Ode to the Forgotten Faces of TV

[ClassyCo]

We've got a thread going over in the Screen Icons section devoted to the men and women of Hollywood's yesteryear that might not always get the recognition that they deserve. I figured that it wouldn't hurt if we got a similar thread going for the actors and actresses that worked more prominently on television during their careers, but who might also not get the recognition that they deserve. Of course, some performers crisscross the mediums, but let's make this a discussion about those that were mostly likely to be seen on television.

What TV actors do you think about that you'd like to shed some like on?

 

[ClassyCo]

I'll get the ball rolling:

When I think about the early days of television, my mind often drifts towards game shows. They were a major source of income for TV networks at the time, with many of the airways' highest-rated programs being primetime game shows. One of my favorite of the old school game shows is WHAT'S MY LING? (which has its own thread going here), which consists of a group of panelists governed by a moderator trying to decipher different contestants' line of work. Each episode also included the appearance of a famous celebrity guest, in which case the panelists were blindfolded and had to identify the celebrity by name.

Of all the panelists, my favorite was Arlene Francis, who was traditionally introduced by the show's announcer as "the delightful star of stage and television" as she took her seat. Miss Francis, as moderator John Daly typically addressed her, was witty and attractive, and played well off the fellow panelists, moderator, and contestants. I particularly enjoy her on-screen banter with her real-life husband, actor Martin Gabel, who was often a guest panelist. She was also quite insightful and would often question the contestants strategically and frequently either discover one's line of work or, in the cast of the mystery guests, identity the individual. When WHAT'S MY LINE? was cancelled by CBS in 1967, after almost two decades on the air, Francis was invited to return to her role as panelist on a daily syndicated version of the show that lasted until 1975.

Anyone else a fan of the charming Miss Francis?

 

[ClassyCo]

One of my favorite TV actresses is Ann Wedgeworth. She was born in Abilene, Texas, where she graduated from Highland Park High School. She was a childhood friend and high school classmate of future film star Jayne Mansfield (she's featured as an interviewee in a few Mansfield biographies). In 1957, she moved to New York, and after multiple auditions, she was eventually welcomed into the Actors Studio.

Wedgeworth made her stage debut in 1958 when she appeared in the play MAKE A MILLION on Broadway. She would become a recognizable stage actress throughout her career, appearing in numerous successful Broadway and Off-Broadway plays, such as PERIOD OF ADJUSTMENT and BLUES FOR MISTER CHARLIE. In 1978, she won the Tony Award for her work in CHAPTER TWO. It's hard to know just how good Wedgeworth was on the stage because, y'know, theater isn't taped, but her reviews were solid and she was nominated for several awards.

I'm most familiar with Wedgeworth and her work on TV. In her earliest days in the medium, she appeared in a few daytime soap operas. She played Angela Talbot on THE EDGE OF NIGHT from 1966 to 1967, and from there, she played Lahoma Vane Lucas on ANOTHER WORLD beginning in 1967. She stayed with the show until 1970 when she moved over to its spin-off, SOMERSET, where she stayed until 1973.

She signed a contract with ABC in the late-'70s, and in 1979, she was cast on the top-rated sitcom THREE'S COMPANY, where she played Lana Shields, a multi-divorced woman who has the hots for womanizer Jack Tripper (John Ritter). Wedgeworth was added to the cast essentially to replace Audra Lindley's love-starved Mrs. Roper, who, along with Norman Fell, had moved over to the ill-fated spin-off called THE ROPERS. The producers of THREE'S COMPANY were enthusiastic about Ann joining their show, although her co-stars were less happy. Apparently there was some friction among the cast (I'm looking hard at Suzanne Somers and possibly Joyce DeWitt, but to a lesser extent) over the size of Wedgeworth's role. Once Don Knotts joined the cast, he and Wedgeworth shared a delicious on-screen banter as she refused his advances while pursuing Ritter. Ultimately, it was decided that Wedgeworth's Lana was too one-note to remain with the series long-term, and she was written out without explanation after nine episodes.

Wedgeworth continued acting on film and TV for the rest of her career. She befriend writer-producer Linda Bloodworth-Thomason, who cast her in her show FILTHY RICH in 1982, a send-up of the popular primetime soap operas flooding the networks in the early-'80s. She co-starred on the show with future stars Delta Burke and Dixie Carter. The show was unsuccessful, and was canned after airing 15 episodes. I still wish Wedgeworth would've shown up as a relative of the Sugarbakers on DESIGNING WOMEN, therefore reuniting her with Burke and Carter on a much more successful show. She played Dan Conner's (John Goodman) fragile mother Audrey on ROSEANNE in 1989, and although she wasn't brought back for later appearances of the character (Debbie Reynolds eventually took the role), she's the actress I think of when the show mentions Audrey. Her longest-running role came on the CBS sitcom EVENING SHADE, starring Burt Reynolds. She played Merleen Eldridge for the show's entire run from 1990 to 1994.

Her career slowed after EVENING SHADE ended, and she ultimately passed away in 2017, aged 83.

 

[DallasFanForever]

She signed a contract with ABC in the late-'70s, and in 1979, she was cast on the top-rated sitcom THREE'S COMPANY, where she played Lana Shields, a multi-divorced woman who has the hots for womanizer Jack Tripper (John Ritter).

I never could understand why Jack kept turning her down. Given the fact that he pretty much hit on anything that had a pulse this never made sense to me.

Apparently there was some friction among the cast (I'm looking hard at Suzanne Somers and possibly Joyce DeWitt, but to a lesser extent) over the size of Wedgeworth's role.

Weird because I never got the impression her role was that large. If anything it seemed quite small to me and I felt they could’ve used her even more than they did. Obviously others in the cast didn’t agree. Didn’t realize she was in only 9 episodes though.

 

[ClassyCo]

I never could understand why Jack kept turning her down. Given the fact that he pretty much hit on anything that had a pulse this never made sense to me.

The theory behind it was that since Lana was older than Jack, then Jack wouldn't be attracted to her. Which, of course, was insane. Lana (Ann Wedgeworth) was beautiful and right up Jack's alley --- if the show were reality.

Weird because I never got the impression her role was that large. If anything it seemed quite small to me and I felt they could’ve used her even more than they did. Obviously others in the cast didn’t agree. Didn’t realize she was in only 9 episodes though.

In her first two or three episodes, I'd say her role was quite big, especially considering she was a "new" character. The other ladies on the show probably didn't want any competition from another woman, especially considering that woman was 15 years older than they, and got salacious responses from the studio audience.

 

[ClassyCo]

I've had some downtime at work today, so I figured I'd drag up a semi-old thread to see if we can't get it gaining some more traffic. 'Cause -- why not?

Charles Lane (born 1905) is one of my favorite character actors. He often played sour, scowling, and disagreeable clerks, doctors, judges, and middle-management authority figures.

Recalling his career in 1981, Lane said: "They were all good parts, but they were jerks. If you have a type established, though, and you're any good, it can mean considerable work for you."

At other times, however, Lane could be less positive in his opinions on his career. "You did something that was pretty good," he said, "and the picture was pretty good. But that pedigreed you into that type of part, which I thought was stupid and unfair, too. It didn't give me a chance, but it made the casting easier for the studio."

He worked in several comedies, whether on the big or small screen, leading film historian Michael Schlesinger to say, "You do not have a comedy unless you have Charles Lane in it."

Lane was almost never without work throughout his lengthy career, which lasted from 1930 until 2006. He appeared in more than 250 films and television shows, most of them without receiving on-screen billing. On his busiest days, he played two or three roles a day. He'd film his scene, say his handful of lines, then change his shirt and shoot another scene for another project.

I am mostly familiar with Lane's TV work, which is quite extensive. He was a good pal of Lucille Ball's and appeared as the sour-faced foil to her screwy TV character on numerous occasions. On I LOVE LUCY, he played, at different times, the Ricardos' business manager, a passport clerk, and a fellow waiting father in the hospital. He appeared twice on THE LUCY-DESI COMEDY HOUR, and was a regular on the first season of THE LUCY SHOW from 1962-63. He played a banker named Mr. Barnsdahl, who managed Lucy's account. Lane suffered remembering his lines before live studio audiences, however, and Lucy replaced him with another friend, Gale Gordon, at the start of the 1963 season.

Lane played the ever-scheming Homer Bedloe throughout seven seasons of PETTICOAT JUNCTION, a vindictive man with an eye always open to close the Hooterville Cannonball. This might be his most famous role.

He appeared in numerous movies, too. He played an author in 42nd STREET (1933), a reporter in MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON (1939), a rent collector in IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (1946), a reporter in MIGHTY JOE YOUNG (1949), and had a cameo in the all-star comedy IT'S A MAD, MAD, MAD, MAD WORLD (1963).

Lane continued working well into his years. His last credited role was in 1995, when he was around 90 years old.

In 2005, he was a guest of honor at the TV Land Awards for his 100th birthday. He sat in a wheelchair in the audience as they sang "Happy Birthday" to him. Once they were finished, he stood up and said, "If you're interested, I'm still available for work!" The audience gave him a standing ovation.

Charles Lane died in 2007, aged 102.

 

[DallasFanForever]

Charles Lane

He’s one of those actors that I think it’s impossible to have not seen him in something over the years. Unfortunately he flew under the radar for so many years because so many of his roles were uncredited. I remember him showing up on many of the sitcoms and dramas of the 70s.

 

[ClassyCo]

He’s one of those actors that I think it’s impossible to have not seen him in something over the years.

You may not know his name, but people will say, "that man's been in a lot of stuff" when you see him.

 

[Crimson]

One of my favorite minor TV characters is 'Big' Rosie Greenbaum from LAVERNE & SHIRLEY, played by Carole Ita White. Like Carolyn Appleby on I LOVE LUCY, Rosie was a 'frenemy' of the lead characters. White strutted into every scene with a brassy confidence, stealing the spotlight whenever she was on. She appeared 11 times in S2 and by mid-season was practically a de facto cast member. And then she kind of disappeared. In her sole S3 appearance, the brassiness of her performance was toned down and the character is literally humbled by having to clean L&S's bathroom after losing a bet. She didn't appear on the show again, except for a single guest appearance in S7.

Like Lana on THREE'S COMPANY, I assume something went on behind the scenes to cause the character to be written out, although I've never come across any reason. Possibly the network executives thought the character was too abrasive, although I suspect Penny Marshall and/or Cindy Williams didn't like being upstaged.

 

[Daniel Avery]

Arlene Francis

I was just watching her as a panelist on a rerun of Match Game the other day. Sort of "famous for being famous," but always reliably fun without being silly.

Charles Lane

He played the understandably exasperated Judge Petrillo in Jessica Tate's murder trial on Soap. In evil Ingrid Svenson's campaign to destroy Jessica, she slept with the Judge in an effort to throw the trial. He was quite pleased; her, not so much.

 

[ClassyCo]

One of my favorite minor TV characters is 'Big' Rosie Greenbaum from LAVERNE & SHIRLEY, played by Carole Ita White. Like Carolyn Appleby on I LOVE LUCY, Rosie was a 'frenemy' of the lead characters. White strutted into every scene with a brassy confidence, stealing the spotlight whenever she was on. She appeared 11 times in S2 and by mid-season was practically a de facto cast member. And then she kind of disappeared. In her sole S3 appearance, the brassiness of her performance was toned down and the character is literally humbled by having to clean L&S's bathroom after losing a bet. She didn't appear on the show again, except for a single guest appearance in S7.

Like Lana on THREE'S COMPANY, I assume something went on behind the scenes to cause the character to be written out, although I've never come across any reason. Possibly the network executives thought the character was too abrasive, although I suspect Penny Marshall and/or Cindy Williams didn't like being upstaged.


View attachment 50392

I'd be inclined to believe either Penny & Cindy -- or both -- were irked about someone upstaging them.

 

[ClassyCo]

Sort of "famous for being famous,"

I've never thought of his this way, but this is a good way to read her. I've never seen Arlene Francis in other thing other than WML.

always reliably fun without being silly.

She peppers a lot of humor into her comments on WML, and I can imagine she was a good stage actress, too.

He played the understandably exasperated Judge Petrillo in Jessica Tate's murder trial on Soap.

I don't believe I ever saw Lane's stint in SOAP. I've never finished the show.

 

[Daniel Avery]

The trial of Jessica Tate straddles the end of S1 and beginning of S2. She was accused of killing Peter Campbell (the tennis pro she had an affair with not knowing he was also sleeping with Corinne). Lane's portion is likely the last six or seven episodes of S1, with maybe an episode or two on S2. This is the final scene of S1 featuring Lane as the judge.

 

[DallasFanForever]

I'd be inclined to believe either Penny & Cindy -- or both -- were irked about someone upstaging them.

It’s understandable. Much like the situation on Three’s Company with Joyce, Suzanne and Ann I can definitely see this being the case. Perhaps it’s easy for us to call it petty of them to feel that way but I guess when you’ve been doing things a certain way and you feel it’s working you’re going to balk at someone coming in and upsetting the old apple cart.

Granted, I don’t recall Lana losing a bet and having to clean Janet and Chrissy’s bathroom so I guess Big Rosie had it much worse over on L&S.

 

[ClassyCo]

The trial of Jessica Tate straddles the end of S1 and beginning of S2. She was accused of killing Peter Campbell (the tennis pro she had an affair with not knowing he was also sleeping with Corinne). Lane's portion is likely the last six or seven episodes of S1, with maybe an episode or two on S2. This is the final scene of S1 featuring Lane as the judge.

Oh yes! I have seen this! I do remember him on SOAP.

 

[Rove]

Brenda Benet​

When I heard of Bill Hayes (Days of Our Lives) passing I instantly remembered Brenda and her portrayal of scheming villainess, Lee Dumonde. She played this character with such conviction. All I can remember is this terrifying woman in a wheelchair.

 

[DallasFanForever]

View attachment 50415
Brenda Benet​

When I heard of Bill Hayes (Days of Our Lives) passing I instantly remembered Brenda and her portrayal of scheming villainess, Lee Dumonde. She played this character with such conviction. All I can remember is this terrifying woman in a wheelchair.

Brenda was quite the daytime actress and there could’ve been so much more from her. Such a tragic ending to her life. She lost her six year old son in 1981 and never recovered. Sadly she committed suicide just a year later at only 36.

 

[ClassyCo]

Bea Benaderet was a charming character actress. I've always enjoyed her in everything I've seen her in. She was Lucille Ball's first choice to play Ethel Mertz on I LOVE LUCY, but Benaderet was tied up co-starring on THE BURNS AND ALLEN SHOW as their neighbor Blanche.

She did show up in a single episode of I LOVE LUCY called "Lucy Plays Cupid", where she plays an elderly neighbor of the Ricardos and the Mertzes named Miss Lewis. Lucy helps set her up with their grocer.

She voiced Betty Rubble in THE FLINTSTONES for its first three seasons in the early-60s. She was replaced by Gerry Johnson for the final three seasons.

She played Jed Clampett's cousin Pearl Bodine in several season one episodes of THE BEVERLY HILLBILLIES, at the time when the show was #1 in the ratings. Producer Paul Henning so loved Benaderet that he created the sitcom PETTICOAT JUNCTION with her in mind, which debuted in 1963. She played Kate Bradley, the mother of three lovely girls running the Shady Rest Hotel near Hooterville.

Benaderet stayed with the show for four solid years, until her health started weakening. She missed several season five episodes due to illness, and she eventually died in 1968. She was ultimately replaced -- to an extent, at least -- by former LASSIE and LOST IN SPACE actress June Lockhart for the final two seasons.

Bea Benaderet is a true treasure. Such a pleasant woman.

 

[Seaviewer]

Charles Lane

He played Maxwell Smart's "Uncle Abner" in an early episode of Get Smart, and made a brief appearance in The Max Brothers' The Big Store (1941).

She played Jed Clampett's cousin Pearl Bodine in several season one episodes of THE BEVERLY HILLBILLIES, at the time when the show was #1 in the ratings. Producer Paul Henning so loved Benaderet that he created the sitcom PETTICOAT JUNCTION with her in mind, which debuted in 1963. She played Kate Bradley, the mother of three lovely girls running the Shady Rest Hotel near Hooterville.

In a later crossover between the two shows the resemblance was explained by saying that Pearl and Kate were related, so that the Bradley were somehow distant kin of the Clampetts.

 

[ClassyCo]

In a later crossover between the two shows the resemblance was explained by saying that Pearl and Kate were related, so that the Bradley were somehow distant kin of the Clampetts.

Yes, in the late-60s, THE BEVERLY HILLBILLIES, PETTICOAT JUNCTION, and GREEN ACRES were blurred together to take place in the same universe.

Which, PJ and GA had always been in the same universe.

I've always liked the 1968 Thanksgiving episode that takes place at the Shady Rest Hotel. The Clampetts, the Bradleys, and the Douglases were all there. It was a sweet episode.