Was ABC Justified in Firing Susan and Wendy?

[Kasey]

I agree Susan should have stayed, at least for 2 seasons. She was the rock--the Kate Jackson of the show that first year, and Ann Jillian was like the Farrah Fawcett. I don't think Barrie had the motherly qualities towards the other girls--she was more like the sensible, comforting friend. But then, she was a single mother and lacked the stability the married Lois had. Lois was just one of those characters who "had it all together".

[someguy23475]

Jan did have those qualities later on, or at least it seemed so in the few episodes I’ve seen post Ann Jillian. Even then, she wasn’t Lois.

[TMC]

Originally Posted by Road Dog

It's kind of ironic that Susan Sullivan and Wendy Schaal were the 2 ones replaced, yet they have had the longest and most successful Hollywood careers of the whole bunch. In fact they are both still active today.

Ann Jillan retired from acting in the late 90's, but she still makes public appearances as a motivational speaker promoting breast cancer awareness. Barrie Youngfellow also retired in the late 90's. She is married to Sam Freed who appeared in 2 episodes of IAL. Gail Edwards is kind of a head-scratcher because her career seemed to be really taking off when she landed the recurring role of Vicky Larson on FULL HOUSE, one of the most popular shows of the 90s. The rumor is that she was about to be promoted to the main cast when she suddenly decided to quit Hollywood and move to Arizona.

It's a Living is probably one of those shows where much of the cast are likely more famous to the general public for other stuff, especially afterwards. Like Gail Edwards is arguably more known these days for her stint on Full House.

Susan Sullivan is more known for Falcon Crest and Dharma and Greg. Wendy Schaal these days, is probably best known for her work on American Dad. Crystal Bernard is by far, more known for Wings than It's a Living and Sheryl Lee Ralph is better known these days for Abbott Elementary and maybe, Moesha before that.

[TMC]

Originally Posted by Kasey

Yes, it could be said that Lois was too savvy to be working nights at Above the Top. She should have been an office manager somewhere else. Still, she was a great character, and gave the show some class. That being said, I did love Maggie too, but the writing in S2 was hit-and-miss, and often not funny enough. Louise did knock every zinger out of the park though.

Ann Jillian was very excited about the changes. Which included renaming the show Living It Up because the network wanted to be more "positive."

(Until they changed it again to Making a Living)

From May 1981:

[TMC]

Originally Posted by Road Dog

It's kind of ironic that Susan Sullivan and Wendy Schaal were the 2 ones replaced, yet they have had the longest and most successful Hollywood careers of the whole bunch. In fact they are both still active today.

Ann Jillan retired from acting in the late 90's, but she still makes public appearances as a motivational speaker promoting breast cancer awareness. Barrie Youngfellow also retired in the late 90's. She is married to Sam Freed who appeared in 2 episodes of IAL. Gail Edwards is kind of a head-scratcher because her career seemed to be really taking off when she landed the recurring role of Vicky Larson on FULL HOUSE, one of the most popular shows of the 90s. The rumor is that she was about to be promoted to the main cast when she suddenly decided to quit Hollywood and move to Arizona.

What's weird is that they fired Wendy Schaal after the first season but they later bring in Crystal Bernard and have her essentially, play a similar character to Wendy's. I mean, both Vicky and Amy were sweet and naïve, except that Amy spoke with a southern accent.