Whatever happened to the cast of WKRP in Cincinnati?

WKRP in Cincinnati was an American situation comedy that aired on the CBS television network from 1978 to 1982.  The show chronicled all the mishaps and misfortunes of the staff of a fictional radio station in Cincinnati, Ohio.  WKRP had been in financial difficulty for years, prompting its new program director,, Andy Travis (Gary Sandy), to transform it from a an easy listening station to a Top 40 rock 'n' roll station.

The series was created by the late Hugh Wilson (1943-2018) and was based on his experiences as an advertising salesperson at Top 40 radio station WQXI in Atlanta, Georgia.  The show premiered on Septmeber 18, 1978.  It ended its run on April 21, 1982 after four seasons and 88 episodes.  During its four-year run, WKRP in Cincinnati had a strong following among younger viewers and disc jockeys.  It has remained popular in syndication around the world.

THE CAST OF WKRP IN CINCINNATI

The show had an ensemble cast, which featured the following actors:

Gary Sandy (Andy Travis)



- Gary Sandy was born on December 25, 1945 in Dayton, Ohio, USA.  Gary played program director Andy Travis on WKRP in Cincinnati  After the show went off he air, he appeared in episodes of such TV series as L.A. Law (1989), Murder, She Wrote (1985 and 1989), F.B.I: The Untold Stories (1991), The Young Riders (1992), Diagnosis Murder (1999). Sabrina, the Teenage Witch (1999)  and Martial Law (2000).

In 2001, Gary played Terrence Kelly on the daytime soap The Young and the Restless.  He also played the role of Dr, Douglas "Doc" Hamilton in the 2004 TV movie A  Place Called Home, the story of a Southern Belle (played by Ann-Margaret), who is living her later years in a huge, crumbling country estate.  In recent years,he has been winning awards for live radio dramas and appearing in theatrical productions.

Gary was married to actress Laura Soltis from 1989 to 1995.  Laura is best know for the films Black Sash (2003), Hiccups (2010) and Step Up All In (2014).



Gordon Jump (Arthur Carlson)

 - Gordon Jump was born on April 1, 1932 in Dayton, Ohio, USA,  He died on September 22, 2003 at the age of 71,  Gordon portrayed station manager Arthur "Big Guy" Carlson on WKRP in Cincinnati  He also played the inept "Chief of Police Tinkler" in the sitcom Soap.   In 1989, he took over the role of the "Maytag Man" in commercials for Maytag appliances.  In the 1990s, he starred in a short-lived revival of WKRP, entitled The New WKRP in Cincinnati.  In the final season of Seinfeld, he portrayed George Costanza's boss  at a playground equipment company in two episodes of the series.

Gordon was married three times and divorced twice.  His first marriage (1954 to 1962) was to Olinda Dorothea Mathilda Kandt.  His second marriage was to Anna F. Inge (1963 to 1992) and they had one child.  On December 15, 1993, he wed for the third time, to Betty Sue McKeever.  They had one child and the marriage lasted until his death in 2003.



Howard Hesseman (Johnny Fever) 

- Howard Hesseman was born in Lebanon, Oregon, USA on February 27, 1940.  He portrayed disc jockey Johnny "Dr" Fever on WKRP in Cincinnati.  He went on to play Captain Pete Lassard in the 1985 comedy film Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment.  From 1986 to 1990, he played high school teacher Charlie Moore on the American TV sitcom Head of the Class.  He also portrayed Sam Royer, the man who married Ann Romano (Bonnie Franklin) on One Day at a Time.

Howard was married to Catherine Maison from 1965 to 1974.  The union ended in divorce and he has been married to French-born actress Caroline Ducrocq since July 22, 1989.



Loni Anderson (Jennifer Marlowe)

- Loni Kaye Anderson was born in St. Paul, Minnesota on August 5, 1946.  She played receptionist Jennifer Marlowe on WKRP in Cincinnati.  Her role on WKRP earned her three Golden Globe Award nominations and two Emmy Award nominations.  During the 1980 summer hiatus, Loni walked out of the sitcom due to a salary dispute.  While she was re-negotiating her contract, Loni starred as Jayne Mansfield in the CBS made-for-television movie The Jayne Mansfield Story.  Her co-star was Arnold Schwarzenegger, who played Jayne's husband, bodybuilder Mickey Hargitay.  The film aired on October 29, 1980.

After the salary dispute was resolved, Loni returned to WKPR in Cincinnati and remained with the series until its cancellation in 1982.  In the 1984-85 television season,, she starred with "Wonder Woman" Lynda Carter in the NBC crime drama Partners in Crime. The series was cancelled after only 13 episodes.

From the mid-to-late 1980, Loni's acting career waned.  She appeared in television versions of Hollywood film classics such as Letter to Three Wives (1985), with Michele Lee and Sorry, Wrong Number (1989), alongside Patrick Macnee and Hal Holbrook and Coins in the Fountain (an update of the 1954 film Three Coins in the Fountain).  However, she received favourable reviews for her performance as comic actress Thelma Todd in the 1991 TV movie White Hot: The Mysterious Murder of Thelma Todd.  In 1991, she also reprised her role as Jennefer Marlowe in two episodes of The New WKPR in Cincinnati.

In 1993, Loni joined the cast of the NBC sitcom Nurses, which was in its third season.  She portrayed hospital administrator Casey MacAffee.  However, the show, which was suffering from low ratings, was cancelled soon after Loni's arrival.  During the 1990s, Loni made guest appearances on such shows as Burke's Lqw (1994) Sabrina, the Teenage Witch (1997) Clueless (1998) and V.I.P. (1999).  She also played the role of Teri Carson in three 1996 episodes of Melrose Place.

From 2003 to 2004, Loni starred as as Mandi Mullet-Heidecker in 13 episodes of the short-lived series The Mullets.  In 2006, she played Kiki Spelling in eight episodes of So Notorious, a parody of the life of Tori Spelling.  Since 2016, she has starred as Frances in the Internet series My Sister is Gay, about a middle-aged gay man whose sister, Amanda (Wendy Michaels) is having difficulty dealing with her brother's homosexuality.  Loni plays their vampy mother.

Loni Anderson has been married four times and divorced three times.  Her first marriage was to Bruce Hasselberg (1964 to 1966).  Her second marriage was to Ross Bicknell (1973 to 1981).  From 1988 to 1993, she was married to actor Burt Reynolds.  Reynolds was her third husband.  The two starred in the comedy film Stoker Ace (1983), which was a critical and box office flop.

On May 17, 2008, Loni wed her current husband, singer Bob Flick, a founding member of the 1960s folk group The Brothers Four.  Loni has two children, a daughter, Deidre Hoffman, from her marriage to Bruce Hasselberg.  She also has a son, Quinton Anderson Reynolds (born August 31,1988, whom she adopted with Burt Reynolds.  Deidre was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2009.

Loni Anderson and Bob Flick

Tim Reid (Venus Flytrap)

- Tim Reid was born in Norfolk, Virginia, USA on December 19, 1944.  Tim played the role of hip radio disc jockey Venus Flytrap on WKRP in Cincinnati.  From 1983 to 1987, he portrayed Marcel "Uptown" Brown on Simon & Simon.  He also appeared as Ray Campbell on Sister, Sister from 1994 to 1999 and William Bennett on That '70s Show.

During the 1987-1988 television season, Reid starred in a short-lived comedy-drama series called Frank's Place.  The show is set in New Orleans and chronicles the life of Frank Parrish (Tim Reid), an affluent African-American professor at Brown University in Rhode Island, who inherits a small Creole restaurant in New Orleans.

Frank's Place was created by Hugh Wilson.  Wilson and Reid were the show's executive producers.  CBS changed the time slot of the series many times and it failed to find a larger audience.  It was cancelled after one season.

Tim Reid.has been married twice.  He married Rita Ann Sykes in 1966.  They had two children, Timothy Jr. (born  1968) and Toni Reid (born 1971).  However, the marriage did not last and they divorced in 1980.  On December 4, 1982, Tim married actress Daphne Maxwell, who played Vivian Banks on the NBC comedy The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.  She and Tim owned and operated New Millennium Studios in Petersburg, Virginia, one of the largest independent film studios outside of Hollywood, until 2014.



Jan Smithers (Bailey Quarters)

- Jan Smithers was born in North Hollywood, Los Angeles, California on July 3, 1949.  She played news broadcaster Bailey Quarters.  According to Michael B. Kessel, author of America's Favorite Radio Station: WKRP in Cincinnati, the character of Baiiley Qurarters was based on Charters Smith, the wife of the show's creator, Hugh Wilson.

Jan Smithers has been married and divorced twice.  Her first husband was Kip Whitman, to whom she was married from 1971 to 1972.  Her second husband was actor James Brolin. to whom she was married from 1986 to 1995.  Jan was stepmother to Brolin's sons from a previous marriage and she and Brolin have a daughter named Molly.



Richard Sanders (Les Nessman)

- Richard Sanders was born on August 23, 1940 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA.  He played WKRP's quirky, pompous news director, Les Nessman, on WKRP in Cincinnati.  He is an actor and screenwriter.

In the early 1990s, Sanders reprised his role as Les Nessman and joined WKRP in Cincinnati castmates Gordon Jump and Frank Bonner in The New WKRP in Cincinnati.  After the original series ended in 1982, he guest-starred on numerous television series including Gloria (1982), It Takes Two (1983), Alice (1983), Goodnight, Beantown (1983), Simon & Simon (1984), Newhart (1984), Who's the Boss? (1985), Married . . . with Children (1987), Night Court (1989), Growing Pains (1986 and 1989), Charles in Charge (1990). Coach (1990), Designing Women (1990), Unhappily Ever After (1997), The Fugitive (2001).  He also  played Mr. Stanton in the 2002 TV mini-series Rose Red.  a mystery thriller about a group of people with psychic powers who are invited to spend a night in a haunted house.

Richard is Sanders is married to television script supervisor Marilynn Marko Sanders.




Frank Bonner (Herbert "Herb" Tarlek)

- Frank Bonner was born on February 28, 1942 in Little Rock Arkansas, USA.  He played sales manager Herb Tarlek on WKRP in Cincinnati.

After WKRP, Frank played the role of Henry "Buck" O'Connell in three 1985 episodes of the popular adventure series Scarecrow and Mrs. King, starring Kate Jackson and Bruce Boxleitner. He aappeared in two episodes of  Night Court, one in 1985 and the other in 1986.  He also guest-starred on Punky Brewster (1986) and Murder, She Wrote (1986).  

From 1988 until 1990, Frank had a recurring role as Father Robert Hargis in 22 episodes of the family comedy Just the Ten of Us.  From 1991 to 1993, he reprised his role as Herb Tariek in The New WKRP in Cincinnati.  He appeared as Ed Harrington in four of episodes of Saved by the Bell: The New Class and as Mr. Spalding in one 1997 episode of the same series.

Frank Bonner has been married five times and divorced four times.  His third wife was American playwright, theatre director and and actor Lillian Garrett-Groag, to whom he was married from 1977 to 1980.  His current wife is Gayle Hardage, whom he wed in 2006.



END NOTES


* WKRP in Cincinnati earned 10 Emmy Award nominations, including three for Outstanding Comedy Series.

* Loni Anderson recently appeared on the MeTV network to promote the WKRP in Cincinnati television series and other classic TV shows.


- Joanne

Y&R Report (April 14, 2018): The Latest on The Young and the Restless

Hey Y&R fans, every second Saturday TV Banter discusses the latest happenings and provides commentary on your favourite daytime drama. Note to U.S. readers - SPOILER ALERT: Here in Canada, I watch the show on Global TV which is one episode ahead of CBS.  I will inevitably refer to incidents you haven't seen yet. Read at your own risk.  If you are the curious type, though, you may prefer to discover some things in advance.


As my mother would say, J.T. Hellstrom (Thad Luckinbill) had more nerve than Dick Tracy.  After doing some horrible deeds, he acted as if nothing had happened.  J.T. always had an edge but he had never been violent or an abuser.  I just don't buy the explanation that he had a lot of disappointments and failures in his life or that he had to get back at Victor for Colleen's death.  Hey, maybe he has an evil twin brother.  (After all, Thad Luckinbill has an identical twin brother in real life named Trent Luckinbill).  Has the evil twin kidnapped the real J.T. and hidden him somewhere?  Just kidding!

I am not surprised that J.T. died after Nikki hit him with a poker in order to protect Victoria.  I have always felt that Thad Luckinbill, who played J.T. was only back temporarily.  He will probably return to his successful career producing movies with his twin brother.

Phyllis really caused more problems when she encouraged everyone to cover up what happened.  Then she talked about hiding the body.  They can't hide something like that forever and they will eventually have to face the music.  She's leading everyone astray.  Paul and Christine (a.k.a. The Cricketmeister) will be even harder on Nikki, Victoria, Phyllis and Sharon when they find out about the cover-up.

I think head writer Mal Young and his assistant writers have altered the personalities of too many characters.  Kyle is the latest example.  He was never so smug and overly self-confident.  Kyle was never so slick before.  I like to call him Mr. Smarmy.

So, we now know the identity of the mysterious dark-haired woman who was seen visiting Victor in his hospital room.  She's Helen Wallace, the chemist Jack hired to replace Ashley at Jabot.  Apparently, she is also Victor's mistress.  That's another thing that has just come out of the blue.

It's obvious that the writers don't want to reunite Nick and Sharon just yet.  That's why Phyllis is so adamantly opposed to Nick staying at Sharon's.  Out of the blue, it seems that Phyllis hasn't completely gotten over Nick, even though she claims to be deliriously happy with Billy Boy Abbott.  What's going on there?  Billy has already noticed Phyllis' bond with Nick.  How much will he tolerate and will he go back to Victoria if he breaks up with Phyllis?  Victoria is obviously finished with J.T. and she will attract much sympathy over her ordeal.

It seems that the writers don't know what to do about Phyllis and Billy.  They are too happy, so there has to be some conflict.  That's why she's suddenly developed unresolved feelings for Nick.  Actually, Phyllis has been getting on my nerves lately because she has been such a busybody, interfering with Chloe and with Sharon.

JUST ASKING . . . Why wasn't there a police guard in front of Victor Newman's room right from the beginning.  Wouldn't you expect the police protection for a billionaire who had been attacked and had many enemies?  How was the hotel in Hawaii able to inform Paul Williams that J.T. had flown back to Genoa City?  Do hotels know when and where their guests have book a flight?

Kate Linder (Esther) always emphasizes that if enough Y&R fans want something, CBS will listen.  She is right.  Many fans were upset when the previews were removed in favour of flashbacks from previous episodes.  I noticed that on Fridays's show on CBS (Thursday on Global TV in Canada), there was a preview of  "Next week on The Young and the Restless."  Let your voices be heard, fans.

VIEWER FORUM

If you have any comments on Y&R, please email them to me with "Viewer Forum" in the subject line. I will be happy to publish your comments and reply to them  You do not have to use your real name. 

My email address:  jmadden16@yahoo.ca

Here is an email I received from regular contributor CC in Etobicoke:

Hi Joanne

I have a few comments concerns and questions for you. 

- I am very impressed by the way the new producers, writers etc. have storylines moving along to resolution more quickly. 

- I am not too sure about how I feel about the actor who is playing Kyle, but I am quite taken by the way they have developed his new character.  He will be a real villainous force to deal with as things go along.  charming and sooooo sinister.  Maybe Victor is his father, but then his mother (Diane Jenkins) was a pretty nasty lady back in the day.

- Makeup aside, Victor (Eric Braeden) is not looking well.  He is not aging well and perhaps his vices are catching up to him.  TOO MUCH TEQUILA!

- Sad what they have done to Nikki's character.  However, I believe it may not be just what it appears to be.  Maybe they will come up with some kind of scenario where she and Victor and/or Paul? or someone else set things up to achieve some end.  Her devotion to Victor on his deathbed isn't enough to redeem her from the black mark of her relationship with Arturo.  And now Victor has hooked up with the scientist hired to replace Ashley.  Very Sad.  

- How did J.T. end up being such a monster?  I don't remember him being so mean when he was a teenager and when he was first married to Victoria.  Where does Victoria go from here . . .?

- Looking forward to seeing what the outcome is for Hilary and Devon?


Well CC, you've given me a lot of food for thought.  Here is my response to your comments, concerns and questions:

- Yes, the show has been moving along at a much faster pace and the storylines have been reaching their resolutions much sooner.  That is good up to a point.  Viewers don't want the storylines to drag on forever.  Howevr, I think that some storylines have been concluded too soon and that the endings have just been slapped on.  The Chloe storyline is an example of that.

- You are right about Victor (Eric Braeden) not looking well  I realize that Victor has been in serious condition and he is supposed to look like a man who almost died.  However, even before he fell down the stairs, he looked tired and haggard.  It may be the result of Eric Braeden's lifestyle.  However, I'm more inclined to  think he's starting to show his age.

- I agree with you that it's sad what the writers have done with Nikki's characters.  Mal Young and company should be very careful before messing with longtime characters.  Fans have followed Nikki and Victor for years.

I'm not so sure that the writers can easily undo Nikki's affair with Arturo.  As you pointed out her devotion to the ailing Victor "isn't enough to redeem her from the black mark of her relationship with Arturo.  I don't think that a sophisticated woman like Nikki would go for a guy like Arturo.  To be honest, Arturo doesn't impress me.  I find him rather greasy.  However, I'm not surprised that Abby is attracted to him.  He seems to be more her type.  After all. she became involved with that sleazy Zack.

- How did J.T. end up being such a monster?  The writers decided to make him that way for storyline purposes.  Where does Princess Victoria go from here?  That's a good question.  She's certainly going to need some time to recover from her disastrous reunion with J.T.  She is going to receive much support and empathy from Victor, Nikki and brother Nick.  I expect her to be restored to her lofty position at Jabot as heir to the Newman dynasty (Ashley will probably return to Jabot)  I think that Victoria should wait a while before becoming involved with someone else.  If Billy becomes available. she may go back to him or she may become involved with someone new.

- After all Hilary's determination to become a mother, it would be surprising if she didn't have a baby, wouldn't it?  A baby will not cause Hilary and Devon to live happily ever after.  That's almost impossible in soapland because conflict is needed.  Hilary's character has many sides and Devon is both strongly attracted and deeply repelled by her personality.



CAST NEWS


Daytime Emmys

Daytime Emmy nominee Eileen Davidson

The Young and the Restless has been nominated for a total 25 Daytime Emmys, along with Days of our Lives.  General Hospital leads the pack with 26 nominations.  Here are some highlights for Y&R fans

* Y&R has been nominated for Outstanding Drama Series.

*  Eileen Davidsoon (Ashley) has been nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series

*  Peter Bergman has been nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.  He is up against Billy Miller of General Hospital, ex-Billy Abbott on Y&R.

*  Three Y&R cast members have been nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series.  The three women are Marla Adams (Dina), Camryn Grimes (Mariah) and Mishael Morgan (Hilary).  Marla Adams is definitely the favourite in this category and she should win it.

* Greg Rikaart (Kevin) has been nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

* Cait Fairbanks (Tessa) has been nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series.

*  Tristan Lake Leabu (Reed) has been nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series.

* Y&R has also been nominated in the categories of Outstanding Drama Series Writing Team and Outstanding Drama Series Directing Team.


The 45th annual Daytime Emmys will take place on Sunday, April 29, 2018.


Justin Hartley and Chrishell Stause to star in movie

Justin and Christell

Soaps.com has broken the news that Justin Hartley, ex-Adam Newman on Y&R, is making  a movie with his wife, actress Chishell Stause.  The two were married in October 2017.  If you recall, Chrishell played barmaid Bethany Bryant for a brief time on Y&R.  She also played Jordan Ridgeway on Days of our Lives and Amanda Dillon Martin on All My Children.

Justin, of course, is now a star on the hit prime time show This is Us.  He is missed a great deal by Y&R viewers.  However, fans can see him and Chrishell in a new film called Another Time.  In the film, Justin portrays an investment banker named Eric who takes on a client named Julia (played by Chrishell).  They fall in love, although Julia is engaged to someone else.  The solution?  Eric, who just happens to be a science and math whiz, discovers that time travel may be possible and he plans to go hack to a tine before Julia met the man she is about to marry.

The premiere for Another Time will be held at the Regency Lido Movie Theater in Newport Beach California on April 28, 2018.


CAST NOTE:  Kristoff St. John will return to his role as Neil Winters this week after a leave of absence due to personal problems related to the suicide of his son.  I doubt Neil will be very happy about Devon and Hilary's plan to have a baby.  He will also be shocked to discover what happened to Victor.



Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Is Nikki guilty in the killing of J.T.?

Yes, she is responsible for his death. She shouldn't have attacked him so quickly.

No, she was protecting her daughter, Victoria. She had no intention of killing him. She didn't expect him to die.

It could be considered justifiable homicide.

I don't know.

Other

Please Specify:

Created with PollMaker

That's all for now.  Don't forget that that next edition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday, April 28, 2018.


- Joanne

Whatever happened to Whitey (Stanley Fafara) of Leave it to Beaver?

"My life was a blessing and a curse.  At one time I had money.... There were times when I'd walk around with $16,000 in my pocket."

"Drugs, money women.  I got all of them because I was Whitey."

- Stanley Fafara
Interview with Portland Oregonian reporter Tom Hallman Jr., December 2002

Do you remember that little blond boy on Leave it to Beaver?  His name was Hubert "Whitey" Whitney and he was a school friend of Beaver Cleaver.  Whitey was portrayed by the late Stanley Fafara, who died in 2003 under unfortunate circumstances.  Sadly, Stanley's story is another one of those tragic tales surrounding the lives of child actors.

Stanley Albert Fafara was born in San Francisco, California on September 20, 1949.  His older brother, Lucas "Luke" Fafara II  (known as Tiger Fafara), also appeared on Leave it to Beaver.  He played the bespectacled Tooey Brown, one of Wally Cleaver's  friends in the series.  Both siblings were raised in Studio City, Los Angeles and their mother pushed them into acting at an early age.

In 1957, Stanley's mother brought her sons to an open casting call for a new family sitcom called Leave it to Beaver. Seven-year-old Stanley won the role of Whitey Whitney, one of Beaver's best buddies, while his brother Tiger was cast as Tooey.  Tiger played Tooey in 18 episodes of Leave it to Beaver, from 1957 to 1960.  Stanley, on the other hand, remained for the show's entire six-year run, appearing in 57 episodes.

When the series ended in 1963, Stanley attended North Hollywood High School.  He associated with the pop group Paul Revere and the Raiders and reportedly lived with the band for a while. He also began drinking heavily and using drugs.  At his parents' urging, he moved in with his sister in Jamaica.  He tried to become an artist, but was was unable to stop drinking and using narcotics.

At the age of 22, Stanley returned to Los Angeles where he was married to Rosemary Oswald for a short time.  They divorced after having one child and Stanley hit rock bottom.  He supported himself by dealing drugs and by  the early 1980s, he had begun to burglarize pharmacies  in order to maintain his drug habit.  After his seventh robbery, he was arrested and bailed out by his parents.  However, when he was caught breaking into a pharmacy for the eighth time, he was convicted and sentenced to a year in jail.

After his release from prison, Stanley moved to Portland Oregon with a girlfriend and tried several means of employment.  He supported himself by working as a waiter, a roofer and a janitor but eventually returned to dealing narcotics.  He later became addicted to heroin and was in and out of rehabilitation for many years.

Tom Hallman Jr,, a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter for the Portland Oregonian kept in touch with the former child star. Hallman wrote a profile on Stanley Fafara and described him as short and stocky with slicked-back grey hair and a weathered face.  He stated hat Stanley had been clean and sober since entering a Portland detox centre in 1995 and living at a clean-and-sober house for alcoholics and addicts.

 According to Stanley's IMDb biography, he managed to turn his life around and eventually re-established a relationship with the daughter he hadn't seen in two decades.  He helped other addicts and even launched a business designing websites, with some measure of success.

Regrettably, however, Stanley Fafara had already contracted Hepatitis C.  On September 20, 2003, he died of complications from a surgery performed in late August to repair a constricted intestine caused by a hernia.  Stanley passed away in a Portland, Oregon hospital at the age of 54.  According to his obituary by Dennis McLellan of the Los Angeles Times, Stanley "had been living in a single-room occupancy building in Portland's skid row, paying $153 a month for his 12-by-12 room out of his Social Security disability check of $475 a month."  He couldn't work without forfeiting his disability income.

Stanley Fafara in later years

Stanley Fafara is interred at the Redland Pioneer Cemetery in Redland, Oregon.  The parishioners of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church in Portland raised the funds for Stanley's burial.  However, since there was no money for a headstone, the grave remained unmarked for 13 years.  On June 14, 2016, Father Jim Kolb, who had officiated at Stanley's funeral, also officiated at the blessing of his gravestone.

Stanley is survived by a daughter and a grandchild.  He also left a nephew, Dez Fafara of the rock band Coal Chamber, with who he had become close during his recovery.  Dez is the son of Stanley's brother, Tiger.

END NOTE

Tiger Fafara, born January 3, 1945, is now 73 year old.  After leaving Leave it to Beaver in 1960, Tiger stopped acting professionally.  He returned to acting in 1983 when he reprised his role as Tooey Brown in the TV reunion film Still the Beaver.  He also portrayed Tooey in the follow-up sitcom The New Leave it to Beaver, which aired from 1983 to 1987.

Tiger Fafara as Tooey

Tiger Fafara in 2013  Photo attribution: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Gazebo

- Joanne

Y&R Report (March 31, 2018): The Latest on The Young and the Restless

Hey Y&R fans, every second Saturday TV Banter discusses the latest happenings and provides commentary on your favourite daytime drama. Note to U.S. readers - SPOILER ALERT: Here in Canada, I watch the show on Global TV which is one episode ahead of CBS.  I will inevitably refer to incidents you haven't seen yet. Read at your own risk.  If you are the curious type, though, you may prefer to discover some things in advance.

Wow!  What a week on Y&R!  The show pulled out all the stops as it celebrated its 45th anniversary.  For longtime viewers, it was a treat to see Lorie and Leslie Brooks again (Jaime Lyn Bauer and Janice Lynde).  However, it's too the Brooks sisters weren't shown at the Walnut Grove high school reunion.  It was also fun to see Mackenzie and Raul and Brittany after all these years.  It even turned out that Raul and Brittany are a married couple.  

To be honest, I never expected J.T. Hellstom to be such a louse.  He's never been an angel, but now he's really become wicked.  He left Victor.to die on the stairs and went home to Princess Victoria.  The Black Knight would have perished if Jack Abbott hadn't arrived on the scene and called 911.  Unfortunately for Jack, he was drunk and angry when he found Victor.  The cowardly J.T. took off, leaving Jack to face the music.

Emotional abuse, not physical abuse, seems to be the main issue that The Young and the Restless is highlighting, although the two often go together.  Mac never accused J.T. of physically harming her.  She warned Victoria of J.T.'s history of emotional abuse.  She talked about how he belittled her with constant criticism and how he made her lose her confidence.  Victoria knows that J.T. has been doing the same thing to her.  She's been in some kind of denial or dream world.  It's hard to believe that she accepted J.T.'s proposal after what he's said and done to her.  However, Sharon finally woke up the sleeping princess when she advised her to see a relationship counsellor.  After that, Victoria informed J.T. that she couldn't marry him.  We will soon see how the scoundrel reacts to that.

Victor will definitely survive J.T.'s attack.  I have no doubt of that.  As far as I know, there has been no mention of Eric Braeden retiring. I am also certain that Victor will win again, as usual.  He may not remember everything at first.  However, J.T. villainy will e exposed and Victor will save his Princess Victoria.

J.T. obviously has an agenda.  He persuaded Mac to sign the divorce papers quickly.  Of course, the reason wasn't that he loves Victoria so much that he couldn't wait another day to marry her.  For one thing, he's afraid that Victor will identify him, expose his crime and prevent him from tying the knot with Victoria.  However, his plan to marry Victoria seems to have been thwarted by Sharon.  This is far from over, though, and Victor may end up preventing the marriage after all.

Once again Clueless Genoa City Police Chief Paul Williams has arrested the wrong person.  I know there was circumstantial evidence against Jack, but did Clueless have to make a scene at the high school reunion.  He just loves the drama of arresting someone, handcuffing them and reading them their rights.  The only problem is that he always targets an innocent person.  He's just not doing his job.  That's why other residents of Genoa City, such as Phyllis and Victor,  have been conducting their own investigations.

As if Jack doesn't have enough chaos in his life already, he will soon discover that John Abbott is not his biological father.  I'm not to keen on that storyline.  I know its being done for storyline purposes, so that we can solve the mystery of Jack's biological father.  Isn't it enough that Ashley is not John's biological daughter?  What next?  Will Traci turn out not to be a blood Abbott too.  At least we know for sure that Billy is John's son with Jill, don't we.  Maybe Jill been hiding something too.  (Just kidding, but the way things have been going, you never know).

   
It looks as if Abby is going to get involved with Arturo eventually.  He really caught her eye when he passed by.  The look on her face said it all, didn't it?  Now that Nikki is at Victor's bedside, Arturo may turn to Abby.

Nick and Sharon locked lips but delayed any reconciliation.  That was probably a wise choice on Nick's part.  I think that they will eventually reunite, but why rush it?  Nick is just getting over a devastating breakup with Chelsea and Sharon recently ditched two-timing Scott Grainger.  They are wise to take their time.  Looked what happened when Victoria got back together with J.T. so quickly.

By the way, there has been no news about Chelsea and Connor.  It seems she is still on the loose.  I guess the writer will deal with their fate in due time.  There is so much else going on in Genoa City right now.

Fans, what is your impression of Michael Mealor, the new Kyle?  I think he's a stronger actor than the actors who have played the role before.  However, he doesn't seem to be portraying Kyle as a very likeable or sympathetic character.  He's given Kyle an edge that Kyle never really had before.  His Kyle has been very bitter and angry since his return.  He seems so dark and mean-spirited.

VIEWER FORUM

If you have any comments on Y&R, please email them to me with "Viewer Forum" in the subject line. I will be happy to publish your comments and reply to them  You do not have to use your real name. 

My email address:  jmadden16@yahoo.ca

Regular Y&R viewer, Fifi from Collingwood was disappointed by the Walnut Grove reunion.  She wanted to see Lorie and Leslie there and she hoped that someone would entertain the guests.  She would have liked to have seen someone like Gina Roma (Patty Weaver) sing a song at the event.

Well Fifi, I agree with you.  I would have liked to have heard a song too.  Too bad they didn't also have Gina's brother, Danny Romalotti (Michael Damian).  He's a recording artist and he could have performed too.  I guess they weren't available.

However, Lauren Woodland (Brittany), who is a singer, was in attendance.  She mentioned something about a song.  I thought she was going to perform, but she didn't.  

CAST NEWS

Where has Ravi (Abhi Sinha) been?

If you are wondering what happened to Ravi Shapur (Abhi Sinha), here's your answer. His fans will be pleased to know that he he will be returning to his role on The Young and the Restless after a brief hiatus.  The Indian-American actor took some time out to participate in pilot season auditions. Obviously has his eye on a primetime TV role.  However, it does not appear that he landed a part on a primetime series.  Abhi tweeted the following. "I'm so glad to be back doing what I love and prouder to be part of a show that has been around for forty-five years and broken barriers with Ravi and an Indian-American character.  Not only has there been a tremendous evolution of charcter, but to pair him with an older, white, established star (Eileen Davidson as Ashley Abbott) was revolutionary and progressive."

So, what's next for Ravi now that his relationship with Ashley has fizzled out?  I've been trying to think of some eligible Genoa City women to pair him with.  I've considered Abby, but that might be awkward, since she's Ashley's daughter.  Also, I think she's going to become involved with Arturo.  Since Ravi seems to prefer older women, how about Phyllis?  She would have to break up with Billy, though.  Phyllis and Billy Boy seem happy right now, but happy couples don't last too long on soaps.
Perhaps Ravi and Summer would be good match, if she ever returns from her extended vacation.  What do you think, fans?  Respond to the poll below and let me know what you think.


Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Who would make a good match with Ravi?

Abby

Phyllis

Summer

A new character

Other

Please Specify:

Created with PollMaker

That's all for now.  Please remember that the next edition of Y&R Report will appear in this 
space on Saturday, April 14, 2018.

HAPPY EASTER AND HAPPY PASSOVER TO ALL WHO CELEBRATE.

- Joanne

How Stanley and Barry Livingston (Chip and Ernie of My Three Sons): Survived Child Stardom

    

Stanley Bernard Livingston and Barry Gordon Livingston were both born in Los Angeles, California.  Stanley came into the world on November 24, 1950.  His brother Barry followed on December 17, 1953.  They are the sons of Lillian Rochelle "Marilyn" Palyash and Hilliard Livingston.

Stanley played Richard "Chip" Douglas, the third son of Steve Douglas (Fred  MacMurray) on the long-running sitcom My Three Sons.  Stanley and Fred MacMurray were the only cast members to appear throughout the entire 12-year run of the series, from 1960 to 1972.  The two played father and son in all 380 episodes and Fred became a mentor to Stan.

Of his role as Chip Douglas, IMDb.com quotes Stanley Livingston as saying, "The name Chip Douglas is probably going to be on my tombstone.  That's neither good nor bad.  It's just a fact of life."

Below is a My Three Sons photo:  Back row: Left to right: Fred MacMurry (Steve Douglas), Don Grady (Robbie Douglas) and William Demerest (Uncle Charley)  Front row: (L to R: Stanley and Barry Livingston.

Stanley Livingston launched his acting career with small, uncredited parts in films such as The Bonnie Parker Story (1958) and Rally Round the Flag (1958). He played one of the children, Gabriel Mackay, in 1960's  Please Don't Eat the Daisies, starring Doris Day and David Niven.  Stanley also appeared in a 1959 episode of the  short-lived TV series Peck's Bad Girls and a 1960 episode of The George Gobel Show (Season 6, Episode 7).  From 1958 until 1963, Stanley portrayed a neighbourhood child named "Stanley" in 9 episodes of The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet.  He had an uncredited role as Prescott Rawlings in a 1962 episode of How the West Was Won.

After My Three Sons went off the air in 1972, Stanley's acting career never really blossomed.  His television roles were sporadic.  In a 1973 episode of Room 222, he played Jackie O'Farrell, a former child star,who doesn't quite fit in at Walt Whitman High School,   The episode is entitled "A Hairy Escape." (Season 4, Episode 21, Air Date: February 23 1973).  Stan also guest-starred in a 1974 episode of Lucas Tanner, a short-lived TV drama starring David Hartman. 

In addition to his career as an actor, Stan Livingston, has done extensive work behind the camera.  He has written and produced many commercials, music videos and educational programs.  He has also directed children's programming for PBS.

Stanley Livingston

Stanley has been married twice.  He was just 18 when he wed his first wife, Sandra L. Goble, a go-go-dancer.  The marriage last for six years, from 1968 until 1974.  Th couple had one child, a daughter named Samantha, and the marriage ended in divorce.  Of his first marriage, Stanley told People magazine about Fred MacMurray's reaction:  "He spoke to me about it a couple of times.  You could tell he didn't approve."

Stanley married his second wife, actress Paula Drake, on December 19, 2015.  Paula is also a practising criminal defence lawyer. 

Paula Drake

At the age of five, Barry Livingston was cast in the role of Paul Newman's son in the 1958 film Rally 'Round the Flag, Boys.  In an interview for FOX411'S Pop Tart's column, Barry related how, during the filming of the movie, his eyes began to "ping-pong around his head" because he wasn't wearing glasses at the time.  He couldn't keep his eyes still and there were fears he was having a seizure.  The youngster was rushed to the hospital where he was diagnosed with having astigmatism.  A day or two later, he  returned to the set wearing his glasses and was "promptly fired by the producer, who said he didn't think Paul Neman's son in the movie would be wearing glasses."

Barry Livingston was one of the rare bespectacled child actors, but he didn't let his glasses prevent him from attaining success.  He began his television career in the early 1960s and he usually portrayed "the kid next door."  His first regular TV role was on the The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet.  From 1960 to 1963, he played a neighbourhood child named Barry Martin on the popular family comedy.

In 1962, Barry appeared in an episode of The Dick Van Dyke Show..  The episode is  entitled "The Talented Neighborhood" (Season 1, Episode 19, Air Date: January 31, 1962).  In the episode, "The Alan Brady Show" conducts it annual talent search for the most gifted youngster.  Barry portrayed Philip Mathias, one of the children trying to win the talent contest.

Barry also played Arnold Mooney, the son of Lucy's boss, Theodore J. Mooney (Gale Gordon) in two episodes of The Lucy Show, starring Lucille Ball.  The episodes are "Lucy Gets Locked in the Vault" (Season 2, Episode 4, Air Date: October 21, 1963) and "Lucy and the Scout Trip" (Season 2, Episode 26, Air Date: March 30, 1964).  In "Lucy Gets Locked in the Vault," Lucy's attempt to give Arnold (Barry) a haircut ends in disaster.

Lucille Ball with Barry on The Lucy Show in 1963.

Barry Livingston did not join the cast of My Three Sons until 1963.  He made his first appearance in an episode entitled "My Friend Ernie" (Season 4, Episode 7, Air Date: October 31, 1963).  He played Ernie Thompson, a foster child living with a family down the street from the Douglas clan.  Chip befriends Ernie and in Barry's debut episode, the two boys embark on an adventure to find a treasure chest.

On September 27, 2013, Barry was interviewed by Nancy Harrington for the Archive of American Television.  When asked to describe his character, Ernie, this is how he replied:

"I was sort of the ragamuffin, the kid who was not the rich kid's child.  I was sort of the poverty-stricken one who couldn't afford braces and glasses.  Terrible haircut.  And slowly that became my signature, being the goofy-looking kid next door, and now that's all the rage.  Nerds control the world."

In September of 1965, My Three Sons began its sixth season with a wedding.  The eldest son, Mike Douglas (Tim Considine) married his girlfriend Sally (Meredith MacRae).  The newlyweds moved out of state where Mike began a new job.  With Consadine and MacRae written out of the show, the stage was set for the Douglas family to adopt the orphaned Ernie.  Thus, Ernie Thompson changed his name to Ernie Douglas and Barry Livingston became a permanent member of the cast.

Fortunately for Barry, the end of My Three Sons did not mean the end of his career.  Unlike many child stars, he managed to land roles on the small screen.  He has a fairly long list of television credits since then.  He appeared in episodes of such series as The Sandy Duncan Show (1972), Room 222 (1973), Ironside (1973).  He was the voice of Linus in  the TV movie You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown (1973).

In 1974, Brrry had a recurring role as Murray "Moose" Kerner in the drama TV series Sons and Daughters.  He also made a guest appearance that year on Police Woman.  His other television credits in the 1970s and 1980s include Lucas Tanner (1975), the television move High School USA (1983), Simon & Simon (1984) and Hart to Hart (1984)

From 1990 to 1993, Barry appeared in three episodes of the medical drama Doogie Howser, M.D., staring Neil Patrick Harris.  He played Dr. Berney in the 1995 television movie The O.J. Simpson Story.  From 1993 to1994, he portrayed Sheldon Bender in Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman.  In 1996, he guest-starred in an episode of Boston Common entitled "Gobble, Gobble, Aggch!"  In the later 1990s, Barry portrayed an attorney in an episode of The Nanny (1997),  He also appeared on Ally McBeal (1998) and USA High (1998)

Barry Livingston's career has had its highs and lows.  There have been times when he has had difficulty finding work as an actor.  However, in the 21st century, Barry has had no shortage of television roles, although some have been bit parts or cameos  His TV credits include Sabrina, the Teenage Witch (2000), Judging Amy (2000), Will & Grace (2002), The Drew Carey Show (2004), Two and A Half Men (2008), Everybody Hates Chris (2009), NCIS (2009), Desperate Housewives (2010), Grey's Anatomy (2010), Parenthood (2014), Anger Management (2014), Hot in Cleveland (2015) and Me, Myself and I (2017).  His motion picture credits include Adam Sandlers's Don't Mess with Zohan (2008), The Social Network (2010). (He played Mr. Cox in the film), as well Argo (2012), in which he played a CIA official).

Barry in 2015

Barry seems busier than ever and has been a constant presence on the small screen.  Viewers have seen Barry transform himself from "the kid next door" child star to a versatile character actor, a husband and a parent.  He married Karen Huntsman, a physiotherapist, in 1983.  They have two children, a son, Spencer Livingston (born 1989) and a daughter, Hailey Marie Livingston (born 1992).  Spencer is a musician and Hailey is an actress and screenwriter.

Hailey Livingston

The Livingston brothers are survivors in a ruthless and fickle business. In 2012,  Barry talked to Fox News Entertainment about the difficulties he faced  during his career.  "I had a lot of challenges to overcome - drug use, the obstacles of re-inventing myself and my credibility " he told reporter Hollie McKay."  "I could barely get an agent, or get to see casting people.  It's a strange town and you never really know why you're hot and the next minute you're not.  I found myself no longer on the list of people called to read roles in TV and film."

END NOTES

* Fred MacMurray died on November 5, 1991 at the age of 83.

* Don Grady, who played second son Robbie Douglas, died of bone cancer on June 27, 2012.  He was 68 years old at the time of his passing.

Don Grady

* Barry Livingston's memoir is titled The Importance of Being Ernie: From My Three Sons to Mad Men, a Hollywood Survivor Tells All.  It was published by Citadel in 2011.

- Joanne

Game of Thrones: The Economy of Westeros

Here is an infographic on the fictional land of Westeros in Game of Thrones.  I must confess that I am not a fan of the show because it is much too brutal for my taste.  However, it attracts millions of viewers and it has been critically acclaimed.  For fans of Game of Thrones, therefore, TV Banter present an overview of the economy of the fictional land of Westeros.  This includes the flow of money in Westeros and some statistics on its economic problems, its wealthiest houses and types of currencies.  I hope you find it entertaining and informative.

- Joanne



Economy of Westeros, courtesy of Moneyguru.com

Y&R Report (March 17, 2018): The Latest on The Young and the Restless

Hey Y&R fans, every second Saturday TV Banter discusses the latest happenings and provides commentary on your favourite daytime drama. Note to U.S. readers - SPOILER ALERT: Here in Canada, I watch the show on Global TV which is one episode ahead of CBS.  I will inevitably refer to incidents you haven't seen yet. Read at your own risk.  If you are the curious type, though, you may prefer to discover some things in advance.


Have you noticed that head writer Mal Young  has made some Y&R characters behave in ways they have not have behaved in the past?  Take Paul Williams for example.  Clueless Paul may be a bumbling police chief.  However, he is a thoroughly good guy.  Suddenly, he has an edge to him.  He seems to be seeking revenge on Victor rather than ensuring that justice is done.  Paul and Christine (Also known as The Cricketmeister) have assigned J.T.  Hellstrom to the task of getting he goods on Victor.  They really want to bring "The Big Man" down and they have commissioned J.T. to do the dirty work.

Victor deserves to be taken down few notches, but it is not the job of the Chief of Police and his wife, the District Attorney to engage someone like J.T. to spy on citizens.  J.T. is neither a police detective nor a private eye.  Also,  a police chief like Paul married to a District Attorney is clearly a conflict of interest.

Another character whom he writers have changed is Nikki.  Nikki has her faults, but she wouldn't indulge in a two-bit affair with someone she hardly knows, like Arturo.  It's salacious and will undoubtedly provoke Victor, but I can't buy that Nikki would behave in such a manner  Also, Nikki knows Victor all too well.  She would not be so cavalier about their relationship. Victor is very possessive and he will not sit back and allow Nikki to carry on with Arturo.  Arturo obviously doesn't know Victor.  Otherwise, he would have thought twice before having an affair with Nikki.  He should be worried . . . . very worried.

Victoria Newman has had to swallow humble pie.  She did not enjoy having to apologize to Ashley Abbott, only to have have Ashley reject it.  The worst thing for Princess Victoria is that she has displeased daddy Victor,  Victoria has had a rough time of it lately.  She has made her self some enemies, such as Lily Winters Ashby.  She could have avoided a confrontation with Lily if she had treated her better.  The Princess has only herself to blame for alienating Lily.  She could have used a lot more tact and sensitivity in dealing with Lily.

Having said that, Victor was the cause of his daughter's problems in the first place when he hired Ashley.  He knew that Ashley is ambitious and proud.  He knew that she wants to do things her way.  He also knew that would bring her into direct confrontation with Ashley.  Both of them want to be heir to the Newman dynasty and that's a recipe for disaster.  Victor, however, had some misguided belief that the competition between the two women would be healthy and would benefit the company.  He was wrong and now his daughter is paying the price.  Victoria was given a choice between demotion or leaving Newman Enterprises.  She chose demotion because she believes she can get back in Victor's good graces.

Unfortunately for Victoria, J.T. is playing a dangerous game by spying on Victor and trying to help Paul and Cricket bring The Big Man down.  It won't work because as Y&R fans know, Victor never loses.  J.T. is playing with fire and he is going to get burned.  He's also acting very hypocritical.  He has been criticizing Victoria for hiding things from him and not trusting him.  Yet, she has no idea that he is trying to bring her father down.  When she finds out, she will be hurt and heartbroken.  She will also question J.T.'s motives.  Is he using her just to get revenge on Victor?  Who could blame her for thinking that J.T.'s feelings for her aren't genuine and that he has been playing her for a fool.  If it comes down to a choice between J.T. and daddy in this situation, Victoria will choose daddy.

Why are Lily and Cane always so worried about their finances?  After being insulted by Princess Victoria, Lily quit her job at Brass & Sassy.  Later, Lilly expressed concern about her family surviving on Cane's income alone.  When will the writers realize that viewers just don't see Lily and Cane as struggling financially  Cane is CEO of Chancellor Industries, for heaven's sake.  They live a very upscale lifestyle and Lily's brother, Devon, is a billionaire.  As if they need to be concerned about money!


THE DAYTIME EMMY AWARDS

This is a reminder that the official list of nominees for Daytime Emmys will be announced live on The Talk on CBS on Wednesday. March 21, 2018.  As in recent years, there will be no live broadcast of the ceremonies on April 29, 2018.  Instead, the Daytime Emmys will be available for streaming online.  This year, the husband and wife duo of Bill Hayes and Susan Seaforth Hayes (Doug and Julie on Days of our Lives) will be honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award.


VIEWER FORUM

If you have any comments on Y&R, please email them to me with "Viewer Forum" in the subject line. I will be happy to publish your comments and reply to them  You do not have to use your real name. 

My email address:  jmadden16@yahoo.ca

Regular Y&R viewer, Helen from Scarborough, Ontario, commented on Sharon's full house.  Now that Nick has moved into Sharon's cottage, Helen wonders how the place can accommodate so many people.  After all, Mariah and Faith live there too.  The house isn't exactly the Taj Mahal.

I think Helen has a point.  I have always liked Sharon's place, but how many bedrooms does it have?  It's a charming cottage, but it is not especially spacious.  The kitchen is small.



CAST NEWS

Kristoff St. John (Neil) is set to return to Y&R

Kristoff St. John (Neil Winters) is set to return to The Young and the Restless.  Due to personal matters, Kristoff has been on  a  leave of absence for almost four months.  According to Entertainment Weekly, he left in October "to undergo psychiatric treatment.after a reported scare regarding his mental health,"   He has been battling depression following the death of his son, which was ruled a suicide.  However, the Emmy-winning actor has announced his imminent "comeback" on Instagram and has received numerous messages of support from fans.

Neil will return to Genoa City sometime in April.  He has been visiting his ex, Sophia, and their son, Moses.  When he returns, he will find some changes awaiting him.  He will be pleased that Lily and Cane have reconciled and that they are raising baby Sam.  However, I wonder what he will think about Hilary and Devon's decision to become parents.





Y&R REPORT READERS POLL

Sharon Case as Sharon Newman

Well fans, Nick and Sharon are becoming cozy again.  It seems only a matter of time before they reunite, - unless Phyllis and Nikki team up in order prevent them from getting together again.  Although Nikki doesn't like Phyllis much, she  wouldn't hesitate to scheme up with her son's other ex if it would stop Nick and Sharon from hooking up again.  What do you think about a Nick and Sharon reunion, fans?  Respond to the poll below and let me know.

Do you like the idea of Nick and Sharon reuniting?

Yes, I like them together. They were a supercouple at one time and they have great chemistry.

Yes, Sharon has made positve improvements to her life and it would be good for Faith.

No, it's a recipe for disaster. That ship has sailed. Nick should find somebody new.

Maybe. It depends on the storyline and if Sharon has really changed for the better.

I don't really care.

Other

Please Specify:

That's all for now  I can't wait to all the the Y&R stars from the past as the show celebrates its 45th anniversary.  Please remember that the next issue of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday, March 31, 2018.   


- Joanne