Stories
The Love Boat helped Bernie Kopell wash away his previous roles
Love Boat fans knew of Adam Bricker, but no one knew the name of the actor who played him.
Cindy Williams and Penny Marshall had two very different reactions to fame and success
Finding success was one of the best—and most confusing—days of their lives.
Henry Winkler put an end to a common rumor about Happy Days in 1976
Remember when we all thought Henry Winkler was leaving Happy Days? He addressed the rumor in a 1976 interview.
Finding new ways to relate to women was an important job for Hot in Cleveland
This one's for the girls!
Mary Tyler Moore said she started becoming a ''carbon copy'' of Dick Van Dyke
Life imitates art, and in this case, art imitated Dick Van Dyke
Here's how Mayberry and Andy Griffith shaped George Lindsey
He treated each day in Mayberry like it was his last.
Here's what Lucille Ball had to say about staying successful
It's time to pull up a chair and learn a few lessons from Lucy!
Bea Benaderet and her character on Petticoat Junction had some key differences
Benaderet called herself a "slob" (her words, not ours) compared to her hardworking and organized character on Petticoat Junction.
Here's how these stars remembered Lucille Ball after her death in 1989
It wasn't just for the cameras. These stars loved Lucy.
Carroll O'Connor said that criticism of his shows got to him
Carroll O'Connor had a candid critique of TV critics.
9 fascinating little things you never knew about Florence Henderson
From her Queen of Diamonds crown to her hypnotherapy license, she was one-of-a-kind.
Natalie Schafer was typecast as a wealthy woman but didn’t care about money
She had a very rich career — in more ways than one!
Frank Sutton used his real military experience on Gomer Pyle: USMC
Sutton was a real Army veteran with a fictional Marine background.
About that time Max Baer Jr. played Jethro's twin sister on The Beverly Hillbillies
Max Baer Jr. was a man who looked like a lady, or a man who looked like his twin sister.
Here's how Happy Days helped Ron Howard mature
All Ron Howard wanted was to act his age.
Dave Coulier was able to show his love for hockey during his time on Full House
Coulier has a successful acting career, but his greatest memory happened in an ice rink with a hockey legend.
Dick Van Dyke did his best to avoid any changes on his hit series
He wanted to change everything about television, but nothing about The Dick Van Dyke Show.
Barry Williams chose The Brady Bunch over his social life
Barry Williams didn't need a girlfriend as a young man, he was already in love with The Brady Bunch.
Tim Conway said that this was one of the most important element of good comedy
The comedy legend shared this secret tip.
Jean Stapleton was thankful she didn't have to choose between family and career
One could argue that her career was family.
Here’s what Dick Van Dyke thought made his series so special
He knew the secret formula but left out one key ingredient.
Carol Burnett was afraid of being typecast in the early 1970s
Carol Burnett was known for being a queen of comedy, and that was part of her problem.
Critics couldn’t shake Tom Bosley or Happy Days
These critics had seen happier days.
Jean Stapleton was a Hollywood star, but she lived in rural Pennsylvania
Stapleton was a real-life Hollywood Hillbilly. From Los Angeles to Pennsylvania, she liked living two different lifestyles.
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.
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.
Marjorie Lord from The Danny Thomas Show wanted stronger women on TV
Guess the show should’ve been called "Make Room for Mommy!" instead!
Tom Bosley shared a lot in common with his Happy Days character
Bosley built a career on being a dad.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!"
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.
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.
Here’s why Bob Newhart preferred smart comedy over easy laughs
No tantrums, no toy boxes, and definitely no sitcom baby formula.
Jean Stapleton considered herself an introvert
Offstage, she was much more reserved.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
Betty White on the emotions of leaving Hot in Cleveland behind
Saying goodbye to Cleveland was no laughing matter for Betty White.
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.
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.
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!)
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.
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.
Maureen McCormick on why she doesn't like to watch The Brady Bunch
The actor wasn't a fan of reruns.
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."
Here's what the ''drinks'' on The Love Boat were actually made of
Ted Lange, who played Isaac Washington, revealed the truth.
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.
Marlo Thomas was an inspiration to strong, independent women
Marlo Thomas stood on business.
Sally Struthers was worried about how her fame would affect her daughter
"I hate to leave her even for a moment."
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.
Mary Frann found being Newhart's TV wife challenging
Mary Frann had to follow in the footsteps of Newhart's first onscreen wife.
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.”
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.
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...
Jackie Gleason fought to get Art Carney more money
Gleason used his pull for his pal.
Kathy Garver wanted her character on Family Affair to grow up
Garver was all grown up and just wanted her character to catch up.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
Vivian Vance's acting career had a parallel in mental health
She was much more than just Ethel Mertz.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Here's why Dick Van Dyke joined Carol Burnett after Harvey Korman left
It was a long-awaited comedy collision!
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.
That Girl's Ted Bessell wanted to leave the series with a little dignity
A little dignity goes a long way.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sally Struthers spent $40,000 trying to leave All in the Family
We almost lost Gloria!
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.
Dick Van Dyke had to be reminded frequently that he was a star
The actor kept humble.
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.
Here’s why Happy Days actress Erin Moran enjoyed growing up on television
"It feels great growing up on television," Moran said.
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.
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.
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!
Why Mary Tyler Moore's pants were such a big deal in the 1960s
Laura Petrie's capris paved the way for Mary Richards.
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.
Maureen McCormick actually hurt her nose the day that ''The Subject Was Noses'' aired
Sometimes Brady life imitates Brady art.
Harry Anderson was essentially playing himself on Night Court
Harry Anderson's acting journey started with a little magic.
Lucille Ball didn't mind sharing her series with farm animals
Lucille Ball took "rural humor" to a new extreme!
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.
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.
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.
Henry Winkler: ''I still need much too much public approval''
An important life lesson, courtesy of The Fonz.
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.