Television Actors

Rest in Peace, George Lindsey

And Long May Goober Live!

Andy Taylor: Goob, did anybody ever tell you you’ve got a big mouth?
Goober Pyle: Yeah, but I don’t pay no attention to ‘em.

Thanks to television, dvds, and Golden Age of Hollywood websites such as this one – even when the stars leave us, they never stop shining. And, as is so often the case, the laughter never dies. When someone as talented and gifted as George Lindsey creates a character like Goober, this laughter is their lasting legacy. George Lindsey played Goober as well as a character could be played and made him stand out in a cast filled with stand outs.

And can you imagine a sweeter legacy than laughter?! Millions and millions of people laughing because of you. And best of all, the laughter will never die.

George Lindsey was born in Jasper, Alabama on December 15, 1935. He passed away May 6 in Nashville Tennessee.

Although Lindsey’s best remembered for his adorably simple Goober, the actor actually had a Bachelors Degree in Bioscience from the University of North Alabama. He was a science teacher before he decided to become an actor.

Can you picture Goober standing before a classroom, teaching science? With a straight face? Me neither. I keep seeing him break out in his infamous, “Judy Judy Judy!” Priceless.

Perhaps even more startling than Goober with a diploma would be the image of Goober holding court on the Starship Enterprise. Leonard Nimoy (Spock) has revealed that Gene Roddenberry’s first choice to play Spock was George Lindsey. He turned the part down and Leonard Nimoy and George Lindsey’s characters became household names with much-beloved faces.

I can’t picture him in front of Captain Kirk any more than I can picture him in front of a classroom! Somehow, that’s just not where he belongs. Let’s set things right and put him firmly in his rightful place in history.

Gomer Pyle: Me and Goober are goin’ down to see that Cary Grant movie. Goober never misses a Cary Grant movie. He studies him. You want to hear him take off on Cary Grant? C’mon, Goober; do Cary Grant.
Goober Pyle: Well, I don’t know…
Andy Taylor: Well, Gom, if he doesn’t want to…
Goober Pyle: I’ll do it! Judy, Judy, Judy!
Gomer Pyle: [laughing hysterically] Ain’t that great, Andy? How do you do it? Let me try; Judy, Judy, I can’t do it. Andy, couldn’t you just swear it was Cary Grant standin’ right before you in this room?
Andy Taylor: Uh, yeah, Gomer; that was real good, Goober.

Real good, indeed.

Star Trek Memorabilia

Cheers, Fellow Trekkies: Live Long and Prosper

by Joi

Like all good little Trekkies, I’m in love with these Star Trek Original Series Glasses 4-Pack. I’m so glad to see the good doctor is amongst the characters featured. He was a personal favorite.

Star Trek Original Series Glasses 4-Pack

Drink up with the crew of the Starship Enterprise!
Retro-futuristic 4-pack of glasses.
Each features a cast member from the original series.
Images of Uhura, Kirk, Spock, and McCoy.
Perfect for display or everyday use!

Click through the image or the link above for more information.

More Star Trek Memorabilia:

Justified Season 2 Premieres Toinght on FX!

by Joi

The best drama (and possibly even show, period) on tv is Justified. Bold statement, eh? Well, it’s a bold, wonderful, highly unique and deliciously outstanding show, so my bold statement is… I’m sure you see it coming… justified. Shows like this deserve bold statements – and fanatical followings. So what follows is one bold fanatic’s review of a show she, her husband, and her cat are all madly in love with.

Unfortunately, Justified aired its first season opposite a show that I’ve watched religiously (and loved muchly) since it first aired, The Biggest Loser. My husband watched Justified while my daughters and I watched Losers. He raved about it so much I wanted to watch it but Bob and Jillian would have came looking for me. I’m nothing if not scared of fit little trainers, so I missed Justified the first time around. However, our oldest daughter Emily bought my husband the Justified: The Complete First Season dvd set (love that girl!). Michael and I have watched the entire series as well as the “Features.” Be sure that, when you buy and watch the dvds (and I know you will), you don’t watch the features until AFTER you’ve seen the complete season. Remember that… very important!

Justified is the story of Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens (played to absolute, stupefying perfection by Timothy Olyphant), an engaging hero from eastern Kentucky. With his Stetson, killer wit, cowboy boots, and forever-ready sidearm in his hip holster, Raylan’s a tv character that’s truly larger than life.

Not since Magnum (Tom Selleck) has there been a character who commands the screen and captures the viewer’s imagination like this.

Another bold statement.

While I’m on a role, I’ll go one step further. There have been a handful of television shows that were so perfectly cast you’d think the casting department answered to God, Himself. Given the state of the world today, God has His hands full, so we’ll just give credit to the STELLAR casting department. Justified – with their regular cast as well as delicious guest stars – is right up there with Friends, LOST, and ER.

The character of Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens was created by America’s pre-eminent crime novelist Elmore Leonard (Get Shorty, Out of Sight) and is played by Timothy Olyphant (Deadwood, Live Free or Die Hard). The Chief Deputy of the Lexington USMS office is Art Mullen, played by Nick Searcy (Cast Away, From the Earth to the Moon). Working alongside Raylan are fellow deputies Tim Gutterson – played by Jacob Pitts (The Pacific) – and Rachel Brooks – played by the gorgeous and talented Erica Tazel (Life, The Office). Raylan, Art and the other deputies do what all U.S. Marshals do – chase down fugitives, protect witnesses, transport prisoners. Their rapport is one of the best things about the series.

Beautiful and talented Natalie Zea (The Other Guys) is Raylan’s ex-wife, Winona Hawkins and the equally lovely and talented Joelle Carter (American Pie 2) plays Ava Crowder, a woman involved with Raylan. Both of these characters are a lot of fun to watch – you really aren’t sure what either one’s going to do next. Their emotions shoot from the hip as freely and passionately as Raylan’s gun.

Suffice to say, the show would in no way be the same without them.

Fellow LOST fanatics will recognize M.C. Gainey as Bo Crowder. Gainey is an absolute genius. How he’s managed to keep from having an entire television series built around him is beyond me. The man’s mesmerizing. Speaking of mesmerizing, the cast members below are extraordinary as well.

David Meunier (Johnny Crowder)
Damon Herriman (Dewey Crowe)
Nick Searcy (Chief Deputy Art Mullen)
Jacob Pitts (Tim Gutterson)
Erica Tazel (Rachel Brooks)
Linda Gehringer (Helen Givens)
Raymond J. Barry (Arlo Givens)

Along with Timothy Olyphat, one of the show’s biggest weapons is the brilliant actor Walton Goggins (Boyd Crowder). Goggins once said, “I don’t take a scene or word for granted.” Can you say APPARENTLY!?!? This actor is the type that simply isn’t fair to his cast mates, the scenery, the wardrobe department… When he’s on the screen (especially when he’s lost in such a compelling character), nothing and no one else exists.

The writing, the scenery, the chemistry amongst the stellar cast, the dialogue… even the dead-on wardrobe (as a Kentuckian, myself, I can attest to the fact that the wardrobe department has done their homework!) – everything is breathtaking. Everything is flawless.

The cast is so perfect it’s unsettling, the music makes you remember why you fell in love with music in the first place, and the dialogue leaves you speechless.

For people like my husband and myself – a couple of people who love to grab snacks, sit down with our cat Alexa, and just lose ourselves in a great television show – Justified is, in a word, magic. I’d rave more but I have a pot roast with vegetables to bake as well as banana pudding to fix. After all, I’m expecting magic tonight.

Lovable Tom Bosley Dies at 83

by Joi

“The Other Richie Cunningham, Part 1″

You couldn’t possibly watch Tom Bosley smile without breaking out into a smile yourself. I was as big a fan of Happy Days as anyone and Tom Bosley and Marion Ross were two of the biggest reasons. Marion and Howard were so unbelievably cute and “frisky.”

In my opinion, they were amongst the best tv parents ever. The chemistry was just off the charts.

Sadly, Tom Bosley died on Tuesday at his home in Palm Springs, his family told TMZ. According to the report, Bosley had been battling a staph infection. He was 83.

“The Other Richie Cunningham, Part 2″

The lovable actor’s agent, Sheryl Abrams, told the AP that Bosley died of heart failure at 4AM Tuesday. She says he was also battling lung cancer.

Tom Bosley was born in Chicago in 1927. He served in the Navy during World War II, then gravitated toward acting.

Before he was cast in the role he’d forever be associated with (Happy Days), Tom Bosley appeared in Bewitched, The Mod Squad, Get Smart, ER, The Love Boat, Hotel, Perry Mason, Love, American Style, and others. In 1974 he landed the role of the wise, compassionate, and “frisky” father and husband Howard Cunningham on Happy Days. He starred alongside Henry Winkler, Ron Howard and Marion Ross, his onscreen wife.

I vividly recall his Bewitched appearance. He was hilarious as Esmerelda’s old boyfriend Ferdy. Esmerelda thinks she has to get her act together to impress Ferdy, but little does she realize Ferdy’s not much of a warlock!

I also fondly remember him as the voice of David the Gnome, one of my children’s favorite shows (and mine as well, if you want to know the truth! Dora had nothing on David).

Happy Days ran for 11 seasons and will forever be fondly remembered by those of us who grew up with the show. Happy Days launched the also successful Laverne and Shirley and Mork and Mindy.

Many actors (with the exception of, say, Andy Griffith with The Andy Griffith Show and Matlock) have one role of a lifetime. However, in 1984, Tom Bosley hit the jackpot again with another great series, Murder, She Wrote. As the wonderful Sheriff Amos Tupper he starred alongside Angela Lansbury.

After Murder, She Wrote, Bosley starred as the title character in Father Downing Mysteries from 1987 to 1991.

Ron Howard (Richie Cunningham), tells PEOPLE, “Tom’s insight, talent, strength of character and comic timing made him a vital central figure in the Happy Days experience. A great father and husband, and a wonderful artist, Tom led by example, and made us all laugh while he was doing it. My last conversations with Tom reflected the love of life and peace of mind that he always maintained throughout his full and rewarding life. I miss him already.”

Henry Winkler (Fonzie) tells TMZ how impressed he was by Bosley on Broadway. “And then I got to act with him for 10 years and he was great. Tom Bosley was our mentor. He was a true artist … a great husband, and a fabulous father and grandfather. He will be sorely missed, but never forgotten.”

Scott Baio (Chachie) adds: “He was a good man who taught me a lot about the business and business itself. He was a professional guy … I’m sad.”

Tom Bosley’s last appearance on film or television was in the 2010 comedy ‘The Back-up Plan’ with Jennifer Lopez.

Tom Bosley is survived by his second wife, Patricia Carr, and a daughter, Amy.

The wonderful thing about actors and actresses is that their work lives on long after they’ve left us. Tom Bosley will be making people laugh and smile for years and years and years. As I’ve said before, I can think of no better legacy than that.

RIP Tom Bosley, but Long Live Howard Cunningham, David the Gnome, Father Dowling, and Ferdy the warlock.

“The Other Richie Cunningham, Part 3″

Boston Legal Joins TV Land’s Prime Line-Up Today

by Joi

Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the courtroom.

One of the best cast television shows of all time, Boston Legal, is joining TV Land and the network will kick things off wit a marathon of the series’ most popular episodes today. Great news!

The Primetime Emmy Award-winning hit series created by David E. Kelley premieres on Monday, February 15th with a President’s Day marathon from 12pm – 12am EST/PST, showing the best cases, most outrageous moments and most creative storylines that audiences love. During the marathon, TV Land PRIME will offer special character “briefs” on viewers favorite Crane, Poole & Schmidt firm members such as Denny Crane, Alan Shore and Shirley Schmidt, and viewers will learn personal and professional information on the characters as well as everything they need to know about this popular series.

“The poignant storylines offset by humor and wit skillfully acted and delivered by the infamous and talented William Shatner and Candice Bergen have resonated with audiences making ‘Boston Legal’ a favorite,” states Jaclyn Cohen, senior vice president of programming and acquisitions for TV Land. “TV Land viewers are sure to love this addition to our schedule!”

Created by David E. Kelley (“Ally McBeal,” “The Practice”) “Boston Legal” is a one-hour dramedy which ran on ABC for five seasons. The series follows the professional and personal lives of the attorneys at high-priced Boston law firm, Crane, Poole & Schmidt. The on-goings at the firm are made thoroughly entertaining by the talented cast, starring James Spader and television veterans William Shatner and Candice Bergen. Spader garnered two Primetime Emmys for his depiction of Alan Shore, a winning attorney with at times, less-than-ethical tactics. In addition to the usual scenes with negotiations via conference callsF, courtroom dramas, there are scenes with plenty of office drama. William Shatner received an Emmy and Golden Globe for his role as the quirky Denny Crane, the leading name of the firm, Crane, Poole & Schmidt, a star litigator in his heyday and now adjusting to his evolving role at the firm as he gets older. Candice Bergen, famous for her five-time Emmy-winning portrayal of Murphy Brown stars in “Boston Legal” as Shirley Schmidt, third name in the firm title. Schmidt is a no-nonsense attorney who rejoins the team toward the end of the first season, returning from a stint in New York. Schmidt and Crane were previously involved, which adds yet another layer of entertainment to the plot.

Boston Legal Marathon Episode Descriptions:

Monday, February 15, 2010

12:00PM #001: Head Cases

A partner arrives at the office wearing no pants; Shore meets with an African-American woman who claims her daughter was passed over for a role in “Annie” because of the color of her skin; a client wants to hire a private investigator to tail his cheating wife, but Denny advises against it; sparks fly between Bad and Sally when they represent a mom fighting her ex over a custody issue.

1:00PM #002: Still Crazy After All These Years

Shore represents a former lover who tried to kill him and who is now fighting for release from a mental institution; Crane behaves strangely during a case, prompting the partners to look for an excuse to get rid of him.

2:00PM #011: Schmidt Happens

Lori files a motion against the U.S. government on behalf of a Sudanese man, trying to draw attention to the genocide in that country; Shore represents a man who killed his mother; partner Shirley Schmidt, Crane’s former flame, returns to the firm.

3:00PM #016: Let Sales Ring

Crane represents an old friend who wants to die and be cryonically frozen; Shore represents a teenager who claims that a news channel is being illegally censored at his high school.

4:00PM #018: The Black Widow

Shore and Brad represent a beautiful woman accused of poisoning her wealthy, elderly husband; Tara finds herself opposing an old flame when she defends a doctor accused of groping a mute cellist.

5:00PM #019: Schadenfreude

Crane, Shore and Brad defend Kelly Nolan, who is accused of killing her rich husband; Denise insists on handling her own divorce; Catherine worries that Bernard Ferrion will kill again; Tara assists Malcolm in representing a singer.

6:00PM #040: Race Ipsa

Crane shoots his psychiatrist; Shore recruits Chelina to help defend a client in a racial profiling case; Denise shows Brad how to kiss.

7:00PM #062: Son of the Defender

Denny Crane is forced at gunpoint to re-try his very first murder case, but this time the lives of half the firm hang on the verdict; Alan defends a working girl and ends up sharing a cell with her.

8:00PM #084: The Mighty Rogues

Shirley asks Alan to argue a case that would allow her to end her father’s fight with Alzheimer’s; Jerry’s sued for sexual assault; Sack represents Nantucket Island in the island’s quest to build an atomic bomb.

9:00PM #088: Patriot Acts

Denny and Alan are finally accepted into the Coast Guard but their friendship is tested when Alan represents a town that wants to secede from the United States; Denny represents the opposing side.

10:00PM #100: Made In China

In desperate need of funding, but against everyone’s wishes, the firm votes to be acquired by a Chinese corporation; Shirley and Sack plan their wedding; Denny makes a proposal of his own to Alan.

11:00PM #101: Last Call

Alan argues before the Supreme Court for Denny’s right to take an experimental drug to halt the effects of his advancing Alzheimer’s; Shirley, Sack, Alan and Denny prepare for their weddings.

Additionally, beginning February 15th, fans of the series can log on to www.tvland.com and enter a sweepstakes for the chance to win one of 30 “Boston Legal” Season 5 DVD box sets.

Get Hooked On Old Gameshows Like Password on the Game Show Network

by Joi

Password with Allen Ludden

I’ve recently fallen in love with the Game Show Network. I’ve always been crazy about game shows and I have a huge fascination with “yesterday’s” Hollywood stars – so old game shows and I are a match made in television Heaven.

I love watching Password with its charming and funny host Allen Ludden – especially when Betty White is on the show. As you may know, they met and fell in love when she appeared on this show. They were happily married from 1963 to Allen Ludden’s death, from cancer, in 1981.

It’s also cool to see the old stars kicked back and just being themselves on Match Game and Pyramid as well. My daughters get a huge kick out of the hair and wardrobes. Most actresses had a Stepford Wives type ‘do going on… not so much as a single strand of hair out of place!

The Game Show Network is like a healthy snack for the mind. Check it out – but be warned, it’s addictive. Actually, considering the nonsense that’s on a lot of networks these days, that’s not such a bad thing.

Photo Credit: GSN – The Game Show Network