Why no big name guest stars during the shows run? - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Mace Dolex · 05-25-2021, 12:06 AM

Seeing as how the show was a hit right out of the gate and in the top-10 the first few years why didn't any celebrities from that era guest star? Sure there was Lucille Ball hosting the ”Best Of" special but that was outside of the show.

Supposedly a few actors from soap operas appeared on the show but I am not familiar with any of them truth be told.

Diff'rent Strokes at one time boasted appearances by Muhammad Ali; Kareem Abdul Jabar; Nancy Reagan and Mr. T, can you imagine Mr. T scaring the crap out of Mr. Furley?

SledgeBarone · 05-28-2021, 02:04 PM

Maybe their ratings were too good to require any stuntcasting?

I do wonder why Sammy Davis Jr. didn't show up. He seemed to guest-star on just about any television show during that time period (including game shows like Card Sharks and Family Feud!). It would've been funny to see him doing an eavesdropping spot, or fainting in unison with Mr. Furley!

TVFactFan · 05-29-2021, 02:29 AM

They had Barry Williams from the Brady Bunch and the Old Man Leo was a big time actor

thejasoomian · 05-30-2021, 03:12 AM

They did have the biggest name guest star you could possibly hope for -Lucille Ball .

Zoneboy · 05-30-2021, 03:23 AM

I think it depends on your definition of big name. There were hardly any from movies, but plenty from television.

Mace Dolex · 05-31-2021, 12:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TVFactFan

They had Barry Williams from the Brady Bunch and the Old Man Leo was a big time actor

Well they weren't exactly billed as special guest star, I mean you know what I'm saying, we as viewers need to hear the audience clap as a cue that this D-list actor/actress is a "special guest".

TVFactFan · 05-31-2021, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mace Dolex

Well they weren't exactly billed as special guest star, I mean you know what I'm saying, we as viewers need to hear the audience clap as a cue that this D-list actor/actress is a "special guest".

Yeah I guess you are right. Maybe I can add that to my list of things that the TC book didnt cover

TVLegend · 05-31-2021, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TVFactFan

They had Barry Williams from the Brady Bunch and the Old Man Leo was a big time actor

Barry Williams appeared?

Ohio8 · 05-31-2021, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TVLegend

Barry Williams appeared?

Barry appeared in the "Up in the Air" episode.

Wawwie · 05-31-2021, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TVFactFan

They had Barry Williams from the Brady Bunch and the Old Man Leo was a big time actor

On a few episodes, they also had John McCook who is one of the main characters on The Bold & the Beautiful. He plays "Eric Forrester."

TVLegend · 05-31-2021, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wawwie

On a few episodes, they also had John McCook who is one of the main characters on The Bold & the Beautiful. He plays "Eric Forrester."

I LOVE me some John McCook, HATE Eric Forrester.

TVLegend · 05-31-2021, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ohio8

Barry appeared in the "Up in the Air" episode.

Oh, I remember now.

TVFactFan · 05-31-2021, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TVLegend

Barry Williams appeared?

As Janet Date and the audience probably didnt recognize him because I heard no applause

Wawwie · 05-31-2021, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TVLegend

I LOVE me some John McCook, HATE Eric Forrester.

Yes, on TC, he played Cindy's shallow fashion guy boyfriend when Jack & Janet thought Cindy was pregnant.
He was also on an episode where he played the husband of Janet's friend Randy who was dating Jack.

John McCook was also on a few episodes of Alice.

TVLegend · 05-31-2021, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wawwie

Yes, on TC, he played Cindy's shallow fashion guy boyfriend when Jack & Janet thought Cindy was pregnant.
He was also on an episode where he played the husband of Janet's friend Randy who was dating Jack.

John McCook was also on a few episodes of Alice.

Wow, I thought Three’s Company was the only sitcom he appeared on.

Also, he appeared on the first couple years of The Young and The Restless.

05-25-2021, 12:06 AM	#1
Mace Dolex Member Senior Member Join Date: Aug 12, 2013 Posts: 2,666	Why no big name guest stars during the shows run? Seeing as how the show was a hit right out of the gate and in the top-10 the first few years why didn't any celebrities from that era guest star? Sure there was Lucille Ball hosting the ”Best Of" special but that was outside of the show. Supposedly a few actors from soap operas appeared on the show but I am not familiar with any of them truth be told. Diff'rent Strokes at one time boasted appearances by Muhammad Ali; Kareem Abdul Jabar; Nancy Reagan and Mr. T, can you imagine Mr. T scaring the crap out of Mr. Furley?

05-30-2021, 03:23 AM	#5
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,343	I think it depends on your definition of big name. There were hardly any from movies, but plenty from television.
	__________________ 'Twas The Night Before Christmas And All Through The Full House Not A Creature Was Stirring, Not Even Mighty Mouse. All My Children We're Nestled All Snug In Their Beds While Visions Of Sugarbakers Danced In Their Heads.

05-28-2021, 02:04 PM	#2
SledgeBarone Member Senior Member Join Date: Apr 01, 2020 Posts: 1,930	Maybe their ratings were too good to require any stuntcasting? I do wonder why Sammy Davis Jr. didn't show up. He seemed to guest-star on just about any television show during that time period (including game shows like Card Sharks and Family Feud!). It would've been funny to see him doing an eavesdropping spot, or fainting in unison with Mr. Furley!

05-29-2021, 02:29 AM	#3
TVFactFan Member Forum Junkie Join Date: Aug 17, 2002 Posts: 98,985	They had Barry Williams from the Brady Bunch and the Old Man Leo was a big time actor

05-30-2021, 03:12 AM	#4
thejasoomian Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Sep 15, 2019 Posts: 327	They did have the biggest name guest star you could possibly hope for -Lucille Ball .