View Full Version : Should Erin Gray have had a bigger career in Hollywood


TMC
08-04-2022, 05:42 PM
I periodically read TV Tropes (https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/HollywoodHypeMachine/ExamplesThatDidntHoldUp) and the other day, I stumbled upon this:
Erin Gray (https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Creator/ErinGray) got her big break as Colonel Wilma Deering in Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, co-starring opposite Gil Gerard (see above in Actors). The role was significant at the time as one of the first strong female characters in a sci-fi setting alongside Princess Leia and Ellen Ripley. Unfortunately, Gray, like her co-star Gerard, had a difficult time finding work after Buck Rogers ended, because nobody could view her as anyone other than Wilma Deering. Her filmography since then has comprised primarily of guest spots on television, direct-to-video and/or TV movies. After Buck Rogers finished its run, Gray's most prolific role was undoubtedly that of Kate Summers-Stratton on the '80s sitcom Silver Spoons. She now primarily works (https://www.datalounge.com/thread/13030788-what-happens-to-actors-once-they-can-no-longer-get-roles-) as a casting agent.

One other comment (https://www.datalounge.com/thread/16973085-gossip-from-the-sets-of-various-tv-shows) that I read was that Erin Gray (https://www.tmz.com/2008/12/19/actress-erin-gray-memba-her/) was probably too wholesome for Hollywood. She never really cared for the Hollywood scene anyway.

Another rumor that is apparently out there is that Erin (https://www.tmz.com/2014/03/19/erin-gray-mom-on-silver-spoons-now-photos-memba-her/) has been in financial dire straights for years and has been reduced to doing the convention circuit (https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/buck-rogers-star-erin-gray-720237/).

Duster76
08-04-2022, 11:04 PM
I'm not that familiar with TV Tropes but this paragraph really misses the mark. The writer should have done some research before posting such nonsense. Let's take a look:

"Unfortunately, Gray, like her co-star Gerard, had a difficult time finding work after Buck Rogers ended, because nobody could view her as anyone other than Wilma Deering


H-E-L-L-O, Gray was one of the stars of Silver Spoons which ran 5 seasons 1982-87. Buck Rogers ended in April of 81, so she was back in series TV as soon as possible. I'm sure more people knew her for the Silver Spoons role than her season and a half on Buck Rogers. She had IMD credits after Spoon ended, and did TV commercials, she had a solid career before, during and after her role on Buck Rogers.

Gil Gerard had issues that have been well covered, drugs, alcohol, overeating and with all that he starred in two more series, Sidekicks in 86, and E.A.R.T.H Force. He has IMD credits spanning the 80's into the 90's.

The writer of the TV Tropes piece seems to have created their own reality, in fact neither Gray or Gerard had problems finding roles because of their roles in Buck Rogers.

biffbronson
09-13-2022, 06:03 AM
Erin Gray was gorgeous on Buck Rogers, no doubt. Let's have a look at this lovely lady on Silver Spoons. The black & white images in this thread are all from Season 1.

Beautiful color publicity photo, really nice. Erin is wearing cute jewelry. Her smile
is fantastic. Look at those eyes, there's no shortage of natural beauty to be appreciated here:
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These next 2 images show off Erin's great legs:
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Erin's gorgeous face in profile:
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Here's a great look at how Erin looks with her hair wet.
Her long bangs are pretty, love the length:
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A close look at this photo reveals a lot of lovely curling of her
hair, especially near the ends. Erin is a very beautiful lady:
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biffbronson
09-13-2022, 07:40 AM
Some more nice looks at Erin's appearances aside from Buck Rogers, 1980-1989. So lovely!

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biffbronson
12-06-2022, 04:47 AM
Erin appearing in and promoting Silver Spoons:

I love this look! Quite seductive, so beautiful:
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Perfect fullness of her cascading hair,
complementing a very pretty face:
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More nice looks. I am so glad she was cast, she
was such a pretty sitcom mom:
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One more close-up of this lovely lady:
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