Note: This was written by a Yahoo! contributor. Join the Yahoo! Contributor Network to start publishing your own articles.
Meredith Baxter (Elyse Keaton) - Still Acting and Proudly Gay
In this brave new world of glitzy TV superstars, at 63, Meredith Baxter, notably of the '80s "Family Ties" distinction may not quench the thirst or demands of a young, hot celebrity-enamored crowd. She is however, alive and well, and highly respected.
Also the '70s "Bridget Loves Bernie" star, Baxter continues to carry on her obvious life calling as an actor, albeit from a wiser and less stressed perspective. Something only the mature side of womanhood generally manifests. In 2009, Baxter took a dynamic leap of faith. She unburdened her soul and undeniably her private world when she announced on NBC's "Today" show that she is a lesbian.
Meredith Baxter was among a budding band of female TV stars that launched the mother's morphing family role into a revitalizing and progressive realm in the '80s. There was no denying the rally cry of this significant Mom movement in TV history.
Baxter's thriving character as Elyse Keaton in NBC's "Family Ties," brought on a former hippie turned married-architect-Mom. This emerging Mom role focused for the most part on the realistic but amusing conflict of Elyse as a political liberal, raising conservative children during the Reagan era.
Fast forward all these years. Apparently still aligned with the central political theme of Elyse Keaton's character, Baxter actually tagged her coming out as a gay woman - a political move. What does being gay have to do with politics? Baxter's deduction seems to be that if people know someone who is gay, they will be less inclined to vote to remove any gay rights.
That someone is of course, her. Her now open relationship with Nancy Locke, along with the respect she faithfully garners in the celebrity world, may well aid in propelling the gay movement forward.
Interestingly, in 1993, Meredith Baxter took on the role of a co-parenting lesbian to a teen. It was a CBS 'school break' special called "Other Mothers." Through the years, Baxter has starred in countless made for television shows and movies. She is an executive producer and not surprisingly, worked some theater production.
Fans of the hot CBS show "Cold Case" will recall Baxter's 2006 recurring role as the life-fading mother of Detective Lily Rush. Meredith Baxter has always been a notable and deserving actor in the eyes of many. She can also add "courageous lady" to her mammoth credits now.
Danica McKellar (Winnie Cooper) - Author of Math Books and New Mom
Time has such a callous and mystifying way of slipping away. How dare that darling "Wonder Years" TV star Danica McKellar grow up. Never mind blossom into a respected author of math books and a mom.
Millions of fans of the Baby Boomer nostalgia-based show remember Danica as the sweet-as-honey, straight laced Winnie (Gwendolyn) Cooper. Winnie was the endearing childhood sweetheart of the "Wonder Years" main character, 12-year-old Kevin Arnold, played by Fred Savage.
Winnie Cooper was not only an adolescent sophisticate - she was brainy to boot. So how relevant was the overachiever-inspired character of Winnie to the bona fide life of Danica McKellar? 'Dead on' best describes the perfect match. McKellar as an actor has easily withstood the hands of time.
Seriously, there is not enough room here, to highlight the 30 something films, play and TV movies McKellar has under her belt. As well, just trust that this darling, who always appears to be glowing from within, has had 50 starring roles in television series.
All that aside, it is McKellar's non-acting accomplishments that make her such an extraordinary stand out from oodles of other young and often misguided TV stars. If anyone has any doubts: life post Winnie Cooper only got better for Danica McKellar.
Do not want to forget to mention she graduated UCLA -- Summa Cum Laude, of course. This beautiful and intelligent woman also authored three outstanding bestseller math books for kids. Oh, her greatest accomplishment, son Draco Verta, was born in September. Imagine that... Winnie Cooper is a mother.
Candace Cameron Bure (D.J. Tanner) - Mom and Hockey Wife
She was the tomboyish, but adorable let-me-hug-you D.J. Tanner on the acclaimed ABC family sitcom "Full House." Candace Cameron Bure, who today is 34 years old, is stunning with her stepped-up wholesome girl-next-door beauty. The child star married professional Russian hockey star, Valerie Bure, in 1996.
Bure, however, retired from hockey in 2001. Candace Cameron (who is the sister of Kirk Cameron) is sweetly remembered as the rough and tumble young girl in rolled up jeans and sneakers on "Full House." Now she spends most of her time mothering the couple's three children in Canada.
Cameron Bure makes no apologies about the fact that she is an overprotective mom. It is interesting and commendable that she will not allow her 11-year-old daughter, Natasha, to open a Twitter of Facebook account. Rock on with that, Candace. That admirable parental measure probably does not sit well with Natasha, but it is highly commendable all the same.
--
Sources:
http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/contributor/1800034295/bio
Biography Series Video - Biography.com
