Acting or Directing? - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Marvo301 · 06-04-2009, 03:37 AM

What do you think was Jerry Paris' most important contribution to the Dick Van Dyke Show? His acting or his directing? While Jerry was hilarious and stole almost every scene he was in as Dr. Jerry Helper, I think his creativity, enthusiasm, and fearlessness as a director was his greatest contribution to this series. Jerry had to beg Carl Reiner to give him a chance to direct when John Rich, the show's original "in house" director, left to direct movies. Eventually Carl gave in and the rest is history. Jerry went on to become not only the "in house" director of DVDS for the rest of it's run but also one of the best and most prolific directors ever in the field of situation comedy.

MickeyMac · 06-04-2009, 09:53 PM

I'd say both. He was a great TV director and a great character actor too. The show benifited so much by him.

Marvo301 · 06-04-2009, 09:58 PM

Good point Mickey! Both his acting and his directing were a benefit to the show. And I think he was underrated as a character actor!

treky · 08-06-2009, 03:57 AM

I also say both.

06-04-2009, 03:37 AM	#1
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,456	Acting or Directing? What do you think was Jerry Paris' most important contribution to the Dick Van Dyke Show? His acting or his directing? While Jerry was hilarious and stole almost every scene he was in as Dr. Jerry Helper, I think his creativity, enthusiasm, and fearlessness as a director was his greatest contribution to this series. Jerry had to beg Carl Reiner to give him a chance to direct when John Rich, the show's original "in house" director, left to direct movies. Eventually Carl gave in and the rest is history. Jerry went on to become not only the "in house" director of DVDS for the rest of it's run but also one of the best and most prolific directors ever in the field of situation comedy.
	__________________ Only a life lived for others is worth living. Albert Einstein A life isn't worth living unless it has impact on other lives. Jackie Robinson Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. Benjamin Franklin

08-06-2009, 03:57 AM	#4
treky star trek fan Eternal Member Forum Fanatic Join Date: Feb 25, 2002 Location: Conshohocken, pennsylvania Posts: 14,490	I also say both.
	__________________ 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."

06-04-2009, 09:53 PM	#2
MickeyMac Member Forum Star Join Date: Jun 18, 2008 Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan Posts: 19,006	I'd say both. He was a great TV director and a great character actor too. The show benifited so much by him.

06-04-2009, 09:58 PM	#3
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,456	Good point Mickey! Both his acting and his directing were a benefit to the show. And I think he was underrated as a character actor!