Was David Groh miscast? - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

OOliver · 07-24-2010, 02:15 PM

In the 'Christmas' episode of the first season, the focus is on actor David Groh which seemed to be a positive/negative thing.

As an actor in this ep, he really did show what a fine dramatic actor he was - and very theatrical in his movements. At times, I could picture these scenes being played out on a live theater stage. Very emotional, very strong presence, excellent body language. This is the positive.

It's also the negative - it really shows the actor as being somewhat awkward and miscast as a 'comedy actor' (which he really was not), and certainly not a sitcom star. His comedy was very forced, as it didn't come natural to him. At times, it seemed like the writers were using him more for a reactionary to Rhoda, Brenda, and Ida. He sets up the joke and they would deliver the punchline...boom. He laughs, the audience laughs and the scene is over. He never had the comic timing, the comedic lines, or the physical comedy.

Granted, the gig of being cast as a regular on one of the most popular shows of the 1974-75 season was a feather in his cap. Being a sexy hunk,appealing to women and gay men (including me - he was my first 'TV crush') certainly was a bigger feather.

However, I think this guy would have really established himself as a Broadway actor in this period - if given the chance. At 35 years old, he had the looks, the body, the movements of a gifted dramatic stage actor - really wasted on this show.

scotsguy · 07-25-2010, 05:03 AM

I think David Groh was very god on "Rhoda",his best comedy moment for me was when he pretended to be Brenda's boyfriend in "Attack on Mr Right",very funny performance.

I think the character of Joe was a bit of an unrewarding one for David,Joe at times could be rather self centred but I supose we needed conflict with Joe and Rhoda,otherwise it would have been boring.

The character of Joe does do a complete 180 turn in "The Seperation",Joe turns into an unlikeable rat,only interested in himself,and a bit of a coward,Joe was never that in the first two seasons.

07-24-2010, 02:15 PM	#1
OOliver Member Forum Regular Join Date: Jan 28, 2009 Location: Providence RI Posts: 569	Was David Groh miscast? In the 'Christmas' episode of the first season, the focus is on actor David Groh which seemed to be a positive/negative thing. As an actor in this ep, he really did show what a fine dramatic actor he was - and very theatrical in his movements. At times, I could picture these scenes being played out on a live theater stage. Very emotional, very strong presence, excellent body language. This is the positive. It's also the negative - it really shows the actor as being somewhat awkward and miscast as a 'comedy actor' (which he really was not), and certainly not a sitcom star. His comedy was very forced, as it didn't come natural to him. At times, it seemed like the writers were using him more for a reactionary to Rhoda, Brenda, and Ida. He sets up the joke and they would deliver the punchline...boom. He laughs, the audience laughs and the scene is over. He never had the comic timing, the comedic lines, or the physical comedy. Granted, the gig of being cast as a regular on one of the most popular shows of the 1974-75 season was a feather in his cap. Being a sexy hunk,appealing to women and gay men (including me - he was my first 'TV crush') certainly was a bigger feather. However, I think this guy would have really established himself as a Broadway actor in this period - if given the chance. At 35 years old, he had the looks, the body, the movements of a gifted dramatic stage actor - really wasted on this show.

07-25-2010, 05:03 AM	#2
scotsguy Member Forum Regular Join Date: Nov 25, 2002 Location: Edinburgh,Scotland Posts: 696	I think David Groh was very god on "Rhoda",his best comedy moment for me was when he pretended to be Brenda's boyfriend in "Attack on Mr Right",very funny performance. I think the character of Joe was a bit of an unrewarding one for David,Joe at times could be rather self centred but I supose we needed conflict with Joe and Rhoda,otherwise it would have been boring. The character of Joe does do a complete 180 turn in "The Seperation",Joe turns into an unlikeable rat,only interested in himself,and a bit of a coward,Joe was never that in the first two seasons.