Brian Bonsall's latest mug shot gets a thumbs-down from TMZ

Former Family Ties cast member Brian Bonsall's latest arrest would have made news even if he hadn't claimed that the marijuana in his system during a positive drug test had been used for medicinal purposes (despite the fact that he doesn't haven't the required license). After all, his last booking...

By Michael Roberts

February 22, 2010

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Former Family Ties cast member Brian Bonsall's latest arrest would have made news even if he hadn't claimed that the marijuana in his system during a positive drug test had been used for medicinal purposes (despite the fact that he doesn't haven't the required license). After all, his last booking photo was such a brilliant image that we immediately inducted Bonsall into our Busted Former Child Star Mug Shot Hall of Fame. But the most recent image is considerably more sedate, not to mention piercings-free -- which explains why TMZ's headline for its post on the bust reads, "Family Ties Kid -- New Mug Shot Lacks Luster."

Guess he'll have to try harder next time. And odds are good there will be a next time.

Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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