Back in the late '80s, this cute kid was guilty of helping
Family Ties jump the proverbial shark when he joined the series as the Keaton clan's youngest member. But as an adult he was accused of much more serious crimes, including drunk driving and assault. Bonsall was just 4 when he made his small-screen debut on the popular sitcom. After it was canceled, he popped up in guest spots, sentimental TV-movies and the occasional low-rent movie (as the murderous title character in
Mikey). In 1994, after wrapping up a recurring role as Worf's adolescent Klingon son on
Star Trek: The Next Generation, the 13-year-old retired from acting. But he didn't abandon his artistic aspirations, founding a succession of punk bands including Late Bloomers and Thruster. Like many ex-child stars, however, he often found himself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. In 2004, the now-tattooed twentysomething was busted on suspicion of DUI, and three years later he was charged with assaulting his girlfriend.
Brian Bonsall Fast Facts:
- At age 4, he joined the cast of Family Ties as Andrew, the Keaton clan's youngest member.
- Played Art Carney's grandson in three Coca-Cola TV commercials.
- In 1992, he made his feature-film debut in Mikey.
- Formed the band Late Bloomers in high school and released the album This One's for Dick.
- Brian Bonsall Relationships:
- Garth Bonsall - Father
- Jennifer Bonsall - Sister
- Kathleen Larkin - Mother
- Ken Larkin - Stepfather
