Here is an article that ran in my school paper about the show. Check it out and lets discuss.

The Exploitation of Fred 'Rerun' Berry
http://media.www.gsusignal.com/media/storage/paper924/news/2006/04/18/Urbanite/The-Exploitation.Of.Fred.rerun.Berry-1861374.shtml?sourcedomain=www.gsusignal.com&MIIHost=media.collegepublisher.com

Here is an article that ran in my school paper about the show. Check it out and lets discuss.

The Exploitation of Fred 'Rerun' Berry
http://media.www.gsusignal.com/media/storage/paper924/news/2006/04/18/Urbanite/The-Exploitation.Of.Fred.rerun.Berry-1861374.shtml?sourcedomain=www.gsusignal.com&MIIHost=media.collegepublisher.com
OMG!!!!!!! that is an interesting article...I don't know what to say at this point. Gimme time. I will.

In my estimation Fred Berry's wife sounds very bitter and money hungry. She says "It is not about the money", but when someone says that, it is all about the money. He may have made the character Rerun what it was, but he did not own that character.

In my estimation Fred Berry's wife sounds very bitter and money hungry. She says "It is not about the money", but when someone says that, it is all about the money. He may have made the character Rerun what it was, but he did not own that character.
After reading the article again, I agree with Brian. Not only that, she admits he had "done drugs". She doesn't state he was a DRUG ADDICT. Bottom line, he was. Anyone who throws their money into drugs and feels they need drugs in any amt of quantity to "deal with pressures, life, whatever" than they obviously were a drug addict. I know for a fact that people who use drugs don't "think with a clear head". His demanding $$$$, raises, etc. only seems to me that was the "drug abuser" in him who was doing this. Selfishness, the need for more $$$ to fuel that addiction; paranoia, thinking only of themselves...

Sounds to me the wife wants $$$ too. I guess she misses the "high life" herself.

Yeah, something doesn't sound right. How come when Fred died no one knew that he was even married? In the article, it says people didn't even know that he had a widow. That's strange.

She is using race as a crutch which I do not like. The fact is, Berry helped end the series with his crazy money demands. Years later, he did the exact same thing with What's Happening Now.

She is using race as a crutch which I do not like. The fact is, Berry helped end the series with his crazy money demands. Years later, he did the exact same thing with What's Happening Now.
He created his own downfall.

He created his own downfall.

Agreed

He really believed he owned the character Rerun, when in fact it wasn't his at all.

I think he had the Suzanne Somers syndrome. Some people should realize unless you are the star of the show, everyone can be replaced and even some stars can too.

I think he had the Suzanne Somers syndrome. Some people should realize unless you are the star of the show, everyone can be replaced and even some stars can too.
true!!

She is using race as a crutch which I do not like. The fact is, Berry helped end the series with his crazy money demands. Years later, he did the exact same thing with What's Happening Now.

Agreed.

I think he had the Suzanne Somers syndrome. Some people should realize unless you are the star of the show, everyone can be replaced and even some stars can too.i agree

I think you all make good points as if you notice that he really didn't have much luck finding work after 'What's Happening!!.' If they are not paying her for the syndication rights, I wonder if any of the other crew members are having the same problem?

And Fred continued to wear the same outfits, the same hat and do the same dance where ever he went. When he appeared on ALICE, it was the same ol' Fred Rerun Stubbs. He carried that character to the grave, not because he created it, but because HE IDENTIFIED HIMSELF WITH IT and assumed others would only want to see him that way.

And Fred continued to wear the same outfits, the same hat and do the same dance where ever he went. When he appeared on ALICE, it was the same ol' Fred Rerun Stubbs. He carried that character to the grave, not because he created it, but because HE IDENTIFIED HIMSELF WITH IT and assumed others would only want to see him that way.

That supports his widow's argument. I also remember seeing other articles where he came to the auditions dancing with the beret and suspenders on thus creating the character and the producers giving it a name. It's alot more to this I think than meets the eye and only time will tell about what really happened to What's Happening!

That supports his widow's argument. I also remember seeing other articles where he came to the auditions dancing with the beret and suspenders on thus creating the character and the producers giving it a name. It's alot more to this I think than meets the eye and only time will tell about what really happened to What's Happening!
He was wearing those clothes long before WH. He was a member of the dance troupe THE LOCKERS. Those guys that made an appearance on one of the early episodes of WH. But that doesn't lend creedance to his wife's claims. That would be like the actor who played Herman Munster or Gilligan saying they created those characters. If those actors had BEEN ASKED to appear in a show or something wearing those "costumes" that doesn't mean the actor "owns the rights" to that character. If Fred continued to wear those outfits that he wore before WH (which he did) that was on him. If the producers of Alice told him to show up and do an episode and he shows up wearing his infamous clothes, that has nothing to do with him owning the character of Rerun. It's what he has always worn. He incorporated the name "Rerun" in his stage name...a name that was thought up by the writers of WH.

It sounds like that's what she is after, the big green. I don't think race has anything to do with it, shows done in the 50's and 60's all the actors got little or no resiguals at all. example, Gilligan's Island the cast were only paid for the first few reruns while the show was on the air, they don't get anything now.

I agree with his wife somewhat. How come they didn't put What's happening on DVD when he was alive? I wish Raj would talk to us.

I know back then Fred was so mad at the fat jokes the show kept talking about. He felt he was so much more than fat. I feel Mabel also didn't get her due. It's a shame that his kids cannot get something for the show.

Because of Fred we got to see him dance and saw the dance the pop lock (or whatever it's called) He was a phenomena. The industry does screw people. Although I love the ramaining stars. Re run was a phenomena at that time (alot like JJ). He should've got something. People make mistakes. They could forgive and forget countless drug addicts...... Morton (what's his face) Why not him?

Even if his kids get a penny for evreytime the series gets on the air it is something. I say Fred should have a star on the walk of fame too.

There are a lot of 70's sitcoms that are still not on DVD. I doubt they waited for Rerun to die before they released WH. Remember, Fred died pretty young and kind of unexpectedly. It all depends what kind of deals the stars signed when they were in the show. Did you know that the actors from Seinfeld didn't see a penny from the DVD releases? The money went to both Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David, the creators of the show.

One other thing...As for Fred Berry and the Hollywood Walk of Fame, did you know, all you have to do is apply for one. Once you are accepted, you have to pay a fee to get it put down. The selection isn't at all complicated, that is why so many quasi-stars get on the Walk of Fame.

One other thing...As for Fred Berry and the Hollywood Walk of Fame, did you know, all you have to do is apply for one. Once you are accepted, you have to pay a fee to get it put down. The selection isn't at all complicated, that is why so many quasi-stars get on the Walk of Fame.
this is true. look at Vanna White, she is getting one. WHY?????? even a lot of the fan clubs pool $$$ together, apply for a star for their 'STAR' and sit back and wait to be told a star will be given. The fee at one time was $3000...i can't recall what the price is now.

here is a link: http://www.hollywoodchamber.net/icons/index.asp

this is true. look at Vanna White, she is getting one. WHY?????? even a lot of the fan clubs pool $$$ together, apply for a star for their 'STAR' and sit back and wait to be told a star will be given. The fee at one time was $3000...i can't recall what the price is now.


It sounds like Essie Berry wants something for nothing. If she wants Fred to have a star on the Walk, she better cough up the dough.

i posted a link in my post abt the Star Walk of Fame.

I agree with his wife somewhat. How come they didn't put What's happening on DVD when he was alive? I wish Raj would talk to us.

I know back then Fred was so mad at the fat jokes the show kept talking about. He felt he was so much more than fat. I feel Mabel also didn't get her due. It's a shame that his kids cannot get something for the show.

Because of Fred we got to see him dance and saw the dance the pop lock (or whatever it's called) He was a phenomena. The industry does screw people. Although I love the ramaining stars. Re run was a phenomena at that time (alot like JJ). He should've got something. People make mistakes. They could forgive and forget countless drug addicts...... Morton (what's his face) Why not him?

Even if his kids get a penny for evreytime the series gets on the air it is something. I say Fred should have a star on the walk of fame too.

I think some people had a bone against Berry since the show ended unexpectedly because of his antics. I know I would have been upset especially knowing that I was out of an acting job because of him. I wonder did any stars talk to him after end of the either shows. I recall reading how Demond Wilson was mad at Redd Foxx for his antics they never talked since. He didn't even go to the funeral.

If the fat jokes were getting to him, he could have requested script changes. Remember Mabel was making them at the last minute during rehersals and sticking to her guns. But, the man did make the show what it was, no one can argue with that and he should get his dues.

There are a lot of 70's sitcoms that are still not on DVD. I doubt they waited for Rerun to die before they released WH. Remember, Fred died pretty young and kind of unexpectedly. It all depends what kind of deals the stars signed when they were in the show. Did you know that the actors from Seinfeld didn't see a penny from the DVD releases? The money went to both Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David, the creators of the show.

In article, Berry spoke of contracts that were forged by producers of Sony, which I think is worth investigating in itself. The DVD concept was not even invented in 1970's so I really wonder what was signed away in those documents. Also, stars have to sign those documents for purposes of getting paid for syndication and in some aspects they have to do promos for the syndicated reruns. A perfect example of this is the cast of A Different World with all the promos they did when the show first hit syndication. Another thing, those commericals are branded as part of the syndication package so once they tape them and pay for you them, that's it. With them being dated, some networks either create their own or use the ones with the package, i've seen it both ways.

The forged documents are worth investigating, but I see no validity in them personally. I think it is Essie and her conspiracy theories. We shall see. As for the dvds, you are absolutely right, DVDs weren't even invented in the 70's. However, in certain contracts, it does state if likenesses are used in certain capacities, the actor can be compinsated. I sure a real good lawyer can work with a contract like that if in fact Berry signed one.

she talks like she was his only wife. he was married six times to four women. Sounds like what has already been said. She is money hungry. Hell, I would probably be that way too if I had to split his estate four ways (wives) and then with the kids (how many did he have?)...:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

she talks like she was his only wife. he was married six times to four women. Sounds like what has already been said. She is money hungry. Hell, I would probably be that way too if I had to split his estate four ways (wives) and then with the kids (how many did he have?)...:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Even though he divorced the other women, are they still entitled to money from the estate? I can see the children from previous marriages but divorced wives? Also, does Berry qualify for anything since he was fired from What's Happening Now in the middle of the first season? I think I remembered reading about John Amons stating how he doesnt get money from Good Times reruns as he was fired from the show (correct me if I am wrong). I don't even think TVLand has aired any episodes that featured him during the marathons.

Even though he divorced the other women, are they still entitled to money from the estate? I can see the children from previous marriages but divorced wives? Also, does Berry qualify for anything since he was fired from What's Happening Now in the middle of the first season? I think I remembered reading about John Amons stating how he doesnt get money from Good Times reruns as he was fired from the show (correct me if I am wrong). I don't even think TVLand has aired any episodes that featured him during the marathons.

That's not true, TV Land, TV One and TBS all aired episodes that featured Amos.

Even though he divorced the other women, are they still entitled to money from the estate? I can see the children from previous marriages but divorced wives? Also, does Berry qualify for anything since he was fired from What's Happening Now in the middle of the first season? I think I remembered reading about John Amons stating how he doesnt get money from Good Times reruns as he was fired from the show (correct me if I am wrong). I don't even think TVLand has aired any episodes that featured him during the marathons.
WTF??? where have u been? do you even watch TVLand? they show Good times NOW, all the episodes. :confused:

when a man divorces his wife, if he is the sole earner, he must pay spousal support. When she remarries, then the support stops. He married two of his wives twice!!! if he was paying spousal support to his wives at the time of his death, the estate must settle whatever he owed at the time of his death.

Sounds like Fred Berry would have been better suited for Soap Opera work rather than a sitcom, with all of his marriages and remarriages, LOL.

Sounds like Fred Berry would have been better suited for Soap Opera work rather than a sitcom, with all of his marriages and remarriages, LOL.
his life was one big soap opera!:lol: :lol:

WTF??? where have u been? do you even watch TVLand? they show Good times NOW, all the episodes. :confused:

when a man divorces his wife, if he is the sole earner, he must pay spousal support. When she remarries, then the support stops. He married two of his wives twice!!! if he was paying spousal support to his wives at the time of his death, the estate must settle whatever he owed at the time of his death.

I didn't say they weren't aired, I just mentioned that Amos said in an interview he wasn't getting paid his royalties for them. That can happen when you are fired and the wording of the contract that was signed.

After reading your statement about the estate, the money is going to have to be stretched pretty thin as Berry has children and grandchildren. One would have thought he would have drafted a will so his descendents wouldn't be in this situation.

Sounds like Fred Berry would have been better suited for Soap Opera work rather than a sitcom, with all of his marriages and remarriages, LOL.

Hell, I bet it would make one high rated E! True Hollywood Story.

I didn't say they weren't aired, I just mentioned that Amos said in an interview he wasn't getting paid his royalties for them. That can happen when you are fired and the wording of the contract that was signed.

After reading your statement about the estate, the money is going to have to be stretched pretty thin as Berry has children and grandchildren. One would have thought he would have drafted a will so his descendents wouldn't be in this situation.
At the time of his death, whatever he had would have been given equally to his surviving children and his wife at the time of his death. Was he married at the time of his death? The ex-wives would only receive whatever they were entitled to during the month of his death. Nothing after that. If Berry received residuals or some sort of compensation from WH and WHN and anything else, then his children would also get that. I don't think he had grandchildren at the time of his death. Any grandchildren born after his death aren't entitled to anything from his estate.

At the time of his death, whatever he had would have been given equally to his surviving children and his wife at the time of his death. Was he married at the time of his death? The ex-wives would only receive whatever they were entitled to during the month of his death. Nothing after that. If Berry received residuals or some sort of compensation from WH and WHN and anything else, then his children would also get that. I don't think he had grandchildren at the time of his death. Any grandchildren born after his death aren't entitled to anything from his estate.

He was married to Essie Berry. He didn't leave any information with Screen Actors Guild about her.

And Fred continued to wear the same outfits, the same hat and do the same dance where ever he went. When he appeared on ALICE, it was the same ol' Fred Rerun Stubbs. He carried that character to the grave, not because he created it, but because HE IDENTIFIED HIMSELF WITH IT and assumed others would only want to see him that way.

Wait a second. Rerun seriously guest starred on Alice? I must not remember a lot of episodes then. He actually played "Rerun" and not Fred Berry? Isn't that a big jump-the-shark moment for Alice? LOL :lol:

Wait a second. Rerun seriously guest starred on Alice? I must not remember a lot of episodes then. He actually played "Rerun" and not Fred Berry? Isn't that a big jump-the-shark moment for Alice? LOL :lol:
:lol: :lol: :lol:

He was married to Essie Berry. He didn't leave any information with Screen Actors Guild about her.

That alone should tell you something about the credibility of Essie. Why was she such a secret?

That alone should tell you something about the credibility of Essie. Why was she such a secret?
cuz she was a freak! LOL

good question!

Wait a second. Rerun seriously guest starred on Alice? I must not remember a lot of episodes then. He actually played "Rerun" and not Fred Berry? Isn't that a big jump-the-shark moment for Alice? LOL :lol:
Whoa, I don't remember Rerun being on Alice. I'm dying to see that!

I was visiting the TVLand forums and found out that some of the other cast members had personal problems after the show ended. Haywood Nelson had attempted suicide on several occasions and discusses it on an afterschool special in the 80's. They also mentioned that Ernest Thomas was using drugs for minute also. I am not sure if this has been discussed on this board in previous threads but I wanted to know if could confirm or deny such accusations.

And Fred continued to wear the same outfits, the same hat and do the same dance where ever he went. When he appeared on ALICE, it was the same ol' Fred Rerun Stubbs. He carried that character to the grave, not because he created it, but because HE IDENTIFIED HIMSELF WITH IT and assumed others would only want to see him that way.

i seem to remember seeing a picture of his son after he passed away and I think he was now wearing the same outfit. I could be wrong, does anyone else recall seeing that?

After reading the article, who in they right mind would offer $10 to $20 million for ReRun. I loved the show, and the character, but the show was not that successful. When you make statements like that then it shows that you are not telling the truth. She (and Fred) believed that they owned Rerun, that is like Adam West claiming he owned Batman!!!