Born in Chicago in 1947, was involved in a gang during high school for a couple years before becoming a better student and graduating as senior class president. Received an M.F.A. from Yale University's School of Drama, Gross worked in theater before moving to New York where he began working as an actor. This eventually led to his breakthrough role on the show Family Ties.

He has moved on to several other projects since the show's end, including three of the In the Line of Duty movies, narrating for audio books, and most notably playing the popular character Burt in the Tremors films.
Brother of Mary Gross. Cousin of Ron Masak. Won an Obie in 1982 for his role in the off-Broadway production "No End Of Blame." Born on same exact date as co-star Meredith Baxter of Family Ties. Graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a B.A., then went on to earn a master of Fine Arts degree from the School of Drama at Yale University. Second cousin of Kathryn Masak and Mike Masak. Steven Keaton, Gross's character on Family Ties, was ranked #12 in TV Guide's list of the "50 Greatest TV Dads of All Time" [20 June 2004 issue]. Only actor to perform in all four films in the "Tremors" series as well as the Tremors TV show. Guest starred as a shrink on Michael J. Fox's last episode of Spin City, in which there were several Family Ties references. Made a Family Ties reference when he said, "Pay Mallory on the way out." Began filming Tremors the day after the "Family Ties" wrap party. During college, Michael worked in engine service for the Chicago & North Western Railway, which sparked his passion for trains. He is now part owner of Santa Fe Southern Railway. During his audition for Tremors, he jumped on director Ron Underwood's table, and pretended that he had a gun which he shot monsters with, to convince him that he was right for the part. The movie _Deceived by Trust: A Moment of Truth Movie (1995)_ was based on real-life events that happened at the high school Michael Gross attended.