That Girl's Ted Bessell wanted to leave the series with a little dignity

That Girl was a successful five-season show that aired on ABC from 1966 to 1971. It starred Marlo Thomas as "That Girl," an aspiring actress Ann Marie, and Ted Bessell as "That Guy," Donald Hollinger, Ann’s boyfriend throughout the series.

While the two seemed like a match made in heaven on screen, in real life, Bessell was ready for a change.

According to a 1970 interview with the Times-Courier, Bessell said that if That Girl had continued past its fifth season, producers would have needed to find a new guy for that girl.

He was often overshadowed by Thomas, who not only starred in the show but was also the daughter of legendary entertainer Danny Thomas. While all eyes were on her, Bessell was quietly seeking new opportunities.

See Also

How Marlo Thomas gave Danny Thomas the worst Father’s Day gift possible

"I won’t stay with it," Bessell said. "I have four offers now, but they may not really mean much. It has taken the generals at the networks three years to find out movie people on television aren’t movie people anymore."

Though he enjoyed working on That Girl, Bessell was determined to leave on his own terms. According to the interview, he valued personal dignity and felt frustrated that more actors didn’t share that same opinion. 

In fact, Bessell launched his own production company with one golden rule: no job would require anyone to sacrifice their dignity.

"Actors lack respect for themselves," Bessell said. "They are responsible as long as they remain mute. That’s something no union or organization can do: we have to maintain our own level of dignity. However, that doesn’t mean ranting and raving if something is not to your liking. The minute I rant and rave, I put myself on a level below those I’m dealing with."

Bessell was able to leave That Girl with his dignity intact, as the show concluded after five successful seasons. He loved his role, his co-stars, and acting — but he was ready to grow in new directions.

After That Girl, Bessell transitioned into directing and producing. He directed episodes of The Tracey Ullman Show and worked behind the scenes on several television projects until he passed away in 1996.