Bateman was born in Rye, New York, USA, to Victoria, a flight attendant of Maltese heritage, and Kent Bateman, an acting coach, film and television writer/director, and founder of a repertory stage in Hollywood. Her younger brother is actor Jason Bateman. She attended Taft High School in Woodland Hills, California, and graduated in 1984.

She played the role of superficial Mallory Keaton on the television sitcom Family Ties from 1982 to 1989. Mallory was presented as a vacuous airhead, which was fodder for jokes and teasing from her brother Alex (Michael J. Fox). In 1984, Bateman starred on the Tales from the Darkside television series in the episode "Mookie and Pookie." Bateman hosted an episode of Saturday Night Live during its Read more...

Bateman revealed to TV Guide in its November 9, 1996, issue that she had struggled with anorexia, bulimia, and compulsive overeating while making Family Ties. "[I would make rules like] I can have one more cookie if I go throw it all up later," she said. "Or I can have this now if I skip lunch later." She was able to overcome her eating disorder through a 12-step program and turning to Christianity[citation Read more...