New York -- U.S. actor Michael Gross is joining the cast of the daytime soap opera, "The Young and the Restless," this month, CBS said Monday.

Best known for his role on the 1980s sit-com, "Family Ties," as well as his work in the movie, "Tremors," and its sequels, Gross is to start appearing on "Y&R" in the episode to air Aug. 15, the network said.

Gross will play Lowell Baldwin, now known as River, "the long-lost father" of Michael Baldwin (played by Christian LeBlanc.)

"River shows up in an unexpected place in a very unusual role," CBS said.

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