Why Did Gordy Fail As A Character on 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show?'

[Brian Damage]

Don't get me wrong, I love John Amos as an actor and I did enjoy him in his role as Gordon Howard, but why wasn't he utilized better for all that talent he had?

[TVFactFan]

Originally Posted by Brian Damage

Don't get me wrong, I love John Amos as an actor and I did enjoy him in his role as Gordon Howard, but why wasn't he utilized better for all that talent he had?

Because he was offered a acting role with a Bigger Role on a show called..."Maude"

[McGillicuddy]

His character wasn't ever considered a failure. John Amos left TMTMS for the new series Good Times. I remember hearing that if he stayed on, his role would have expanded in the third season.

Besides, Gordy Howard returns for an episode in the seventh season, so they must have considered him a significant character!

[Dianne3]

Gordy did not fail as a character.
MTM was one of the first shows to have an African-American character, although yes in a small role.
It would be another few years before African-Americans were seen regularly on TV.
If it weren't for the exposure JA got on MTM, who knows maybe he would not have been on Good Times.

[TVFactFan]

Originally Posted by markway895

His character wasn't ever considered a failure. John Amos left TMTMS for the new series Good Times. I remember hearing that if he stayed on, his role would have expanded in the third season.

Besides, Gordy Howard returns for an episode in the seventh season, so they must have considered him a significant character!

He left for Maude not Good times.

[TVFactFan]

Originally Posted by Dianne3

Gordy did not fail as a character.
MTM was one of the first shows to have an African-American character, although yes in a small role.
It would be another few years before African-Americans were seen regularly on TV.
If it weren't for the exposure JA got on MTM, who knows maybe he would not have been on Good Times.

His role on Maude is what lead to Good Times, not MTM

[McGillicuddy]

Originally Posted by TVFactFan

He left for Maude not Good times.

Well, his character was introduced on Maude, as Florida's husband, Henry. But he only made a few appearances before Good Times was spun-off, which he co-starred in with Esther Rolle. That's the series that took him away from TMTMS.

[TVFactFan]

I don't think he failed, I just think the role didn't provide any room for growth which is why he left the show

[OH Nuts!]

Originally Posted by TVFactFan

I don't think he failed, I just think the role didn't provide any room for growth which is why he left the show

I agree. Pity as he was great on TMTMS, and that He landed on a lemon (Good Times) that was poorly written and directed.