When Actors Die During A TV Show Run - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

USATVFAN · 08-17-2007, 03:03 AM

when a Lead actor dies During A Tv Shows Run Have You Had A Hard Time Watching It the show after they died.
John Ritter-it Easy To Watch Three's Company But It Hard To watch 8 simple rules Now,probably becuase on three's company he was there all 8 seasons but on 8 simple rules he was there really for 1 season and you knew it was his last show and that he died at the beggining of season 2.

treky · 08-17-2007, 03:09 AM

no; it's just like watching a movie when you know one or more actors died soon after.

comedyfreak · 08-17-2007, 05:18 AM

Well, the show wasn't the same without him.
Alias Smith And Jones
Chico And The Man
These two shows lost the lead actor and the shows didn't last. Night Court lost two supporting cast members, Selma Diamond and Florence Halop. Each was missed but the show continued on successfully. Bewitched lost a supporting cast member when Alice Pearce died during the second season. She too was missed, she brought something special to the character just as the other actresses above did to their roles as well. I watch each show with a fondness to them. The Jeffersons wasn't quite the same after Zara Cully (Mother Jeffersons) died, she was my favorite character next to Florence.

Chocoholic · 08-17-2007, 09:26 AM

NewsRadio just wasn't the same after Phil Hartman was murdered. It only lasted one season after his death.

Zoneboy · 08-17-2007, 10:40 AM

William Frawley of My Three Sons was missed after his passing but William Demarest filled in just fine as Uncle Charley. Sandra Gould was good as Gladys Kravitz but I thought Alice Pearce played the role much better. Oddly enough, William Frawley and Alice Pearce died on the same day, March 3rd, 1966.

Adamantium · 08-17-2007, 04:36 PM

One thing about watching "NewsRadio" after Phil Hartman died, watching the reruns with Hartman in them, you look at the jokes differently. His character talked about death a few times. He was paranoid that he was being stalked, the lobby Santa Claus wanted to kill him, and other lines he had about death. Jokes that are funny when he's still alive, but ones you look at differently after he's passed. However, I still enjoy watching the show. It's part of his legacy and because he's died is no reason to always be sad when I see him on TV or in movies.

Mikado · 08-17-2007, 04:43 PM

Seems like the consensous here is that a "second banana can die (like Coach on Cheers ) and the show goes on, but, if one of the A stars dies, its unlikely the show can last much longer without them

tv star collector · 08-17-2007, 06:17 PM

Most popular TV shows never quite recover from losing one of the stars,
especially an actor in a key role. WAGON TRAIN's Ward Bond (who died in
1960) was the first one that I remember (although John McIntire did a capable
job as the new wagonmaster). Certainly, BONANZA's Dan Blocker was irreplaceable. George Reeves (Superman) is another one that I vividly
remember. In the 1970s, we lost the aforementioned Freddie Prinze of
CHICO & THE MAN and also BARNEY MILLER's Jack Soo (they even did a
whole tribute show to him even though Yemana was only a supporting character). These are just a few more examples.

Heidi Dawn · 08-17-2007, 08:34 PM

Bea Benederet died during Petticoat Junction's 6th season. It only lasted another season with June Lockhart as her replacement. I didn't mind June's character, but I think the ratings went downhill from there.

On Phyllis, Barbara Colby played Julie for three episodes and was murdered and Liz Torres replaced her but I'm not sure if anyone noticed.

On Green Acres, Barbara Pepper died and Fran Ryan replaced her as the new Doris Ziffel.

Mr. Television · 08-17-2007, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikado

Seems like the consensous here is that a "second banana can die (like Coach on Cheers ) and the show goes on, but, if one of the A stars dies, its unlikely the show can last much longer without them

That's pretty much it.

treky · 08-18-2007, 12:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heidi Dawn

Bea Benederet died during Petticoat Junction's 6th season. It only lasted another season with June Lockhart as her replacement. I didn't mind June's character, but I think the ratings went downhill from there.

On Phyllis, Barbara Colby played Julie for three episodes and was murdered and Liz Torres replaced her but I'm not sure if anyone noticed.

On Green Acres, Barbara Pepper died and Fran Ryan replaced her as the new Doris Ziffel.

oh; so that's why Mrs. Ziffel was different toward the end of GA. I always wondered why; now I know. Thanx for clearing that up!

comedyfreak · 08-18-2007, 04:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoneboy

Oddly enough, William Frawley and Alice Pearce died on the same day, March 3rd, 1966.

Now that's something I didn't know, what a trip.

TURBOCSX · 08-18-2007, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heidi Dawn

Bea Benederet died during Petticoat Junction's 6th season. It only lasted another season with June Lockhart as her replacement. I didn't mind June's character, but I think the ratings went downhill from there.

On Phyllis, Barbara Colby played Julie for three episodes and was murdered and Liz Torres replaced her but I'm not sure if anyone noticed.

On Green Acres, Barbara Pepper died and Fran Ryan replaced her as the new Doris Ziffel.

I always felt Barbara Pepper was a much better Doris Ziffel.

freshprinceofLA · 08-18-2007, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adamantium

One thing about watching "NewsRadio" after Phil Hartman died, watching the reruns with Hartman in them, you look at the jokes differently. His character talked about death a few times. He was paranoid that he was being stalked, the lobby Santa Claus wanted to kill him, and other lines he had about death. Jokes that are funny when he's still alive, but ones you look at differently after he's passed. However, I still enjoy watching the show. It's part of his legacy and because he's died is no reason to always be sad when I see him on TV or in movies.

Yea you could say the same thing about 8 simple rules (already mentioned). Like in the 1st season John Ritter's character says feel my heart is it beating?? he did as most of you know from Aortic Dissection

Scoobiedoo30 · 08-18-2007, 02:49 PM

Mr Hopper died during Sesame Street and If member is correct I think they replaced Mr Hopper with David

08-17-2007, 03:03 AM	#1
USATVFAN Member Senior Member Join Date: Jan 31, 2007 Location: Kalispell, USA Posts: 1,742	When Actors Die During A TV Show Run when a Lead actor dies During A Tv Shows Run Have You Had A Hard Time Watching It the show after they died. John Ritter-it Easy To Watch Three's Company But It Hard To watch 8 simple rules Now,probably becuase on three's company he was there all 8 seasons but on 8 simple rules he was there really for 1 season and you knew it was his last show and that he died at the beggining of season 2.

08-17-2007, 03:09 AM	#2
treky star trek fan Eternal Member Forum Fanatic Join Date: Feb 25, 2002 Location: Conshohocken, pennsylvania Posts: 14,490	no; it's just like watching a movie when you know one or more actors died soon after.
	__________________ the Clampetts are in a fancy Beverly Hills jewelry store. Granny points to a tray of rubies. Granny: "How much fer one o' them red diamonds?" clerk: "Madam, those are rubies." Granny: "OK ask her kin we buy one offa her." clerk: " The ruby I am talking about is not a lady." Granny: "Lissen, how she got them diamonds is her business. I'm just sayin' ask her kin we buy one from her."

08-17-2007, 05:18 AM	#3
comedyfreak Cheers! Forum Fanatic Join Date: Dec 14, 2005 Location: Sunny California Posts: 11,061	Well, the show wasn't the same without him. Alias Smith And Jones Chico And The Man These two shows lost the lead actor and the shows didn't last. Night Court lost two supporting cast members, Selma Diamond and Florence Halop. Each was missed but the show continued on successfully. Bewitched lost a supporting cast member when Alice Pearce died during the second season. She too was missed, she brought something special to the character just as the other actresses above did to their roles as well. I watch each show with a fondness to them. The Jeffersons wasn't quite the same after Zara Cully (Mother Jeffersons) died, she was my favorite character next to Florence.
	__________________ www.facebook.com/comedyfreak

08-17-2007, 10:40 AM	#5
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,414	William Frawley of My Three Sons was missed after his passing but William Demarest filled in just fine as Uncle Charley. Sandra Gould was good as Gladys Kravitz but I thought Alice Pearce played the role much better. Oddly enough, William Frawley and Alice Pearce died on the same day, March 3rd, 1966.
	__________________ 'Twas The Night Before Christmas And All Through The Full House Not A Creature Was Stirring, Not Even Mighty Mouse. All My Children We're Nestled All Snug In Their Beds While Visions Of Sugarbakers Danced In Their Heads.

08-17-2007, 04:43 PM	#7
Mikado Main st bridge Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 06, 2005 Posts: 25,892	Seems like the consensous here is that a "second banana can die (like Coach on Cheers ) and the show goes on, but, if one of the A stars dies, its unlikely the show can last much longer without them
	Last edited by Mikado; 08-17-2007 at 07:08 PM.

08-17-2007, 09:26 AM	#4
Chocoholic Member Forum Star Join Date: Dec 01, 2000 Location: Between a rock and a hard place. Posts: 11,235	NewsRadio just wasn't the same after Phil Hartman was murdered. It only lasted one season after his death.

08-17-2007, 04:36 PM	#6
Adamantium TVAdam No More Forum Veteran Join Date: Sep 11, 2002 Location: Springfield, Ohio Posts: 7,838	One thing about watching "NewsRadio" after Phil Hartman died, watching the reruns with Hartman in them, you look at the jokes differently. His character talked about death a few times. He was paranoid that he was being stalked, the lobby Santa Claus wanted to kill him, and other lines he had about death. Jokes that are funny when he's still alive, but ones you look at differently after he's passed. However, I still enjoy watching the show. It's part of his legacy and because he's died is no reason to always be sad when I see him on TV or in movies.

08-17-2007, 06:17 PM	#8
tv star collector I Love Susie Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: Oct 18, 2005 Location: South Carolina Posts: 4,487	Most popular TV shows never quite recover from losing one of the stars, especially an actor in a key role. WAGON TRAIN's Ward Bond (who died in 1960) was the first one that I remember (although John McIntire did a capable job as the new wagonmaster). Certainly, BONANZA's Dan Blocker was irreplaceable. George Reeves (Superman) is another one that I vividly remember. In the 1970s, we lost the aforementioned Freddie Prinze of CHICO & THE MAN and also BARNEY MILLER's Jack Soo (they even did a whole tribute show to him even though Yemana was only a supporting character). These are just a few more examples.

08-17-2007, 08:34 PM	#9
Heidi Dawn Muppets Forum Regular Join Date: Jan 01, 2003 Location: Canada Posts: 883	Bea Benederet died during Petticoat Junction's 6th season. It only lasted another season with June Lockhart as her replacement. I didn't mind June's character, but I think the ratings went downhill from there. On Phyllis, Barbara Colby played Julie for three episodes and was murdered and Liz Torres replaced her but I'm not sure if anyone noticed. On Green Acres, Barbara Pepper died and Fran Ryan replaced her as the new Doris Ziffel.
	__________________ Complete Series Box Sets I own: MASH, Three's Company, Gilligan's Island, The Dukes Of Hazzard, The Golden Girls, The Monkees, The Brady Bunch, Full House, I Dream Of Jeannie, Bewitched, Taxi, Gimme A Break, Dallas, Charlie's Angels, Joanie Loves Chachi, Laverne & Shirley, Mork & Mindy, The Cosby Show, The Facts of Life, Family Ties, Diff'rent Strokes, Green Acres.

08-18-2007, 02:49 PM	#15
Scoobiedoo30 Member Forum Superstar Join Date: Jun 27, 2002 Location: KENNER, LOUISIANA Posts: 27,654	Mr Hopper died during Sesame Street and If member is correct I think they replaced Mr Hopper with David
	__________________ Who Dat