Can someone refresh my memory as to why Defore so abruptly left the series? I know he had a falling out with Ozzie, but what were the details?
Thank You.

In the bio I'm reading, he asked Ozzie for a raise, Ozzie thought this unprofessional and fired him. Ozzie thought their agents should handle those type things. Afterwards, Don Defore said he shouldn't have done it. I Don't think it was too long before he stared doing "Hazel" after that. I know Ozzie would never admit it, but firing him might have been a mistake. Joe was never as likable as Thorney, in my opinion, and he did add a few more buddies to the show after Thorney, maybe to make things more interesting.

Thank you for the info. Do you know what DeFore's last season on the show was? Some accounts have 1956 and some have 1958.

I think it is 1956. Don started Hazel in the fall of 1960.

And yes, in my opinion, firing him was a mistake.

My info says 1956. He was on four years if that's true. I guess he was in so many episodes, it seems like he was there longer. They didn't have Joe in near as many episodes as they did Thorney, thank goodness. Clara just gets on my nerves with that whiney voice and she was on many with Joe.

My info says 1956. He was on four years if that's true. I guess he was in so many episodes, it seems like he was there longer. They didn't have Joe in near as many episodes as they did Thorney, thank goodness. Clara just gets on my nerves with that whiney voice and she was on many with Joe.

Yes Thorney was definitely a whole lot more entertaining than the most annoying Joe Randolph--for some reason ol' screechy voice (Clara) never worked my nerves as much as her mooching hubby - but I could see how she could make someone crazy - to some I guess her voice must sound like nails on a chalkboard.

When Mary Jane played Audrey Simmons on The Lucy Show--she was very sultry, polished, sophisticated. Clara was definitely on her wacky side.
FTR, Lyle Talbot also did a guest spot on TLS for "Kiddie Parties, Inc."--and he was just the same old obnoxious boor there as well :lol:

Ozzie apparently allowed his supporting players to feel free to "moonlight".

I can't remember what book I read it in, but I thought I read something about how Don and his wife were actually quite close to Ozzie and Harriet but once Ozzie made that split with Don from the show, he made a splilt from his personally as well. Just totally cutting off the friendship.

I actually liked Ozzie with multiple friends from around the neighborhood than just Old Thorny. I thought Oz and Thorn, got into acting a wee bit to childish at times.

I like Joe and Clara. I think my favorite of the friends are Darby and Doc Williams.

It would have been nice if Harriet could have had more than one friend, Clara.

The boys had many friends, a whole frat house full of them, but Wally was the only one who was really developed enough to be remembered by those non obsessive fans. lol

I always wondered why Harriet never had a friend like Ozzie did. She occasionally was at the women's club with a lot of them, but that was about it.

The book I'm now reading had an intersting part about Wally. He actually shared an apartment or house with David and Ricky until he (Skip) and David married. Skip Young was married about the same time and the two couples honeymooned in Alaska together. He seemed very smart and his suggestions were taken seriously with regards to the show.

Wally really enjoyed doing the show and hated to see it end in 1966. It amazes me that he did very little acting from that time forward.

I've read that they were all actually expecting a 15th season.

I've read that they were all actually expecting a 15th season.

Isn't that amazing? Nowadays, most shows don't last ONE season. I think it just how much more interesting shows were back then.:)

Isn't that amazing? Nowadays, most shows don't last ONE season. I think it just how much more interesting shows were back then.:)

It was a fine show with some nice twists and turn throughout its 14 year stretch. I pretty much agree with you although I'd characterize the show as more entertaining and forthright than the poor excuses for TV fare currently shoved before us).

actually liked Ozzie with multiple friends from around the neighborhood than just Old Thorny. I thought Oz and Thorn, got into acting a wee bit to childish at times.

Doc Williams was a great straight man to Ozzie but could also carry off some funny lines at times. Darby was more the voice of reason to Oz but could also steal some scenes.

actually liked Ozzie with multiple friends from around the neighborhood than just Old Thorny. I thought Oz and Thorn, got into acting a wee bit to childish at times.

Doc Williams was a great straight man to Ozzie but could also carry off some funny lines at times. Darby was more the voice of reason to Oz but could also steal some scenes.

Yes, now that you mention it Ozzie and Thorny did seem a bit juvenile at times. I liked Doc Williams a lot too - he was serious and concerned - yet could be funny in an understated way. Liked Darb too but nowheres near as mucy as Doc W. As for Joe Randolph...the less I saw of him on the shows the better...he really worked my nerves...funny Clara didn't though...her daffiness kind of reminded me a little bit of Lucille Ball and Gracie Allen.

Rich, I agree with you about Joe, I never cared for him. I didn't like Clara's whiney voice either. Funny, she didn't bother me on I Love Lucy, though. Maybe she toned down the whining or something. I always liked Doc, they just diodn't use him enough in my opinion. I see him in old westerns and he really is a good actor. I think his best role is in Petticoat Junction.

Doc Williams ( Frank Cady) has a good part in " Busy Christmas" and shows off some nice comedic ability. Also, Lyle Talbot is quite good especially at the orphanage with the kids.

Well folks - here's the answers to alot of these questions because you've hit the jackpot - Ron DeFore here. Folks on the Hazel forum suggested I drop by. However, it's way past my bedtime here on the East coast so I'll look forward to writing more at a later date and will post a new thread, "My Dad was Thorny" allowing people to post specific questions.
Ron DeFore www.defore.net