Over the course of the show, he appeared in 75 episodes. He shared fond memories of his co-star, Michael J. Fox, who not only played his on-screen brother but also acted as a big brother figure to him both on and off the set.
Other Acting Roles
Bonsall also had memorable roles in several films and TV shows during his childhood, including Blank Check, Mikey, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Father Hood, and The Young Riders.
He continued acting into his late teens with parts in smaller movies and TV films in the 1990s. However, Bonsall struggled to transition his early success into more substantial adult acting roles. His last major role was in 1995.
Life After “Family Ties”
After leaving “Family Ties,” Brian made the decision to step away from acting at the age of 13. His desire was to pursue a more normal life and explore his growing love for music.
In 1995, Bonsall move to Boulder, Colorado, with his mother and stepfather. He pursued his education at Boulder High School, completing his graduation in 2000.
Venturing into the world of music, Bonsall co-founded the rock band Late Bloomers in 1998. He also played in Boulder’s punk music scene, being a part of bands like Thruster and The Light on Adam’s Stereo.
By 2016, Bonsall hit the road, touring with the renowned rock band, The Ataris.
Legal Issues
In 2007, he was involved in an assault case concerning his girlfriend. Following this, he evaded the police for over a year.
In 2009, Bonsall faced another assault case, this time involving his best friend, and also tested positive for marijuana.
He pleaded guilty to felony menacing and third-degree assault related to the 2009 incident and also admitted to violating his probation from the 2007 case.
Consequently, he was sentenced to two years of probation, 40 hours of community service, and five days in the Boulder County Jail’s work-release program.
A deferred sentence was granted on the felony menacing charge, implying that if Bonsall remains out of legal trouble for two years, the felony will not appear on his permanent record
Reflecting on his past, he mentioned in the same year that he had maintained a sober lifestyle since his 2010 arrest, stating, “While I’m not proud of past mistakes, they’ve been valuable lessons, and I’ve grown from them.”
What is Brian Bonsall Doing Now?
Brian Bonsall is still focusing on music with his current band “Sunset Silhouette.”
Apart from his musical pursuits, Brian also discussed his life in Colorado, being a stay-at-home dad to his 8-month-old baby, and running a machine shop with his wife, Courtney Bonsall, whom he met while performing at Riot Fest.
Fatherhood has been a transformative experience for Brian. Describing it as an amazing adventure, he shared how it has taught him a lot about himself, especially the virtue of patience.
When discussing his acting career, Brian’s role in the movie “Blank Check” was highlighted. He expressed gratitude for the continued love and interest the movie receives, especially with its availability on Disney Plus.
However, he admitted to not often revisiting his past works, with a recent exception being the horror movie “Mikey” for which he provided commentary. Brian reflected on the film’s dark themes and understood the concerns raised about his participation in such a r
A recent online reunion of the “Family Ties” cast brought back many memories for Brian. The event was filled with shared stories and reflections on the past. During this reunion, Brian also opened up about his personal life, discussing his 2-year-old son and contemplating the idea of him pursuing acting in the future.
When asked about his son potentially pursuing acting, Brian expresses reservations, emphasizing the challenges and potential pitfalls of the industry. He advises parents to be cautious and ensure their child’s well-being is prioritized.
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