‘Family Ties’ trouble


December 10, 2009 at 12:00a.m.

‘Family Ties’ trouble

BOULDER, Colo. — A former cast member of the 1980s television show “Family Ties” faces a new assault charge after police in Colorado say he repeatedly hit a friend with a broken wooden stool. Brian Bonsall, 28, was arrested Saturday and appeared briefly in a Boulder courtroom Wednesday.

The hearing was originally scheduled for another case, an alleged probation violation from a 2007 assault on Bonsall’s girlfriend. A judge postponed the hearing to be able to consider both cases at the same time.

Bonsall played the role of the youngest Keaton sibling, Andy, on the NBC sitcom. He lives in Westminster, about 20 miles south of Boulder. Bonsall is being held in lieu of $7,500 bail.

Boss backs gay marriage

TRENTON, N.J. — Bruce Springsteen posted a statement on his Web site urging support of the gay-marriage bill that was up for a vote in New Jersey’s Senate. Springsteen wrote that he’s long believed in and has “always spoken out for the rights of same-sex couples.”

The native son says he agrees with Gov. Jon Corzine that marriage equality is a civil-rights issue. Gov.-elect Chris Christie is a big Springsteen fan. The Republican has said he would veto the bill. A state Senate committee approved the bill by one vote Monday. Democrats concede the measure may fall short of the 21 votes needed to pass the Senate.

R. Kelly to tell his tale

NEW YORK — R. Kelly said in a statement issued Wednesday that he is working on an autobiography with David Ritz that will “tell it like it is.” Kelly, 42, is one of the best-selling recording artists in history but also one of the most controversial. The book promises to go through all his drama, including child-pornography charges that ended with an acquittal. The autobiography is untitled right now and is scheduled for release in 2011.

Today’s birthdays

Singer Ralph Tavares of Tavares is 61. Actress Susan Dey is 57. Actor-director Kenneth Branagh is 49. TV chef Bobby Flay is 45. Drummer Meg White of The White Stripes is 35. Actress Raven-Symone is 24.