'Family Ties' star Baxter: 'I'm a lesbian'

Former Family Ties star Meredith Baxter has revealed that she is a lesbian, says CNN.

The actress, who played Elyse Keaton on the 1980s series, made the statement during an appearance on NBC's Today show this morning.

"It was a later in life recognition," she is quoted as saying.

"I didn't want some tabloid to take the story and make it up. I wanted it to be in my own words."

In a separate interview with People, the 62-year-old said: "[Being gay] had never crossed my mind... I feel like I'm being honest for the first time."

Baxter, who has been married three times, added that she is currently in a four-year relationship with building contractor Nancy Locke.