How did Vic Tayback and Beth Howland dealt with Linda Lavin??? - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

mstewart · 05-15-2007, 10:06 AM

I always wonder how did Vic Tayback and Beth Howland dealt with Linda Lavin and how they got along with her??? There were so many reports that she was difficult to deal with and hard to get along with. Given that Polly Holliday and Diane Ladd she was in friction with. I understand a guest star was on the show and Linda projected the attitude that she is the star of the show. Linda Lavin is a great actress but her need to control and be the constant center of attention ruined what could had been a classic show. Alice was (still is) one of my favorite all time sitcoms.

Brian Damage · 05-15-2007, 10:11 AM

The thing is, she was the star of the show. The problem is and was that when you have someone as the "star" sometimes they try and mold a sitcom or drama in their own vision.

mstewart · 05-15-2007, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Damage

The thing is, she was the star of the show. The problem is and was that when you have someone as the "star" sometimes they try and mold a sitcom or drama in their own vision.

We had two classic examples of individuals who were the "star" of their respective series and even co-star in a show together. That was Dick Van Dyke and Mary Tyler Moore. They both allowed the cast around to shine to make the show be all that it could be. MTM always acknowledge DVD for giving her the opportunity to shine on The Dick Van Dyke Show where she originally was to have a small part in the show where she unofficially became the lead actress. Rose Marie was originally to be the lead actress and it led to friction between her and Mary but it got worked out. Mary in turn when she got her own show, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, she allowed her co-stars to get laughs and shine.

With that kind of attitude it what makes a series and a star look good because it shows on screen as well. Plus those two shows went down as classics.

friendsfan77 · 05-15-2007, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mstewart

With that kind of attitude it what makes a series and a star look good because it shows on screen as well. Plus those two shows went down as classics.

I totally agree.

catlover79 · 01-11-2008, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by friendsfan77

I totally agree.

So do I - and Bob Newhart is another example of the star who lets his fellow actors shine. His shows are classics as well!!

Scoobiedoo30 · 01-11-2008, 05:19 PM

the only one I know who Linda Lavin had trouble with was Polly

Jude The Obscure · 01-11-2008, 06:10 PM

Do you think Linda Lavin and Lucille Ball had a lot in common in that regard? Lucille's controlling attitude led to a few guests (like Joan Crawford) vowing never to work with her again and of course, partially to Vivian Vance leaving The Lucy Show after only three seasons.

Austin Tripper · 01-17-2008, 01:46 PM

I think Linda saw other shows like Goodtimes and Different Strokes where the show had a different idea for the concept, but then a goofy catch phrase changed the show.

she freaked and turned into an a$$hole

liane60 · 08-30-2018, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mstewart

I always wonder how did Vic Tayback and Beth Howland dealt with Linda Lavin and how they got along with her??? There were so many reports that she was difficult to deal with and hard to get along with. Given that Polly Holliday and Diane Ladd she was in friction with. I understand a guest star was on the show and Linda projected the attitude that she is the star of the show. Linda Lavin is a great actress but her need to control and be the constant center of attention ruined what could had been a classic show. Alice was (still is) one of my favorite all time sitcoms.

Maybe they just bit their tounge and just kept telling themselves it's a job on a hit TV show that most actors don't get. I herd before the show Beth was so broke sometimes the only food her and her daughter had was to share a can of tuna fish. Maybe she was just so greatful to be there.

mark40511 · 11-24-2018, 11:41 PM

Personally, I don't think Linda felt Mel, or Vera were competition to her like FLO was. I heard she had problems with Diane Ladd as well. For whatever reason, she had no problem with Celia Weston. Maybe by the time Celia Weston got there ,the show was well established and Lina calmed down a little bit? I dunno. Just my guess.

05-15-2007, 10:06 AM	#1
mstewart mstewart Senior Member Join Date: Jan 25, 2002 Location: California Posts: 1,780	How did Vic Tayback and Beth Howland dealt with Linda Lavin??? I always wonder how did Vic Tayback and Beth Howland dealt with Linda Lavin and how they got along with her??? There were so many reports that she was difficult to deal with and hard to get along with. Given that Polly Holliday and Diane Ladd she was in friction with. I understand a guest star was on the show and Linda projected the attitude that she is the star of the show. Linda Lavin is a great actress but her need to control and be the constant center of attention ruined what could had been a classic show. Alice was (still is) one of my favorite all time sitcoms.

05-15-2007, 10:11 AM	#2
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	The thing is, she was the star of the show. The problem is and was that when you have someone as the "star" sometimes they try and mold a sitcom or drama in their own vision.
	__________________ The Key to the Kingdom of Heaven: John 3:3 *Money Doesn't Buy Happiness...But I'd Rather Cry in My Private Jet*

01-11-2008, 05:19 PM	#6
Scoobiedoo30 Member Forum Superstar Join Date: Jun 27, 2002 Location: KENNER, LOUISIANA Posts: 27,654	the only one I know who Linda Lavin had trouble with was Polly
	__________________ Who Dat

01-11-2008, 06:10 PM	#7
Jude The Obscure Retired Eternal Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Dec 10, 2006 Posts: 7,520	Do you think Linda Lavin and Lucille Ball had a lot in common in that regard? Lucille's controlling attitude led to a few guests (like Joan Crawford) vowing never to work with her again and of course, partially to Vivian Vance leaving The Lucy Show after only three seasons.

01-17-2008, 01:46 PM	#8
Austin Tripper Jack Tripper is GOD! Forum Regular Join Date: Jul 17, 2001 Location: United States Posts: 614	I think Linda saw other shows like Goodtimes and Different Strokes where the show had a different idea for the concept, but then a goofy catch phrase changed the show. she freaked and turned into an a$$hole

11-24-2018, 11:41 PM	#10
mark40511 Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Aug 22, 2005 Posts: 21	Personally, I don't think Linda felt Mel, or Vera were competition to her like FLO was. I heard she had problems with Diane Ladd as well. For whatever reason, she had no problem with Celia Weston. Maybe by the time Celia Weston got there ,the show was well established and Lina calmed down a little bit? I dunno. Just my guess.