Stories

Bea Benaderet on the importance of taking a deep breath

Benaderet's success can be boiled down to breathing.

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.”

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.

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.

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

"I'm just crazy about the girl."

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.

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.

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

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

Jackie Gleason fought to get Art Carney more money

Gleason used his pull for his pal.

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...

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.'"

Kathy Garver wanted her character on Family Affair to grow up

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

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.

Audrey Meadows on how she got the role of Alice Kramden

Meadows was rich both in wealth and in her career.

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.

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.

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

Were sparks flying off-camera?

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

She was much more than just Ethel Mertz.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

A little dignity goes a long way.

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.

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!

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

It was a long-awaited comedy collision!

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.

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

The actor wanted to keep a clean reputation.

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.

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."

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.

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

We almost lost Gloria!

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!

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.

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

Ball was a workaholic — and she loved it.

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

The actress worked hard to shape her character.

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

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

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

The actor kept humble.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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!

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.

Lucille Ball didn't mind sharing her series with farm animals

Lucille Ball took "rural humor" to a new extreme!

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.

Harry Anderson was essentially playing himself on Night Court

Harry Anderson's acting journey started with a little magic.

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

Sometimes Brady life imitates Brady art.

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.

Henry Winkler: ''I still need much too much public approval''

An important life lesson, courtesy of The Fonz.

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.

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.

Bob Newhart was the expert of playing himself onscreen

If you ever noticed a similar theme across all of Newhart's series, there's a reason: He put himself into everything he did.

Mama's Family wasn't interested in bringing social issues into its episodes

The series was in the business of entertainment, not teaching.

Ted Knight's character on The Mary Tyler Moore Show was a lot like him

There were some days Ted Knight would look in the mirror and only see Ted Baxter.

This was Jill Whelan's real opinion on her on-screen father, Gavin MacLeod

"It's a great show to work on," said Whelan.

Susan Olsen used to get bullied at school because of Cindy Brady

Cindy Brady killed Susan Olsen's playground popularity.

Cindy Williams explained the secret to a good television series was a bit of stupidity

"We take television to its dumbest," Williams said.

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.

Here's why Betty White's humor never got old

She proved that laughter really is the golden ticket!

This actor was nearly cast as Ethel Mertz in I Love Lucy

One decision could have changed everything.

At first, Norman Lear was against Sammy Davis Jr. appearing in All in the Family

The popular episode that almost never was.

Irene Ryan was told she was ''too young'' to play Granny in The Beverly Hillbillies

"Do I have to go home and get my grey wig and shawl to convince you I can play Granny?"

Mary Frann of Newhart was inspired by Audrey Meadows of The Honeymooners

"Audrey Meadows made Jackie Gleason funnier."

Sally Struthers broke her arm on the set of All in the Family

The cast had to be removed before filming.

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."

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.

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.

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.

Lucille Ball enjoyed The Lucy Show because her fictional husband wasn't involved

No husband? No problem. Everyone already loved Lucy.

How syndication saved Vicki Lawrence and Mama's Family

Syndication saved Mama's Family.

This episode of The Dick Van Dyke Show is Dick Van Dyke's favorite

"We just looked forward to coming to work every day," said the actor of the hit series.

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.

The Odd Couple changed Tony Randall's outlook on life

He quickly became one of the most successful neat freaks on television!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

Lucy and Desi credited each other when asked who was responsible for their success

"We both believe you have to give a little and take a little to make a go of it."

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!

Anson Williams responded to claims that he was a ''teen idol''

"There's a lot you have to handle besides performing," said Williams.

Producer Garry Marshall was surprised by Laverne & Shirley's success

The producer said Laverne & Shirley was "all about timing."

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!

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.

Gavin MacLeod addresses rumors that the Love Boat cast didn't get along

This is your captain speaking.

Laverne & Shirley was often compared to I Love Lucy

"It's hard to find two attractive girls who will let themselves seem unattractive."

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.

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.

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.

Why Gavin MacLeod believed Captain Stuber was the ''antithesis'' of Murray Slaughter

"Some reviewers call me ‘the Handsome Gavin MacLeod,'" said the actor. "Imagine! Nobody described me like that on Mary’s show."

Desi Arnaz said there were no ''phony'' laughs on I Love Lucy

"We filmed our shows honestly, in front of an audience."

8 of the best questions, answers and interactions from the Q+A sessions on The Carol Burnett Show

Burnett's quick-wit and situational comedy abilities made the Q+A sessions a must-watch for any fan of her variety show.

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.

Jean Stapleton said that the cast of All in the Family were invited to add their own ideas to the script

During the episode read-through, the actors were encouraged to share their thoughts on the script.

Cindy Williams and Penny Marshall thought stardom was strange at first

Even though the duo became highly successful, they weren't too excited about stardom at first.

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!

Audrey Meadows made bank in her role on The Honeymooners

The Honeymooners made Meadows a millionaire.

Here's an inside look at the rehearsal process of I Love Lucy

"I Love Lucy completely changed my methods of memorizing," said the actor.

Irene Ryan loved show business and credited The Beverly Hillbillies with her success

It was a long road that finally led to Clampett country.

Here was Danny Thomas' advice to his daughter during her time on That Girl

"Like father, like daughter" was never truer than in Marlo's and Danny's father-daughter relationship.

John Larroquette said there was ''nothing quite like Night Court''

Order in the court! Here’s why Night Court ruled TV.

Here's what Robert Reed loved about working on The Brady Bunch

The Brady kids made working on the series a little bit better for Reed.

Buddy Ebsen was the star of Beverly Hillbillies, but Max Baer Jr. had more fan mail

Buddy Ebsen may have won the popular vote, but Max Baer Jr. still had the most fan mail.

Florence Henderson provided a calming effect on Robert Reed during tense moments on the set of The Brady Bunch

The two were close, on and off the screen.

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.

Tina Louise would have picked Manhattan over Gilligan's Island

Oops! Looks like Tina Louise would have rather been stranded somewhere else.

Playing Grady on Sanford and Son was a temporary gig for Whitman Mayo

Mayo went to Los Angeles to find work for his clients but snagged a recurring role on Sanford and Son. There was one problem, he didn't want to be an actor.