Veteran character actor Tom Bower, best known for his roles in The Waltons and Die Hard 2, has died. He was 86. His passing was confirmed by his sister-in-law, Mary Miller, who told The Hollywood Reporter he died on Sunday, May 30, in his sleep at his home in Los Angeles, California. Born on January 3, 1938, in Denver, Colorado, Bower’s on-screen career began in the 1970s when he appeared in several classic television series. His early credits included The Rockford Files, The Bionic Woman, Lou Grant, Barnaby Jones, and, most notably, The Waltons, where he first played stunt pilot Rex Barker and then, more prominently, Dr. Curtis Willard, who married Mary Ellen (Judy Norton). Bower was later written out of The Waltons when it was revealed his character was killed off-screen during World War II. However, the character returned in an 1981 episode, only he was played by a different actor, Scott Hylands.
- 6/7/2024
- TV Insider
Tom Bower, the veteran character actor best known for prominent turns on The Waltons and in Die Hard 2, has died. A family member confirmed the news to Deadline’s sister publication The Hollywood Reporter. He was 86.
Bower never had what one might call a “breakout” part, but he was an actor one recognized from, well, everywhere. His more than 180 screen credits include appearances on The Rockford Files, Lou Grant, Quincy M.E., Miami Vice, Hill Street Blues, NYPD Blue, The X-Files, Law & Order and many other TV staples of the ’70s, ’80s, ’90s and early 2000s.
And he kept on working. In the past 15 years, Bower was on Ray Donovan, Bosch, Grey’s Anatomy, Criminal Minds, The Office and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. He also played the father of Bob Odenkirk’s character on Lucky Hank and had a part in Vince Gilligan’s El Camino, A Breaking Bad Movie.
Bower never had what one might call a “breakout” part, but he was an actor one recognized from, well, everywhere. His more than 180 screen credits include appearances on The Rockford Files, Lou Grant, Quincy M.E., Miami Vice, Hill Street Blues, NYPD Blue, The X-Files, Law & Order and many other TV staples of the ’70s, ’80s, ’90s and early 2000s.
And he kept on working. In the past 15 years, Bower was on Ray Donovan, Bosch, Grey’s Anatomy, Criminal Minds, The Office and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. He also played the father of Bob Odenkirk’s character on Lucky Hank and had a part in Vince Gilligan’s El Camino, A Breaking Bad Movie.
- 6/6/2024
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
Tom Bower, the busy character actor who portrayed Dr. Curtis Willard on The Waltons and the janitor, Marvin, who helps John McClane foil the terrorists at the airport in Die Hard 2, has died. He was 86.
Bower died last week of an unknown cause at his home in Los Angeles, his brother, Robert Bower, told The Hollywood Reporter.
Bower worked on John Cassavetes’ directorial debut, Shadows (1957), and played one of the translators that make a mess of things in the acclaimed Western The Ballad of Gregorio Cortez (1982), starring Edward James Olmos.
He portrayed the father of the 37th U.S. president in Oliver Stone’s Nixon (1995), starring Anthony Hopkins, and the father of Nicolas Cage’s Terence McDonagh in Werner Herzog’s Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans (2009).
And, he appeared for director Scott Cooper in Crazy Heart (2009) — as the agent of Jeff Bridges’ Bad Blake — and Out of the Furnace...
Bower died last week of an unknown cause at his home in Los Angeles, his brother, Robert Bower, told The Hollywood Reporter.
Bower worked on John Cassavetes’ directorial debut, Shadows (1957), and played one of the translators that make a mess of things in the acclaimed Western The Ballad of Gregorio Cortez (1982), starring Edward James Olmos.
He portrayed the father of the 37th U.S. president in Oliver Stone’s Nixon (1995), starring Anthony Hopkins, and the father of Nicolas Cage’s Terence McDonagh in Werner Herzog’s Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans (2009).
And, he appeared for director Scott Cooper in Crazy Heart (2009) — as the agent of Jeff Bridges’ Bad Blake — and Out of the Furnace...
- 6/6/2024
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
More than a decade after winning a guest acting Emmy for her work as quirky lawyer Elsbeth Tascioni on CBS’s “The Good Wife,” Carrie Preston is now seeking lead category recognition for reprising the character on the same network’s “Elsbeth.” If she is included the upcoming Best Drama Actress lineup, she will make Emmys history as the first performer ever nominated as a lead for a winning dramatic guest role.
Preston was awarded the 2013 Best Drama Guest Actress Emmy for her seventh of 14 “Good Wife” appearances, which were spread over six seasons. After landing a second bid for that series in 2016, she showed up in five episodes of the Paramount+ spinoff “The Good Fight,” with her last appearance occurring one month before the series finale in November 2022. “Elsbeth” premiered this February and has already been renewed for a second season.
At this point, only three performers (all women...
Preston was awarded the 2013 Best Drama Guest Actress Emmy for her seventh of 14 “Good Wife” appearances, which were spread over six seasons. After landing a second bid for that series in 2016, she showed up in five episodes of the Paramount+ spinoff “The Good Fight,” with her last appearance occurring one month before the series finale in November 2022. “Elsbeth” premiered this February and has already been renewed for a second season.
At this point, only three performers (all women...
- 5/10/2024
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
Following his 2015 Emmy win for the final season of “Mad Men,” Jon Hamm took a large step back from TV stardom in order to beef up his film resume with titles such as “Baby Driver,” “Richard Jewell,” and “Top Gun: Maverick.” Now that he has made a splashy return to the small screen by playing new roles on “Fargo” and “The Morning Show” and reprising one on “Good Omens,” his Emmy nominations total could instantly rise from 16 to 19. If all of his possible 2024 bids come to fruition, he will be only the fourth person and second man to ever compete for three acting Emmys at once.
Hamm’s string of recent TV acting gigs began last July when he returned for season two Prime Video’s “Good Omens” as supporting character Gabriel – a humanoid version of the biblical archangel. He then fulfilled the new role of ambitious tech billionaire Paul Marks...
Hamm’s string of recent TV acting gigs began last July when he returned for season two Prime Video’s “Good Omens” as supporting character Gabriel – a humanoid version of the biblical archangel. He then fulfilled the new role of ambitious tech billionaire Paul Marks...
- 5/6/2024
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
Actress Melody Thomas Scott and her real-life husband, producer Edward J. Scott, will be recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award during “The 51st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards,” it was announced on Monday. Public television host and cookbook author Lidia Bastianich will also be honored.
The honors will be presented in person on Friday, June 7 and Saturday, June 8 at the historic Westin Bonaventure Los Angeles with “The 51st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards” being broadcast Live Friday, June 7 on the CBS Television Network and available to stream live and on-demand on Paramount+*.
“We’ve long wanted to honor the legendary daytime duo of Melody Thomas Scott and her husband Edward J. Scott. With a combined 93 years of contributions to our community, they are true institutions in the world of Daytime television. In addition, Lidia Bastianich’s astounding success combines her love of cooking while simultaneously entertaining millions each day. It is an...
The honors will be presented in person on Friday, June 7 and Saturday, June 8 at the historic Westin Bonaventure Los Angeles with “The 51st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards” being broadcast Live Friday, June 7 on the CBS Television Network and available to stream live and on-demand on Paramount+*.
“We’ve long wanted to honor the legendary daytime duo of Melody Thomas Scott and her husband Edward J. Scott. With a combined 93 years of contributions to our community, they are true institutions in the world of Daytime television. In addition, Lidia Bastianich’s astounding success combines her love of cooking while simultaneously entertaining millions each day. It is an...
- 5/6/2024
- by Errol Lewis
- Soap Opera Network
Daytime drama veterans and spouses Melody Thomas Scott and Edward J. Scott and PBS cooking show host Lidia Bastianich are set for career honors at the 2024 Daytime Emmy Awards next month. The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences will present Lifetime Achievement Awards to the trio during the 51st annual ceremony. on June 7.
“We’ve long wanted to honor the legendary daytime duo of Melody Thomas Scott and her husband Edward J. Scott,” NATAS CEO Adam Sharp said. “With a combined 93 years of contributions to our community, they are true institutions in the world of daytime television. In addition, Lidia Bastianich’s astounding success combines her love of cooking while simultaneously entertaining millions each day. It is an honor for us to say grazie for the many fine meals borne from her TV kitchen and cookbook pages.”
Thomas Scott has played Nikki Newman on The Young and The Restless since...
“We’ve long wanted to honor the legendary daytime duo of Melody Thomas Scott and her husband Edward J. Scott,” NATAS CEO Adam Sharp said. “With a combined 93 years of contributions to our community, they are true institutions in the world of daytime television. In addition, Lidia Bastianich’s astounding success combines her love of cooking while simultaneously entertaining millions each day. It is an honor for us to say grazie for the many fine meals borne from her TV kitchen and cookbook pages.”
Thomas Scott has played Nikki Newman on The Young and The Restless since...
- 5/6/2024
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Ron Thompson, the unheralded actor who starred on Broadway for Charles Gordone in the Pulitzer Prize-winning No Place to Be Somebody and played father and son musicians for Ralph Bakshi in the animated cult classic American Pop, has died. He was 83.
Filmmaker Joe Black told The Hollywood Reporter that he found Thompson in his Van Nuys apartment on Saturday afternoon. The two had worked together in eight features, including Hate Horses (2017), Chicks, Man (2018) and Suffrage (2023), and Black visited him a couple times a week to help him out.
“For a man of his age, he was so full of life, he had such a presence,” Black said. He called Thompson “the Sam Jackson to my Tarantino.”
In 1969, Thompson originated off-Broadway the role of Shanty Mulligan in the Joseph Papp-produced No Place to Be Somebody, starring Ron O’Neal, then accompanied the drama to Broadway and on a tour around the country.
Filmmaker Joe Black told The Hollywood Reporter that he found Thompson in his Van Nuys apartment on Saturday afternoon. The two had worked together in eight features, including Hate Horses (2017), Chicks, Man (2018) and Suffrage (2023), and Black visited him a couple times a week to help him out.
“For a man of his age, he was so full of life, he had such a presence,” Black said. He called Thompson “the Sam Jackson to my Tarantino.”
In 1969, Thompson originated off-Broadway the role of Shanty Mulligan in the Joseph Papp-produced No Place to Be Somebody, starring Ron O’Neal, then accompanied the drama to Broadway and on a tour around the country.
- 4/16/2024
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Not many animated series have made as huge an impact as The Simpsons did on the world. Ever since its release, the series has had a massive fan following. In fact, the series apparently became so popular in its release year that it started receiving reviews from the First Lady of the United States of America back in the day.
The Simpsons
Barbara Bush opens up about The Simpsons
The Simpsons will arguably go down in history as one of the greatest animated series of all time. The series was created by Matt Groening, James L. Brooks, and Sam Simon back in 1989 and revolves around the story of a dysfunctional family that burlesques a lot of things including society, politics, popular pop culture, and more.
SUGGESTEDLatest Fortnite Leak Opens the Door for The Simpsons to Make An Appearance Finally
However, despite being a success in the early 90s, the First...
The Simpsons
Barbara Bush opens up about The Simpsons
The Simpsons will arguably go down in history as one of the greatest animated series of all time. The series was created by Matt Groening, James L. Brooks, and Sam Simon back in 1989 and revolves around the story of a dysfunctional family that burlesques a lot of things including society, politics, popular pop culture, and more.
SUGGESTEDLatest Fortnite Leak Opens the Door for The Simpsons to Make An Appearance Finally
However, despite being a success in the early 90s, the First...
- 4/4/2024
- by Shikhar Tiwari
- FandomWire
M. Emmet Walsh has sadly passed away.
The actor – who has appeared in more than 150 movies including Blade Runner and Knives Out – died on Tuesday (March 19) at the age of 88.
The actor’s longtime manager Sandy Joseph confirmed his death to Entertainment Tonight, revealing he passed away from cardiac arrest at Kerbs Memorial Hospital in St. Albans, Vermont.
Keep reading to find out more…After growing up in rural Vermont, Walsh made his onscreen debut in Alice’s Restaurant back in 1969. He went on to appear in countless other movies including 1982′s Blade Runner as Harrison Ford‘s LAPD boss, 1986′s sci-fi horror flick Critters as the corrupt local sheriff, and in 1997′s My Best Friend’s Wedding as Dermot Mulroney‘s dad.
As for her roles on TV, Walsh starred as a series regular on Sneaky Pete and The Mind of the Married Man and also made guest appearances on Frasier,...
The actor – who has appeared in more than 150 movies including Blade Runner and Knives Out – died on Tuesday (March 19) at the age of 88.
The actor’s longtime manager Sandy Joseph confirmed his death to Entertainment Tonight, revealing he passed away from cardiac arrest at Kerbs Memorial Hospital in St. Albans, Vermont.
Keep reading to find out more…After growing up in rural Vermont, Walsh made his onscreen debut in Alice’s Restaurant back in 1969. He went on to appear in countless other movies including 1982′s Blade Runner as Harrison Ford‘s LAPD boss, 1986′s sci-fi horror flick Critters as the corrupt local sheriff, and in 1997′s My Best Friend’s Wedding as Dermot Mulroney‘s dad.
As for her roles on TV, Walsh starred as a series regular on Sneaky Pete and The Mind of the Married Man and also made guest appearances on Frasier,...
- 3/21/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Beth Peters, a veteran actress and singer best known for playing the recurring role of Mrs. Whitaker on General Hospital, has died. She was 92. The passing was confirmed by Peters’ son, Sean Williams, who told Variety she died on Thursday, March 14, in central Florida after a short illness. An exact cause of death was not given. In an obituary provided to Variety by Williams, Peters’ General Hospital character description reads, “The motherly Mrs. Whitaker dispensed country wisdom from her farm kitchen in Beecher’s Corners, serving as a surrogate mother to Laura Spencer, played by Genie Francis, as the teenager’s story arc saw her fall in love with Luke Spencer, portrayed by Anthony Geary.” Peters appeared in eight episodes of the iconic ABC soap opera from 1980 to 1982 and returned in 1983 and 1994. Her other television credits include Quantum Leap, Mr. Belvedere, Beyond Belief, Simon and Simon, The Waltons, and Highway to Heaven.
- 3/20/2024
- TV Insider
General Hospital star Beth Peters has sadly passed away at the age of 92. For those familiar with the iconic soap, she played the role of Mrs. Whitaker in the 1980s. Keep reading for more details on what caused her death and the legacy she left behind.
General Hospital Star Beth Peters Dead At 92
It has not been an easy time in Port Charles with the passing of Jackie Zeman, Sonya Eddy, Robyn Bernard, and Tyler Christopher. Yet, the show must go on and it has, bringing back Steve Burton in the role of Jason Morgan to excite fans. Unfortunately, another General Hospital cast member has taken their final bow. Beth Peters, who played the role of Mrs. Whitaker, passed away on Thursday, March 14th. She was 92 years young, per Variety. Her role on Gh was short-lived, just eight episodes, but it was impactful.
‘General Hospital’ logo/Credit: ABC YouTube
According to her obituary,...
General Hospital Star Beth Peters Dead At 92
It has not been an easy time in Port Charles with the passing of Jackie Zeman, Sonya Eddy, Robyn Bernard, and Tyler Christopher. Yet, the show must go on and it has, bringing back Steve Burton in the role of Jason Morgan to excite fans. Unfortunately, another General Hospital cast member has taken their final bow. Beth Peters, who played the role of Mrs. Whitaker, passed away on Thursday, March 14th. She was 92 years young, per Variety. Her role on Gh was short-lived, just eight episodes, but it was impactful.
‘General Hospital’ logo/Credit: ABC YouTube
According to her obituary,...
- 3/19/2024
- by Amanda Lauren
- TV Shows Ace
Beth Peters, an actor and singer who had a recurring role on “General Hospital,” died on March 14 in central Florida after a short illness. She was 92.
In the early 1980s, Peters appeared in eight episodes of the popular ABC soap opera as the character Mrs. Whitaker. In an obituary for Peters provided to Variety by her son, her character description reads, “The motherly Mrs. Whitaker dispensed country wisdom from her farm kitchen in Beecher’s Corners, serving as a surrogate mother to Laura Spencer, played by Genie Francis, as the teenager’s story arc saw her fall in love with Luke Spencer, portrayed by Anthony Geary.”
Peters started her acting and singing career as a teenager in coastal New Jersey. In 1955, she appeared on Broadway for the first time as an extra for the play “Inherit the Wind,” later taking on the role of Mrs. Brady in the last months of the show’s production.
In the early 1980s, Peters appeared in eight episodes of the popular ABC soap opera as the character Mrs. Whitaker. In an obituary for Peters provided to Variety by her son, her character description reads, “The motherly Mrs. Whitaker dispensed country wisdom from her farm kitchen in Beecher’s Corners, serving as a surrogate mother to Laura Spencer, played by Genie Francis, as the teenager’s story arc saw her fall in love with Luke Spencer, portrayed by Anthony Geary.”
Peters started her acting and singing career as a teenager in coastal New Jersey. In 1955, she appeared on Broadway for the first time as an extra for the play “Inherit the Wind,” later taking on the role of Mrs. Brady in the last months of the show’s production.
- 3/18/2024
- by Jaden Thompson
- Variety Film + TV
Veteran television actress Jean Allison, best known for roles in shows like Bonanza, Gunsmoke, and Perry Mason, has died at 94. Her family’s obituary said she died Feb. 28 in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, but no cause was given.
Allison, a character actress, built a long resume in popular TV. She appeared in episodes of Charlie’s Angels, The Detectives, Emergency!, Hawaiian Eye, Starsky & Hutch, The Waltons and many others.
Born on Oct. 24, 1929, she grew up in Tarrytown, New York. She eventually attended Adelphi College on Long Island and later studied acting under Sanford Meisner.
She was spotted while appearing in a stage performance of the drama Teach Me How to Cry, which led to her debut in an episode of the CBS anthology General Electric Theater in 1957.
Allison also appeared in such films as Edge of Fury, (1958) The Devil’s Partner (1960), The Steagle (1971), Bad Company (1972) and Hardcore (1979).
Allison married three times,...
Allison, a character actress, built a long resume in popular TV. She appeared in episodes of Charlie’s Angels, The Detectives, Emergency!, Hawaiian Eye, Starsky & Hutch, The Waltons and many others.
Born on Oct. 24, 1929, she grew up in Tarrytown, New York. She eventually attended Adelphi College on Long Island and later studied acting under Sanford Meisner.
She was spotted while appearing in a stage performance of the drama Teach Me How to Cry, which led to her debut in an episode of the CBS anthology General Electric Theater in 1957.
Allison also appeared in such films as Edge of Fury, (1958) The Devil’s Partner (1960), The Steagle (1971), Bad Company (1972) and Hardcore (1979).
Allison married three times,...
- 3/9/2024
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Jean Allison, the familiar character actress who appeared on dozens of TV shows, from Have Gun — Will Travel, Bonanza, Hawaiian Eye and The Rifleman to McCloud, Adam-12, The Waltons and Highway to Heaven, has died. She was 94.
Allison, a resident of Rancho Palos Verdes, died Feb. 28, her family announced.
Allison made her big-screen debut as a woman menaced by a psychopath (Michael Higgins) in the United Artists drama Edge of Fury (1958), and her film résumé also included The Devil’s Partner (1960), Paul Sylbert’s The Steagle (1971), Robert Benton’s Bad Company (1972) and Paul Schrader’s Hardcore (1979).
Born in New York on Oct. 24, 1929, Allison attended Marymount High School in Tarrytown, New York, and Adelphi College, also in New York.
While appearing on stage in the Patricia Joudry drama Teach Me How to Cry, she was spotted and signed by agent Doovid Barskin. Her first TV gig came in 1957 on CBS’ General Electric Theater.
Allison, a resident of Rancho Palos Verdes, died Feb. 28, her family announced.
Allison made her big-screen debut as a woman menaced by a psychopath (Michael Higgins) in the United Artists drama Edge of Fury (1958), and her film résumé also included The Devil’s Partner (1960), Paul Sylbert’s The Steagle (1971), Robert Benton’s Bad Company (1972) and Paul Schrader’s Hardcore (1979).
Born in New York on Oct. 24, 1929, Allison attended Marymount High School in Tarrytown, New York, and Adelphi College, also in New York.
While appearing on stage in the Patricia Joudry drama Teach Me How to Cry, she was spotted and signed by agent Doovid Barskin. Her first TV gig came in 1957 on CBS’ General Electric Theater.
- 3/8/2024
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
For as much as Rod Serling's landmark anthology series "The Twilight Zone" reinvented the genre of science fiction storytelling, many of its best episodes also deal in the world of the fantastical, whether through witches, time-traveling radios, or just plain inexplicable phenomena. What kept "The Twilight Zone" consistent through it all is its focus on human nature and irony, the idea of following desire ultimately leading to one's downfall. You can see that in many of the classic episodes of the show, no matter what the genre is.
That focus on human drama is what keeps "Jess-Belle," a most unusual episode of "The Twilight Zone," in the running for the show's top tier. For one, "Jess-Belle" came out of the show's difficult fourth season, during which CBS had contracted hour-long episodes, twice as long as the episodes' usual length, per Marc Scott Zicree's indispensable "Twilight Zone Companion." While...
That focus on human drama is what keeps "Jess-Belle," a most unusual episode of "The Twilight Zone," in the running for the show's top tier. For one, "Jess-Belle" came out of the show's difficult fourth season, during which CBS had contracted hour-long episodes, twice as long as the episodes' usual length, per Marc Scott Zicree's indispensable "Twilight Zone Companion." While...
- 2/25/2024
- by Anthony Crislip
- Slash Film
Olivia Walton would never. The Waltons star Michael Learned recently reunited with her onscreen daughter Judy Norton for a cooking lesson and a chat about their time on the classic CBS drama. During their conversation, Learned admitted that in real life, she wasn’t quite as squeaky clean as her character on TV, much to the shock of some fans.
‘The Waltons’ star Michael Learned says her ‘filthy mouth’ shocked some fans Michael Learned as Olivia Walton | CBS via Getty Images Related
‘The Waltons’ Cast, Then and Now
On The Waltons, Learned played Olivia Walton, the kind and compassionate matriarch of the Walton family. In the show, she was very much an ideal mother. Norton — who played Olivia’s daughter, Mary Ellen Walton — wondered what it was like being an inspiration to so many TV viewers.
“You are, to so many people, America’s mom … you were a role model,...
‘The Waltons’ star Michael Learned says her ‘filthy mouth’ shocked some fans Michael Learned as Olivia Walton | CBS via Getty Images Related
‘The Waltons’ Cast, Then and Now
On The Waltons, Learned played Olivia Walton, the kind and compassionate matriarch of the Walton family. In the show, she was very much an ideal mother. Norton — who played Olivia’s daughter, Mary Ellen Walton — wondered what it was like being an inspiration to so many TV viewers.
“You are, to so many people, America’s mom … you were a role model,...
- 12/26/2023
- by Megan Elliott
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Christmas was a special time for the Walton family. Even when times were tough, Olivia and John Walton found a way to make the holiday special for their seven children, as seen in multiple episodes of the popular show, which ran for nine seasons on CBS. Over the years, The Waltons aired four episodes focused on the December holiday, in addition to the Christmas movie that kicked off the series. Here’s every Waltons Christmas episode ranked according to IMDb.
‘The Spirit’
IMDb rating: 7.4 out of 10
In this season 8 episode of The Waltons, the family celebrates Christmas without their mother for the first time because she is spending the day with John-Boy in the hospital, who is recovering from his war injuries.. On Walton’s Mountain, Rose’s grandson Jeffrey (Keith Coogan) befriends a stranger who turns out to be an escaped German Pow (Ned Bellamy). The family ends up...
‘The Spirit’
IMDb rating: 7.4 out of 10
In this season 8 episode of The Waltons, the family celebrates Christmas without their mother for the first time because she is spending the day with John-Boy in the hospital, who is recovering from his war injuries.. On Walton’s Mountain, Rose’s grandson Jeffrey (Keith Coogan) befriends a stranger who turns out to be an escaped German Pow (Ned Bellamy). The family ends up...
- 12/23/2023
- by Megan Elliott
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
There’ll be some happy holidays on Prime Video in December, as the streamer’s seasonal offerings hope to keep the fires warm in your home this month!
As such, there are quite a few new original holiday movies coming to the service. At the beginning of the month, Eddie Murphy stars in Candy Cane Lane. In this film, the Beverly Hills Cop and Coming to America star plays a determined man who is willing to go above and beyond to win the annual Christmas home decoration contest in his neighborhood – even if it means making a very magical deal.
The DC universe will also be getting festive in December thanks to Merry Little Batman, an animated feature that sees Batman’s son, Damian Wayne, stumble upon a villainous plot on Christmas eve, one that may give him a chance to save the day when his dad isn’t around.
As such, there are quite a few new original holiday movies coming to the service. At the beginning of the month, Eddie Murphy stars in Candy Cane Lane. In this film, the Beverly Hills Cop and Coming to America star plays a determined man who is willing to go above and beyond to win the annual Christmas home decoration contest in his neighborhood – even if it means making a very magical deal.
The DC universe will also be getting festive in December thanks to Merry Little Batman, an animated feature that sees Batman’s son, Damian Wayne, stumble upon a villainous plot on Christmas eve, one that may give him a chance to save the day when his dad isn’t around.
- 12/1/2023
- by Kirsten Howard
- Den of Geek
The only thing better than a free thing is more of that free thing. This month, Amazon’s ad-supported streamer Freevee is adding dozens of new titles to its existing library of thousands, and no matter your choice (or choices), Freevee titles are available for free on the platform with no additional membership required, so you can watch without an additional hit to the bank account this holiday season!
Take a tour through both the classic and current this December, including the 1950s classic film noir “The Night of the Hunter,” the queer history classic “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert,” and the complete series collection of “Night Court,” “The Waltons,” and more.
Once you brush up on your history, catch up with the contemporaries, such as the beloved sci-fi series “Fringe”, the animated hit “Hotel Transylvania,” and the superhero black comedy “Kick-Ass.”
Check out The Streamable’s...
Take a tour through both the classic and current this December, including the 1950s classic film noir “The Night of the Hunter,” the queer history classic “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert,” and the complete series collection of “Night Court,” “The Waltons,” and more.
Once you brush up on your history, catch up with the contemporaries, such as the beloved sci-fi series “Fringe”, the animated hit “Hotel Transylvania,” and the superhero black comedy “Kick-Ass.”
Check out The Streamable’s...
- 11/29/2023
- by Ashley Steves
- The Streamable
"Good night, John-Boy. Good night, Elizabeth. And good night, daddy. Good night, son. And good night, mama. Good night, Mary Ellen. Good night, Jim Bob." Even if you've never watched a single moment of the classic TV show "The Waltons," the impact the series has had on television continues on even to this day. With the series' roots stemming back all the way to one of the most hated episodes of "The Twilight Zone" in history, references to "The Waltons" have extended all the way to films like 2016's "The Nice Guys," where Matt Bomber's villainous Dr. Malek is given the code name "John Boy" as he shares a similar facial birthmark to John-Boy actor Richard Thomas.
Created by Earl Hamner Jr., "The Waltons" centered on the titular family in rural Virginia during the Great Depression and World War II, based on Hamner Jr.'s book "Spencer's Mountain." With a...
Created by Earl Hamner Jr., "The Waltons" centered on the titular family in rural Virginia during the Great Depression and World War II, based on Hamner Jr.'s book "Spencer's Mountain." With a...
- 11/26/2023
- by SlashFilm Staff
- Slash Film
Who wouldn’t want to spend the holidays with some of their favorite TV characters? MeTV is making it easy this year with its “A Very Merry MeTV” programming lineup, which includes a selection of very special Thanksgiving and Christmas-themed episodes of classic shows such as The Waltons, The Beverly Hillbillies, Andy Griffith, and more.
The celebration begins on Sunday, Nov. 19 and runs through Dec. 25. Check out some of the highlights below, as well as the full schedule.
‘The Waltons’ Thanksgiving episode airs Nov. 22 and 23 A Verry Merry MeTV | MeTV
Celebrate Thanksgiving with one of TV’s most famous fictional families. In 1973, The Waltons aired its only Thanksgiving special, a two-part episode titled “The Thanksgiving Story.” The season 2 episode focuses on John-Boy Walton (Richard Thomas), who suffers a life-threatening head injury that puts his plans for college at risk. Meanwhile, his sister Mary Ellen (Judy Norton) auditions for the Thanksgiving play,...
The celebration begins on Sunday, Nov. 19 and runs through Dec. 25. Check out some of the highlights below, as well as the full schedule.
‘The Waltons’ Thanksgiving episode airs Nov. 22 and 23 A Verry Merry MeTV | MeTV
Celebrate Thanksgiving with one of TV’s most famous fictional families. In 1973, The Waltons aired its only Thanksgiving special, a two-part episode titled “The Thanksgiving Story.” The season 2 episode focuses on John-Boy Walton (Richard Thomas), who suffers a life-threatening head injury that puts his plans for college at risk. Meanwhile, his sister Mary Ellen (Judy Norton) auditions for the Thanksgiving play,...
- 11/19/2023
- by Megan Elliott
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Robert Butler, a television director for the pilot shows for Star Trek, Batman, Hill Street Blues, and Moonlighting, has died. He was 95.
Butler’s family announced that the Emmy award-winning director died on Nov. 3 in Los Angeles.
Graduating from UCLA where he majored in English, Butler started his career in entertainment as an usher at CBS. His first credit as a director would come in 1959 when he directed an episode for the military comedy-drama Hennesey which starred Jackie Cooper and Abby Dalton.
Over the years, Butler was sought out to direct pilots for shows like Hogan’s Heroes (1965), the original Star Trek (1966), Batman (1966), the first mini-series on television The Blue Knight (1973), Hill Street Blues (1978), Moonlighting (1985), Sisters (1991) and Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman (1993).
Butler won two Emmy Awards, the first one for The Blue Knight pilot in 1973 and the second one in 1981 for Hill Street Blues. In 2015 he was...
Butler’s family announced that the Emmy award-winning director died on Nov. 3 in Los Angeles.
Graduating from UCLA where he majored in English, Butler started his career in entertainment as an usher at CBS. His first credit as a director would come in 1959 when he directed an episode for the military comedy-drama Hennesey which starred Jackie Cooper and Abby Dalton.
Over the years, Butler was sought out to direct pilots for shows like Hogan’s Heroes (1965), the original Star Trek (1966), Batman (1966), the first mini-series on television The Blue Knight (1973), Hill Street Blues (1978), Moonlighting (1985), Sisters (1991) and Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman (1993).
Butler won two Emmy Awards, the first one for The Blue Knight pilot in 1973 and the second one in 1981 for Hill Street Blues. In 2015 he was...
- 11/11/2023
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
Robert Butler, who directed the pilots for a number of classic TV series including “Batman,” “Star Trek” and “Hill Street Blues,” has died at the age of 95.
Butler died on Nov. 3 in Los Angeles, his family announced via an obituary on the L.A. Times’ Legacy.com on Saturday.
The director was the cocreator of Pierce Brosnan series “Remington Steele” and directed its pilot. His credits also included work on “The Blue Knight,” “Hawaii Five-o,” “The Waltons” and more.
Butler and his friend screenwriter Lorenzo Semple Jr. were responsible for bringing “Batman” to the small screen and making it a 1960s camp sensation. The pair had been good friends since childhood, and when producer William Dozier tapped them for the comic-to-tv series, they were both ready to work together.
In the 2016 book “Batman: A Celebration of the Classic TV Series,” Butler said, “Dozier knew me when he was a CBS boss,...
Butler died on Nov. 3 in Los Angeles, his family announced via an obituary on the L.A. Times’ Legacy.com on Saturday.
The director was the cocreator of Pierce Brosnan series “Remington Steele” and directed its pilot. His credits also included work on “The Blue Knight,” “Hawaii Five-o,” “The Waltons” and more.
Butler and his friend screenwriter Lorenzo Semple Jr. were responsible for bringing “Batman” to the small screen and making it a 1960s camp sensation. The pair had been good friends since childhood, and when producer William Dozier tapped them for the comic-to-tv series, they were both ready to work together.
In the 2016 book “Batman: A Celebration of the Classic TV Series,” Butler said, “Dozier knew me when he was a CBS boss,...
- 11/11/2023
- by Stephanie Kaloi
- The Wrap
Robert Butler, the Emmy-winning, go-to pilot director who helmed the first episodes of such acclaimed shows as Batman, Star Trek, Hill Street Blues and Moonlighting, died Nov. 3 in Los Angeles, his family announced. He was 95.
Butler also co-created the Pierce Brosnan-starring Remington Steele (and helmed its pilot, of course), directed the first episode of Hogan’s Heroes in 1965, and called the first shots and set the tone for, Glenn Gordon Caron’s Moonlighting, Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, Sisters and The Division.
In 1973, he directed the William Holden-starring The Blue Knight — the first four-hour television miniseries — at NBC and then got the CBS series adaptation of the Joseph Wambaugh novel that starred George Kennedy off on the right foot.
Butler also helmed two episodes of The Twilight Zone (the fifth-season installments “Caesar and Me,” starring his old friend, Jackie Cooper, and “The Encounter”) and worked on The Dick Van Dyke Show,...
Butler also co-created the Pierce Brosnan-starring Remington Steele (and helmed its pilot, of course), directed the first episode of Hogan’s Heroes in 1965, and called the first shots and set the tone for, Glenn Gordon Caron’s Moonlighting, Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, Sisters and The Division.
In 1973, he directed the William Holden-starring The Blue Knight — the first four-hour television miniseries — at NBC and then got the CBS series adaptation of the Joseph Wambaugh novel that starred George Kennedy off on the right foot.
Butler also helmed two episodes of The Twilight Zone (the fifth-season installments “Caesar and Me,” starring his old friend, Jackie Cooper, and “The Encounter”) and worked on The Dick Van Dyke Show,...
- 11/11/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
This article is part of Collector’s Digest, an editorial series powered by:
Long before Charles Foster Kane ever uttered the word “Rosebud,” people were spending huge amounts of time, effort, and, of course, money trying to track down beloved items from their childhood. There’s something almost indescribably warm about old toys and possessions long gone. We infuse these things with memories of a time when life seemed dreamlike and full of potential—far removed from the soul-crushing responsibilities of adulthood that drain the spark of wonder from our eyes as we slog meaninglessly toward oblivion.
But hey, cheer up because whatever “that thing” from your own past that you’ve convinced yourself is the missing link between you and happiness is merely a click away. One of the good things about adulthood? Some folks are fortunate enough to have in their possession those two oh-so-magical words: disposable income.
Long before Charles Foster Kane ever uttered the word “Rosebud,” people were spending huge amounts of time, effort, and, of course, money trying to track down beloved items from their childhood. There’s something almost indescribably warm about old toys and possessions long gone. We infuse these things with memories of a time when life seemed dreamlike and full of potential—far removed from the soul-crushing responsibilities of adulthood that drain the spark of wonder from our eyes as we slog meaninglessly toward oblivion.
But hey, cheer up because whatever “that thing” from your own past that you’ve convinced yourself is the missing link between you and happiness is merely a click away. One of the good things about adulthood? Some folks are fortunate enough to have in their possession those two oh-so-magical words: disposable income.
- 10/11/2023
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
The MeTV+ channel is now available for Frndly TV users, after first being announced as a new addition to the platform last month.
The slimmed-down live TV streaming service Frndly TV got a little bulkier this week. The service announced on social media that it was launching the new MeTV+ channel for all subscribers on Tuesday, Oct. 3, which is a day earlier than originally scheduled.
7-Day Free Trial $7.99+ / month frndlytv.com
Surprise! We’ve been working hard behind the scenes and we’re launching MeTV+ a day early for you! You can already find it live in the Frndly TV guide.
We’re the first streaming service to carry MeTV+, MeTV’s sister channel with even more TV classics you love. Enjoy! pic.twitter.com/ZQtnai9BpX
— Frndly TV (@FrndlyTV) October 3, 2023
The addition makes Frndly TV the first live TV platform to carry the MeTV+ network. The streamer already carries its sister channel MeTV,...
The slimmed-down live TV streaming service Frndly TV got a little bulkier this week. The service announced on social media that it was launching the new MeTV+ channel for all subscribers on Tuesday, Oct. 3, which is a day earlier than originally scheduled.
7-Day Free Trial $7.99+ / month frndlytv.com
Surprise! We’ve been working hard behind the scenes and we’re launching MeTV+ a day early for you! You can already find it live in the Frndly TV guide.
We’re the first streaming service to carry MeTV+, MeTV’s sister channel with even more TV classics you love. Enjoy! pic.twitter.com/ZQtnai9BpX
— Frndly TV (@FrndlyTV) October 3, 2023
The addition makes Frndly TV the first live TV platform to carry the MeTV+ network. The streamer already carries its sister channel MeTV,...
- 10/3/2023
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
Fans of classic TV sitcoms, sci-fi, and dramas are about to have even friendlier live TV streaming options as the skinny-bundle streaming service Frndly TV announced on Tuesday that it had entered into an agreement that will bring the Weigel Broadcasting Co.’s MeTV+ network to all of the company’s subscribers next month.
7-Day Free Trial $7.99+ / month frndlytv.com
Beginning in October, Frndly will become the first national TV provider to offer this channel, which is currently only available in select local markets. The live streamer already carries the channel’s sibling MeTV network. The spinoff channel will serve as a companion to MeTV, which is one of the country’s most popular networks focusing specifically on classic television from decades gone by. Both the original channel and the new MeTV+ serve as homes for beloved westerns, iconic sitcoms, groundbreaking sci-fi series, and timeless dramas. Every week, MeTV airs...
7-Day Free Trial $7.99+ / month frndlytv.com
Beginning in October, Frndly will become the first national TV provider to offer this channel, which is currently only available in select local markets. The live streamer already carries the channel’s sibling MeTV network. The spinoff channel will serve as a companion to MeTV, which is one of the country’s most popular networks focusing specifically on classic television from decades gone by. Both the original channel and the new MeTV+ serve as homes for beloved westerns, iconic sitcoms, groundbreaking sci-fi series, and timeless dramas. Every week, MeTV airs...
- 9/5/2023
- by Matt Tamanini
- The Streamable
Every episode of the classic sci-fi/horror anthology "The Twilight Zone" begins with the introduction of some seemingly normal people, usually in the midst of a seemingly normal day. What they don't realize, of course, is that this will be the day they encounter the strange, the fantastic, and sometimes the horrifying. And just as they begin their journey, the camera pans over to a man in a respectable suit. He looks directly at the audience and explains who these people are, exactly what troubles them (or is about to), and reveals that they are about to enter — you guessed it — "The Twilight Zone."
Exactly what "The Twilight Zone" is, is never made clear. Episodes of the classic series often take place in the real world as we know it, but also sometimes in the distant future, or the distant past, or on other planets, or in the afterlife. They don't clearly connect together,...
Exactly what "The Twilight Zone" is, is never made clear. Episodes of the classic series often take place in the real world as we know it, but also sometimes in the distant future, or the distant past, or on other planets, or in the afterlife. They don't clearly connect together,...
- 9/4/2023
- by William Bibbiani
- Slash Film
Hersha Parady, who played schoolteacher Alice Garvey on the beloved show “Little House on the Prairie,” has died after a long struggle with a brain tumor. She was 78.
The actress’ death was first confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter by her son, Jonathan Peverall, who did not immediately respond to messages sent Thursday. Peverall had started a GoFundMe page to help with her medical expenses.
“Hersha, who has always been an active and outgoing woman, is battling a tough medical condition – a brain tumor known as meningioma,” he wrote in July.”This illness has robbed her of her strength, her memory, and sadly, her vibrant personality. She has become largely bedridden, and it is very difficult to see my Mom, who was once full of life and energy, now struggling with basic daily activities.”
Parady played Walnut Grove schoolteacher Mrs. Garvey from 1977-1980, and the Garveys (Merlin Olsen played Jonathan Garvey...
The actress’ death was first confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter by her son, Jonathan Peverall, who did not immediately respond to messages sent Thursday. Peverall had started a GoFundMe page to help with her medical expenses.
“Hersha, who has always been an active and outgoing woman, is battling a tough medical condition – a brain tumor known as meningioma,” he wrote in July.”This illness has robbed her of her strength, her memory, and sadly, her vibrant personality. She has become largely bedridden, and it is very difficult to see my Mom, who was once full of life and energy, now struggling with basic daily activities.”
Parady played Walnut Grove schoolteacher Mrs. Garvey from 1977-1980, and the Garveys (Merlin Olsen played Jonathan Garvey...
- 8/24/2023
- by Josh Dickey
- The Wrap
Hersha Parady, whose three-season run as Walnut Grove schoolteacher Alice Garvey on Little House on the Prairie came to an unforgettable, dark end for fans of the beloved NBC drama, has died. She was 78.
Parady died Wednesday in the Norfolk, Virginia, home of her son, Jonathan Peverall, he told The Hollywood Reporter. She had been dealing with a brain tumor, and he had set up a GoFundMe page to help with expenses.
Parady and former NFL star Merlin Olsen were introduced as wife and husband Alice and Jonathan Garvey on the Michael Landon-created Little House on the Prairie during the season-four opening episode, “Castoffs,” in September 1977.
On the sixth-season installment “May We Make Them Proud,” which aired as a two-hour episode during a sweeps ratings period in February 1980, Alice races into the School for the Blind, which has caught fire, to save some children inside, including Mary and Adam’s (Melissa Sue Anderson,...
Parady died Wednesday in the Norfolk, Virginia, home of her son, Jonathan Peverall, he told The Hollywood Reporter. She had been dealing with a brain tumor, and he had set up a GoFundMe page to help with expenses.
Parady and former NFL star Merlin Olsen were introduced as wife and husband Alice and Jonathan Garvey on the Michael Landon-created Little House on the Prairie during the season-four opening episode, “Castoffs,” in September 1977.
On the sixth-season installment “May We Make Them Proud,” which aired as a two-hour episode during a sweeps ratings period in February 1980, Alice races into the School for the Blind, which has caught fire, to save some children inside, including Mary and Adam’s (Melissa Sue Anderson,...
- 8/24/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
When HBO scored four slots on this year’s list of outstanding drama Emmy nominees, it wasn’t quite a huge surprise. The pay cabler is holding a hot hand at the moment — and I said as much in my February Variety magazine cover story of HBO and Max content chairman/CEO Casey Bloys. With “Succession,” “The Last of Us,” “House of the Dragon” and “The White Lotus” among the biggest shows of the year, and eight available slots in the category, of course HBO would land those four.
And yet, let’s give credit where credit is due. It is extremely impressive. And it has only happened twice before: In 1992, when NBC scored four of five slots, with “I’ll Fly Away,” “L.A. Law,” “Law & Order” and “Quantum Leap”; and 1973, when CBS landed four of six with “The Waltons,” “Cannon,” “Hawaii Five-o” and “Mannix.”
It’s hard to believe...
And yet, let’s give credit where credit is due. It is extremely impressive. And it has only happened twice before: In 1992, when NBC scored four of five slots, with “I’ll Fly Away,” “L.A. Law,” “Law & Order” and “Quantum Leap”; and 1973, when CBS landed four of six with “The Waltons,” “Cannon,” “Hawaii Five-o” and “Mannix.”
It’s hard to believe...
- 8/18/2023
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Jimmy Weldon, the cheery ventriloquist, kids TV host and actor who provided the voice for the endangered duck Yakky Doodle on Hanna-Barbera cartoons starting in the early 1960s, has died. He was 99.
Weldon’s death on Thursday in Paso Robles, California, was reported by American Legion Post 43 in Hollywood, where he was chaplain emeritus.
With the puppet Webster Webfoot, a duck he created in the 1940s, Weldon hosted TV shows for youngsters in New York, Los Angeles and cities in the San Joaquin Valley. The Texan also appeared on episodes of Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Dragnet, The Waltons, S.W.A.T., B.J. and the Bear, Dallas, The Rockford Files, Diff’rent Strokes and It’s a Living.
Weldon voiced Yakky Doodle, a yellow duckling with green wings who is constantly being bailed out of trouble by his best friend, a protective bulldog named Chopper, on recurring segments of The Yogi Bear Show in 1961-62.
From left: Yogi Bear,...
Weldon’s death on Thursday in Paso Robles, California, was reported by American Legion Post 43 in Hollywood, where he was chaplain emeritus.
With the puppet Webster Webfoot, a duck he created in the 1940s, Weldon hosted TV shows for youngsters in New York, Los Angeles and cities in the San Joaquin Valley. The Texan also appeared on episodes of Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Dragnet, The Waltons, S.W.A.T., B.J. and the Bear, Dallas, The Rockford Files, Diff’rent Strokes and It’s a Living.
Weldon voiced Yakky Doodle, a yellow duckling with green wings who is constantly being bailed out of trouble by his best friend, a protective bulldog named Chopper, on recurring segments of The Yogi Bear Show in 1961-62.
From left: Yogi Bear,...
- 7/11/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Directv Stream’s channel lineup just got a big infusion of classic television, at least if you’re a Choice or above-level user. The virtual multi-channel video programming distributor (vMVPD) and its satellite TV counterpart Directv has added the MeTV channel, which users will find in HD by navigating to channel 77.
5-Day Free Trial $74.99+ / month directv.com/stream
MeTV is one of the top destinations in cable for episodes of classic TV series. Its lineup includes titles from “The Beverly Hillbillies” to “Mash” to “The Waltons,” with episodes airing 24 hours a day. In total, the channel features more than 60 classic series every week.
“MeTV is ‘Memorable Entertainment Television,’ making it a uniquely valuable addition to the Directv channel lineup nationwide,” Neal Sabin, vice-chairman of MeTV’s parent company Weigel Broadcasting Co, said in a statement to The Wrap. “We couldn’t be happier to seal this deal which allows us...
5-Day Free Trial $74.99+ / month directv.com/stream
MeTV is one of the top destinations in cable for episodes of classic TV series. Its lineup includes titles from “The Beverly Hillbillies” to “Mash” to “The Waltons,” with episodes airing 24 hours a day. In total, the channel features more than 60 classic series every week.
“MeTV is ‘Memorable Entertainment Television,’ making it a uniquely valuable addition to the Directv channel lineup nationwide,” Neal Sabin, vice-chairman of MeTV’s parent company Weigel Broadcasting Co, said in a statement to The Wrap. “We couldn’t be happier to seal this deal which allows us...
- 7/10/2023
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
Brett Hadley, who starred as Genoa City police detective Carl Williams for more than a decade on the CBS soap opera “The Young and the Restless”, has died. He was 92.
Hadley died Wednesday, according to a Facebook post from his friend, Mary Ann Halpin.
“He has been my friend since I was 19 [y]ears old. We were in an acting class and were the bad kids in the class. We sat in the back and giggled,” she wrote, later adding, “I will miss his playful and deep conversation, his funny flirty giggle and twinkling eyes. He took his last bow and gracefully left us yesterday. Thank you to my dear sweet soul sister Darcy Lee Caplan for midwifing him out.”
Hadley’s friend of 30 years, Darcy Lee Caplan, confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that he died on Wednesday of sepsis at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital in Woodland Hills.
Hadley died Wednesday, according to a Facebook post from his friend, Mary Ann Halpin.
“He has been my friend since I was 19 [y]ears old. We were in an acting class and were the bad kids in the class. We sat in the back and giggled,” she wrote, later adding, “I will miss his playful and deep conversation, his funny flirty giggle and twinkling eyes. He took his last bow and gracefully left us yesterday. Thank you to my dear sweet soul sister Darcy Lee Caplan for midwifing him out.”
Hadley’s friend of 30 years, Darcy Lee Caplan, confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that he died on Wednesday of sepsis at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital in Woodland Hills.
- 6/20/2023
- by Becca Longmire
- ET Canada
Mary Beth McDonough charmed TV audiences as Erin Walton on CBS’s hit series The Waltons. She played the character on all nine seasons of the family-friendly drama, as well as in several made-for-tv movies. But there may have been an element of chance in her getting cast in the role of a lifetime.
‘The Waltons’ cast member reminded the show’s creator of his sister [L-r] Mary Beth McDonough (as Erin Walton) and Will Geer (as Zeb Walton) in ‘The Waltons’ | CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images
Earlier in 2023, McDonough appeared on The Ross Owen Show (via YouTube) to chat about her time on The Waltons and how she landed her part on the show.
“I had an agent who never sent me out on any auditions until The Homecoming,” she recalled, speaking of the 1971 TV movie that led to the series. “And the only reason is the hair.”
“They were looking for red-headed kids,...
‘The Waltons’ cast member reminded the show’s creator of his sister [L-r] Mary Beth McDonough (as Erin Walton) and Will Geer (as Zeb Walton) in ‘The Waltons’ | CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images
Earlier in 2023, McDonough appeared on The Ross Owen Show (via YouTube) to chat about her time on The Waltons and how she landed her part on the show.
“I had an agent who never sent me out on any auditions until The Homecoming,” she recalled, speaking of the 1971 TV movie that led to the series. “And the only reason is the hair.”
“They were looking for red-headed kids,...
- 6/17/2023
- by Megan Elliott
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
We have some somber news to begin our Fanatic Feed on Friday, June 16, 2023.
Brett Hadley, who played Genoa City detective Carl Williams on The Young and the Restless, has died.
He was 92.
Soap Opera Digest broke the news. A cause of death has not been revealed.
Hadley joined the CBS daytime soap in 1980 and was a part of some of the most shocking storylines.
The actor initially departed in 1991, but the character remained present in Genoa City as the topic of several conversations.
Hadley returned to the role in 1998 as part of a storyline that found Carl attacked and near death.
In one of the wildest twists in soap history, viewers learned he had amnesia and disappeared from Genoa City to start a new life as Jim Bradley.
Hadley's final time playing Carl was in 1999. His former co-stars released statements to Soap Opera Digest about the actor's passing.
"The passing...
Brett Hadley, who played Genoa City detective Carl Williams on The Young and the Restless, has died.
He was 92.
Soap Opera Digest broke the news. A cause of death has not been revealed.
Hadley joined the CBS daytime soap in 1980 and was a part of some of the most shocking storylines.
The actor initially departed in 1991, but the character remained present in Genoa City as the topic of several conversations.
Hadley returned to the role in 1998 as part of a storyline that found Carl attacked and near death.
In one of the wildest twists in soap history, viewers learned he had amnesia and disappeared from Genoa City to start a new life as Jim Bradley.
Hadley's final time playing Carl was in 1999. His former co-stars released statements to Soap Opera Digest about the actor's passing.
"The passing...
- 6/16/2023
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
Brett Hadley, soap actor who starred as Carl Williams for two decades on “The Young and the Restless,” has died. He was 92.
Hadley died on Wednesday at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital in Woodland Hills, according to his friend Darcy Lee.
“We talked about movies and art.. and we laughed a lot! He even made me laugh on his death bed,” wrote Lee in a post. “He waited to pass tonight until my show was over and I walked out of the theatre. He took his last bow as I got into the car to come home. I will miss you terribly Brett Hadley – and thank you for being in my life.”
Throughout his career, Hadley appeared in films like “Next of Kin” and “The Mad Bomber” as well as television programs like “Marcus Welby, M.D.,” “The Waltons,” “The Rockford Files,” “Highway to Heaven” and CBS...
Hadley died on Wednesday at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital in Woodland Hills, according to his friend Darcy Lee.
“We talked about movies and art.. and we laughed a lot! He even made me laugh on his death bed,” wrote Lee in a post. “He waited to pass tonight until my show was over and I walked out of the theatre. He took his last bow as I got into the car to come home. I will miss you terribly Brett Hadley – and thank you for being in my life.”
Throughout his career, Hadley appeared in films like “Next of Kin” and “The Mad Bomber” as well as television programs like “Marcus Welby, M.D.,” “The Waltons,” “The Rockford Files,” “Highway to Heaven” and CBS...
- 6/16/2023
- by Sophia Scorziello
- Variety Film + TV
Brett Hadley, who starred as Genoa City police detective Carl Williams for more than a decade on the CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless, has died. He was 92.
Hadley died Wednesday of sepsis at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital in Woodland Hills, his friend of 30 years, Darcy Lee, told The Hollywood Reporter. “He was a wonderful, sweet and kind man,” she said.
Hadley joined the daytime serial as the father of Doug Davidson’s Paul Williams in 1980 and remained with the show through 1990, when his character mysteriously disappeared.
Wouldn’t you know it, just as his onscreen wife, Mary (Carolyn Conwell), was about to remarry, Hadley returned in 1998 as a man named Jim Bradley. It seems a savage beating had left Carl with amnesia, and he would never remember who he was. He left the show for good in 1999.
“He was a delight to work...
Hadley died Wednesday of sepsis at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital in Woodland Hills, his friend of 30 years, Darcy Lee, told The Hollywood Reporter. “He was a wonderful, sweet and kind man,” she said.
Hadley joined the daytime serial as the father of Doug Davidson’s Paul Williams in 1980 and remained with the show through 1990, when his character mysteriously disappeared.
Wouldn’t you know it, just as his onscreen wife, Mary (Carolyn Conwell), was about to remarry, Hadley returned in 1998 as a man named Jim Bradley. It seems a savage beating had left Carl with amnesia, and he would never remember who he was. He left the show for good in 1999.
“He was a delight to work...
- 6/16/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Brett Hadley, best known for playing Genoa City police detective Carl Williams in The Young and the Restless, has died, as reported by Soap Opera Digest. He was 92. A cause of death has not yet been revealed. Hadley first joined the daytime soap in 1980, where he played the no-nonsense detective until 1990. He left the show for several years before reprising the role from 1998 to 1999. When his character returned, it was revealed he had been viciously beaten and suffered from amnesia, leading to his new life as Jim Bradley. Born on September 25, 1930, in Louisville, Kentucky, Hadley studied drama at the University of New Mexico before starting his acting career on the stage. He would go on to have numerous guest-star roles on television, including on shows such as The Waltons, Kojak, Ironside, The Rockford Files, The Incredible Hulk, Highway to Heaven, and many more. Hadley joined The Young and the Restless...
- 6/16/2023
- TV Insider
Along with rival NBC, CBS found success in radio before adding on the new medium of television in the 1940s. With the creation of ABC a few years later, the “Big Three” networks dominated the small screen for half a century before receiving competition from Fox network, cable stations and, later, streaming services. In the earliest days of TV, CBS and NBC vied for top spots in the ratings; by the mid-1950s, CBS commanded the lead with pioneering and groundbreaking programs across multiple genres — a trend that would continue for decades.
Like NBC, CBS transitioned radio programs over to television. One successful radio series they wanted to convert was “My Favorite Husband,” but the star refused to commit unless her real-life husband was allowed to be her lead. However, her husband was from Cuba, and CBS executives didn’t think Americans would believe an American woman would marry a hispanic.
Like NBC, CBS transitioned radio programs over to television. One successful radio series they wanted to convert was “My Favorite Husband,” but the star refused to commit unless her real-life husband was allowed to be her lead. However, her husband was from Cuba, and CBS executives didn’t think Americans would believe an American woman would marry a hispanic.
- 6/14/2023
- by Susan Pennington and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Along with rival NBC, CBS found success in radio before adding on the new medium of television in the 1940s. With the creation of ABC a few years later, the “Big Three” networks dominated the small screen for half a century before receiving competition from Fox network, cable stations and, later, streaming services. In the earliest days of TV, CBS and NBC vied for top spots in the ratings; by the mid-1950s, CBS commanded the lead with pioneering and groundbreaking programs across multiple genres — a trend that would continue for decades.
Like NBC, CBS transitioned radio programs over to television. One successful radio series they wanted to convert was “My Favorite Husband,” but the star refused to commit unless her real-life husband was allowed to be her lead. However, her husband was from Cuba, and CBS executives didn’t think Americans would believe an American woman would marry a hispanic.
Like NBC, CBS transitioned radio programs over to television. One successful radio series they wanted to convert was “My Favorite Husband,” but the star refused to commit unless her real-life husband was allowed to be her lead. However, her husband was from Cuba, and CBS executives didn’t think Americans would believe an American woman would marry a hispanic.
- 6/13/2023
- by Susan Pennington, Chris Beachum and Misty Holland
- Gold Derby
Judy Norton of The Waltons loves sharing her memories of her time on the hit CBS TV show with fans. But when she looks back on playing Mary Ellen Walton, she sometimes cringes. The actor says she now realizes that she wasn’t always on her best behavior when she was on set.
Judy Norton says she could be ‘self-absorbed’ [L-r] Jon Walmsley (as Jason Walton) and Judy Norton Taylor (as Mary Ellen Walton) in a 1977 episode of ‘The Waltons’ | CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images
Norton spent a decade playing Mary Ellen, first in the 1971 made-for-tv movie The Homecoming and then on The Waltons, which aired from 1972 to 1981. (She also appeared as the character in multiple follow-up TV movies.) Norton was 13 when she was first cast and basically grew up on TV. That experience wasn’t always easy, especially as she was going through her teenage years.
Reflecting on her experience now,...
Judy Norton says she could be ‘self-absorbed’ [L-r] Jon Walmsley (as Jason Walton) and Judy Norton Taylor (as Mary Ellen Walton) in a 1977 episode of ‘The Waltons’ | CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images
Norton spent a decade playing Mary Ellen, first in the 1971 made-for-tv movie The Homecoming and then on The Waltons, which aired from 1972 to 1981. (She also appeared as the character in multiple follow-up TV movies.) Norton was 13 when she was first cast and basically grew up on TV. That experience wasn’t always easy, especially as she was going through her teenage years.
Reflecting on her experience now,...
- 6/10/2023
- by Megan Elliott
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Dahmer – Monster may have been a dark series about a serial killer, but Michael Learned thinks she got the role as the cannibal’s grandmother by showing off her wry sense of humor.
While shooting a self-tape for the role of Catherine Dahmer, Learned’s manager suggested that she include a full body shot as part of the audition.
“I said, ‘oh God, if I’d known you were gonna do that, I would’ve worn a bra,” Learned recalls to Deadline. “I hiked up my boobs. I thought my manager was going to cut it out. But he left it in and I think I probably got the part because it just made them laugh.”
An ability to put viewers in stitches wasn’t exactly a requirement of the job. Instead, Learned was hired to portray Dahmer’s rather tolerant grandma who takes the young man into her home...
While shooting a self-tape for the role of Catherine Dahmer, Learned’s manager suggested that she include a full body shot as part of the audition.
“I said, ‘oh God, if I’d known you were gonna do that, I would’ve worn a bra,” Learned recalls to Deadline. “I hiked up my boobs. I thought my manager was going to cut it out. But he left it in and I think I probably got the part because it just made them laugh.”
An ability to put viewers in stitches wasn’t exactly a requirement of the job. Instead, Learned was hired to portray Dahmer’s rather tolerant grandma who takes the young man into her home...
- 6/7/2023
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
It’s been decades since CBS’s hit series The Waltons went off the air. But the show about a close-knit family making do during the Depression era still has a loyal fanbase. Just ask Judy Norton, who played Mary Ellen Walton. The actor is used to being approached in public by people who recognize her from TV. While she says that most fans simply want to share their appreciation for The Waltons and her work, a few can be a little over-enthusiastic.
Judy Norton says it’s ‘wonderful’ to hear from fans Peter Fox as Rev. Hank Buchanan and Judy Norton as Mary Ellen Walton in ‘The Waltons’ || CBS via Getty Images
On her YouTube channel, Norton often answers questions about her experience on the show. Recently, she responded to a fan who wanted to know how she handled being in the public eye and interacting with fans.
Norton says that,...
Judy Norton says it’s ‘wonderful’ to hear from fans Peter Fox as Rev. Hank Buchanan and Judy Norton as Mary Ellen Walton in ‘The Waltons’ || CBS via Getty Images
On her YouTube channel, Norton often answers questions about her experience on the show. Recently, she responded to a fan who wanted to know how she handled being in the public eye and interacting with fans.
Norton says that,...
- 5/20/2023
- by Megan Elliott
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Although her acting on her eponymous 11-season variety show was consistently overlooked by the TV academy, Carol Burnett has still racked up two dozen Emmy nominations and six wins over the course of six decades. Having just reached the age of 90, she is now on the verge of earning her first Best Drama Supporting Actress notice for AMC’s “Better Call Saul,” which would also be her first for a supporting or lead role on a non-sketch series. If she succeeds on this possible bid, she will set a new precedent as the first nonagenarian to ever win an acting Emmy.
Burnett joined the cast of “Better Call Saul” for the second part of its sixth and final season, which aired from July to August 2022. Her character, Marion, is the elderly mother of a cab driver who becomes an accomplice of seasoned criminal Jimmy “Saul Goodman” McGill (Bob Odenkirk). Although...
Burnett joined the cast of “Better Call Saul” for the second part of its sixth and final season, which aired from July to August 2022. Her character, Marion, is the elderly mother of a cab driver who becomes an accomplice of seasoned criminal Jimmy “Saul Goodman” McGill (Bob Odenkirk). Although...
- 5/12/2023
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
Months after his life was suddenly cut short, Emmy winner Leslie Jordan has a chance to receive more TV academy love for his final small screen performance as Phil on Fox’s “Call Me Kat.” If he does land in this year’s Best Comedy Supporting Actor lineup, he will join a group of 12 other comedy or drama series regulars who posthumously achieved Emmy recognition. If he scores his second victory, he will make history as the first deceased male actor to win an Emmy for a continuing program.
“Call Me Kat” was the first and only multi-season series on which Jordan played a regular role. In his last few episodes, his character, who worked as the head baker at a Kentucky cat cafe, finally found true love with drag performer Jalen, aka Queen Dicktoria (John Griffin). Following his final appearance, Phil was given a happy ending that involved him...
“Call Me Kat” was the first and only multi-season series on which Jordan played a regular role. In his last few episodes, his character, who worked as the head baker at a Kentucky cat cafe, finally found true love with drag performer Jalen, aka Queen Dicktoria (John Griffin). Following his final appearance, Phil was given a happy ending that involved him...
- 5/11/2023
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
In the past decade or so, the television movie has been thought to possibly be dead. But don’t tell that to producer Sam Haskell, who won an Emmy for producing the 2021 television film “Dolly Parton’s Christmas On the Square.” In an exclusive video interview with Gold Derby (watch above), Haskell declares, “The TV movie is back!” He is back in the Emmy race this season as the executive producer of two films: “Dolly Parton’s Mountain Magic Christmas” for Peacock and “A Waltons Thanksgiving” for The CW.
Both of Haskell’s films focus on the joy of the holiday season. For “A Waltons Thanksgiving,” a reimagining of the classic, Emmy-winning series,, the focus is on the Walton family encountering a troubled youth who will change the family forever. In “Mountain Magic Christmas” the focus is on the inimitable Dolly Parton and her struggle to put on a Christmas show that will lift audiences’ spirits.
Both of Haskell’s films focus on the joy of the holiday season. For “A Waltons Thanksgiving,” a reimagining of the classic, Emmy-winning series,, the focus is on the Walton family encountering a troubled youth who will change the family forever. In “Mountain Magic Christmas” the focus is on the inimitable Dolly Parton and her struggle to put on a Christmas show that will lift audiences’ spirits.
- 5/5/2023
- by Tony Ruiz
- Gold Derby
Nine years after he won his fourth and final acting Emmy for playing Walter White on “Breaking Bad,” Bryan Cranston has a solid shot at triumphing in the corresponding Best Drama Guest Actor category for reprising the role on the prequel series “Better Call Saul” on AMC. In fact, he has three chances to win at least his fifth acting Emmy this year since he could also earn notices for Best Movie/Limited Actor for Paramount Plus’ “Jerry and Marge Go Large” and for Best Drama Actor for Showtime’s “Your Honor.” If all three nominations come to fruition, he will be only the fourth person and second man to ever compete for three acting Emmys at once.
Cranston’s highly anticipated “Better Call Saul” appearance consists of several flashback scenes in which he reunites with his “Breaking Bad” cast mates Bob Odenkirk and Aaron Paul. His two episodes aired...
Cranston’s highly anticipated “Better Call Saul” appearance consists of several flashback scenes in which he reunites with his “Breaking Bad” cast mates Bob Odenkirk and Aaron Paul. His two episodes aired...
- 5/2/2023
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
Robert Crutchfield, who served as a top publicity executive in television for Mtm Enterprises, Lorimar and Universal, has died. He was 85.
Crutchfield died April 7 at Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage, California, after a long illness, a family spokesperson announced.
A onetime Houston radio deejay and 20th Century Fox contract player, Crutchfield in 1974 began an eight-year stint as vp marketing and publicity for Mtm Enterprises, where he handled such acclaimed series as The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Wkrp in Cincinnati, The Bob Newhart Show, Lou Grant, Phyllis, Rhoda and The White Shadow.
He joined Lorimar as senior vp publicity in 1982 and orchestrated the landmark “Who Shot J.R.?” campaign for Dallas while overseeing other shows including The Waltons, Knots Landing, Eight Is Enough and Falcon Crest, which starred his longtime friend, Jane Wyman. (He also was pals with actor Ed Asner.)
Crutchfield was on the job in 1986 when the parents...
Crutchfield died April 7 at Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage, California, after a long illness, a family spokesperson announced.
A onetime Houston radio deejay and 20th Century Fox contract player, Crutchfield in 1974 began an eight-year stint as vp marketing and publicity for Mtm Enterprises, where he handled such acclaimed series as The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Wkrp in Cincinnati, The Bob Newhart Show, Lou Grant, Phyllis, Rhoda and The White Shadow.
He joined Lorimar as senior vp publicity in 1982 and orchestrated the landmark “Who Shot J.R.?” campaign for Dallas while overseeing other shows including The Waltons, Knots Landing, Eight Is Enough and Falcon Crest, which starred his longtime friend, Jane Wyman. (He also was pals with actor Ed Asner.)
Crutchfield was on the job in 1986 when the parents...
- 4/24/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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