Abe Vigoda (Fish) - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

JeffRuss1972 · 09-11-2005, 07:30 PM

"ABe Vigoda (who played Det. Fish) had been in show business for over twenty-five years before his part in BARNEY MILLER, appearing in over 80 plays. But it was his role as ruthless Mafia leader Tessio in THE GODFATHER (a role much unlike Fish) that brought him recognition. And Vigoda wanted more recognition on BARNEY MILLER. He even told creator and producer Danny Arnold that he'd like the show's title to be changed to FISH AND BARNEY (not even BARNEY and FISH). In June of 1977, a rift developed when for a second season in a row, Vigoda's agent booked him into another project that delayed BARNEY's shooting. Arnold insisted that Abe come to work. Abe sued. Arnold countersued. But by the time Vigoda returned to the set---just to be careful, they'd written in a new character, Arthur Dietrich (who could, they figured, be Fish's replacement if Vigoda didn't come back). But both actors stayed in the cast---until Vigoda was spun off into his own series---FISH---something he and the network had wanted. When FISH flopped, Vigoda wanted back in at BARNEY MILLER. Producer/creator Danny Arnold thought he asked for too much money. The answer was NO."

maclen · 12-19-2005, 02:47 PM

I think the show took a different focus after Fish left. The first couple of seasons had more slapstick-type of comedy provided by Fish than subsequent ones. By the time Fish wanted to return, the show had become a well-oiled machine, this time with Dietrich, and Levitt and Luger taking more prominent roles.

TVFactFan · 12-19-2005, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maclen

I think the show took a different focus after Fish left. The first couple of seasons had more slapstick-type of comedy provided by Fish than subsequent ones. By the time Fish wanted to return, the show had become a well-oiled machine, this time with Dietrich, and Levitt and Luger taking more prominent roles.

I read that the Fish character was still appearing on Barney Miller while his spinoff was on the air. Odd-lol

Living In a '70's Dream · 12-20-2005, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RetroTVCollector

I read that the Fish character was still appearing on Barney Miller while his spinoff was on the air. Odd-lol

He only appeared in a couple of episodes after the Fish debut.

TVFactFan · 12-20-2005, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Living In a '70's Dream

He only appeared in a couple of episodes after the Fish debut.

Oh Ok, the TV Book made it sound like he was still a regular character on BM while Fish was on the air.

Living In a '70's Dream · 12-20-2005, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RetroTVCollector

Oh Ok, the TV Book made it sound like he was still a regular character on BM while Fish was on the air.

Fish appeared in his last episodes of Barney Miller, in the beginning of the 4th season of Barney Miller (Sept. 1977) then afterwards, he appeared in another episode from the 4th season, then he was also seen as Fish from an episode from the 7th season; the Fish spin-off debut in the 1977/78 fall season, correct? So, he was in 3 episodes while he was filming his own show, and one after the Fish series was canceled.

TVFactFan · 12-20-2005, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Living In a '70's Dream

Fish appeared in his last episodes of Barney Miller, in the beginning of the 4th season of Barney Miller (Sept. 1977) then afterwards, he appeared in another episode from the 4th season, then he was also seen as Fish from an episode from the 7th season; the Fish spin-off debut in the 1977/78 fall season, correct? So, he was in 3 episodes while he was filming his own show, and one after the Fish series was canceled.

Fish made it debut on ABC during the 1976-77 Season. February of 1977

Living In a '70's Dream · 12-23-2005, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RetroTVCollector

Fish made it debut on ABC during the 1976-77 Season. February of 1977

Okay, then I was wrong; he was doing both shows..darn it, cannot be perfect all the time

comedyfreak · 12-23-2005, 10:26 AM

I liked Fish and watched the show every week, too bad it didn't survive. Pretty cool little theme too.

Living In a '70's Dream · 12-23-2005, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by comedyfreak

I liked Fish and watched the show every week, too bad it didn't survive. Pretty cool little theme too.

I agree with the theme, it was different and original.

JeffRuss1972 · 12-23-2005, 11:19 AM

I don't think I ever saw the show FISH. Guess it was never in syndication.

Brian Damage · 12-23-2005, 11:40 AM

I never knew that story, thanks for posting it.

Living In a '70's Dream · 12-23-2005, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeffRuss1972

I don't think I ever saw the show FISH. Guess it was never in syndication.

I have only seen one episode of the show Fish, which appeared on one of Barney Miller's Columbia House tapes...

TVFactFan · 12-23-2005, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeffRuss1972

I don't think I ever saw the show FISH. Guess it was never in syndication.

I think it would have only been shown on Cable as part of a special. Fish didn't have enough eps to be picked up by a local Tv Station.

comedyfreak · 12-24-2005, 06:16 AM

I remember watching one episode on TVLand some time ago. Incidently, did you know the psychologist played by Barry Gordon appeared on an episode of Leave It To Beaver. He played Beaver's friend who's parents were divorced.

09-11-2005, 07:30 PM	#1
JeffRuss1972 70s Sitcoms Rule!!! Eternal Member Senior Member Join Date: Jul 11, 2005 Location: Villa Rica, GA Posts: 1,257	Abe Vigoda (Fish) "ABe Vigoda (who played Det. Fish) had been in show business for over twenty-five years before his part in BARNEY MILLER, appearing in over 80 plays. But it was his role as ruthless Mafia leader Tessio in THE GODFATHER (a role much unlike Fish) that brought him recognition. And Vigoda wanted more recognition on BARNEY MILLER. He even told creator and producer Danny Arnold that he'd like the show's title to be changed to FISH AND BARNEY (not even BARNEY and FISH). In June of 1977, a rift developed when for a second season in a row, Vigoda's agent booked him into another project that delayed BARNEY's shooting. Arnold insisted that Abe come to work. Abe sued. Arnold countersued. But by the time Vigoda returned to the set---just to be careful, they'd written in a new character, Arthur Dietrich (who could, they figured, be Fish's replacement if Vigoda didn't come back). But both actors stayed in the cast---until Vigoda was spun off into his own series---FISH---something he and the network had wanted. When FISH flopped, Vigoda wanted back in at BARNEY MILLER. Producer/creator Danny Arnold thought he asked for too much money. The answer was NO."
	__________________ Previously JalanRuss for a SHORT time, but got my OLD Username Back! Hello Again

12-19-2005, 02:47 PM	#2
maclen Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Oct 29, 2002 Location: San Francisco Bay Area Posts: 121	I think the show took a different focus after Fish left. The first couple of seasons had more slapstick-type of comedy provided by Fish than subsequent ones. By the time Fish wanted to return, the show had become a well-oiled machine, this time with Dietrich, and Levitt and Luger taking more prominent roles.
	__________________ maclen@hotmail.com

12-23-2005, 11:40 AM	#12
Brian Damage I'm Rich Bitch Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 03, 2002 Location: What Ain't No Country I Ever Heard Of...They Speak English in What? Posts: 63,107	I never knew that story, thanks for posting it.
	__________________ The Key to the Kingdom of Heaven: John 3:3 *Money Doesn't Buy Happiness...But I'd Rather Cry in My Private Jet*

12-23-2005, 10:26 AM	#9
comedyfreak Cheers! Forum Fanatic Join Date: Dec 14, 2005 Location: Sunny California Posts: 11,060	I liked Fish and watched the show every week, too bad it didn't survive. Pretty cool little theme too.

12-23-2005, 11:19 AM	#11
JeffRuss1972 70s Sitcoms Rule!!! Eternal Member Senior Member Join Date: Jul 11, 2005 Location: Villa Rica, GA Posts: 1,257	I don't think I ever saw the show FISH. Guess it was never in syndication.

12-24-2005, 06:16 AM	#15
comedyfreak Cheers! Forum Fanatic Join Date: Dec 14, 2005 Location: Sunny California Posts: 11,060	I remember watching one episode on TVLand some time ago. Incidently, did you know the psychologist played by Barry Gordon appeared on an episode of Leave It To Beaver. He played Beaver's friend who's parents were divorced.