“The Hogan Family” Star Jeremy Licht Says Jason Bateman Was an ‘Older Brother’ on Set, Even If They ‘Fought and Argued’ 

**Reflections from the Set of ‘The Hogan Family’: Jeremy Licht Remembers Jason Bateman**

As fans recall the beloved TV series ‘The Hogan Family,’ which aired from 1986 to 1991, Jeremy Licht recently shared anecdotes from his time working alongside co-star Jason Bateman. This iconic sitcom, which began its journey as ‘Valerie’, revolved around the life of a mother, portrayed by Valerie Harper, juggling her family and career while navigating the complexities of parenthood.

Licht and Bateman’s characters, brothers David and Mark Hogan, formed the heart of the show alongside Danny Ponce, who played Willie. The series managed to capture the ups and downs of family life, all while delivering comedic moments that resonated with viewers across its six-season run. Following the departure of Harper after a salary dispute, the show rebranded itself as ‘Valerie’s Family: The Hogans’ before ultimately settling on ‘The Hogan Family.’

Reflecting on their early days together, Licht, now aged 55, recounted how he found himself in an unusual family dynamic for a young actor. “I have a younger brother in real life, so suddenly, I had an older brother,” he explained when discussing his role alongside Bateman, who was 16 at the time. He commended Bateman’s professionalism and experience, highlighting, “Jason was incredible. He had a deep understanding of sitcoms, which really helped me as I was new to the format.”

Licht was quick to acknowledge the learning curve he faced, having transitioned into the sitcom world from one-off roles in television. “I’d never really done a sitcom before, and here I was on this show. Jason just knew the timing; even today, his sense of rhythm in performance is remarkable,” he said, crediting Bateman for helping him find his footing in that fast-paced environment.

Despite their on-set camaraderie, Licht confessed that their relationship was not without its challenges. “Was it always harmonious? Not at all,” he admitted. During their formative years, both actors grappled with the typical conflicts of adolescence, often leading to disagreements. Nevertheless, he highlighted the importance of professionalism in their work ethic: “We were young boys going through changes, and certainly, there were arguments. But we always showed up ready to work.”

The bond Licht shares with his co-stars has endured beyond the show’s conclusion. “We still manage to catch up for lunch every few months if we can coordinate our schedules. That connection is very important to us,” he noted, underlining the enduring friendship forged through shared experiences.

Licht also remembered Bateman’s impressive achievement of becoming the youngest director in Directors Guild of America history when he directed an episode of ‘The Hogan Family.’ “He was always ambitious and talented,” Licht remarked, indicating that his success was not solely limited to acting.

It’s worth noting that Bateman’s journey started long before ‘The Hogan Family,’ having appeared in shows such as ‘Little House on the Prairie’ and ‘Silver Spoons.’ In a recent interview, he recounted a humorous incident from his time on ‘Little House,’ where he was subjected to playful bullying by older cast members. “They held me down and gave me noogies,” he recalled, laughing at the antics of his youth. Bateman’s prankster spirit shone through when he got revenge by faking injuries to get his tormentors in trouble.

As he transitioned from child star to leading man, Bateman’s impressive career burgeoned. He has received acclaim for his roles in critically acclaimed series such as ‘Arrested Development’ and ‘Ozark’, and has featured in successful films, including ‘Horrible Bosses’ and ‘Game Night’.

In revisiting his days on ‘The Hogan Family,’ Jeremy Licht’s reflections offer a glimpse into the camaraderie and challenges faced by young actors. The nostalgic memories shared by Licht serve as a reminder of the enduring impact that such formative experiences can have on a person’s life and career. As these stars have mature, they continue to carry with them the lessons and relationships fostered during their time working together.