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Did George Clooney Play in Family Ties?

Published in Television Acting History 3 mins read

No, George Clooney did not play in the classic television sitcom Family Ties.

While a reference mentions George Clooney's involvement in a story titled "Family ties" where he portrays a character named Matt King, this refers to a film and not the popular 1980s TV series. It's crucial to distinguish between the two for clarity.

George Clooney's Role in "Family ties" (Film Context)

George Clooney did star in a well-known film whose narrative details were described under the title "Family ties" in a publication. In this context, he played the character of Matt King.

Here are some key details about his role as Matt King:

  • Character: Matt King is a highly successful real estate lawyer.
  • Background: He comes from a long line of family history in Hawaii.
  • Plot Point: Matt King serves as the trustee of a significant, unspoiled plot of land.
  • Conflict: He faces immense pressure from numerous relatives, including his cousin Hugh, to sell this valuable land immediately to a developer.

This description clearly pertains to the critically acclaimed film The Descendants, where George Clooney played Matt King. The "Family ties" title mentioned in the reference refers to the thematic connection or a specific article title about this film, not the sitcom.

The Beloved Sitcom: "Family Ties"

The actual television series Family Ties was a prominent American sitcom that aired from 1982 to 1989. It focused on the Keaton family: liberal, ex-hippie parents Elyse and Steven, and their three (later four) children, most notably their ambitious, conservative son, Alex P. Keaton.

Key Facts about Family Ties (Sitcom):

  • Genre: Sitcom (Situation Comedy)
  • Aired: 1982 – 1989
  • Main Focus: Generational and ideological differences within a family, often highlighting the changing American landscape of the 1980s.

Main Cast of the Sitcom Family Ties:

Character Name Actor's Name
Alex P. Keaton Michael J. Fox
Elyse Keaton Meredith Baxter
Steven Keaton Michael Gross
Mallory Keaton Justine Bateman
Jennifer Keaton Tina Yiff
Andy Keaton Brian Bonsall

George Clooney was not a member of this cast in any capacity throughout its run.

George Clooney's Early Television Career

Before becoming a major film star, George Clooney had several notable roles in television, but Family Ties was not one of them. Some of his significant early TV appearances include:

  • Dr. Doug Ross in the medical drama ER (1994–1999)
  • George Burnett in the sitcom The Facts of Life (1985–1987)
  • Booker Brooks in the sitcom Roseanne (1988–1991)

These roles established his presence in television before his acclaimed film career began.