Stories

The Brady Bunch creator wanted to offer viewers a ''people comedy''

What did a stranded island, a family of eight and a housekeeper all have in common? Sherwood Schwartz.

Here’s what Bernie Kopell had to say about starring on The Love Boat

"I work steadily...What could be wrong with that?”

Carroll O'Connor gave the best advice for aspiring actors

The Emmy award-winning actor was all for following your dreams but said it would not come easy.

Lucille Ball explained why the Ricardo family lived an average life

“I...didn’t want us to be a typical Hollywood couple, whatever that is,” said Ball.

Fans would stop Marlo Thomas on the street just to call her ''That Girl''

She was "that girl" on TV and "that girl" on the streets.

Valerie Harper's real-life pregnancy depended on her television career

Valerie Harper already had so much going for her, so why not add a baby to the mix?

Danny DeVito's character on Taxi was made just for him

DeVito hatched a plan in order to get the part of Louie on Taxi.

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!

How Vivian Vance became a big Hollywood star by accident

Vivian Vance had the audition of a lifetime in front of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz – and she had no idea.

Valerie Bertinelli said the best advice she ever received was from co-star Betty White

Some of the hottest chemistry wasn’t just in Cleveland.

Here's how Mike Nesmith handled Monkees mania and its screaming fans

It’s clear the band knew how to hit the right note!

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.

Redd Foxx loved his life inside and outside of Sanford and Son

Redd Foxx was both a nightclub comic and a TV star. In the '70s, succeeding in both at the same time was rare.

Here’s the method Bob Mackie used to design Carol Burnett’s iconic costumes

Carol Burnett and Cher had something in common besides their star power.

Please enjoy this pep talk from Florence Henderson

Feeling down? Take a dose of Carol Brady.

Ann B. Davis loved to dust on the set of The Brady Bunch

Ann B. Davis never wanted to play a leading lady on 'The Brady Bunch,' she was content with dusting.

Norman Lear had a special message hidden inside Sanford and Son and All in the Family

Norman Lear did what he wanted and didn't care who saw — even if it was thousands of TV viewers.

Judd Hirsch wanted Taxi fans to step up after the series was put on hold by NBC

On paper, Taxi had everything it needed to succeed, but in reality, the series had many ups and downs.

Marion Ross on balancing family and career: ''I'm about 50/50''

It was all happy days for the Happy Days star.

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.

Jean Stapleton partially based Edith off of a ''beloved dingbat'' in her family

Stapleton was able to pull from her family tree to find inspiration for Edith Bunker.

The Love Boat's Ted Lange once wrote a rock musical

Who knew this bartender on The Love Boat was so rock and roll?!

Rhea Perlman envied her character's personality on Cheers

Perlman envied her character's quick quips on the series.

Here’s the advice Hot in Cleveland star Betty White gave to young actors

She made being over 50 look cool.

One of Harvey Korman’s biggest worries was time

Time was Korman’s toughest critic!

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

Finding new ways to relate to women was an important job for Hot in Cleveland

This one's for the girls!

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.

Danny Thomas said he worked with ''Hollywood's finest child actor'' on The Danny Thomas Show

The fictional father-son duo kept up the act even after the cameras quit rolling.

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.

Here's what Ken Berry had to say to people who thought Mayberry R.F.D. was ''unrelatable''

He defended his fictional hometown until the series ended in 1971.

Here's the advice Audrey Meadows would get from Honeymooners fans

Meadows received advice from women all over the country on how to handle her fictional husband!

Carroll O'Connor said that criticism of his shows got to him

Carroll O'Connor had a candid critique of TV critics.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Frank Sutton used his real military experience on Gomer Pyle: USMC

Sutton was a real Army veteran with a fictional Marine background.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

Marjorie Lord felt she was too critical of herself on television

Even TV stars can get insecure sometimes!

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.

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

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

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.

These nine photos of The Monkees show just how cool the band was

Let's hang around with the Monkees! These behind-the-scenes photos are filled with nostalgia.

Mayberry R.F.D. was a twist and turn in Ken Berry's life

Although acting wasn't Berry's original dream, he did it well and replaced an acting legend with ease.

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.

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.

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.

The Love Boat's Lauren Tewes enjoyed getting fan mail

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

A real experience made Vivian Vance an advocate for mental health

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

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!"

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

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

Jean Stapleton was thankful she didn't have to choose between family and career

One could argue that her career was family.

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

Gopher was a politician, too!

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.

Audrey Meadows on how she got the role of Alice Kramden

Meadows was rich both in wealth and in her career.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Bob Newhart loved to watch Newhart reruns

Newhart didn’t watch it for entertainment—he watched it for research.

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.

Norman Lear revealed All in the Family's British roots

The producer spilled the beans (and toast!)

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

Think of all the musical acts we could have had!

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

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

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.

Jean Stapleton considered herself an introvert

Offstage, she was much more reserved.

Marlo Thomas was an inspiration to strong, independent women

Marlo Thomas stood on business.

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."

Mayberry's Ken Berry couldn't believe he would replace Andy Griffith

Those are some pretty big shoes to fill, but luckily, Ken Berry was quick on his feet.

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.

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.

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.

Anne Schedeen thanked ALF for bringing her up to star status

All she needed was a working spaceship to help her land her star status.

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.

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

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

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.

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 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.

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

A little dignity goes a long way.

Mary Frann found being Newhart's TV wife challenging

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

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

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

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.

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.”

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 why Dick Van Dyke joined Carol Burnett after Harvey Korman left

It was a long-awaited comedy collision!

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.

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

"I'm just crazy about the girl."

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.

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.

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

The actress worked hard to shape her character.

George Lindsey used his country roots to his benefit in Mayberry R.F.D.

Turns out, Lindsey didn't have to do that much acting in order to play the part of a small-town country bumpkin.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.