SitcomsOnline.com News Blog

Remembering Hal Williams of Sanford and Son, 227 and More; The CW Renews Sullivan's Crossing

Actor Hal Williams, who had a recurring role as Officer "Smitty" Smith in Sanford and Son and starred as Lester Jenkins in 227, has died. He died from natural causes at his home in Rancho Mirage, California, on July 15. Mr. Williams was 91.

Williams had a recurring role as Officer "Smitty" Smith in 20 episodes of the 1972-1977 NBC sitcom Sanford and Son. LAPD Officer "Smitty" Smith was partners with Officer "Swanny" Swanhauser (Noam Pitlik, 6 episodes in 1972) and Officer Howard "Hoppy" Hopkins (Howard Platt). Smitty usually served as the straight man to comedic moments of the serious, straight-laced, solemn and humorless Swanny and the somewhat inept, but still by the book and capable officer Hoppy. Williams reprised his role in five episodes of the 1980-1981 NBC sitcom Sanford.

He starred as Lester DeMott in the 1975-1976 ABC sitcom On the Rocks. The series, which was based on the British series Porridge, centers on the inmates of Alamesa Minimum Security prison. The main setting is usually the cell block containing Lester DeMott, Hector Fuentes (Jose Perez), and Nicky Palik (Bobby Sandler). It also starred Rick Hurst, Mel Stewart, Tom Poston, Pat Cranshaw, Jack Grimes, and Logan Ramsey.

Williams starred as Sergeant Ted Ross in the 1981-1983 CBS sitcom Private Benjamin. The series is about a spoiled young socialite named Pvt. Judith "Judy" Benjamin (Lorna Patterson) adjusting to life in the army. He had earlier starred as Drill Sergeant L. C. Ross in the 1980 comedy film Private Benjamin, which was directed by Howard Zieff and starred Goldie Hawn. The series also starred Eileen Brennan, Ann Ryerson (1981-1982), Joan Roberts (1981), Joyce Little (1981), Lisa Raggio, Lucy Webb (1981-1982), Francesco Roberts (1981), Damita Jo Freeman, Robert Mandan (1982-1983), Joel Brooks (1982), Wendie Jo Sperber (1982-1983), and Polly Holliday (3 episodes in 1982-1983).

He starred as family patriarch Lester Jenkins in the 1985-1990 NBC sitcom 227. The series, created by C.J. Banks and Bill Boulware, stars Marla Gibbs as Mary Jenkins, a sharp-tongued, inner-city resident gossip and housewife. Her husband Lester Jenkins is the proprietor of a construction company. The series also starred Alaina Reed Hall, Jackée Harry, Regina King, Helen Martin, Kia Goodwin (1985-1986), Curtis Baldwin, Countess Vaughn (1988-1989), Toukie A. Smith (1989-1990), Paul Winfield (1989-1990), Barry Sobel (1989-1990), and Stoney Jackson (1989-1990). Williams, Gibbs and Harry appeared in the 227: The Reboot sketch on A Black Lady Sketch Show in 2019.

Williams starred as Rudy Bryan in the 1993-1994 Fox sitcom The Sinbad Show. The series follows the life of David Bryan (Sinbad), a carefree bachelor who works as a video game designer, who becomes a single parent when he adopts two orphaned children, Zana (Erin Davis) and L.J. Beckley (Willie Norwood), who face several issues which they work through together. Rudy and Louise Bryan (Nancy Wilson) are David's parents. The series also starred T. K. Carter and Salma Hayek (3 episodes as Gloria Contreras).

Some of his sitcom guest appearances included That Girl (3 episodes), The Jimmy Stewart Show, The New Dick Van Dyke Show, Temperatures Rising, Good Times (3 episodes), What's Happening!!, Webster, The Jeffersons (2 episodes), Gimme a Break!, Night Court (1991), Minor Adjustments, Suddenly Susan, Moesha, The First Family, Parks and Recreation, and Mr. Mayor.

He had a recurring role as Harley Foster in seven episodes of The Waltons from 1973 to 1980. Some of his other television guest appearances included Dan August, The Magician, Cannon (3 episodes), Police Woman, Harry O (3 episodes), Gunsmoke, Caribe, Kung Fu (2 episodes in 1973 and 1975), S.W.A.T. (1975), Police Story, Most Wanted, Quincy, M.E. (1977), The White Shadow, Knots Landing (2 episodes), T.J. Hooker, The Dukes of Hazzard, Hill Street Blues, Magnum, P.I. (2 episodes in 1988), L.A. Law, Tales from the Crypt, Moonlight, and Matlock (2 episodes in 2024-2025).

Mr. Williams was a talented and versatile actor. He was funny and memorable as Smitty and Lester Jenkins. We thank him for the laughs and entertainment that he brought us during his career. He will be greatly missed.

We also remember actor Scott Bryce. He had recurring roles as Rick Bonner in The Facts of Life and as Will Forrest in Murphy Brown. He died in New Haven, Connecticut, on July 12 after a battle with esophageal and stomach cancer. Mr. Bryce was 68.

Bryce had a recurring role as Rick Bonner in four episodes of the ninth and final season of the NBC sitcom The Facts of Life in 1988. Rick Bonner is a free-wheeling musician who meets Jo Polniaczek (Nancy McKeon) at a community center and later marries her.

He had a recurring role as Will Forrest in six episodes of the CBS sitcom Murphy Brown from 1990 to 1992. Louisiana lawyer and writer Will Forrest marries his high school classmate Corky Sherwood (Faith Ford). She humorously and cluelessly amends her on-air surname to "Corky Sherwood-Forest".

Some of his other sitcom guest appearances included The Golden Girls, Who's the Boss?, Walter & Emily, Dear John, Hope & Gloria, Chicago Sons (2 episodes), Boston Common, Spin City, Sex and the City, Reba, Whoopi (2 episodes), and 30 Rock (2 episodes).

Bryce starred as Mike McQueen, Brooke's (Leslie Bibb) father who becomes engaged to Sam's (Carly Pope) mother, in the 1999-2001 The WB teen comedy-drama Popular. He starred as Scott Sterling in the short-lived 1992 CBS prime time soap opera 2000 Malibu Road.

Some of his other television guest appearances included Sons and Daughters (1991), The 100 Lives of Black Jack Savage, Reasonable Doubts, The Commmish, L.A. Law (4 episodes), Matlock (1993), Homicide: Life on the Street, Diagnosis: Murder, Law & Order (4 episodes), Dellaventura, Early Edition, L.A. Doctors, Pacific Blue, V.I.P. (2 episodes), Judging Amy, ER, Glory Days, Push, Nevada (2002), Gossip Girl, Homeland (2 episodes), Person of Interest, Deception (5 episodes), Blue Bloods (2 episodes), The Good Fight (3 episodes), Chicago P.D., Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (2 episodes), FBI, Beacon Hill (6 episodes), and The Blacklist.

Bryce was perhaps best known for his portrayal of Craig Montgomery on the CBS soap opera As the World Turns from 1982–1991, 1993–1994, and 2007–2008. He appeared as Dr. Crosby in six episodes of ABC's One Life to Live in 2006.

Mr. Bryce was twice nominated for Daytime Emmys in 1986 and 1987 for his work on As the World Turns. We thank him for his work on television. He will be sorely missed.

Actor Josh Grisetti starred as Louis Plunk in The Knights of Prosperity. He died by suicide on July 10. Mr. Grisetti was only 44.

Grisetti's first television starring role was as Louis Plunk in the the short-lived 2007 ABC sitcom The Knights of Prosperity. The series follows a group of misfits – the titular Knights – who attempt to rob various celebrities, the first being Mick Jagger (Jagger was also credited as one of the executive producers, along with the creators and David Letterman). It also starred Donal Logue, Sofia Vergara, Lenny Venito, Maz Jobrani, and Kevin Michael Richardson.

He had a recurring role as Ralph, a staff writer at The Gordon Ford Show, in eight episodes of the final season of the Amazon Prime Video period comedy-drama The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. He guest starred in a 2012 episode of Nurse Jackie and a 2021 episode of The Good Fight.

Mr. Grisetti was known for his work on Broadway and Off-Broadway. He won one of two Clarence Derwent Awards for "Most Promising Male Actor" in 2015 for his work in It Shoulda Been You. We thank him for his acting work. He will be greatly missed.

Hong Kong actress Wai Ching Ho had a recurring role as Le-Wei in Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens. She died on July 10 of complications from a stroke. She was 82.

She guest starred as Big Auntie in two episodes of the ABC sitcom Fresh Off the Boat in 2016 and 2018. She had a recurring role as Le-Wei in five episodes of the 2020-2023 Comedy Central sitcom Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens. In 2023, she guest starred Mei-Mei in a 2023 episode of Only Murders in the Building. Some of her other sitcom guest appearances included Flight of the Conchords and The Jim Gaffigan Show.

Some of her other television guest appearances included One Life to Live (7 episodes), Law & Order (4 episodes), Swans Crossing (2 episodes), Dellaventura, Wonderland, Deadline, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (2 episodes), Law & Order: Criminal Intent (2 episodes), Queens Supreme, New Amsterdam, The Good Cop, and Law & Order: Organized Crime. She was best known for her role as Madame Gao in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, appearing in Daredevil (2015–2016), Iron Fist and The Defenders (both 2017).

We thank her for her work on television. She will be deeply missed.

Actor Randolph Mantooth starred as John Gage in Emergency! (1972-1977). He starred in the sitcoms Operation Petticoat and Detective School. He died of complications from pneumonia at a hospice facility in Ventura, California, on July 9. Mr. Mantooth was 80.

Mantooth starred as paramedic John Gage in the 1972-1977 NBC action-adventure medical drama Emergency!. The show's ensemble cast stars Randolph Mantooth and Kevin Tighe (as Roy DeSoto) as two rescuers, who work as paramedics and firefighters in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. The duo formed Squad 51, a medical and rescue unit of the Los Angeles County Fire Department, working together with the fictional Rampart General Hospital medical staff (portrayed by Robert Fuller, Julie London and Bobby Troup), and with the firefighter engine company at Station 51.

He starred as Lt. Mike Bender in the second season (1978-1979) of the ABC sitcom Operation Petticoat. Based on the classic 1959 Cary Grant and Tony Curtis film, the show follows the misadventures of the U.S.S. Sea Tiger, a fictional American submarine that reluctantly takes on a group of stranded Army nurses. The second season cast included Melinda Naud, Jim Varney, Don Sparks, Richard Brestoff, Jo Ann Pflug, Fred Kareman, Scott McGinnis, Robert Hogan, Warren Berlinger, and Hilary Thompson.

Mantooth starred as Eddie Dawkins in the short-lived 1979 ABC sitcom Detective School. The series was about an assortment of students who went to night school to learn basic detective skills, but who kept being caught up in real criminal cases and getting themselves and their teacher (an inept private investigator) into trouble. It also starred James Gregory, Douglas Fowley, Melinda Naud, Taylor Negron, LaWanda Page, and Pat Proft.

Some of his television guest appearances included Matt Lincoln, The Bold Ones: The Senator, The Virginian, Alias Smith and Jones, Night Gallery, The Bold Ones: The Lawyers, McCloud, Marcus Welby, M.D. (2 episodes), Adam-12 (2 episodes), Owen Marshall, Counselor at Law (2 episodes), Sierra, Project U.F.O., The Love Boat, Battlestar Galactica, Charlie's Angels, Aloha Paradise, Fantasy Island (1981), Vega$ (2 episodes), Insight, Dallas (1984), Murder, She Wrote (1985), The Fall Guy (3 episodes), L.A. Law, China Beach, MacGyver (1991), Baywatch, JAG, Walker, Texas Ranger (1997), Promised Land, Diagnosis: Murder (2 episodes), Criminal Minds, Ghost Whisperer, and Sons of Anarchy (2 episodes).

He was also known for his work on soap operas. He appeared as Alex Masters in Loving from 1987 to 1995 and The City from 1995 to 1997. He played Harold 'Hal' Todd Munson Jr. in 30 episodes of As the World Turns from 2003 to 2005. In 2007, he appeared as Kirk Harmon in 11 episodes of One Life to Live.

Mr. Mantooth was a talented and versatile actor. He worked in television, documentaries, theater, and film for more than 50 years. We thank him for work on Emergency! and other television series. He will be greatly missed.

Celebrate the lasting legacy of Randolph Mantooth with a special Emergency! marathon honoring the beloved actor whose iconic portrayal of paramedic Johnny Gage inspired generations of first responders. Watch this Sunday (June 19) 9a-3p ET on FETV.

List of episodes, all times Eastern:

9am-S1E1: "Mascot" (OAD: January 22, 1972)
10:10am-S1E10: "Hang-Up" (OAD: April 8, 1972)
11:20am-S3E6: "Snakebite" (OAD: October 27, 1973)
12:30pm-S5E22: "The Nuisance" (OAD: March 6, 1976)
1:45pm-S6E24: "All Night Long" (OAD: May 28, 1977)

Watch Emergency! every night at 9:15pm ET on FETV.

The CW Network announced that hit drama series Sullivan's Crossing from creator Roma Roth and based on the New York Times bestselling book series by Robyn Carr will return for a 10-episode fifth season, set to debut on The CW in 2027. The announcement follows the previously confirmed Season 5 renewal of Sullivan's Crossing by Bell Media’s CTV and Crave, and Fremantle.

Sullivan's Crossing stars Morgan Kohan (When Hope Calls) and Chad Michael Murray (One Tree Hill). In Season 4, Maggie Sullivan (Kohan) finally feels like life at the Crossing is falling into place, having embraced a new direction for her career and renewed her commitment to Cal (Murray). But when Maggie’s ex-husband, Liam (Marcus Rosner), arrives with a shocking revelation, her world is thrown into turmoil once again — leaving Cal questioning whether Maggie can ever truly leave her past behind. The Season 4 finale of Sullivan's Crossing aired Monday, June 22 on The CW.

Posted by Todd -- SitcomsOnline.com at 1:10 PM

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Labels: 227, Emergency, Facts of Life, FETV, Murphy Brown, Obits, Sanford and Son, Sullivan's Crossing, The CW, The Knights of Prosperity

SitcomsOnline Digest: First Look at Scooby-Doo: Origins; Clueless Sequel Series Not Going Forward at Peacock

  Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! This week, we're learning more about the Netflix live-action Scooby-Doo series, learning about a sequel series that won't be going forward, and more. Let's get going!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB

• We're getting our first look at Netflix's upcoming live action series Scooby-Doo: Origins. (Variety)
• The Clueless sequel series that Alicia Silverstone was set to star in will not be going forward at Peacock. (Variety)
• Although it won't be back for a third season since it is one of those series where even strong ratings can't overcome production costs, season 2 of Ted has been very successful. (Deadline)
• If it feels like the Jeopardy! franchise keeps getting bigger and bigger, that's because it does, and now there is going to be a new ESPN Jeopardy!, which will be hosted by Joe Buck and stream on Disney+. (Variety)
• Facts of Life star Mindy Cohn has revealed that she has been diagnosed with cancer for a second time. (Hollywood Reporter)
• COZI TV has acquired Two and a Half Men and Hangin' with Mr. Cooper, and will begin airing both shows very soon. (SitcomsOnline)

Posted by Skees -- SitcomsOnline.com at 1:00 PM

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Labels: Facts of Life, Hangin' with Mr. Cooper, Jeopardy, My Wife and Kids, Scooby Doo, SitcomsOnline Digest, Ted, Two and a Half Men

SitcomsOnline Digest: Scrubs Returns to Big Ratings; New Garfield Series Coming to Paramount+

   Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! This week, we're hearing about Scrubs revival ratings, a new Garfield series, and more. Let's get going!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB

• The revival of Scrubs returned with huge ratings last week, but the question is, will it be sustainable? (Deadline)
• We haven't heard much about Garfield lately, but it looks like a new 2-D animated series featuring the feline is coming to Paramount+. (Deadline)
• A lot of people aren't happy about Paramount and Warner Bros merging, but there is a sign that it may not be a successful merger, as Paramount Skydance debt has been downgraded to junk in light of the announced merger, and it's looking increasingly likely that the combined entity may collapse soon after they're merged. (Variety)
• Despite being successful, Seth MacFarlane says it is unlikely that we'll see a third season of Ted. (TheWrap)
• Jesse Tyler Ferguson is talking about why he didn't want to do a proposed Modern Family spinoff. (Entertainment Weekly)
• He isn't a household name, but writer/producer Bob Rosenfarb, who mostly worked on Who's the Boss? and Step by Step (but also did work for All in the Family, Archie Bunker's Place, The Golden Girls, Cagney & Lacey, St. Elsewhere, and even some animated children's series), has died. (Entertainment Weekly)
• Tichina Arnold has signed a first-look deal with CBS Studios. (Deadline)
• COZI TV is giving Al Bundy his chance to see Hondo, finally. (SitcomsOnline)

Posted by Skees -- SitcomsOnline.com at 1:00 PM

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Labels: Facts of Life, Garfield, Modern Family, Scrubs, SitcomsOnline Digest, Step by Step, Ted, Who's the Boss?

SitcomsOnline Digest: First Look at NBC Comedy Stumble; Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage Showrunner Talks When the Inevitable May Happen

Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! It's a very slow news week this, but we've got a preview for an upcoming NBC comedy and more. Let's get going!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB

• We have our first look at the upcoming NBC comedy Stumble. (Deadline)
• With a title like Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage, you have to wonder if the series will ever get to the second one, and the showrunner is talking about that. (Deadline)
• Abbott Elementary star Lisa Ann Walter is set to do a stand-up special set for Hulu. (Deadline)
• Pop Culture Jeopardy! is coming back for a new season, but now it'll have a new home, on Netflix. (AV Club)
• ABC's comedies are off to a strong start. (SitcomsOnline)

• Catchy Comedy has a love binge tomorrow, with Love, American Style and Bridget Loves Bernie.
• Antenna TV has a Sunday Special of The Facts of Life.
• A new season of Nobody Wants This arrives Thursday on Netflix.

Posted by Skees -- SitcomsOnline.com at 1:00 PM

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Labels: Abbott Elementary, Bridget Loves Bernie, Facts of Life, Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage, Jeopardy, Love American Style, Nobody Wants This, SitcomsOnline Digest, Stumble

Remembering John Lawlor, Michelle Trachtenberg, Lynne Marie Stewart, Alice Hirson, Isaac Ruiz Jr., and Others We Lost in February

Actor John Lawlor, who starred as Leonard Marsh in Phyllis and as Steven Bradley in The Facts of Life, has died. He died in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on February 13. Mr. Lawlor was 83.

Lawlor starred as Leonard Marsh in the second season (1976-1977) of the CBS sitcom Phyllis. Leonard Marsh is a politician who works in the same office as Dan Valenti (Carmine Caridi) and Phyllis Lindstrom (Cloris Leachman). Leonard is sometimes extremely dim, but is able to good look on camera and give a quotable soundbite. Lawlor guest starred as Officer Hale in the first season episode "Crazy Mama". The season two cast included Henry Jones, Jane Rose, Lisa Gerritsen, Judith Lowry, Garn Stephens, Burt Mustin (1976), and Craig Wasson (1977).

He starred as Steven Bradley in the first season (1979-1980) of the NBC sitcom The Facts of Life. Mr. Bradley is Eastland's headmaster. Mr. Bradley was succeeded as headmaster by the seldom-seen Mr. Harris (Kenneth Mars) and then by Mr. Charles Parker (Roger Perry) in the third season until the beginning of the fifth season. The season one cast included Charlotte Rae, Lisa Whelchel, Kim Fields, Jenny O'Hara (1979), Felice Schacter, Julie Piekarski, Julie Anne Haddock, and Molly Ringwald.

Some of his sitcom guest appearances included Alice, Barney Miller, A New Kind of Family, Condo, Newhart, Sledge Hammer!, She's the Sheriff, and Mr. Belvedere.

Lawlor played Walter Talbert in four episodes of The Bold and the Beautiful from 1988 to 1989. He guest starred in four episodes of Knots Landing from 1992 to 1993. Some of his other television guest appearances included The Rockford Files, Ellery Queen, Joe Forrester, Black Sheep Squadron, Here's Boomer, T.J. Hooker, Simon & Simon, Stingray, Highway to Heaven (2 episodes), The New Lassie, L.A. Law, Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, Cold Case, In Plain Sight, Scoundrels (3 episodes), Breaking Bad, Longmire, and Graves. His final credits were as Elmer Knowland in four episodes of the 2017 Netflix western miniseries Godless.

In a 1980s TV commercial for Malt-O-Meal hot cereal, he played a father telling his son's invisible friend that Malt-O-Meal was, "Good stuff, Maynard!" a line which became a popular phrase.

Mr. Lawlor was a solid and dependable chracter actor. We thank him for his work on Phyllis, The Facts of Life, and his other television roles. He will be greatly missed.

Actress Michelle Trachtenberg, who starred as Nona F. Mecklenberg in The Adventures of Pete & Pete, has died. She died on February 26 in her New York City apartment. The primary cause of death was complications of diabetes, which is sometimes a side effect of organ transplantation. Ms. Trachtenberg was only 39.

Trachtenberg made her television debut in her first credited role as Nona F. Mecklenberg in the Nickelodeon sitcom The Adventures of Pete & Pete. She had a recurring role in 14 episodes in seasons two and three (1994-1996). Nona F. Mecklenberg is Little Pete's (Danny Tamberelli) best friend. James "Pop" Mecklenberg (Iggy Pop) is Nona's loving and occasionally overprotective dad. The series also starred Michael Maronna, Hardy Rawls, Judy Grafe, Alison Fanelli, and Toby Huss.

She starred as Maggie Parker in the short-lived 1997 CBS sitcom Meego. The series starred Bronson Pinchot in the title role as an alien masquerading as a human being who, after his spaceship crashlands on Earth, unexpectedly becomes the nanny to a single father's (Ed Begley Jr. as Dr. Edward Parker) three children: Trip (Will Estes, played by Erik von Detten in the pilot), Maggie and Alex Parker (Jonathan Lipnicki). In 1997, she won a Young Artist Award for Best Performance in a TV Comedy Series – Supporting Young Actress for the role.

Trachtenberg's first credited television role was as Elsie Soaperstein in a 1993 episode of Clarissa Explains It All. She guest starred on Dave's World in 1996 and Guys Like Us in 1998.

She starred as Dawn Summers, the younger sister of Buffy Summers (Sarah Michelle Gellar), in The WB and UPN supernatural drama Buffy the Vampire Slayer from 2000 to 2003. Dawn Summers is introduced in season five ("Buffy vs. Dracula"). The role won her another Young Artist Award in 2001 and earned her three Saturn Award nominations.

Trachtenberg had a recurring role as Georgina Sparks in 28 episodes of The CW teen drama Gossip Girl from 2008 to 2012. Georgina Sparks is a troublesome schemer and Serena van der Woodsen's (Blake Lively) former friend. In 2022, she reprised her role as Georgina Sparks in the second season of the HBO revival of Gossip Girl.

She starred as Chloe Payne in the 2009-2010 NBC medical drama Mercy. She played Lily Montgomary in three episodes of All My Children in 1994. Some of her other television credits included Space Cases, Six Feet Under (4 episodes), House, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Love Bites (3 episodes), Weeds (5 episodes as Emma Karlin), Criminal Minds, NCIS: Los Angeles, and Sleepy Hollow (2 episodes).

Trachtenberg's film career began in 1996 with the title role in Harriet the Spy. Some of her other film credits included Inspector Gadget (1999), EuroTrip (2004), Mysterious Skin (2004), Ice Princess (2005), Black Christmas (2006), and 17 Again (2009).

Ms. Trachtenberg was a talented and versatile young actress. She had a lot of success with many roles in her career. We thank her for her work on television and in films. She will be deeply missed.

Actress Lynne Marie Stewart, who had a recurring role as Bonnie Kelly in It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, has died. She died in Los Angeles on February 21 from cancer, which was found near her liver and gallbladder. Ms. Stewart was 78.

Stewart starred as Joy Bellini in the short-lived 1978 CBS sitcom Husbands, Wives & Lovers. Created by Joan Rivers, the series focused on the relationships of five suburban couples living in the San Fernando Valley of Southern California. Joy Bellini is married to Harry Bellini (Eddie Barth), a blue-collar self-made man who owns a fleet of garbage trucks. The series also starred JEsse Welles, Ron Rifkin, Stephen Pearlman, Cynthia Harris, Mark Lonow, Randee Heller, Charles Siebert, and Claudette Nevins.

She had a recurring role as Bonnie Kelly, Charlie Kelly's (Charlie Day) mother, in 18 episodes of the FX/FXX sitcom It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia from 2005 to 2023. Bonnie Kelly is a sweet and timid woman who is attracted to cruel men.

Some of her early sitcom guest appearances included Madame's Place (2 episodes), One Day at a Time, Laverne & Shirley (7 episodes as various chracters), The Duck Factory (1990), The Golden Girls, Empty Nest, Herman's Head, Hope & Gloria, Dream On, Suddenly Susan, Caroline in the City, Alright Already, Almost Perfect, Working, and The Brian Benben Show.

Some of her 2000s and later sitcom guest appearances included Spin City, The Brothers Garcia, Son of the Beach (11 episodes), According to Jim, Arrested Development, Significant Others (2 episodes), Curb Your Enthusiasm, Austin & Ally, Good Luck Charlie, Benched, 2 Broke Girls (2 episodes), Nobodies (2 episodes), and The Cool Kids. She was an audience member (the lady in the frumpy dress with the glasses) in 31 episodes of the comedy show Night Stand with Dick Dietrick from 1995 to 1996.

She provided Shirley's voice in the Saturday morning cartoon Mork & Mindy/Laverne & Shirley/Fonz Hour and Laverne & Shirley in the Army. Some of her other voice credits included The Richie Rich/Scooby-Doo Show, A Pup Named Scooby-Doo, and Life with Louie (6 episodes).

Stewart was widely known for her performance as Miss Yvonne, "the Most Beautiful Woman in Puppet Land", in the 1986-1990 CBS children's series Pee-wee's Playhouse. She originated the role in the 1981 stage show The Pee-wee Herman Show. She continued it in the 2010 Los Angeles stage revival and the Broadway production, which opened in November 2010 at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre.

Ms. Stewart was a funny and memorable actress. She was a familiar face in many sitcoms. We thank her for the laughs and entertainment. She will be sorely missed.

Actress Alice Hirson, who had a recurring role as Lois Morgan in Ellen, has died. She died at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital in Los Angeles on February 14. Ms. Hirson was 95.

Hirson starred as Nana in the short-lived 1992 NBC sitcom Home Fires. Nana is Anne Kramer's (Kate Burton) busybody mother who drove everyone crazy. The series also starred Michael Brandon, Nicole Eggert, Jarrad Paul, Tyagi Schwartz, and Norman Lloyd.

She had a recurring role as Claire Tanner in three episodes of the ABC sitcom Full House in 1987. Granny Tanny is Danny's (Bob Saget) mother. She helped Danny raise the girls in the first few months after the death of Danny's wife, Pam, prior to Jesse and Joey moving into the house. Claire Tanner was later played by Doris Roberts in a 1990 episode.

Hirson had a recurring role as Lois Morgan in 28 episodes of the 1994-1998 ABC sitcom Ellen. Lois is Ellen Inez Morgan's (Ellen DeGeneres) mother. Lois spends much of her time nosing and interfering in Ellen's life. Before Ellen comes out of the closet, Lois is obsessed with finding Ellen a husband.

Some of her sitcom guest appeances included Maude, The Ropers, Barney Miller, Taxi, Foley Square, Dear John, Murphy Brown (3 episodes), and Just Shoot Me!.

She appeared as Marsha Davis in 43 episodes of the NBC soap opera Another World in 1970. She played Eileen Riley Siegel in 59 episodes of the ABC soap opera One Life to Live from 1972 to 1976. In 1982, she appeared as Mrs. Van Gelder in four episodes of General Hospital. She had a recurring role as Mavis Anderson, friend and confidante of Miss Ellie Ewing (Barbara Bel Geddes), in 26 episodes of the CBS prime time soap opera Dallas from 1982 to 1988.

From 1996 to 2006, she appeared in eight episodes of The WB family drama 7th Heaven playing Jenny Jackson, mother of Annie Camden (Catherine Hicks), whose illness and death occurred as the series began in 1996.

Ms. Hirson was funny as Ellen's mother. We thank her for her work as sitcom moms. She will be deeply missed.

Actor Isaac Ruiz Jr., who had a recurring role as Mando in Chico and the Man, has died. He died in his home in Los Angeles on February 10. He was recently diagnosed with terminal acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Mr. Ruiz was 81.

Ruiz had a recurring role as Mando, Chico's friend, in seven episodes of the 1974-1978 NBC sitcom Chico and the Man. The series stars Jack Albertson as Ed Brown (the Man), the cantankerous owner of a run-down garage in an East Los Angeles barrio, and Freddie Prinze (until Prinze's suicide in the third season) as Chico Rodriguez, an upbeat, optimistic young Mexican American who comes in looking for a job.

Some of his other television appearances included Delvecchio, The Rockford Files, Project U.F.O., and Charlie's Angels (1978). He played Tico in the 1978 adventure comedy film Corvette Summer, which starred Mark Hamill and Annie Potts.

Mr. Ruiz originally auditioned for the role of Chico. He lost out to Freddie Prinze, but creator and producer James Komack liked him enough to create a new character for him. We thank him for his work as the lovable Mando on Chico and the Man. He will be greatly missed.

We also remember actor and professional football player Peter "Navy" Tuiasosopo. He had a recurring as Big Bob in New Girl. He died from heart complications in Phoenix, Arizona, on February 10. Mr. Tuiasosopo was 61.

Tuiasosopo co-starred in his first television series with Adam West as the strong-armed detective Al Hamoki in the short-lived 1993 Fox half-hour comedy anthology series Danger Theatre. He appeared in four episodes of the series, which was hosted by Robert Vaughn.

He appeared as Big Bob in three episodes of New Girl from 2013 to 2016. He played Steve in an earlier episode in 2012. Some of his other sitcom credits included Down the Shore (2 episodes), The Jamie Foxx Show, Jenny, Accidentally on Purpose, Mr. Sunshine, Workaholics, Kickin' It, and black-ish.

Tuiasosopo starred as Officer Kaleo in the short-lived 2004 NBC police drama Hawaii. Some of his other television credits included Silk Stalkings, Dragnet (2003), Big Love, Women's Murder Club, Easy Money (6 episodes), The Young and the Restless (7 episodes), NCIS, Mob City, Ray Donovan, Mayans M.C., and Magnum P.I. (2021).

His film debut was as Laikai "The Slender" Manumana in the 1991 sports comedy Necessary Roughness. He is perhaps best known for his portrayal of Edmond Honda in the live action movie Street Fighter (1994)

Mr. Tuiasosopo played football as a center in the National Football League (NFL) for the Los Angeles Rams in 1987. We thank him for his work on television and in films. He will be greatly missed.

Actor Tony Roberts starred as Ted Bolen in the 1984 CBS sitcom The Four Seasons, as Jim Gordon in the 1985 CBS sitcom The Lucie Arnaz Show, and as Sloan Thorn in the 1988 ABC sitcom The Thorns. He died of lung cancer at his Manhattan home on February 7. Mr. Roberts was 85.

Roberts starred as Ted Bolen in the short-lived 1984 CBS sitcom The Four Seasons. The series was based on the 1981 film The Four Seasons, which was written and directed by and starred Alan Alda. It also starred Jack Weston, Marcia Rodd, Barbara Babcock, Allan Arbus, Joanna Kerns, Beatrice Alda, Elizabeth Alda, and Lori Carrell.

He starred as Jim Gordon in the short-lived 1985 CBS The Lucie Arnaz Show. Dr. Jane Lucas (Lucie Arnaz) is a psychologist who answers questions from the public on her radio show ("The Jane Lucas Show") and in a magazine. Jim Gordon is her boss. The series also starred Karen Jablons-Alexander, Lee Bryant, and Todd Waring.

Roberts starred as Sloan Thorn in the short-lived 1988 ABC sitcom The Thorns. The Thorns are a dysfunctional married couple trying to climb their way up the social ladder in New York while dealing with their children and a grandmother moving in. The series also starred Kelly Bishop, Marilyn Cooper, Lori Petty, Mary Louise Wilson, Adam Biesk, Lisa Rieffel, Jesse Tendler, Maureen Stapleton, and Kathryn Marcopulos.

Some of his sitcom guest apparances included Love, American Style (1971), Phyllis, The Love Boat (3 episodes), and Married to the Kellys. Hee starred as Joseph Rosetti in the short-lived 1977 law drama Rosetti and Ryan.

Mr. Roberts was best known for his collaborations with filmmaker Woody Allen, having acted in six of his films, most notably Annie Hall (1977). We thank him for his work on television and in films. He will be sorely missed.

Posted by Todd -- SitcomsOnline.com at 2:00 PM

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Labels: Adventures of Pete and Pete, Chico and the Man, Ellen, Facts of Life, Full House, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Obits, Pee-wee's Playhouse, Phyllis

Antenna TV Closing Out Summer with Back to School and Labor Day Marathons; Colin from Accounts Returns Sept. 26

Antenna TV announced it will air two upcoming full-day marathons on August 11 and September 2 to celebrate back-to-school and Labor Day. Say goodbye to summer with "The Facts of Life Back-to-School Blowout Sale Marathon" starting on Sunday, August 11 at 7 am Eastern. The 12-hour marathon gets you back into the school spirit with Blair, Tootie, Natalie, and Jo. View the promo. This Labor Day, take it easy and relax while the guys from the good old one-two do the heavy lifting. Watch "Labor Day at the Good Ol' 1-2 Barney Miller Marathon” on Monday, September 2 starting at 5 am Eastern. The marathon promo is available.

Paramount+ announced that season two of the critically acclaimed original comedy series Colin from Accounts will premiere on Thursday, September 26, exclusively on Paramount+ in the U.S.. All eight episodes of the new season will be available to stream at launch. Series creators Patrick Brammall and Harriet Dyer are returning to write, executive produce and star in the upcoming season. Season one of the hit series, which is currently available to binge on Paramount+, received widespread acclaim. Colin from Accounts is a romantic comedy about flawed, funny people choosing each other and embracing the all-too-relatable chaos of modern life. After Gordon (Brammall) and Ashley (Dyer) are brought together in season one by a spontaneous nipple flash and the subsequent accident that injured the titular (no pun intended) dog, season two of the hit series opens with Ash and Gordon now living together and trying to get their beloved, special needs dog, Colin, back from his new owners. It’s the first in a series of hurdles for the new couple as they find out more about each other, for better and worse.

Returning for season two is Emma Harvie, Genevieve Hegney, Michael Logo, Helen Thomson, Darren Gilshenan, Annie Maynard, Tai Hara and Glenn Hazeldine along with new cast members Celeste Barber (Wellmania, The Letdown), Virginia Gay (Savage River, Safe Home), Justin Rosniak (The Surfer, Mr Inbetween), John Howard (SeaChange, The Merger), Lynne Porteus (Home and Away, The Commons) and Broden Kelly (Aunty Donna, Irreverent).

Posted by Pavan -- SitcomsOnline.com at 12:00 PM

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Labels: Antenna TV, Barney Miller, Colin from Accounts, Facts of Life, Paramount+

SitcomsOnline Digest: Krapopolis Renewed for Fourth Season; Mindy Cohn Explains Why Facts of Life Revival Won't Happen

Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! This week, we're hearing about the renewal of a Fox animated comedy, why a Facts of Life revival isn't happening, and more. Let's get going!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB

• It seems like it took an eternity for it to ever make it on the air, but at least it wasn't one of those shows that was talked about for years and only lasted a few weeks, as Krapopolis has been renewed for a fourth season. (Deadline)
• A Facts of Life revival isn't happening, because Mindy Cohn says one of the stars that she wouldn't specifically call out (which many have narrowed down to Lisa Whelchel) is being a greedy person (though she didn't say person, and used another word that we'll avoid using here). (Entertainment Weekly)
• We mentioned a few weeks ago that it was coming to some undisclosed streamer, but Homicide: Life on the Street is in fact coming to Peacock next month. (Hollywood Reporter)
• Max's revival of Clone High has been cancelled. (Variety)
• FETV has acquired the rights to Dragnet. (SitcomsOnline)

WEEKLY PLANNER (JULY 27 - AUGUST 2)

• Catchy Comedy has a binge of The Carol Burnett Show this weekend.
• It's Bugs Bunny's 84th birthday, and MeTV Toons is celebrating with a marathon today.
• The new season of Futurama debuts Monday on Hulu.
• There is now a 24/7 Nash Bridges channel on Pluto TV.

Posted by Skees -- SitcomsOnline.com at 1:00 PM

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Labels: Carol Burnett Show, Clone High, Dragnet, Facts of Life, Homicide: Life on the Street, Krapopolis, Max, Nash Bridges, Peacock, SitcomsOnline Digest

Laff Acquires Matthew Perry and Will Arnett Sitcoms; Lisa Whelchel Returns for MeTV Series

Laff has acquired two recent sitcoms. The Odd Couple revival starring Matthew Perry and The Millers starring Will Arnett will air Monday-Saturday starting today (March 4). Both sitcoms will air back-to-back in the 11AM hour. The Odd Couple aired for three seasons on CBS from 2015-17 and starred Matthew Perry as endearing slob Oscar Madison and Thomas Lennon as uptight neat freak Felix Unger, two former college buddies who become unlikely roommates after the demise of their marriages. It's not long after Oscar lets Felix move in that Oscar fears he's made a monumental mistake. However, despite how exasperated they make each other, these mismatched friends agree they can help each other move on from their divorces and somehow make this crazy living arrangement work. The Millers aired for two seasons on CBS from 2013-15 and starred Will Arnett as Nathan Miller, a recently divorced local roving news reporter looking forward to living the singles' life until his parents' marital problems unexpectedly derail his plans.

MeTV's Collector's Call is back this April for Season 5. Since its premiere, we've watched Lisa Whelchel visit collectors with treasure troves of memorabilia from KISS, Barbie, Doctor Who, spy gadgets, and more. Now with a brand-new fifth season, Lisa is back to explore more incredible collections — and offer them a tempting trade! Lisa Whelchel, fondly remembered for her role as Blair on The Facts of Life, returns as the host for the fifth season, which arrives on MeTV on Sunday, April 7 at 6:30P | 5:30C! In each half-hour episode, Lisa will go into the home of a collector with an expert appraiser, exploring the treasures each collector has gathered over the years and hearing the stories behind them. Each episode, our collector will be offered a trade between a beloved item of their collection and a brand-new coveted trophy. Will they make the trade? It's the collector's call! This season Collector's Call celebrates their milestone hundredth episode and dives into collections celebrating Weird Al, Pearl Jam, pizza, Survivor, and more.

Posted by Pavan -- SitcomsOnline.com at 10:00 AM

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Labels: Collector's Call, Facts of Life, LAFF, ME-TV, Odd Couple, The Millers