Thursday, August 11, 2022

Hallmark Original Series Sets Cast; Remembering Pat Carroll, Roger E. Mosley and Vin Scully

Chyler Leigh

Chyler Leigh (Supergirl, Grey's Anatomy) has been cast in The Way Home, the network's new, original primetime series slated to begin production later this month for a 2023 premiere on Hallmark Channel. Leigh plays Kat Landry, who moved away from her small, Canadian farm town of Port Haven many years ago following a family tragedy, and remains estranged from her mother Del (Andie MacDowell) to this day. With her marriage coming to an end and having just been laid off from her job, Kat decides to return home after receiving an unexpected letter from Del urging her to come back. Although her 15-year-old daughter Alice is none-too-thrilled, Kat and her daughter arrive at her family's farm, though the reunion isn't what Kat had envisioned. As the three generations of women slowly work on finding their footing as a family, they embark on an enlightening - and surprising - journey none of them could have imagined.

Pat Carroll

Emmy-winning actress Pat Carroll, who starred as Bunny Halper on The Danny Thomas Show, has died. She died of pneumonia at her home on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, on July 30. Ms. Carroll was 95.

Carroll made her television debut on the CBS variety show/sitcom The Red Buttons Show in 1953. She appeared in 45 episodes of the NBC sketch comedy series Caesar's Hour from 1954 to 1957. In 1957, she won the Emmy Award for Best Supporting Performance by an Actress for playing various roles. She appeared on The Saturday Night Revue in 1954. She was a regular on the game show Keep Talking from 1958 to 1960.

Pat Carroll and Sid Melton - The Danny Thomas Show

She starred as Bunny Halper in 40 episodes of The Danny Thomas Show on CBS from 1961 to 1964. Bunny Halper is the wife of Charley Halper (Sid Melton), the owner of the Copa Club where Danny Williams (Danny Thomas) frequently performed. The cast from seasons 9 to 11 included Danny Thomas, Marjorie Lord, Rusty Hamer, Angela Williams and Amanda Randolph.

Getting Together

Carroll starred as Rita Simon on the short-lived 1971-1972 ABC sitcom Getting Together. It starred Bobby Sherman and Wes Stern as Bobby Conway and Lionel Poindexter, a songwriting duo. Jennifer Conway (Susan Neher) is Bobby's 12-year-old sister. Rita is the motherly landlady at an antique shop. Officer Rudy Colcheck (Jack Burns) is her policeman boyfriend.

Busting Loose

She portrayed Pearl Markowitz, the mother of Lenny Markowitz (Adam Arkin), on the 1977 CBS sitcom Busting Loose. The series centers on a young man in New York City who has moved out of his parents' house to live on his own for the first time. The cast included Barbara Rhoades, Jack Kruschen, Danny Goldman, Steve Nathan, Greg Antonacci, Paul Sylvan, Paul B. Price, Ralph Wilcox and Louise Williams.

She's the Sheriff

Carroll starred as Gussie Holt, the bubbly mother of Sheriff Hildy Granger (Suzanne Somers), on the 1987-1989 first-run syndicated sitcom She's the Sheriff. The cast included George Wyner, Nicky Rose, Taliesin Jaffe, Lou Richards, Guich Kooch and Leonard Lightfoot.

Pat Carroll on The Ted Knight Show

She starred as Hope Stinson on The Ted Knight Show in first-run syndication from 1986 to 1987. Too Close for Comfort was retitled to The Ted Knight Show for the sixth and final season. Hope is the co-owner the local weekly newspaper, the Bugler. The cast included Ted Knight, Nancy Dussault, Jim J. Bullock (as Jm J. Bullock) and Lisa Antille.

Some of her sitcom guest appearances included The Dennis Day Show, The Mickey Rooney Show, The Ann Sothern Show, Please Don't Eat the Daisies, Arnie, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, My Three Sons, Love, American Style (2 episodes), Calucci's Department, Laverne & Shirley (as Lily Feeney, Shirley's mother), Good Heavens, C.P.O. Sharkey, The Love Boat, The New WKRP in Cincinnati, Evening Shade and Designing Women.

She appeared as Rebecca Chadwick in three episodes of ER in 2005. Some of her other drama guest appearances included Police Story, Police Woman, Flying High, Trapper John, M.D. (1985) and Crazy Like a Fox

Carroll was also known for her voice-over work. She portrayed the sea witch Ursula in Disney's The Little Mermaid (1989). Some of her television animated series credits included Galaxy High School, Foofur and Pound Puppies.

Survivors include daughters Kerry Karsian, Tara Karsian and granddaughter Evan Karsian-McCormick.

Ms. Carroll was a talented and funny actress. She had more than 100 television and film credits. We thank her for the laughs and entertainment that she brought us during her long career. She will be deeply missed.

Share your memories on our message board. View photos in our galleries.

Roger E. Mosley

Actor Roger E. Mosley, who was best known for his role as the helicopter pilot Theodore "T.C." Calvin on Magnum, P.I., has died. On August 4, he was involved in a car accident in Lynwood, California, becoming paralyzed from the shoulders down. He died three days later on August 7 from his injuries at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California. Mr. Mosley was 83.

Magnum, P.I.

Mosley starred as Theodore "T.C." Calvin on the crime drama Magnum, P.I., which aired on CBS from 1980 to 1988. Theodore "T.C." Calvin runs a one-person local helicopter charter and tour van service called "Island Hoppers", and often finds himself persuaded by Magnum (Tom Selleck) to fly him during various cases. Mosley directed an episode in 1984 and wrote an episode in 1986.

You Take the Kids

He starred as Michael Kirkland on the short-lived 1990-1991 CBS sitcom You Take the Kids. The series starred Nell Carter, who also performed the theme song "Nobody's Got It Easy". Nell's husband Michael worked as a school bus driver while Nell gave piano lessons at the family home for extra money. It also starred Dante Beze, Caryn Ward, Marlon Taylor, Trent Cameron and Leila Danette.

Mosley had a recurring role as Coach Ricketts in 10 episodes of the first season (1992-1993) of the ABC sitcom Hangin' with Mr. Cooper. He is the coach of the Oakbridge Penguins boys' basketball team. The cast of the first season included Mark Curry, Holly Robinson (Peete), Dawnn Lewis, Omar Gooding, Marquise Wilson, George Lemore and Christopher Carter.

He starred as Milton 'Milt' Johnson on the second season (1999-2000) of the Showtime comedy Rude Awakening. The cast included Sherilyn Fenn, Lynn Redgrave, Jonathan Penner and Rain Pryor.

Some of his sitcom guest appearances included Sanford and Son, That's My Mama, The Love Boat, Night Court (2 episodes), The Sinbad Show, In the House and Arli$$.

He appeared as John Booky, T.C.'s (Stephen Hill) barber, in two episodes of the Magnum, P.I. reboot in 2019 and 2021. Some of his other television drama guest appearances included Cannon, Night Gallery (2 episodes), The Streets of San Francisco, Kung Fu, Kojak, McCloud, Baretta, The Rookies, Delvecchio, The Rockford Files, Starsky and Hutch (2 episodes), RoboCop (1994), Walker, Texas Ranger (2000), The District and Las Vegas.

Some of his film credits included Hit Man (1972), The Mack (1973), Sweet Jesus, Preacherman (1973), Terminal Island (1974), McQ (1974), Leadbelly (1976), The Greatest (1977), Semi-Tough (1977), Heart Condition (1990), Unlawful Entry (1992) and Pentathlon (1994).

Survivors include his wife, Antoinette (“Toni”) — they were together for nearly 60 years — son Brandonn; daughter Ch-a; grandson Austin; and Rahsan, among his many nieces and nephews.

Mr. Mosley was a solid and dependable actor. He was likable and memorable as T.C. on Magnum, P.I.. Though he was a certified helicopter pilot, he was not allowed to do his own stunts. We thank him for the entertainment that he brought us on television. He will be greatly missed.

Share your memories on our Magnum, P.I. message board. View photos in our galleries.

Vin Scully

Hall of Fame sportscaster Vin Scully was best known for his 67 seasons calling games for Major League Baseball's Los Angeles Dodgers, beginning in 1950 (when the franchise was located in Brooklyn) and ending in 2016. He died on August 2 at his home in Hidden Hills, California. Mr. Scully was 94.

Occasional Wife

Scully was the uncredited narrator for the 1966-1967 NBC sitcom Occasional Wife. The lead character was Peter Christopher (Michael Callan), a bachelor who enjoyed the single life, but was blocked from professional advancement by not having a wife. Christopher asked a young hat check girl, Greta Patterson (Patricia Harty), to pose as his wife at company functions. Scully commented on the increasingly complicated problems created by the arrangement between Peter and Greta.

His voice as an announcer was heard in episodes of Mister Ed, The Joey Bishop Show and Brooklyn Bridge. Some of his other television voice credits included General Electric Theater, Michael Shayne, The New Breed, Alcoa Premiere, The Fugitive, Highway to Heaven and The X-Files.

It Takes Two

He served as the host for the NBC game show It Takes Two in 1969-1970. He hosted The Vin Scully Show, a weekday afternoon talk-variety show on CBS in 1973. In 1977, he hosted the prime-time Challenge of the Sexes for CBS.

Survivors include his children, Kevin, Todd, Erin, Kelly and Catherine; 21 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Mr. Scully was one of the best baseball announcers of all time. He had so many memorable calls over the years. He was a true professional and a great storyteller. He will be sorely missed.

Share your memories on our message board.


Sitcoms Airing Tonight / Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows

Tuesday, September 17

The Conners - "Young Love, Old Love and Take This Job and Shove It" (The CW, 8:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Darlene worries about Mark making friends at his new school; Mark turns to Ben for personal advice; Becky finds herself thriving in college and starts thinking about her future plans.

The Conners - "Let's All Push Our Hands Together for the Stew Train and the Conners' Furniture" (The CW, 8:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
When Jackie devises an offbeat plan of how to serve the customers at the diner, it's anything but smooth service; Dan begins to sell some furniture to make room for his new bride and her things.

The Conners - "Yard Sale, Phone Fail and a College Betrayal" (The CW, 9:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
As Louise starts to move into the Conner's home, Dan decides to sell the furniture set he bought for Roseanne when they were first married; but finds it harder than he thought it would be.

The Conners - "Three Exes, Role Playing and a Waterbed" (The CW, 9:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Darlene brings Nick to the hardware store, where they run into Ben, who invites Nick to join him at The Lunch Box to watch a Bears game; Dan tries to spruce up the bedroom while Louise is out on the road; Jackie meets Logan's mom.

Tyler Perry's House of Payne - "The Chicken or the Egg" (BET, 9:00PM ET/PT)
Curtis searches for reasonably priced eggs in the middle of a city-wide egg shortage; Lisa attempts to gain professional work experience by going to work with the Paynes.

Tyler Perry's Assisted Living - "Dying for Love" (BET, 9:30PM ET/PT)
Cora has been contacted by an old crush from high school who shows up, and to her surprise, he proposes; Leah gets concerned when Jeremy starts coming home later than usual and spending time with single friends she's never met.

Complete TV Listings


Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of September 16)

Tuesday, September 17

  • George Clooney (Roseanne/The Facts of Life/ E/R (1984-1985) - Catch George on Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
  • Kaitlin Olson (It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia/The Mick) - Kaitlin appears on Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
  • Lily Collins (Emily in Paris) - Lily is a guest on Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
  • Brian Tyree Henry (HouseBroken/Atlanta) - Brian appears on Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
  • Ms. Pat (The Ms. Pat Show) - Ms. Pat is a guest on Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
  • Ronny Chieng (Young Rock/Ronny Chieng: International Student) - Ronny hosts Comedy Central's The Daily Show at 11pm.
  • Sherri Shepherd (Mr. Iglesias/Trial & Error/Sherri/Less Than Perfect/Suddenly Susan) - Sherri stops by Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen at 11pm on Bravo.
  • Halle Berry (Living Dolls) - E! News has an interview with Halle at 11pm on E!.
  • Eva Longoria (Only Murders in the Building/Telenovela) - NBC's Today has Hispanic Heritage Month: Eva Longoria Shining a Light on Latina Small Businesses some time between 7-9am.
  • Josh Gad (Wolf Like Me/Avenue 5/The Comedians/1600 Penn/Back to You) - Josh talks about his new children's book PictureFace Lizzy on Live with Kelly and Mark (check your listings) and on NBC's Today in the 10am hour.
  • Wilmer Valderrama (That '70s Show) - Wilmer talks about An American Story: Everyone's Invited on NBC's Today in the 10am hour.
  • Keegan-Michael Key (Schmigadoon!/Friends from College/Playing House/Gary Unmarried) - Keegan-Michael talks about Transformers One on CBS Mornings some time between 7-9am.
  • Ashley Park (Emily in Paris/Only Murders in the Building/Girls5eva/Nightcap - Ashley talks about Emily in Paris ABC's Good Morning America some time between 7-9am and on Live with Kelly and Mark, so check your listings.
  • Eve (Eve) - Eve opens up in her new memoir, Who's That Girl?, on Tamron Hall, so check your local listings.
  • Sebastian Maniscalco (Bookie) - Sebastian chats with the ladies of The View on ABC at 11am ET/10am CT-PT.
  • Marlon Wayans (Marlon/The Wayans Bros.) - Marlon talks about his Wild Child comedy tour on Access Daily with Mario & Kit, so check your local listings.
  • Joel McHale (Animal Control/The Great Indoors/Community) - Joel talks about Fox's Crime Scene Kitchen on Access Daily with Mario & Kit, so check your local listings.
  • Jaleel White (Family Matters/Grown Ups) - Jaleel discusses his new game show Flip Side on The Talk on CBS at 2pm ET/1pm CT-PT.


New on DVD and Blu-ray

Too Close for Comfort - The Complete Series Check It Out! - The Complete Series Bewitched - The Complete Series - 60th Anniversary Special Edition (Blu-ray) Friends - The Complete Series (4K Ultra HD) Young Sheldon - The Complete Series

04/03 - Too Close for Comfort - The Complete Series (VEI)
04/08 - Check It Out! - The Complete Series (VEI)
05/21 - Frasier (2023) - Season One
06/11 - The Jeffersons - The Complete Series (2024 Release)
06/11 - Welcome Back, Kotter - The Complete Series (2024 Release)
07/05 - Letterkenny - Season 12 (Final Season)
07/30 - Ted Lasso - The Richmond Way (The Complete Series) (Blu-ray) (DVD)
09/10 - Rick and Morty - The Complete Seasons 1-7
09/10 - Ted - Season One (Blu-ray) (DVD)
09/17 - Bewitched - The Complete Series - 60th Anniversary Special Edition (Blu-ray)
09/17 - Top Cat - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
09/24 - Friends - The Complete Series (4K Ultra HD)
09/24 - Young Sheldon - The Complete Seventh Season (DVD) / The Complete Series (DVD) (Blu-ray)
10/08 - Curb Your Enthusiasm - The Complete Twelfth Season / The Complete Series
10/22 - Veep - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)

More Recent and Upcoming TV DVD and Blu-ray Releases / TV Shows on DVD, Blu-ray and Prime Video / DVD Reviews Archive


Recent SitcomsOnline.com News Blog Posts

09/17 - 76th Primetime Emmy Award Winners; Emmys Draw Largest Audience in 3 Years
09/16 - George Lopez Gets Prime Video Special; Netflix Orders His & Hers
09/15 - Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of September 16, 2024)
09/14 - SitcomsOnline Digest: Tim Meadows to Star in New Sitcom DMV; Casting for The Office Followup Series
09/13 - ALF Anniversary Marathon on Shout! TV; HBO Orders Tim Robinson Comedy
09/12 - MeTV Halloween 2024 Events; CBS' Nate Bargatze Holiday Special
09/11 - HBO Orders Rachel Sennott Comedy to Series; Jaleel White Hosts New Game Show Flip Side
09/10 - CBS Fall 2024 Preview Special; The Franchise Premieres October 6 on HBO
09/09 - Lifetime Orders Christmas in the Spotlight; Hulu Sets Murdaugh Murders Series
09/08 - Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of September 9, 2024)
09/07 - SitcomsOnline Digest: Only Murders in the Building Renewed for Fifth Season; Plex Adds Knots Landing and More
09/06 - Hulu's Child Stars Documentary; Keke Palmer Heads to The 'Burbs for Peacock
09/05 - Dancing with the Stars Season 33 Cast; Tia Mowry We TV Docuseries
09/04 - Nick at Nite Acquires Modern Family; SNL Stars Go Live on Peacock Next Thursday
09/03 - The CW Swaps Two Nights for Fall 2024 Schedule; Retta Returns to HGTV
09/02 - TV Marathons on Labor Day 2024 Include Barney Miller
09/01 - Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of September 2, 2024)
08/31 - SitcomsOnline Digest: First Look at New Netflix Comedy; One Tree Hill Sequel in the Works
08/30 - Freeform's 31 Nights of Halloween 2024; Wizards Beyond Waverly Place Premieres October 29
08/29 - Based on a True Story Returns in November on Peacock; Nikki Glaser to Host Golden Globes
08/28 - Acapulco Renewed for Season 4; Kiernan Shipka Max Movie
08/27 - Everybody Still Hates Chris Premieres September 25 on Comedy Central; Final Season of Somebody Somewhere Returns in October
08/26 - Frasier Returns September 19 on Paramount+ for Season 2; Ted Danson's Netflix Comedy Premieres in November
08/25 - Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of August 26, 2024)
08/24 - SitcomsOnline Digest: First Look at New Netflix Comedy; TNT Picks Up The Librarians: The Next Chapter
08/23 - FETV's Sunday Mystery Matinee Block; Glen Powell Is Chad Powers for Hulu Comedy
08/22 - Pee-wee Forever on August 27 on Shout! TV; The Lincoln Lawyer Is Back This October
08/21 - NBC Moves Premiere Due to VP Debate; Seth Meyers Gets Live Primetime Special
08/20 - The Rockford Files 50th Anniversary Marathons on Great Entertainment Television (get.); Bad Sisters Returning for Season 2
08/19 - Schitt's Creek Stars to Host Emmys on ABC; Madison Iseman Joins USA Network Series
08/18 - Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of August 19, 2024)
08/17 - SitcomsOnline Digest: The Drew Carey Show Now Streaming for Free; Hulu Picks Up Mid-Century Modern Comedy