Meredith Baxter: A Complete Biography and Profile
Meredith Ann Baxter, often credited as Meredith Baxter Birney during her second marriage, has built a formidable career on both television and film, earning four Emmy Award nominations for her work. Her personal life, marked by three marriages and a groundbreaking public revelation, has often paralleled the dramatic depth of her on-screen roles.
- Full Name: Meredith Ann Baxter
- Born: June 21, 1947
- Birthplace: South Pasadena, California, U.S.
- Age (as of Dec 2025): 78
- Occupation: Actress, Producer, Author
- Spouses:
- Robert Lewis Bush (m. 1966; div. 1971)
- David Birney (m. 1974; div. 1990)
- Michael Blodgett (m. 1995; div. 2000)
- Nancy Locke (m. 2013; partner since 2005)
- Children: Five (from her first two marriages)
- Notable TV Roles: Elyse Keaton (*Family Ties*), Nancy Lawrence Maitland (*Family*), Bridget Fitzgerald Steinberg (*Bridget Loves Bernie*)
- Autobiography: *Untied: A Memoir of Family, Fame, and Floundering* (2011)
- Estimated Net Worth (2025): $7 million
From Elyse Keaton to Emmy Stage: Meredith Baxter’s Recent Appearances
While many of her fans fondly remember her as the liberal, former-hippie mother Elyse Keaton, Meredith Baxter has ensured her presence is felt in the contemporary media landscape. Her commitment to the industry and her iconic status were highlighted in late 2024, proving her enduring relevance.
The most recent major public appearance for the actress was at the 2024 Emmy Awards. In a heartwarming tribute to the history of television mothers, Baxter was featured alongside other celebrated TV moms, including Connie Britton and Susan Kelechi Watson. This moment resonated deeply with viewers, celebrating her role as the matriarch of the Keaton family, who famously navigated the cultural and political divide with her conservative son, Alex P. Keaton (Michael J. Fox).
Beyond the Emmys stage, Baxter remains connected to her most famous co-stars. While a full series reunion is often a topic of speculation among fans, the *Family Ties* cast, including Michael Gross, Justine Bateman, and Michael J. Fox, have participated in various charity and retrospective events over the years, keeping the spirit of the beloved show alive.
Despite scaling back her acting schedule in recent years, her passion for storytelling and performance continues. Fans remain eager for news of future projects, whether in television movies, guest roles, or stage work, as she has a reputation for tackling complex and challenging characters throughout her career, earning multiple Emmy nominations for her dramatic roles.
The Untold Story: Coming Out, *Untied*, and Life with Nancy Locke
For many years, Meredith Baxter was known to the public through her marriages, most famously to actor David Birney, which led to her professional credit as Meredith Baxter Birney. However, in a courageous and widely publicized move in 2009, she came out as a lesbian, a revelation that redefined her public persona and became a source of inspiration for many.
Her 2011 autobiography, *Untied: A Memoir of Family, Fame, and Floundering*, offered a raw and honest look at her life behind the scenes. The book detailed her struggles with her identity, alcoholism, and deeply personal accounts of alleged domestic abuse during her marriage to David Birney, a claim which Birney publicly denied. The memoir was a critical piece of her journey, moving her from a private struggle to a public advocate for awareness and self-acceptance.
A Happy New Chapter with Wife Nancy Locke
The actress found lasting happiness with her current wife, Nancy Locke. The couple began their relationship in 2005, and Locke, a general contractor, became Baxter’s long-time partner. They officially married in an intimate ceremony in Los Angeles in 2013, four years after Baxter first came out publicly.
Their life together in Santa Barbara is a testament to the peace and contentment Baxter has found later in life. She has often spoken about the joy of being able to finally live authentically, stating that her relationship with Locke is one of mutual support and love. Furthermore, Baxter has shared that she has a positive relationship with her five children from her previous marriages, creating a blended and supportive family unit.
In addition to her personal journey, Baxter has also been open about her health, having successfully battled breast cancer. She is reported to be cancer-free, using her story to raise funds and awareness for various health and advocacy causes.
Meredith Baxter’s Enduring Legacy and Impact
Meredith Baxter’s career is a fascinating study in the evolution of television. Her early role in *Bridget Loves Bernie* in 1972, a controversial sitcom about an interfaith marriage, showcased her ability to tackle complex social themes early on. Her four-year run as Nancy Lawrence Maitland on the drama series *Family* further cemented her reputation as a serious actress.
However, it is her seven years as Elyse Keaton on *Family Ties* that remains her most recognizable and commercially successful role. The show, which ran from 1982 to 1989, brilliantly captured the generational shift in American politics, with Elyse and her husband, Steven, representing the liberal baby-boomers and their son, Alex, embodying the rising tide of conservatism. This dynamic made the show a cultural touchstone of the 1980s.
Today, Meredith Baxter’s legacy extends far beyond her acting credits. She has become an influential figure for her courage in sharing her truth, particularly the challenges of coming out later in life. Her advocacy through interviews, such as those with *The Today Show* and *The Advocate*, and her memoir, has provided a voice for many navigating similar personal and societal hurdles. Her current life, marked by happiness, sobriety, and a loving marriage, serves as a powerful, positive example of self-acceptance and resilience in Hollywood.
