You may remember Tina Yothers from her role as Jennifer Keaton on the hit NBC series Family Ties, or from her other television roles in the ‘80s and ‘90s. But what has she been up to since then? Is she still acting?
Read on for answers to these questions and more about Tina Yothers, from her early days to what she’s been doing most recently.
Early Days
Tina was born Kristina Louise Yothers on May 5, 1973. Born and raised in Whittier, California, Tina grew up not far from Hollywood, where she would start a career almost immediately!
In fact, as early as three years old Tina began doing commercials. She was born into a TV family, with her dad, Robert Yothers, a TV and film producer. Tina’s brothers also got in on the commercial acting.
As she got older, Tina began doing bigger and bigger ads, including spots for McDonald’s and Doritos. Her first big role was in the movie Shoot the Moon in 1982. That same year, Tina was cast as Jennifer Keaton on the series Family Ties, which would end up being the big break that would define the rest of her career.
Family Ties
Tina Yothers was one of the original cast members on NBC’s sitcom Family Ties, which ran for seven seasons (1982 to 1989). The series touched on cultural and political issues at the time, reflecting the zeitgeist of Reaganism. The show was famously Michael J. Fox’s big break as well, and he played Alex P. Keaton, a young Republican who constantly quarreled with his ex-hippie parents, Steve and Elyse (played by Michael Gross and Meredith Baxter-Birney).
While Michael J. Fox won three consecutive Emmys for his portrayal of Alex Keaton, the show was a big break for other actors as well, including Justine Bateman and Tina Yothers. The show also featured a large array of notable guest stars, including River Phoenix, Jeff Cohen, Corey Feldman, Tom Hanks, Martha Plimpton, Wil Wheaton, Geena Davis, Maura Tierney, Crispin Glover, Christina Applegate, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus, among others.
Tina played Alex’s brother Jennifer, a tomboy, and started portraying the role at only nine years old.
After Family Ties
After “Family Ties,” she pursued work in TV movies, such as the 1990’s “Laker Girl,” and set her sights on a music career. Tina had always aspired to be a singer, a dream that led her and her brother Corey to start a band called Jaded. They toured around the country, playing in small venues and clubs, and made TV appearances to promote the band. Although they never secured a contract with a major record label, their music was well-received.
In her personal life, Tina married an electrician named Robert in 2002 and became a mother a few years later, finding great joy and fulfillment in motherhood. She didn’t leave the entertainment industry entirely, however, returning to television in 2006 in the reality TV series “Celebrity Fit Club.” She also appeared in other reality shows like “Celebrity Wife Swap” in 2012 and “What Not to Wear” in 2013.
What Is Tina Yothers Doing Now?
Tina Yothers now leads a relatively quiet life away from the limelight. Since stepping back from acting in the 1990s, Tina has shifted her focus from the bustling world of Hollywood to more personal pursuits.
In 2020, she briefly revisited her acting roots by participating in a virtual “Family Ties” reunion alongside Michael J. Fox and other cast members, rekindling fond memories of the show that marked her early career.
In recent interviews, Tina often reminisces about her experiences on “Family Ties,” sharing stories and insights from her time on the popular sitcom. Beyond her connection to the entertainment industry, Tina is also an avid hockey fan, with her children and brothers playing the sport.
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