Stories
Marlo Thomas was an inspiration to strong, independent women
Marlo Thomas stood on business.
Lucille Ball's minor injuries on I Love Lucy showed her dedication to performing
Lucille Ball was a bundle of bruises, sprains and scratches.
Robert Reed lived in half of a mansion during The Brady Bunch
Robert Reed lived in a giant mansion in the early '70s! Well, he lived in half of one actually.
Mayberry's Ken Berry couldn't believe he would replace Andy Griffith
Those are some pretty big shoes to fill, but luckily, Ken Berry was quick on his feet.
Harvey Korman didn't think acting was fun, but felt he was destined for it
For an actor who didn't like acting, Harvey Korman sure did it well.
Lauren Tewes on the similarities between herself and her character on The Love Boat
"There's a lot of me in her, but there's really none of her in me."
In the 1960s, Carol Burnett was bold in comedy, but basic in cooking
Fearless on The Carol Burnett Show, but cautious in the kitchen!
Sally Struthers had a crush on Rob Reiner during filming of All in the Family
Were sparks flying off-camera?
Gavin MacLeod went from playing villains to being considered a comedy hero
When Gavin MacLeod lost his hair, he started getting typecasted as the big, bald, bad guy.
Ann B. Davis enjoyed teaching students how to succeed in Hollywood
Ann B. Davis is everyone's favorite normal person who just happened to play a version of herself on the small screen.
Alan Hale Jr. was focused on becoming a ''working actor'' like his father
The actor wasn't concerned with stardom.
The producer and Jim Nabors spent a lot of time perfecting Gomer Pyle: USMC
Jim Nabors and Gomer Pyle were both small-town boys with a lot of optimism.
Anne Schedeen thanked ALF for bringing her up to star status
All she needed was a working spaceship to help her land her star status.
Richard Moll didn't have a lot in common with his character on Night Court
This incredible actor looked like he would "bite the heads off of chickens." His words, not ours.
Jean Stapleton was a true American revolutionary, according to Carroll O'Connor
"Edith helped work a change in America," O'Connor wrote.
LaWanda Page was scared to make mistakes when she first appeared on Sanford and Son
The actress didn't want to disappoint her mom, Redd Foxx and viewers.
Sally Struthers was worried about how her fame would affect her daughter
"I hate to leave her even for a moment."
Vivian Vance's acting career had a parallel in mental health
She was much more than just Ethel Mertz.
That Girl's Ted Bessell wanted to leave the series with a little dignity
A little dignity goes a long way.
Mary Frann found being Newhart's TV wife challenging
Mary Frann had to follow in the footsteps of Newhart's first onscreen wife.
Vicki Lawrence got her start through Carol Burnett when she was only 17
Vicki Lawrence and Carol Burnett's friendship started in one of the most unique ways.
Here's why Family Affair's Sebastian Cabot didn't like working with dogs
No dog? No problem. Cabot didn't like working with dogs for one big reason.
Rob Reiner was a funny kid, according to Norman Lear
"Sixteen years later, watching him rehearse with Carroll O’Connor, I would be reminded daily of Rob on the floor with Ellen, teaching her jacks that summer on Fire Island.”
Here's why Dick Van Dyke joined Carol Burnett after Harvey Korman left
It was a long-awaited comedy collision!
Carl Reiner once said that Mary Tyler Moore was like his daughter
"I'm just crazy about the girl."
The younger cast members of Happy Days would often go to Tom Bosley for advice
Bosley's costars often turned to the actor for wisdom.
Despite his stardom, Desi Arnaz said that he was a ''family man'' at heart
"The public does not think of me as a homebody," said the actor.
All in the Family changed Sally Struthers over the course of nine seasons
Sally Struthers changed her attitude because of her role in All in the Family. It also brought her closer to her real-life family.
Here's the real inside scoop on what Art Carney thought about Jackie Gleason
Happy actors, happy show. That was the motto of The Honeymooners.
Taxi's Tony Danza traded in his boxing gloves for a yellow cab
Like in boxing, he went with the punches and worked hard on his acting career.
Here's the advice Lucille Ball gave to aspiring actors and entertainers
What's Lucy's secret to success? Grape stomping, bear wrestling, silliness and a lot of hard work.
Mama's Family gave Harvey Korman the chance to be a director
He put family first on Mama’s Family and fully embraced the shift from acting to directing.
George Lindsey used his country roots to his benefit in Mayberry R.F.D.
Turns out, Lindsey didn't have to do that much acting in order to play the part of a small-town country bumpkin.
Why Mary Tyler Moore's pants were such a big deal in the 1960s
Laura Petrie's capris paved the way for Mary Richards.
Jean Stapleton vetoed this plot point and changed an All in the Family script
The actress worked hard to shape her character.
The Odd Couple helped Jack Klugman overcome his ''gangster'' image
Before he was the lovable odd guy from The Odd Couple, he struggled with being the odd man out.
Here’s why Happy Days actress Erin Moran enjoyed growing up on television
"It feels great growing up on television," Moran said.
Linda Henning had big plans for her future after Petticoat Junction
That sweet country sound! Here's how Petticoat Junction inspired Linda Henning to go into the music business.
Redd Foxx said the key to Sanford and Son's success was honesty
The actor and legendary comedian had faith in the power of humor, and along with honesty, that made the show popular.
Donna Douglas was a ''friendly critter'' towards all animals on The Beverly Hillbillies
She had a genuine love for pets of all shapes, sizes, and kinds.
Cindy Williams loved playing the role of Shirley on Laverne & Shirley
Cindy Williams and Penny Marshall were surprised when Laverne & Shirley became one of the most-watched TV series in the country.
Ron Howard enjoyed living in the 1950s for his Happy Days role
Ron Howard was living in two decades at the same time.
Vivian Vance said that ''there was no boss'' on the set of I Love Lucy
Vance also said that she and Lucille Ball balanced each other out.
Here's why Betty White's humor never got old
She proved that laughter really is the golden ticket!
Tim Conway said that this was one of the most important element of good comedy
The comedy legend shared this secret tip.
Demond Wilson recalled the moment he and Redd Foxx became friends
The Sanford and Son stars' friendship began with a hilarious story about Wilson being asked to stick his head in a tire!
This was Jill Whelan's real opinion on her on-screen father, Gavin MacLeod
"It's a great show to work on," said Whelan.
At first, Norman Lear was against Sammy Davis Jr. appearing in All in the Family
The popular episode that almost never was.
Lucille Ball enjoyed The Lucy Show because her fictional husband wasn't involved
No husband? No problem. Everyone already loved Lucy.
Harvey Korman on the type of chemistry it took to make The Carol Burnett Show work
Korman was proof that cast chemistry was key to comedy gold!
Penny Marshall was afraid of stardom during her time on Laverne & Shirley
Penny Marshall dealt with different degrees of pressure during her time on the show. One of those pressures came from herself.
Penny Marshall enjoyed drinking milk and Pepsi as a child, long before she starred on Laverne & Shirley
Laverne and Penny shared a drink of choice.
The Love Boat's Fred Grandy preferred to be on land
When Grandy wasn't filming for The Love Boat, he said he would avoid boats altogether.
Susan Olsen used to get bullied at school because of Cindy Brady
Cindy Brady killed Susan Olsen's playground popularity.
Marines loved Frank Sutton and he loved the Marines
Sutton's popularity in the role of Sgt. Carter had people running to sign up for the Marine Corps.
Carol Burnett loved a good spoof on The Carol Burnett Show
Carol Burnett was the queen at spoofing, but not everyone wanted to be part of the joke.
Harry Truman advised The Beverly Hillbillies creator, Paul Henning, to go into politics
You know, the name Paul Henning does have a nice presidential ring to it.
Bob Saget loved working with kids for his role on Full House
He had a daughter in real life and three on the series – that's one busy dad!
Max Wright said ALF the alien made him feel more human
It took an alien from outer space to help Max Wright find his humanity in the world.
When Gilligan's Island ended, an exhausted Bob Denver got a boat of his own
The actor had worked a three-year tour with just one day off.
Mary Frann of Newhart was inspired by Audrey Meadows of The Honeymooners
"Audrey Meadows made Jackie Gleason funnier."
Cindy Williams explained the secret to a good television series was a bit of stupidity
"We take television to its dumbest," said the actor.
Here's why Norman Lear was the man behind all the hits
Get an inside look into the mind behind the man!
Henry Winkler didn't want his fans to only remember him as The Fonz
"When somebody calls me Fonzie, I don't let it go by. My name is Henry Winkler."
Here's what everyone was doing after The Dick Van Dyke Show ended
The Dick Van Dyke Show was a hard series to leave behind, but these stars had future plans!
Sally Struthers broke her arm on the set of All in the Family
The cast had to be removed before filming.
Tim Conway thought more comedy was needed in TV and film
This funny guy on TV wanted to be a funny guy in the movies, too!
How syndication saved Vicki Lawrence and Mama's Family
Syndication saved Mama's Family.
Buddy Ebsen predicted a ''good future'' for The Beverly Hillbillies
Buddy Ebsen wasn't just the star of the series; he was its biggest fan, too!
Anson Williams responded to claims that he was a ''teen idol''
"There's a lot you have to handle besides performing," said Williams.
The Odd Couple changed Tony Randall's outlook on life
He quickly became one of the most successful neat freaks on television!
Producer Garry Marshall was surprised by Laverne & Shirley's success
The producer said Laverne & Shirley was "all about timing."
During Cheers, Rhea Perlman was speaking out about childcare needs
She was a mom who could do it all... thanks to her advocacy for childcare!
Raymond Bailey was ''the banker's hero'' after his role on The Beverly Hillbillies
His success as The Clampetts' banker was so unexpected, he wouldn't have even put money on it.
Carol Burnett loved the variety format because it gave her a place to be silly
Carol Burnett could make just about anyone laugh; she just needed the right format to become a star.
Gavin MacLeod addresses rumors that the Love Boat cast didn't get along
This is your captain speaking.
Here's a few reasons why ALF was Max Wright's hardest work
Whenever he felt on top of the world, ALF was there to help ground him.
Mike Lookinland loved talking about The Brady Bunch with fans
"People call up all the time and ask if I'm Bobby Brady," said the actor.
Harry Anderson was essentially playing himself on Night Court
Harry Anderson's acting journey started with a little magic.
Rusty Hamer was a child star who felt disrespected by adults during his time on The Danny Thomas Show
Most adults would have called Hamer "cute," but the child star didn't like being called anything but a professional.
Here's how Mayberry and Andy Griffith shaped George Lindsey
He treated each day in Mayberry like it was his last.
The Beverly Hillbillies was in desperate need of more writers as the series progressed
For Henning, knowing a thing or two about hillbilly history was just as important as other skills listed on a resume.
Here's Marlo Thomas' reaction to ending her hit series That Girl
She carried parts of Ann Marie with her long after the cameras stopped rolling.
Harvey Korman was Tim Conway's biggest fan on The Carol Burnett Show
No matter the sketch, Tim Conway knew he already had his biggest fan right up there onstage with him.
Jean Stapleton pushed All in the Family writers to develop stories about equal rights
Stapleton thought it was important to focus on issues of the time.
New York City ''sewer rats'' became an important part of Art Carney's career
Carney loved the New York City sewer system just as much as the real "rats" in the city did.
Lucille Ball on what it was like using stilts, falling down and cracking up on her show
She used props to aid her comedy and Band-Aids to help put her back together.
Laverne & Shirley was often compared to I Love Lucy
"It's hard to find two attractive girls who will let themselves seem unattractive."
Tina Louise would have picked Manhattan over Gilligan's Island
Oops! Looks like Tina Louise would have rather been stranded somewhere else.
At 20, Don Grady was an actor, a writer and composer for My Three Sons
Grady became a triple threat at the age of 20!
The Monkees found success to be a little bit frightening
With thousands of screaming and adoring women in their faces per night, we'd be a little afraid too.
Vicki Lawrence called Thelma Harper ''a lonely old lady''
"She parallels many people in everybody's family," Lawrence said.
LaWanda Page didn't allow her success on Sanford and Son to spoil her
LaWanda Page didn't care about fame, cars or money; She just wanted to play the part of Aunt Esther.
John Larroquette said there was ''nothing quite like Night Court''
Order in the court! Here’s why Night Court ruled TV.
Audrey Meadows made bank in her role on The Honeymooners
The Honeymooners made Meadows a millionaire.
Here's why Ted Bessell of That Girl wanted to leave the series
There was a lot of pressure being the guy to That Girl on the hit 1966 series.
Just like The Beverly Hillbillies, Max Baer Jr. went from rags to riches
Max Baer Jr. was the definition of a starving artist. Before The Beverly Hillbillies, he was eating beans out of a can.
The cast of The Love Boat reunited for this surprising reason
A Love Boat look-alike contest took place across the United States in 1997.