Prior to "Gilligan's Island," Natalie Schafer had a professional acting career that lasted for decades. When she was still in her 20s, Schafer began appearing in numerous Broadway productions, often in smaller roles, and rarely in a play that ran for a very long time. She was an expert in playing a certain kind of high-society bourgeoisie biddy, and tended to play comedically clueless archetypes. Beginning in the 1940s, Schafer started to appear in films as well, appearing in multiple features a year. In the 1950s, she stretched into television, and was soon playing guest characters on many of the hottest anthology shows of the day.
At some point along the way, Shafer began telling people that she was 12 years younger than she actually was, likely hoping to avoid a stubborn, unjust stigma in Hollywood against older women. She had a stipulation in her contract that she receive no extreme closeups,...
At some point along the way, Shafer began telling people that she was 12 years younger than she actually was, likely hoping to avoid a stubborn, unjust stigma in Hollywood against older women. She had a stipulation in her contract that she receive no extreme closeups,...
- 10/20/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Sherwood Schwartz's 1964 sitcom "Gilligan's Island" was a pop-cultural powerhouse, attracting a mass audience larger than any of the CBS executives expected. While many critics and audience members criticized the show for being silly, unrealistic, and simplistic, it nonetheless lasted for three hit seasons, and was put into eternal syndication, staying alive in reruns for decades. What's more, the series warranted numerous TV movie sequels and spinoffs, including a 1981 TV movie wherein Gilligan (Bob Denver) and the other castaways met the Harlem Globetrotters -- called, helpfully, "The Harlem Globetrotters on Gilligan's Island" -- and an animated series wherein the castaways became stranded on a distant planet (!). Yes, "Gilligan's Planet" is a thing.
The spinoffs retained all the original cast members, with the exception of Tina Louise, whose character, Ginger, was played by various other actors. Curiously, the Globetrotters movie was the last time an original "Gilligan's Island" project graced the screen.
The spinoffs retained all the original cast members, with the exception of Tina Louise, whose character, Ginger, was played by various other actors. Curiously, the Globetrotters movie was the last time an original "Gilligan's Island" project graced the screen.
- 10/7/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
If you’re in the mood for a classic comedy, Prime Video is a great place to stream. You can get started with a 30-day Free trial, and there’s a lot to love.
30-Day Free Trial $8.99+ / month amazon.com
Classic Comedy Movies on Prime Video
Classic Comedy TV on Prime Video
Add More Comedy with Prime Video Channels
Classic Comedy Movies on Prime Video
For the purposes of this list, we’ll consider “classic comedies” as titles that came out at least 20 years ago.
Death Becomes Her The Big Lebowski Dr. Strangelove Heathers Swingers Galaxy Quest Fargo Billy Madison An American Werewolf in London Sweet Home Alabama Election Army of Darkness Overboard Dirty Rotten Scoundrels American Graffiti Planes, Trains, and Automobiles Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein Bowfinger Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood CB4 Roxanne Sprung Duck Soup Wallace & Gromit: The...
30-Day Free Trial $8.99+ / month amazon.com
Classic Comedy Movies on Prime Video
Classic Comedy TV on Prime Video
Add More Comedy with Prime Video Channels
Classic Comedy Movies on Prime Video
For the purposes of this list, we’ll consider “classic comedies” as titles that came out at least 20 years ago.
Death Becomes Her The Big Lebowski Dr. Strangelove Heathers Swingers Galaxy Quest Fargo Billy Madison An American Werewolf in London Sweet Home Alabama Election Army of Darkness Overboard Dirty Rotten Scoundrels American Graffiti Planes, Trains, and Automobiles Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein Bowfinger Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood CB4 Roxanne Sprung Duck Soup Wallace & Gromit: The...
- 9/12/2024
- by Ben Bowman
- The Streamable
Prior to "Gilligan's Island," actor Natalie Schafer had a massive career on stage and screen. She made her Broadway debut in the play "Trigger" in 1927 and would appear regularly on stage throughout the '20s and '30s. She made her feature film debut in 1941 in the invisible man comedy "The Body Disappears" and continued to act in movies throughout the '40s. Schafer added TV acting to her resume starting in 1948. Appearing in most of the hit variety shows of the 1950s, she was a reliable comedienne of the first order, showing up in "77 Sunset Strip," "Mannix," and "The Beverly Hillbillies." Schafer, it seemed, never stopped working.
When Shafer was 64, she was offered the role of Lovey Howell, the millionaire, on Sherwood Schwartz's sitcom "Gilligan's Island." Despite decades of work, "Gilligan's Island" would become the feather in Schafer's cap -- the show she would become best known for.
When Shafer was 64, she was offered the role of Lovey Howell, the millionaire, on Sherwood Schwartz's sitcom "Gilligan's Island." Despite decades of work, "Gilligan's Island" would become the feather in Schafer's cap -- the show she would become best known for.
- 8/31/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
The 25th anniversary of Deep Blue Sea is generally not seen as a significant cultural event. In the grand context of a world spinning wildly off its axis, finding time to remember that movie where scientists use shark brains to cure Alzheimer’s can be difficult.
Yet Deep Blue Sea deserves to be remembered. Not for the events of the film itself—though it is, remarkably, still one of the best shark movies ever made—but rather for the incredible original rap song that plays over its end credits, “Deepest Bluest (Shark’s Fin).” In that rousing ballad, rapper and Deep Blue Sea co-star LL Cool J delivers what could best be described as a shark’s diss track to the rest of the world sung from the shark’s perspective. Best remembered for the lyric, “Deepest, bluest, my hat is like a shark’s fin,” it occasionally makes the...
Yet Deep Blue Sea deserves to be remembered. Not for the events of the film itself—though it is, remarkably, still one of the best shark movies ever made—but rather for the incredible original rap song that plays over its end credits, “Deepest Bluest (Shark’s Fin).” In that rousing ballad, rapper and Deep Blue Sea co-star LL Cool J delivers what could best be described as a shark’s diss track to the rest of the world sung from the shark’s perspective. Best remembered for the lyric, “Deepest, bluest, my hat is like a shark’s fin,” it occasionally makes the...
- 8/7/2024
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
Back to the Future star Lea Thompson stated that her mainstream film career ended after she had her kids. Thompson was a rising star through the 1980s but she was pushed to TV roles in the ’90s. Thompson found success in her role as Lorraine McFly in Robert Zemeckis’ three-part time travel flick. Before that, she was Tom Cruise’s pair in the 1983 film, All the Right Moves.
Lea Thompson and Michael J. Fox in a still from Back to the Future | Universal Pictures
Thompson met Howard Deutch during her popular teen film Some Kind of Wonderful and married the filmmaker in 1989. She had her first child, actress Madelyn Deutch, in 1991 and her second child, actress Zoey Deutch, in 1994.
Lea Thompson Says She Lost Her Movie Star Status Due To Motherhood
Tom Cruise with Lea Thompson in a still from All the Right Moves (1983) | Lucille Ball Productions
Lea Thompson played the mother of Michael J.
Lea Thompson and Michael J. Fox in a still from Back to the Future | Universal Pictures
Thompson met Howard Deutch during her popular teen film Some Kind of Wonderful and married the filmmaker in 1989. She had her first child, actress Madelyn Deutch, in 1991 and her second child, actress Zoey Deutch, in 1994.
Lea Thompson Says She Lost Her Movie Star Status Due To Motherhood
Tom Cruise with Lea Thompson in a still from All the Right Moves (1983) | Lucille Ball Productions
Lea Thompson played the mother of Michael J.
- 5/26/2024
- by Hashim Asraff
- FandomWire
Dabney Coleman, the Emmy-winning actor known for roles in 9 to 5, Boardwalk Empire, and Tootsie, died Thursday at his home in Santa Monica. He was 92.
“My father crafted his time here on Earth with a curious mind, a generous heart, and a soul on fire with passion, desire and humor that tickled the funny bone of humanity,” his daughter Quincy Coleman said on Friday. “As he lived, he moved through this final act of his life with elegance, excellence and mastery.”
“A teacher, a hero, and a king, Dabney Coleman...
“My father crafted his time here on Earth with a curious mind, a generous heart, and a soul on fire with passion, desire and humor that tickled the funny bone of humanity,” his daughter Quincy Coleman said on Friday. “As he lived, he moved through this final act of his life with elegance, excellence and mastery.”
“A teacher, a hero, and a king, Dabney Coleman...
- 5/17/2024
- by Tomás Mier
- Rollingstone.com
Dabney Coleman, the Emmy-winning character actor who starred in the 1980 comedy classic “9 to 5” and whose career in film and television spanned six decades, died Thursday at his home in Santa Monica, Calif. He was 92.
Coleman’s death was confirmed to Variety by his daughter, Quincy Coleman.
“My father crafted his time here on earth with a curious mind, a generous heart, and a soul on fire with passion, desire and humor that tickled the funny bone of humanity,” Quincy Coleman said in a statment. “As he lived, he moved through this final act of his life with elegance, excellence and mastery. A teacher, a hero, and a king, Dabney Coleman is a gift and blessing in life and in death as his spirit will shine through his work, his loved ones and his legacy… eternally. And always, ‘A goddamn, good looking man.'”
A stage actor early in his career,...
Coleman’s death was confirmed to Variety by his daughter, Quincy Coleman.
“My father crafted his time here on earth with a curious mind, a generous heart, and a soul on fire with passion, desire and humor that tickled the funny bone of humanity,” Quincy Coleman said in a statment. “As he lived, he moved through this final act of his life with elegance, excellence and mastery. A teacher, a hero, and a king, Dabney Coleman is a gift and blessing in life and in death as his spirit will shine through his work, his loved ones and his legacy… eternally. And always, ‘A goddamn, good looking man.'”
A stage actor early in his career,...
- 5/17/2024
- by J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
Dabney Coleman, the popular comic actor from 9 to 5, Tootsie and Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman whose many redeeming qualities including a knack for portraying characters who had none, has died. He was 92.
Coleman died Thursday at his home in Santa Monica, his daughter, singer Quincy Coleman, told The Hollywood Reporter.
“My father crafted his time here on Earth with a curious mind, a generous heart and a soul on fire with passion, desire and humor that tickled the funny bone of humanity,” she said. “As he lived, he moved through this final act of his life with elegance, excellence and mastery.
“A teacher, a hero and a king, Dabney Coleman is a gift and blessing in life and in death as his spirit will shine through his work, his loved ones and his legacy … eternally.”
The Emmy-winning actor also portrayed an irascible talk show host in upstate New York on NBC’s Buffalo Bill,...
Coleman died Thursday at his home in Santa Monica, his daughter, singer Quincy Coleman, told The Hollywood Reporter.
“My father crafted his time here on Earth with a curious mind, a generous heart and a soul on fire with passion, desire and humor that tickled the funny bone of humanity,” she said. “As he lived, he moved through this final act of his life with elegance, excellence and mastery.
“A teacher, a hero and a king, Dabney Coleman is a gift and blessing in life and in death as his spirit will shine through his work, his loved ones and his legacy … eternally.”
The Emmy-winning actor also portrayed an irascible talk show host in upstate New York on NBC’s Buffalo Bill,...
- 5/17/2024
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
In Stuart Rosenberg's 1967 prison film "Cool Hand Luke," Lucas Jackson (Paul Newman) is thrown into a Florida penitentiary in the early 1950s for drunkenly cutting the heads off of parking meters. He is sentenced to two years hard labor working on a chain gang, and soon learns that the Floridian penal system is bleak and aggressive. The warden (Morgan Woodward) attempts to use modern, sensitive language to deal with the prisoners ("What we have here is failure to communicate"), but it's a gross juxtaposition given how cruel he is; the warden will give miscreants "a night in the box," a small wooden shack, as punishment for the smallest slights.
Partway through the movie, Luke and his fellow prisoners are taken out to a field next to a remote country home. The prisoners haven't seen a woman for a long time -- some of them in years -- so when...
Partway through the movie, Luke and his fellow prisoners are taken out to a field next to a remote country home. The prisoners haven't seen a woman for a long time -- some of them in years -- so when...
- 5/7/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
"Petticoat Junction" was the unofficial second part of the Paul Henning Hooterville trilogy, a trio of 1960s sitcoms about the clash between city slickers and country bumpkins. In 1962, Henning created "The Beverly Hillbillies," a series about hillbillies who, when they strike oil, move to Beverly Hills. In 1965, he inverted the formula with "Green Acres," a show about millionaires who move to a farm to learn about country living. Sandwiched in between the two was "Petticoat Junction," which debuted on September 24, 1963. "Junction" took place at the Shady Rest Hotel, overseen by the lovable widowed hayseed Kate Bradley (Bea Benederet). She and her uncle Joe (Edgar Buchanan) would run the hotel and oversee the shenanigans of her three daughters Betty Jo, Billie Jo, and Bobbie Jo.
"Petticoat Junction" takes place in the same universe as "Green Acres," as both shows make constant references to common fictional cities that the characters visit. There were a few supporting crossovers,...
"Petticoat Junction" takes place in the same universe as "Green Acres," as both shows make constant references to common fictional cities that the characters visit. There were a few supporting crossovers,...
- 4/22/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
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The 1962 sitcom "The Beverly Hillbillies" was the first in show creator Paul Henning's unofficial Hooterville Trilogy, a triune that also included 1963's "Petticoat Junction," and 1965's "Green Acres." These three shows were among the most popular of their time and reflected a cultural clash between a growing class of cosmopolitan urbanites and "down home" rural Americans. Working thematically backward, "Green Acres" was about a pair of New Yorkers who move onto a farm, "Petticoat Junction" was about rural hotel owners who often butted heads with a rich railroad executive, and "The Beverly Hillbillies" was about rural characters moving to Beverly Hills. The Hooterville Trilogy was as sure a sign as any that schisms were forming in American society, and Henning was eager to address the injustice of the class divides, often sympathizing with his hillbillies and lambasting the wealthy.
The 1962 sitcom "The Beverly Hillbillies" was the first in show creator Paul Henning's unofficial Hooterville Trilogy, a triune that also included 1963's "Petticoat Junction," and 1965's "Green Acres." These three shows were among the most popular of their time and reflected a cultural clash between a growing class of cosmopolitan urbanites and "down home" rural Americans. Working thematically backward, "Green Acres" was about a pair of New Yorkers who move onto a farm, "Petticoat Junction" was about rural hotel owners who often butted heads with a rich railroad executive, and "The Beverly Hillbillies" was about rural characters moving to Beverly Hills. The Hooterville Trilogy was as sure a sign as any that schisms were forming in American society, and Henning was eager to address the injustice of the class divides, often sympathizing with his hillbillies and lambasting the wealthy.
- 4/1/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
"The Beverly Hillbillies" is the platonic ideal of a high-concept sitcom hook. At its essence, it's simply "Poor folks get stinking rich and move to Beverly Hills." That's probably all CBS needed to hear from creator Paul Henning, who, between 1962 and 1971, exploited this simple premise to the tune of nine seasons and 274 episodes. During this span, "The Beverly Hillbillies" was one of the top-rated shows on TV.
How could such a simple premise, which was never really tweaked, sustain a series for nearly a decade? This question perpetually flummoxed the nation's TV critics, who generally loathed the show, but anyone who gorged on "The Beverly Hillbillies" throughout their formative couch potato years (during its initial run or via syndication) knows the answer is obvious: it's the cast, stupid.
Buddy Ebsen was perfect casting as Jed Clampett, a gentleman of the Ozarks who accidentally discovers oil on his Missouri mountain land...
How could such a simple premise, which was never really tweaked, sustain a series for nearly a decade? This question perpetually flummoxed the nation's TV critics, who generally loathed the show, but anyone who gorged on "The Beverly Hillbillies" throughout their formative couch potato years (during its initial run or via syndication) knows the answer is obvious: it's the cast, stupid.
Buddy Ebsen was perfect casting as Jed Clampett, a gentleman of the Ozarks who accidentally discovers oil on his Missouri mountain land...
- 3/3/2024
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Short of "To Serve Man," the most famous "Twilight Zone" twist ending is probably "Eye of the Beholder." Set in a hospital, the episode follows surgeons and nurses discussing patient Janet Tyler, who's undergone treatment to remove a facial deformity. Miss Tyler's face is hidden behind bandages and the hospital staff are glimpsed only in shadow or from behind — until the third act. It turns out, by the audience's standards, Janet is a blonde bombshell and everyone else is pig-faced. Beauty truly lies in the phrase that gives the episode its title.
Since her appearance is initially concealed, the crew was able to cast two actors as Janet: Maxine Stuart when she's bandaged up and Donna Douglas (future star of "The Beverly Hillbillies") when she's unmasked. (Both actors are no longer with us.)
n 2004, Stuart sat down with the Archive of American Television to discuss "Eye of the Beholder." She...
Since her appearance is initially concealed, the crew was able to cast two actors as Janet: Maxine Stuart when she's bandaged up and Donna Douglas (future star of "The Beverly Hillbillies") when she's unmasked. (Both actors are no longer with us.)
n 2004, Stuart sat down with the Archive of American Television to discuss "Eye of the Beholder." She...
- 2/12/2024
- by Devin Meenan
- Slash Film
Once upon a time, on a planet without widely accessible internet, people could spread outlandish urban legends without being instantly debunked. Actually, they can still do that, provided the recipient of said ludicrous information has been conditioned by bad-faith actors to doubt what educated people refer to as facts ... but you're here to learn why Bryan Cranston panicked over a stunt on "Malcolm in the Middle," so let's cut to the chase.
Cranston was born in 1956. This means he was eight years old when "Goldfinger" became a global phenomenon. For kids of his era, Bond movies represented the apex of cinema. It was just about all they wanted to talk about. And people found some amusingly inventive ways to talk about them.
I was born in 1973, and by the time I was old enough to get in on the Bond discourse, one of the wildest stories still making the rounds was that actor Shirley Eaton,...
Cranston was born in 1956. This means he was eight years old when "Goldfinger" became a global phenomenon. For kids of his era, Bond movies represented the apex of cinema. It was just about all they wanted to talk about. And people found some amusingly inventive ways to talk about them.
I was born in 1973, and by the time I was old enough to get in on the Bond discourse, one of the wildest stories still making the rounds was that actor Shirley Eaton,...
- 2/1/2024
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Classic TV lovers yearning romantic programming this Valentine’s Day should check out MeTV! TV Insider is exclusively unveiling the network’s plans for “Love Me,” a marathon of love-themed classic TV show episodes to celebrate the holiday, airing on Sunday, February 11. The lineup includes episodes of The Brady Bunch, Leave It to Beaver, The Andy Griffith Show, Gilligan’s Island, The Love Boat, Mama’s Family, and The Beverly Hillbillies, for a six-and-a-half-hour event. Check out the full “Love Me” marathon schedule for Sunday, February 11 on MeTV below. Plus, check out the promo above. 12:00 pm: The Brady Bunch “The Undergraduate” — Greg makes an “F” on a math test, and Mike and Carol discover it’s because he has a crush on somebody named “Linda.” They set out to find out who she is, completely unaware that “Linda” is his math teacher. 12:30 pm: The Brady Bunch “Love and the Older...
- 1/25/2024
- TV Insider
Is it your Christmas wish to spend the day with Mickey, Minnie, and your other favorite Disney characters? While celebrating the holiday at Disney World or Disneyland might not be in the cards this year, you can still soak in some Disney Christmas magic thanks to the 2023 Disney Christmas parade.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade. The 2023 parade features a star-studded lineup of performers, including Derek and Julianne Hough, Chrissy Metz, Smashing Pumpkins, and Michael Bolton. Here’s what you need to know about the 2023 Disney Christmas parade and how to watch it.
Disney’s Christmas Day parade airs at 10 a.m. on ABC The Smashing Pumpkins at the 2023 Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade | ABC/Disney Parks
Disney’s Christmas Day parade has been a holiday tradition since 1983. Filmed earlier this year at Disney World in Florida and Disneyland in Anaheim,...
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade. The 2023 parade features a star-studded lineup of performers, including Derek and Julianne Hough, Chrissy Metz, Smashing Pumpkins, and Michael Bolton. Here’s what you need to know about the 2023 Disney Christmas parade and how to watch it.
Disney’s Christmas Day parade airs at 10 a.m. on ABC The Smashing Pumpkins at the 2023 Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade | ABC/Disney Parks
Disney’s Christmas Day parade has been a holiday tradition since 1983. Filmed earlier this year at Disney World in Florida and Disneyland in Anaheim,...
- 12/24/2023
- by Megan Elliott
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
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You would never want to hang out with Caroll O'Connor's Archie Bunker from "All in the Family" in real life. Still, golly if it wasn't enjoyable watching the cantankerous, intolerant family man butt heads with his outspoken progressive son-in-law Michael (Rob "The Meathead" Reiner himself) and his loving but equally liberal and often flustered daughter Gloria (Sally Struthers), all while being doted on by his seemingly naive wife Edith (Jean Stapleton), who was really far wiser than Archie ever gave her credit for. Across nine seasons, audiences tuned in time and time again to watch Archie get his comeuppance, only to learn his lesson on Norman Lear's trailblazing 1970s sitcom.
Looking back in the wake of Lear's passing at the ripe old age of 101, it's all the easier to appreciate just how important "All in the Family" was...
You would never want to hang out with Caroll O'Connor's Archie Bunker from "All in the Family" in real life. Still, golly if it wasn't enjoyable watching the cantankerous, intolerant family man butt heads with his outspoken progressive son-in-law Michael (Rob "The Meathead" Reiner himself) and his loving but equally liberal and often flustered daughter Gloria (Sally Struthers), all while being doted on by his seemingly naive wife Edith (Jean Stapleton), who was really far wiser than Archie ever gave her credit for. Across nine seasons, audiences tuned in time and time again to watch Archie get his comeuppance, only to learn his lesson on Norman Lear's trailblazing 1970s sitcom.
Looking back in the wake of Lear's passing at the ripe old age of 101, it's all the easier to appreciate just how important "All in the Family" was...
- 12/7/2023
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
Usually, if you’re a news organization that deals in entertainment, you have material prepared in advance to honor icons of your industry – an obituary, an appreciation, something. But I didn’t prepare anything about Norman Lear even as he passed his 100th birthday last year and then his 101st this past July because it seemed inconceivable he could ever die. He would just glide around beneath his signature porkpie hat forever, reassuring the masses that everything was right with the world because he was still in it.
But now that Lear is gone – he died Tuesday night in his sleep – it’s time to give the man who produced “All in the Family,” and “Sanford and Son,” and “The Jeffersons,” and “Maude,” and “Good Times,” and “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman,” and “One Day at a Time” his due. The thing is, it’s not really possible to adequately describe...
But now that Lear is gone – he died Tuesday night in his sleep – it’s time to give the man who produced “All in the Family,” and “Sanford and Son,” and “The Jeffersons,” and “Maude,” and “Good Times,” and “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman,” and “One Day at a Time” his due. The thing is, it’s not really possible to adequately describe...
- 12/6/2023
- by Ray Richmond
- Gold Derby
Who wouldn’t want to spend the holidays with some of their favorite TV characters? MeTV is making it easy this year with its “A Very Merry MeTV” programming lineup, which includes a selection of very special Thanksgiving and Christmas-themed episodes of classic shows such as The Waltons, The Beverly Hillbillies, Andy Griffith, and more.
The celebration begins on Sunday, Nov. 19 and runs through Dec. 25. Check out some of the highlights below, as well as the full schedule.
‘The Waltons’ Thanksgiving episode airs Nov. 22 and 23 A Verry Merry MeTV | MeTV
Celebrate Thanksgiving with one of TV’s most famous fictional families. In 1973, The Waltons aired its only Thanksgiving special, a two-part episode titled “The Thanksgiving Story.” The season 2 episode focuses on John-Boy Walton (Richard Thomas), who suffers a life-threatening head injury that puts his plans for college at risk. Meanwhile, his sister Mary Ellen (Judy Norton) auditions for the Thanksgiving play,...
The celebration begins on Sunday, Nov. 19 and runs through Dec. 25. Check out some of the highlights below, as well as the full schedule.
‘The Waltons’ Thanksgiving episode airs Nov. 22 and 23 A Verry Merry MeTV | MeTV
Celebrate Thanksgiving with one of TV’s most famous fictional families. In 1973, The Waltons aired its only Thanksgiving special, a two-part episode titled “The Thanksgiving Story.” The season 2 episode focuses on John-Boy Walton (Richard Thomas), who suffers a life-threatening head injury that puts his plans for college at risk. Meanwhile, his sister Mary Ellen (Judy Norton) auditions for the Thanksgiving play,...
- 11/19/2023
- by Megan Elliott
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
On The Beverly Hillbillies, Max Baer Jr. played a character whose luck changed dramatically. Baer’s real life followed a surprisingly familiar trajectory. Before he landed the role of Jethro Bodine on The Beverly Hillbillies, Baer explained that he was in an extremely tight financial position. The show completely changed his life.
Max Baer Jr. had a similar life to his character on ‘The Beverly Hillbillies’
In 1960, Baer began to pursue work as an actor. For the first two years of his career, he struggled. While he picked up minor roles in TV series, he did not make much money off his work.
“I was two months behind on my rent, and my weight had dropped from 210 to 188 pounds,” Baer said in a 1963 interview, per MeTV. “My morale was low. Very low.”
He explained that he was growing defeated before he scored the role. His diet was, for the most part,...
Max Baer Jr. had a similar life to his character on ‘The Beverly Hillbillies’
In 1960, Baer began to pursue work as an actor. For the first two years of his career, he struggled. While he picked up minor roles in TV series, he did not make much money off his work.
“I was two months behind on my rent, and my weight had dropped from 210 to 188 pounds,” Baer said in a 1963 interview, per MeTV. “My morale was low. Very low.”
He explained that he was growing defeated before he scored the role. His diet was, for the most part,...
- 10/29/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
If you love the classics and holiday programming, you won’t want to miss this year’s “A Very Merry MeTV” celebration, and TV Insider can exclusively reveal the schedule. The classic television network embraces the warmth of holiday nostalgia with its annual event, featuring Thanksgiving and holiday-themed episodes from beloved yesteryear TV shows, TV movies, animated treasures, holiday specials, and more. The lineup of over 100 programs begins on Sunday, November 19 at 12/11c and runs through Christmas Day. Check out the full 2023 MeTV holiday season schedule below for “A Very Merry MeTV.” (All times Et/Pt) Sunday, November 19 12:00 p.m. The Brady Bunch, “The Un-Underground Movie” 2:00 p.m. The Beverly Hillbillies, “Turkey Day” 2:30 p.m. The Beverly Hillbillies, “The Thanksgiving Spirit” 3:30 p.m. Gilligan’s Island, “Little Island, Big Gun” 4:00 p.m. Mama’s Family, “An Ill Wind” 5:00 p.m. The ...
- 10/16/2023
- TV Insider
Who doesn’t love a good rags-to-riches story? In 1962, CBS struck gold with The Beverly Hillbillies, a sitcom about a backwoods family who packed up and moved from the Ozarks to California after finding oil on their land. Jed Clampett and his colorful relatives quickly became iconic TV characters and are still loved by fans more than 60 years after the show premiered. Given that it’s been decades since the show aired, most of the cast is no longer with us. However, one Beverly Hillbillies cast member – Max Baer Jr. – is still living in 2023.
Max Baer Jr. played Jethro Bodine on ‘The Beverly Hillbillies’
Baer played Jethro Bodine on The Beverly Hillbillies. The character is the cousin of the Clampett family patriarch Jed (Buddy Ebsen). He moves with his family from Missouri to California after they strike it rich. He’s excited about his new life in Beverly Hills, but...
Max Baer Jr. played Jethro Bodine on ‘The Beverly Hillbillies’
Baer played Jethro Bodine on The Beverly Hillbillies. The character is the cousin of the Clampett family patriarch Jed (Buddy Ebsen). He moves with his family from Missouri to California after they strike it rich. He’s excited about his new life in Beverly Hills, but...
- 10/14/2023
- by Megan Elliott
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
"Lost in Space" star and early television mainstay Mark Goddard has passed away, The Hollywood Reporter confirms. The actor who was best known for his role as pilot Major Don West in the seminal sci-fi series was 87 years old and is survived by his wife Evelyn Pezzulich, and his children, including producer Melissa Goddard.
Pezzulich announced Goddard's passing in a Facebook post (via Deadline), writing that the actor ultimately succumbed to lung disease that was not diagnosed until shortly before his death. "I'm so sorry to tell you that my wonderful husband passed away on October 10," Pezzulich shared. She continued: "Several days after celebrating his 87th birthday, he was hospitalized with pneumonia. We were hopeful when he was transferred to a rehabilitation center, but then doctors discovered he was in the final stages of pulmonary fibrosis for which there is no cure."
"Lost in Space" castmate Bill Mumy also memorialized Goddard on Facebook,...
Pezzulich announced Goddard's passing in a Facebook post (via Deadline), writing that the actor ultimately succumbed to lung disease that was not diagnosed until shortly before his death. "I'm so sorry to tell you that my wonderful husband passed away on October 10," Pezzulich shared. She continued: "Several days after celebrating his 87th birthday, he was hospitalized with pneumonia. We were hopeful when he was transferred to a rehabilitation center, but then doctors discovered he was in the final stages of pulmonary fibrosis for which there is no cure."
"Lost in Space" castmate Bill Mumy also memorialized Goddard on Facebook,...
- 10/13/2023
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
Mark Goddard, best known for playing Major Don West on Lost in Space, has died at the age of 87.
Goddard’s death was announced by his wife Evelyn Pezzulich on Facebook. “I’m so sorry to tell you that my wonderful husband passed away on October 10th,” Pezzulich wrote. “Several days after celebrating his 87th birthday, he was hospitalized with pneumonia. We were hopeful when he was transferred to a rehabilitation center, but then doctors discovered he was in the final stages of pulmonary fibrosis for which there is no cure.“
When Goddard’s agent first pitched Lost in Space to him, he wasn’t too sure he wanted to be involved. “I said, ‘Gee, I don’t know, I’m not sure, because of the subject matter.’” Goddard said in Tom Weaver’s book They Fought in Creature Features. “And [Goddard’s agent] said, ‘Well, listen, you just do it and don’t worry about it.
Goddard’s death was announced by his wife Evelyn Pezzulich on Facebook. “I’m so sorry to tell you that my wonderful husband passed away on October 10th,” Pezzulich wrote. “Several days after celebrating his 87th birthday, he was hospitalized with pneumonia. We were hopeful when he was transferred to a rehabilitation center, but then doctors discovered he was in the final stages of pulmonary fibrosis for which there is no cure.“
When Goddard’s agent first pitched Lost in Space to him, he wasn’t too sure he wanted to be involved. “I said, ‘Gee, I don’t know, I’m not sure, because of the subject matter.’” Goddard said in Tom Weaver’s book They Fought in Creature Features. “And [Goddard’s agent] said, ‘Well, listen, you just do it and don’t worry about it.
- 10/13/2023
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
We have sad news to report on this Friday evening.
Mark Goddard, best known for his work on Lost in Space, has died.
He was 87.
Goddard died Tuesday in Hingham, Massachusetts, his wife Evelyn Pezzulich told The Hollywood Reporter.
The actor's impressive TV career kicked off in 1959 on Johnny Ringo, appearing in 38 episodes over a year.
He followed that up with The Detectives, where he starred as Detective Sergeant Chris Ballard.
He appeared in 64 episodes between 1960-62.
Additional TV credits include The Rifleman, The Bill Dana Show, The Beverly Hillbillies, Gunsmoke, Perry Mason, The Fugitive, and Many Happy Returns over the next three years.
His big break came in Lost in Space, where he played Major Don West, the pilot of Jupiter 2.
He appeared in all three seasons of the CBS comedy.
Lost in Space followed the adventures of the Robinsons, a pioneering family of space colonists who struggle to...
Mark Goddard, best known for his work on Lost in Space, has died.
He was 87.
Goddard died Tuesday in Hingham, Massachusetts, his wife Evelyn Pezzulich told The Hollywood Reporter.
The actor's impressive TV career kicked off in 1959 on Johnny Ringo, appearing in 38 episodes over a year.
He followed that up with The Detectives, where he starred as Detective Sergeant Chris Ballard.
He appeared in 64 episodes between 1960-62.
Additional TV credits include The Rifleman, The Bill Dana Show, The Beverly Hillbillies, Gunsmoke, Perry Mason, The Fugitive, and Many Happy Returns over the next three years.
His big break came in Lost in Space, where he played Major Don West, the pilot of Jupiter 2.
He appeared in all three seasons of the CBS comedy.
Lost in Space followed the adventures of the Robinsons, a pioneering family of space colonists who struggle to...
- 10/13/2023
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
Mark Goddard, the actor who made a lasting impression on young sci-fi fans as the daring, forever impatient Major Don West on CBS’ 1965-68 series Lost In Space, died of pulmonary fibrosis Tuesday in Hingham, Massachusetts. He was 87.
His death was announced by his wife Evelyn Pezzulich in a Facebook post.
“I’m so sorry to tell you that my wonderful husband passed away on October 10th,” Pezzulich wrote. “Several days after celebrating his 87th birthday, he was hospitalized with pneumonia. We were hopeful when he was transferred to a rehabilitation center, but then doctors discovered he was in the final stages of pulmonary fibrosis for which there is no cure.”
By the time he was cast in his breakthrough role as the headstrong Major West, Goddard had built a reputation as a rising young actor through supporting appearances in late-’50s fare such as Johnny Ringo and The Rebel.
His death was announced by his wife Evelyn Pezzulich in a Facebook post.
“I’m so sorry to tell you that my wonderful husband passed away on October 10th,” Pezzulich wrote. “Several days after celebrating his 87th birthday, he was hospitalized with pneumonia. We were hopeful when he was transferred to a rehabilitation center, but then doctors discovered he was in the final stages of pulmonary fibrosis for which there is no cure.”
By the time he was cast in his breakthrough role as the headstrong Major West, Goddard had built a reputation as a rising young actor through supporting appearances in late-’50s fare such as Johnny Ringo and The Rebel.
- 10/13/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Mark Goddard, best known for playing Major Don West on CBS’ Lost in Space, died Tuesday at the age of 87. He passed away in Hingham, Mass., his wife Evelyn Pezzulich confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter.
TV Stars We Lost in 2023 View Gallery65 Images
Goddard made his TV debut in 1959 on Johnny Ringo, in which he appeared for 38 episodes through 1960. His next major small-screen role followed immediately thereafter, playing Detective Sergeant Chris Ballard on The Detectives for 64 episodes (1960–1962). Prior to landing Lost in Space in 1965, Goddard kept plenty busy, making guest appearances on shows like The Rifleman, The Bill Dana Show,...
TV Stars We Lost in 2023 View Gallery65 Images
Goddard made his TV debut in 1959 on Johnny Ringo, in which he appeared for 38 episodes through 1960. His next major small-screen role followed immediately thereafter, playing Detective Sergeant Chris Ballard on The Detectives for 64 episodes (1960–1962). Prior to landing Lost in Space in 1965, Goddard kept plenty busy, making guest appearances on shows like The Rifleman, The Bill Dana Show,...
- 10/13/2023
- by Andy Swift
- TVLine.com
Mark Goddard, who played Major Don West, the hot-tempered pilot of the Jupiter 2, on the 1960s CBS adventure series Lost in Space, has died. He was 87.
Goddard died Tuesday in Hingham, Massachusetts, his wife Evelyn Pezzulich told The Hollywood Reporter.
Goddard had worked as a regular on the Four Star Television series Johnny Ringo and The Detectives when he was approached by his agent about coming aboard the new Lost on Space, created and produced by Irwin Allen.
The sci-fi show revolved around the adventures of the Robinson family: Professor John Robinson (Guy Williams), his biochemist wife, Maureen (June Lockhart) and their children Judy, Penny and Will (Marta Kristen, Angela Cartwright and Billy Mumy).
Major West also was on board, as was a stowaway, Dr. Zachary Smith (Jonathan Harris), and a robot (designed by Forbidden Planet‘s Robert Kinoshita, played by Bob May and voiced by Dick Tufeld). Their space colonization mission,...
Goddard died Tuesday in Hingham, Massachusetts, his wife Evelyn Pezzulich told The Hollywood Reporter.
Goddard had worked as a regular on the Four Star Television series Johnny Ringo and The Detectives when he was approached by his agent about coming aboard the new Lost on Space, created and produced by Irwin Allen.
The sci-fi show revolved around the adventures of the Robinson family: Professor John Robinson (Guy Williams), his biochemist wife, Maureen (June Lockhart) and their children Judy, Penny and Will (Marta Kristen, Angela Cartwright and Billy Mumy).
Major West also was on board, as was a stowaway, Dr. Zachary Smith (Jonathan Harris), and a robot (designed by Forbidden Planet‘s Robert Kinoshita, played by Bob May and voiced by Dick Tufeld). Their space colonization mission,...
- 10/13/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Gayle Hunnicutt, best known for playing Vanessa Beaumont in the final three seasons of Dallas, has died. She was 80. According to The Times (U.K.), Hunnicutt passed away on Thursday, August 31, at a hospital in London. Born on February 6, 1943, in Fort Worth, Texas, Hunnicutt made her television debut in 1966 on the NBC sitcom Mister Roberts and went on to appear in several more TV series throughout the 1960s and 70s, including The Beverly Hillbillies, Get Smart, and Hey Landlord. She married British actor David Hemmings in 1968 and moved to the U.K, where she had roles in many British TV series, including The Golden Browl, Fall of Eagles, Thriller, and Return of the Saint. Hunnicutt also starred in numerous films, perhaps most memorably playing a glamorous Hollywood actress alongside James Garner in the 1969 neo-noir detective drama Marlowe. Her other film work includes The Wild Angels, Eye of the Cat, Fragment of Fear,...
- 9/6/2023
- TV Insider
Gayle Hunnicutt, the Texas-born actor known for 1969’s “Marlowe” and her role as Vanessa Beaumont in “Dallas,” died on Aug. 31 in London, according to The Times of London. She was 80.
Hunnicutt played Vanessa Beaumont, an English aristocrat who shares an illegitimate son with Larry Hagman’s J.R. Ewing, in the final three seasons of “Dallas” from 1989 to 1991.
Born on Feb. 6, 1943, in Fort Worth, Texas, Hunnicutt made her television debut in 1966 on the NBC sitcom “Mister Roberts.” She guested on several series in the ’60s, including “The Beverly Hillbillies,” “Hey Landlord,” “Love on a Rooftop” and “Get Smart.”
On the film side, Hunnicutt starred opposite James Garner in the 1969 neo-noir crime film “Marlowe,” in which she played television star Mavis Wald. She appeared in more than 30 films during her career, including “The Wild Angels,” “P.J.,” “Freelance,” “Running Scared,” “Target” and “The Legend of Hell House” opposite Roddy McDowell.
Hunnicutt married...
Hunnicutt played Vanessa Beaumont, an English aristocrat who shares an illegitimate son with Larry Hagman’s J.R. Ewing, in the final three seasons of “Dallas” from 1989 to 1991.
Born on Feb. 6, 1943, in Fort Worth, Texas, Hunnicutt made her television debut in 1966 on the NBC sitcom “Mister Roberts.” She guested on several series in the ’60s, including “The Beverly Hillbillies,” “Hey Landlord,” “Love on a Rooftop” and “Get Smart.”
On the film side, Hunnicutt starred opposite James Garner in the 1969 neo-noir crime film “Marlowe,” in which she played television star Mavis Wald. She appeared in more than 30 films during her career, including “The Wild Angels,” “P.J.,” “Freelance,” “Running Scared,” “Target” and “The Legend of Hell House” opposite Roddy McDowell.
Hunnicutt married...
- 9/6/2023
- by Michaela Zee
- Variety Film + TV
Gayle Hunnicutt, whose best-known work came as Vanessa Beaumont, the mother of J.R. Ewing’s illegitimate son, in the final three seasons of Dallas, has died per multiple U.K. reports. Hunnicutt died last Thursday at a hospital in London, according to her ex-husband Simon Jenkins. She was 80 years old.
That Hunnicutt would find fame playing Vanessa Beaumont, a Brit, on a TV show called Dallas was a bit ironic for a woman born in Fort Worth. But it was entirely sensible given that the actress spent much of her career in British TV and movies, even marrying the be-knighted Jenkins before returning to work in the U.S.
Her TV career began with a role on the shortlived small-screen adaptation of Mister Roberts and included roles on The Beverly Hillbillies, Get Smart and in Marlowe opposite James Garner.
In 1970, Hunnicutt met and later married David Hemmings, who himself...
That Hunnicutt would find fame playing Vanessa Beaumont, a Brit, on a TV show called Dallas was a bit ironic for a woman born in Fort Worth. But it was entirely sensible given that the actress spent much of her career in British TV and movies, even marrying the be-knighted Jenkins before returning to work in the U.S.
Her TV career began with a role on the shortlived small-screen adaptation of Mister Roberts and included roles on The Beverly Hillbillies, Get Smart and in Marlowe opposite James Garner.
In 1970, Hunnicutt met and later married David Hemmings, who himself...
- 9/6/2023
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
Fans of classic TV sitcoms, sci-fi, and dramas are about to have even friendlier live TV streaming options as the skinny-bundle streaming service Frndly TV announced on Tuesday that it had entered into an agreement that will bring the Weigel Broadcasting Co.’s MeTV+ network to all of the company’s subscribers next month.
7-Day Free Trial $7.99+ / month frndlytv.com
Beginning in October, Frndly will become the first national TV provider to offer this channel, which is currently only available in select local markets. The live streamer already carries the channel’s sibling MeTV network. The spinoff channel will serve as a companion to MeTV, which is one of the country’s most popular networks focusing specifically on classic television from decades gone by. Both the original channel and the new MeTV+ serve as homes for beloved westerns, iconic sitcoms, groundbreaking sci-fi series, and timeless dramas. Every week, MeTV airs...
7-Day Free Trial $7.99+ / month frndlytv.com
Beginning in October, Frndly will become the first national TV provider to offer this channel, which is currently only available in select local markets. The live streamer already carries the channel’s sibling MeTV network. The spinoff channel will serve as a companion to MeTV, which is one of the country’s most popular networks focusing specifically on classic television from decades gone by. Both the original channel and the new MeTV+ serve as homes for beloved westerns, iconic sitcoms, groundbreaking sci-fi series, and timeless dramas. Every week, MeTV airs...
- 9/5/2023
- by Matt Tamanini
- The Streamable
Sharon Farrell, whose screen credits include the original “Hawaii Five-o”, several years on “The Young and the Restless” and the cult horror film “It’s Alive”, has died at age 82.
According to Deadline, Farrell died back in May, but her death had only recently been discovered by relatives.
Among Farrell’s extensive credits also included the films “The Stunt Man”, “Lone Wolf McQuade”, “Marlowe”, “The Reivers” and “Can’t Buy Me Love”.
Read More: Mark Margolis, ‘Breaking Bad’ And ‘Scarface’ Actor, Dead At 83
In 1974’s “It’s Alive”, she starred as Lenore, mother of a monstrously deformed baby who goes on a killing spree.
On television, Farrell joined the cast of “Hawaii Five-o” in its final season, playing as Det. Lori Wilson. She also portrayed Florence Webster on “Y&R” between 1991-97.
“Hawaii Five-o” (L-r): Jack Lord, William Smith, Sharon Farrell, Moe Keale, Herman Wedemeyer. Photo: Everett Collection
Following her first screen appearance in the late 1950s,...
According to Deadline, Farrell died back in May, but her death had only recently been discovered by relatives.
Among Farrell’s extensive credits also included the films “The Stunt Man”, “Lone Wolf McQuade”, “Marlowe”, “The Reivers” and “Can’t Buy Me Love”.
Read More: Mark Margolis, ‘Breaking Bad’ And ‘Scarface’ Actor, Dead At 83
In 1974’s “It’s Alive”, she starred as Lenore, mother of a monstrously deformed baby who goes on a killing spree.
On television, Farrell joined the cast of “Hawaii Five-o” in its final season, playing as Det. Lori Wilson. She also portrayed Florence Webster on “Y&R” between 1991-97.
“Hawaii Five-o” (L-r): Jack Lord, William Smith, Sharon Farrell, Moe Keale, Herman Wedemeyer. Photo: Everett Collection
Following her first screen appearance in the late 1950s,...
- 8/6/2023
- by Brent Furdyk
- ET Canada
Sharon Farrell, whose long career included star turns in film, television, and on Broadway, died May 15 in Orange County. Her death at 82 was only recently discovered by relatives, who posted the news to Facebook, but they were unsure of the cause.
Farrell had an extensive resume, but is best remembered for the film It’s Alive, in which she played the mother of a murderous deformed infant. She also had roles in the films The Stunt Man, Lone Wolf McQuade, Marlowe, The Reivers (with Steve McQueen) and Can’t Buy Me Love (1987).
On television, Farrell recurred as Det. Lori Wilson in the final season of the original Hawaii Five-o. She was also Florence Webster on the CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless from 1991-97.
Born Sharon Forsmoe on Christmas Eve in 1940 in Sioux City, Iowa, she moved to New York, where she acted and modeled.
She made her film debut in 1959’s Kiss Her Goodbye,...
Farrell had an extensive resume, but is best remembered for the film It’s Alive, in which she played the mother of a murderous deformed infant. She also had roles in the films The Stunt Man, Lone Wolf McQuade, Marlowe, The Reivers (with Steve McQueen) and Can’t Buy Me Love (1987).
On television, Farrell recurred as Det. Lori Wilson in the final season of the original Hawaii Five-o. She was also Florence Webster on the CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless from 1991-97.
Born Sharon Forsmoe on Christmas Eve in 1940 in Sioux City, Iowa, she moved to New York, where she acted and modeled.
She made her film debut in 1959’s Kiss Her Goodbye,...
- 8/5/2023
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Sharon Farrell, who starred as the mother of a murderous infant in It’s Alive and contributed strong supporting turns opposite James Garner and Steve McQueen, respectively, in the 1969 films Marlowe and The Reivers, has died. She was 82.
Farrell died unexpectedly May 15 of natural causes at a hospital in Orange County, her son, Chance Boyer, told The Hollywood Reporter.
Farrell also played a movie hairstylist in Richard Rush‘s The Stunt Man (1980), the ex-wife of Chuck Norris’ Texas Ranger in Lone Wolf McQuade (1983) and the mother of the cheerleader portrayed by Amanda Peterson in Can’t Buy Me Love (1987).
On television, Farrell recurred as Det. Lori Wilson on the final season (1979-80) of CBS’ Hawaii Five-o and was Florence Webster, mother of Tricia Cast’s Nina Webster, on the CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless from 1991-97.
In the horror thriller It’s Alive (1974), written and directed by Larry Cohen and...
Farrell died unexpectedly May 15 of natural causes at a hospital in Orange County, her son, Chance Boyer, told The Hollywood Reporter.
Farrell also played a movie hairstylist in Richard Rush‘s The Stunt Man (1980), the ex-wife of Chuck Norris’ Texas Ranger in Lone Wolf McQuade (1983) and the mother of the cheerleader portrayed by Amanda Peterson in Can’t Buy Me Love (1987).
On television, Farrell recurred as Det. Lori Wilson on the final season (1979-80) of CBS’ Hawaii Five-o and was Florence Webster, mother of Tricia Cast’s Nina Webster, on the CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless from 1991-97.
In the horror thriller It’s Alive (1974), written and directed by Larry Cohen and...
- 8/5/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The premise of The Beverly Hillbillies was pretty simple. Jed Clampett and his family left their monetary struggles behind in Missouri and moved to California after Jed shot a hole in the ground and discovered oil. The fish-out-of-water tale delighted fans for years before the series was canceled. It was a well-known fact that the Clampetts were extremely wealthy, but just how rich were they back in the 1960s when the series ran, and what would they be worth today?
How much money did the Clampetts get for Jed’s discovery?
When season 1 of The Beverly Hillbillies opened, Jed Clampett’s fortune was worth $25 million. The series premiered in 1962. When the show ended in 1971, the Clampetts’ wealth had grown exponentially. The family was reportedly worth $100 million when the screen went black.
$25 million in 1962 is equal to over $200 million in today’s money. The $100 million the family closed the series with...
How much money did the Clampetts get for Jed’s discovery?
When season 1 of The Beverly Hillbillies opened, Jed Clampett’s fortune was worth $25 million. The series premiered in 1962. When the show ended in 1971, the Clampetts’ wealth had grown exponentially. The family was reportedly worth $100 million when the screen went black.
$25 million in 1962 is equal to over $200 million in today’s money. The $100 million the family closed the series with...
- 7/19/2023
- by Andrea Francese
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Since 1996, the “Mission: Impossible” films have created one of the most successful film franchises of all time, with the first of the “Dead Reckoning” two-part installment continuing rave reviews and mega box office in 2023. It all began with an Emmy-winning spy series in the 1960s, featuring suave secret agents caught up in all kinds of international intrigue. It is one of several TV series that have been turned into successful theatrical films.
SEETom Cruise wants to make ‘Mission: Impossible’ movies until he’s 80
Nostalgia lies behind big screen incarnations of older TV programs, with movies like “Charlie’s Angels,” “Starsky & Hutch” and “The A-Team” igniting audience’s interest with their love of decades-old series. Two favorites from the 1970s and 1980s, “S.W.A.T.” and “The Equalizer,” did so well at the box office that they led to successful reboots of the series.
“The X-Files” and “Downton Abbey” have had such huge...
SEETom Cruise wants to make ‘Mission: Impossible’ movies until he’s 80
Nostalgia lies behind big screen incarnations of older TV programs, with movies like “Charlie’s Angels,” “Starsky & Hutch” and “The A-Team” igniting audience’s interest with their love of decades-old series. Two favorites from the 1970s and 1980s, “S.W.A.T.” and “The Equalizer,” did so well at the box office that they led to successful reboots of the series.
“The X-Files” and “Downton Abbey” have had such huge...
- 7/17/2023
- by Susan Pennington and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Since 1996, the “Mission: Impossible” films have created one of the most successful film franchises of all time, with the first of the “Dead Reckoning” two-part installment continuing rave reviews and mega box office in 2023. It all began with an Emmy-winning spy series in the 1960s, featuring suave secret agents caught up in all kinds of international intrigue. It is one of several TV series that have been turned into successful theatrical films.
Nostalgia lies behind big screen incarnations of older TV programs, with movies like “Charlie’s Angels,” “Starsky & Hutch” and “The A-Team” igniting audience’s interest with their love of decades-old series. Two favorites from the 1970s and 1980s, “S.W.A.T.” and “The Equalizer,” did so well at the box office that they led to successful reboots of the series.
“The X-Files” and “Downton Abbey” have had such huge fan bases that they were able to support theatrical films as well,...
Nostalgia lies behind big screen incarnations of older TV programs, with movies like “Charlie’s Angels,” “Starsky & Hutch” and “The A-Team” igniting audience’s interest with their love of decades-old series. Two favorites from the 1970s and 1980s, “S.W.A.T.” and “The Equalizer,” did so well at the box office that they led to successful reboots of the series.
“The X-Files” and “Downton Abbey” have had such huge fan bases that they were able to support theatrical films as well,...
- 7/15/2023
- by Susan Pennington, Chris Beachum and Misty Holland
- Gold Derby
Directv Stream’s channel lineup just got a big infusion of classic television, at least if you’re a Choice or above-level user. The virtual multi-channel video programming distributor (vMVPD) and its satellite TV counterpart Directv has added the MeTV channel, which users will find in HD by navigating to channel 77.
5-Day Free Trial $74.99+ / month directv.com/stream
MeTV is one of the top destinations in cable for episodes of classic TV series. Its lineup includes titles from “The Beverly Hillbillies” to “Mash” to “The Waltons,” with episodes airing 24 hours a day. In total, the channel features more than 60 classic series every week.
“MeTV is ‘Memorable Entertainment Television,’ making it a uniquely valuable addition to the Directv channel lineup nationwide,” Neal Sabin, vice-chairman of MeTV’s parent company Weigel Broadcasting Co, said in a statement to The Wrap. “We couldn’t be happier to seal this deal which allows us...
5-Day Free Trial $74.99+ / month directv.com/stream
MeTV is one of the top destinations in cable for episodes of classic TV series. Its lineup includes titles from “The Beverly Hillbillies” to “Mash” to “The Waltons,” with episodes airing 24 hours a day. In total, the channel features more than 60 classic series every week.
“MeTV is ‘Memorable Entertainment Television,’ making it a uniquely valuable addition to the Directv channel lineup nationwide,” Neal Sabin, vice-chairman of MeTV’s parent company Weigel Broadcasting Co, said in a statement to The Wrap. “We couldn’t be happier to seal this deal which allows us...
- 7/10/2023
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
Along with rival NBC, CBS found success in radio before adding on the new medium of television in the 1940s. With the creation of ABC a few years later, the “Big Three” networks dominated the small screen for half a century before receiving competition from Fox network, cable stations and, later, streaming services. In the earliest days of TV, CBS and NBC vied for top spots in the ratings; by the mid-1950s, CBS commanded the lead with pioneering and groundbreaking programs across multiple genres — a trend that would continue for decades.
Like NBC, CBS transitioned radio programs over to television. One successful radio series they wanted to convert was “My Favorite Husband,” but the star refused to commit unless her real-life husband was allowed to be her lead. However, her husband was from Cuba, and CBS executives didn’t think Americans would believe an American woman would marry a hispanic.
Like NBC, CBS transitioned radio programs over to television. One successful radio series they wanted to convert was “My Favorite Husband,” but the star refused to commit unless her real-life husband was allowed to be her lead. However, her husband was from Cuba, and CBS executives didn’t think Americans would believe an American woman would marry a hispanic.
- 6/14/2023
- by Susan Pennington and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Along with rival NBC, CBS found success in radio before adding on the new medium of television in the 1940s. With the creation of ABC a few years later, the “Big Three” networks dominated the small screen for half a century before receiving competition from Fox network, cable stations and, later, streaming services. In the earliest days of TV, CBS and NBC vied for top spots in the ratings; by the mid-1950s, CBS commanded the lead with pioneering and groundbreaking programs across multiple genres — a trend that would continue for decades.
Like NBC, CBS transitioned radio programs over to television. One successful radio series they wanted to convert was “My Favorite Husband,” but the star refused to commit unless her real-life husband was allowed to be her lead. However, her husband was from Cuba, and CBS executives didn’t think Americans would believe an American woman would marry a hispanic.
Like NBC, CBS transitioned radio programs over to television. One successful radio series they wanted to convert was “My Favorite Husband,” but the star refused to commit unless her real-life husband was allowed to be her lead. However, her husband was from Cuba, and CBS executives didn’t think Americans would believe an American woman would marry a hispanic.
- 6/13/2023
- by Susan Pennington, Chris Beachum and Misty Holland
- Gold Derby
Buddy Ebsen is probably best known for his role in The Beverly Hillbillies, but he was a seasoned actor who took on a wide array of roles for seven decades. In 1961, Ebsen guest starred in an episode of The Andy Griffith Show. Let’s take a look back at the episode and Ebsen’s role.
Buddy Ebsen | John Springer Collection/Corbis via Getty Images Who Buddy Ebsen played in ‘The Andy Griffith Show’
Ebsen guest starred in The Andy Griffith Show in Nov. 1961. He was 53 at the time. The actor played the role of David Browne, a drifter who floats through Mayberry looking for a few free meals. The episode was the sixth of the second season and directed by Bob Sweeney. The episode, titled “Opie’s Hobo Friend,” was written by Harvey Bullock, Sheldon Leonard, and Aaron Ruben.
The plot of ‘Opie’s Hobo Friend,’ guest starring Buddy Ebsen
One morning,...
Buddy Ebsen | John Springer Collection/Corbis via Getty Images Who Buddy Ebsen played in ‘The Andy Griffith Show’
Ebsen guest starred in The Andy Griffith Show in Nov. 1961. He was 53 at the time. The actor played the role of David Browne, a drifter who floats through Mayberry looking for a few free meals. The episode was the sixth of the second season and directed by Bob Sweeney. The episode, titled “Opie’s Hobo Friend,” was written by Harvey Bullock, Sheldon Leonard, and Aaron Ruben.
The plot of ‘Opie’s Hobo Friend,’ guest starring Buddy Ebsen
One morning,...
- 6/10/2023
- by Kelsey Goeres
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Tubi opens June with an intense WWII drama “Inglourious Basterds.” Allied officer Lt. Aldo Raine (Brad Pitt) assembles a team of five tough Jewish soldiers to spread fear throughout the Third Reich. They have one assignment: assassinate Nazi leaders. Quentin Tarantino wrote and directed the unconventional war drama. Eli Roth, Melanie Laurent, and Christopher Walz co-star.
Watch the trailer of “Inglourious Basterds”:
The network is also streaming the original documentary “Mystery Unsolved: The Adnan Syed Story” on June 7. The murder of teenager Hae Min Lee was the focal point of a “Serial” podcast, which questioned if boyfriend Syed was her killer. After serving 22 years in prison, Syed was released, still proclaiming his innocence. Now, he may return.
Another streamer original, “Magic Carpet Rides,” arrives June 14. It centers on a social influencer torn between sharing her budding romance or honoring her boyfriend’s request to keep their life private.
Check...
Watch the trailer of “Inglourious Basterds”:
The network is also streaming the original documentary “Mystery Unsolved: The Adnan Syed Story” on June 7. The murder of teenager Hae Min Lee was the focal point of a “Serial” podcast, which questioned if boyfriend Syed was her killer. After serving 22 years in prison, Syed was released, still proclaiming his innocence. Now, he may return.
Another streamer original, “Magic Carpet Rides,” arrives June 14. It centers on a social influencer torn between sharing her budding romance or honoring her boyfriend’s request to keep their life private.
Check...
- 5/31/2023
- by Fern Siegel
- The Streamable
Nancy Kulp spent years playing Jane Hathaway on The Beverly Hillbillies, often working hand-in-hand with Buddy Ebsen, who took on the role of Jed Clampett. While Kulp and Ebsen spent years working together, they weren’t exactly friends. The co-stars had vastly different political beliefs, and they had no issue debating politics. Years after The Beverly Hillbillies ended, the on-set feud would spill over into Kulp’s real-life political aspirations.
Los Angeles – October 2: Nancy Kulp as Jane Hathaway and Buddy Ebsen as Jed Clampett | CBS via Getty Images Related
One of the Most Iconic ‘I Love Lucy’ Scenes Was Unscripted
Buddy Ebsen recorded an ad for Nancy Kulp’s political opponent following their ‘The Beverly Hillbillies’ feud
Kulp and Ebsen didn’t have a particularly warm relationship on the set of The Beverly Hillbillies. Years after the series ended, Ebsen kept their The Beverly Hillbillies feud going by agreeing...
Los Angeles – October 2: Nancy Kulp as Jane Hathaway and Buddy Ebsen as Jed Clampett | CBS via Getty Images Related
One of the Most Iconic ‘I Love Lucy’ Scenes Was Unscripted
Buddy Ebsen recorded an ad for Nancy Kulp’s political opponent following their ‘The Beverly Hillbillies’ feud
Kulp and Ebsen didn’t have a particularly warm relationship on the set of The Beverly Hillbillies. Years after the series ended, Ebsen kept their The Beverly Hillbillies feud going by agreeing...
- 5/17/2023
- by Andrea Francese
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Buddy Ebsen was known for a lot of different acting roles. He appeared in a series of successful TV shows and movies before opting to portray Jed Clampett in The Beverly Hillbillies. The famed actor emerged as the star of the show, and he is largely remembered for the part. Ebsen almost didn’t get around to playing Jed, though. He was seriously considering retirement before the script came across his desk.
The cast of ‘The Beverly Hillbillies’ | Bettmann/Getty Images Related
One of the Most Iconic ‘I Love Lucy’ Scenes Was Unscripted
Buddy Ebsen was prepping for retirement before The Beverly Hillbillies
Paul Henning, the producer of The Beverly Hillbillies, once sat down for an interview with The Television Academy Foundation. The famed producer and screenwriter recalled how Ebsen came to be Jed and exactly how his casting impacted the series.
Henning recalled that Ebsen’s agent put Henning...
The cast of ‘The Beverly Hillbillies’ | Bettmann/Getty Images Related
One of the Most Iconic ‘I Love Lucy’ Scenes Was Unscripted
Buddy Ebsen was prepping for retirement before The Beverly Hillbillies
Paul Henning, the producer of The Beverly Hillbillies, once sat down for an interview with The Television Academy Foundation. The famed producer and screenwriter recalled how Ebsen came to be Jed and exactly how his casting impacted the series.
Henning recalled that Ebsen’s agent put Henning...
- 5/14/2023
- by Andrea Francese
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Edward L. Rissien, who produced the Burt Lancaster-starring war film Castle Keep and served as an executive at ABC, Bing Crosby Productions, Filmways and Playboy Productions, has died. He was 98.
Rissien died April 8 of natural causes at his home in Los Angeles, his nephew, Emmy-nominated director Michael Zinberg (The Bob Newhart Show, The Good Wife, NCIS), told The Hollywood Reporter.
“Eddie was a well-respected man who had beautiful taste in material,” Zinberg said. “He was always looking for something that would make a difference.”
An Iowa native who started out as a stage manager on Broadway, Rissien helped set up Harry Belafonte‘s HarBel Productions after acquiring the film rights for Odds Against Tomorrow (1959), the Robert Wise-directed drama that starred Belafonte, Robert Ryan and Shelley Winters.
He also produced Snow Job (1972), starring legendary French skier and Olympic champion Jean-Claude Killy as a thief in his only feature role,...
Rissien died April 8 of natural causes at his home in Los Angeles, his nephew, Emmy-nominated director Michael Zinberg (The Bob Newhart Show, The Good Wife, NCIS), told The Hollywood Reporter.
“Eddie was a well-respected man who had beautiful taste in material,” Zinberg said. “He was always looking for something that would make a difference.”
An Iowa native who started out as a stage manager on Broadway, Rissien helped set up Harry Belafonte‘s HarBel Productions after acquiring the film rights for Odds Against Tomorrow (1959), the Robert Wise-directed drama that starred Belafonte, Robert Ryan and Shelley Winters.
He also produced Snow Job (1972), starring legendary French skier and Olympic champion Jean-Claude Killy as a thief in his only feature role,...
- 5/10/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
After the surprising rise and appallingly steady excellence of The Simpsons’ first decade, many long-time supporters felt the show would have gone out on top if it ended around 2001-2002. The late 1990s era was hit with a traumatic loss with the death of comic genius Phil Hartman. After a pay dispute, voice actress Maggie Roswell left from 1999 to 2002, resulting in the death of the Maude Flanders in the episode “Alone Again, Natura-Diddily.” But the first cracks in the series’ “Golden Age” appeared when Principal Skinner was redacted and retrofitted for “The Principal and the Pauper,” from season 9. It was seen as a major copout.
With Beavis and Butt-Head amping up cartoons on MTV, Fox had a new dangerous animated show on the block, Family Guy. But with every breakthrough, South Park would point out how “The Simpsons already did it.” Knowing this, The Simpsons softened the sharp-edged animation (moving...
With Beavis and Butt-Head amping up cartoons on MTV, Fox had a new dangerous animated show on the block, Family Guy. But with every breakthrough, South Park would point out how “The Simpsons already did it.” Knowing this, The Simpsons softened the sharp-edged animation (moving...
- 5/7/2023
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
It was the battle of the Stephens at the 27th annual Tony Awards telecast March 25, 1973 on ABC from the Imperial Theatre. In one corner was Stephen Sondheim’s glorious and exquisite romantic musical “A Little Night Music” based on Ingmar Bergman’s 1955 comedy “Smiles of a Summer Night.” And in the other corner, 25-year-old Stephen Schwartz’s hip, cool, Fosse Fosse Fosse musical “Pippin.”
“A Little Night Music,” which featured song memorable tunes as “Send in the Clowns” and “A Weekend in the Country,” waltzed into the ceremony hosted by Rex Harrison and Celeste Holm and co-hosted by Sandy Duncan and Jerry Orbach with 12 nominations including best musical, best original score, best book for Hugh Wheeler, best direction of a musical for Harold Prince, best performance by a leading actress in a musical for Glynis Johns, leading actor in a musical for Len Cariou, featured actress in a musical for...
“A Little Night Music,” which featured song memorable tunes as “Send in the Clowns” and “A Weekend in the Country,” waltzed into the ceremony hosted by Rex Harrison and Celeste Holm and co-hosted by Sandy Duncan and Jerry Orbach with 12 nominations including best musical, best original score, best book for Hugh Wheeler, best direction of a musical for Harold Prince, best performance by a leading actress in a musical for Glynis Johns, leading actor in a musical for Len Cariou, featured actress in a musical for...
- 4/5/2023
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
Little House on the Prairie star Victor French is best known for playing Mr. Edwards on the hit NBC show. He also starred alongside Michael Landon in many of his productions. Here’s a look at French’s net worth and career.
Victor French’s movies and TV shows Victor French | Gary Null/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images
One of French’s early roles was in a 1955 episode of TV Reader’s Digest titled “Human Nature Through a Rear View Mirror.” In 1962, he appeared in two episodes of The Virginian. From 1962 to 1971, French appeared in five episodes of Bonanza. Then, from 1966 to 1975, he appeared in 18 episodes of Gunsmoke.
After his time playing Isaiah Edwards on Little House on the Prairie ended in 1983, French took on the role of Mark Gordon in Highway to Heaven. The show aired on NBC from 1984 to 1989. Some of French’s other television roles...
Victor French’s movies and TV shows Victor French | Gary Null/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images
One of French’s early roles was in a 1955 episode of TV Reader’s Digest titled “Human Nature Through a Rear View Mirror.” In 1962, he appeared in two episodes of The Virginian. From 1962 to 1971, French appeared in five episodes of Bonanza. Then, from 1966 to 1975, he appeared in 18 episodes of Gunsmoke.
After his time playing Isaiah Edwards on Little House on the Prairie ended in 1983, French took on the role of Mark Gordon in Highway to Heaven. The show aired on NBC from 1984 to 1989. Some of French’s other television roles...
- 3/9/2023
- by Sheiresa Ngo
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
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