SitcomsOnline.com News Blog

SitcomsOnline Digest: Fox Agrees to Purchase Roku; Mickey Mouse Set to Star in Home Alone Remake

Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! This week, we're hearing of another media merger, (unfortunately) more deaths of classic TV icons we all love, and more. Let's get going!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB

• The media mergers just never end, and now Fox says it is buying Roku. (NPR)
• Disney is bringing us some more "synergy" from their acquisition of 20th Century Fox, as they're preparing for a Home Alone redo of sorts starring Mickey Mouse. (Deadline)
• Iconic director James Burrows, who worked on TV series from The Mary Tyler Moore Show all the way up through the recent Netflix series Mid-Century Modern, has died at 85. (Variety)
• Anne Schedeen, known for her role of playing Kate Tanner on ALF, has died at 77. (People)
• We've got details on Jimmy Kimmel's summer guest hosts. (SitcomsOnline)

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

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Labels: ALF, Fox, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Mary Tyler Moore Show, Mid-Century Modern, Not Suitable for Work, Roku, SitcomsOnline Digest, The Bear

Dancing with the Stars Surging in Viewership, Especially Among Younger Viewers; Remembering Kimberly Hébert Gregory of Vice Principals

ABC's formidable Tuesday lineup notched another win this week with both Dancing with the Stars and High Potential continuing their upward trend. The shows' strong performances in week three pushed ABC to a resounding win for the night in entertainment among both Total Viewers (5.30 million) and Adults 18-49 (0.92 rating), with the network leading second place NBC by double digits in Total Viewers (+59% - 5.30 million vs. 3.33 million) and triple digits among Adults 18-49 (+197% - 0.92 rating vs. 0.31 rating).

Dancing with the Stars Season 34 continued to dazzle audiences this week with the show earning 5.82 million Total Viewers and a 1.22 rating among Adults 18-49, hitting a season high in both measures and dominating the 8-10 p.m. time period. In a record-setting turn of events, Dancing with the Stars rose for the second straight week since its season premiere for the first time in 20 years - since the show's first three weeks on air in June 2005. In addition, demonstrating strong interest in the show's festive TikTok night, Dancing with the Stars turned in the show's strongest performance among Adults 18-34 (1.38 rating) in over eight years (since 5/22/17). Dancing with the Stars earned the best Adults 18-34 rating for any entertainment series telecast in over four years (since 8/9/21 with The Bachelorette, excluding post-NFL telecasts), and scored the top entertainment telecast in the younger Adult demographic on any network since this year's Oscars(R) telecast (3/2/25), outperforming marquee live events including CBS' Golden Globe Awards (1.25 rating on 1/5/25), NBC's SNL50: The Anniversary Special (1.29 rating on 2/16/25) and CBS' MTV Video Music Awards (0.88 rating on 9/7/25).

Dancing with the Stars was the No. 1 most social television program across broadcast and cable, earning 2.7 million total social interactions and rising by double digits over last week's episode (+32% vs. 2.1 million). Continuing to break records yet again, fan voting jumped week to week, reaching a new high of 39 million votes cast (+11% vs. 35 million votes cast on 9/23).

Actress Kimberly Hébert Gregory, who starred as Dr. Belinda Brown in the HBO comedy series Vice Principals, has died. She died on October 3. Ms. Hébert Gregory was 52.

Hébert Gregory began her career in theatre before her breakthrough role as Dr. Belinda Brown in the 2016-2017 HBO dark comedy series Vice Principals. The series was created by Danny McBride and Jody Hill. At North Jackson High School, ill-tempered and dogmatic vice principal Neal Gamby (Danny McBride) has ambitions of becoming the principal. However, when the current principal steps down, he reveals that he trusts neither Neal nor his scheming and seemingly sociopathic co-vice principal Lee Russell (Walton Goggins) and instead hires outsider Dr. Belinda Brown. The cast included Georgia King, Sheaun McKinney, Busy Philipps, Shea Whigham, and Dale Dickey (season 2).

She voiced Nicole Williams in the 2018-2025 Cartoon Network animated sitcom Craig of the Creek. The series focuses on a trio of kids, collectively referred to as the "Stump Kids," led by Craig Williams (voiced by Philip Solomon), a young boy who wants to explore and map the wide and mysterious creek located in the fictional suburban town of Herkleton, Maryland. Nicole Williams is Craig's loving mother who works as a school counselor and cares deeply for her children. She also appeared in the 2023-2024 spinoff Jessica's Big Little World and the 2023 prequel film Craig Before the Creek.

Some of her sitcom and comedy guest appearances included Two and a Half Men, I Didn't Do It, The Big Bang Theory, The Soul Man, Baby Daddy, Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2 episodes), The Guest Book, Splitting Up Together, Dollface, Medical Police (3 episodes), Future Man (3 episodes as Mathers), No Activity (voice of Fuller in 4 episodes), and Barry.

Hébert Gregory starred as Yvette in the 2017-2018 ABC fantasy comedy-drama Kevin (Probably) Saves the World. Kevin Finn (Jason Ritter), a down-on-his-luck man who survived a suicide attempt, is tasked by God to save the world. He's guided by Yvette.

She had a recurring role as Lucinda Miller in five episodes the Lifetime comedy-drama Devious Maids in 2014. Some of her other television guest appearances included The Black Donnellys, Gossip Girl, New Amsterdam (2008), Law & Order, Private Practice, Shameless, Grey's Anatomy, Better Call Saul (2 episodes), The Act, The Chi (2 episodes), and All Rise.

Ms. Hébert Gregory was a talented and versatile actress. She was great on Vice Principals and Kevin (Probably) Saves the World. We thank her for her work on television. She will be deeply missed.

We also remember television and film writer and producer Ron Friedman. He wrote episodes for many sitcoms in the 1960s and 1970s. He died from cardiopulmonary arrest in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, on September 15. Mr. Friedman was 93.

Friedman's sitcom writing credits included My Favorite Martian, Get Smart (2 episodes), Love on a Rooftop, Gilligan's Island (3 episodes), The Andy Griffith Show (2 episodes), Bewitched (3 episodes), The Good Guys (1969), I Dream of Jeannie (3 episodes), The Ghost & Mrs. Muir (2 episodes), The Partridge Family (3 episodes), Getting Together (2 episodes), The Good Life (2 episodes), Bridget Loves Bernie, The Odd Couple (7 episodes), Love, American Style (4 episodes), All in the Family, Barney Miller, Happy Days, That's My Mama (4 episodes), Chico and the Man (10 episodes), and The New WKRP in Cincinnati (4 episodes).

Some of his televison drama writing credits included Charlie's Angels, Vega$, Starsky & Hutch (8 episodes), The Dukes of Hazzard, B.J. and the Bear, Fantasy Island (32 episodes), and The Fall Guy (6 episodes).

He created the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero animated series and co-wrote G.I. Joe: The Movie as well in 1987. He developed the Generation 1 Transformers animated series, with him re-writing over 64 episodes. He co-wrote The Transformers: The Movie (1986), which had two initial drafts. In 1987, he created Bionic Six. He also worked with Stan Lee to create The Marvel Action Hour with Fantastic Four: The Animated Series and Iron Man: The Animated Series.

He was interviewed for The Interviews: An Oral History of Television in 2016.

Mr. Friedman wrote over 700 hours of episodes for many television series during his career, which spanned from 1963 to 1995. In 1966, he was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for his written work on The Danny Kaye Show. We thank him for his work on sitcoms, dramas and animated series. He will be greatly missed.

Hall of Fame musician and songwriter Sonny Curtis wrote and performed the theme song of The Mary Tyler Moore Show. He died from pneumonia at a hospital in Nashville, Tennessee, on September 19. Mr. Curtis was 88.

Curtis wrote and performed The Mary Tyler Moore Show's opening theme song, "Love Is All Around", which aired on CBS from 1970 to 1977. The lyrics changed between the first and second seasons, in part to reflect Mary Richards (Mary Tyler Moore) having become settled in her new home. The later lyrics, which accompanied many more episodes at a time when the show's popularity was at a peak, are more widely known, and most covers of the song use these words. The song has been covered by artists such as Ray Conniff, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Christie Front Drive, Sammy Davis Jr., and Twin Cities-based Hüsker Dü (the latter also reproduced several scenes of the opening on location for their music video).

A different instrumental version of the song was later used for the opening of Moore's 1979 CBS sitcom-variety series The Mary Tyler Moore Hour. He composed the opening instrumental theme for the first season (1990-1991) of the CBS sitcom Evening Shade.

He was known for his collaborations with Buddy Holly. He was a member of The Crickets and continued with the band after Holly's death in 1959. His best known compositions include "Walk Right Back", a major hit in 1961 for the Everly Brothers; "I Fought the Law", notably covered by the Bobby Fuller Four, the Clash, and Green Day; "More Than I Can Say", co-written with The Crickets' drummer Jerry Allison and a hit for Leo Sayer in 1980, and "I'm No Stranger to the Rain", a #1 Country hit for Keith Whitley in 1989.

Mr. Curtis was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012. He died on the 55th Anniversary of the debut of The Mary Tyler Moore Show. In 2010, TV Guide ranked the show's opening title sequence No. 3 on a list of TV's Top Ten credit sequences, as selected by readers. We thank him for the memorable and iconic theme song. He will be sorely missed.

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

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Labels: ABC, Dancing with the Stars, Mary Tyler Moore Show, Obits, Vice Principals

SitcomsOnline Digest: The Paper to Get Linear Run on NBC; Saturday Night Live Announces New Hosts

Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! It's another busy news week, though much of the news is focused on a single late night show that has been the attention of almost all news for the past few days (for which we've only included one story about), but we have other highlights as well. Let's get going!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB

• We mentioned a while back that it might happen, and now it is confirmed that The Paper will get a linear broadcast run on NBC. (Hollywood Reporter)
• We've learned who the first few hosts of Saturday Night Live will be in the new season. (Variety)
• South Park, which took a two year break before returning and airing on an every other week schedule, skipped a new episode this past week because they missed the production deadline. (Variety)
• A revival of The Muppet Show (just a one time special for now) is headed to Disney+. (Variety)
• It was on September 17, 2001 that Bill Maher made comments on his ABC talk show Politically Incorrect that led to the end of his career at ABC, and he is reflecting on that as ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live exactly 24 years later for similar reasons. (Deadline)
• A launch date has been announced for WEST, the new digital TV network focused on classic TV westerns. (Deadline)
• Please Don't Eat the Daisies star Pat Crowley has died at age 91. (People)
• The Munsters is coming to FETV. (SitcomsOnline)

• The new fall season starts to kick into full gear as fall actually begins on Monday, with many season premieres, but most of them are game shows (The Price is Right, Let's Make a Deal, Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, and The Floor, among others). 
• The Mary Tyler Moore Show debuts on UPtv on Monday.
• Catchy Comedy has a "Sally Field Day" binge tomorrow with The Girl with Something Extra and Gidget.

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

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Labels: Gidget, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Mary Tyler Moore Show, Saturday Night Live, SitcomsOnline Digest, South Park, The Girl with Something Extra, The Munsters, The Muppet Show, The Paper

UPtv Acquires The Mary Tyler Moore Show; Camp Rock 3 Coming Soon to Disney

Get ready for Mary Tyler Moore-nings on UPtv! Start your day with this witty sitcom featuring the loveable cast of The Mary Tyler Moore Show starting Monday, September 22, 2025 at 10am ET. The classic '70s sitcom will air weekdays from 10am-12pm.

The Mary Tyler Moore Show centers on Mary Richards (Mary Tyler Moore), a 30-year-old single woman who moves to Minneapolis to start a new life after a romantic break-up. There she re-acquaints with Phyllis (Cloris Leachman), who rents her a room, and meets her upstairs neighbor, Rhoda (Valerie Harper), who becomes her best friend. Mary unexpectedly lands a job as associate producer at the TV station WJM, where she works alongside her bristly boss, Lou (Ed Asner); the comical newswriter, Murray (Gavin MacLeod); and the newscast’s often-incompetent anchor, Ted (Ted Knight). Later seasons saw the addition of sharp-tongued Sue Ann (Betty White) to the newsroom, and the eventual departure of Leachman and Harper to their own individual spin-off series. The show cultivated its comedy from workplace relationships, family issues, and the characters’ quirky personality traits.

IT'S ON! Today, Disney Branded Television confirmed that Camp Rock 3 has been greenlit for Disney+ and Disney Channel. Joe, Nick and Kevin Jonas will return to their iconic roles. Demi Lovato and Joe, Nick and Kevin Jonas will executive produce the highly anticipated Disney Channel Original Movie. The movie began filming this week in Vancouver.

A new cast of stars on the rise joins the movie, including Liamani Segura (Descendants: Wicked Wonderland) as Sage, Malachi Barton (ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires) as Fletch, Lumi Pollack (Electric Bloom) as Rosie, newcomer Hudson Stone as Desi, Casey Trotter (The Thundermans) as Cliff, Brooklynn Pitts as Callie and Ava Jean as Madison.

Joe Jonas will reprise his role as Shane Gray, Nick as Nate Gray and Kevin as Jason Gray, guest starring as the members of the band Connect 3. Also returning is Maria Canals-Barrera (Wizards of Waverly Place) as Connie. Sherry Cola (Joyride) joins the franchise as Lark.

The story picks up when Connect 3 lose their opening act for a major reunion tour, returning to their beloved Camp Rock to discover the next big thing. As campers vie for the chance to open for their favorite band, tensions rise and friendships are tested, leading to unexpected alliances, revelations and romances. ​Camp Rock’s all-new campers include bold and determined Sage (Segura) and her easygoing brother Desi (Stone), cello prodigy Rosie (Pollack), drummer with his own beat Cliff (Trotter), choreo queen Callie (Pitts), intimidating influencer Madison (Jean) and camp bad boy Fletch (Barton).

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

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Labels: Disney Channel, Mary Tyler Moore Show, UP

Catchy Comedy Acquires Hot in Cleveland; Netflix's Animated Comedy Strip Law Premieres in 2026

Hot in Cleveland repeats are coming to Catchy Comedy. The sitcom -- which starred Valerie Bertinelli, Jane Leeves, Wendie Malick, and Betty White -- will air weeknights from 9-10 PM ET starting on Monday, September 1.

In the series, the Paris-bound plane of three best friends from Los Angeles makes an emergency landing in Cleveland. They decide to stay and lease a home where sassy caretaker Elka (Betty White) resides in the guest house.

But ahead of the show's new weeknight launch, Catchy will air a binge of Hot in Cleveland from 12pm-12am and special episodes of The Mary Tyler Moore Show highlighting White's character Sue Ann Nivens on Sunday, August 31 beginning at 6am and again at 12am.

Netflix announced a new adult animated comedy series, Strip Law from Cullen Crawford, Underground and Titmouse Inc. The 10 episode series will be released on Netflix on February 20, 2026. Uptight lawyer Lincoln Gumb is too boring to win cases in Vegas until he teams up with local magician/hedonist Sheila Flambé to bring some flash and pizzazz to the stupidest cases the city can throw at them.

Starring the voices of Adam Scott (Severance), Janelle James (Abbot Elementary), Stephen Root (Barry, Office Space, King of the Hill), Shannon Gisela (M.I.A., Chasers) and Keith David (Platoon, There's Something About Mary, They Live).

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

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Labels: Catchy Comedy, Hot in Cleveland, Mary Tyler Moore Show, Netflix, Strip Law

Antenna TV Pays Tribute to Linda Lavin with Alice Marathon; Catchy Comedy Recreates Classic CBS Saturday Night Lineup from the 1970s

Antenna TV is honoring the life, laughter and love of Linda Lavin with a full day of Alice. Join them on January 4 at 10AE | 7AP as they remember Linda Lavin. Alice airs weekdays at 2A ET / 11P PT and Saturdays at 6P ET / 3P PT.

10:00 AM - "Alice Gets a Pass"
10:30 AM - "Pay the Fifty Dollars"
11:00 AM - "The Odd Couple"
11:30 AM - "Mel's Happy Burger"
12:00 PM - "The Bundle"
12:30 PM - "Alice "Alice by Moonlight"
1:00 PM - "Alice "The Second Time 'Round"
1:30 PM - "That Old Black Magic"
2:00 PM - "The Bus"
2:30 PM - "Take Him, He's Yours"
3:00 PM - "Car Wars"
3:30 PM - "Block Those Kicks"
4:00 PM - "The Happy Hoofers"
4:30 PM - "Alice's Decision"
5:00 PM - "The Principal of the Thing"
5:30 PM - "Mona Lisa Alice"
6:00 PM - "Alice in TV Land"
6:30 PM - "Alice Beats the Clock"
7:00 PM - "Alice Strikes Up the Band"
7:30 PM - "Alice Locks Belle Out"
8:00 PM - "Alice's Big Four-Oh!"
8:30 PM - "Alice Calls the Shots"
9:00 PM - "Alice and the Acorns"
9:30 PM - "Alice at the Palace"
10:00 PM - "Alice Doesn't Work Here Anymore"
10:30 PM - "Alice Doesn't Work Here Anymore"

Starting in January, Catchy Comedy is reducing the weekend Binge to just Sundays.

Here's the new Saturday schedule starting on January 4: (All times Eastern)

6A-8A: Full House
8A-9A: Family Affair
9A-11A: E/I programming
11A-1P: Full House
1P-3P: The Brady Bunch
3P-5P: My Three Sons
5P-6P: The Lucy Show
6P-7P: The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour
7P-8P: I Love Lucy

From 8P-11P they're recreating the classic CBS Saturday night lineup from the 1970s:

8P: All in the Family
8:30: M*A*S*H
9P: The Mary Tyler Moore Show
9:30P: The Bob Newhart Show
10p: The Carol Burnett Show

11P-12A: Get Smart
12A-1A: Sledge Hammer!
1A: Police Squad!
1:30: When Things Were Rotten
2A-4A: Newhart
4A-5A: The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis
5A-6A: Car 54, Where Are You?

Here are the first few Binges of January:

1/5: Night Court
1/12: Bosom Buddies

Discuss the Catchy Comedy changes and view more upcoming Binges.

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

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Labels: Alice, All in the Family, Antenna TV, Bob Newhart Show, Catchy Comedy, M*A*S*H, Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Carol Burnett Show

SitcomsOnline Digest: Cable Networks No Longer a Priority for Paramount; Paramount+ Removes Vintage Nickelodeon Series

Welcome to SitcomsOnline Digest! We're in the middle of our second slow news week, but we have some news about cable networks no longer being a priority, more streaming service removals, and more. Let's get going!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB

• As cable networks have been dying a slow death, it has been long assumed that the networks that have been around since cable began are still strong and a priority, but this week we learned that Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, and BET are no longer a priority for Paramount, and that there is a good chance they'll be sold off. (AV Club)
• Meanwhile, although they're saying cable is not a priority, Paramount+ has proved that cord cutting works both way, as this week they've removed several vintage Nickelodeon series (including Doug) from the service. (Cord Cutters News)
• It's a bit peculiar that it took is so long to get the first look at it (maybe an acknowledgment that TV executives don't think as much about broadcast TV anymore?), but we have our first look at Fox's new sitcom Going Dutch, which debuts next week. (SitcomsOnline)
• Warner Home Video hasn't totally given up on DVD, as they have The Wayans Bros. - The Complete Series coming to DVD in February. (SitcomsOnline)

WEEKLY PLANNER (DECEMBER 28 - JANUARY 3)

• The Catchy Comedy Binge this weekend (which, we should point out, this is the last weekend that their binge will air on Saturday and Sunday, as they will be Sunday only starting next weekend and Saturday will be regular programming with a few short-lived series mixed in.
• The new comedy Going Dutch debuts Thursday on Fox.
• MTV changes their lineup a bit starting Wednesday, with reruns of Friends and The Big Bang Theory, and significantly reduced (but still several hours a day) airings of Ridiculousness.
• There will be plenty of New Year's marathons, but of course, Twilight Zone is the one that we all think of, and both H&I and Syfy will have those.

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

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Labels: BET, Comedy Central, Doug, Friends, Going Dutch, Mary Tyler Moore Show, MTV, Nickelodeon, SitcomsOnline Digest, The Big Bang Theory, Twilight Zone, Wayans Bros

The Franchise Launches Sunday on HBO; Remembering John Amos of Good Times

HBO has released the official trailer for the original comedy series The Franchise. The eight-episode season debuts Sunday, October 6 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and will be available to stream on Max, followed by one new episode weekly through Sunday, November 24. A hopeful crew finds themselves trapped inside the dysfunctional, nonsensical, joyous hellscape of franchise superhero moviemaking. Starring Himesh Patel as Daniel, Aya Cash as Anita, Jessica Hynes as Steph, Billy Magnussen as Adam, Lolly Adefope as Dag, Darren Goldstein as Pat, and Isaac Powell as Bryson. Recurring guest stars include Richard E. Grant as Peter and Daniel Brühl as Eric.

Actor John Amos, who starred as James Evans Sr. in Good Times, has died. He died of congestive heart failure at Centinela Hospital Medical Center in Inglewood, California, on August 21. Mr. Amos was 84.

Amos's first major TV role was as Gordon "Gordy" Howard in 13 episodes of the CBS sitcom The Mary Tyler Moore Show from 1970 to 1977. Gordy is the weatherman on the nightly WJM-TV newscast. In 1973, Gordy leaves WJM, and eventually lands a job as host of a New York City talk show.

He appeared as Henry Evans, Florida's (Esther Rolle) husband in three episodes of the CBS sitcom Maude from 1973 to 1974. In the second season episode titled "Florida's Goodbye", Henry gets a promotion at his job, and Florida quits to become a full-time housewife.

Amos starred as James Evans Sr., the husband of Florida Evans, in the CBS sitcom Good Times from 1974 to 1976. Florida and James Evans and their three children live at 721 North Gilbert Avenue, apartment 17C, in a public housing project in a poor, black neighborhood in inner-city Chicago. Throughout seasons two and three, Rolle and Amos grew increasingly disillusioned with the direction of the show and especially with J.J.'s tomfoolery and stereotypically buffoonish behavior. Amos was fired after season three due to disagreements with Norman Lear and the writing staff, which, according to Amos, were often confrontational and heated. The cast for the first three seasons included Jimmie Walker, Ja'Net DuBois, Ralph Carter and Bern Nadette Stanis.

He starred as Ernie Cumberbatch in the short-lived 1994 CBS sitcom 704 Hauser, which was created by Norman Lear. The series is built around the concept of a black family, the Cumberbatch Family, moving into the former Queens home of Archie Bunker after Bunker had sold the house located at 704 Hauser Street. It also starred Lynnie Godfrey, T.E. Russell and Maura Tierney.

Amos starred as Joe Anderson in the 2003-2004 The WB sitcom All About the Andersons. Anthony Anderson is a single father and struggling actor who moves back into his parents' house only to find that his room has been rented out to a nursing student. The series also starred Damani Roberts, Roz Ryan, Aimee Garcia and Lou Meyers (2003).

He had a recurring role as Coach Sam Wilson in 12 episodes of the NBC/UPN sitcom In the House from 1995 to 1997. Some of his sitcom guest appearances included The Bill Cosby Show, Love, American Style (2 episodes), The New Dick Van Dyke Show, Sanford and Son, The Love Boat, The Cosby Show, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (3 episodes as Fred Wilkes), Martin, King of the Hill (voice), My Name Is Earl, Two and a Half Men (3 episodes as Ed), 30 Rock, The Ranch (4 episodes as Ed Bishop), Ballers (2 episodes), The Last O.G., The Righteous Gemstones. He appeared as Fred Davis in the Good Times episode of Live in Front of a Studio Audience in 2019.

Amos starred as Officer Bill Bundy in the short-lived 1976-1977 ABC crime drama science fiction series Future Cop. In 1977, he starred as the adult Kunta Kinte in the ABC miniseries Roots. He received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor for a Single Appearance in a Drama or Comedy Series for the role. He starred as Captain Dolan in the first season of Hunter. He had a recurring role as Mayor Ethan Baker in the first season (2000-2001) of police crime drama The District. He starred as Buzz Washington in the 2006-2008 ABC romantic comedy-drama Men in Trees. He had a recurring role as Admiral Percy Fitzwallace in 22 episodes of The West Wing from 1999 to 2004.

Some of his other television guest appearances included Police Story, Here's Boomer, The A-Team, Hardcastle and McCormick, Trapper John, M.D. (1984), Murder, She Wrote (1987), Beauty and the Beast (1988), Touched by an Angel, Walker, Texas Ranger (1997), The Outer Limits (2000), Psych, Royal Pains, Lie to Me and NYC 22.

He starred as Cleo McDowell in Coming to America (1988) and Coming to America 2 (2021). Some of his other film credits included The Beastmaster (1982), American Flyers (1985), Lock Up (1989), Die Hard 2 (1990) and Ricochet (1991).

He was interviewed for The Interviews: An Oral History of Television on December 2, 2014.

Mr. Amos was a talented and versatile actor. He was very funny playing James Evans Sr., who was one of TV's most memorable dads. We thank him for the many laughs and entertainment he brought us during his career. He will be greatly missed.

Great Entertainment Television will honor the late John Amos this weekend, October 5 and 6, with marathons of Good Times from 10a-1p.

We also remember actor John Ashton. He starred as Roy in Breaking Away. He died from cancer on September 26 in Fort Collins, Colorado. Mr. Ashton was 76.

Ashton starred as Roy, Mike's older brother, in the 1979 American coming of age comedy-drama film Breaking Away. He reprised the role in the short-lived 1980-1981 ABC comedy-drama, which was based on the film. The series starred Shaun Cassidy, Vincent Gardenia, Barbara Barrie, Jackie Earle Haley, Thom Bray and Tom Wiggin.

Some of his sitcom guest appearances included Phyllis, M*A*S*H, Carter Country, Police Squad!, Brothers and King of the Hill (voice).

He had a recurring role as Willie Joe Garr in six episodes of Dallas from 1978 to 1979. He starred as Charlie "C.B." Battles in the 1989-1990 NBC crime drama Hardball.

Some of his other television guest appearances included Kojak, Emergency!, Columbo, Police Story, Barnaby Jones, Police Woman, Starsky & Hutch, The A-Team, The Twilight Zone (1985), Hardcastle and McCormick, JAG, Fantasy Island (1999), Judging Amy, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Fairly Legal and The Finder.

Ashton starred as Detective Sergeant John Taggart in the first two installments of the Beverly Hills Cop series, alongside Eddie Murphy and Judge Reinhold. He appeared as Chief John Taggart in Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F (2024). Some of his other film credits included Some Kind of Wonderful (1987), She's Having a Baby (1988), Midnight Run (1989), Little Big League (1994) and Trouble in Paradise (1984).

Actor James Earl Jones was known for his voice role as Darth Vader in the Star Wars franchise and as Mufasa in The Lion King. He died at his home in Pawling, New York, on September 9. Mr. Jones was 93.

During season one of 3rd Rock from the Sun, he provided a voice introduction describing the crew. He guest starred as Norman Royster in a 1997 episode of Frasier. He voiced various characters for three episodes of The Simpsons in 1990, 1994 and 1998. He appeared as himself in a 2003 episode of Will & Grace. He provided the voice of Royal Flush XP Toilet for a 2004 episode of According to Jim. He appeared as himself in Two and a Half Men in 2008 and The Big Bang Theory in 2014.

Jones starred as Detective Capt. Woodrow "Woody" Paris in the 1979-1980 CBS police drama Paris. He starred as Lou Garfield in the short-lived 1985 ABC detective comedy/drama Me and Mom. He starred as Gabriel Bird in the 1990-1991 ABC crime drama Gabriel's Fire. He won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 1991 for the role. He played Gabriel Bird in the 1991-1992 ABC crime drama Pros and Cons. He starred as Neb Langston in the short-lived 1995 CBS drama Under One Roof.

Some of his other notable films included The Man (1972), Conan the Barbarian (1982), Matewan (1987), Coming to America (1988), Field of Dreams (1989), The Hunt for Red October (1990), Sneakers (1992), The Sandlot (1993), and Cry, the Beloved Country (1995).

Actor, director and singer James Darren starred as Officer James Corrigan in T.J. Hooker. He died from congestive heart failure in his sleep, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, on September 2. Mr. Darren was 88.

Darren starred as Dr. Tony Newman in the 1966-1967 ABC science fiction series The Time Tunnel. He starred as Officer James Corrigan in the 1982-1986 ABC/CBS police drama T.J. Hooker. In 1999, he had a recurring role as Tony Martin in five episodes of Melrose Place. He had a recurring role as holographic crooner and adviser Vic Fontaine in eight episodes of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine from 1998 to 1999.

Some of his sitcom credits included The Donna Reed Show (2 episodes), The Flintstones (voice of Jimmy Darrock), Love, American Style (1971), The Love Boat (2 episodes) and One Day at a Time.

Some of his televison directing credits included T.J. Hooker, The A-Team, Werewolf (7 episodes), Hunter (7 episodes), Raven (4 episodes), Silk Stalkings (3 episodes), Beverly Hills, 90210 (2 episodes), Savannah (4 episodes) and Melrose Place (2 episodes).

During the late 1950s and early 1960s, he had notable starring and supporting roles in films including the youth and beach-culture film Gidget (1959) and its sequels. As a teen pop singer, he sang hit singles including "Goodbye Cruel World" in 1961.

Televison producer and writer Eric Gilliland worked on Roseanne, That '70s Show and My Boys. He died from colon cancer on September 1. Mr. Gilliland was 62.

Gilliand was a writer and producer on Roseanne from 1992 to 1996. He earned Writers Guild of America Award nomination for the show's 1992 episode, “The Dark Ages.”

He was the creator of the short-lived 1998 ABC sitcom That's Life. Some of his other sitcom writing credits included Women in Prison (2 episodes), Live-In, Who's the Boss? (4 episodes), Living Dolls (3 episodes), Married People (2 episodes), The Wonder Years (3 episodes), Doogie Howser, M.D., That '70s Show, My Boys (4 episodes) and Mr. Sunshine (2 episodes).

Some of his other sitcom producing credits included Nurses, That '70s Show (12 episodes), Welcome to New York, My Boys (27 episodes), Mr. Sunshine (4 episodes) and The Conners (2 episodes).

Actress, manager and acting coach Betty A. Bridges guest starred in many sitcoms during her 40-year career. She died on August 27 in Phoenix, Arizona. Ms. Bridges was 83.

Some of her sitcom guest appearances included Good Times, Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman (3 episodes), What's Happening!! (2 episodes), Archie Bunker's Place, The Bad News Bears, Sanford, Diff'rent Strokes (2 episodes), Out All Night, Sister, Sister (1996), Payne, Scrubs and 2 Broke Girls.

She was the mother of actors Jimmy, Verda and Todd Bridges (Diff'rent Strokes).

Talk show host Phil Donahue was the creator and host of The Phil Donahue Show. He died following a long illness at his home on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in New York City, on August 18. Mr. Donahue was 88.

The Phil Donahue Show, later known simply as Donahue, was the first popular talk show to feature a format that included audience participation. The show had a 29-year run on national television that began in Dayton, Ohio, in 1967 and ended in New York City in 1996. In 1996, Donahue was ranked No. 42 on TV Guide's 50 Greatest TV Stars of All Time.

Some of his sitcom credits included Blossom, Who's the Boss?, Ellen and Frasier (3 episodes as the voice of Larry). His other television credits included L.A. Law and The Bold and the Beautiful.

Donahue married actress Marlo Thomas (That Girl) on May 21, 1980. He and Thomas did not have any children together.

He was interviewed for The Interviews: An Oral History of Television on May 9, 2001.

Actor Alan Haufrect had a recurring role as Brian in Alice. He died at his home in Century City, California, on August 17. Mr. Haufrect was 83.

Haufrect had a recurring role as Brian, Vera's (Beth Howland) boyfriend and a Mel's Diner regular, in five episodes of the CBS sitcom Alice from 1978 to 1980.

Some of his other sitcom guest appearances included Doc, Barney Miller, The Bob Newhart Show, I'm a Big Girl Now, Ladies' Man (1981), Bosom Buddies, Open All Night, Family Ties, Brothers (1984), The New Gidget, It's Garry Shandling's Show, Perfect Strangers, Night Court (1987), The New Leave it to Beaver, It's a Living, Punky Brewster, Live-In, Who's the Boss?, Head of the Class (2 episodes), Singer & Sons, Growing Pains and Roc.

Game show host, television and radio personality, singer and actor Peter Marshall was the original host of The Hollywood Squares. He died of kidney failure at his home in Encino, Los Angeles, California, on August 15. Mr. Marshall was 98.

Marshall hosted the original version of Hollywood Squares that aired on NBC from 1966 to 1980, as well as a nighttime syndicated version that ran from 1971 to 1981. He won the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Game Show Host four times. He hosted Storybook Squares, a children's version of Hollywood Squares, on NBC in 1969 and the 1976-1977 season.

Some of his sitcom guest appearances included The Lucy Show, The Good Life, Love, American Style (3 episodes), WKRP in Cincinnati, The Love Boat (2 episodes), Sledge Hammer!, Sabrina the Teenage Witch and The Parent 'Hood.

Some of his other television guest appearances included The Millionaire, 77 Sunset Strip, Banacek, Lou Grant, Fantasy Island, CHiPs (3 episodes), Hotel, Automan and Jessie (1984). He was the host of his own short-lived syndicated music and comedy series, The Peter Marshall Variety Show, which aired during the 1976–1977 season in syndication.

He was interviewed for The Interviews: An Oral History of Television on August 3, 2010.

Actress and comedian Mitzi McCall starred as Miriam Lerner in Alright Already. She died at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank, California, on August 8. Ms. Mcall was 93.

McCall starred as Miriam Lerner in the 1997-1998 The WB sitcom Alright Already, which was created by and starred Carol Leifer. Miriam and Alvin Lerner (Jerry Adler) are Carol Lerner's (Carol Leifer) parents. The series also starred Amy Yasbeck, Stacy Galina and Maury Sterling.

Some of her sitcom guest apperarances included The Dennis O'Keefe Show, The Jim Backus Show, Love, American Style (2 episodes), The Girl with Something Extra, Maude, Roseanne, Seinfeld, Madman of the People, Ellen, Almost Perfect, Caroline in the City, Becker, Dharma & Greg, The Suite Life of Zack & Cody and Hannah Montana.

She appeared as Midge in four episodes of Life Goes On from 1991 to 1992. She had a recurring role as Fran Lipschitz in Silk Stalkings from 1993 to 1999.

Some of her voice credits included The Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm Show, The Flintstone Comedy Hour, Snorks, Darkwing Duck, Mother Goose and Grimm, Free for All and American Dad!. She was the voice of Glyptodont in Ice Age (2002).

Actor John Aprea starred as Joseph Montefusco in The Montefuscos and had a recurring role as Nick Katsopolis in Full House. He died of natural causes at his home in Los Angeles on August 5. Mr. Aprea was 83.

Aprea starred as Joseph Montefusco in the short-lived 1975 NBC sitcom The Montefuscos. Created by executive producers Bill Persky and Sam Denoff, the comedy centered on three generations of an Italian-American family that lived in New Canaan, Connecticut and their weekly gatherings for Sunday dinner. The series also starred Joe Sirola, Naommi Stevens, Ron Carey, Phoebe Dorin, Linda Dano, Bill Cort, Sal Viscuso, Jeffrey Palladini, Robby Paris, Dominique Pinassi and Damon Raskin.

He had a recurring role as Nick Katsopolis in seven episodes of the ABC sitcom Full House from 1988 to 1991. Nick Katsopolis is the father of Jesse (John Stamos). He reprised the role in a 2017 episode of Netflix's Fuller House.

Some of his sitcom guest appearances included That Girl, Three's a Crowd, Night Court (1989) and Saved by the Bell: The New Class.

Aprea starred as Lt. Vince Novelli in Matt Houston from 1982 to 1984. He had a recurring role as recurring role as Sheriff Jack North in Falcon Crest in 1987. He had a recurring role as Manny Vasquez in 12 episodes of Knots Landing in 1987. He played Lucas Castigliano in Another World from 1989 to 1992 and Alexander Nikos from 1997 to 1998. In 2007, he starred as Lionel Wakefield in the MyNetworkTV telenovela American Heiress.

He starred young Salvatore Tessio in The Godfather Part II (1974). Some of his other film credits included Bullitt (1968), The Stepford Wives (1975), New Jack City (1991), The Game (1997) and The Manchurian Candidate (2004).

Actress Patti Yasutake starred as Umeki Kazuhiro in Gung Ho and as Fumi Nakai in Beef. She died of a rare form of T-cell lymphoma at the UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center, on August 5. Ms. Yasutake was 70.

Yasutake starred as Umeki Kazuhiro in the 1986 comedy film Gung Ho, which was directed by Ron Howard and starred Michael Keaton. She reprised the role in the short-lived 1986-1987 ABC sitcom Gung Ho. The series also starred Scott Bakula, Gedde Watanabe, Stephen Lee, Sab Shimono, Clint Howard, Rodney Kageyama, Heidi Banks, Emily Kurodo and Scott Atari.

Some of her sitcom guest appearances included Hail to the Chief, Take Five, Duet, Mr. Belvedere (2 episodes), Murphy Brown, Rhythm & Blues and Living Single. She was best known for her portrayal of Nurse Alyssa Ogawa in the Star Trek franchise. She appeared in 16 episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation. She starred as Fumi Nakai, George's (Joseph Lee) mother, in the 2022-2023 Netflix comedy-drama minseries.

Actor Charles Cyphers starred as Hugo Muncy in The Betty White Show and as Al Yaroker in Nick Freno: Licensed Teacher. He died after a brief illness in Tucson, Arizona, on August 4. Mr. Cyphers was 85.

Cyphers starred as Hugo Muncy in the short-lived 1977-1978 CBS sitcom The Betty White Show. Joyce Whitman (Betty White), a middle-aged actress, lands the lead in a police series titled Undercover Woman, a parody of Police Woman. Hugo Muncy is Joyce's hunky stunt double. The series also starred John Hillerman, Georgia Engel, Caren Kaye, Barney Phillips and Alex Henteloff.

He starred as Al Yaroker in the 1996-1998 The WB sitcom Nick Freno: Licensed Teacher. Mitch Mullany starred as the title character, an aspiring actor who, while waiting for his "big break," met his expenses as a substitute teacher at Gerald R. Ford Middle School. Al Yaroker is tenured shop teacher. The series also starred Portia de Rossi, Clinton Jackson, Ross Malinger (1996-1997), Jonathan Hernandez (1996-1997), Cara DeLizia (1996-1997), Arjay Smith (1996-1997), Kyle Gibson (1996-1997), Stuart Pankin (1996-1997), Sid Newman, Jane Sibbett (1997-1998), Christina Vidal (1997-1998), Giuseppe Andrews (1997-1998), Andrew Levitas (1997-1998), Blake Heron (1997-1998), Malinda Williams (1997-1998) and Donna D'Errico (1998).

Some of his sitcom guest apperances included Phyllis, The Tony Randall Show, Alice, Benson, Night Court, Roc (2 episodes), California Dreams, The George Carlin Show (3 episodes), Seinfeld, The Geroge Wendt Show and Cousin Skeeter.

Some of his other television guest appearances included The F.B.I. (1973), Cannon (2 episodes), The Six Million Dollar Man (3 episodes), The Bionic Woman, Charlie's Angels, Wonder Woman, Barnaby Jones (4 episodes), Starsky & Hutch (3 episodes), Lou Grant, Hart to Hart, The Dukes of Hazard (2 episodes), Airwolf, Matlock, Dallas (2 episodes), Our House, Hill Street Blues (3 episodes), Simon & Simon, China Beach, 21 Jump Street, Lois & Clark: The New Adventues of Superman, seaQuest 2032, ER, JAG, Murder One (4 episodes) and Any Day Now (2 episodes).

He was known for his role as Sheriff Leigh Brackett in John Carpenter's 1978 film Halloween. He reprised the role in the 1981 sequel Halloween II and the 2021 sequel Halloween Kills. Some of his other film credits included Assault on Precinct 13 (1976), The Fog (1980), Escape from New York (1981) and Major League (1989).

Writer Patt Shea worked on All in the Family and Archie Bunker's Place. She died on April 12 in Sherman Oaks, California. Ms. Shea was 93.

Shea was one of the writers of "Too Good Edith", which was the final episode of All in the Family. It aired on April 8, 1979. She co-created Archie Bunker's Place with Harriet Weiss. She worked as a story editor and/or writer for 25 episodes of the series. Shea, Weiss and Joe Gannon created the 1982-1983 CBS sitcom Gloria.

Some of her other sitcom writing credits included Sanford, Mama Malone, Valerie, Nothing Is Easy, The Golden Girls, I Married Dora, Marblehead Manor (2 episodes) and Bagdad Cafe.

She was a three-time Humanitas Award-nominated screenwriter. She was married to director Jack Shea from 1954 until his death in 2013.

We thank them all for their work on television and in films. They will be greatly missed.

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

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Labels: Apple TV+, getTV, Good Times, HBO, Mary Tyler Moore Show, Obits, The Franchise

The Thundermans Gets Spinoff Series; Remembering Dabney Coleman

Building on the success of The Thundermans Return, which premiered ranking as cable's #1 entertainment telecast of the year with kids, Nickelodeon Studios announced a spinoff based on characters from the hit live-action superhero comedy. The spinoff series will follow Phoebe and Max, who are sent undercover to handle a new threat in the seaside town of Secret Shores and bring Chloe along to develop her superhero talent. Production on the show will begin in Vancouver in August, with premiere details to be announced at a later date. In the brand-new series, Chloe forms a bond with two classmates while they investigate suspicious activity coming from the local school, who don't realize their new friend has secret powers. As the danger increases, the Thunderman trio must stay in town indefinitely, leaving the squabbling twins in charge of raising their younger sister.

The spinoff show will star original series cast members Kira Kosarin as "Phoebe," Jack Griffo as "Max," and Maya Le Clark as "Chloe." The show will also feature guest appearances from additional original series cast members. The Thundermans Return premiered on Nickelodeon and Paramount+ earlier this year. The feature-length movie, based on the hit live-action superhero comedy series, The Thundermans, follows the superpowered family as they attempt to live a normal life while using their superhuman abilities to stop crime. The Thundermans premiered on Nickelodeon in October 2013 and wrapped its four-season run in 2018. The scripted half-hour series follows superhero twins with opposite personalities, Phoebe and Max Thunderman, as they navigate their way through school, friends and a family of extraordinary superheroes, all while keeping their true identities a secret.

Emmy-winning actor Dabney Coleman, who starred as Bill Bittinger in Buffalo Bill and as Slap Maxwell in The Slap Maxwell Story, has died. He died at his home in Santa Monica, California, on May 16 of cardiac arrest due to dysphagia and heart failure. Mr. Coleman was 92.

Coleman had a recurring role as Dr. Leon Bessemer, a neighbor of Ann Marie (Marlo Thomas) and an obstetrician, in eight episodes of the first season (1966-1967) of the ABC sitcom That Girl. He is the husband of Judy Bessemer (Bonnie Scott), the first person Ann meets as she moves into her new apartment.

He appeared as Merle Jeeter in 148 episodes of the 1976-1977 syndicated satirical soap opera Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman. Merle Jeeter is Fernwood's slightly devious mayor and Jimmy Joe's (Sparky Marcus) father. He played Merle Jeeter in two episodes of Fernwood 2 Night in 1977. He appeared as Merle Jeeter in 130 episodes of Forever Fernwood from 1977-1978.

Coleman starred as "Fast Eddie" Murtaugh, a con man husband, in the short-lived 1978 ABC sitcom Apple Pie, which aired for only two episodes. Rue McClanahan starred as Ginger-Nell Hollyhock, a single and lonely hairdresser who lives in Kansas City, Missouri, during the Great Depression year of 1933. The series also starred Jack Gilford, Caitlin O'Heaney and Derrel Maury.

He starred as Bill Bittinger in the 1983-1984 NBC sitcom Buffalo Bill. The series featured the misadventures of egotistical talk show host Bill Bittinger and his staff at WBFL-TV, a small TV station in Buffalo, New York. Coleman received Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for the role in 1983 and 1984. The cast included Joanna Cassidy, Max Wright, John Fielder, Geena Davis, Charles Robinson, Meshach Taylor and Claude Earl Jones.

Coleman starred as Slap Maxwell in the 1987-1988 ABC sitcom The Slap Maxwell Story. "Slap" Maxwell is an egocentric sportswriter for a newspaper called The Ledger, somewhere in the American Southwest. The title character's nickname comes from the fact that someone else always ends up hitting him in every episode. Coleman won a Golden Globe Award in 1987 for Best Actor in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy. The series also starred Megan Gallagher, Susan Anspach, Brian Smiar, Bill Cobbs and Bill Calvert.

He starred as Otis Drexell in the 1991-1992 Fox sitcom Drexell's Class. Otis Drexell is a fifth-grade teacher at fictional Grantwood Elementary School in Cedar Bluffs, Iowa. The cast included Randy Graff, Dakin Matthews, Jason Biggs, Heidi Zeigler, Damian Cagnolatti, Matthew Lawrence, A. J. Langer, Brittany Murphy, Edie McClurg, Cleavant Derricks, Phil Buckman, Jacqueline Donnelly and Matthew Slowik.

Coleman starred as Jack "Madman" Buckner in the 1994-1995 NBC sitcom Madman of the People. Jack "Madman" Buckner is an outspoken newspaper columnist who had written a popular column, Madman of the People, in Your Times magazine for 30 years. The series also starred Concetta Tomei, Cynthia Gibb, John Ales, Craig Bierko and Amy Aquino.

He starred as Bill Rose in the short-lived 2006 CBS sitcom Courting Alex. Jenna Elfman portrays Alex Rose, a successful, single attorney who works with her father Bill at his law firm. The series also starred Hugh Bonneville, Josh Randall, Josh Stamberg and Jillian Bach.

Some of his sitcom guest appearances included Hazel, The Donna Reed Show, Please Don't Eat the Daisies, I Dream of Jeannie (2 episodes), The Flying Nun, Nanny and the Professor, Room 222, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Love Boat, Diff'rent Strokes (2 episodes) and It's Garry Shandling's Show (2 episodes).

He starred as Tyler Cane in the 1986 CBS miniseries Fresno. In 1987, he received an Emmy Award for his role as Martin Costigan in the television film Sworn to Silence. He starred as Burton Fallin in the 2001-2004 CBS legal drama The Guardian. He starred as Commodore Louis Kaestner in seasons 1-2 of Boardwalk Empire. His final role was in 2019 as John Dutton Jr., John Dutton III's (Kevin Costner) dying father, on Yellowstone.

Coleman provided the voice of Principal Peter Prickly on the 1997-2001 animated series Recess and the 2001 animated film Recess: School's Out. Some of his other voice credits included Jumanji (2 episodes) and Pound Puppies (4 episodes).

He starred as Franklin Hart, Jr. in 9 to 5 (1980). He played Ron Carlisle in Tootsie (1982). Some of his other film credits included On Golden Pond (1981), WarGames (1983), Cloak & Dagger (1984), The Muppets Take Manhattan (1984), Short Time (1990), The Beverly Hillbillies (1993), You've Got Mail (1998), Inspector Gadget (1999), Moonlight Mile (2002) and Rules Don't Apply (2016).

Mr. Coleman was a talented and versatile actor. He did a great job playing jerks and unlikable characters. He seemed like a very nice guy offscreen in interviews. We thank him for the laughs and entertainment he brought us in his career. He will be greatly missed.

We also remember playwright, screenwriter, television producer and actor Samm-Art Williams. He worked as a writer and producer on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Martin and Good News. He died on May 13 in Burgaw, North Carolina. Mr. Williams was 78.

Williams was a co-producer and writer/story editor for four episodes of Frank's Place in 1987 and 1988. He worked as a producer on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air from 1990 to 1993. Some of his other sitcom producing credits included Hangin' with Mr. Cooper, Martin and Good News.

His other sitcom writing credits included The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (9 episodes), Martin (5 episodes) and Good News (2 episodes).

Some of his sitcom guest appearances included 227, Frank's Place, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Hangin' with Mr. Cooper. He played Meurice in Blood Simple (1984).

He was nominated for a Tony Award and a Drama Desk Award for his play Home (1979), which moved from the Negro Ensemble Company to a Broadway production in 1980.

Mr. Williams was a 6' 8" lefty who was once a sparring partner of boxer Muhammad Ali. We thank him for his work as a writer, producer and actor on sitcoms. He will be greatly missed.

Emmy-winning writer, producer and consultant Bob Ellison worked on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Wings and Becker. He died at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles on April 8. Mr. Ellison was 91.

Ellison worked as an executive story editor for 48 episodes of The Mary Tyler Moore Show from 1975 to 1977. He shared an Emmy Award in 1977 for Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series. In 1971, he won his first Emmy Award with Marty Farrell for Outstanding Writing Achievement in Comedy, Variety or Music for his work on Singer Presents Burt Bacharach.

He worked as an executive or creative consultant on Angie, Amen, Bob, Pearl, Wings, Caroline in the City, The Trouble with Normal, Kristin, Andy Richter Controls the Universe, In-Laws, Becker and It's All Relative.

Some of his sitcom producing credits included The Betty White Show, Rhoda, Angie, Dear John and Thanks. He developed Dear John with Peter Noah.

Mr. Ellison was known as an expert joke fixer. We thank him for his work The Mary Tyler Moore Show and many other sitcoms. He will be sorely missed.

Pro Football Hall of Famer and actor O.J. Simpson starred as T.D. Parker in the HBO sitcom 1st & Ten. He died of prostate cancer on April 10 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mr. Simpson was 76.

Simpson played college football for the USC Trojans, where he won the Heisman Trophy as a senior in 1968, and was selected first overall by the Buffalo Bills in the 1969 NFL/AFL draft. During his nine seasons with the Bills, he received five consecutive Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro selections from 1972 to 1976. He also led the league in rushing yards four times, in rushing touchdowns twice, and in points scored in 1975. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985, his first year of eligibility.

He began acting while at USC in 1968 and appeared on Dragnet in an uncredited role as a potential recruit to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). He appeared as Bru Riley in the first episode of Medical Center in 1969. Some of his other early television appearances included It Takes a Thief, Ironside, The Name of the Game, Cade's County and Owen Marshall, Counselor at Law. He played Kadi Touray in the 1977 ABC miniseries Roots.

Simpson appeared as himself in a 1973 Here's Lucy episode. In "The Big Game," he gives Lucy and Harry 50-yard-line stadium tickets to a big football game.

He starred as T.D. Parker in the HBO sitcom 1st & Ten, which aired from 1984 to 1991. He joined the cast in the second season. T.D. Parker is a veteran running back who is forced to make the transition from player to coach. The cast included Delta Burke (seasons 1-3), Cliff Frazier, Prince Hughes, Donald Gibb, Reid Shelton, John Kassir, Tony Longo, Michael Toland, Rick Moser, Shannon Tweed, Paul Tuerpe, Tom Lister Jr., Stan Kamber and Jason Beghe.

Simpson played Det. Nordberg in all three entries of The Naked Gun film trilogy (1988, 1991, 1994) alongside Leslie Nielsen, Priscilla Presley, and George Kennedy. Some of his other film credits included The Towering Inferno (1974), The Cassandra Crossing (1976) and Capricorn One (1978).

His professional success was overshadowed by his trial and controversial acquittal for the murders of his former wife Nicole Brown and her friend Ron Goldman in 1994. Three years later, he was found liable for the murders in a civil suit from the victims' families, but paid little of the $33.5 million judgment.

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

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Labels: Buffalo Bill, Mary Tyler Moore Show, Nickelodeon, Obits, Paramount+, The Thundermans