Monday, December 09, 2019
Remembering René Auberjonois of Benson; Brady Bunch Star to Give Tour of White House on HGTV

Actor René Auberjonois, who starred as Clayton Endicott III in Benson, has died. He died from metastatic lung cancer at his home in Los Angeles on December 8. Mr. Auberjonois was 79.
Auberjonois' early television drama guest appearances included Mod Squad, McMillan and Wife, Night Gallery, Harry O, Ellery Queen, The Rookies, Black Sheep Squadron, Delvecchio, The Bionic Woman, Starsky and Hutch, The Rockford Files, Wonder Woman, Family, Hart to Hart and Charlie's Angels. Some of his early sitcom guest appearances included Love, American Style, The Jeffersons, The Bob Newhart Show, Rhoda, Stockard Channing in Just Friends.
He starred as Clayton Endicott III in the ABC sitcom Benson. Clayton Endicott III was Governor James Gatling's (James Noble) snobbish and high-handed chief of staff. Auberjonois joined the series in the second season in 1980. His character replaced John Taylor (Lewis J. Stadlen) who appeared in the first season as chief of staff. Auberjonois received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for the role in 1984. The series also starred Robert Guillaume, Missy Gold, Inga Swenson, Caroline McWilliams (1979-1981), Ethan Phillips (1980-1985), Didi Conn (1981-1985) and Billie Bird (1984-1986).
Some of his later sitcom guest appearances included Doogie Howser, M.D., Frasier (two episodes as Professor William Tewksbury), It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia and 1600 Penn (two episodes as Winslow Hannum).
He starred as Odo in the 1993-1999 syndicated science fiction series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Constable Odo was the station's chief of security. He was a Changeling, capable of assuming any shape he wishes, but usually assumed a shape of a male adult humanoid. Auberjonois also directed eight episodes of the series from 1995 to 1999. The series also starred Avery Brooks, Terry Farrell, Cirroc Lofton, Colm Meaney, Armin Shimerman, Alexander Siddig, Nana Visitor, Michael Dorn and Nicole de Boer.
Auberjonois starred as Paul Lewiston the 2004-2008 ABC drama Boston Legal. Paul Lewiston is a senior partner at the law firm of Crane, Poole & Schmidt. He starred in the first three seasons and had a recurring role in the final two seasons. The series also starred James Spader, William Shatner, Candice Bergen, Monica Potter, Rhona Mitra, Lake Bell, Julie Bowen, Ryan Michelle Bathe, Constance Zimmer, Craig Bierko, Gary Anthony Williams, Tara Summers and John Larroquette.
He received his second Emmy nomination in 2001 for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for his role as Judge Mantz in The Practice. Some of his other drama guest appearances included Murder, She Wrote, L.A. Law, Eerie, Indiana, Matlock, The Outer Limits, Chicago Hope, Stargate SG-1, Nash Bridges, Judging Amy, Star Trek: Enterprise, Warehouse 13, Criminal Minds, Grey's Anatomy and The Good Wife. He appeared as Walter Nowack in four episodes of Madam Secretary in 2016.
Auberjonois was also known for his voice acting. He voiced Chef Louis in 1989's The Little Mermaid and Flanagan in 1997's Cats Don't Dance. Some of his television voice credits included Wildfire, Snorks, The Pirates of Dark Water, Xyber 9, The Legend of Tarzan, Xiaolin Showdown and Pound Puppies.
He made his credited film debut as Father John Mulcahy in M*A*S*H in 1970. He played expedition scientist Roy Bagley in 1976's King Kong. Some of his other film credits included Brewster McCloud, McCabe & Mrs. Miller, Images, Pete 'n' Tillie, The Hindenburg, The Big Bus, Eyes of Laura Mars, Where the Buffalo Roam, Walker, The Ballad of Little Jo and The Patriot.
Survivors include his wife, Judith, and their two children, Tessa and Remy.
Mr. Auberjonois was a talented and versatile actor. He was wonderful as Clayton Endicott III in Benson. We thank him for the laughs and entertainment he brought us during his long career. He will be greatly missed.
Share your memories on our Benson message board. View photos in our galleries.
Benson currently airs on Antenna TV weekdays at 4pm ET/1pm PT and Sundays at 4am ET/1am PT. We'll keep you posted if any tributes are planned.
Sparkling silver stars, glistening gold ornaments and illuminated glass panels etched with snowy scenes deck the halls of America's most iconic home in White House Christmas 2019. Premiering on Sunday, Dec. 15, at 5 p.m. ET/PT, the annual HGTV special follows Maureen McCormick -- from the classic television series The Brady Bunch and, most recently, HGTV's hugely successful series A Very Brady Renovation -- and Alison Victoria, star of Windy City Rehab, on an exclusive room-by-room tour of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue's magnificent holiday transformation.
This year's décor theme, The Spirit of America, is a tribute to the traditions, customs and history that shape our nation and celebrates the courageous individuals who have kept the American spirit alive. For example, the famed gingerbread replica of the White House features landmarks from around the country, such as the Statue of Liberty and Mount Rushmore, while the East Room trees take inspiration from the American flag with gilded eagle tree toppers and red and blue ribbons. During the special, Maureen and Alison craft handmade topiaries and ornaments, create a chocolate tree for the gingerbread display, and hang signs and paper flowers representing their home states on the official Blue Room Christmas tree.
Sitcoms Airing Tonight
Thursday, January 21
Young Sheldon - "Freshman Orientation and the Inventor of the Zipper" (CBS, 8:00PM ET/PT)
College orientation does not go as Sheldon planned. Also, Mary is invited to a party when she’s mistaken for a university student, and George Sr. helps Pastor Jeff set up a children’s nursery.
B Positive - "Open Heart Surgery" (CBS, 8:30PM ET/PT)
Gina needs to keep herself together to pass a psych evaluation while dealing with the news of an ex’s engagement.
Mom - "Woo-Woo Lights and an Onside Kick" (CBS, 9:00PM ET/PT)
Bonnie and the ladies indulge Jill when she goes to extremes to get her relationship with Andy (Will Sasso) back on track.
The Unicorn - "The First Supper" (CBS, 9:30PM ET/PT)
When Wade decides to introduce Shannon to his friends, the get-together quickly takes an awkward turn. Also, Noah tries to fit in with the older kids since he’s tired of being one of the babies.
Call Me Kat - "Therapy" (Fox, 9:00PM ET/PT)
When Sheila comes to stay with Kat to avoid being home alone, Sheila's lack of boundaries leads them to try therapy; Phil and Randi make a road trip to buy Phil's mother medicinal marijuana.
Last Man Standing - "Jen Again" (Fox, 9:30PM ET/PT)
Mike surprises Vanessa with a visit from Jen that might last longer than expected; Ryan asks Chuck for advice to impress his new corporate boss on the golf course.
Mr. Mayor - "The Sac" (NBC, 8:00PM ET/PT)
A special assignment forces Jayden and Arpi to get to know each other; Neil sets out on a mission to reconnect with Orly after she gets into a little trouble.
Superstore - "Biscuit" (NBC, 8:30PM ET/PT)
After returning from quarantine, Glenn enlists Cheyenne and Bo's help to get Dina to relinquish control; Jonah and Mateo have second thoughts about helping Sandra with her cat's medical needs; Garrett struggles with customer returns.
grown-ish - "Public Service Announcement" (Freeform, 8:00PM ET/PT)
After dropping out of Cal U and diving into her dream job, Zoey balances the demands of her work life and her personal life.
Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of January 18)
Thursday, January 21
- Allison Janney (Mom/Mr. Sunshine) - Catch Allison on Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
- Alison Brie (GLOW/Parks and Recreation) - Alison appears on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon at 11:35pm on NBC.
- Regina King (The Boondocks/227) - Regina is a guest on The Late Late Show with James Corden at 12:37am on CBS.
- Jane Krakowski (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt/30 Rock) - Jane will be on The Talk on CBS at 2pm ET/1pm CT-PT.
- Francia Raisa (grown-ish) - Francia appears on The Real, so check your local listings.
- Yara Shahidi (grown-ish/black-ish) - Yara talks about grown-ish on ABC's Good Morning America sometime between 7-9am.
- Candace Cameron Bure (Fuller House/Full House) - Candace is a guest on ABC's Good Morning America sometime between 7-9am.
- Morris Chestnut (Out All Night) - Morris talks about The Resident on a repeat of Access Daily, so check your local listings.
- Sara Gilbert (The Conners/Roseanne/Living Biblically/Bad Teacher/Twins) - Sara talks about The Conners on a repeat of Access Daily, so check your local listings.
New on DVD/Blu-ray (September-January)
09/01 - It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia - Season 14
09/01 - What We Do in the Shadows - The Complete Second Season
09/01 - Young Sheldon - The Complete Third Season (Blu-ray)
09/15 - Mom - The Complete Seventh Season
09/15 - South Side - Season 1
09/22 - Brockmire - The Complete Second Season
09/22 - Brockmire - The Complete Third Season
09/22 - Brockmire - The Complete Fourth Season
09/22 - Man with a Plan - Season Three
09/29 - The Bob Newhart Show - The Complete Series (2020 Release)
10/13 - The Jetsons - The Complete Series (Diamond Collection)
10/13 - Our Cartoon President - Season Two
10/23 - Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em - The Complete Collection
10/27 - The Flintstones - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
10/27 - Head of the Class - The Complete Second Season (WBShop.com)
11/10 - Letterkenny - Seasons 5 & 6
11/10 - The Office - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
11/10 - Schitt's Creek - The Complete Collection
11/17 - Carol's Second Act - The Complete Series
11/17 - Robbie - Season 1
11/24 - Corporate - Season 1
11/26 - Man with a Plan - Season Four
12/01 - The Neighborhood - Season Two
12/15 - Avenue 5 - The Complete First Season
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