Billie

[sm95fan]

Originally Posted by BestTVever

Didn't Billie sort of replace Archie's maid? I read that Barbara Meek left the show. But was she purposely written out? No doubt the first 2 seasons were the best. I think Billie was a great addition because she was like a mentor to Stephanie. Stephanie was grown up and a teenager. Their dynamic together worked.

From what I recall Barbara Meek's departure was unexpected so not wanting a repeat, Yvonne Wilder was offered a contract role with a big storyline bump. But she only wanted to continue Katherine Logan on a recurring basis. So she was let go instead of risking having another character leave mid season.

[howilu]

To me, the addition of Billie was a welcome addition to a show that had many older actors. It was also possible that Archie Bunker's Place attracted an older audience and CBS wanted to bring in younger viewers to the show. Billie was like an older sister to Stephanie and her relationship with Gary Rabinowitz added depth to the show.

[sm95fan]

Originally Posted by howilu

To me, the addition of Billie was a welcome addition to a show that had many older actors. It was also possible that Archie Bunker's Place attracted an older audience and CBS wanted to bring in younger viewers to the show. Billie was like an older sister to Stephanie and her relationship with Gary Rabinowitz added depth to the show.

Yes, CoC said all this in the 8/8/81 TV Guide. He said the network wanted the cast to get younger but he thought it was important for the show that the addition of Denise didn't come at the expense of Danielle. Yet Stephanie's growth was stunted as she wasn't on much after that. Then Joe Gannon chimed in that Steve Hendrickson was being added for a big Meathead kinda role. But he disappeared after TWO episodes.