Stories
Critics couldn’t shake Tom Bosley or Happy Days
These critics had seen happier days.
Here’s what Dick Van Dyke thought made his series so special
He knew the secret formula but left out one key ingredient.
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.
Did you know Cheers star John Ratzenberger launched a career in Europe, too?
Before Cliff became a barstool regular, he was a world traveler.
A real experience made Vivian Vance an advocate for mental health
Vivian Vance had a big role to play as Lucille Ball's sidekick.
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.
Marjorie Lord felt she was too critical of herself on television
Even TV stars can get insecure sometimes!
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.
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.
Tom Bosley shared a lot in common with his Happy Days character
Bosley built a career on being a dad.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sally Struthers called Bea Arthur a ''force of nature''
The All in the Family guest star had the cast laughing uncontrollably.
Gilligan's Island was the sitcom many people loved to hate
Even Bob Denver had his doubts about the series!
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 why Bob Newhart preferred smart comedy over easy laughs
No tantrums, no toy boxes, and definitely no sitcom baby formula.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Fred Grandy said he ''reached a plateau'' on The Love Boat, so he pivoted to politics
Gopher was a politician, too!
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.
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 considered herself an introvert
Offstage, she was much more reserved.
Penny Marshall didn't care about what the critics had to say
And with a number one show on television, why would she?
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.
Jean Stapleton was a true American revolutionary, according to Carroll O'Connor
"Edith helped work a change in America," O'Connor wrote.
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.
Anson Williams wasn't the only singer on the Happy Days cast
Think of all the musical acts we could have had!
Betty White on the emotions of leaving Hot in Cleveland behind
Saying goodbye to Cleveland was no laughing matter for Betty White.
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!"
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.
Bea Benaderet on the importance of taking a deep breath
Benaderet's success can be boiled down to breathing.
Here's what made Mama’s Family a favorite for producer Joe Hamilton
Hamilton’s favorite wasn’t a family secret!
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.
Here's how Ozzie Nelson used his family's age to help his show
Fun and family first, fame and fortune second.
The Love Boat's Ted Lange once wrote a rock musical
Who knew this bartender on The Love Boat was so rock and roll?!
Frank Sutton used his real military experience on Gomer Pyle: USMC
Sutton was a real Army veteran with a fictional Marine background.
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.
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.
Norman Lear revealed All in the Family's British roots
The producer spilled the beans (and toast!)
Carl Reiner once said that Mary Tyler Moore was like his daughter
"I'm just crazy about the girl."
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.
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.
Lucille Ball: ''I'm not happy unless I'm working.''
Ball was a workaholic — and she loved it.
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.
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.
Sally Struthers was worried about how her fame would affect her daughter
"I hate to leave her even for a moment."
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.
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.'"
Here's what the ''drinks'' on The Love Boat were actually made of
Ted Lange, who played Isaac Washington, revealed the truth.
Marlo Thomas was an inspiration to strong, independent women
Marlo Thomas stood on business.
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...
The Love Boat's Lauren Tewes enjoyed getting fan mail
Lauren Tewes loved acting and the perks that came with it, including fan mail.
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.
Jean Stapleton was never interested in the role of the leading lady
"I knew where I belonged," said the actor.
Lucie Arnaz shared this beautiful tribute to her parents to celebrate I Love Lucy's 75th anniversary
"I could not be more proud to be a part of this family," Arnaz said.
Here's how these stars remembered Lucille Ball after her death in 1989
It wasn't just for the cameras. These stars loved Lucy.
Edgar Buchanan had a theory about Petticoat Junction’s success
He believed the show's old-fashioned humor was anything but outdated.
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.”
Tom Bosley was everybody’s favorite TV dad for a reason
Tom Bosley’s kindness as Howard Cunningham wasn’t just an act.
Vicki Lawrence wanted Mama to mellow out by season two
Originally, critics slammed the series by saying that Mama was too harsh.
Jackie Gleason fought to get Art Carney more money
Gleason used his pull for his pal.
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.
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.
Sally Struthers had a crush on Rob Reiner during filming of All in the Family
Were sparks flying off-camera?
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!
Audrey Meadows on how she got the role of Alice Kramden
Meadows was rich both in wealth and in her career.
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.
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.
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.
Vivian Vance's acting career had a parallel in mental health
She was much more than just Ethel Mertz.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Here's how The Love Boat stayed afloat, according to star Bernie Kopell
"There’s no panic on set. We’re healthy and unconcerned."
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.
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."
Here's why Dick Van Dyke joined Carol Burnett after Harvey Korman left
It was a long-awaited comedy collision!
Ron Howard enjoyed living in the 1950s for his Happy Days role
Ron Howard was living in two decades at the same 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.
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.
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.
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.
Sally Struthers spent $40,000 trying to leave All in the Family
We almost lost Gloria!
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.
Dick Van Dyke had to be reminded frequently that he was a star
The actor kept humble.
Harry Anderson was essentially playing himself on Night Court
Harry Anderson's acting journey started with a little magic.
Jean Stapleton vetoed this plot point and changed an All in the Family script
The actress worked hard to shape her character.
Why Mary Tyler Moore's pants were such a big deal in the 1960s
Laura Petrie's capris paved the way for Mary Richards.
Alan Hale Jr. was focused on becoming a ''working actor'' like his father
The actor wasn't concerned with stardom.
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.
Here’s why Happy Days actress Erin Moran enjoyed growing up on television
"It feels great growing up on television," Moran said.
In the 1960s, Carol Burnett was bold in comedy, but basic in cooking
Fearless on The Carol Burnett Show, but cautious in the kitchen!
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.
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!
Henry Winkler: ''I still need much too much public approval''
An important life lesson, courtesy of The Fonz.
According to Morey Amsterdam, before it became a TV classic, The Dick Van Dyke Show was a slow starter
The series was hilarious, but the ratings were no laughing matter at first.
Some fans thought Vivian Vance and William Frawley were married in real life, not just on I Love Lucy
Fred and Ethel's on-screen marriage had fans fooled!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Art Carney on the realism of The Honeymooners
"People accepted us that way," said the actor.
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.
Lucille Ball didn't mind sharing her series with farm animals
Lucille Ball took "rural humor" to a new extreme!
Maureen McCormick actually hurt her nose the day that ''The Subject Was Noses'' aired
Sometimes Brady life imitates Brady art.