Get set, blog visitors. What you'll see here is an offbeat informational blog, created and produced to supplement one type of celebrity described in the 2010 book "Star Struck: An Encyclopedia of Celebrity Culture," published by ABC-CLIO and edited by myself, Sam Riley.
The idea behind the blog was to point out a variety of categories of temporary and one-shot celebrities who have provided an enormous quantity of "fodder" for our material-hungry news and entertainment media.
Much attention has been paid to the major luminaries of our celebrity culture, people who need no introduction to anyone who hasn't been living on some other planet.
This blog, which consists of a bit more than 600 posts, is geared to celebrities with a lower-case c, so to speak. The contents of each category represents a sample, not a census of individuals who fit into that category.
Some categories are larger than others. Sadly, there are far, far more miscreants than heroes who gain temporary celebrity. Also, some categories enjoy far more public attention than do others. For example, media consumers show vastly more interest in actors, actresses and singers than in, say, inventors or whistle-blowers.
The 21 categories that follow are arranged in no particular order other than to switch back and forth between entertainment and news figures.
The first category of temporary celebrity as you scroll through this blog, which was created during 2009 and 2010, are 83 individuals whose claim to celebrity came about via having had one iconic TV role.
Next come several types of miscreants, whose celebrity is of the notorious kind. Included are 26 miscellaneous miscreants, 36 mass or serial killers, 23 other murderers of note, 8 spies or traitors, 28 disgraced political figures, 15 disgraced business figures, 12 disgraced media figures, and 16 disgraced religious figures.
After the above appear 46 individuals who didn't fit neatly into one of the 20 specific categories. Those are followed by 13 reality TV figures, 19 whistle-blowers, 33 inventors/innovators, and 16 sports/outdoor figures.
Victims of various kinds make up rather a large category (54), and heroes a more modest 31. One-time movie icons number 26, hoaxers 20, advertising icons 26, femmes and hommes fatale 24, and one-hit recording wonders 54.
Each of these interesting individuals was accorded a brief write-up and, where possible, a video clip or photograph.
By way of a quick sample, a recent sensation on TV's "American Idol" was a middle-aged man who performed an unusual rap number poking fun at a style of dress favored by hip hop fans: pants worn very low in the back.
Larry Platt, usually referred to as General Larry Platt, was a minor figure in the Atlanta, Georgia, civil rights scene many years ago. He became an overnight sensation in 2010 when he performed a snappy rap called "Pants of the Ground." He looked a bit stiff when he dropped to the floor for a bit of break dancing, but, hey, what could you ask of a man of 62?
Enjoy!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Iconic TV role: Betty Aberlin
Pretty brunette actress Betty Aberlin, born Betty Ageloff, was a fixture on the long-running children's show "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood." For 33 years she appeared on Fred Rogers' program in the character of Lady Aberlin.
Her career also included appearances in a number of musicals and on The Smothers Brothers Show," and she was a published poet. Her celebrity, however, was from her kindly, decorative appearances as Lady Aberlin on that gentlest of all kiddie shows.
Her career also included appearances in a number of musicals and on The Smothers Brothers Show," and she was a published poet. Her celebrity, however, was from her kindly, decorative appearances as Lady Aberlin on that gentlest of all kiddie shows.
Iconic TV role: Don Adams
Born Donald Yarmy, comedic actor Don Adams is very nearly synonymous with Maxwell Smart, Agent 86, in the 1965-1970 series "Get Smart," a takeoff on the James Bond films so popular at that time.
Although he looked fairly small and slight, Adams had fought in World War II and had been a Marine drill instructor.
His start in show biz was as a standup comic doing impersonations. He appeared on the program "Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts" in 1954. In the early to mid 1960s he played a chucklehead detective on "The Bill Dana Show," after which he landed the role that gave him celebrity.
As Maxwell Smart, he and his partner, Agent 99 (actress Barbara Feldon) fought international criminal masterminds; Adams' favorite spyware was his shoe phone, into which he would speak with his boss, "The Chief," using comically stylized catch phrases in a ridiculously nasal "professional" voice.
He later hosted a short-lived game show, but his moment in the celebrity sun was as Agent 86.
Adams died in 2005 at age 82.
Although he looked fairly small and slight, Adams had fought in World War II and had been a Marine drill instructor.
His start in show biz was as a standup comic doing impersonations. He appeared on the program "Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts" in 1954. In the early to mid 1960s he played a chucklehead detective on "The Bill Dana Show," after which he landed the role that gave him celebrity.
As Maxwell Smart, he and his partner, Agent 99 (actress Barbara Feldon) fought international criminal masterminds; Adams' favorite spyware was his shoe phone, into which he would speak with his boss, "The Chief," using comically stylized catch phrases in a ridiculously nasal "professional" voice.
He later hosted a short-lived game show, but his moment in the celebrity sun was as Agent 86.
Adams died in 2005 at age 82.
Iconic TV role: Alison Arngrim
It might be hard to be remembered as a bitchy little girl, but that's the situation for Alison Arngrim, who played the snippy, conniving Nellie Oleson on the series "Little House on the Prairie."
Child actress Alison had hoped for the leading role of Laura Ingalls on that show, but instead became the wretched Nellie. The show ran from 1974 to 1981 and was especially popular with young girls.
Thereafter, Arngrim appeared in several less than stellar movies and guested on "Fantasy Island" and "The Love Boat."
Child actress Alison had hoped for the leading role of Laura Ingalls on that show, but instead became the wretched Nellie. The show ran from 1974 to 1981 and was especially popular with young girls.
Thereafter, Arngrim appeared in several less than stellar movies and guested on "Fantasy Island" and "The Love Boat."
Monday, May 10, 2010
Iconic TV role: Leon Askin
Actor Leon Askin was born Leon Aschkenasy in Vienna, Austria, and worked on stage for many years before coming to America. He escaped the Nazis and emigrated to New York in 1940, and soon thereafter enlisted in the U.S. Army.
After leaving the service at war's end, he moved to Hollywood and began finding small parts in movies. He also appeared on TV in "The Adventures of Superman" and "Three's Company."
His celebrity-creating role was as the stout and grumpy, yet funny General Albert Burkhalter on the series "Hogan's Heroes."
He eventually moved back to Vienna, where he died in 2005 at age 97.
After leaving the service at war's end, he moved to Hollywood and began finding small parts in movies. He also appeared on TV in "The Adventures of Superman" and "Three's Company."
His celebrity-creating role was as the stout and grumpy, yet funny General Albert Burkhalter on the series "Hogan's Heroes."
He eventually moved back to Vienna, where he died in 2005 at age 97.
Iconic TV role: Catherine Bach
Catherine Bach was born Catherine Bachman; her defining role was as Daisy Duke in the series "The Dukes of Hazzard."
Bach had a remarkable figure and was much admired for wearing what came to be known as Daisy Dukes," which were very, very short, tight shorts. The show ran from 1979 to 1985.
She also appeared in a number of movies and on a few other TV shows, such as "Police Woman" and "The Love Boat."
Bach had a remarkable figure and was much admired for wearing what came to be known as Daisy Dukes," which were very, very short, tight shorts. The show ran from 1979 to 1985.
She also appeared in a number of movies and on a few other TV shows, such as "Police Woman" and "The Love Boat."
Iconic TV role: Max Baer, Jr.
Max Baer, Jr. was the son of former heavyweight champion boxer Max Baer and, like his dad, was a strapping fellow by the time he began acting in a variety of TV shows that included westerns "Cheyenne" and "Maverick" and detective shows such as "Hawaiian Eye" and "77 Sunset Strip."
His big break came as Jethro Bodine on that silliest of sitcoms "The Beverly Hillbillies." Silly but hilarious, this show ran from 1962 to 1971. His role must surely have been modeled after the comic strip figure Li'l Abner. The character was a dim-witted yet friendly yokel of considerable size and strength. The storyline in general was about the misadventures of a backwoods Appalachian family that struck oil and decided to "move to Bev-er-ly--Hills, that is" and how the neuvo riche family interacted with the California sophisticates there.
Baer was so thoroughly typecast in that role that when the show closed, he had severe difficulty getting other parts. Instead, he turned to producing and, in addition, got into the casino/gaming business.
His big break came as Jethro Bodine on that silliest of sitcoms "The Beverly Hillbillies." Silly but hilarious, this show ran from 1962 to 1971. His role must surely have been modeled after the comic strip figure Li'l Abner. The character was a dim-witted yet friendly yokel of considerable size and strength. The storyline in general was about the misadventures of a backwoods Appalachian family that struck oil and decided to "move to Bev-er-ly--Hills, that is" and how the neuvo riche family interacted with the California sophisticates there.
Baer was so thoroughly typecast in that role that when the show closed, he had severe difficulty getting other parts. Instead, he turned to producing and, in addition, got into the casino/gaming business.
Iconic TV role: :Jon Bauman
Those of us possessed of mature years can remember the "greasers" of our high school days, with their surly attitude, black leather jacket and longish, greasy hair. That persona brought a measure of celebrity to Jon Bauman, who himself was a high school boy in the Queens section of New York City. Bauman went on to earn a degree with honors from Columbia University.
His celebrity-producing role was as the character Bowser with the retro rock and roll vocal group Sha Na Na.
Bauman was a terrific bass with that group, although he was not one of its original members. The entire group dressed and acted like 1950s greasers or as gold lame-clad 1050s rockers, and Bowzer was its standout member.
He would affix the viewer with an attitude-dripping look, run a comb through his oily hair, and flex a skinny bicep as he sang. His mouth could open wide enough to accommodate an entire chocolate cake at one bite, and his outfit varied but was invariably as tacky as can be imagined. The group had its own TV show from 1977 to 1981 and also made appearances on other programs. Their usual closing number was "Goodnight Sweetheart, Goodnight," a song that had ended many a high school dance in the '50s.
Bauman has continued to make appearances as Bowzer and the Stingrays and has done some producing of early rock and roll music.
His celebrity-producing role was as the character Bowser with the retro rock and roll vocal group Sha Na Na.
Bauman was a terrific bass with that group, although he was not one of its original members. The entire group dressed and acted like 1950s greasers or as gold lame-clad 1050s rockers, and Bowzer was its standout member.
He would affix the viewer with an attitude-dripping look, run a comb through his oily hair, and flex a skinny bicep as he sang. His mouth could open wide enough to accommodate an entire chocolate cake at one bite, and his outfit varied but was invariably as tacky as can be imagined. The group had its own TV show from 1977 to 1981 and also made appearances on other programs. Their usual closing number was "Goodnight Sweetheart, Goodnight," a song that had ended many a high school dance in the '50s.
Bauman has continued to make appearances as Bowzer and the Stingrays and has done some producing of early rock and roll music.
Iconic TV role: Mayim Hoya Bialik
Mayim Bialik, of East European descent, found American celebrity as Blossom Russo on the series "Blossom."
She began acting in the 1980s as a small child, but her one big claim to fame came in 1991 in the role of Blossom, on a sitcom popular with youthful viewers.
Since 1995, when that show closed, she has made occasional appearances on other TV shows and has earned her Ph.D. in neuroscience at UCLA.
She began acting in the 1980s as a small child, but her one big claim to fame came in 1991 in the role of Blossom, on a sitcom popular with youthful viewers.
Since 1995, when that show closed, she has made occasional appearances on other TV shows and has earned her Ph.D. in neuroscience at UCLA.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Iconic TV role: Dan Blocker
One of the best-liked characters in the long history of TV westerns was Eric "Hoss" Cartwright, played by hulking but kindly Dan Blocker.
Texas-born Blocker, born Bobby Don Blocker, was around 6'3" and weighed around 300 pounds. He had played football and worked as a bouncer in his younger days, then was an English and theater teacher in Los Angeles before getting into show biz in the late 1950s.
His celebrity-earning role on the "family western" "Bonanza" was as the middle of three sons on the Ponderosa Ranch in 1800s Nevada. The show's immense popularity resulted in heaven only knows how many farms and even some actual ranches scattered in no doubt every U.S. state that even today sport a big sign proclaiming themselves "The Ponderosa," a sincere if remarkably unoriginal tribute.
People always like a gentle giant, and Blocker's "Bonanza" character was nice as pie till riled, then lowered the boom on the bad guys most convincingly.
Blocker served in the Army in Korea but became a highly vocal critic of America's involvement in Vietnam.
The big guy died unexpectedly following surgery in 1972.
Texas-born Blocker, born Bobby Don Blocker, was around 6'3" and weighed around 300 pounds. He had played football and worked as a bouncer in his younger days, then was an English and theater teacher in Los Angeles before getting into show biz in the late 1950s.
His celebrity-earning role on the "family western" "Bonanza" was as the middle of three sons on the Ponderosa Ranch in 1800s Nevada. The show's immense popularity resulted in heaven only knows how many farms and even some actual ranches scattered in no doubt every U.S. state that even today sport a big sign proclaiming themselves "The Ponderosa," a sincere if remarkably unoriginal tribute.
People always like a gentle giant, and Blocker's "Bonanza" character was nice as pie till riled, then lowered the boom on the bad guys most convincingly.
Blocker served in the Army in Korea but became a highly vocal critic of America's involvement in Vietnam.
The big guy died unexpectedly following surgery in 1972.
Iconic TV role: Sorrell Booke
It is one of TV's ironies that an intelligent, accomplished man like Sorrell Booke found his celebrity playing the part of a short, rotund, conniving, thoroughly dishonest, despicable, clownish, string-pulling small-town political boss on "The Dukes of Hazzard."
Booke was a graduate of both Columbia and Yale and is said to have spoken five languages. Prior to "Dukes," he had made appearances on "Dr. Kildare, "Mission Impossible," "M.A.S.H." and "All in the Family."
As fate would have it, however, Booke got the part of Boss (Jefferson Davis) Hogg and had to be considerably padded to look the part.
He died of cancer in 1994 at age 64.
Booke was a graduate of both Columbia and Yale and is said to have spoken five languages. Prior to "Dukes," he had made appearances on "Dr. Kildare, "Mission Impossible," "M.A.S.H." and "All in the Family."
As fate would have it, however, Booke got the part of Boss (Jefferson Davis) Hogg and had to be considerably padded to look the part.
He died of cancer in 1994 at age 64.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Iconic TV role: Hugh Brannum
Celebrity never finds most of us, but for those it does locate, there's no accounting for how. Musician Hugh Brannum, who played bass, never became a celebrity in music, but he did as a children's show sidekick, Mr. Green Jeans on "Captain Kangaroo."
Brannum was second fiddle to the show's host, Bob Keeshan, "The Captain." Brannum also played a painter named Bainter, a clown, a singer and a professor on this show, which ran from 1955 to 1984--a long span of years.
Brannum died of cancer in 1987.
Brannum was second fiddle to the show's host, Bob Keeshan, "The Captain." Brannum also played a painter named Bainter, a clown, a singer and a professor on this show, which ran from 1955 to 1984--a long span of years.
Brannum died of cancer in 1987.
Iconic TV role: Foster Brooks
How strange that a handsome actor with a great voice would be remembered as a slurring, stumbling, word-mangling drunk; but that was Foster Brooks's claim on celebrity.
Brooks, born in Kentucky, began his entertainment career doing stand-up comedy. His drunk act first appeared, in the 1960s, on the Steve Allen show and reappeared on singer Perry Como's show. It was "The Dean Martin Show," however, that cemented Brooks' claim to at least modest celebrity.
Oddly, Brooks no longer drank during the part of his life wehn he was successful in show biz.
After his frequent appearances in the 1970s with Dean Martin, whose TV persona also was built around love of strong drink, Brooks had a part in the zany series "Mork & Mindy," the show that propelled comic Robin Williams into major stardom.
Brooks died in 2001 at age 89.
Brooks, born in Kentucky, began his entertainment career doing stand-up comedy. His drunk act first appeared, in the 1960s, on the Steve Allen show and reappeared on singer Perry Como's show. It was "The Dean Martin Show," however, that cemented Brooks' claim to at least modest celebrity.
Oddly, Brooks no longer drank during the part of his life wehn he was successful in show biz.
After his frequent appearances in the 1970s with Dean Martin, whose TV persona also was built around love of strong drink, Brooks had a part in the zany series "Mork & Mindy," the show that propelled comic Robin Williams into major stardom.
Brooks died in 2001 at age 89.
Iconic TV role: Gary Burghoff
You think Gary Burghoff, you think Radar O'Reilly on the series "M.A.S.H."
As the ever-dependable company clerk at a medical field hospital during the Korean conflict, Radar resembled a large Cub Scout, was innocent as the driven snow, but had an other-worldly ability to sense when choppers were coming, bringing the wounded for treatment.
Actor Gary Burghoff's mild-mannered Charlie Brown image was also put to excellent use when he played the title role in the off-Broadway production of "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown."
Since "M.A.S.H." he has done some commercials, has done game show work, and enjoys stamp collecting, painting, and drumming.
As the ever-dependable company clerk at a medical field hospital during the Korean conflict, Radar resembled a large Cub Scout, was innocent as the driven snow, but had an other-worldly ability to sense when choppers were coming, bringing the wounded for treatment.
Actor Gary Burghoff's mild-mannered Charlie Brown image was also put to excellent use when he played the title role in the off-Broadway production of "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown."
Since "M.A.S.H." he has done some commercials, has done game show work, and enjoys stamp collecting, painting, and drumming.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Iconic TV role: Darren E. Burrows
The role of part-Native Alaskan Ed Chigliak, film buff/genius/shaman-in-training, bestowed celebrity upon actor Darren Burrows, who actually has partial Native American ancestry.
The Ed Chigliak character was a regular on the inventive series "Northern Exposure" (1990-1995). Chigliak was an assistant to wealthy ex-astronaut Maurice Minnifield, played by Barry Corbin, and also worked part-time at Ruth-Anne Miller's general store.
Like the show's other Native American character, Marilyn Whirlwind (Elaine Miles), Chigliak said little but knew much. In many of his scenes, he would just appear to materialize, not unlike the character Jeeves of Bertie and Jeeves fame.
Burrows has made appearances in some quite good movies: "Casualties of War," "Amistad," and "Forty Shades of Blue," but his celebrity comes from his one iconic TV role.
The Ed Chigliak character was a regular on the inventive series "Northern Exposure" (1990-1995). Chigliak was an assistant to wealthy ex-astronaut Maurice Minnifield, played by Barry Corbin, and also worked part-time at Ruth-Anne Miller's general store.
Like the show's other Native American character, Marilyn Whirlwind (Elaine Miles), Chigliak said little but knew much. In many of his scenes, he would just appear to materialize, not unlike the character Jeeves of Bertie and Jeeves fame.
Burrows has made appearances in some quite good movies: "Casualties of War," "Amistad," and "Forty Shades of Blue," but his celebrity comes from his one iconic TV role.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Iconic TV role: Ruth Buzzi
Somehow, Ruth Buzzi sounds like a stage name, but it isn't. Her father, a sculptor born in the Italian side of Switzerland, settled in Rhode Island before Ruth's birth.
Her iconic, celebrity-producing role was on the comedy show "Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In," where she played the grumpy, scary-looking spinster Gladys Ormphby. A hairnet with a knot in it gave the appearance of a hole in her forehead. Audiences laughed their heads off at her purse-wielding disgust when assailed by dirty-old-man Tyrone Horneigh, played by tiny Artie Johnson. Their little duets usually took place on a park bench.
Although her celebrity came mainly from "Laugh-In," Buzzi had earlier played on Broadway and had appeared in "That Girl," "The Gary Moore Show," and with Steve Allen.
"Laugh-In" ran from 1968 to 1973. Thereafter, Buzzi appeared in many other TV shows and in a modest number of movies. Below appears Buzzi with dashing actor Ricardo Montalban rather than Arte Johnson.
Her iconic, celebrity-producing role was on the comedy show "Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In," where she played the grumpy, scary-looking spinster Gladys Ormphby. A hairnet with a knot in it gave the appearance of a hole in her forehead. Audiences laughed their heads off at her purse-wielding disgust when assailed by dirty-old-man Tyrone Horneigh, played by tiny Artie Johnson. Their little duets usually took place on a park bench.
Although her celebrity came mainly from "Laugh-In," Buzzi had earlier played on Broadway and had appeared in "That Girl," "The Gary Moore Show," and with Steve Allen.
"Laugh-In" ran from 1968 to 1973. Thereafter, Buzzi appeared in many other TV shows and in a modest number of movies. Below appears Buzzi with dashing actor Ricardo Montalban rather than Arte Johnson.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Iconic TV role: Judy Carne
People old enough to remember watching "Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In" will remember Judy Carne as the English lass whose stock phrase was "Sock it to me," after which she would be pelted or soaked with water.
She was born Joyce Botterill. After getting a few acting roles in her native England, she moved to the States and did the same. She also was for two years married in the early to mid 1960s to actor Burt Reynolds.
In 1968 she became part of the "Laugh-In" cast, where she gained her own bit of celebrity. After the show closed in 1970,her career hit the skids. She developed a drug problem, was in a near-fatal wreck, and in that same year, 1978, was arrested on a drug charge in London. She now lives in England.
She was born Joyce Botterill. After getting a few acting roles in her native England, she moved to the States and did the same. She also was for two years married in the early to mid 1960s to actor Burt Reynolds.
In 1968 she became part of the "Laugh-In" cast, where she gained her own bit of celebrity. After the show closed in 1970,her career hit the skids. She developed a drug problem, was in a near-fatal wreck, and in that same year, 1978, was arrested on a drug charge in London. She now lives in England.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Iconic TV role: Christian Clemenson
Well educated and highly talented character actor Christian Clemenson has had one iconic role: attorney Jerry Espenson on "Boston Legal," one of the cleverest, best-written comedies ever to hit television.
Clemenson is a graduate of Phillips Academy; Harvard, where he began acting; and Yale's School of Drama. Before landing his celebrity-producing role as a multi-challenged yet brilliant lawyer, he had appeared on TV in "The Paper Chase" and "Family Ties" and in a few movies, including "The Big Lebowski" and "And the Band Played On."
As Jerry, often referred to as "Hands," he brilliantly played an Asperger sufferer whose hands were usually glued to the front of his legs just above the knees. He also made curious and unpredictable popping sounds and whoops suggestive of someone with Turette's syndrome. The Jerry character was about as socially adept as a fence post but was hired by the firm Crane, Poole and Schmidt because of his matchless legal acumen and ability to research a case.
Some of Clemenson's funniest moments as "Hands" came when he whipped out a wooden cigarette, a simple prop that somehow allowed him to break free of his usual diffidence, and turn into a fast-talking, dominant courtroom shark.
Thanks to Clemenson's talent, the Jerry character deserves to be remembered as one of TV's best.
Clemenson is a graduate of Phillips Academy; Harvard, where he began acting; and Yale's School of Drama. Before landing his celebrity-producing role as a multi-challenged yet brilliant lawyer, he had appeared on TV in "The Paper Chase" and "Family Ties" and in a few movies, including "The Big Lebowski" and "And the Band Played On."
As Jerry, often referred to as "Hands," he brilliantly played an Asperger sufferer whose hands were usually glued to the front of his legs just above the knees. He also made curious and unpredictable popping sounds and whoops suggestive of someone with Turette's syndrome. The Jerry character was about as socially adept as a fence post but was hired by the firm Crane, Poole and Schmidt because of his matchless legal acumen and ability to research a case.
Some of Clemenson's funniest moments as "Hands" came when he whipped out a wooden cigarette, a simple prop that somehow allowed him to break free of his usual diffidence, and turn into a fast-talking, dominant courtroom shark.
Thanks to Clemenson's talent, the Jerry character deserves to be remembered as one of TV's best.
Iconic TV role: Yvonne Craig
Gorgeous brunette Yvonne Craig began performing on stage as a ballet dancer, got a few movie roles, and made a few TV appearances before landing the part that brought her a measure of celebrity: Batgirl in the series "Batman."
Her a part in "Batman" came in the 1967 and 1968 seasons. Before then, Craig had appeared on "Star Trek," "The Man from U.N.C.L.E," " The Wild Wild West," and "The Big Valley."
One aspect of the fun in her Batgirl role was that Batman and Robin did not know her identity, nor she theirs. In fictional reality, she was mild-mannered librarian Barbara Gordon, daughter of Commissioner Gordon, the man on the other end of the famous Batphone.
After "Batman" folded, Craig appeared in a few more shows and movies, then went into real estate work.
Her a part in "Batman" came in the 1967 and 1968 seasons. Before then, Craig had appeared on "Star Trek," "The Man from U.N.C.L.E," " The Wild Wild West," and "The Big Valley."
One aspect of the fun in her Batgirl role was that Batman and Robin did not know her identity, nor she theirs. In fictional reality, she was mild-mannered librarian Barbara Gordon, daughter of Commissioner Gordon, the man on the other end of the famous Batphone.
After "Batman" folded, Craig appeared in a few more shows and movies, then went into real estate work.
Iconic TV role: Ken Curtis
Ken Curtis, born Curtis Gates, was a cowboy actor who in his younger days was a dashing, square-jawed, lady-killer leading man in Westerns, but whose real celebrity came from one role: the grizzled,illiterate sidekick Festus Haggen on TV's "Gunsmoke."
Before acting in Westerns, Curtis sang with the Sons of the Pioneers and with Tommy Dorsey's big band. He dropped out of show biz to serve in the Army during World War II. Soon after the war's end, he appeared on Jo Stafford's radio show singing "Tumbling Tumbleweeds," which became a big hit.
Curtis acted in a number of Western movies directed by John Ford and, in addition, married Ford's daughter.
In 1964, he replaced Dennis Weaver as Marshall Matt Dillon's deputy on the highly popular series "Gunsmoke." He played the rough-around-the-edges yet dependable middle-aged coot Festus until the show closed in 1975. That character was patterned after an actual man Curtis, the son of a real-life Colorado sheriff, had known in his youth.
Curtis died at age 74 in 1991.
Before acting in Westerns, Curtis sang with the Sons of the Pioneers and with Tommy Dorsey's big band. He dropped out of show biz to serve in the Army during World War II. Soon after the war's end, he appeared on Jo Stafford's radio show singing "Tumbling Tumbleweeds," which became a big hit.
Curtis acted in a number of Western movies directed by John Ford and, in addition, married Ford's daughter.
In 1964, he replaced Dennis Weaver as Marshall Matt Dillon's deputy on the highly popular series "Gunsmoke." He played the rough-around-the-edges yet dependable middle-aged coot Festus until the show closed in 1975. That character was patterned after an actual man Curtis, the son of a real-life Colorado sheriff, had known in his youth.
Curtis died at age 74 in 1991.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Iconic TV role: Calvert DeForest
Related to radio pioneer Lee DeForest, Calvert DeForest achieved his 15 minutes of fame as the enigmatic Larry "Bud"Melman on "The Late Show with David Letterman."
DeForest began his career working for Big Pharma firm Parke Davis. The short, roundish, gnome-like man with a big, happy smile became interested in acting and found roles in a few less than notable movies before ending up on Letterman's show in the early 1980s. He was such a contrast to the svelte, toothpaste model-like celebrities who so often appear on that show that he was an immediate hit with the audience.
DeForest appeared on that show until 2000, when, at 81, he retired. He died in 2007 at age 85. As an actor, he didn't really do much, but we were happier just from having seen him.
DeForest began his career working for Big Pharma firm Parke Davis. The short, roundish, gnome-like man with a big, happy smile became interested in acting and found roles in a few less than notable movies before ending up on Letterman's show in the early 1980s. He was such a contrast to the svelte, toothpaste model-like celebrities who so often appear on that show that he was an immediate hit with the audience.
DeForest appeared on that show until 2000, when, at 81, he retired. He died in 2007 at age 85. As an actor, he didn't really do much, but we were happier just from having seen him.
Icconic TV role: Diane Delano
Actress Diane Delano is actually attractive, but as state trooper Sgt. Barbara Semanski on "Northern Exposure," she played a gruff, butch-looking toughie.
She landed this excellent role after having appeared as a bailiff on the series "L.A. Law."
Part of the fun she provided as Sgt. Semanski was the way her no-nonsense, take-no-prisoners approach to life appealed so strongly to another of the show's colorful characters: wealthy outdoorsman Maurice Minnifield, played by actor Barry Corbin.
This inventive series ran from 1990 to 1995.
Delano has appeared on "Dharma & Greg," "3rd Rock from the Sun," "ER," and a number of other shows since her celebrity-producing role on "Northern Exposure."
She landed this excellent role after having appeared as a bailiff on the series "L.A. Law."
Part of the fun she provided as Sgt. Semanski was the way her no-nonsense, take-no-prisoners approach to life appealed so strongly to another of the show's colorful characters: wealthy outdoorsman Maurice Minnifield, played by actor Barry Corbin.
This inventive series ran from 1990 to 1995.
Delano has appeared on "Dharma & Greg," "3rd Rock from the Sun," "ER," and a number of other shows since her celebrity-producing role on "Northern Exposure."
Monday, April 12, 2010
Icopnic TV role: James Doohan
You know him as Scotty on the series "Star Trek." More completely, for Tekkies out there, he was Lt. Cmdr. Montgomery Scott, chief engineer of the Starship Enterprise, which boldly went, etc.
Born in Canada, Doohan served in World War II as an artillery lieutenant. He was wounded during the Normandy invasion but later became a pilot.
After the war, he studied acting at New York's well known Neighborhood Playhouse and made many, many appearances on both radio and television.
He landed his big role as Scotty in 1966 when the series began. He was stocky and dependable looking and was good at doing accents of various kinds. His stock in trade, though, was the Scottish accent he used as Scotty.
Doohan also dreamed up the Klingon and Vulcan words used on the show.
He is credited with having inspired many young viewers to study engineering. The redoughtable Dooghan had a variety of bad medical problems in his later years, including diabetes, Parkinson's and pulmonary disease. A year before his life ended, he also developed Alzheimer's. He died in 2005 at age 85. Some of his ashes were sent into space.
Think about Doohan, and you automatically think of Capt. Kirk's stock line, "Beam me up, Scotty."
Born in Canada, Doohan served in World War II as an artillery lieutenant. He was wounded during the Normandy invasion but later became a pilot.
After the war, he studied acting at New York's well known Neighborhood Playhouse and made many, many appearances on both radio and television.
He landed his big role as Scotty in 1966 when the series began. He was stocky and dependable looking and was good at doing accents of various kinds. His stock in trade, though, was the Scottish accent he used as Scotty.
Doohan also dreamed up the Klingon and Vulcan words used on the show.
He is credited with having inspired many young viewers to study engineering. The redoughtable Dooghan had a variety of bad medical problems in his later years, including diabetes, Parkinson's and pulmonary disease. A year before his life ended, he also developed Alzheimer's. He died in 2005 at age 85. Some of his ashes were sent into space.
Think about Doohan, and you automatically think of Capt. Kirk's stock line, "Beam me up, Scotty."
Iconic TV role: Donna Douglas
Cute little Louisiana farm girl Donna Douglas, born Dorothy Smith,was annointed with celebrity by one TV role: Elly May Clampett on "The Beverly Hillbillies." She is said to have beat out around 500 other girls for that juicy, profitable part.
She also was rather badly typecast by it.
Douglas, in her youth, had been a beauty contest winner: Miss Baton Rouge and Miss New Orleans. At age 17, she moved to New York City and worked as a toothpaste model in TV ads, then got modest parts in several movies.
"The Beverly Hillbillies" ran from 1962 until 1971, and Douglas rode its success the whole way.
In 1966, she co-starred with Elvis Presley in "Frankie and Johnny," which was her only big movie role. As she aged, she got into real estate and began singing gospel.
She also was rather badly typecast by it.
Douglas, in her youth, had been a beauty contest winner: Miss Baton Rouge and Miss New Orleans. At age 17, she moved to New York City and worked as a toothpaste model in TV ads, then got modest parts in several movies.
"The Beverly Hillbillies" ran from 1962 until 1971, and Douglas rode its success the whole way.
In 1966, she co-starred with Elvis Presley in "Frankie and Johnny," which was her only big movie role. As she aged, she got into real estate and began singing gospel.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Iconic TV role: Jamie Farr
Born Jameel Farah in Toledo, Ohio,Jamie Farr was of Lebanese heritage and broke into show biZ in 1955 with a part in the movie "Blackboard Jungle."
His celebrity, however, is derived from his one great TV role: Corporal Maxwell Klinger on the fantastic series "M.A.S.H."
Klinger was willing to do darn near anything to get sent home from war-torn Korea and did his best to appear mentally unstable. His most frequent such device was dressing like a woman, and the show's audience chortled at the silly spectacle of Farr's hairy legs with his dress and high heel shoes.
He landed character actor parts in several other quite notable movies and began appearing on TV on shows starring Danny Thomas, Danny Kaye and Dick Van Dyke. He also appeared in "My Three Sons," "The Lucy Show," "I Dream of Jennie," "The Andy Griffith Show," "F Troop," "Get Smart," "The Flying Nun," "Love, American Style," "Barnaby Jones," " The Love Boat," and other shows.
But the one role ideal for him was Max Klinger, which he played to perfection--never quite managing to get that Section 8 discharge.
His celebrity, however, is derived from his one great TV role: Corporal Maxwell Klinger on the fantastic series "M.A.S.H."
Klinger was willing to do darn near anything to get sent home from war-torn Korea and did his best to appear mentally unstable. His most frequent such device was dressing like a woman, and the show's audience chortled at the silly spectacle of Farr's hairy legs with his dress and high heel shoes.
He landed character actor parts in several other quite notable movies and began appearing on TV on shows starring Danny Thomas, Danny Kaye and Dick Van Dyke. He also appeared in "My Three Sons," "The Lucy Show," "I Dream of Jennie," "The Andy Griffith Show," "F Troop," "Get Smart," "The Flying Nun," "Love, American Style," "Barnaby Jones," " The Love Boat," and other shows.
But the one role ideal for him was Max Klinger, which he played to perfection--never quite managing to get that Section 8 discharge.
Iconic TV role: Fyvush Finkel
Fyvush Finkel's celebrity came about via the original and unusual show "Picket Fences" (1992-1996), on which he beautifully played the outrageous, colorful, bow-tie sporting lawyer Douglas Wambaugh.
Finkel was born in Brooklyn to Polish immigrant parents. When he began acting, he adopted the first name Fyvush, Yiddish for Philip, his birth name. In doing this, he did something really different. Most entertainment figures who took a stage name did the reverse: they changed their name to sound less foreign or ethnic.
Finkel did stand-up comedy and appeared on Broadway prior to his "Picket Fences" years. He also had appeared on "Kojak" and a couple more TV shows before landing his iconic role as Wambaugh the lawyer.
Especially fun on "Picket Fences" were the exchanges between Wambaugh and Judge Jenry Bone, played by the venerable Ray Walston.
Finkel was born in Brooklyn to Polish immigrant parents. When he began acting, he adopted the first name Fyvush, Yiddish for Philip, his birth name. In doing this, he did something really different. Most entertainment figures who took a stage name did the reverse: they changed their name to sound less foreign or ethnic.
Finkel did stand-up comedy and appeared on Broadway prior to his "Picket Fences" years. He also had appeared on "Kojak" and a couple more TV shows before landing his iconic role as Wambaugh the lawyer.
Especially fun on "Picket Fences" were the exchanges between Wambaugh and Judge Jenry Bone, played by the venerable Ray Walston.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Iconic TV role: Dennis Franz
You think Dennis Franz, you think Detective Andy Sipowitz on "NYPD Blue," which appeared from 1993 to 2005.
Sipowitz was the most hard-bitten of cops, a man whose personal life had suffered greatly from the demands of the job. A cop who was very nearly burned out from dealing with sleazy criminals of all sorts and from contemplating man's general inhumanity to man.
Sipowitz wasn't pretty. He was a fireplug of a man, mostly bald, abrupt of manner and like an unmade bed in appearance. He was a Vietnam vet and recovering alcoholic.
Franz was born Dennis Franz Schlachta and is of German extraction. He served in the Airborne during Vietnam and returned to act on stage in his native Chicago.
Franz had not one but two roles on the cop show "Hill Street Blues" and also has appeared on "The A-Team," "Matlock," Hardcastle and McCormick," "Simon & Simon," and "Hunter."
Franz deserved much credit for having brought to life one of the most memorable and different of all the many TV police dramas.
Sipowitz was the most hard-bitten of cops, a man whose personal life had suffered greatly from the demands of the job. A cop who was very nearly burned out from dealing with sleazy criminals of all sorts and from contemplating man's general inhumanity to man.
Sipowitz wasn't pretty. He was a fireplug of a man, mostly bald, abrupt of manner and like an unmade bed in appearance. He was a Vietnam vet and recovering alcoholic.
Franz was born Dennis Franz Schlachta and is of German extraction. He served in the Airborne during Vietnam and returned to act on stage in his native Chicago.
Franz had not one but two roles on the cop show "Hill Street Blues" and also has appeared on "The A-Team," "Matlock," Hardcastle and McCormick," "Simon & Simon," and "Hunter."
Franz deserved much credit for having brought to life one of the most memorable and different of all the many TV police dramas.
Iconic TV role: Peri Gilpin
Peri Gilpin, born in Waco, Texas, as Peri Kay Oldham, studied acting, did live theater, and worked in TV commercials before landing her celebrity-producing role as Roz Doyle on the comedy series "Frasier."
Doyle was Frasier's radio producer, a street-wise, good looking but not raving beautiful, highly competent single gal always on the lookout for Mr. Right but usually finding only Mr. Right Now.
"Frasier," one of the best TV comic sitcoms of them all, ran from 1993 to 2004.
Gilpin has also appeared on other TV shows, including "Matlock," "Wings," "Designing Women," "Cheers," The Rosie O'Donnell Show," and "King of the Hill." She and her fellow "Frasier" cast member Jane Leeves have their own production company as well.
Doyle was Frasier's radio producer, a street-wise, good looking but not raving beautiful, highly competent single gal always on the lookout for Mr. Right but usually finding only Mr. Right Now.
"Frasier," one of the best TV comic sitcoms of them all, ran from 1993 to 2004.
Gilpin has also appeared on other TV shows, including "Matlock," "Wings," "Designing Women," "Cheers," The Rosie O'Donnell Show," and "King of the Hill." She and her fellow "Frasier" cast member Jane Leeves have their own production company as well.
Monday, April 5, 2010
IconicTV role: Matthew Gubler
Playing the blond, long-haired, green, somewhat wimpy yet brilliant character Dr. Spencer Reid on the crime show "Criminal Minds" is young actor Matthew Gray Gubler. Las Vegas-born Gubler came quickly to minor celebrity in this juicy part.
The son of a well connected family, Gubler made a name for himself as a male model prior to making a run at show biz.
At this point, Gubler is too new to acting to have made many other appearances, but he is quite well known for playing Dr. Reid on what is one of TV's best crime shows.
The son of a well connected family, Gubler made a name for himself as a male model prior to making a run at show biz.
At this point, Gubler is too new to acting to have made many other appearances, but he is quite well known for playing Dr. Reid on what is one of TV's best crime shows.
Iconic TV role: Alan Hale, Jr.
One of those long-time character actors who has had more roles than Domino's has delivered pizzas, Alan Hale, Jr. is nevertheless tightly identified with only one of those roles: the Skipper on that silliest of sitcoms, "Gilligan's Island."
Hale was born into the acting business; both parents worked as Hollywood actors. The senior Hale might be recalled as Little John opposite Errol Flynn in "Robin Hood."
After serving in the Coast Guard during World War II, Hale Jr. began acting in some of Gene Autry's Western movies. In the early 1960s, he also played on TV in "The Andy Griffith Show."
Celebrity was his, however, as Jonas Grumby, better known as The Skipper, on "Gilligan's Island," which ran from 1964 to 1967 and thereafter continued to appear in re-run.
In that role, Hale portrayed the hulking yet benign captain of The Minnow and father figure to the bumbling Gilligan.
The burly Hale's many TV credits over the years include "The Texan," "JOhnny Ringo," "Cheyenne," "HAwaiian Eye," "Mister Ed," "Death Valley Days," "Perry Mason," "Rawhide," "Wagon Train," "Maverick," "77 Sunset Strip," "Route 66," Perry Mason," "Batman," "The Virginian," "Gunsmoke" and many, many other shows.
Hale owned a Hollywood restaurant in his later years. The veteran actor died of cancer in 1990 at age 68.
Hale was born into the acting business; both parents worked as Hollywood actors. The senior Hale might be recalled as Little John opposite Errol Flynn in "Robin Hood."
After serving in the Coast Guard during World War II, Hale Jr. began acting in some of Gene Autry's Western movies. In the early 1960s, he also played on TV in "The Andy Griffith Show."
Celebrity was his, however, as Jonas Grumby, better known as The Skipper, on "Gilligan's Island," which ran from 1964 to 1967 and thereafter continued to appear in re-run.
In that role, Hale portrayed the hulking yet benign captain of The Minnow and father figure to the bumbling Gilligan.
The burly Hale's many TV credits over the years include "The Texan," "JOhnny Ringo," "Cheyenne," "HAwaiian Eye," "Mister Ed," "Death Valley Days," "Perry Mason," "Rawhide," "Wagon Train," "Maverick," "77 Sunset Strip," "Route 66," Perry Mason," "Batman," "The Virginian," "Gunsmoke" and many, many other shows.
Hale owned a Hollywood restaurant in his later years. The veteran actor died of cancer in 1990 at age 68.
Iconic TV role: Sean Hayes
One of the best gay guy roles on any television show was that of Jack McFarland on "Will & Grace," which first appeared in 1998. That part was ably acted by Sean Hayes, who did a fine job playing the openly and flamboyantly homosexual sometime roommate of the sitcom's leading man, played by Rob Lowe, and their beautiful friend, played by Debra Messing.
Hayes is a trained pianist and minor composer and had worked in the comedy troupe Second City in his native Chicago prior to landing the plum role that made him a minor celebrity.
Hayes is a trained pianist and minor composer and had worked in the comedy troupe Second City in his native Chicago prior to landing the plum role that made him a minor celebrity.
Iconic TV role: Sherman Hemsley
Philadelphia-born Sherman Hemsley found his ideal role as the wise cracking, slightly hyperactive dry cleaner George Jefferson, a character that first appeared in 1973 on the mega-marvelous sitcom "All in the Family."
In that show, Hemsley played the prosperous black neighbor of grumpy blue-collar racist Archie Bunker. The public liked the George Jefferson so much that in 1975, a spinoff was created for him: "The Jeffersons," which lasted for a decade.
Hemsley studied acting, served in the Air Force and worked as a postal delivery man before 1970, when he broke into show biz on Broadway.
Over the years, Hemsley also has appeared on "The Incredible Hulk," "Fantasy Island," "The Love Bloat," E/R." "The Twilight Zone," "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," "Designing Women," and other programs; but clearly his celebrity rests on his portrayal of George Jefferson.
In that show, Hemsley played the prosperous black neighbor of grumpy blue-collar racist Archie Bunker. The public liked the George Jefferson so much that in 1975, a spinoff was created for him: "The Jeffersons," which lasted for a decade.
Hemsley studied acting, served in the Air Force and worked as a postal delivery man before 1970, when he broke into show biz on Broadway.
Over the years, Hemsley also has appeared on "The Incredible Hulk," "Fantasy Island," "The Love Bloat," E/R." "The Twilight Zone," "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," "Designing Women," and other programs; but clearly his celebrity rests on his portrayal of George Jefferson.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Iconic TV role: Polly Holliday
Polly Holliday's portrayal of Flo the diner waitress was one of the best character actress performances in all of television's history.
Holliday was born in a small town in Alabama and taught piano before getting into theater in Sarasota, Florida. Eventually she relocated to New York City and a year later appeared on Broadway. Then in 1976 she began appearing as big-hair sporting, cotton uniform-clad Florence Jean Castleberry, better known as Flo, on the sitcom "Alice."
This show was set in Mel's Diner, where the flirtations Flo kept the male customers in line with her barbed remarks. Her signature line was, "Well, kiss mah grits," delivered over her shoulder in a thick country accent.
Holliday left "Alice" in 1980, a year before its conclusion, to star in her own spinoff series, "Flo," which aired for little more than a year (1980-1981).
Since the days of her celebrity, Holliday has done more work on the Broadway stage, has had parts in such movies as "The Silence" and "Private Benjamin," and has appeared on a few other TV shows, such as "The Equalizer," "The Golden Girls," and "Home Improvement." For most of us, however, she will always be Flo.
Holliday was born in a small town in Alabama and taught piano before getting into theater in Sarasota, Florida. Eventually she relocated to New York City and a year later appeared on Broadway. Then in 1976 she began appearing as big-hair sporting, cotton uniform-clad Florence Jean Castleberry, better known as Flo, on the sitcom "Alice."
This show was set in Mel's Diner, where the flirtations Flo kept the male customers in line with her barbed remarks. Her signature line was, "Well, kiss mah grits," delivered over her shoulder in a thick country accent.
Holliday left "Alice" in 1980, a year before its conclusion, to star in her own spinoff series, "Flo," which aired for little more than a year (1980-1981).
Since the days of her celebrity, Holliday has done more work on the Broadway stage, has had parts in such movies as "The Silence" and "Private Benjamin," and has appeared on a few other TV shows, such as "The Equalizer," "The Golden Girls," and "Home Improvement." For most of us, however, she will always be Flo.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Iconic TV role: Sammo Hung
Martial artist Sammo Hung is very well known in his native Hong Kong and in other parts of Asia, but his U.S. celebrity rests mainly on his performance as Sammo in the series "Martial Arts," which ran from 1998 to 2000 and which co-starred African-American comic Arsenio Hall.
The stocky Sammo was trained in the China Drama Academy, where he came to know future martial arts star Jackie Chan. Hung has appeared in many films and, like Chan,became popular with U.S. audiences by combining martial arts prowess with comedy, quite unlike so many of the martial arts biggies who seemed deadly serious at all times.
The chunky yet acrobatic Hung speaks only modest English but played his role with a self-effacing air and a big, happy grin that the American audience liked.
The stocky Sammo was trained in the China Drama Academy, where he came to know future martial arts star Jackie Chan. Hung has appeared in many films and, like Chan,became popular with U.S. audiences by combining martial arts prowess with comedy, quite unlike so many of the martial arts biggies who seemed deadly serious at all times.
The chunky yet acrobatic Hung speaks only modest English but played his role with a self-effacing air and a big, happy grin that the American audience liked.
Iconic TV role: Arte Johnson
Arthur "Arte" Johnson is a diminutive actor whose defining roles, both on the series "Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In," that brought his celebrity were as Wolfgang, the cigarette-smoking, helmeted German soldier who peeped out from behind a plant, made some odd, heavily accented observation, and ended with "Verrrrry interestink," and as Tyrone F. Horneigh, lecherous dirty old man.
This comedy program ran from 1968 to 1973. In the Horneigh role, Johnson was usually shown in amorous pursuit of Ruth Buzzi, who played the hideous-looking spinster Gladys Ormphby. Horneigh, shaggy of hair and dressed flasher style in a trenchcoat, would plop down beside Ormphby on a park bench, make some absurdly suggestive remark, and end up being walloped over the head with Ormphby's purse.
After receiving his communications degree, Johnson had planned to work in advertising but instead got a small part in a production of "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes." Then he found bit parts in such TV shows as "The Twilight Zone," Alfred Hitchcock Presents," "Dr. Kildare," The Jack Benny Program," and "Bewitched."
During and after the years he spent on "Laugh-In," he did appearances on a great many other TV shows, including "I Dream of Jennie," The Andy Williams Show," "Love, American Style," "The Flip Wilson Show," The Partridge Family,and "The Dean Martin Show."
This comedy program ran from 1968 to 1973. In the Horneigh role, Johnson was usually shown in amorous pursuit of Ruth Buzzi, who played the hideous-looking spinster Gladys Ormphby. Horneigh, shaggy of hair and dressed flasher style in a trenchcoat, would plop down beside Ormphby on a park bench, make some absurdly suggestive remark, and end up being walloped over the head with Ormphby's purse.
After receiving his communications degree, Johnson had planned to work in advertising but instead got a small part in a production of "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes." Then he found bit parts in such TV shows as "The Twilight Zone," Alfred Hitchcock Presents," "Dr. Kildare," The Jack Benny Program," and "Bewitched."
During and after the years he spent on "Laugh-In," he did appearances on a great many other TV shows, including "I Dream of Jennie," The Andy Williams Show," "Love, American Style," "The Flip Wilson Show," The Partridge Family,and "The Dean Martin Show."
Monday, March 29, 2010
Iconic TV role: Russell Johnson
Russell Johnson has appeared in many and many a TV show but is forever identified with his "Gilligan's Island" role: "The Professor," whose actual cast name was Roy Hinckley. The show aired from 1964 to 1967, but it lives on in endless re-runs.
Johnson, the actor's real name, not a pseudonym, served in the Army Air Forces during World War II and was a combat bombadier. He studied acting after the war and had small parts in a few movies.
In 1953, he began to get TV roles in such varied shows as "Superman," "The Lone Ranger," The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin," Wagon Train," The Twilight Zone," "Death Valley Days," "Hawaiian Eye," Ben Casey," "Rawhide," "77 Sunset Strip,"The Big Valley," "That Girl," "Marcus Welby, M.D.," "Gunsmoke," "Mannix," "Cannon," "Wonder Woman," Lou Grant," "The Jeffersons," "MacGyver," "Newhart," "Dynasty," and "Roseanne."
His celebrity, however, is derived almost exclusively from "Gilligan's Island."
Johnson, the actor's real name, not a pseudonym, served in the Army Air Forces during World War II and was a combat bombadier. He studied acting after the war and had small parts in a few movies.
In 1953, he began to get TV roles in such varied shows as "Superman," "The Lone Ranger," The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin," Wagon Train," The Twilight Zone," "Death Valley Days," "Hawaiian Eye," Ben Casey," "Rawhide," "77 Sunset Strip,"The Big Valley," "That Girl," "Marcus Welby, M.D.," "Gunsmoke," "Mannix," "Cannon," "Wonder Woman," Lou Grant," "The Jeffersons," "MacGyver," "Newhart," "Dynasty," and "Roseanne."
His celebrity, however, is derived almost exclusively from "Gilligan's Island."
Iconic TV role: Gabe Kaplan
Today, Gabe Kaplan is very well known among his fellow high-level professional poker players, but to the American TV audience, he is closely identified with his portrayal of Gabriel "Gabe" Kotter in the sitcom "Welcome Back, Kotter."
This popular show, which ran from 1975 to 1979, was about an unconventional high school teacher who, only ten years out of school himself, comes back to teach at the same hard-bittin inner-city Brooklyn school where he had been a student.
His students were a motley but funny gaggle of trouble-prone youth collectively called "the Sweathogs."
Kaplan was marvelous as Kotter, but the brightest star born in this show was John Travolta in the role of Vinnie Barbarino, the greaser who got all the girls.
Kaplan had begun his show biz career doing stand-up comedy. His big break was a series of appearances on the "Johnny Carson Show," which led to his role as Kotter.
This popular show, which ran from 1975 to 1979, was about an unconventional high school teacher who, only ten years out of school himself, comes back to teach at the same hard-bittin inner-city Brooklyn school where he had been a student.
His students were a motley but funny gaggle of trouble-prone youth collectively called "the Sweathogs."
Kaplan was marvelous as Kotter, but the brightest star born in this show was John Travolta in the role of Vinnie Barbarino, the greaser who got all the girls.
Kaplan had begun his show biz career doing stand-up comedy. His big break was a series of appearances on the "Johnny Carson Show," which led to his role as Kotter.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Iconic TV role: Ted Knight
Ted Knight, born Tadeusz Konopka, is the polish-American actor who found his share of celebrity in the role of the clueless anchor man on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show."
Before reaching the level of celebrity, Knight did commercials and character acting in a few movies and in such TV shows as "The Wild, Wild West," "The Virginian," "Bonanza," The Fugitive," and "Gunsmoke."
Somehow his acting talents were a perfect fit for the hilariously shallow, inept news anchor Ted Baxter on Mary Tyler Moore's series, which ran from 1970 to 1977. His performance was a superb one-man satire directed at news anchors, whose appearance is often more important than their journalistic acumen.
Later, Knight played a cartoonist in the show "Too Close for Comfort," but his place in TV viewers' memory is mainly from his portrayal of Ted Baxter. Knight died of complications from surgery in 1986 at age 62.
Before reaching the level of celebrity, Knight did commercials and character acting in a few movies and in such TV shows as "The Wild, Wild West," "The Virginian," "Bonanza," The Fugitive," and "Gunsmoke."
Somehow his acting talents were a perfect fit for the hilariously shallow, inept news anchor Ted Baxter on Mary Tyler Moore's series, which ran from 1970 to 1977. His performance was a superb one-man satire directed at news anchors, whose appearance is often more important than their journalistic acumen.
Later, Knight played a cartoonist in the show "Too Close for Comfort," but his place in TV viewers' memory is mainly from his portrayal of Ted Baxter. Knight died of complications from surgery in 1986 at age 62.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Iconic TV role: Nancy Kulp
The names Nancy Kulp and Miss Jane Hathaway are forever linked like peanut butter and jelly. Miss Hathaway, secretary to banker Mr. Drysdale, was Kulp's celebrity-producing role on the hugely popular series "The Beverly Hillbillies" (1962-1971).
A journalism major in college, Kulp served in the Navy during part of World War II, then found a publicity job in Hollywood. Her name at birth was spelled Culp, but she altered the spelling so as not to conflict with fellow actor Robert Culp.
Her early movie work included roles in "Shane," "The Caddy," and "Sabrina"; and her early TV work, "I Love Lucy," "The Red Skelton Show," "The Bob Cummings Show," The Jack Benny Program," "Perry Mason," and "The Twilight Zone."
As Miss Hathaway, she was a skinny, man-hungry nose-in-the-air, uptight spinster. Her erudition and clipped accent was just the right contrast to the Clampets' untutored rural innocence. Her fluttery performance when in the presence of the muscular Jethro Clampet was especially hilarious.
Later, she appeared in such shows as "Sanford and Son" and "The Brian Keith Show." In the 1980s, she ran unsuccessfully for Congress. At age 67, she came out openly as lesbian.
Kulp died of cancer in 1991 at age 69.
A journalism major in college, Kulp served in the Navy during part of World War II, then found a publicity job in Hollywood. Her name at birth was spelled Culp, but she altered the spelling so as not to conflict with fellow actor Robert Culp.
Her early movie work included roles in "Shane," "The Caddy," and "Sabrina"; and her early TV work, "I Love Lucy," "The Red Skelton Show," "The Bob Cummings Show," The Jack Benny Program," "Perry Mason," and "The Twilight Zone."
As Miss Hathaway, she was a skinny, man-hungry nose-in-the-air, uptight spinster. Her erudition and clipped accent was just the right contrast to the Clampets' untutored rural innocence. Her fluttery performance when in the presence of the muscular Jethro Clampet was especially hilarious.
Later, she appeared in such shows as "Sanford and Son" and "The Brian Keith Show." In the 1980s, she ran unsuccessfully for Congress. At age 67, she came out openly as lesbian.
Kulp died of cancer in 1991 at age 69.
Iconic TV role: Jane Leeves
Viewers who recall the name Jane Leeves doubtless connect her at once with her role as Daphne Moon on the excellent comedic series "Frasier."
Moon was born in England and did modeling and ballet before getting into film and TV. Her start in movies came in "Monty Python's Meaning of Life."
She had parts on the "Benny Hill Show," "Murphy Brown," and "Seinfeld" prior to landing her plum role as the fair Daphne. "Frasier" ran from 1993 to 2004 and was one of television's best-ever sitcoms. It was both beautifully written and beautifully performed.
In 2000, Leeves' chirpy character became romantically linked with Frasier's brother, Niles.
Since "Frasier," she has appeared on Broadway in "Cabaret" and has had a guest role on "Desperate Housewives."
Moon was born in England and did modeling and ballet before getting into film and TV. Her start in movies came in "Monty Python's Meaning of Life."
She had parts on the "Benny Hill Show," "Murphy Brown," and "Seinfeld" prior to landing her plum role as the fair Daphne. "Frasier" ran from 1993 to 2004 and was one of television's best-ever sitcoms. It was both beautifully written and beautifully performed.
In 2000, Leeves' chirpy character became romantically linked with Frasier's brother, Niles.
Since "Frasier," she has appeared on Broadway in "Cabaret" and has had a guest role on "Desperate Housewives."
Iconic TV role: Al Lewis
Born Albert Meister in Brooklyn, Al Lewis worked in vaudeville, burlesque, and Broadway and had small parts in TV shows before landing the job that brought him his celebrity: Grandpa Munster on "The Munsters." That zany show ran from 1964 to 1966, and then went into re-runs.
Lewis's prominent honker and wide, goofy smile made him look just right for his Grandpa role in the goofily ghoulish Munster family.
His pre-Munster comedic TV work included appearances on "The Phil Silvers Show" and "Car 54, Where Are You?"
Lewis also did some radio work, owned a Greenwich Village restaurant, and dabbled in politics. He died in 2006 three years after having had bypass surgery.
Lewis's prominent honker and wide, goofy smile made him look just right for his Grandpa role in the goofily ghoulish Munster family.
His pre-Munster comedic TV work included appearances on "The Phil Silvers Show" and "Car 54, Where Are You?"
Lewis also did some radio work, owned a Greenwich Village restaurant, and dabbled in politics. He died in 2006 three years after having had bypass surgery.
Iconic TV role: Larry Linville
Actor Larry Linville found his perfect role in 1972 in one of television's greatest comedy series, "M.A.S.H." Somehow he was picture perfect as disagreeable surgeon Maj. Frank Burns, butt of many jibes from the show's two stars.
This role was used by the show's writer to satirize some aspects of military life. Linville filled this role until 1977, when he left to pursue other interests and was replaced by a new Major, stuffy but able Boston brahmin Charles Emerson Winchester.
Linville had studied at London's Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts and first worked in live theater doing Shakespeare and appearing on Broadway and elsewhere.
His initial appearance on TV was in "Judd for the Defense." He also had appearances in such shows as "Mannix,"Mission Impossible," "The F.B.I.," "Bonanza," "Night Court," and "Murder, She Wrote," usually playing a bad guy.
Some of Linville's funniest scenes on "M.A.S.H." involved his seamy, illicit romance with W.A.C. officer Hotlips Houlihan. Always the pair would be found out and embarrassed by the show's central character, Dr. Hawkeye Pierce.
At age 60, Linville had surgery that removed a part of a lung. Two years later, in 2000, he died of cancer.
This role was used by the show's writer to satirize some aspects of military life. Linville filled this role until 1977, when he left to pursue other interests and was replaced by a new Major, stuffy but able Boston brahmin Charles Emerson Winchester.
Linville had studied at London's Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts and first worked in live theater doing Shakespeare and appearing on Broadway and elsewhere.
His initial appearance on TV was in "Judd for the Defense." He also had appearances in such shows as "Mannix,"Mission Impossible," "The F.B.I.," "Bonanza," "Night Court," and "Murder, She Wrote," usually playing a bad guy.
Some of Linville's funniest scenes on "M.A.S.H." involved his seamy, illicit romance with W.A.C. officer Hotlips Houlihan. Always the pair would be found out and embarrassed by the show's central character, Dr. Hawkeye Pierce.
At age 60, Linville had surgery that removed a part of a lung. Two years later, in 2000, he died of cancer.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Iconic TV role: Katherine MacGregor
Katherine MacGregor's one and only TV role accounts for her modest claim to celebrity. This role was the conniving and hateful Harriet Oleson on the enormously popular 1974-1982 series "Little House on the Prairie."
Harriet was the gossipy, trouble-making wife of Nels Oleson, the much kinder owner of the local general store, Oleson's Mercantile, and mother of the dreadful child Nellie Oleson.
The actress who played Harriet, however, is by all accounts a clean-liver and a nice person. After the show's close, she gave up television for live theatre.
Harriet was the gossipy, trouble-making wife of Nels Oleson, the much kinder owner of the local general store, Oleson's Mercantile, and mother of the dreadful child Nellie Oleson.
The actress who played Harriet, however, is by all accounts a clean-liver and a nice person. After the show's close, she gave up television for live theatre.
Iconic TV role: Maureen McCormick
Longtime TV viewers doubtless will associate the name of this actress with her role as Marcia Brady, eldest sister on the 1969-1974 sitcom "The Brady Bunch."
This character's upbeat, peppy personality made her very popular with the teeny-bopper set during those years.
McCormick's start in show biz came as a child acting in TV commercials. From there, she got small parts on such shows as "Bewitched," "I Dream of Jeannie," and "My Three Sons."
In recent decades, around 50% of marriages end in divorce, so the Brady Bunch story of two families coming together as one was relevant to many viewers, young and old.
The part of Marcia Brady gave McCormick her share of celebrity, but after that show's close, she made appearances on "Happy Days," "Love Boat," "Fantasy Island" and a few other programs, plus playing small parts in a few less than stellar movies.
Unable to repeat her Brady Bunch success, McCormick developed a variety of unfortunate personal problems.
This character's upbeat, peppy personality made her very popular with the teeny-bopper set during those years.
McCormick's start in show biz came as a child acting in TV commercials. From there, she got small parts on such shows as "Bewitched," "I Dream of Jeannie," and "My Three Sons."
In recent decades, around 50% of marriages end in divorce, so the Brady Bunch story of two families coming together as one was relevant to many viewers, young and old.
The part of Marcia Brady gave McCormick her share of celebrity, but after that show's close, she made appearances on "Happy Days," "Love Boat," "Fantasy Island" and a few other programs, plus playing small parts in a few less than stellar movies.
Unable to repeat her Brady Bunch success, McCormick developed a variety of unfortunate personal problems.
Iconic TV role: John McGinley
TV viewers know actor John C. McGinley from his iconic role as Dr. Perry Cox, the acid-tongued attending physician who picks on the medical residents in the series "Scrubs."
McGinley was born in New York City and after majoring in acting, began getting supporting roles in movies and on a variety of TV shows. His movie credits include "Sweet Liberty," "Platoon," "Wall Street," Highlander II," and "Car 54, Where Are You?"
Among his early television appearances were "Spenser: For Hire," "Frasier," and "The Practice."
Dr. Cox is a solidly built mesomorph who loves dominating the show's main character, played by Zach Braff, a much smaller man whom Cox usually addresses as "Alice" or "Sally." In turn, Cox himself is picked on by the hospital's still larger janitor and also by their boss, the hospital's wizened chief of medicine.
Viewers enjoy the comedic gruffness of the Dr. Cox character and enjoy his biting remarks and his continual marital problems.
In real life, McGinley and his wife have a child born with Down's Syndrome, which understandably has become this actor's favorite cause as a fundraiser.
McGinley was born in New York City and after majoring in acting, began getting supporting roles in movies and on a variety of TV shows. His movie credits include "Sweet Liberty," "Platoon," "Wall Street," Highlander II," and "Car 54, Where Are You?"
Among his early television appearances were "Spenser: For Hire," "Frasier," and "The Practice."
Dr. Cox is a solidly built mesomorph who loves dominating the show's main character, played by Zach Braff, a much smaller man whom Cox usually addresses as "Alice" or "Sally." In turn, Cox himself is picked on by the hospital's still larger janitor and also by their boss, the hospital's wizened chief of medicine.
Viewers enjoy the comedic gruffness of the Dr. Cox character and enjoy his biting remarks and his continual marital problems.
In real life, McGinley and his wife have a child born with Down's Syndrome, which understandably has become this actor's favorite cause as a fundraiser.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Iconic TV role: Eddie Mekka
Eddie Mekka, born Rudolph Mekjian, is tightly identified with his youthful portrayal of Carmine Ragusa, a.k.a. The Big Ragu, on the blue-collar sitcom "Laverne & Shirley." His character was a husky amateur boxer/dancer who was tough but funny and always cheerful.
Mekka, whose ancestors were Armenian, played Carmine from 1976 to 1983, when the show ended.
Post-"Laverne & Shirley" appearances on other TV shows include "Fantasy Island," "The Love Boat,"Family Matters," Guiding Light," and "The Suite Life of Jack and Cody." He has also had minor roles in a few movies and has performed in musical theatre. A highlight of his work in theatre was his portrayal of Groucho Marx in "An Evening with Groucho."
Mekka, whose ancestors were Armenian, played Carmine from 1976 to 1983, when the show ended.
Post-"Laverne & Shirley" appearances on other TV shows include "Fantasy Island," "The Love Boat,"Family Matters," Guiding Light," and "The Suite Life of Jack and Cody." He has also had minor roles in a few movies and has performed in musical theatre. A highlight of his work in theatre was his portrayal of Groucho Marx in "An Evening with Groucho."
Iconic TV role: Elaine Miles
Oregon-born Elaine Miles, whose people were Nez Perce and Cayuse, grew up on an Oregon reservation as a Umatilla and was entirely innocent of acting experience when she took her mother to audition for a role in the innovative show "Northern Exposure." When the show's planners saw Elaine, they knew it would be she, not her mom, who would portray Marilyn Whirlwind on that program.
Her mother also joined the cast, as Ed Chigliak's aunt, but it was Elaine whose talent really shone. The Marilyn character was a woman of few words, but many insights. She provided a stark contrast to the show's main character, a manic, big-city physician new to Alaska and its laid-back ways.
The chunky, chubby-cheeked Marilyn gave the term "laid back' a whole new, expanded meaning. The TV audience liked her shy smile and wry observations.
Since "Northern Exposure" she has done stand-up comedy work and has had parts in a few less than important movies.
Her mother also joined the cast, as Ed Chigliak's aunt, but it was Elaine whose talent really shone. The Marilyn character was a woman of few words, but many insights. She provided a stark contrast to the show's main character, a manic, big-city physician new to Alaska and its laid-back ways.
The chunky, chubby-cheeked Marilyn gave the term "laid back' a whole new, expanded meaning. The TV audience liked her shy smile and wry observations.
Since "Northern Exposure" she has done stand-up comedy work and has had parts in a few less than important movies.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Iconic TV role: Richard Moll
Imposing at 6'8" and with head shaved bald, actor Richard Moll entered the realm of iconic TV celebrity in 1984 as Nostradamus "Bull" Shannon on the sitcom "Night court," which ran until 1992. This character was of the gentle giant variety.
The show took place in a Manhattan courtroom presided over by a zany amateur magician judge. The real comic star of this show was John Larroquette, who played the far less than ethical, womanizing lawyer Dan Fielding, but the next most compelling role was that of Bull, the deep-voiced court bailiff.
Moll's big break as a character actor came on "Happy Days." He also appeared on "Laverne and Shirley," "Mork and Mindy," Alice," "How the West Was Won," Fantasy Island," "The A-Team," and other shows. In addition, he has had parts in a number of fairly regrettable movies.
The show took place in a Manhattan courtroom presided over by a zany amateur magician judge. The real comic star of this show was John Larroquette, who played the far less than ethical, womanizing lawyer Dan Fielding, but the next most compelling role was that of Bull, the deep-voiced court bailiff.
Moll's big break as a character actor came on "Happy Days." He also appeared on "Laverne and Shirley," "Mork and Mindy," Alice," "How the West Was Won," Fantasy Island," "The A-Team," and other shows. In addition, he has had parts in a number of fairly regrettable movies.
Iconic TV role: Erin Moran
Cute, cheerful looking Erin Moran's iconic TV character was Joanie Cunningham. In this role, she first appeared in the sitcom "Happy Days" as the kid sister of Richie Cunningham, played by Ron Howard. This show ran from 1974 to 1983. She left "Happy Days" in 1982 to star in a spinoff, "Joanie Loves Chachi," which didn't do nearly as well. Moran returned to "Happy Days" in 1983 after her new show was cancelled.
Moran first appeared as a child in TV commercials, then in the show "Daktari." She also made appearances on "Death Valley Days," "Family Affair," "The F.B.I.," "My Three Sons, "Gunsmoke," "The Waltons," and various other shows.
Moran first appeared as a child in TV commercials, then in the show "Daktari." She also made appearances on "Death Valley Days," "Family Affair," "The F.B.I.," "My Three Sons, "Gunsmoke," "The Waltons," and various other shows.
Iconic TV role: Wenceslao Moreno
You'd have to be a geezer or geezerette to remember this one, and darn few oldsters would remember this fellow's name. More, however, would recall the name of the characgter he played: Senor Wences, the Spanish comic ventriloquist who charmed America on the long-ago "Ed Sullivan Show."
His best-remembered character was Johnny, a rudimentary face drawn on Senor Wences' hand in a way that allowed Johnny to "speak" when Wences moved his thumb.
His second most popular character was Pedro, who was a head in a small box. Wences would throw his voice to simulate a voice with a foreign accent coming from inside the box. Wences would look at the box and ask, "S'awright"? He then would open the box's lid, and a grumpy voice from within would answer loudly, "S'awright."
Wences, who usually performed in a tux, would also juggle and while doing so, carry on conversations with the ever-critical Johnny. He was on Ed Sullivan's program 48 times during the 1950s and early 1960s.
Wences died in 1999 at the remarkable age of 103.
His best-remembered character was Johnny, a rudimentary face drawn on Senor Wences' hand in a way that allowed Johnny to "speak" when Wences moved his thumb.
His second most popular character was Pedro, who was a head in a small box. Wences would throw his voice to simulate a voice with a foreign accent coming from inside the box. Wences would look at the box and ask, "S'awright"? He then would open the box's lid, and a grumpy voice from within would answer loudly, "S'awright."
Wences, who usually performed in a tux, would also juggle and while doing so, carry on conversations with the ever-critical Johnny. He was on Ed Sullivan's program 48 times during the 1950s and early 1960s.
Wences died in 1999 at the remarkable age of 103.
Iconic TV role: Megan Mullally
People who watched the sitcom "Will & Grace" (1998-2006) will surely recall the squeaky voiced, manically zany character Karen Walker, ably played by Megan Mullally. In that role, she was the wealthy, hyper-eccentric pal of the male and female leads.
When that show closed, Mullally had her own program, "The Megan Mullally Show," for about a year. More recently, she has appeared in Broadway shows, has done some singing, and has appeared in a few movies.
Prior to "Will & Grace," she made appearances on such shows as "Murder, She Wrote," "Wings," Seinfeld," and "Frasier." Her celebrity, though, derives from her role as Karen. It would be hard to forget a voice like that.
When that show closed, Mullally had her own program, "The Megan Mullally Show," for about a year. More recently, she has appeared in Broadway shows, has done some singing, and has appeared in a few movies.
Prior to "Will & Grace," she made appearances on such shows as "Murder, She Wrote," "Wings," Seinfeld," and "Frasier." Her celebrity, though, derives from her role as Karen. It would be hard to forget a voice like that.
Iconic TV role: Leonard Nimoy
Actor/vocal recording artist/photographer Leonard Nimoy has done many, many things in show biz, but clearly his defining role has been as the part-Vulcan, part human Mr. Spock on "Star Trek," which ran from 1966 to 1969 and lives on in re-runs.
NImoy's parents immigrated to America from Russia; he was born in Boston. Nimoy served in the Army in the early to mid 1950s, after which he landed his first TV role on "Sea Hunt." Prior to "Star Trek," he appeared in a great many movies and shows. He has also appeared in live theater and has done TV commercial work, yet he has remained profitably tied to his role as the rational, emotion-free Spock.
NImoy's parents immigrated to America from Russia; he was born in Boston. Nimoy served in the Army in the early to mid 1950s, after which he landed his first TV role on "Sea Hunt." Prior to "Star Trek," he appeared in a great many movies and shows. He has also appeared in live theater and has done TV commercial work, yet he has remained profitably tied to his role as the rational, emotion-free Spock.
Iconic TV role: Bebe Neuwirth
Beatrice "Bebe" Neuwirth is closely associated in public memory with her portrayal of the tight-lipped, slightly neurotic, uber-feminist psychiatrist Dr. Lilith Sternin, wife and later ex-wife of fellow psychiatrist Dr. Frasier Crane on "Cheers" and its equally popular spinoff, "Frasier."
"Cheers" ran from 1986 to 1993 and "Frasier" from 1994 to 2003.
Neuwirth trained in dance and attended the Juilliard School. She has appeared on Broadway and has done other TV appearances, including "Simon & Simon," "The Rosie O'Donnell Show," "Law and Order," and "Will & Grace," but owes her celebrity to the testy Lilith.
"Cheers" ran from 1986 to 1993 and "Frasier" from 1994 to 2003.
Neuwirth trained in dance and attended the Juilliard School. She has appeared on Broadway and has done other TV appearances, including "Simon & Simon," "The Rosie O'Donnell Show," "Law and Order," and "Will & Grace," but owes her celebrity to the testy Lilith.
Iconic TV role: David Newell
Americans who were children at the right time or had children of their own then might recall David Newell from his role as Mr. McFeeley, the avuncular speedy delivery man on the kiddie show "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood."
The show itself began on Canadian TV in 1963 and moved to the USA in 1967. Its appeal gave the program great staying power; it ran until 2001 and became the longest-running PBS program ever, thanks mainly to the genuine kindliness of its star, Fred Rogers, who also was a Presbyterian minister.
Newell originally signed onto the show as its PR representative and prop man. Then he found his way in front of the camera and played his role for three decades. His character appeared dressed in what looked similar to an old-fashioned Western Union uniform. Newell outlasted Mr. Rogers, who died of cancer at age 74 in 2003.
The show itself began on Canadian TV in 1963 and moved to the USA in 1967. Its appeal gave the program great staying power; it ran until 2001 and became the longest-running PBS program ever, thanks mainly to the genuine kindliness of its star, Fred Rogers, who also was a Presbyterian minister.
Newell originally signed onto the show as its PR representative and prop man. Then he found his way in front of the camera and played his role for three decades. His character appeared dressed in what looked similar to an old-fashioned Western Union uniform. Newell outlasted Mr. Rogers, who died of cancer at age 74 in 2003.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Iconic TV role: Don Novello
The name Don Novello might have slipped considerably from public recall, but not so his character name: Father Guido Sarduci.
The good Father had his start at a San Francisco nightclub in 1973 and appeared in 1975 on "The Smothers Brothers Show," but it was "Saturday Night Live" that made him iconic.
Novello had worked as an advertising copywriter in the 1960s before making his first appearance with the Smothers Brothers in 1965. He was originally hired as a writer by "Saturday Night Live" but began making appearances on the show.
The Sarduci character was dressed in clerical garb, with a black fedora hat and sporting a thick mustache. He was presented as the gossip columnist and rock and roll critic for the Vatican's newspaper, L'Osservatore. Holding a cigarette in the European manner, Father Sarduci made strange, un-priestly observations in a thick Italian accent. On the occasion of Novello's visit to the Vatican in 1981, dressed as Father Sarduci, he was arrested for impersonating a priest, but released.
Although his celebrity derives almost entirely from his "Saturday Night Live" segments as Father Sarduci, buttressed by appearances as Sarduci on the various late-night talk shows, Novello also wrote a series of letters to well known people, signing them Laslo Toth. (The real Laslo Toth had damaged the Michelangelo' statue the Pieta in Rome.) The humor in these letters came largely from the unsuspecting responses Novello got in reply, which he published in three books.
Novello had a small role in the film "The Godfather: Part III."
The good Father had his start at a San Francisco nightclub in 1973 and appeared in 1975 on "The Smothers Brothers Show," but it was "Saturday Night Live" that made him iconic.
Novello had worked as an advertising copywriter in the 1960s before making his first appearance with the Smothers Brothers in 1965. He was originally hired as a writer by "Saturday Night Live" but began making appearances on the show.
The Sarduci character was dressed in clerical garb, with a black fedora hat and sporting a thick mustache. He was presented as the gossip columnist and rock and roll critic for the Vatican's newspaper, L'Osservatore. Holding a cigarette in the European manner, Father Sarduci made strange, un-priestly observations in a thick Italian accent. On the occasion of Novello's visit to the Vatican in 1981, dressed as Father Sarduci, he was arrested for impersonating a priest, but released.
Although his celebrity derives almost entirely from his "Saturday Night Live" segments as Father Sarduci, buttressed by appearances as Sarduci on the various late-night talk shows, Novello also wrote a series of letters to well known people, signing them Laslo Toth. (The real Laslo Toth had damaged the Michelangelo' statue the Pieta in Rome.) The humor in these letters came largely from the unsuspecting responses Novello got in reply, which he published in three books.
Novello had a small role in the film "The Godfather: Part III."
Iconic TV roel: Louis Nye
Son of Yiddish-speaking Russian Jewish parents, Louis Nye (born Louis Neistat) was born in Connecticut, grew up to do some radio work, serve in the Army in World War II, and work in the very early days of live television.
Nye, who pronounced his first name as "Louie," had parts on "The Jack Benny Show" and "The Jimmy Durante Show" before really hitting his stride in a recurring role on "The Steve Allen Show" (1956-1961). We geezers who remember him on that program recall best his portrayal of Gordon Hathaway, Manhattan snob. Few of us had actually met a Manhattan snob at that time, of course, but we delighted in the way he would look right into the camera lens in a wonderfully self-satisfied way and let fly with a lilting, "Hi-ho, Stevarino. My name is Gordon Hathaway, and I'm from Manhattan." It was this portrayal that brought him celebrity.
Thereafter, Nye did guest spots on many other shows, including "The Ann Southern Show," "The Munsters," "Fantasy Island," "Laverne and Shirley," "The Cosby Show," and "Happy Days." He also was in a number of B-movies and recorded a few comedy albums.
Nye died of lung cancer in 2005 at age 92. Nye is shown below as straight man to Steve Martin's dry cleaning "healer."
Nye, who pronounced his first name as "Louie," had parts on "The Jack Benny Show" and "The Jimmy Durante Show" before really hitting his stride in a recurring role on "The Steve Allen Show" (1956-1961). We geezers who remember him on that program recall best his portrayal of Gordon Hathaway, Manhattan snob. Few of us had actually met a Manhattan snob at that time, of course, but we delighted in the way he would look right into the camera lens in a wonderfully self-satisfied way and let fly with a lilting, "Hi-ho, Stevarino. My name is Gordon Hathaway, and I'm from Manhattan." It was this portrayal that brought him celebrity.
Thereafter, Nye did guest spots on many other shows, including "The Ann Southern Show," "The Munsters," "Fantasy Island," "Laverne and Shirley," "The Cosby Show," and "Happy Days." He also was in a number of B-movies and recorded a few comedy albums.
Nye died of lung cancer in 2005 at age 92. Nye is shown below as straight man to Steve Martin's dry cleaning "healer."
Iconic TV role: Hugh O'Brian
Rugged Hugh O'Brian is one of those numerous actors whose credits are as long as your arm, but his celebrity is tightly tied to his title role in TV's "The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp," which appeared from 1955 to 1961. Many regard this show as the earliest "adult Western," in the sense that it was primarily intended for a grownup audience.
O'Brian was one of those Western heroes born back East--in his case, Rochester, NY. He served in the Marines in World War II and after the war, moved to Los Angeles, where he soon landed the part of Earp. In this role, he burnished the public perception of the real Wyatt Earp, who, unlike O'Brian, was not always Mr. Nice Guy.
O'Brian appeared on many other shows: "Playhouse 90," "The Virginian," "The Alfred Hitchcock Hour," "Perry Mason," "Charlie's Angels," "Police Story," "Fantasy Island," and a long list of others. His list of movie credits is also impressive, but in the public mind, he will firmly remain as Wyatt Earp, frontier lawman.
O'Brian was one of those Western heroes born back East--in his case, Rochester, NY. He served in the Marines in World War II and after the war, moved to Los Angeles, where he soon landed the part of Earp. In this role, he burnished the public perception of the real Wyatt Earp, who, unlike O'Brian, was not always Mr. Nice Guy.
O'Brian appeared on many other shows: "Playhouse 90," "The Virginian," "The Alfred Hitchcock Hour," "Perry Mason," "Charlie's Angels," "Police Story," "Fantasy Island," and a long list of others. His list of movie credits is also impressive, but in the public mind, he will firmly remain as Wyatt Earp, frontier lawman.
Iconic TV role: Masi Oka
The most likable character on the way-out-there TV series "Heroes" is Tokyo-born Masi Oka, who plays the role of Hiro Nakamura, a lad who can travel through time.
He plays this character with great charm-- boyish and shy, yet longing to be a true hero so as to save the world from the bad guys. His is an essentially comic role, for which he affects a high-pitched voice and a wide-eyed, innocent look. He has held this role from 2006 to the present (early 2010).
"Heroes" is more or less a comic book brought to life on television.
Masi Oka moved to the Untied States as a small boy, and as he grew older, he developed interests in movie special effects and computer programming. He has self-reported his IQ as 189, well within the genius category.
His acting credits include appearances on "Dharma and Greg," "Scrubs," and a number of other shows and films. His computer special effects work is impressive, including contributions to "Mighty Joe Young,"three of the "Star Wars" movies, and "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dean Man's Chest."
Clearly this young fellow is capable of many more fine accomplishments, but his celebrity comes almost entirely from playing Hiro.
He plays this character with great charm-- boyish and shy, yet longing to be a true hero so as to save the world from the bad guys. His is an essentially comic role, for which he affects a high-pitched voice and a wide-eyed, innocent look. He has held this role from 2006 to the present (early 2010).
"Heroes" is more or less a comic book brought to life on television.
Masi Oka moved to the Untied States as a small boy, and as he grew older, he developed interests in movie special effects and computer programming. He has self-reported his IQ as 189, well within the genius category.
His acting credits include appearances on "Dharma and Greg," "Scrubs," and a number of other shows and films. His computer special effects work is impressive, including contributions to "Mighty Joe Young,"three of the "Star Wars" movies, and "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dean Man's Chest."
Clearly this young fellow is capable of many more fine accomplishments, but his celebrity comes almost entirely from playing Hiro.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Iconic TV role: Alice Pearce
What fun to have gained a measure of celebrity by playing a mean-spirited busybody. Alice Pearce did this in the role of nosy neighbor Gladys Kravitz on the sitcom "Bewitched."
Her job was to see the magic performed by her neighbor Samantha, a witch played by lovely Elizabeth Montgomery, then try like heck to get her husband or others to believe her, which they never did. She took this role in 1964 and held it until her death from ovarian cancer in 1966. She was replaced on the show by actures Sandra Gould.
The rubber-faced comedienne had worked standup comedy and had appeared on Broadway in her early years in show biz. Her list of TV credits was long, including small parts on
"Kraft Television Theatre," "Hallmark Hall of Fame," "The Twilight Zone,"
"The Ann Southern Show," "The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis," "The Donna Reed Show," and "The Alfred Hitchcock Hour."
Her job was to see the magic performed by her neighbor Samantha, a witch played by lovely Elizabeth Montgomery, then try like heck to get her husband or others to believe her, which they never did. She took this role in 1964 and held it until her death from ovarian cancer in 1966. She was replaced on the show by actures Sandra Gould.
The rubber-faced comedienne had worked standup comedy and had appeared on Broadway in her early years in show biz. Her list of TV credits was long, including small parts on
"Kraft Television Theatre," "Hallmark Hall of Fame," "The Twilight Zone,"
"The Ann Southern Show," "The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis," "The Donna Reed Show," and "The Alfred Hitchcock Hour."
Iconic TV role: Rhea Perlman
Rhea Perlman, wife of actor Danny DeVito, owes her celebrity to having played waitress Carla Tortelli on the excellent sitcom "Cheers."
The edge with which she performed this abrasive, in-your-face, acid-tongued role won her four Emmy awards, and she appeared on every episode of this show, which ran from 1982 to 1993.
Perlman has also appeared on such shows as "Matlock," "Ally McBeal," and "Frasier," and she had a recurring part on "Taxi." But to TV audiences of a certain age, she is tightly identified with the role of Carla, putting customers in their place and swapping jibes with the other regulars in the bar Cheers, "where everybody knows your name."
The edge with which she performed this abrasive, in-your-face, acid-tongued role won her four Emmy awards, and she appeared on every episode of this show, which ran from 1982 to 1993.
Perlman has also appeared on such shows as "Matlock," "Ally McBeal," and "Frasier," and she had a recurring part on "Taxi." But to TV audiences of a certain age, she is tightly identified with the role of Carla, putting customers in their place and swapping jibes with the other regulars in the bar Cheers, "where everybody knows your name."
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Iconic TV role: Sendhil Ramamurthy
Sendhil Ramamurthy, whose parents immigrated to the United States from India, had made his mark with his role as scientist Mohinder Suresh on the series "Heroes."
The Suresh character is a geneticist who interacts with other characters who possess unique abilities to fly, pass through walls, alter time, etc.
Ramamurthy was a pre-med major before he decided on a acting career.
He has also appeared in "Grey's Anatomy" and a couple of other shows and movies.
The Suresh character is a geneticist who interacts with other characters who possess unique abilities to fly, pass through walls, alter time, etc.
Ramamurthy was a pre-med major before he decided on a acting career.
He has also appeared in "Grey's Anatomy" and a couple of other shows and movies.
Iconic TV role: George Reeves
Actor George Reeves died in 1959, but older Americans will remember him as early TV's Superman.
Reeves served in the Army during World War II and was a Golden Gloves and Olympic boxer before turning to acting as a career.
His first acting job, however, was as a child-- a bit part in the movie "Gone With the Wind." He also had small parts in "From Here to Eternity" and "Samson and Delilah."
Large and solid, although not so much so as today's weightlifters, Reeves landed the role of Superman,the "man of steel," which he played from 1951 until 1958. His acting might have been a trifle wooden, but kids familiar with the Superman comic books loved the show, and Reeves.
Reeves was quite a man with the ladies as well, and rumors circulated that his death was somehow caused by an affair he had had with a married woman. Others say he died by his own hand. Either way, he was killed by a single pistol shot to the head at close range.
After the "Superman" show ended, Reeves had little success with getting other good roles.
Reeves served in the Army during World War II and was a Golden Gloves and Olympic boxer before turning to acting as a career.
His first acting job, however, was as a child-- a bit part in the movie "Gone With the Wind." He also had small parts in "From Here to Eternity" and "Samson and Delilah."
Large and solid, although not so much so as today's weightlifters, Reeves landed the role of Superman,the "man of steel," which he played from 1951 until 1958. His acting might have been a trifle wooden, but kids familiar with the Superman comic books loved the show, and Reeves.
Reeves was quite a man with the ladies as well, and rumors circulated that his death was somehow caused by an affair he had had with a married woman. Others say he died by his own hand. Either way, he was killed by a single pistol shot to the head at close range.
After the "Superman" show ended, Reeves had little success with getting other good roles.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Iconic TV role: Michael Richards
The man who played a unique supporting roles in all of television history is Michael Richards, who was Cosmo Kramer on the acclaimed sitcom "Seinfeld"(1989-1998).
The character Kramer was crazy as a bedbug, loose-limbed and spastic, badly dressed, and given to making spectacular entrances at his neighbor Jerry's apartment. Kramer was forever coming up with unworkable ways to get rich quick, such as his invention of a bra for men: "The Bro."
Beloved as he was for his portrayal of Kramer, Richards badly tarnished his reputation in 2006 while doing standup at Hollywood's Laugh Factory. Two African American members of the audience were heckling him, and Richards flew into a rage, using the "N-word" and also saying something about lynching. Thereafter, Richards retired from doing standup comedy.He later apologize profusely, but the damage was done.
Before landing the role that established his celebrity, he had appeared on several other shows, such as "Cheers" and "Night Court" and had been in a handful of movies.
The character Kramer was crazy as a bedbug, loose-limbed and spastic, badly dressed, and given to making spectacular entrances at his neighbor Jerry's apartment. Kramer was forever coming up with unworkable ways to get rich quick, such as his invention of a bra for men: "The Bro."
Beloved as he was for his portrayal of Kramer, Richards badly tarnished his reputation in 2006 while doing standup at Hollywood's Laugh Factory. Two African American members of the audience were heckling him, and Richards flew into a rage, using the "N-word" and also saying something about lynching. Thereafter, Richards retired from doing standup comedy.He later apologize profusely, but the damage was done.
Before landing the role that established his celebrity, he had appeared on several other shows, such as "Cheers" and "Night Court" and had been in a handful of movies.
Iconic TV role: Irene Ryan
Actress Irene Ryan, born Irene Noblette, had small parts in many movies, many of which were of the regrettable type, and appeared on such TV shows as "The Andy Williams Show," "Mister Ed," "Petticoat Junction," and "Love, American Style," yet to longtime TV viewers she will always be Granny, on the comedy series "The Beverly Hillbillies."
Her start in show biz was in a Gracie Allen-like comedy duo in vaudeville. She did radio work and toured with comedian Bob Hope as well, but she never really made her mark until 1962, when she landed the role of Granny, matriarch of the newly rich Clampetts family.
Ryan played this wizened, tiny but tough-as-nails role until the show closed in 1971.
Ryan died at 71 of a stroke in 1973 and left around $1 million to found a foundation to provide scholarships to theater students.
Her start in show biz was in a Gracie Allen-like comedy duo in vaudeville. She did radio work and toured with comedian Bob Hope as well, but she never really made her mark until 1962, when she landed the role of Granny, matriarch of the newly rich Clampetts family.
Ryan played this wizened, tiny but tough-as-nails role until the show closed in 1971.
Ryan died at 71 of a stroke in 1973 and left around $1 million to found a foundation to provide scholarships to theater students.
Iconic TV role: Katey Sagal
Like so many performers, Katey Sagal has had many a role, but her celebrity derived from playing housewife Peggy Bundy on the gross but painfully funny series "Married with Children," which ran from 1987 to 1997.
As the mom in this highly disfunctional family, Katey flounced through the role of Peggy wearing tight, dreadful outfits with spike-heel shoes. Her character was sex-starved and money crazy, yet in the end, she always stuck by her guy: loud, dopey shoe salesman Al Bundy, and also managed to copy with her satyr of a son and bimbo of a daughter.
Sagal's dad was Hollywood director Boris Sagal. She has made many, many appearances on other TV shows, including "Lost," Boston Legal,"Columbo," "CSI" and "The Ghost Whisperer," but when most people think of her, they think Peg Bundy.
As the mom in this highly disfunctional family, Katey flounced through the role of Peggy wearing tight, dreadful outfits with spike-heel shoes. Her character was sex-starved and money crazy, yet in the end, she always stuck by her guy: loud, dopey shoe salesman Al Bundy, and also managed to copy with her satyr of a son and bimbo of a daughter.
Sagal's dad was Hollywood director Boris Sagal. She has made many, many appearances on other TV shows, including "Lost," Boston Legal,"Columbo," "CSI" and "The Ghost Whisperer," but when most people think of her, they think Peg Bundy.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Iconic TV role: Jay Silverheels
Radio and TV fans of long, long ago remember "those thrilling days of yesteryear" when out of the past rode...the Lone Ranger and his "faithful Indian companion" Tonto. Every little boy in those days wanted to be like the Lone Ranger, or, failing that, at least like Tonto, who, although only a sidekick, was also brave, resolute, "trail smart" and straight shooting. Also, he wore a really cool buckskin outfit.
The part of Tonto was played by a Canadian Mohawk whose birth name was Harold J. Smith, but whose adopted stage name, Jay Silverheels, sounded far more appropriate in Hollywood or New York.
The young Mohawk went from being a gifted athlete and Golden Gloves boxer to work as a movie stunt man. Early movies in which he had small parts include "Key Largo," "Broken Arrow," and "War Arrow."
His claim on celebrity, however, derives entirely from "The Lone Ranger" TV show, which appeared from 1949 to 1957 and to a lesser extent, its radio predecessor. It was a great job, even though he was required to speak in the manner that show biz producers liked to assume Indians might speak: "See-um fresh tracks. Me track-um, Kemo Sabe," for instance.
Silverheels had small movie parts and made other TV appearances after that time, but never again had a role that re-ignited his celebrity. He died in 1980 at age 67, following a stroke.
The part of Tonto was played by a Canadian Mohawk whose birth name was Harold J. Smith, but whose adopted stage name, Jay Silverheels, sounded far more appropriate in Hollywood or New York.
The young Mohawk went from being a gifted athlete and Golden Gloves boxer to work as a movie stunt man. Early movies in which he had small parts include "Key Largo," "Broken Arrow," and "War Arrow."
His claim on celebrity, however, derives entirely from "The Lone Ranger" TV show, which appeared from 1949 to 1957 and to a lesser extent, its radio predecessor. It was a great job, even though he was required to speak in the manner that show biz producers liked to assume Indians might speak: "See-um fresh tracks. Me track-um, Kemo Sabe," for instance.
Silverheels had small movie parts and made other TV appearances after that time, but never again had a role that re-ignited his celebrity. He died in 1980 at age 67, following a stroke.
Iconiuc TV role: Bill Saluga
Younger visitors on this blogsite will not likely recognize the name Bill Saluga, or even that of his character Raymond J. Johnson, but older individuals could hardly have forgotten his one famous comedy routine, which began with "Oh......you can call me Ray, or you can call me Jay" and ended, "but you doesn't have to call me Mr. Johnson."
Anyone who never saw Saluga do this simple act cannot possibly imagine how funny it was, even after one had seen him do it a number of times.
Saluga made slight modifications to this routine, which featured Saluga sporting an unsavory mustache, a zoot suit, a wide-brimmed black hat, a too-wide necktie and a giant, floppy pocket hanky. Usually he held a cigar, and thus adorned, he would lean back and let fly with his familiar, "Oh......you can call me Ray," etc.
It was, and is, hard to explain why so simple a comedy act could possibly be so funny, but funny it was.
Saluga, a native of Ohio, had been a founding member of the comedy group Ace Trucking Company. He had done some TV commercial work prior to introducing his Johnson character on "The David Steinberg Show" in 1972.
He appeared on quite a number of other programs, such as "Redd Fox," "Murphy Brown," "Seinfeld," Designing Women" and "Home Improvement."
Anyone who never saw Saluga do this simple act cannot possibly imagine how funny it was, even after one had seen him do it a number of times.
Saluga made slight modifications to this routine, which featured Saluga sporting an unsavory mustache, a zoot suit, a wide-brimmed black hat, a too-wide necktie and a giant, floppy pocket hanky. Usually he held a cigar, and thus adorned, he would lean back and let fly with his familiar, "Oh......you can call me Ray," etc.
It was, and is, hard to explain why so simple a comedy act could possibly be so funny, but funny it was.
Saluga, a native of Ohio, had been a founding member of the comedy group Ace Trucking Company. He had done some TV commercial work prior to introducing his Johnson character on "The David Steinberg Show" in 1972.
He appeared on quite a number of other programs, such as "Redd Fox," "Murphy Brown," "Seinfeld," Designing Women" and "Home Improvement."
Iconic TV role: McLean Stevenson
Actor McLean Stevenson, who was a cousin of political figure Adali Stevenson, found his perfect role in the great comedy series "M.A.S.H." as the bumbling commanding officer of a Korean War field hospital. He was perfectly cast for the role but eventually wanted to star in his own show. He played Col. Henry Blake from 1972 until 1975.
Thereafter, he starred in three ill-fated, lackluster sitcoms, the first of which was "The McLean Stevenson Show." He did guest spots on other shows, such as "Love Boat" and Different Strokes" but never again came remotely close to the kind of success he had enjoyed on "M.A.S.H."
Stevenson had begun his show-biz career in live theater and in TV commercials. He also was a comedy writer, working for "That Was the Week That Was" and "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Show." As he continued to become better known, he played on "That Girl" and on "The Doris Day Show" before being cast as Col. Blake, the one role that brought him celebrity.
As Henry Blake, Stevenson did a terrific job of portraying the goofy, dreamy-eyed, girl-crazy, golf club swinging C.O. When he was written out of the show at his own insistence, he was replaced by the venerable actor Harry Morgan.
Stevenson died after surgery in 1996 at age 66.
Thereafter, he starred in three ill-fated, lackluster sitcoms, the first of which was "The McLean Stevenson Show." He did guest spots on other shows, such as "Love Boat" and Different Strokes" but never again came remotely close to the kind of success he had enjoyed on "M.A.S.H."
Stevenson had begun his show-biz career in live theater and in TV commercials. He also was a comedy writer, working for "That Was the Week That Was" and "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Show." As he continued to become better known, he played on "That Girl" and on "The Doris Day Show" before being cast as Col. Blake, the one role that brought him celebrity.
As Henry Blake, Stevenson did a terrific job of portraying the goofy, dreamy-eyed, girl-crazy, golf club swinging C.O. When he was written out of the show at his own insistence, he was replaced by the venerable actor Harry Morgan.
Stevenson died after surgery in 1996 at age 66.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Iconic TV role: Lauren Tewes
Lauren Tewes, born Cynthia Tewes, made her mark as cruise ship director Julie McCoy on the series "Love Boat." The cute, perky actress enjoyed a long run on this show, from 1977 until 1984, at which time she and the show parted company due to her struggles with cocaine.
Other, smaller TV roles for Tewes included appearances on such shows as "Charlie's Angels," "Starsky and Hutch," "Fantasy Island,""Mike Hammer," and "The Fugitive."
Tewes still acts in live theater.
Other, smaller TV roles for Tewes included appearances on such shows as "Charlie's Angels," "Starsky and Hutch," "Fantasy Island,""Mike Hammer," and "The Fugitive."
Tewes still acts in live theater.
Iconic TV role: Fred Thompson
Truly unusual among celebrities is actor Fred Thompson, who has also enjoyed quite a career in politics and even ran for the U.S. presidency in 2008.
In politics, lawyer Thompson, a Republican, represented Tennessee in the U.S. Senate, 1997-2001,and once served as campaign co-chair for Sen. John McCain's bid for the White House. He was active in the legal defense of George W. Bush operative Lewis "Scooter" Libby in regard to the disgraceful Plame affair. He also stood in for radio news/commentary great Paul Harvey on ABC Radio in 2006, and in 2009, had his own radio talk show.
As an actor, Thompson is known primarily for his role as New York D.A. Arthur Branch on the show "Law & Order," on which he appeared from 2002 until he resigned in 2007 to seek the presidency.Viewers liked his no-nonsense image in this role.
Thompson also has appeared in quite a few movies,including "The Hunt for Red October," "Cape Fear,"and "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee." Prior to his years on "Law & Order," he had appeared in other TV shows such as "Roseanne," "Matlock," and "Sex in the City."
In politics, lawyer Thompson, a Republican, represented Tennessee in the U.S. Senate, 1997-2001,and once served as campaign co-chair for Sen. John McCain's bid for the White House. He was active in the legal defense of George W. Bush operative Lewis "Scooter" Libby in regard to the disgraceful Plame affair. He also stood in for radio news/commentary great Paul Harvey on ABC Radio in 2006, and in 2009, had his own radio talk show.
As an actor, Thompson is known primarily for his role as New York D.A. Arthur Branch on the show "Law & Order," on which he appeared from 2002 until he resigned in 2007 to seek the presidency.Viewers liked his no-nonsense image in this role.
Thompson also has appeared in quite a few movies,including "The Hunt for Red October," "Cape Fear,"and "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee." Prior to his years on "Law & Order," he had appeared in other TV shows such as "Roseanne," "Matlock," and "Sex in the City."
Iconic TV role: Herve Villechaize
The late Herve Villechaize, who was born with a rare form of dwarfism, owes his clebrity mainly to his role as Tattoo in the series "Fantasy Island."
Viewers who were around to watch this program have ingrained in their memories Tattoo, perched in a watchtower, shouting in his squeaky voice, "De plane, boss, de plane" as another airplane full of fantasy-seeking individuals arrived on Fantasy Island.
"De boss" was the show's star, dapper, worldly Ricardo Montalban, in the role of Mr. Rourke. It was Villechaize's insistence that he be paid as much as Montalban that resulted in his being fired from the role he had played from 1978 to 1983.
Villechaize was born in Paris to an English mother. He never knew who his biological father was, but he was adopted by his mother's second husband, a French surgeon. It is thought that his real father was Filipino.
When he was roughly 20, the tiny, less than 4-foot tall Villechaize moved to New York to seek his fortune. He taught himself English, supporting himself as an artist/photographer. He also did a little acting, and was cast in a 007 movie, "The Man with the Golden Gun," as assistant bad guy Nick Nack.
After his firing, he descended into depression and heavy drinking. After several suicide attempts, he succeeded in taking his own life with a pistol in 1993 at age 50.
Viewers who were around to watch this program have ingrained in their memories Tattoo, perched in a watchtower, shouting in his squeaky voice, "De plane, boss, de plane" as another airplane full of fantasy-seeking individuals arrived on Fantasy Island.
"De boss" was the show's star, dapper, worldly Ricardo Montalban, in the role of Mr. Rourke. It was Villechaize's insistence that he be paid as much as Montalban that resulted in his being fired from the role he had played from 1978 to 1983.
Villechaize was born in Paris to an English mother. He never knew who his biological father was, but he was adopted by his mother's second husband, a French surgeon. It is thought that his real father was Filipino.
When he was roughly 20, the tiny, less than 4-foot tall Villechaize moved to New York to seek his fortune. He taught himself English, supporting himself as an artist/photographer. He also did a little acting, and was cast in a 007 movie, "The Man with the Golden Gun," as assistant bad guy Nick Nack.
After his firing, he descended into depression and heavy drinking. After several suicide attempts, he succeeded in taking his own life with a pistol in 1993 at age 50.
Iconic TV role: Kirsten Vangsness
Currently a standout TV character actress is Kirsten Vangsness, who plays computer geek Penelope Garcia on the crime show "Criminal Minds."
Her character on this show is overweight and goofy and dresses in outfits of ferocious gaudiness. Her character's eccentricity and naive approach to personal relationships, however,is part of what makes her so popular with viewers.
Of special note is the character's flirty yet good-buddy relationship with the show's head nice guy-tough guy, African-American actor Shemar Moore in the role of Agent Morgan.
Her character on this show is overweight and goofy and dresses in outfits of ferocious gaudiness. Her character's eccentricity and naive approach to personal relationships, however,is part of what makes her so popular with viewers.
Of special note is the character's flirty yet good-buddy relationship with the show's head nice guy-tough guy, African-American actor Shemar Moore in the role of Agent Morgan.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Iconic TV role: John Vivyan
Darn near forgotten today, but quite popular for a short while was debonaire John Vivyan, who played the lead in a delightful adventure show that appeared in 1959 and 1960. The show was "Mr. Lucky," and the series was based on the role of the same name played in 1943 by Cary Grant. Vivyan's appearance was pretty much that of a latter-day Cary Grant, cleft chin, tailored formal wear and all.
This show had one of the best theme songs in the history of TV, "Peter Gunn," written and performed by Henry Mancini.It may be heard in the video clip below.
The show's action took place aboard a large yacht that been fitted out as a seagoing casino, presided over by Vivyan as the yacht's "Mr. Lucky."
Mr. Lukcy's sidekick was a character called Adamo, ably played by Ross Martin, who later made a longer-lasting splash in "The Wild Wild West," in which he co-starred with Robert Conrad.
In an ear of one western after another, this show offered sophistication and glamor. Notables who had one-time parts were beautiful, blonde Yvette Mimieux, Richard Chamberlain, and a very young Jack Nicholson.
Early roles for Vivyan were on "Studio One" and "The Millionaire." At one time or another, he also appeared on "77 Sunset Strip," "Rawhide," "Bat Masterson," "The Lucy Show," and somewhat more recently on "WKRP in Cincinnati" and "Simon and Simon."
The suave actor died at age 68 in 1983.
This show had one of the best theme songs in the history of TV, "Peter Gunn," written and performed by Henry Mancini.It may be heard in the video clip below.
The show's action took place aboard a large yacht that been fitted out as a seagoing casino, presided over by Vivyan as the yacht's "Mr. Lucky."
Mr. Lukcy's sidekick was a character called Adamo, ably played by Ross Martin, who later made a longer-lasting splash in "The Wild Wild West," in which he co-starred with Robert Conrad.
In an ear of one western after another, this show offered sophistication and glamor. Notables who had one-time parts were beautiful, blonde Yvette Mimieux, Richard Chamberlain, and a very young Jack Nicholson.
Early roles for Vivyan were on "Studio One" and "The Millionaire." At one time or another, he also appeared on "77 Sunset Strip," "Rawhide," "Bat Masterson," "The Lucy Show," and somewhat more recently on "WKRP in Cincinnati" and "Simon and Simon."
The suave actor died at age 68 in 1983.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
