Why a "Special Guest Star" - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Restless · 09-01-2005, 12:47 AM

I guess I've always been a little curious: Why was Phyllis just billed as a special guest star? Especially during the first two seasons, she made several appearances.. Did she not want to do the show full time? Was she not offered that option?

Then, after the second season, her appearances were cut by more than half, what happened?

Kristen · 09-01-2005, 01:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Restless

I guess I've always been a little curious: Why was Phyllis just billed as a special guest star? Especially during the first two seasons, she made several appearances.. Did she not want to do the show full time? Was she not offered that option?

Then, after the second season, her appearances were cut by more than half, what happened?

To answer your first question, Phyllis wasn't really considered to be a main character, and we actually didn't see that much of her when you think about it. Plus, Cloris Leachman was doing a lot of movies at the time, I believe, so she couldn't be there every week.

I'm not sure how much help I was, but that's the best answer I could give, lol.

Kristen

ClassicTVGal · 09-22-2005, 12:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Restless

I guess I've always been a little curious: Why was Phyllis just billed as a special guest star? Especially during the first two seasons, she made several appearances.. Did she not want to do the show full time? Was she not offered that option?

Then, after the second season, her appearances were cut by more than half, what happened?

This is also explained in the DVD Set. Season 1.. I think.

TV Knowledge Fan · 04-27-2006, 02:58 PM

...season one DVD box set, but I believe Mary and Cloris came to an understanding about her role in the series. "Phyllis" would only appear when
she had the right script (and time- she was involved in other movies and TV guest shots), and received billing as "Special Guest Star" [the same way Jonathan Harris earned his on "LOST IN SPACE"...he had the arrogance to ask Irwin Allen for that credit, knowing that once he began portraying "Dr. Zachary Smith" HIS way {as a cowardly, lovable scoundrel}, he would "take over" the show AND retain his special credit]. She EARNED her credit, and the Emmies that went with it!!

09-01-2005, 12:47 AM	#1
Restless Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Mar 22, 2002 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 76	Why a "Special Guest Star" I guess I've always been a little curious: Why was Phyllis just billed as a special guest star? Especially during the first two seasons, she made several appearances.. Did she not want to do the show full time? Was she not offered that option? Then, after the second season, her appearances were cut by more than half, what happened?
	__________________ Larry: How long does it take to work? Balki: Well, that amount should work pretty fast. Larry: I don't feel anything.. Balki.. I can see through you.

04-27-2006, 02:58 PM	#4
TV Knowledge Fan Member Senior Member Join Date: Mar 29, 2006 Location: Long Branch, N.J. Posts: 2,577	I haven't heard the commentary on the... ...season one DVD box set, but I believe Mary and Cloris came to an understanding about her role in the series. "Phyllis" would only appear when she had the right script (and time- she was involved in other movies and TV guest shots), and received billing as "Special Guest Star" [the same way Jonathan Harris earned his on "LOST IN SPACE"...he had the arrogance to ask Irwin Allen for that credit, knowing that once he began portraying "Dr. Zachary Smith" HIS way {as a cowardly, lovable scoundrel}, he would "take over" the show AND retain his special credit]. She EARNED her credit, and the Emmies that went with it!!