SitcomsOnline Interviews Richard Kline of "Three's Company" - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

JamesG · 07-07-2011, 12:33 PM

Seven Questions with Richard Kline of "Three's Company"
Thursday, July 07, 2011
by Pavan

We have a very exciting interview for you today.

We have an interview with classic TV star Richard Kline (Larry from "Three's Company") about his brilliant career and his role many sitcoms, including "Three's Company".

We get answers to various questions that you will all want to know about, including his take on today's sitcoms, what game show he would love to do, if he would do a "Three's Company" movie/reunion and if he would do "Dancing with the Stars".

As always with all of our interviews, it is in Seven Questions form. So let's first tell you a little bit about Richard Kline (as if you didn't know!).

Richard Kline grew up New York City, attended Queens College and has a Masters in Theatre from Northwestern University. He is known to millions of TV watchers as 'Larry' on the classic sitcom "Three's Company".

He recently toured the country as The Wizard of Oz in the National Company of Wicked. Previous to that he appeared on Broadway in David Mamet's November directed by Joe Mantello. He is a veteran of stage.

After serving as a lieutenant in Vietnam, Richard made his professional debut at the prestigious Lincoln Center Repertory Company in 1971. His many television credits include "Gilmore Girls", "Judging Amy", "That '70s Show", "NYPD Blue", "Dream On", "L.A. Law", "Mary Tyler Moore", and "Maude".

As a director, Richard won the L.A. Drama Critics Circle Award for his direction of Noel Coward's Present Laughter. He has also directed Bruce Davison, Burt Reynolds and Billy Connolly in their television series.

Currently Richard, his wife Beverley and their two cats, live in West Orange, NJ. His daughter Colby is an actress/singer living in Los Angeles.

It is an honor interviewing you! "Three's Company" is my favorite TV series of all-time, so this is extra special to me!

TV audiences have been watching you on TV since the '70s and I think just about everyone who watches TV, film or theater have seen you in something.

But it is "Three's Company" of course that has been etched into everyone's brain when they think of Richard Kline.

What was it about the character of Larry Dallas that people just love and how did the character become a regular on the show in late season two after that memorable guest appearance in season one (on the episode 'No Children, No Pets')?

In cast introductions at our live tapings, Larry was introduced as the "used car salesman with a heart of gold." There's an oxymoron if there ever was one except that it was true.

Larry was never overtly mean or criminally conniving, he just had a fixation on women and money which pretty much explains the driving force behind most heterosexual males in the '70s and '80s...OK in the history of the world.

I think there was some glee in how Larry got Jack in or out of trouble, but bottom line I think you knew he would do anything for Jack, the girls and Mr. Furley if they asked.

Your career in television is very impressive.

Besides "Three's Company", you were a series regular on sitcoms like "It's a Living", "Inside Schwartz", "His & Hers"...

and you have also made many guest appearances on many TV sitcoms and dramas over the years like "The Ropers", "Three's a Crowd", "Maude", "Mary Tyler Moore Show", "Silver Spoons", "One Day at a Time", "Love Boat", "Family Matters", "Step by Step", "Hunter", "Matlock", "Columbo", "That '70s Show", "Sabrina" and many many more.

I have seen many of these and you are always spot on! What were your favorite ones and some memorable experiences from these guest appearances?

I had great in-house training watching Bea Arthur and the rest of the "Maude" cast, which I did three times.

My most memorable guest role was in the show "St. Elsewhere"...highly dramatic with the background being I was a Vietnam vet, which of course, I was in real life.

What people may not know about you is that you also direct sitcoms.

You've directed sitcoms like "Harry and the Hendersons", "Evening Shade" and more (I also remember you were supposed to direct the pilot of John Ritter's 1992-95 series "Hearts Afire" when it was called "Capitol Hill").

What is it about directing that is appealing to you? It seems many sitcom actors like to direct, as we saw with Scott Baio, Jim Belushi, Larry Joe Campbell, among others.

You also teach in your acting workshop, so I think it is great that you are sharing your skills and wisdom with aspiring actors!

Directing is appealing because you are in control and responsible for more than yourself (as an actor). Your creativity expands beyond that and with professional actors to direct you collaborate with them on finding the ultimate piece of business or line readings that bring the comedy home.

I love working with non-pros as well to see the progress they make class after class (in my acting workshop).

I have to mention game shows as well.

You were a fixture on game shows in the '80s doing just about every game show like "Password", "$100,000 Pyramid", and "Hollywood Squares".

What drew you to these and is there one game show you always wanted to do? You are very smart so I can see why you wanted to showcase your knowledge and skills!

I was a contestant on the then "$10,000 Pyramid" in 1974 when it filmed in New York. It was always my wish to appear on it once I became a "celebrity" and I did the show seven or eight times.

I would REALLY like to do "Jeopardy!" but I'm afraid I would take all their money!

It is unlikely a "Three's Company" reunion would ever take place on TV now since John Ritter is no longer with us and of course Suzanne still not speaking with Joyce.

But would you do a retrospective with Joyce DeWitt, Priscilla Barnes and Jenilee Harrison reuniting and talking about the series and John Ritter as we near the 35th anniversary of the series next spring?

Or perhaps make a cameo in a "Three's Company" feature film which is supposedly in the works starring James Franco, after his "concept art" short film at Sundance this year (which you screened)?

You could certainly still play Larry, I think! But who would be your second choice?

I would work with James Franco anytime.

I think without John, the Ropers, Don Knotts, and a no show Suzanne, any kind of reunion would be ill-advised.

What do you think of the current sitcoms and what are your favorites?

Do they compare to the sitcoms like "Three's Company" and others from that era?

It seems more of the comedies these days are going to single-camera, instead of the traditional studio audience multi-camera sitcoms. As a sitcom teacher and veteran of comedy, what do you think?

Like most, if not all of the dramatic shows in recent years, single camera shows just look better--the digital technology, the lighting and the expertise of the directors.

Four camera, video-taped shows of the '70s and '80s had a certain "look" that now can only be described as "nostalgic."

My favorite current sitcoms are "Modern Family", "The Big Bang Theory", early episodes of "30 Rock", and "How I Met Your Mother".

What is next for Richard Kline?

We love your cameos in the Adam Sandler films and can't wait for the next one in Jack & Jill this fall!

I know you were in a Fox drama pilot this past development season, you also do a lot theater (like Wicked, City of Angels and November), and teach in your sitcom acting workshop, but any chance of a return to sitcoms as a regular or perhaps doing "Dancing with the Stars"?

Larry Dallas had moves, so I'm sure you would be great at it! You could put on the Larry Dallas fro and yell "Jack-o" while doing a cha-cha-cha!

*Interview drops pretense and gets carried away (LOL).*

Inquiries are in to "Dancing with the Stars". I am doing a musical this fall (October) directed by David Hyde Pierce ("Frasier") and starring Tyne Daly!

Our thanks to Richard Kline. We are very grateful he gave some of his time just for us! We wish him continued success in his top-notch career.

For more information on Richard Kline, continue to stay with us for info and don't forget to view his official website - http://www.richardkline.net/

And if you're interested in getting into the acting business, you will want to take Richard Kline's Acting Workshop. You'll learn a lot from a veteran of comedy! - http://www.richardkline.net/workshop.html

http://blog.sitcomsonline.com/2011/0...-kline-of.html

Big3sCompanyFan · 07-10-2011, 08:09 PM

Hey thanks for posting! I had no idea he's a Vietnam vet! I've never heard of any of those other sitcoms he was a regular in.

WHY doesn't he want to get together with Joyce and the gang and discuss 3's Company on its 35th anniversary??

No harm in doing that! Makes no sense why he'd turn that down! He could pay tribute to John!

07-07-2011, 12:33 PM	#1
JamesG Freakshow Moderator Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 01, 2008 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 57,039	SitcomsOnline Interviews Richard Kline of "Three's Company" *Seven Questions with Richard Kline of "Three's Company"* Thursday, July 07, 2011 by Pavan We have a very exciting interview for you today. We have an interview with classic TV star Richard Kline (Larry from "Three's Company") about his brilliant career and his role many sitcoms, including "Three's Company". We get answers to various questions that you will all want to know about, including his take on today's sitcoms, what game show he would love to do, if he would do a "Three's Company" movie/reunion and if he would do "Dancing with the Stars". As always with all of our interviews, it is in Seven Questions form. So let's first tell you a little bit about Richard Kline (as if you didn't know!). Richard Kline grew up New York City, attended Queens College and has a Masters in Theatre from Northwestern University. He is known to millions of TV watchers as 'Larry' on the classic sitcom "Three's Company". He recently toured the country as The Wizard of Oz in the National Company of Wicked. Previous to that he appeared on Broadway in David Mamet's November directed by Joe Mantello. He is a veteran of stage. After serving as a lieutenant in Vietnam, Richard made his professional debut at the prestigious Lincoln Center Repertory Company in 1971. His many television credits include "Gilmore Girls", "Judging Amy", "That '70s Show", "NYPD Blue", "Dream On", "L.A. Law", "Mary Tyler Moore", and "Maude". As a director, Richard won the L.A. Drama Critics Circle Award for his direction of Noel Coward's Present Laughter. He has also directed Bruce Davison, Burt Reynolds and Billy Connolly in their television series. Currently Richard, his wife Beverley and their two cats, live in West Orange, NJ. His daughter Colby is an actress/singer living in Los Angeles. It is an honor interviewing you! "Three's Company" is my favorite TV series of all-time, so this is extra special to me! TV audiences have been watching you on TV since the '70s and I think just about everyone who watches TV, film or theater have seen you in something. But it is "Three's Company" of course that has been etched into everyone's brain when they think of Richard Kline. What was it about the character of Larry Dallas that people just love and how did the character become a regular on the show in late season two after that memorable guest appearance in season one (on the episode 'No Children, No Pets')? In cast introductions at our live tapings, Larry was introduced as the "used car salesman with a heart of gold." There's an oxymoron if there ever was one except that it was true. Larry was never overtly mean or criminally conniving, he just had a fixation on women and money which pretty much explains the driving force behind most heterosexual males in the '70s and '80s...OK in the history of the world. I think there was some glee in how Larry got Jack in or out of trouble, but bottom line I think you knew he would do anything for Jack, the girls and Mr. Furley if they asked. Your career in television is very impressive. Besides "Three's Company", you were a series regular on sitcoms like "It's a Living", "Inside Schwartz", "His & Hers"... and you have also made many guest appearances on many TV sitcoms and dramas over the years like "The Ropers", "Three's a Crowd", "Maude", "Mary Tyler Moore Show", "Silver Spoons", "One Day at a Time", "Love Boat", "Family Matters", "Step by Step", "Hunter", "Matlock", "Columbo", "That '70s Show", "Sabrina" and many many more. I have seen many of these and you are always spot on! What were your favorite ones and some memorable experiences from these guest appearances? I had great in-house training watching Bea Arthur and the rest of the "Maude" cast, which I did three times. My most memorable guest role was in the show "St. Elsewhere"...highly dramatic with the background being I was a Vietnam vet, which of course, I was in real life. What people may not know about you is that you also direct sitcoms. You've directed sitcoms like "Harry and the Hendersons", "Evening Shade" and more (I also remember you were supposed to direct the pilot of John Ritter's 1992-95 series "Hearts Afire" when it was called "Capitol Hill"). What is it about directing that is appealing to you? It seems many sitcom actors like to direct, as we saw with Scott Baio, Jim Belushi, Larry Joe Campbell, among others. You also teach in your acting workshop, so I think it is great that you are sharing your skills and wisdom with aspiring actors! Directing is appealing because you are in control and responsible for more than yourself (as an actor). Your creativity expands beyond that and with professional actors to direct you collaborate with them on finding the ultimate piece of business or line readings that bring the comedy home. I love working with non-pros as well to see the progress they make class after class (in my acting workshop). I have to mention game shows as well. You were a fixture on game shows in the '80s doing just about every game show like "Password", "$100,000 Pyramid", and "Hollywood Squares". What drew you to these and is there one game show you always wanted to do? You are very smart so I can see why you wanted to showcase your knowledge and skills! I was a contestant on the then "$10,000 Pyramid" in 1974 when it filmed in New York. It was always my wish to appear on it once I became a "celebrity" and I did the show seven or eight times. I would REALLY like to do "Jeopardy!" but I'm afraid I would take all their money! It is unlikely a "Three's Company" reunion would ever take place on TV now since John Ritter is no longer with us and of course Suzanne still not speaking with Joyce. But would you do a retrospective with Joyce DeWitt, Priscilla Barnes and Jenilee Harrison reuniting and talking about the series and John Ritter as we near the 35th anniversary of the series next spring? Or perhaps make a cameo in a "Three's Company" feature film which is supposedly in the works starring James Franco, after his "concept art" short film at Sundance this year (which you screened)? You could certainly still play Larry, I think! But who would be your second choice? I would work with James Franco anytime. I think without John, the Ropers, Don Knotts, and a no show Suzanne, any kind of reunion would be ill-advised. What do you think of the current sitcoms and what are your favorites? Do they compare to the sitcoms like "Three's Company" and others from that era? It seems more of the comedies these days are going to single-camera, instead of the traditional studio audience multi-camera sitcoms. As a sitcom teacher and veteran of comedy, what do you think? Like most, if not all of the dramatic shows in recent years, single camera shows just look better--the digital technology, the lighting and the expertise of the directors. Four camera, video-taped shows of the '70s and '80s had a certain "look" that now can only be described as "nostalgic." My favorite current sitcoms are "Modern Family", "The Big Bang Theory", early episodes of "30 Rock", and "How I Met Your Mother". What is next for Richard Kline? We love your cameos in the Adam Sandler films and can't wait for the next one in Jack & Jill this fall! I know you were in a Fox drama pilot this past development season, you also do a lot theater (like Wicked, City of Angels and November), and teach in your sitcom acting workshop, but any chance of a return to sitcoms as a regular or perhaps doing "Dancing with the Stars"? Larry Dallas had moves, so I'm sure you would be great at it! You could put on the Larry Dallas fro and yell "Jack-o" while doing a cha-cha-cha! Interview drops pretense and gets carried away (LOL). Inquiries are in to "Dancing with the Stars". I am doing a musical this fall (October) directed by David Hyde Pierce ("Frasier") and starring Tyne Daly! Our thanks to Richard Kline. We are very grateful he gave some of his time just for us! We wish him continued success in his top-notch career. For more information on Richard Kline, continue to stay with us for info and don't forget to view his official website - http://www.richardkline.net/ And if you're interested in getting into the acting business, you will want to take Richard Kline's Acting Workshop. You'll learn a lot from a veteran of comedy! - http://www.richardkline.net/workshop.html http://blog.sitcomsonline.com/2011/0...-kline-of.html Attached Images

07-10-2011, 08:09 PM	#2
Big3sCompanyFan Member Senior Member Join Date: Sep 16, 2003 Posts: 2,493	Hey thanks for posting! I had no idea he's a Vietnam vet! I've never heard of any of those other sitcoms he was a regular in. WHY doesn't he want to get together with Joyce and the gang and discuss 3's Company on its 35th anniversary?? No harm in doing that! Makes no sense why he'd turn that down! He could pay tribute to John!