Stories

LaWanda Page said Redd Foxx rehearsed with her so she wouldn't get fired

When producers wanted to replace Page, Foxx stood up for his longtime friend and rehearsed lines with her.

Marjorie Lord from The Danny Thomas Show wanted stronger women on TV

Guess the show should’ve been called "Make Room for Mommy!" instead!

Mary Tyler Moore only had the best things to say about Dick Van Dyke

Find someone who talks about you the way Mary Tyler Moore talked about Dick Van Dyke.

Ron Howard used Happy Days as a chance to shed his ''Opie'' image

His role as Richie helped him grow up and grow out of his "Opie" character.

Vivian Vance traveled over 3,000 miles to work on The Lucy Show

Vivian Vance was a Hollywood legend who lived in Connecticut. She must have had a lot of frequent flyer miles.

Carroll O'Connor once said that All in the Family could have gone on without Archie Bunker

O'Connor was aware that the success of the series didn't rest solely on his shoulders.

Bob Newhart used humor to help cope with life's hardest moments

Newhart used humor to get through life's hardships and suggested you do the same.

Marjorie Lord felt she was too critical of herself on television

Even TV stars can get insecure sometimes!

Despite his role in My Three Sons, William Frawley was ''undomesticated''

The character was the authority on cooking, cleaning and caretaking; the actor lacked that skill set.

A real experience made Vivian Vance an advocate for mental health

Vivian Vance had a big role to play as Lucille Ball's sidekick.

Buddy Ebsen believed classic TV viewers needed a father figure

Ebsen thought Jed Clampett could be the dad everyone needed and wanted in the ’60s.

Here’s why Bob Newhart preferred smart comedy over easy laughs

No tantrums, no toy boxes, and definitely no sitcom baby formula.

ALF's Paul Fusco enjoyed creating shows for families and kids

ALF gave us an out of this world look into a planet he wasn't even from.

Desi Arnaz Jr. revealed that his superstar parents were actually just like everybody else

"We put them on a pedestal and think of them as being different. Even I bought into that!"

Richard Moll was once called himself ''The Midwest Mr. T''

A bald, seemingly intimidating actor who overcame many obstacles in life — textbook Mr. T and Mr. Moll.

Alan Hale Jr. was constantly mistaken for his father in the '60s

Everyone thought Alan Hale Jr. was Alan Hale Sr. throughout his acting career. A real like father, like son moment.

Jean Stapleton considered herself an introvert

Offstage, she was much more reserved.

Here's what made The Monkees a bunch of millionaires

What happens when a guy in his early 20s becomes a millionaire over night? Michael Nesmith has the answer!

Harvey Korman considered himself a variety show survivor

Harvey Korman was one of the many talented actors to be affected by both the rise and decline of variety shows.

Jean Stapleton was a true American revolutionary, according to Carroll O'Connor

"Edith helped work a change in America," O'Connor wrote.

Penny Marshall didn't care about what the critics had to say

And with a number one show on television, why would she?

Harvey Korman loved The Carol Burnett Show, but hated some of the costumes

After all, fake mustaches, feathers, tutus, and tiaras can only take you so far.

Fred Grandy said he ''reached a plateau'' on The Love Boat, so he pivoted to politics

Gopher was a politician, too!

Betty White on the emotions of leaving Hot in Cleveland behind

Saying goodbye to Cleveland was no laughing matter for Betty White.

Fred MacMurray was ''semi-retired'' while on My Three Sons

MacMurray was such a low-pressure kind of guy that he even "semi-retired" while still working.

There was nothing in the norm when it came to George Wendt's success on Cheers

George Wendt loved many things about playing the role of Norm, but surprisingly, drinking beer wasn't one of them.

Ted Lange loved the perks that came along with The Love Boat

Ted Lange fell in love with The Love Boat and all the perks that came with working on a cruise ship.

Marlo Thomas was a girl who just wanted her privacy

She liked to keep her guard up at all times — sometimes quite literally — as she often had issues with the press.

Anson Williams wasn't the only singer on the Happy Days cast

Think of all the musical acts we could have had!

Norman Lear revealed All in the Family's British roots

The producer spilled the beans (and toast!)

Success was the only thing keeping Rob Reiner and Penny Marshall apart

The timeless couple just wanted to have a little more time with each other.

Here's how Ozzie Nelson used his family's age to help his show

Fun and family first, fame and fortune second.

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."

Maureen McCormick on why she doesn't like to watch The Brady Bunch

The actor wasn't a fan of reruns.

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.

Here's what the ''drinks'' on The Love Boat were actually made of

Ted Lange, who played Isaac Washington, revealed the truth.

Sally Struthers was worried about how her fame would affect her daughter

"I hate to leave her even for a moment."

When she wasn't filming, Vicki Lawrence was a real 'Mama' at home

Not only did Vicki Lawrence play a full-time Mama on Mama's Family, but she also played a full-time mom at home.

Marlo Thomas was an inspiration to strong, independent women

Marlo Thomas stood on business.

Carl Reiner once said that Mary Tyler Moore was like his daughter

"I'm just crazy about the girl."

Bea Benaderet on the importance of taking a deep breath

Benaderet's success can be boiled down to breathing.

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.

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.

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.”

Mary Frann found being Newhart's TV wife challenging

Mary Frann had to follow in the footsteps of Newhart's first onscreen wife.

A bald head helped Richard Moll get his part in Night Court

Night Court producers loved Moll's bald-headed look. Richard Moll? Maybe not so much.

Lauren Tewes credited her Love Boat co-stars with helping her adjust to The Love Boat

"I'm surrounded by a wonderful professional cast," said the actor.

Tom Bosley was everybody’s favorite TV dad for a reason

Tom Bosley’s kindness as Howard Cunningham wasn’t just an act.

Here's the real reason why Laura Petrie wore pants on The Dick Van Dyke Show

Moore put on her pants just like everybody else: One leg at a time...

Kathy Garver wanted her character on Family Affair to grow up

Garver was all grown up and just wanted her character to catch up.

Jackie Gleason fought to get Art Carney more money

Gleason used his pull for his pal.

Despite their differences, Norman Lear said that having Carroll O'Connor as Archie Bunker was ''so worth it''

"My entire body felt, 'Oh my god. This is Archie.'"

Audrey Meadows on how she got the role of Alice Kramden

Meadows was rich both in wealth and in her career.

The Love Boat's Lauren Tewes enjoyed getting fan mail

Lauren Tewes loved acting and the perks that came with it, including fan mail.

At first, Henry Winkler didn't know the impact The Fonz would have on TV

In the hearts of classic TV fans, he’ll always be The Fonz.

Jean Stapleton was never interested in the role of the leading lady

"I knew where I belonged," said the actor.

Lucille Ball's minor injuries on I Love Lucy showed her dedication to performing

Lucille Ball was a bundle of bruises, sprains and scratches.

Sally Struthers had a crush on Rob Reiner during filming of All in the Family

Were sparks flying off-camera?

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.

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.

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.

Alan Hale Jr. was focused on becoming a ''working actor'' like his father

The actor wasn't concerned with stardom.

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.

Vivian Vance's acting career had a parallel in mental health

She was much more than just Ethel Mertz.

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.

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.

In the 1960s, Carol Burnett was bold in comedy, but basic in cooking

Fearless on The Carol Burnett Show, but cautious in the kitchen!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

A little dignity goes a long way.

Here's why Dick Van Dyke joined Carol Burnett after Harvey Korman left

It was a long-awaited comedy collision!

Henry Winkler ensured that The Fonz was a good influence on children

The actor wanted to keep a clean reputation.

Carroll O'Connor would ask All in the Family writers to rewrite jokes

"They often balked and more than once threatened to quit, but I too more than once threatened to quit."

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.

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.

Taxi's Marilu Henner hailed a cab and rode it all the way to success

Henner would receive high praise, gifts and even a special license from Taxi drivers all over the country.

One of Florence Henderson’s real-life children had a small role on The Brady Bunch

She took her role as a mother seriously, both on and off screen!

Lucille Ball: ''I'm not happy unless I'm working.''

Ball was a workaholic — and she loved it.

Sally Struthers spent $40,000 trying to leave All in the Family

We almost lost Gloria!

Dick Van Dyke had to be reminded frequently that he was a star

The actor kept humble.

Ron Howard enjoyed living in the 1950s for his Happy Days role

Ron Howard was living in two decades at the same time.

Jean Stapleton vetoed this plot point and changed an All in the Family script

The actress worked hard to shape her character.

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.

Why Mary Tyler Moore's pants were such a big deal in the 1960s

Laura Petrie's capris paved the way for Mary Richards.

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.

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.

Lucille Ball missed I Love Lucy as much as viewers did when it went off the air

Ball never lost any love for her iconic character.

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.

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!

Here’s why Happy Days actress Erin Moran enjoyed growing up on television

"It feels great growing up on television," Moran said.

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.

Maureen McCormick actually hurt her nose the day that ''The Subject Was Noses'' aired

Sometimes Brady life imitates Brady art.

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.

Before playing the role of a waitress on Cheers, Rhea Perlman was a real waitress in NYC

She worked as a waitress in New York and spilled spaghetti all over David Rockefeller and his friends. No, we aren't talking about an episode of Cheers.