Whatever happened to Fred's friend Melvin - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

GoldenTV · 03-14-2023, 01:55 AM

I have always wondered why Melving charactor was so short lived as he only apeared in the first season (and one spisode in 2nd seson). He was not as good actor as Bubble or Grady, but he was funny in his own way. By his hairdo, one can tell he is from th old school

howilu · 03-14-2023, 09:39 AM

Melvin was portrayed by Slappy White, a long time friend and former comedy partner of Redd Foxx. Melvin was actually Slappy White's real first name.

GoldenTV · 03-15-2023, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by howilu

Melvin was portrayed by Slappy White, a long time friend and former comedy partner of Redd Foxx. Melvin was actually Slappy White's real first name.

Thanks. I knew Melvin and Redd Foxx worked together. Just was wondering why Melvin left after the first season of Sanford&Son. Did he left on his own or did the show producers let him go.

Road Dog · 04-17-2023, 10:39 AM

Slappy White had a long career as a nightclub performer, performing in clubs near his home in Atlantic City, NJ. He probably didn't do much TV work because it would have meant relocating to California.

GoldenTV · 04-20-2023, 02:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Road Dog

Slappy White had a long career as a nightclub performer, performing in clubs near his home in Atlantic City, NJ. He probably didn't do much TV work because it would have meant relocating to California.

That probably does explain why he did not continue with S&S and left the show. Also he might not have been too comfortable in front of camera as his TV and films apearances are too far in between.

TVFactFan · 05-01-2023, 03:16 PM

It was said he signed a contract to perform at a hotel in Las Vegas during that time. He would appear on Variety Rowan's and Martin's Laugh in the same year Sanford and Son made its debut

Until you asked this question I never noticed he was only on season 1 because he had such a small role on the show

Alan Brady's Hair · 05-01-2023, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Rowan's and Martin's Laugh in

Yeah, he had a gag where he was running for Vice President:

https://youtu.be/rSDMY1pQIp4

TVFactFan · 05-01-2023, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alan Brady's Hair

Yeah, he had a gag where he was running for Vice President:

https://youtu.be/rSDMY1pQIp4

Funny

I didnt like his character on S&S. He just seemed kind of slow and in the way and ungroomed lol

03-14-2023, 01:55 AM	#1
GoldenTV Member Senior Member Join Date: Jan 10, 2019 Posts: 1,050	Whatever happened to Fred's friend Melvin I have always wondered why Melving charactor was so short lived as he only apeared in the first season (and one spisode in 2nd seson). He was not as good actor as Bubble or Grady, but he was funny in his own way. By his hairdo, one can tell he is from th old school

03-14-2023, 09:39 AM	#2
howilu Member Senior Member Join Date: Apr 20, 2003 Location: St. Louis Park, MN Posts: 1,964	Melvin was portrayed by Slappy White, a long time friend and former comedy partner of Redd Foxx. Melvin was actually Slappy White's real first name.

04-17-2023, 10:39 AM	#4
Road Dog Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Apr 30, 2004 Posts: 94	Slappy White had a long career as a nightclub performer, performing in clubs near his home in Atlantic City, NJ. He probably didn't do much TV work because it would have meant relocating to California.

05-01-2023, 03:16 PM	#6
TVFactFan Member Forum Junkie Join Date: Aug 17, 2002 Posts: 99,101	It was said he signed a contract to perform at a hotel in Las Vegas during that time. He would appear on Variety Rowan's and Martin's Laugh in the same year Sanford and Son made its debut Until you asked this question I never noticed he was only on season 1 because he had such a small role on the show