Source: Charley Gallay / Getty
Viewers of “The Today Show” this morning were treated to an unexpected interview and announcement by actress Meredith Baxter, who is best known for her role as mom Elyse Keaton on the beloved ’80s sitcom “Family Ties.” Baxter’s interview with Matt Lauer started off a bit awkwardly, but finally the soft-spoken actress revealed her announcement: She is a lesbian.
The thrice-married Baxter, who has five adult children, went on to explain that she’s been living openly with her partner Nancy for years. She said that her family and friends all already knew and supported her, but that recent tabloid rumors spurred her to go on TV and make the announcement herself.
When Matt asked if the cast of “Family Ties” knew, Baxter assured him that they did. We reached out to actress Justine Bateman, who played Baxter’s daughter Mallory Keaton on the show. Bateman offered words of support for her costar: “Meredith is and has always been one of the classiest people I know. I’ve met her partner, Nancy, and think she’s a wonderful woman. I wish them happiness for a very long time.”
Source: NBC TODAY Show
