Frederick Koehler

Fred Koehler started his career as a child star, making his feature debut as the eldest son of Michael Keaton's "Mr. Mom" (1983) and taking the regular role of Chip, the sole male in the household of the acclaimed CBS sitcom "Kate & Allie" (1984-1989). The actor grew up before the audience's eyes on "Kate & Allie," going from the adorably precocious little boy (complete with the time's requisite bowl haircut) to an awkward young teenager, trying to find his way in the divorcee headed household with and older sister, his mother, her best friend Kate and Kate's teenage daughter. Koehler's Chip was one of the more realistic and likable depictions of boys on television at the time, and his portrayal was both funny and insightful, although he was often best remembered for his onscreen struggles with the real-life vocal fluctuations that accompany puberty's onset. While on "Kate & Allie," Koehler landed featured roles in several TV projects, including a part as Sarah Jessica Parker's brother in the ABC Afterschool Special "The Almost Royal Family" (1984), a featured role as the son of Wayne Rogers and Karen Valentine in "He's Fired, She's Hired" (CBS, 1984) and as star of the syndicated divorce drama special "Tender Places" (1987), playing a 13-year-old boy dealing with his parents' separation. Koehler left "Kate & Allie" when it's run ended in 1989, five years more experienced in his craft and two feet taller.