Was Sue Ann Nivens Brought onto The Show to Replace Somebody? - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Brian Damage · 03-25-2010, 12:23 AM

If so, who?

scotsguy · 03-27-2010, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Damage

If so, who?

Sue Ann was meant to be a one off character but Betty White was such a hit,she was asked back and as Cloris was only making three appearances as Phyllis,by then,before getting her own spinoff,Sue Ann appeared more.

Cloris Leachman said one one of the DVD specials she suggested Sue Ann "be the new blonde daring" as Phyllis was appearing less on the show.

Brian Damage · 03-27-2010, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scotsguy

Sue Ann was meant to be a one off character but Betty White was such a hit,she was asked back and as Cloris was only making three appearances as Phyllis,by then,before getting her own spinoff,Sue Ann appeared more.

Cloris Leachman said one one of the DVD specials she suggested Sue Ann "be the new blonde daring" as Phyllis was appearing less on the show.

Thanks for the info, was there any interactions between Sue Ann and Phyllis?

Benno123 · 03-27-2010, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Damage

Thanks for the info, was there any interactions between Sue Ann and Phyllis?

Oh for sure, in Sue Ann's first appearance when she has the affair with Lars. The scene between Sue Ann and Phyllis on Sue Ann's kitchen set is classic MTM, especially Sue Ann taking her souflette out of the oven!

scotsguy · 03-28-2010, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Benno123

Oh for sure, in Sue Ann's first appearance when she has the affair with Lars. The scene between Sue Ann and Phyllis on Sue Ann's kitchen set is classic MTM, especially Sue Ann taking her souflette out of the oven!

Then in Phyllis' last regular appearance on MTM (apart from the last episode) she and Sue Ann meet in the newsroom,everyone expects a confrontation but Phyllis begs Sue Ann for a job!(Lars has put Phyllis on a budget)

SueAnn_Rose · 04-25-2010, 10:10 AM

I'm so glad they kept the character of Sue Ann on because this show would have been a bit boring without some good old crazy antics that Sue Ann brought to the show.

Dr. Thong · 04-25-2010, 11:05 AM

Sometimes one-shot characters click with the cast and audience.

One great example is Klinger on M*A*S*H. Jamie Farr was hired to play Klinger as a one-shot character and stayed for eleven years.

Betty White really added something to that show.

"Oh, sweet Murray. Shiny Murray."

Kristen · 04-25-2010, 06:17 PM

Sue Ann was actually brough on before Rhoda and Phyllis left. The three even interacted from time to time. But after the other two left, Sue Ann's role became a lot larger, which was good. She definitely kept things interesting, esp. w/ Murray!

- Kristen

scotsguy · 04-25-2010, 07:10 PM

I agree with the loss of Rhoda and then Phyllis,Sue Ann's increased role

along with Georgette helped the balance of the male/female mix on the show.

I love how Sue Ann can just switch from being "nice" to cutting.

The way she works the table in "Mary's Deliquent" is a classic.

McGillicuddy · 05-08-2010, 09:00 PM

Yes, Betty White and Georgia Engel characters were expanded starting in season 5 after Valerie Harper left left, and Cloris Leachman's appearances were only occasional, then she ultimately left.

It does seem like they pondered replacing Rhoda when Penny Marshall appeared as Mary's neighbor, Paula a few times, at the high-rise apartment. But that's about the time Laverne & Shirley came along.

Family Ties Forever! · 11-18-2010, 12:00 AM

This mentions the character of Sue Ann.

Quote:

TV Guide Network's look at all things Betty White concludes with Betty's guest spots on soaps and prime time TV. Also, find out why Betty's schedule isn't about to slow down anytime soon, thanks to the Super Bowl.

Betty White Golden Girl

Part 1
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xfn...t-1_shortfilms

Part 2
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xfn...t-2_shortfilms

Part 3
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xfn...t-3_shortfilms

likewow · 11-19-2010, 06:46 PM

Interesting that the whole cast never appeared in an episode. There were scenes between Sue Ann and Rhoda, Phyllis and Sue Ann, Phyllis and Georgette, and Georgette and Sue Ann. But they were never on all together.

McGillicuddy · 11-19-2010, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by likewow

Interesting that the whole cast never appeared in an episode. There were scenes between Sue Ann and Rhoda, Phyllis and Sue Ann, Phyllis and Georgette, and Georgette and Sue Ann. But they were never on all together.

I was just going to make the point, that "The Last Show" is the only episode where all 8 principle cast-members appeared, and the final curtain call was the only time all 8 appeared on stage together.

Betty and Georgia were not around at the beginning; Valerie and Cloris left mid-series and Ted had passed away before the others appeared together in several reunions. That's why the final curtain is so special to me!

likewow · 11-20-2010, 11:20 AM

That's really nice!

03-25-2010, 12:23 AM	#1
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	Was Sue Ann Nivens Brought onto The Show to Replace Somebody? If so, who?
	__________________ The Key to the Kingdom of Heaven: John 3:3 *Money Doesn't Buy Happiness...But I'd Rather Cry in My Private Jet*

04-25-2010, 10:10 AM	#6
SueAnn_Rose Sue Ann Nivens BFF Frequent Poster Join Date: Feb 03, 2010 Location: WJM news room/The Big Potata Posts: 336	I'm so glad they kept the character of Sue Ann on because this show would have been a bit boring without some good old crazy antics that Sue Ann brought to the show.
	__________________ "I have been the owner of this house for 50 years, but you can kick me out" Elka "When I die, I want to be cremated and have my ashes thrown on Robert Redford." Sue Ann "Max you know i'm your girl" ღBetty & Allen Luddenღ ★Betty White★ Elka & Maxღ

04-25-2010, 11:05 AM	#7
Dr. Thong a/k/a "ACK!" Forum Veteran Join Date: Jul 10, 2001 Location: New Hampshire, USA Posts: 5,546	Sometimes one-shot characters click with the cast and audience. One great example is Klinger on MASH. Jamie Farr was hired to play Klinger as a one-shot character and stayed for eleven years. Betty White really added something to that show. "Oh, sweet Murray. Shiny* Murray."
	__________________ "Sunday has been cancelled due to lack of interest. That is all."

04-25-2010, 06:17 PM	#8
Kristen Member Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 17, 2000 Location: New York, USA Posts: 4,042	Sue Ann was actually brough on before Rhoda and Phyllis left. The three even interacted from time to time. But after the other two left, Sue Ann's role became a lot larger, which was good. She definitely kept things interesting, esp. w/ Murray! - Kristen

04-25-2010, 07:10 PM	#9
scotsguy Member Forum Regular Join Date: Nov 25, 2002 Location: Edinburgh,Scotland Posts: 696	I agree with the loss of Rhoda and then Phyllis,Sue Ann's increased role along with Georgette helped the balance of the male/female mix on the show. I love how Sue Ann can just switch from being "nice" to cutting. The way she works the table in "Mary's Deliquent" is a classic.

05-08-2010, 09:00 PM	#10
McGillicuddy Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Sep 28, 2002 Posts: 5,179	Yes, Betty White and Georgia Engel characters were expanded starting in season 5 after Valerie Harper left left, and Cloris Leachman's appearances were only occasional, then she ultimately left. It does seem like they pondered replacing Rhoda when Penny Marshall appeared as Mary's neighbor, Paula a few times, at the high-rise apartment. But that's about the time Laverne & Shirley came along.

11-19-2010, 06:46 PM	#12
likewow Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Oct 28, 2003 Posts: 217	Interesting that the whole cast never appeared in an episode. There were scenes between Sue Ann and Rhoda, Phyllis and Sue Ann, Phyllis and Georgette, and Georgette and Sue Ann. But they were never on all together.

11-20-2010, 11:20 AM	#14
likewow Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Oct 28, 2003 Posts: 217	That's really nice!