Whatever Happened to Marc Price, ‘Family Tie’s’ Skippy?
What To Know
- Marc Price, best known as Skippy on Family Ties, transitioned from acting to a career in stand-up comedy, television hosting, and behind-the-scenes production after the show ended in 1989.
- He continues to perform stand-up, act in independent films, and credits his early showbiz upbringing for shaping his career path.
- Price remains active in charitable work, notably supporting the Michael J. Fox Foundation while touring, and maintains strong ties to his Family Ties legacy.
Marc Price became one of the most recognizable “nice guy” characters of the ’80s, as Irwin “Skippy” Handelman on all seven seasons of Family Ties. When the series ended in 1989, Price seemed to disappear, but he actually pivoted to stand-up comedy, producing and behind-the-scenes television work. Today, the performer, 57, often tours the US, bringing his stand-up show to clubs across the nation.
How did Marc Price begin his career?
In a 2024 interview with GoPride Chicago, Price explained about his early career, “Well, I have been doing it forever. My dad was a comedian and my mom was a singer. They used to take me on tour. My mom really grew to hate showbiz and grew to hate my father. They did the common divorce thing in the ’70s and even called it ‘being recycled’ instead of saying the word divorce. My mom had a plan for me to go to Cornell University but my dad wanted me to hang out with him in comedy clubs. My mom’s plan didn’t have a chance!”
That early immersion into acting helped lead to childhood television appearances on One Day at a Time and Archie Bunker’s Place before he landed the role that would define his teen years.
NBC/Everett Collection
When Family Ties premiered in 1982, Price was still a teenager, and Skippy quickly became the show’s resident sweetheart. What many fans don’t realize is that Skippy wasn’t originally meant to be a long-term character. Price explained on the Jeff Is Funny podcast in 2024 that he “didn’t become a recurring character until the third season,” as audiences responded to Skippy’s awkward charm. While Skippy made him a household name, Price was already branching out into film during the show’s run. He starred in the cult horror favorite Trick or Treat in 1986, the action-adventure film The Rescue in 1988, and the quirky sequel Killer Tomatoes Eat France! in the early ’90s.
After Family Ties wrapped, Price leaned into hosting and production, becoming the face of Disney Channel’s Teen Win, Lose or Draw from 1989 to 1992 and gaining hands-on experience in television production.
Over the next several years, he worked behind the scenes for networks including Food Network, Animal Planet, GSN, Showtime and TBS, eventually producing the game show Midnight Money Madness. At the same time, stand-up comedy remained a constant. He toured extensively, appeared on Last Comic Standing, and became a longtime Las Vegas regular.
Where is Marc Price today?
Michael Loccisano/Getty Images
Even today, Price continues to perform and act, often favoring smaller independent projects over mainstream studio roles. In the GoPride Chicago interview, he talked about the indie film Witchy Ways, explaining, “I played the annoying neighbor … Skippy was more lovable. I play the antagonist in this one. It’s not a dark movie, and it has a lot of heart.” He also spoke warmly about his castmates, adding, “I am definitely an ally and loved working with Candis Cayne. She stole the movie, and I was very impressed with her.”
Price has also found meaningful ways to connect his Family Ties legacy to charitable causes. While touring, he has helped raise money for the Michael J. Fox Foundation, in honor of his former co-star’s ongoing advocacy.
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’80s Where Are They Now
March 2023
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