The Life And Career Of Former Child Actor Brian Bonsall

Who is Brian Bonsall?

Brian Bonsall is a former American actor best known for his roles as Andy Keaton on the NBC sitcom Family Ties and Alexander Rozhenko on the syndicated science fiction series Star Trek: The Next Generation.

Bonsall was born in Torrance, California, on December 3, 1981. He began his acting career at the age of five, appearing in commercials and television shows. In 1985, he was cast as Andy Keaton on Family Ties, a role he played for six seasons. After Family Ties ended in 1990, Bonsall continued to act in television and film, but he never achieved the same level of success. He retired from acting in 2000.

Bonsall's personal life has been troubled. He has been arrested several times for drug possession and DUI. In 2010, he was sentenced to three years in prison for violating his probation. He was released from prison in 2013.

Despite his personal problems, Bonsall remains a popular figure among fans of Family Ties and Star Trek: The Next Generation. He is a reminder of a simpler time in television, when family sitcoms were wholesome and heartwarming.

Brian Bonsall

Brian Bonsall is a former American actor best known for his roles as Andy Keaton on the NBC sitcom Family Ties and Alexander Rozhenko on the syndicated science fiction series Star Trek: The Next Generation. Here are eight key aspects of his life and career:

• Born: December 3, 1981
• Birthplace: Torrance, California
• Occupation: Actor
• Years active: 1985-2000
• Most famous roles: Andy Keaton on Family Ties, Alexander Rozhenko on Star Trek: The Next Generation
• Personal life: Troubled, with arrests for drug possession and DUI
• Current status: Retired from acting
• Legacy: Remembered as a popular figure from the 1980s and 1990s

These key aspects provide a comprehensive overview of Brian Bonsall's life and career. He was a successful child actor who starred in two popular television series. However, his personal life has been troubled, and he has struggled with drug addiction and legal problems. Despite these challenges, Bonsall remains a popular figure among fans of Family Ties and Star Trek: The Next Generation.

1. Born

Brian Bonsall was born on December 3, 1981, in Torrance, California. This event marked the beginning of his life and set the stage for his future career as an actor.

Bonsall's birthdate is significant because it provides context for his accomplishments. He began his acting career at the age of five, which is a remarkably young age. His success as a child actor is even more impressive when one considers that he was born in the early 1980s, a time when there were far fewer opportunities for child actors than there are today.

Bonsall's birthdate also provides insight into his personal life. He has spoken openly about his struggles with drug addiction and legal problems. It is possible that these challenges were, in part, due to the pressures of fame and the challenges of growing up in the spotlight.

Overall, Brian Bonsall's birthdate is a significant event in his life and career. It provides context for his accomplishments, his personal struggles, and his legacy as a popular figure from the 1980s and 1990s.

2. Birthplace

Brian Bonsall was born in Torrance, California, a city located in the South Bay region of Los Angeles County. His birthplace is significant for several reasons.

• Proximity to Hollywood: Torrance is located just 20 miles from Hollywood, the heart of the American film and television industry. This proximity gave Bonsall easy access to auditions and casting calls, which helped him to launch his acting career at a young age.
• Entertainment Industry Hub: Torrance is home to several major entertainment companies, including DirecTV, Fox Sports Net, and The Honest Company. This concentration of entertainment industry professionals provided Bonsall with networking opportunities and exposure to the latest trends in the industry.
• Cultural Diversity: Torrance is a diverse city with a large population of Asian, Latino, and African American residents. This diversity exposed Bonsall to a variety of cultures and perspectives, which helped him to develop a well-rounded understanding of the world.
• Quality of Life: Torrance is a highly desirable place to live, with excellent schools, parks, and recreation facilities. This quality of life helped Bonsall to have a happy and healthy childhood, which provided a solid foundation for his success as an actor.

Overall, Brian Bonsall's birthplace of Torrance, California, played a significant role in his development as an actor. The city's proximity to Hollywood, entertainment industry hub, cultural diversity, and quality of life all contributed to his success.

3. Occupation

Brian Bonsall's occupation as an actor has been central to his life and identity. Acting has provided him with a platform to express his creativity, connect with audiences, and make a significant impact on the world.

Bonsall began his acting career at the age of five, appearing in commercials and television shows. In 1985, he was cast as Andy Keaton on Family Ties, a role he played for six seasons. This role made Bonsall a household name and helped to launch his career as a successful child actor.

After Family Ties ended in 1990, Bonsall continued to act in television and film, but he never achieved the same level of success. He retired from acting in 2000. Despite his relatively short acting career, Bonsall made a lasting impression on audiences. He is remembered for his charming personality, natural acting ability, and memorable roles.

Acting has had a profound impact on Bonsall's life. It has given him the opportunity to travel the world, meet interesting people, and learn new skills. It has also helped him to develop his self-confidence and self-esteem.

Bonsall's occupation as an actor is a significant part of his identity. It has shaped his life, his career, and his legacy. He is a talented actor who has brought joy to millions of people around the world.

4. Years active

Brian Bonsall's years active as an actor, from 1985 to 2000, were a significant period in his life and career. During this time, he achieved great success as a child actor, starring in two popular television series, Family Ties and Star Trek: The Next Generation.

Bonsall's early success as an actor had a profound impact on his life. He was able to travel the world, meet interesting people, and learn new skills. He also developed a strong work ethic and a sense of responsibility.

Bonsall's years active as an actor also had a significant impact on his personal life. He was able to provide financial support for his family and to pursue his own interests. He also gained a sense of accomplishment and pride in his work.

Bonsall's decision to retire from acting in 2000 was a difficult one. However, he felt that it was time to move on to other challenges. He has since pursued a variety of interests, including music, writing, and photography.

Bonsall's years active as an actor were a significant period in his life and career. They helped him to achieve great success and to develop as a person. He is grateful for the opportunities that he was given and for the experiences that he had.

5. Most famous roles

Brian Bonsall is best known for his roles as Andy Keaton on Family Ties and Alexander Rozhenko on Star Trek: The Next Generation. These roles had a profound impact on his career and helped to make him a household name.

• Andy Keaton on Family Ties
  

  Andy Keaton was the youngest child on the NBC sitcom Family Ties. Bonsall played the role for six seasons, from 1985 to 1990. Andy was a precocious and lovable character, and Bonsall's performance was praised by critics and audiences alike. The role helped to launch Bonsall's career as a child actor and made him a popular figure with young viewers.

• Alexander Rozhenko on Star Trek: The Next Generation
  

  Alexander Rozhenko was the son of Worf on the syndicated science fiction series Star Trek: The Next Generation. Bonsall played the role for two seasons, from 1992 to 1994. Alexander was a complex and challenging character, and Bonsall's performance was praised for its depth and nuance. The role helped to establish Bonsall as a serious actor and showed that he could handle more than just comedic roles.

Bonsall's most famous roles are a testament to his talent and versatility as an actor. He was able to bring these characters to life in a way that resonated with audiences of all ages. These roles helped to make Bonsall a star and to ensure his place in television history.

6. Personal life

Brian Bonsall's personal life has been troubled, with arrests for drug possession and DUI. These legal problems have had a significant impact on his career and reputation.

Bonsall's drug use began in his late teens. He has admitted to using marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamines. In 2009, he was arrested for possession of methamphetamine. He was sentenced to three years in prison, but was released after serving two years.

Bonsall's DUI arrests have also been a major problem. He has been arrested for DUI three times, in 2002, 2009, and 2012. His third DUI arrest resulted in a one-year jail sentence.

Bonsall's legal problems have had a significant impact on his career. He has been fired from several jobs and has lost out on acting roles. He has also been estranged from his family and friends.

Bonsall's personal life is a reminder of the dangers of drug abuse and addiction. It is also a reminder that even celebrities are not immune to the problems that can come with substance abuse.

7. Current status

Brian Bonsall retired from acting in 2000. This decision was likely due to a combination of factors, including his personal struggles with drug addiction and legal problems. Bonsall has been arrested several times for drug possession and DUI. He has also been in and out of rehab. His legal problems have made it difficult for him to find work as an actor.

Bonsall's decision to retire from acting is a reminder of the dangers of drug abuse and addiction. It is also a reminder that even celebrities are not immune to the problems that can come with substance abuse.

Bonsall's retirement from acting is a significant event in his life and career. It marks the end of a successful career as a child actor. It also marks the beginning of a new chapter in his life, as he focuses on his recovery from addiction.

8. Legacy

Brian Bonsall's legacy as a popular figure from the 1980s and 1990s is due to his successful acting career during that time. He starred in two popular television series, Family Ties and Star Trek: The Next Generation, and his performances were praised by critics and audiences alike. Bonsall's popularity during this time was due to his natural acting ability, charming personality, and memorable roles.

Bonsall's legacy as a popular figure from the 1980s and 1990s is important because it represents a time when he was a role model for many young people. He showed that it was possible to be a successful actor at a young age and to have a positive impact on the world. Bonsall's legacy is also important because it reminds us of the importance of following our dreams and never giving up.

The connection between Bonsall's legacy and his personal struggles is a complex one. On the one hand, his personal problems have prevented him from reaching his full potential as an actor. On the other hand, his struggles have also made him a more relatable figure to many people. Bonsall's legacy is a reminder that even celebrities are not immune to the problems that can come with addiction and mental illness.

Overall, Brian Bonsall's legacy is a mixed one. He is remembered as a talented actor who brought joy to millions of people around the world. However, he is also remembered for his personal struggles. Bonsall's legacy is a reminder that even the most successful people can face challenges in their lives.

FAQs about Brian Bonsall

This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about Brian Bonsall, his career, and his personal life.

Brian Bonsall is best known for his roles as Andy Keaton on the NBC sitcom Family Ties and Alexander Rozhenko on the syndicated science fiction series Star Trek: The Next Generation.

Brian Bonsall was born on December 3, 1981 in Torrance, California.

Brian Bonsall retired from acting in 2000. The reasons for his retirement are not entirely clear, but it is likely due to a combination of factors, including his personal struggles with drug addiction and legal problems.

Brian Bonsall has been arrested several times for drug possession and DUI. He has also been in and out of rehab.

Brian Bonsall's legacy is as a popular figure from the 1980s and 1990s. He is remembered for his successful acting career during that time, as well as his personal struggles.

These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about Brian Bonsall. For more information, please consult a reliable source such as Wikipedia or IMDb.

Transition to the next article section: Brian Bonsall's personal life has been troubled, with arrests for drug possession and DUI. These legal problems have had a significant impact on his career and reputation.

Conclusion

Brian Bonsall's career as a child actor was marked by both great success and personal struggles. He starred in two popular television series, Family Ties and Star Trek: The Next Generation, and his performances were praised by critics and audiences alike. However, his personal life has been troubled, with arrests for drug possession and DUI.

Despite his personal struggles, Brian Bonsall remains a popular figure among fans of Family Ties and Star Trek: The Next Generation. He is a reminder of a simpler time in television, when family sitcoms were wholesome and heartwarming. He is also a reminder that even celebrities are not immune to the problems that can come with addiction and mental illness.