LCF Actor Still Keeps Strong Family Ties

Last month while attending the author discussion of the book Finding Nouf, sponsored by the La Cañada Flintridge OneCityOneBook Committee, I ran into actor and La Cañada Flintridge resident Michael Gross and his lovely wife, Elza.

Both are avid readers and members of the citywide book club. Their group reads dozens of books before they select one book each year. Michael is the manager of the OneCityOneBook website, www.LCFOneCityOneBook.org.

I chatted with Gross about his acting career. Many remember him for his role as Steven Keaton, in the successful television show Family Ties. He is still very active in show business and has never stopped acting.

Gross and Meredith Baxter, who played his wife on Family Ties, reunited recently in the animated series Dan Vs. for HUB. In the show, Gross and Baxter play the parents of one of the main characters.

“Our next appearance together as guest stars is on Nov. 19 at 8 p.m. in the episode 'The Family Thanksgiving,'” he said.

Gross also has had a recurring role as a dermatologist in the popular television show Curb Your Enthusiasm. “I’m praying that Curb Your Enthusiasm returns for a ninth season,” Gross said. “I’ve had a lot of fun on that show. I love its off the cuff, improvisatory format.”

He stars in the holiday movie, 12 Wishes of Christmas, that premiers on the ION Network, Nov. 27 at 6 p.m. “I play a curmudgeon who has a change of heart,” said Gross.

His love for acting developed while in high school. “I got into the theater like most healthy American teenage young men, through sexual attraction.  It’s a great way to meet girls,” Michael said.

Upon graduation, Gross was accepted into the University of Illinois in Chicago and majored in theater. One of the most influential people in Michael’s life was a drama teacher, Bill “Willy” Raffeld.  “He helped me prepare to get accepted into Yale University for my Master of Fine Arts degree.“

Meryl Streep and Sigourney Weaver are alums from the prestigious school.

“It was an amazing place because of its location. Only 75 miles and a 90-minute train ride from New York City,” Gross said.

After Repertory theatre, Gross was cast on Broadway and then television.  In 1982, he won the role of Steven Keaton in Family Ties. “Elza was the Casting Director and negotiated my deal, “ said Michael. “I think if she realized she would be married to me this long, she would have negotiated a better deal,” Michael said with a laugh.

Gross and his wife started a scholarship fund for young actors to attend the Yale School of Drama. “We’ve been granting scholarships for 20 years, so others can achieve their dream, just like me,” Gross said.

Elza’s mother, Contine, has lived with them for many years. In December, she will turn 101 years old. “Mom has dementia, and it has taken its toll,” Gross said. “We are lucky to be able to have in-home 24-hour care.”

Contine is lucky to have strong family ties.