I was watching the S1, disc 1 DVD of That Girl. The pilot had Don as her agent and sort-of boyfriend. I myself didn't like him, kind of came across as annoying. Apparently the test audience didn't either, same goes for the network. But it's interesting to hear Marlo say on the DVD that they refused to let Ted go...he had to be the boyfriend because of the chemistry Marlo and Ted had. Yet, when Ted was interviewed towards the end of the series he said Marlo, at first, didn't want him to stay on as the boyfriend and the two couldn't stand each other. Even their romantic relationship off camera was weird. He admitted to it, she didnt. She was also known to be EXCEPTIONALLY private. It's amazing how Marlo was able to create such an endearing character like Ann but in reality was really a cold, shrewed business woman who really didn't trust anyone, especially men. Once Ted made it clear that she wasn't the boss of him(though, technically she was) I think she realized here was a man who was sincere, wasn't going to use and abuse her nor was he going to give her her way the way she was probably used to growing up in a rich family.;)

Well, supposedly Bill Bixby (Who did guest star in an episode) and Charles Groddin also read for the part of Don - but I'm guessing it was for the original pilot version of the character, and not the version that became Don Hollinger.

I suppose another good Actor have played Don, but honestly, Ted Bessell NAILED the part. His and Marlo’s acting in the show send me to the moon and back.

Yet, when Ted was interviewed towards the end of the series he said Marlo, at first, didn't want him to stay on as the boyfriend and the two couldn't stand each other. Even their romantic relationship off camera was weird. He admitted to it, she didnt. She was also known to be EXCEPTIONALLY private. It's amazing how Marlo was able to create such an endearing character like Ann but in reality was really a cold, shrewed business woman who really didn't trust anyone, especially men. Once Ted made it clear that she wasn't the boss of him(though, technically she was) I think she realized here was a man who was sincere, wasn't going to use and abuse her nor was he going to give her her way the way she was probably used to growing up in a rich family.;)

Perhaps I am not being fair. I always saw Ted as just a little too mild to be taken seriously.

So much so, that I often wondered if perhaps, much in the same way Frank Sinatra picked Lee Hazelwood to chaperone his daughter's music collaboration needs, Danny Thomas might have "green lighted" Bessell?

Perhaps I am not being fair. I always saw Ted as just a little too mild to be taken seriously.

So much so, that I often wondered if perhaps, much in the same way Frank Sinatra picked Lee Hazelwood to chaperone his daughter's music collaboration needs, Danny Thomas might have "green lighted" Bessell?

Not me, I loved Don. He was just right and IMHO Ann hooked a winner!

If I had a daughter, he is EXACTLY the kind of guy I would hope she might take an interest in.

Yeah I really like Ted Bessell in the role of Don. He did a great job and was a very likeable and patient character (after that first pilot episode where he played her agent--very annoying!). He would have been a good son-in-law.

Hard to believe old posts #4 and 6 were made by the same person.

I loved Ted Bessell as Don. I can't see another actor playing him.;)