The story goes...

Pinky Tuscadero (Roz Kelly) was hyped as a new, recurring character on Happy Days for the 1976 season but was abruptly dumped after the three-part "Fonzie Loves Pinky" (aka Malachi Brothers/Demolition Derby) episode after Kelly had personal conflicts with the other Happy Days cast members, and producers.

Does anyone know exactly what precipitated this conflict? Was it money? Was it ego? Was it greedy agents in the middle? Who didn't like her? Was it that the producers didn't like the story direction? WHY was she dumped?

Apparently, Happy Days was a very happy set (unlike "Three's Company", or today's "Grey's Anatomy" as an example) and the producers -- especially Garry Marshall -- treated their cast well.

So what could Roz Kelly have done to p*** them off?

It's also sad that she could have been a star, but languished into obscurity, except for her infamous brush-with-the-law incident a few years ago, which proves the point: DON'T BITE THE HAND THAT FEEDS YOU!

I think she had issues even back then. Henry didn't care for her. I think Roz kept making fun of Henry as the Fonz and was teasing him a lot. I think Henry said she was the only cast member he didn't like.

I think she had issues even back then. Henry didn't care for her. I think Roz kept making fun of Henry as the Fonz and was teasing him a lot. I think Henry said she was the only cast member he didn't like.

Clearly, Roz Kelly was too much of a loose cannon, on and off camera. She clearly wasn't cast material for Happy Days. It was 1976, the show was no. 1 in the Nielsens for the season and I really believe the cast, including Henry Winkler, was clearly better off without her.

Youre so totally right, Dynomite

*THIS IS ALL SPECULATION...except for the Winkler quote.

But I wonder if Roz Kelly had "Suzanne Somers" syndrome where she shamelessly perceived she was irreplaceable after signing on the dotted line.

Ponytail might be right. Henry Winkler had so much clout at the time that he could have easily had her nixxed if he didn't like her. And Kelly would have had to be totally insufferable since Winkler has a known reputation for being an easygoing "nice guy" to castmates, friends, family, and fans.

I recently heard Henry Winkler say on what kept his ego in check during the height of his fame (paraphrased): "On the one hand, they make you think you can walk on water. On the other hand, I realized that I was still short (he's 5' 6") and could never wear a three-piece suit!" :lol:

*THIS IS SPECULATION

But I wonder if Roz Kelly had "Suzanne Somers" syndrome where she shamelessly perceived she was irreplaceable after signing on the dotted line.

Ponytail might be right. Henry Winkler had so much clout at the time that he could have easily had her nixxed if he didn't like her. And Kelly would have had to be totally insufferable since Winkler has a known reputation for being an easygoing "nice guy" to castmates, friends, family, and fans.

I recently heard Henry Winkler say on what kept his ego in check during the height of his fame (paraphrased): "On the one hand, they make you think you can walk on water. On the other hand, I realized that I was still short (he's 5' 6") and could never wear a three-piece suit!" :lol:

I nevery know Ros Kelly weas drooped as Pinky

I didnt like the pinky character myself, I thought she was too much hype, I did however like her little sister, or should I say leather tuscadero
(suzi quatro) and her song stumblin in.

If Roz Kelly did think she was indispensible, she was delusional. She hadn't done anything of note before Happy Days and has done nothing of note since.

I also think - and this is just my own speculation - that Fonzie having a steady girl would have bogged the character down at the peak of his popularity. Part of Fonzie's mystique was his way with women and to have a monogamous Fonz at that point would have dimmed the character's "cool."

Again, just my opinion.

I did however like her little sister, or should I say leather tuscadero (suzi quatro) and her song stumblin in.

Yeah, Leather was better looking than Pinky and she's got a great singing voice too

I don't know exactly why she was dropped from the show. I did see her appearance on a Match Game show from the 1970s. I think she was in her Pinky character. I did read that she was arrested for threatening someone many years ago with a gun. Person was making noise and keeping her awake. I know the Pinky character she played was popular. I think it went to her head too qucikly.

Roz was also in a Love Boat episode in which she fell in love with peter graves who played a minister. I do not know if thats the only love boat ep she was in but its the only one I have.

And then, Peter years later was cast in reacurring roles as Kernal John Camden in 7th heaven the Father of a minister.

Oh and BTW Roz Kelly looks so nice in that epsiode of The Love Boat

I thought Pinky was just a one-time character who just made that special guest appearance for that 3-parter. Like the CA Kid from that other 3-parter in that next season.

Roz Kelly was in Season one or two of Starsky and Hutch as an undercover cop (If I recall)

Interesting though. I never thought why she or Leather never came back.

Did the character Leather come back?

I saw the three parter.. I agree, I think it would have messed up the show some and it seemed like HW-- The Fonz was the star.. or up coming star.

I didnt like the pinky character myself, I thought she was too much hype, I did however like her little sister, or should I say leather tuscadero
(suzi quatro) and her song stumblin in.
I love Stumblin' In, too - that is such a catchy tune. :lol: Getting back to Roz Kelly, the most newsworthy thing she's done since Happy Days isn't exactly good:

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,615311,00.html

Did the character Leather come back?


Yes. She was on a few episodes during the 5th and 6th seasons.


Re: Roz Kelly: She was supposed to be a recurring character. I have a copy of an episode of the Captain & Tennille variety show where Ron, Donny & Erin appear and Roz is also on the episode but she appears as Pinky. This and the Match Game appearance prove in some way that they were promoting her as a new cast member, but that's JMO.

I wonder if the last scene in Part 3 of Fonzie Loves Pinky was filmed after the powers that be decided to let her go.

Yes. She was on a few episodes during the 5th and 6th seasons.


Re: Roz Kelly: She was supposed to be a recurring character. I have a copy of an episode of the Captain & Tennille variety show where Ron, Donny & Erin appear and Roz is also on the episode but she appears as Pinky. This and the Match Game appearance prove in some way that they were promoting her as a new cast member, but that's JMO.

I wonder if the last scene in Part 3 of Fonzie Loves Pinky was filmed after the powers that be decided to let her go.

I think so but then in the earlier scene, they had it where they both broke up at Arnold's. So maybe they never meant to keep her?

I think so but then in the earlier scene, they had it where they both broke up at Arnold's. So maybe they never meant to keep her?

Leather was in several episodes:
1) she first arrived at Arnold's (the crowd chanted "go home jailbirds") - This is a two parter concluding in Joanie running away from home to join her band.
2) when Ralph took her on a date to the ball
and a few others
3) she sang at a lodge in the snow where Richie gets into a fight of gealousy with a lumberjack
4) she was there and sang on the Cunningham's family piano when Richie got hit on his motorcycle.

Pinky: I think you are right. The three part episode seem to end in such a manner that wouldn't really allow her to return.
Several years ago, the actress was arrested for taking several shots at a car (which had an alarm going off in the middle of the night while she was trying to sleep.) I remenber reading/hearing Gary Marshal saying that he was surprised to hear of this because she was a wonderful person to work with.

I think its clear that Gary Marshall still likes the idea of the Pinky character. She is in the new Happy Days musical. But the new actress is a blonde and not a redhead like Roz Kelly.

Makes you wonder if he ever considered recasting her on the actual show? Her appearance in the musical shows he sees Pinky as Fonzie's definitive girlfriend.

Obviously Leather was the real substitute. Having a sister with a different style allowed them to start over without comparisons.

Seeing the episodes years after they first aired and removed from the publicity of her debut and departure I don't get the appeal of Pinky. She is just another tough girl. Its as if Marshall was drawing inspiration from Rizzo in Grease. Heck, the name of the all girl club in that movie is called "The Pink Ladies"!!!!

Leather was much more unique. Of course they basically adapted Suzi Quatro's own style to the character. But it worked.

Interesting though. I never thought why she or Leather never came back.

Did the character Leather come back?

I saw the three parter.. I agree, I think it would have messed up the show some and it seemed like HW-- The Fonz was the star.. or up coming star.

The Leather character made several appearances during the fifth and sixth seasons (1977-1979), coming back frequently. Apparently, Suzi Quatro was easier to get along with and therefore, the producers made sure that the character would show up from time to time.

I read that Gary Marshall went so far as to offer Suzi Quatro her own Leather Tuscadero spin-off show. I am assuming she was not interested in being a full time actress which would have cut into time for her music career.

I read that Gary Marshall went so far as to offer Suzi Quatro her own Leather Tuscadero spin-off show. I am assuming she was not interested in being a full time actress which would have cut into time for her music career.
I read that too. Supposedly, she didn't want to be typecast.

Roz Kelly was in Season one or two of Starsky and Hutch as an undercover cop (If I recall)
Roz Kelly appeared in the first three seasons playing three different characters with her well known tough girl image. The undercover cop was her last role in the series.

Season 1 - Death Notice (1975)
Season 2 - The Las Vegas Strangler (1976)
Season 3 - Fatal Charm (1977)

Henry Winkler is the nicest guy in the world, and for you to tick him off, you really have to have a screw loose? Roz Kelly looked too old for the show then and she's a total nut job now. From what I read, they tried to give her own show but I don't recall seeing it on the air back in the 70s?

was that she was going to court because there was a car in her neighborhood with the alarm going off in the middle of the night. This was keeping her from her sleep, so she took her pistol out and took several shots at the car. That was probably 20 yrs ago.

was that she was going to court because there was a car in her neighborhood with the alarm going off in the middle of the night. This was keeping her from her sleep, so she took her pistol out and took several shots at the car. That was probably 20 yrs ago.

According to the article it occurred Wednesday April 28, 1999
http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,615311,00.html
OK, maybe she was having a bad day?

http://thumbnails31.imagebam.com/17584/d0ea24175832455.jpg (http://www.imagebam.com/image/d0ea24175832455)
Not for nothing but HOW OLD are Pinky's side kicks? I mean seriously? Who cast these women? Could they be any more homely?

Yes. She was on a few episodes during the 5th and 6th seasons.


Re: Roz Kelly: She was supposed to be a recurring character. I have a copy of an episode of the Captain & Tennille variety show where Ron, Donny & Erin appear and Roz is also on the episode but she appears as Pinky. This and the Match Game appearance prove in some way that they were promoting her as a new cast member, but that's JMO.

I wonder if the last scene in Part 3 of Fonzie Loves Pinky was filmed after the powers that be decided to let her go.

To me, that left the door open for Pinky's return. She could have come back from the racing tour, realizing she misses Fonzie and become a regular or a recurring character.

Obviously, that was not the destiny of it.

Kelly also appeared as Pinky on The Paul Lynde Halloween Special and an episode of Blansky's Beauties, and I believe that was all she wrote.

http://i44.tinypic.com/33msap0.jpg

http://i44.tinypic.com/33msap0.jpg

Nice caption

I thought Pinky was just a one-time character who just made that special guest appearance for that 3-parter. Like the CA Kid from that other 3-parter in that next season.
Yea I'm not sure. They promoted HD big time back then and Pinky was really promoted but I never heard that she was supposed to be a regular. I don't know how it could have gone to her head since she was written out of the show before the episodes aired.

I'm guessing that the producers envisioned Pinky as a recurring character who'd make a few appearances each season, like her sister Leather ended up doing.

Roz Kelly essentially shot herself in the foot and was never invited back.

the way they promoted it before that season 's premiere it really seemed like Pinky and Sticks were going to be regular characters, I'd like to think that they were trying to add more interesting characters to keep the show fresh - something they should have done a lot better job of after Ron and Don left.

What happened in the last scene in Part three of "Fonzie Loves Pinky" that made it unlikely that Pinky would be a regular character ? What happened in the earlier scene where Fonzie and Pinky broke up at Arnold's . Can you please give me a few details to jog my memory ?

To answer your question, I dont think Fonzie liked the fact that Pinky was going to be the bread winner. I do remember, The Pinkettes, Pinky's friends, gave Fonzie a check which led to the breakup at Arnolds.


I do remember when Leather first came on the show, Fonzie asked how Pinky was and Leather said "she's cool" and you never heard Pinky's name again. I dont think Fonzie should have gone out with Pinky exclusively because at that time the Fonz was a loner in a way.

Btw, I would have loved Sticks as a regular. I thought he was funny but only lasted 1 or 2 episodes.

I do remember when Leather first came on the show, Fonzie asked how Pinky was and Leather said "she's cool" and you never heard Pinky's name again. I dont think Fonzie should have gone out with Pinky exclusively because at that time the Fonz was a loner in a way.

Agreed. Like I've said before, I could see Pinky on the show, but as a recurring character, not a regular.

Ironically, her "sister" Leather ended up becoming the recurring character.

Roz Kelly shot herself in the foot and she didn't have much of a career after that, sadly.

Roz Kelly. Then and Now.

the way they promoted it before that season 's premiere it really seemed like Pinky and Sticks were going to be regular characters, I'd like to think that they were trying to add more interesting characters to keep the show fresh - something they should have done a lot better job of after Ron and Don left.

You are so right robyrob! The show would have been much more interesting with those two characters! I quit watching HD after Ron and Don left. :(

Agreed. Like I've said before, I could see Pinky on the show, but as a recurring character, not a regular.

Ironically, her "sister" Leather ended up becoming the recurring character.


Leather with her '70's shag hairdo just never fit the time/era or place. Big mistake there!:crazy: Joanie's and Chachi's hair was all wrong too! :rolleyes: Things like that really turned me away from the show. Between Potsie's singing and the 70's atmosphere of a show that was to be in the 50's /early 60's. BAD! BAD! BAD!:eek:
Sorry for getting off topic but the changes in HD really disappointed me!

http://i50.tinypic.com/20f3fgy.jpg

Leather with her '70's shag hairdo just never fit the time/era or place. Big mistake there!:crazy: Joanie's and Chachi's hair was all wrong too! :rolleyes: Things like that really turned me away from the show. Between Potsie's singing and the 70's atmosphere of a show that was to be in the 50's /early 60's. BAD! BAD! BAD!:eek:
Sorry for getting off topic but the changes in HD really disappointed me!
Yes! I totally agree. Leather looked like she got sent back in time from the '70s lol. Plus I thought she was a bit too butch-looking for that era. I did and still do love Stumblin' in though...a classic.:)
I loved Pinky. She didn't seem too old to me (and I was about 10 back then)and I thought she was pretty hot-right up there with Jaclyn Smith and Lynda Carter! ;) But I thought Pinky died in Fonzie' s arms after her cycle crashed....am I imagining that? It has been a long time.

But I thought Pinky died in Fonzie' s arms after her cycle crashed....am I imagining that? It has been a long time.
That didn't happen. However, I think there was something like that when Pinky got hurt in the demolition derby. Maybe that's what you're thinking.

That didn't happen. However, I think there was something like that when Pinky got hurt in the demolition derby. Maybe that's what you're thinking.
Correct, she DID NOT DIE. IN FACT, The second and last appearance of Roz Kelly as Pinky Tuscadero was in the pilot of BLANSKY'S BEAUTIES. Directed by Garry Marshall. SEEN HERE:
http://thumbnails111.imagebam.com/34592/7df3d1345914911.jpg (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94nX2eUkHmM)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94nX2eUkHmM

Here is Pinky today.
source: http://screenrant.com/where-are-they-now-happy-days-cast/

Roz Kelly was not particularly liked by the other cast members not just Henry Winkler. She was a loose cannon. I remember reading a story in a fan magazine were she was in love with Paul Michael Glaser and did not like Henry Winkler. The show was not less without her. However this was the last great season and from there the show started to decline,

Despite the animosity, a Pinky pilot was shot

322747

322753

I'd believe there was a Pinky pilot if it was on you tube.

You think by now it would have surfaced.

I'd believe there was a Pinky pilot if it was on you tube.

You think by now it would have surfaced.

Looks like the UCLA library has it. Off to LA you go.

https://search.library.ucla.edu/discovery/fulldisplay?docid=alma991479413506533&context=L&vid=01UCS_LAL:UCLA&lang=en&search_scope=ArticlesBooksMore&adaptor=Local%20Search%20Engine&tab=Articles_books_more_slot&query=any,contains,pinky%20tuscadero,AND&mode=advanced&offset=0

It seemed as though the ABC network had big plans for Roz Kelly in 1976; in addition to her stint on Happy Days, she appeared in an episode of Blansky's Beauties, and appeared in a Paul Lynde Halloween Special (billed as Roz "Pinky Tuscadero" Kelly for some unknown reason).

Had Roz Kelly been nice and easy to work with, perhaps we would have seen more of her; maybe she would have been a recurring character on Happy Days and...who knows what else?

It seemed as though the ABC network had big plans for Roz Kelly in 1976; in addition to her stint on Happy Days, she appeared in an episode of Blansky's Beauties, and appeared in a Paul Lynde Halloween Special (billed as Roz "Pinky Tuscadero" Kelly for some unknown reason).

Had Roz Kelly been nice and easy to work with, perhaps we would have seen more of her; maybe she would have been a recurring character on Happy Days and...who knows what else?
Exactly. She could have been a HUGE star. The Paul Lynde Halloween show was filmed in the summer of 1976 or shortly after when Pinky was introduced to Happy Days. ABC was loading Paul's show with the biggest ABC stars. When the Halloween special aired she had already fallen out of favor with ABC. She got the boot from Happy Days, her pilot never aired and no one wanted anything to do with her.
She was extremely condescending to everyone on the Happy Days set. She would refer to Ron Howard as Opie. Happy Days was the biggest TV show at that time and she was the star of the 2 part season opener in 1976.

Exactly. She could have been a HUGE star. The Paul Lynde Halloween show was filmed in the summer of 1976 or shortly after when Pinky was introduced to Happy Days. ABC was loading Paul's show with the biggest ABC stars. When the Halloween special aired she had already fallen out of favor with ABC. She got the boot from Happy Days, her pilot never aired and no one wanted anything to do with her.
She was extremely condescending to everyone on the Happy Days set. She would refer to Ron Howard as Opie. Happy Days was the biggest TV show at that time and she was the star of the 2 part season opener in 1976.

Roz Kelly had a chip on her shoulder and got in her own way; like you said, she could have been a huge star. She certainly had the charisma and swagger. I don't know if the Pinky pilot was any good, but it probably would have captured a decent segment of the audience, as Happy Days was the biggest show on TV at that time.