Denver Pyle used his father as inspiration for his role in The Doris Day Show
Denver Pyle, who played Doris Day's father on The Doris Day Show, modeled his portrayal on his own father.
His character wasn’t flashy or dramatic—he was a kind and devoted father. Pyle infused the warmth of his own father into the role of the dad he played onscreen.
"He was a man of tremendous dignity," Pyle said in a 1968 interview with The Cincinnati Post.
Pyle said his father let him be the person he wanted to be without pressuring him to become someone he was not. He gave Pyle the space to dream and figure things out for himself while still maintaining his freedom.
Pyle admired his father and was grateful for his support. Because of this, audiences got the Denver Pyle they know and love today.
Before accepting the part on The Doris Day Show, Pyle faced two choices: he could either take the role on Doris Day’s series or accept a major role in a film in Spain.
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"I decided on the series," Pyle said. "After all, Spain will always be there, but Doris Day may not always be doing a television series."
In another 1969 interview with the Anaheim Bulletin, Pyle said part of the reason he chose The Doris Day Show was because of his admiration for Doris Day.
"Doris is a fine woman," Pyle said. "She is a complete, warm person. She is a pleasure to work with."
His support was especially important because Marty Melcher, Day's husband and business manager, who had also been involved in developing the series, passed away in 1968.
The shooting schedule was postponed to mid-June as a result. Pyle said it felt like a setback, but he was glad Day had her cast and crew to lean on for advice and support.
"This was a very tough blow for Doris, and I think having the series to work on helped her bear the sorrow," Pyle said.
The cast of The Doris Day Show was like a family, which made sense given that Pyle had based his character on his own family. That approach helped set the tone and create the warm, family friendly atmosphere.