Tracy Jo Pollan Fox, born on June 22, 1960, is an American actress and author best known for her role as Ellen Reed on the sitcom Family Ties.
She has also appeared in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, earning an Emmy nomination.
Pollan married actor Michael J. Fox in 1988, and they have four children together.
In addition to her acting career, she co-authored the cookbook Pollan Family Table.
Pollan is actively involved in advocacy for Parkinson’s disease through her work with The Michael J. Fox Foundation.
Siblings
Tracy has a close-knit family with several siblings, including her brother Michael Pollan, who is a well-known author and journalist.
Michael is recognized for his impactful writings on food, agriculture, and the environment, with notable works such as The Omnivore’s Dilemma, In Defense of Food, and How to Change Your Mind.
His contributions have made him a leading voice in discussions about sustainable agriculture and the food industry.
In addition to Michael, Tracy has other siblings, including Kelli Pollan, who is also involved in the entertainment industry but is less publicly known than Tracy or Michael.
Karen and Jacki Pollan have maintained more private lives compared to their siblings but remain part of Tracy’s supportive family network.
Steven Fox is another sibling who has largely stayed out of the public eye.
Career
Pollan began her acting career in the early 1980s, making her television debut in 1982 with a guest appearance on the soap opera As the World Turns.
This initial exposure helped her gain recognition in the industry, and in 1983, she appeared in the film Baby It’s You, marking her first significant role on the big screen.
Her performance in this coming-of-age drama showcased her talent and opened doors for further opportunities.
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Pollan’s breakthrough came when she was cast as Ellen Reed on the hit sitcom Family Ties, which aired from 1982 to 1989.
The show was a cultural phenomenon during its run, and Pollan’s character, Ellen, was introduced as the love interest of Alex P. Keaton, played by Michael J. Fox.
The chemistry between Pollan and Fox was palpable, leading to a real-life romance that culminated in their marriage in 1988.
Her role on Family Ties not only solidified her status as a talented actress but also endeared her to audiences.
Following her success on Family Ties, Pollan appeared in several films throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Notable films include Bright Lights, Big City (1988), where she starred alongside Michael J. Fox again, and A Stranger Among Us (1992), directed by Sidney Lumet.
In addition to film roles, she continued to make guest appearances on various television shows.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Pollan had a recurring role on the critically acclaimed series Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
Her portrayal of Harper Anderson earned her an Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series in 2000, highlighting her ability to tackle serious and complex roles.
Pollan has also appeared in other television series such as Spin City, where she reunited with Michael J. Fox; Medium, where she played a guest role; and The Michael J. Fox Show, which aired from 2013 to 2014.
Her versatility as an actress allowed her to navigate various genres, from comedy to drama.
In addition to her screen work, Pollan has a strong background in theater.
She performed on Broadway in Neil Simon’s play Jake’s Women, which further showcased her acting prowess.
Her experience in theater has contributed to her ability to deliver compelling performances on screen.
Beyond acting, Pollan is also an accomplished author. She co-authored a cookbook titled Pollan Family Table, published in 2011.
The book reflects her family’s love for cooking and healthy eating, featuring recipes that emphasize fresh ingredients and family traditions.
Awards and accolades
Pollan has received several notable awards and nominations throughout her career.
She was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award in 2000 for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series for her role as Harper Anderson on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
This performance highlighted her ability to deliver compelling dramatic performances and earned her recognition in the industry.
In addition to her Emmy nomination, Pollan was also nominated for a Razzie Award in 1993 for Worst Supporting Actress for her role in the film A Stranger Among Us.
While she did not win these awards, the nominations reflect her impact and presence in both television and film.
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