Two Hour Dick Van Dyke Biography on A&E at Midnight TONIGHT! (Friday)

[Larry Surrell]

It's on now, but started at 8:00. According to the guide, it will repeat at midnight.

Set your VCRs/PVRs/alarm clocks!

[algebra74]

Thanks. caught it just in time.

[SawgrassSteve]

Thanks!
Setting my VCR for later tonight right now!

Steve

[ScottD]

Thanks Larry! I'm so glad I decided to drop in here before I went to bed last night or I'd have never known this was on. I taped it and watched about the first 15 minutes before I went to bed. It looks really interesting so I can't wait to watch the whole thing!

[pilotguy]

I found the DVD "Biography" VERY interesting (and I also enjoyed the "Bob Newhart" biography that followed it).

Many of those "Biography" shows touch on things that aren't usually disclosed or discussed in general bios, and I usually end up learning things about the subjects that I never knew before.

While I knew that Dick had had a serious drinking problem, it was interesting seeing and hearing first-hand how his drinking had destroyed certain aspects of his life and how he had the inner-strength to overcome the addiction.

It was also interesting that they delved into his stint as a regular on "The Carol Burnett Show". That whole gig was awkward (and somewhat sad and degrading) from Day #1....a big star like Dick playing "second banana" to Carol. We never REALLY knew the story behind Dick's sudden departure from the series, but this "Biography" show (particularly Tim Conway's comments) helped to explain things nicely.

Dick's personal life and professional career have certainly had their ups and downs over the years....but it's obvious that the man is a "fighter", and I admire him all the more after watching the bittersweet "Biography" story on him.

[SawgrassSteve]

Originally posted by pilotguy
...Dick's personal life and professional career have certainly had their ups and downs over the years....but it's obvious that the man is a "fighter", and I admire him all the more after watching the bittersweet "Biography" story on him.

Pilotguy,
I agree whole-heartedly. I feel the same way about Mary. What a life scarred with tragedy.
Now that you mention it, isn't it strange to see that people who have brought so much happiness to so many millions of people for so many decades have had such hard and bitter experiences in their own lives? Makes you wish you could take it all away for them, out of appreciation for all of the pleasure that they've given you over the years.

Steve

[Carrie]

I've seen that Biography before and I definitely enjoyed seeing it again! I'm glad that DVD was able to conquer his drinking problem. I admire him for that and everything else he has done in his life. I really enjoyed learning about his career and family.

[CHUCK T]

I missed the special. What did Tim Conway say that explained Dick's departure from "The Carol Burnett Show"? I agree it was disconcerting for a star like Dick to be suddenly part of a ensemble group (no matter how talented) supporting Carol.

[pilotguy]

Originally posted by CHUCK T
I missed the special. What did Tim Conway say that explained Dick's departure from "The Carol Burnett Show"? I agree it was disconcerting for a star like Dick to be suddenly part of a ensemble group (no matter how talented) supporting Carol.

Tim said that the Burnett show chemistry with Dick just didn't work....It wasn't Dick's fault (Tim praised Dick highly), but former regular Harvey Korman had been the "straight man" of the group...the guy who "balanced out" the "funny" people. However, with Dick you had four funny people with nobody to play straight man. I don't know if this is the ACTUAL reason things didn't work out with Dick, but it was the reason that Tim gave.