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Entertainment • Actor

Tracy Pollan

Tracy Pollan is an American actress best known for playing Ellen Reed on the NBC sitcom *Family Ties* and for her guest role on *Law & Order: Special Victims Unit*, which earned her a Primetime Emmy Award nomination.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Tracy Pollan is an American actress best known for playing Ellen Reed on the NBC sitcom *Family Ties* and for her guest role on *Law & Order: Special Victims Unit*, which earned her a Primetime Emmy Award nomination. She has also appeared in film, theatre, and television movies, and is married to actor Michael J. Fox.

Early life

Tracy Pollan was born Tracy Jo Pollan on Long Island, New York, and was raised in Woodbury, New York. Sources describe her as coming from a Russian Jewish family.

Acting career

Pollan made her film debut in *Baby It's You* (1983) and later appeared in films including *Promised Land*, *Bright Lights, Big City*, and *A Stranger Among Us*. Her television work includes *Family Ties*, *Spin City*, and several TV movies.

Recognition

Her guest performance on *Law & Order: Special Victims Unit* brought a Primetime Emmy Award nomination. She has also worked in theatre, including a Broadway appearance in *Jake's Women*.

Personal life

Pollan married actor Michael J. Fox in 1988. They have four children and she has been involved with the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.

Key facts

  • Pollan was born Tracy Jo Pollan on June 22, 1960, on Long Island, New York.
  • She is best known for playing Ellen Reed on *Family Ties* from 1985 to 1987.
  • Her guest role on *Law & Order: Special Victims Unit* in 2000 earned a Primetime Emmy Award nomination.
  • Her film credits include *Baby It's You*, *Promised Land*, *Bright Lights, Big City*, and *A Stranger Among Us*.
  • She married Michael J. Fox in 1988 and they have four children.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Tracy Pollan?
Tracy Pollan is an American actress known for *Family Ties* and a guest role on *Law & Order: Special Victims Unit*.
When was Tracy Pollan born?
She was born on June 22, 1960.
What is Tracy Pollan best known for?
She is best known for playing Ellen Reed on *Family Ties*.
Was Tracy Pollan nominated for an Emmy Award?
Yes. She received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for her guest performance on *Law & Order: Special Victims Unit*.
Who is Tracy Pollan married to?
She is married to actor Michael J. Fox; they married in 1988.
How many children does Tracy Pollan have?
She has four children.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tracy_Pollan
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, nationality, major acting credits, Emmy nomination, marriage, and children.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001630/bio/
    Supports: Birthplace, birth name, early life details, and training.
  3. The Michael J. Fox Foundation — https://www.michaeljfox.org/bio/tracy-pollan
    Supports: Marriage to Michael J. Fox, children, Emmy nomination, theatre work, film credits, and board involvement.
  4. TV Guide — https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/tracy-pollan/bio/3000212383/
    Supports: Birth name, birthplace, and profession.
  5. Apple TV — https://www.apple.com/gb/person/tracy-pollan/umc.cpc.4dtysk3h3oi4khi5akacsuts3
    Supports: Early stage work and Broadway debut.
  6. People — https://people.com/tv/michael-j-fox-tracy-pollan-relationship-timeline/
    Supports: Relationship timeline, marriage date, and children.