Single Season Sitcoms of the 1980s: A Complete Guide - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

DJM77 · 10-28-2016, 12:48 PM

I have a question for anyone who has this book. I've been reading the preview on Amazon. The beginning of the segment on Hello, Larry is there, but the end of it is not. There were some quotes from John Femia at the end of page 207 and he had started to talk about why George Memmoli wasn't in the second season. Page 208 is not included in the preview and I really don't feel like buying the book. What did John Femia end up saying about George Memmoli's departure from the show? I'd also like to know if he said anything about Donna Wilkes leaving Hello, Larry.

TV Guy · 02-26-2017, 07:27 PM

He said that McLean Stevenson hated all the fat jokes and that was pretty much the reason for George's character, so George was let go. Another interesting item from the book: Donna Wilkes (Diane in season one) was actually let go after taping the first episode of the second season, and that they taped that episode two more times: once with Wilkes' immediate successor - who was also let go - and again with Krista Erickson. John Femia said that Donna had a major disagreement with McLean, who had her fired.

DJM77 · 02-26-2017, 08:45 PM

Thanks for the reply! Donna Wilkes, Kim Richards, Lisa Whelchel and John Femia all give different reasons as to why Donna Wilkes departed, so no telling what really happened.

DJM77 · 06-24-2017, 10:47 AM

I've been watching season two lately and George Memmoli (Earl) was actually still around some, just not nearly as much.

10-28-2016, 12:48 PM	#1
DJM77 Member Forum Veteran Join Date: May 15, 2001 Location: Missouri Posts: 5,552	Single Season Sitcoms of the 1980s: A Complete Guide I have a question for anyone who has this book. I've been reading the preview on Amazon. The beginning of the segment on Hello, Larry is there, but the end of it is not. There were some quotes from John Femia at the end of page 207 and he had started to talk about why George Memmoli wasn't in the second season. Page 208 is not included in the preview and I really don't feel like buying the book. What did John Femia end up saying about George Memmoli's departure from the show? I'd also like to know if he said anything about Donna Wilkes leaving Hello, Larry.
	__________________ Marge: There are only 49 stars on that flag. Abe: I'll be deep in the cold, cold ground before I recognize Missouri!

02-26-2017, 07:27 PM	#2
TV Guy Member Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 25, 2001 Location: Boston, MA, USA Posts: 3,419	He said that McLean Stevenson hated all the fat jokes and that was pretty much the reason for George's character, so George was let go. Another interesting item from the book: Donna Wilkes (Diane in season one) was actually let go after taping the first episode of the second season, and that they taped that episode two more times: once with Wilkes' immediate successor - who was also let go - and again with Krista Erickson. John Femia said that Donna had a major disagreement with McLean, who had her fired.

02-26-2017, 08:45 PM	#3
DJM77 Member Forum Veteran Join Date: May 15, 2001 Location: Missouri Posts: 5,552	Thanks for the reply! Donna Wilkes, Kim Richards, Lisa Whelchel and John Femia all give different reasons as to why Donna Wilkes departed, so no telling what really happened.

06-24-2017, 10:47 AM	#4
DJM77 Member Forum Veteran Join Date: May 15, 2001 Location: Missouri Posts: 5,552	I've been watching season two lately and George Memmoli (Earl) was actually still around some, just not nearly as much.