Stories
Here's how Happy Days helped Ron Howard mature
All Ron Howard wanted was to act his age.
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 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.
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.
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 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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tom Bosley shared a lot in common with his Happy Days character
Bosley built a career on being a dad.
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!
Critics couldn’t shake Tom Bosley or Happy Days
These critics had seen happier days.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
A real experience made Vivian Vance an advocate for mental health
Vivian Vance had a big role to play as Lucille Ball's sidekick.
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.
The Love Boat's Lauren Tewes enjoyed getting fan mail
Lauren Tewes loved acting and the perks that came with it, including fan mail.
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.
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.
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.
Audrey Meadows on how she got the role of Alice Kramden
Meadows was rich both in wealth and in her career.
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.
Fred Grandy said he ''reached a plateau'' on The Love Boat, so he pivoted to politics
Gopher was a politician, too!
Here’s why Bob Newhart preferred smart comedy over easy laughs
No tantrums, no toy boxes, and definitely no sitcom baby formula.
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.
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.
Bob Newhart loved to watch Newhart reruns
Newhart didn’t watch it for entertainment—he watched it for research.
Norman Lear revealed All in the Family's British roots
The producer spilled the beans (and toast!)
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.
Anson Williams wasn't the only singer on the Happy Days cast
Think of all the musical acts we could have had!
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 what the ''drinks'' on The Love Boat were actually made of
Ted Lange, who played Isaac Washington, revealed the truth.
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."
In the 1960s, Carol Burnett was bold in comedy, but basic in cooking
Fearless on The Carol Burnett Show, but cautious in the kitchen!
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.
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.
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.
Alan Hale Jr. was focused on becoming a ''working actor'' like his father
The actor wasn't concerned with stardom.
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.
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.
Jean Stapleton was a true American revolutionary, according to Carroll O'Connor
"Edith helped work a change in America," O'Connor wrote.
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.
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.
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."
Vivian Vance's acting career had a parallel in mental health
She was much more than just Ethel Mertz.
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.
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.
Carl Reiner once said that Mary Tyler Moore was like his daughter
"I'm just crazy about the girl."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Ron Howard enjoyed living in the 1950s for his Happy Days role
Ron Howard was living in two decades at the same time.
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.
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.
Here's why Betty White's humor never got old
She proved that laughter really is the golden ticket!
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!
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.
Tim Conway said that this was one of the most important element of good comedy
The comedy legend shared this secret tip.
Lucille Ball enjoyed The Lucy Show because her fictional husband wasn't involved
No husband? No problem. Everyone already loved Lucy.
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.
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.
Penny Marshall enjoyed drinking milk and Pepsi as a child, long before she starred on Laverne & Shirley
Laverne and Penny shared a drink of choice.
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!
At first, Norman Lear was against Sammy Davis Jr. appearing in All in the Family
The popular episode that almost never was.