Amateur sleuth shows used to be popular in the pre-csi era of television.
These series showcased detectives who were not police officers, were often quirky, and could best the cops at solving murders -- if they could get them to listen.
You're right if you think that sounds exactly like CBS' Elsbeth. Elsbeth has more in common with amateur sleuth series of the past than with the show it spun off from, The Good Wife.
Elsbeth is a modern take on classic shows like Columbo, Murder She Wrote, and Diagnosis Murder. Most shows it owes a debt to are no longer on television, but streaming services have given them new life.
Elsbeth Heralds the Return of Amateur Sleuth Shows
Amateur sleuth shows are part of the cozy mystery genre.
Nowadays, they've fallen out of favor -- these mysteries mostly air as movies on the Hallmark channel.
There was a time...
These series showcased detectives who were not police officers, were often quirky, and could best the cops at solving murders -- if they could get them to listen.
You're right if you think that sounds exactly like CBS' Elsbeth. Elsbeth has more in common with amateur sleuth series of the past than with the show it spun off from, The Good Wife.
Elsbeth is a modern take on classic shows like Columbo, Murder She Wrote, and Diagnosis Murder. Most shows it owes a debt to are no longer on television, but streaming services have given them new life.
Elsbeth Heralds the Return of Amateur Sleuth Shows
Amateur sleuth shows are part of the cozy mystery genre.
Nowadays, they've fallen out of favor -- these mysteries mostly air as movies on the Hallmark channel.
There was a time...
- 5/20/2024
- by Jack Ori
- TVfanatic
With the news that CBS is currently in “accelerated development” on a new daytime soap opera geared towards the African American audience, daytime soap icon Victoria Rowell, who portrayed Drucilla Barber Winters on “The Young and the Restless” off and on from 1990-2007, is happy to see change happening both on-screen and behind the scenes when it comes to the future of daytime dramas.
In a message posted on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, Rowell said, “Change is Possible! Believe it!” while linking to a news story on “The Gates,” a new soap being spearheaded by the first and only Black woman ever to hold the position of head writer/co-head writer of a daytime drama series, Michele Val Jean, and follows a wealthy Black family in a posh, gated community.
If picked up to series, “The Gates” would become the first new CBS daytime soap opera since 1987 and the...
In a message posted on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, Rowell said, “Change is Possible! Believe it!” while linking to a news story on “The Gates,” a new soap being spearheaded by the first and only Black woman ever to hold the position of head writer/co-head writer of a daytime drama series, Michele Val Jean, and follows a wealthy Black family in a posh, gated community.
If picked up to series, “The Gates” would become the first new CBS daytime soap opera since 1987 and the...
- 3/17/2024
- by Errol Lewis
- Soap Opera Network
It’s the end of a villainous era for soap star Kimberlin Brown.
Brown’s notorious character Sheila Carter was killed off in Monday’s episode of The Bold and the Beautiful. She no doubt had it coming; Sheila’s been the epitome of evil since her character was first introduced on The Young and the Restless in 1990. She moved over to B&b in 1992 where she’s been wreaking havoc ever since.
The character’s death on Monday was at the hands of Steffy Forrester (Jacqueline MacInnes Wood).
“Well, you know, it’s a tough place for me to be in right now; I’m not going to lie about this,” Brown told TV Insider. “I guess if anyone were going to take Sheila down, I’m happy it’s Steffy. I just wish that no one was taking Sheila down. It’s my happy place where I have been...
Brown’s notorious character Sheila Carter was killed off in Monday’s episode of The Bold and the Beautiful. She no doubt had it coming; Sheila’s been the epitome of evil since her character was first introduced on The Young and the Restless in 1990. She moved over to B&b in 1992 where she’s been wreaking havoc ever since.
The character’s death on Monday was at the hands of Steffy Forrester (Jacqueline MacInnes Wood).
“Well, you know, it’s a tough place for me to be in right now; I’m not going to lie about this,” Brown told TV Insider. “I guess if anyone were going to take Sheila down, I’m happy it’s Steffy. I just wish that no one was taking Sheila down. It’s my happy place where I have been...
- 2/28/2024
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
Dan Wilcox, an Emmy-winning writer, producer and longtime union man who penned dozens of M*A*S*H episodes including co-writing its record-setting series finale and had many other TV credits including Sesame Street and Fernwood/America 2-Nite, has died. He was 82.
His niece, Julie Merson Rothenberg, told the WGA that he died February 14 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. No cause was given.
A six-decade WGA member and longtime former board member who was active in the 2007-08 strike, Wilcox was a fierce champion of unions and equal rights. In 2017, he received the Morgan Cox Award in recognition of his exemplary service to the Guild. Wgaw President Howard A. Rodman said at the time: “Dan Wilcox has been, in a sustained and deeply moving way, a voice for the voiceless. His work, at once passionate and effective, has been on behalf of those who might otherwise lack the...
His niece, Julie Merson Rothenberg, told the WGA that he died February 14 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. No cause was given.
A six-decade WGA member and longtime former board member who was active in the 2007-08 strike, Wilcox was a fierce champion of unions and equal rights. In 2017, he received the Morgan Cox Award in recognition of his exemplary service to the Guild. Wgaw President Howard A. Rodman said at the time: “Dan Wilcox has been, in a sustained and deeply moving way, a voice for the voiceless. His work, at once passionate and effective, has been on behalf of those who might otherwise lack the...
- 2/26/2024
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Dan Wilcox, the Emmy-winning TV writer and producer whose work on the last four seasons of M*A*S*H included the acclaimed 1983 series finale that attracted a record 106 million viewers, has died. He was 82.
Wilcox died Feb. 14 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, his niece Julie Merson announced.
A WGA member for more than 60 years and a guild board member since 2005, Wilcox won his Emmy in 1970 for Sesame Street, where he met Thad Mumford, who became his longtime writing partner. They worked together on M*A*S*H and received the 1980 WGA award for best episodic comedy.
They also wrote for What’s Happening!!, Alice, The Duck Factory, Good Times and the 1979 ABC miniseries Roots: The Next Generations.
Wilcox was a writer and/or executive story editor on 36 episodes of M*A*S*H from 1979-83 as well as a producer, starting in 1981, on the CBS show’s last two seasons.
The native New Yorker...
Wilcox died Feb. 14 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, his niece Julie Merson announced.
A WGA member for more than 60 years and a guild board member since 2005, Wilcox won his Emmy in 1970 for Sesame Street, where he met Thad Mumford, who became his longtime writing partner. They worked together on M*A*S*H and received the 1980 WGA award for best episodic comedy.
They also wrote for What’s Happening!!, Alice, The Duck Factory, Good Times and the 1979 ABC miniseries Roots: The Next Generations.
Wilcox was a writer and/or executive story editor on 36 episodes of M*A*S*H from 1979-83 as well as a producer, starting in 1981, on the CBS show’s last two seasons.
The native New Yorker...
- 2/26/2024
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
On the morning of January 23, 2024, actor Gary Graham, star of the "Alien Nation" TV series, the cult classic "Robot Jox," and multiple-time "Star Trek" supporting player, passed away at the age of 74. Graham had a prolific acting career, appearing in single episodes of many of the hottest TV shows of his day, including "Starsky & Hutch," "The Incredible Hulk," Knots Landing," "CHiPs," "T.J. Hooker," "Hunter," "M.A.N.T.I.S.," "Diagnosis Murder," "Ally McBeal," "Jag," and "Nip/Tuck." He had an easy demeanor, allowing him to play comedic affable characters just as well as intense, serious ones.
Trekkies likely know Graham best for playing Soval on "Star Trek: Enterprise." Soval was the snippy Vulcan ambassador who oversaw Earth's very, very slow transition from post-war ruin to a thriving society ready for space exploration. In the timeline of "Star Trek," humanity discovers warp-speed flight while the world is recovering from nuclear devastation. On the very first Earth warp flight,...
Trekkies likely know Graham best for playing Soval on "Star Trek: Enterprise." Soval was the snippy Vulcan ambassador who oversaw Earth's very, very slow transition from post-war ruin to a thriving society ready for space exploration. In the timeline of "Star Trek," humanity discovers warp-speed flight while the world is recovering from nuclear devastation. On the very first Earth warp flight,...
- 1/23/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Gary Graham, an actor best known for appearing in multiple Star Trek projects, has died at age 73.
Throughout his career, Graham appeared as Tanis on Star Trek: Voyager, Soval on Star Trek: Enterprise and Ragnar on Star Trek: Renegades. He was also known for his starring role on Fox’s Alien Nation.
More from TVLineStar Trek: Prodigy Saved! Unaired Season 2 Finds New Home on NetflixTVLine Items: Eddie Murphy Xmas Movie, Star Trek Shorts and MoreWilliam Shatner, George Takei Pay Tribute to Star Trek's Nichelle Nichols
News of Graham’s passing was announced by his ex-wife Susan Lavelle, who shared...
Throughout his career, Graham appeared as Tanis on Star Trek: Voyager, Soval on Star Trek: Enterprise and Ragnar on Star Trek: Renegades. He was also known for his starring role on Fox’s Alien Nation.
More from TVLineStar Trek: Prodigy Saved! Unaired Season 2 Finds New Home on NetflixTVLine Items: Eddie Murphy Xmas Movie, Star Trek Shorts and MoreWilliam Shatner, George Takei Pay Tribute to Star Trek's Nichelle Nichols
News of Graham’s passing was announced by his ex-wife Susan Lavelle, who shared...
- 1/23/2024
- by Andy Swift
- TVLine.com
The close-knit "Star Trek" family has lost one of their own today. Actor Gary Graham, most well-known for playing the role of the Vulcan Ambassador Soval in "Star Trek: Enterprise," sadly passed away early in the morning January 23, 2024. His death was first announced in a Facebook post by his ex-wife and actor Susan Lavelle (viaParade.com). No cause of death has yet been revealed, except that it was described as "sudden." Graham was 73 years old.
In addition to starring in "Enterprise" and even showing up for a brief appearance in "Star Trek: Voyager," Graham was more than willing to lend his talents to various roles in "Star Trek" fan films throughout the years, bringing Soval back to life in several unofficial movies that may not be formally sanctioned in the official canon of the franchise, but nonetheless speaks to the actor's passion for the character and his appreciation for the Trekkie community.
In addition to starring in "Enterprise" and even showing up for a brief appearance in "Star Trek: Voyager," Graham was more than willing to lend his talents to various roles in "Star Trek" fan films throughout the years, bringing Soval back to life in several unofficial movies that may not be formally sanctioned in the official canon of the franchise, but nonetheless speaks to the actor's passion for the character and his appreciation for the Trekkie community.
- 1/23/2024
- by Jeremy Mathai
- Slash Film
Peter Crombie, who was a recurring and popular character as “Crazy Joe Davola” on Seinfeld, died Wednesday at age 71. Details on the death were not disclosed, but apparently he had a short-lived illness.
Crombie’s “Crazy Joe Davola” appeared in 5 episodes in season 4. His arc included stalking Jerry and dating Elaine at one point.
The actor had 35 credits, including the films My Dog Skip, Natural Born Killers, The Blob, Se7en, Rising Sun, and Born on the Fourth of July.
His TV resume included the TV miniseries House of Frankenstein, NYPD Blue, Walker, Texas Ranger, Diagnosis Murder, Law & Order, Perfect Strangers, Spenser: For Hire, L.A. Law, L.A. Firefighters” and others.
No details on survivors or memorial plans was immediately available.
Crombie’s “Crazy Joe Davola” appeared in 5 episodes in season 4. His arc included stalking Jerry and dating Elaine at one point.
The actor had 35 credits, including the films My Dog Skip, Natural Born Killers, The Blob, Se7en, Rising Sun, and Born on the Fourth of July.
His TV resume included the TV miniseries House of Frankenstein, NYPD Blue, Walker, Texas Ranger, Diagnosis Murder, Law & Order, Perfect Strangers, Spenser: For Hire, L.A. Law, L.A. Firefighters” and others.
No details on survivors or memorial plans was immediately available.
- 1/13/2024
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Dick Van Dyke is a Hollywood legend. But he’s not the only entertainer in the family. The Mary Poppins star – who turned 98 on Dec. 13, 2023 – has four kids and multiple grandchildren. Several followed in their dad and granddad’s footsteps with careers both on and behind the screen.
Christian Van Dyke Actor Dick Van Dyke, Michelle Triola, son Chris Van Dyke, and his wife | Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images
Dick Van Dyke married his first wife Margie Willet in 1948 on an episode of the radio show Bride and Groom. Their first child, Christian, was born in 1950. In 1962, Christian appeared in an episode of The Dick Van Dyke Show as a kid named Frankie. But Christian didn’t catch the acting bug. Rather than pursuing a career in Hollywood, he went to law school. He moved to Oregon, where he served as a district attorney and worked...
Christian Van Dyke Actor Dick Van Dyke, Michelle Triola, son Chris Van Dyke, and his wife | Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images
Dick Van Dyke married his first wife Margie Willet in 1948 on an episode of the radio show Bride and Groom. Their first child, Christian, was born in 1950. In 1962, Christian appeared in an episode of The Dick Van Dyke Show as a kid named Frankie. But Christian didn’t catch the acting bug. Rather than pursuing a career in Hollywood, he went to law school. He moved to Oregon, where he served as a district attorney and worked...
- 12/21/2023
- by Megan Elliott
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
One of the most beloved stars in television and movie history is celebrating his 98th birthday, and CBS is throwing him a party in his honor, “Dick Van Dyke: 98 Years of Magic.” On Thursday, Dec. 21, viewers will get to relive some of the most iconic moments from the legendary song and dance man, while stars recreate some of his most memorable performances. From “Mary Poppins” to “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” to “Bye Bye, Birdie” to “The Dick Van Dyke Show” to “Diagnosis Murder,” Van Dyke has been of our entertainment lives for generations. You can watch CBS with a 5-Day Free Trial of Directv Stream. You can also watch with Paramount Plus, Hulu Live TV, Fubo, or YouTube TV.
How to Watch 'Dick Van Dyke: 98 Years of Magic' When: Thursday, December 21, 2023 at 9:00 Pm Est TV: CBS Stream: Watch with a 5-Day Free Trial of Directv Stream. 5-Day Free Trial$79.99+ / month directv.
How to Watch 'Dick Van Dyke: 98 Years of Magic' When: Thursday, December 21, 2023 at 9:00 Pm Est TV: CBS Stream: Watch with a 5-Day Free Trial of Directv Stream. 5-Day Free Trial$79.99+ / month directv.
- 12/21/2023
- by Matt Tamanini
- The Streamable
Earlier this year, NBC pulled out all the stops for it special “Carol Burnett: 90 Years of Laughter + Love.” And on Dec. 21, CBS is throwing a birthday party for one of its biggest stars, Dick Van Dyke, who headlined the landmark 1961-66 sitcom “The Dick Van Dyke Show” as well as the lighthearted detective series “Diagnosis, Murder,” which ran from 1993-2000.
“Dick Van Dyke: 98 Years of Magic” is a two-hour valentine to the actor, who celebrated his birthday on Dec. 13, featuring special guests such as Jane Seymour, Rob Reiner, Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen and testimonials from Carol Burnett, Mark Hamill and “Mary Poppins” herself, Julie Andrews. Song-and-dance also play an important part of the special. Van Dyke earned a Tony in 1961 for “Bye Bye Birdie” and reprised his role in the 1963 musical. He introduced the Oscar-winning tune “Chim Chim Cher-ee” from 1964’s “Mary Poppins” as well as the...
“Dick Van Dyke: 98 Years of Magic” is a two-hour valentine to the actor, who celebrated his birthday on Dec. 13, featuring special guests such as Jane Seymour, Rob Reiner, Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen and testimonials from Carol Burnett, Mark Hamill and “Mary Poppins” herself, Julie Andrews. Song-and-dance also play an important part of the special. Van Dyke earned a Tony in 1961 for “Bye Bye Birdie” and reprised his role in the 1963 musical. He introduced the Oscar-winning tune “Chim Chim Cher-ee” from 1964’s “Mary Poppins” as well as the...
- 12/19/2023
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
Here is a wrap-up of all the news you need to know from Thursday, November 16, 2023.
Harley Quinn will be back for another season of animated thrills on Max, which has renewed the DC comedy for a fifth season.
Harley Quinn Season 4, headlined by Kaley Cuoco, wrapped its run earlier this year.
“The talented Harley Quinn team has once again succeeded in delivering a season that builds on everything that has come before while still feeling fresh and inventive," said Suzanna Makkos, Executive Vice President, of Original Comedy and Adult Animation, Max and Adult Swim.
"They continue to provide hilarious, heartwarming, and deranged stories with our lovable group of DC misfits, and we couldn’t be more excited for the fans to see what they’ve accomplished in season 5.”
Harley Quinn is also getting a spinoff series: Kit Man: Hell Yeah scored a series order earlier this year.
Hooray, right?
Over on Starz,...
Harley Quinn will be back for another season of animated thrills on Max, which has renewed the DC comedy for a fifth season.
Harley Quinn Season 4, headlined by Kaley Cuoco, wrapped its run earlier this year.
“The talented Harley Quinn team has once again succeeded in delivering a season that builds on everything that has come before while still feeling fresh and inventive," said Suzanna Makkos, Executive Vice President, of Original Comedy and Adult Animation, Max and Adult Swim.
"They continue to provide hilarious, heartwarming, and deranged stories with our lovable group of DC misfits, and we couldn’t be more excited for the fans to see what they’ve accomplished in season 5.”
Harley Quinn is also getting a spinoff series: Kit Man: Hell Yeah scored a series order earlier this year.
Hooray, right?
Over on Starz,...
- 11/16/2023
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
CBS has planned a two-hour tribute special celebrating the career of the legendary Grammy, Emmy and Tony Award winner Dick Van Dyke on December 21 – eight days after his 98th birthday – with “Dick Van Dyke 98 Years of Magic.” It will air on CBS and stream for Paramount+ with Showtime subscribers (live and on demand), or on demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after it airs.
The special will travel back in time to the iconic set of “The Dick Van Dyke Show” in the 1960s and “feature music and dance spectacles, heartfelt performances, special guests and a magical holiday number.” The two-hour event will also showcase songs and archival footage from the best of Van Dyke’s career that encompasses, “Mary Poppins,” “Bye Bye Birdie,” “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” and more.
SEEGolden Globes amazing choices! Give honorary awards to both Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke at the 2024 ceremony [Poll Results]
“I started...
The special will travel back in time to the iconic set of “The Dick Van Dyke Show” in the 1960s and “feature music and dance spectacles, heartfelt performances, special guests and a magical holiday number.” The two-hour event will also showcase songs and archival footage from the best of Van Dyke’s career that encompasses, “Mary Poppins,” “Bye Bye Birdie,” “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” and more.
SEEGolden Globes amazing choices! Give honorary awards to both Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke at the 2024 ceremony [Poll Results]
“I started...
- 11/16/2023
- by Ray Richmond
- Gold Derby
Dick Van Dyke will celebrate his 98th birthday in style in a TV special slated to premiere next month.
CBS will honor the entertainment icon’s legendary career in “Dick Van Dyke 98 Years of Magic,” which will air on the CBS Television Network and stream live and next day on demand on Paramount+ on Dec. 21 from 9 to 11 p.m. Et/Pt.
The tribute to the Grammy, Emmy and Tony Award-winning actor and performer will travel back in time to the iconic set of “The Dick Van Dyke Show” and feature dazzling music and dance spectacles, heartfelt performances, special guests and a magical holiday number. The two-hour event will also showcase songs and archival footage from “Mary Poppins,” “Bye Bye Birdie,” “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” and more.
“I started with CBS under contract in 1955 with the CBS morning show, then ‘The Dick Van Dyke Show’ and ‘Diagnosis Murder,’” Van Dyke said in a statement.
CBS will honor the entertainment icon’s legendary career in “Dick Van Dyke 98 Years of Magic,” which will air on the CBS Television Network and stream live and next day on demand on Paramount+ on Dec. 21 from 9 to 11 p.m. Et/Pt.
The tribute to the Grammy, Emmy and Tony Award-winning actor and performer will travel back in time to the iconic set of “The Dick Van Dyke Show” and feature dazzling music and dance spectacles, heartfelt performances, special guests and a magical holiday number. The two-hour event will also showcase songs and archival footage from “Mary Poppins,” “Bye Bye Birdie,” “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” and more.
“I started with CBS under contract in 1955 with the CBS morning show, then ‘The Dick Van Dyke Show’ and ‘Diagnosis Murder,’” Van Dyke said in a statement.
- 11/16/2023
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
CBS is hosting a celebration for Dick Van Dyke‘s once-in-a-century milestone. Dick Van Dyke: 98 Years of Magic is set to commemorate the iconic entertainer’s 98th birthday on Thursday, December 21, airing at 9/8c. The two-hour star-studded event will showcase performances, appearances by special guests, a festive musical segment and include footage from Van Dyke’s classic films such as Mary Poppins, Bye Bye Birdie, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. “I started with CBS under contract in 1955 with the CBS morning show, then The Dick Van Dyke Show and Diagnosis Murder, said Van Dyke. “I’ve been with the CBS family for almost 70 years, and I couldn’t be prouder. I’m incredibly honored that CBS will throw me a 98th birthday special. Can’t wait to be part of the show!” The executive producers for Dick Van Dyke: 98 Years of Magic are Craig and Clara Plestis from Smart Dog Media.
- 11/16/2023
- TV Insider
CBS is throwing Dick Van Dyke a once-in-a-century bash.
Dick Van Dyke 98 Years of Magic will celebrate the legendary entertainer’s 98th birthday on Thursday, Dec. 21 at 9/8c, the network announced Thursday.
More from TVLineTed Prequel Series Gets Premiere Date on Peacock - Plus, Watch a New Teaser9-1-1: Lone Star's Return Delayed: Season 5 Pushed Back Until Fall 2024Young Sheldon's Final Season Episode Count Revealed
Per an an official release, Van Dyke “has inspired generations of performers and will be honored for his incredible contributions to the arts and entertainment.” The two-hour special will feature performances, special guests and a holiday number,...
Dick Van Dyke 98 Years of Magic will celebrate the legendary entertainer’s 98th birthday on Thursday, Dec. 21 at 9/8c, the network announced Thursday.
More from TVLineTed Prequel Series Gets Premiere Date on Peacock - Plus, Watch a New Teaser9-1-1: Lone Star's Return Delayed: Season 5 Pushed Back Until Fall 2024Young Sheldon's Final Season Episode Count Revealed
Per an an official release, Van Dyke “has inspired generations of performers and will be honored for his incredible contributions to the arts and entertainment.” The two-hour special will feature performances, special guests and a holiday number,...
- 11/16/2023
- by Kimberly Roots
- TVLine.com
Piper Laurie, who blossomed as an actress only after extricating herself from the studio system and went on to rack up three Oscar nominations, has died. She was 91.
Laurie’s manager Marion Rosenberg confirmed the news to Variety, writing, “A beautiful human being and one of the great talents of our time.”
Laurie scored her first Oscar nomination for her work opposite Paul Newman in 1961’s classic poolhall drama “The Hustler,” in which she played an alcoholic who memorably tells Newman’s character, “Look, I’ve got troubles and I think maybe you’ve got troubles. Maybe it’d be better if we just leave each other alone.”
Though she informally retired to raise a family for more than a decade, she returned to film and television in the mid-’70s and racked up an impressive roster of characterizations, including Oscar-nominated turns in “Carrie” and in “Children of a Lesser God,...
Laurie’s manager Marion Rosenberg confirmed the news to Variety, writing, “A beautiful human being and one of the great talents of our time.”
Laurie scored her first Oscar nomination for her work opposite Paul Newman in 1961’s classic poolhall drama “The Hustler,” in which she played an alcoholic who memorably tells Newman’s character, “Look, I’ve got troubles and I think maybe you’ve got troubles. Maybe it’d be better if we just leave each other alone.”
Though she informally retired to raise a family for more than a decade, she returned to film and television in the mid-’70s and racked up an impressive roster of characterizations, including Oscar-nominated turns in “Carrie” and in “Children of a Lesser God,...
- 10/14/2023
- by Carmel Dagan
- Variety Film + TV
The TV studio Desilu was founded in 1950 by Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, which you can probably tell by the name. The famous performing couple initially pitched a TV adaptation of the marriage-based radio sitcom "My Favorite Husband" to the execs at CBS, but that show eventually mutated into "I Love Lucy," more explicitly sold as a vehicle for Ball. To this day, "I Love Lucy" remains one of the most popular sitcoms of all time, and every modern comedy show contains traces of its DNA. The series ran for 180 episodes over six seasons, ending its run in 1957. Lucy and Desi divorced a few years later, and Ball became the sole owner of Desilu.
Desilu oversaw a wide spectrum of shows, from sitcoms like "Our Miss Brooks" and variety shows like "Shower of Stars," but also Westerns like "The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp" and adventure programs like "Whirlybirds.
Desilu oversaw a wide spectrum of shows, from sitcoms like "Our Miss Brooks" and variety shows like "Shower of Stars," but also Westerns like "The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp" and adventure programs like "Whirlybirds.
- 8/13/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Updated, 4:15 Pm: A Los Angeles judge today denied a motion to dismiss a screenwriter’s lawsuit stemming from a dispute over credits for James Caan’s upcoming final film, Fast Charlie, finding that the case did not infringe on the defendants’ First Amendment rights.
Boomtown Media Partners and Fast Charlie Nola and being sued in L.A. Superior Court by Lee Goldberg and his company, Adventures in Television,, alleging breach of contract and seeking declaratory relief. Read details of the case below.
Previously, July 19: Screenwriter Lee Goldberg is suing two production companies in a dispute over the late James Caan‘s last film, the crime drama Fast Charlie.
Fast Charlie is director Phillip Noyce’s take on Victor Gischler’s Edgar Award-nominated novel Gun Monkeys. It centers on Charlie Swift (Pierce Brosnan), who has worked for aging mob boss Stan (Caan) for 20 years, skillfully operating as a prolific fixer and efficient hitman.
Boomtown Media Partners and Fast Charlie Nola and being sued in L.A. Superior Court by Lee Goldberg and his company, Adventures in Television,, alleging breach of contract and seeking declaratory relief. Read details of the case below.
Previously, July 19: Screenwriter Lee Goldberg is suing two production companies in a dispute over the late James Caan‘s last film, the crime drama Fast Charlie.
Fast Charlie is director Phillip Noyce’s take on Victor Gischler’s Edgar Award-nominated novel Gun Monkeys. It centers on Charlie Swift (Pierce Brosnan), who has worked for aging mob boss Stan (Caan) for 20 years, skillfully operating as a prolific fixer and efficient hitman.
- 6/22/2023
- by Tom Tapp and Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
The TV show Charles in Charge aired on CBS from 1984 until 1990. The show focused on Charles, a live-in housekeeper for the Powell family. Which cast members have the highest net worth today? Here’s what we know.
Willie Aames Willie Aames | Steve Fenn /Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images
Net worth: $100,000
Willie Aames played Buddy Lembeck. As of this writing, Aames has a net worth of $10,000. After Charles in Charge, he appeared in Bibleman (1995–2004), Harvest Moon (2015), and The Guardians (2022).
Aames reveals he made poor choices after the show ended and started to go down the wrong path. This resulted in him “losing everything.”
“I went from eating at the White House to sleeping in the bushes,” he tells Studio 10 during a 2017 interview (via Daily Mail). “There are a lot of things that I care not to repeat, but the fact of the matter is I made those choices. Never...
Willie Aames Willie Aames | Steve Fenn /Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images
Net worth: $100,000
Willie Aames played Buddy Lembeck. As of this writing, Aames has a net worth of $10,000. After Charles in Charge, he appeared in Bibleman (1995–2004), Harvest Moon (2015), and The Guardians (2022).
Aames reveals he made poor choices after the show ended and started to go down the wrong path. This resulted in him “losing everything.”
“I went from eating at the White House to sleeping in the bushes,” he tells Studio 10 during a 2017 interview (via Daily Mail). “There are a lot of things that I care not to repeat, but the fact of the matter is I made those choices. Never...
- 4/8/2023
- by Sheiresa Ngo
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Jackie Gleason never won an Emmy. Neither did Ed Sullivan. Or Andy Griffith. Or Fred Rogers. Or “Star Trek” creator Gene Roddenberry. Or “Rocky & Bullwinkle” genius Jay Ward. Bob Newhart’s sole Emmy win was as a guest actor on “The Big Bang Theory” in 2013.
Yes, the 74 years of Emmy history are chock full of surprises spanning both winners and non-winners. That extends to the Emmy’s Governors Award as well. The TV academy describes that Governors Award – bestowed generally but not always annually since 1978 – as follows: “The Board of Governors of the Television Academy may, when warranted, recognize an individual, company or organization that has made a profound, transformational and long-lasting contribution to the arts and/or science of television by presenting them with the Governors Award.”
SEE2023 Emmy Predictions: Gold Derby Predicts the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards
The first Governors Award in ’78 went to CBS founder William Paley.
Yes, the 74 years of Emmy history are chock full of surprises spanning both winners and non-winners. That extends to the Emmy’s Governors Award as well. The TV academy describes that Governors Award – bestowed generally but not always annually since 1978 – as follows: “The Board of Governors of the Television Academy may, when warranted, recognize an individual, company or organization that has made a profound, transformational and long-lasting contribution to the arts and/or science of television by presenting them with the Governors Award.”
SEE2023 Emmy Predictions: Gold Derby Predicts the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards
The first Governors Award in ’78 went to CBS founder William Paley.
- 3/31/2023
- by Ray Richmond
- Gold Derby
The hit TV show Happy Days aired on ABC from 1974 to 1984. Here’s what we know about the cast today.
Henry Winkler Henry Winkler and the ‘Happy Days’ cast | ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images
Henry Winkler played Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli. After Happy Days,, Winkler appeared in One Christmas (1994), Monty (1994), and The Waterboy (1998). He is currently starring in the HBO series Barry.
Don Most
Don Most played the character Ralph Malph. After Happy Days, he continued his acting career. Some of Most’s acting credits include appearances in The Munsters Today (1989), Charles in Charge (1989), The New Lassie (1991), and Bones (2010). His most recent role was in the 2022 film County Line: No Fear.
Ron Howard Ron Howard | ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images
Ron Howard played the character Richie Cunningham. After Happy Days, Howard pursued a directing and production career. Some of his credits...
Henry Winkler Henry Winkler and the ‘Happy Days’ cast | ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images
Henry Winkler played Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli. After Happy Days,, Winkler appeared in One Christmas (1994), Monty (1994), and The Waterboy (1998). He is currently starring in the HBO series Barry.
Don Most
Don Most played the character Ralph Malph. After Happy Days, he continued his acting career. Some of Most’s acting credits include appearances in The Munsters Today (1989), Charles in Charge (1989), The New Lassie (1991), and Bones (2010). His most recent role was in the 2022 film County Line: No Fear.
Ron Howard Ron Howard | ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images
Ron Howard played the character Richie Cunningham. After Happy Days, Howard pursued a directing and production career. Some of his credits...
- 3/23/2023
- by Sheiresa Ngo
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Gordon T. Dawson, who parlayed a stint as a costumer for Sam Peckinpah into a career as a writer and producer with credits including The Ballad of Cable Hogue, The Rockford Files, Bret Maverick and Walker, Texas Ranger, has died. He was 84.
Dawson died March 6 in West Hills Hospital of complications from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, his family announced.
A former firefighter, Dawson spent three months in a Columbia Pictures basement using a blowtorch, paraffin and glue to age the principal soldier uniforms for the Peckinpah-directed Major Dundee (1965). When the extras’ costumes did not match the ones Dawson had prepared, Peckinpah shut down production on the first day of shooting.
Dawson was summoned to the set in Mexico to age the other costumes, noting in the 1993 documentary Sam Peckinpah: Man of Iron that he was “terrified” to meet the intimidating director. He needn’t have worried, though; Dawson fixed the other costumes,...
Dawson died March 6 in West Hills Hospital of complications from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, his family announced.
A former firefighter, Dawson spent three months in a Columbia Pictures basement using a blowtorch, paraffin and glue to age the principal soldier uniforms for the Peckinpah-directed Major Dundee (1965). When the extras’ costumes did not match the ones Dawson had prepared, Peckinpah shut down production on the first day of shooting.
Dawson was summoned to the set in Mexico to age the other costumes, noting in the 1993 documentary Sam Peckinpah: Man of Iron that he was “terrified” to meet the intimidating director. He needn’t have worried, though; Dawson fixed the other costumes,...
- 3/22/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Ben Masters, who played Julian Crane in the daytime drama “Passions,” died Wednesday of Covid-19 in Palm Springs, Calif., after battling dementia for several years. He was 75.
He played the womanizing heir apparent to the show’s wealthy and powerful Crane family from 1999 to 2008.
Masters’ movie roles included parts in Bob Fosse’s “All That Jazz,” “Key Exchange,” “Making Mr. Right,” “Mandingo” and “Dream Lover.”
In the short-lived 1976 series “Muggsy,” Masters raised his 13-year old sister in a trailer behind a gas station after their parents died. The Saturday morning series dealt with issues like gangs and poverty in a more realistic way than the popular suburban depictions of family life.
From the 1970s to 1990s, Masters worked on several TV mini-series such as “Noble House” (with Pierce Brosnan) and “Celebrity” (with Ned Beatty and Tess Harper).
He also guest starred on TV series including “Kojak,” “Barnaby Jones,” “Murder She Wrote,...
He played the womanizing heir apparent to the show’s wealthy and powerful Crane family from 1999 to 2008.
Masters’ movie roles included parts in Bob Fosse’s “All That Jazz,” “Key Exchange,” “Making Mr. Right,” “Mandingo” and “Dream Lover.”
In the short-lived 1976 series “Muggsy,” Masters raised his 13-year old sister in a trailer behind a gas station after their parents died. The Saturday morning series dealt with issues like gangs and poverty in a more realistic way than the popular suburban depictions of family life.
From the 1970s to 1990s, Masters worked on several TV mini-series such as “Noble House” (with Pierce Brosnan) and “Celebrity” (with Ned Beatty and Tess Harper).
He also guest starred on TV series including “Kojak,” “Barnaby Jones,” “Murder She Wrote,...
- 1/11/2023
- by Julia MacCary
- Variety Film + TV
Ben Masters, best known for his portrayal of Julian Crane on NBC’s Passions from 1999 to 2008, died Wednesday in Palm Springs, Calif. He was 75.
According to his representatives, Masters battled dementia for several years, with Covid listed as his official cause of death.
More from TVLineWWE Hall of Famer Terry Funk Dead at 79 - Ric Flair and Mick Foley Pay TributeAnother World's Nancy Frangione Dead at 70Ahsoka Pays Tribute to Ray Stevenson in Series Premiere: 'For Our Friend, Ray'
Prior to his starring role on Passions, Masters appeared on a number of hit TV series, including Touched by an Angel...
According to his representatives, Masters battled dementia for several years, with Covid listed as his official cause of death.
More from TVLineWWE Hall of Famer Terry Funk Dead at 79 - Ric Flair and Mick Foley Pay TributeAnother World's Nancy Frangione Dead at 70Ahsoka Pays Tribute to Ray Stevenson in Series Premiere: 'For Our Friend, Ray'
Prior to his starring role on Passions, Masters appeared on a number of hit TV series, including Touched by an Angel...
- 1/11/2023
- by Andy Swift
- TVLine.com
Sad news out of the TV world today as it has been revealed that John Aniston died Friday.
Aniston, best known for playing Days of Our Lives' Victor Kiriakis, was 89.
Jennifer Aniston, John's daughter, revealed the news on Instagram Monday morning.
“You were one of the most beautiful humans I ever knew. I am so grateful that you went soaring into the heavens in peace — and without pain,” the Friends alum wrote.
“And on 11/11 no less! You always had perfect timing," the statement adds.
"That number will forever hold an even greater meaning for me now...
Aniston, best known for playing Days of Our Lives' Victor Kiriakis, was 89.
Jennifer Aniston, John's daughter, revealed the news on Instagram Monday morning.
“You were one of the most beautiful humans I ever knew. I am so grateful that you went soaring into the heavens in peace — and without pain,” the Friends alum wrote.
“And on 11/11 no less! You always had perfect timing," the statement adds.
"That number will forever hold an even greater meaning for me now...
- 11/14/2022
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
John Aniston, best known as Days of Our Lives‘ slick villain Victor Kiriakis, died Friday. He was 89.
The actor’s death was confirmed by his daughter, Friends vet Jennifer Aniston, on her Instagram account Monday.
More from TVLineTVLine Items: More Days Returns, HBO's Shaq Doc Trailer and MoreDays of Our Lives' John Aniston Dies: Peacock Sets Release Date for His Final Episode as Victor KiriakisDays of Our Lives: Steve Burton to Reprise Role as Harris Michaels
“You were one of the most beautiful humans I ever knew. I am so grateful that you went soaring into the heavens in peace — and without pain,...
The actor’s death was confirmed by his daughter, Friends vet Jennifer Aniston, on her Instagram account Monday.
More from TVLineTVLine Items: More Days Returns, HBO's Shaq Doc Trailer and MoreDays of Our Lives' John Aniston Dies: Peacock Sets Release Date for His Final Episode as Victor KiriakisDays of Our Lives: Steve Burton to Reprise Role as Harris Michaels
“You were one of the most beautiful humans I ever knew. I am so grateful that you went soaring into the heavens in peace — and without pain,...
- 11/14/2022
- by Kimberly Roots
- TVLine.com
Paramount Global, flexing its corporate synergy muscles, is pulling a massive batch of TV shows out of the CBS vault and putting them on its free, ad-supported Pluto TV service.
Popular CBS classic series coming to Pluto’s linear streaming service through the end of 2022 include “Frasier” and “Cheers” (in the Sitcom Legends channel); “Star Trek: The Original Series” and “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” (Star Trek channel); “Have Gun – Will Travel” and “The Wild Wild West” (Westerns TV channel) and “Petticoat Junction” (Classic TV Comedy channel).
On the on-demand side, Pluto is adding more than 6,300 episodes — tripling the amount of CBS series currently available on-demand on the streamer — including crime dramas “Criminal Minds” and “Hawaii Five-o.”
Other titles on tap for Pluto TV’s on-demand include “Beverly Hills 90210,” “The Brady Bunch,” “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman,” “Everybody Hates Chris,” “Family Ties,” “Gunsmoke,” “Laverne & Shirley,” “The Love Boat,...
Popular CBS classic series coming to Pluto’s linear streaming service through the end of 2022 include “Frasier” and “Cheers” (in the Sitcom Legends channel); “Star Trek: The Original Series” and “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” (Star Trek channel); “Have Gun – Will Travel” and “The Wild Wild West” (Westerns TV channel) and “Petticoat Junction” (Classic TV Comedy channel).
On the on-demand side, Pluto is adding more than 6,300 episodes — tripling the amount of CBS series currently available on-demand on the streamer — including crime dramas “Criminal Minds” and “Hawaii Five-o.”
Other titles on tap for Pluto TV’s on-demand include “Beverly Hills 90210,” “The Brady Bunch,” “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman,” “Everybody Hates Chris,” “Family Ties,” “Gunsmoke,” “Laverne & Shirley,” “The Love Boat,...
- 10/31/2022
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Actor Tony Dow, best known for his role as Wally Cleaver on the classic sitcom Leave It to Beaver, died on Wednesday at the age of 77.
Dow was still in hospice care Tuesday when his death was prematurely announced. “Tony’s wife Lauren, who was very distraught, had notified us that Tony had passed and asked that we notify all his fans,” according to a statement on his Facebook page. “As we are sure you can understand, this has been a very trying time for her. We have since received a call from Tony’s daughter-in-law saying that while Tony is not doing well,...
Dow was still in hospice care Tuesday when his death was prematurely announced. “Tony’s wife Lauren, who was very distraught, had notified us that Tony had passed and asked that we notify all his fans,” according to a statement on his Facebook page. “As we are sure you can understand, this has been a very trying time for her. We have since received a call from Tony’s daughter-in-law saying that while Tony is not doing well,...
- 7/27/2022
- by Ryan Schwartz
- TVLine.com
Just hours after announcing the death of Tony Dow on Tuesday, the Leave It to Beaver actor’s management has retracted its statement.
A new statement posted to Dow’s Facebook page on Tuesday afternoon reads as follows:
More from TVLineTony Dow Dead at 77, Following Premature Death AnnouncementTVLine Items: Kung Fu Adds CW Vets, Norman Lear Birthday Special and MoreTVLine Items: Raising Kanan Trailer, Kate Winslet's Palace Series and More
“This morning Tony’s wife Lauren, who was very distraught, had notified us that Tony had passed and asked that we notify all his fans. As we are sure you can understand,...
A new statement posted to Dow’s Facebook page on Tuesday afternoon reads as follows:
More from TVLineTony Dow Dead at 77, Following Premature Death AnnouncementTVLine Items: Kung Fu Adds CW Vets, Norman Lear Birthday Special and MoreTVLine Items: Raising Kanan Trailer, Kate Winslet's Palace Series and More
“This morning Tony’s wife Lauren, who was very distraught, had notified us that Tony had passed and asked that we notify all his fans. As we are sure you can understand,...
- 7/26/2022
- by Andy Swift
- TVLine.com
Hello, everyone! I hope you all had a great holiday weekend (or regular weekend for those of you outside of the States). We’re back today with a brand new round-up of horror and sci-fi home media releases that are headed home today, and it includes quite the array of titles. One of my favorite movies of the year - Everything Everywhere All At Once from The Daniels - is being released to 4K as well as Blu-ray and DVD and if you’re looking to indulge in even more 4K entertainment, Edge of Tomorrow is also getting the 4K treatment, too.
Kino Lorber is keeping busy this week with an array of classic titles headed to Blu, including Tarantulas: The Deadly Cargo, Ants! (aka It Happened at Lakewood Manor) and Terror Out of the Sky (aka Revenge of the Savage Bees), and IFC is also releasing Ruth Paxton’s...
Kino Lorber is keeping busy this week with an array of classic titles headed to Blu, including Tarantulas: The Deadly Cargo, Ants! (aka It Happened at Lakewood Manor) and Terror Out of the Sky (aka Revenge of the Savage Bees), and IFC is also releasing Ruth Paxton’s...
- 7/5/2022
- by Heather Wixson
- DailyDead
Last year’s surprise streaming sensation “Only Murders in the Building” finds itself in a precarious position as it returns for a 10-episode second season, owing to the same creative hybridization that made its first season such a delight. The show is part cozy murder mystery, with multiple retirement-age sleuths investigating crimes that, while serious, aren’t depicted with an oppressively grim or gritty tone—which makes for a potentially easy route towards a long run.
But the show is also part New York character comedy, exploring the inner lives of unlikely allies Charles-Haden Savage (Steve Martin), Oliver Putnam (Martin Short), and Mabel Mora (Selena Gomez), neighbors at an Upper West Side apartment building called the Arconia, who create a podcast out of their DIY murder investigation. So many TV shows create memorable characters, explore their backstories and growth over the course of a season, and have trouble recreating the...
But the show is also part New York character comedy, exploring the inner lives of unlikely allies Charles-Haden Savage (Steve Martin), Oliver Putnam (Martin Short), and Mabel Mora (Selena Gomez), neighbors at an Upper West Side apartment building called the Arconia, who create a podcast out of their DIY murder investigation. So many TV shows create memorable characters, explore their backstories and growth over the course of a season, and have trouble recreating the...
- 6/20/2022
- by Jesse Hassenger
- The Wrap
Joyce Rebeta-Burditt, a bestselling author who went on to create the long-running Dick Van Dyke drama Diagnosis Murder, died in Los Angeles on June 2. She was 83.
Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Rebeta-Burditt authored the ground-breaking roman a clef, The Cracker Factor, about a housewife who enters a mental hospital to treat her alcoholism. The 1977 Macmillan book became a New York Times bestseller and was made into a TV movie of the same name starring Natalie Wood. The lead character, Cassie Barrett, was based on Rebeta-Burditt’s early life as a young married raising three small children.
“I think being a housewife is the most underrated job in the world. It is a perfect setup if one is predisposed to be an alcoholic,” Rebeta-Burditt told People Magazine in 1977. “My husband had to take over much of the mothering. And my own mother was around a lot. I adopted the attitude and behavior of an oldest child.
Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Rebeta-Burditt authored the ground-breaking roman a clef, The Cracker Factor, about a housewife who enters a mental hospital to treat her alcoholism. The 1977 Macmillan book became a New York Times bestseller and was made into a TV movie of the same name starring Natalie Wood. The lead character, Cassie Barrett, was based on Rebeta-Burditt’s early life as a young married raising three small children.
“I think being a housewife is the most underrated job in the world. It is a perfect setup if one is predisposed to be an alcoholic,” Rebeta-Burditt told People Magazine in 1977. “My husband had to take over much of the mothering. And my own mother was around a lot. I adopted the attitude and behavior of an oldest child.
- 6/15/2022
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
Rick Aiello, actor and son of Oscar nominee Danny Aiello, died of pancreatic cancer on Monday at a hospital in Warwick, N.Y., his niece Sydney Fingerhut told Variety. He was 65.
Fingerhut remembers him as a great uncle who was close to all his nieces and nephews, and a “strong guy.”
With more than 60 acting credits, Aiello followed in his father’s footsteps, appearing alongside him in Spike Lee’s 1989 classic “Do the Right Thing.” His father earned an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Salvatore “Sal” Fragione and Aiello played Officer Long, a role he’d reprise a couple years later in Lee’s “Jungle Fever.”
Aiello also starred in films, including Christian Maelen’s “Remedy” and George Gallo’s “29th Street,” and toplined the TV series “Dellaventura” and the movie “A Brooklyn State of Mind” opposite his dad. As a character actor, Aiello had roles in shows such as “The Sopranos,...
Fingerhut remembers him as a great uncle who was close to all his nieces and nephews, and a “strong guy.”
With more than 60 acting credits, Aiello followed in his father’s footsteps, appearing alongside him in Spike Lee’s 1989 classic “Do the Right Thing.” His father earned an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Salvatore “Sal” Fragione and Aiello played Officer Long, a role he’d reprise a couple years later in Lee’s “Jungle Fever.”
Aiello also starred in films, including Christian Maelen’s “Remedy” and George Gallo’s “29th Street,” and toplined the TV series “Dellaventura” and the movie “A Brooklyn State of Mind” opposite his dad. As a character actor, Aiello had roles in shows such as “The Sopranos,...
- 7/27/2021
- by Ethan Shanfeld
- Variety Film + TV
Stuart Damon, who for decades played General Hospital‘s Chief of Staff Dr. Alan Quartermaine, has died at age 84. News of his passing was first reported by ABC7 Entertainment reporter George Pennacchio and confirmed in a tweet from General Hospital EP Frank Valentini, who sent his condolences to Damon’s family before writing, “Stuart was an absolute legend of our industry and he’ll be sorely missed.”
On behalf of everyone at #Gh, I want to extend my deepest condolences to Stuart Damon’s family and all who loved him. Stuart was an absolute legend of our industry and he’ll be sorely missed. @GeneralHospital
— Frank Valentini (@valentinifrank) June 29, 2021
The actor’s son, Christopher Damon, told Pennacchio that the actor had been dealing with renal failure for the past few years. Of his father’s five-decade run on General Hospital, the younger Damon said: “It was his favorite place to be.
On behalf of everyone at #Gh, I want to extend my deepest condolences to Stuart Damon’s family and all who loved him. Stuart was an absolute legend of our industry and he’ll be sorely missed. @GeneralHospital
— Frank Valentini (@valentinifrank) June 29, 2021
The actor’s son, Christopher Damon, told Pennacchio that the actor had been dealing with renal failure for the past few years. Of his father’s five-decade run on General Hospital, the younger Damon said: “It was his favorite place to be.
- 6/29/2021
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
Romy Walthall, who starred in 1989’s The House of Usher opposite Oliver Reed and Donald Pleasence, was a regular on Steven Bochco’s Murder One and appeared on Hotel Malibu opposite Jennifer Lopez, has died at 57. Her son, Morgan Krantz, confirmed Walthall’s passing on Twitter.
Often going by the stage name Romy Windsor, the actress had a steady run of TV work in the ’80s and ’90s, including a recurring role on the short-lived TV series Man of the People starring James Garner and six episodes on another Bochco-created series, Civil Wars. Walthall also appeared on some of the biggest shows of the era including T.J. Hooker, Moonlighting, Quantum Leap, Jake and the Fatman, Matlock, L.A. Law, Diagnosis Murder and The X-Files.
Whitehall’s onscreen career began in 1984 with a trio of performances: a small part in the Jerry Bruckheimer/Don Simpson-produced film Thief of Hearts, two episodes...
Often going by the stage name Romy Windsor, the actress had a steady run of TV work in the ’80s and ’90s, including a recurring role on the short-lived TV series Man of the People starring James Garner and six episodes on another Bochco-created series, Civil Wars. Walthall also appeared on some of the biggest shows of the era including T.J. Hooker, Moonlighting, Quantum Leap, Jake and the Fatman, Matlock, L.A. Law, Diagnosis Murder and The X-Files.
Whitehall’s onscreen career began in 1984 with a trio of performances: a small part in the Jerry Bruckheimer/Don Simpson-produced film Thief of Hearts, two episodes...
- 5/31/2021
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
“Resident Evil” producer Constantin Film has acquired the rights to Lee Goldberg’s movie script for thriller “The Walk,” which he adapted from his bestselling novel. Goldberg has served as the showrunner of “Diagnosis Murder” and “Martial Law.”
In “The Walk,” after an apocalyptic earthquake, a studio exec is making his way by foot from downtown L.A. to the San Fernando Valley to find his family and has to reluctantly team up with an unusual traveler going the same direction. Yet nothing is as it seems and the walk proves to be full of unexpected traps and challenges.
Goldberg has published more than 40 novels, including “Lost Hills,” “True Fiction,” and five “Fox & O’Hare” novels (with Janet Evanovich), selling nearly two million copies worldwide.
Goldberg’s television credits include writing multiple episodes of the USA Network series “Monk,” and co-creating “Mystery 101,” Hallmark’s series of TV movies.
Robert Kulzer...
In “The Walk,” after an apocalyptic earthquake, a studio exec is making his way by foot from downtown L.A. to the San Fernando Valley to find his family and has to reluctantly team up with an unusual traveler going the same direction. Yet nothing is as it seems and the walk proves to be full of unexpected traps and challenges.
Goldberg has published more than 40 novels, including “Lost Hills,” “True Fiction,” and five “Fox & O’Hare” novels (with Janet Evanovich), selling nearly two million copies worldwide.
Goldberg’s television credits include writing multiple episodes of the USA Network series “Monk,” and co-creating “Mystery 101,” Hallmark’s series of TV movies.
Robert Kulzer...
- 4/20/2021
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Star of That ’70s Show, A View to a Kill, and Charlie’s Angels star Tanya Roberts died from unknown causes on Sunday. She was 65.
According to TMZ, Roberts’ rep said that the actress collapsed at home after she walked her dogs on December 24. She was brought to the hospital and placed on a ventilator but did not recover.
Born in New York City on October 15, 1955, Roberts started her career as a model for various ads. She appeared in various off-Broadway productions before heading to Hollywood.
She appeared in various TV pilots, series and cult films before going on to star in the fifth season of ABC’s Charlies Angels. She joined Cheryl Ladd and Jacyln Smith as Julie Rogers, a character that replaced Shelley Hack’s Tiffany Welles. Roberts then starred in the film The Beastmaster and other projects before landing the role as Bond girl Stacey Sutton in A View To A Kill...
According to TMZ, Roberts’ rep said that the actress collapsed at home after she walked her dogs on December 24. She was brought to the hospital and placed on a ventilator but did not recover.
Born in New York City on October 15, 1955, Roberts started her career as a model for various ads. She appeared in various off-Broadway productions before heading to Hollywood.
She appeared in various TV pilots, series and cult films before going on to star in the fifth season of ABC’s Charlies Angels. She joined Cheryl Ladd and Jacyln Smith as Julie Rogers, a character that replaced Shelley Hack’s Tiffany Welles. Roberts then starred in the film The Beastmaster and other projects before landing the role as Bond girl Stacey Sutton in A View To A Kill...
- 1/4/2021
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Welcome to this week’s Nxt UK review, right here on Nerdly. I’m Nathan Favel and I’m just banging a chubby Christmas tree in the a…Merry Christmas! On this episode of Diagnosis Murder, a guy dies of cancer, but is instead declared dead of Covid-19. It’s a good thing that could never happen in real life. Well, we have a Women’s Title match that is set to go all over the building, because it’s Falls Count Anywhere.
Match #1: Joe Coffey def. Sam Gradwell The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Two weeks removed from suffering a pinfall loss to Joe Coffey and the Gallus boys in Six-Man Tag Team action, Sam Gradwell insisted he would take care of business in a one-on-one setting. While Gradwell brought a fierce challenge to the ring, his talk ultimately proved to be bigger as he lost after...
Match #1: Joe Coffey def. Sam Gradwell The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Two weeks removed from suffering a pinfall loss to Joe Coffey and the Gallus boys in Six-Man Tag Team action, Sam Gradwell insisted he would take care of business in a one-on-one setting. While Gradwell brought a fierce challenge to the ring, his talk ultimately proved to be bigger as he lost after...
- 11/23/2020
- by Nathan Favel
- Nerdly
Norm Crosby, the comedian whose fractured English won him fame as “Mr. Malaprop,” died Saturday at age 93.
He died of heart failure in Los Angeles, his wife, Joan, told The Hollywood Reporter.
The Boston native was a regular on the stand-up comedy circuit in the 1950s, projecting a blue-collar guy-next-door persona that was built on his often shaky grasp of vocabulary — he’d go to the tailor because his pants need an “altercation” or call “catastrophe” a punctuation mark or claim that people who can’t read or write have a problem with “illegitimacy.”
His routine led to frequent appearances on TV talk shows hosted by Ed Sullivan, Johnny Carson and Merv Griffin. He co-starred in Phyllis Diller’s short-lived NBC sitcom in 1968 and appeared on many televised roasts throughout the 1970s and ’80s. From 1978 to 1981, he hosted the syndicated series “The Comedy Shop” featuring appearances by up-and-coming comics.
His...
He died of heart failure in Los Angeles, his wife, Joan, told The Hollywood Reporter.
The Boston native was a regular on the stand-up comedy circuit in the 1950s, projecting a blue-collar guy-next-door persona that was built on his often shaky grasp of vocabulary — he’d go to the tailor because his pants need an “altercation” or call “catastrophe” a punctuation mark or claim that people who can’t read or write have a problem with “illegitimacy.”
His routine led to frequent appearances on TV talk shows hosted by Ed Sullivan, Johnny Carson and Merv Griffin. He co-starred in Phyllis Diller’s short-lived NBC sitcom in 1968 and appeared on many televised roasts throughout the 1970s and ’80s. From 1978 to 1981, he hosted the syndicated series “The Comedy Shop” featuring appearances by up-and-coming comics.
His...
- 11/8/2020
- by Thom Geier
- The Wrap
Helen Reddy, the Australian singer whose global hit “I Am Woman” became a feminist anthem and who was the subject of a 2019 biopic of the same title, died today in Los Angeles. She was 78.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Helen Reddy, on the afternoon of September 29th 2020 in Los Angeles,” her children Traci Donat and Jordan Sommers said in a statement. “She was a wonderful Mother, Grandmother and a truly formidable woman. Our hearts are broken. But we take comfort in the knowledge that her voice will live on forever.”
Born on October 25, 1941, in Melbourne; Reddy came from a showbiz family and made her debut onstage at age 4. She first hit the U.S. charts in 1971 with “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” Mary Magdalene’s big song from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar. About...
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Helen Reddy, on the afternoon of September 29th 2020 in Los Angeles,” her children Traci Donat and Jordan Sommers said in a statement. “She was a wonderful Mother, Grandmother and a truly formidable woman. Our hearts are broken. But we take comfort in the knowledge that her voice will live on forever.”
Born on October 25, 1941, in Melbourne; Reddy came from a showbiz family and made her debut onstage at age 4. She first hit the U.S. charts in 1971 with “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” Mary Magdalene’s big song from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar. About...
- 9/30/2020
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Fred Silverman never stopped pitching.
He never stopped thinking about television and analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of the networks he once ran, as well as the dozens of outlets that came to prominence after his storied run as a top executive ended in the early 1980s.
Silverman, a seminal figure in TV who died Jan. 30 at 82, knew that the first line of his obituary would identify him as the only person — so far — to have served as head of programming for ABC, CBS and NBC.
But after scaling the heights, he made a successful shift into producing at a time when that path was not as nearly common as it is today for former senior executives. His success in the 1980s and ’90s as a producer of such series as “Matlock” and “In the Heat of the Night,” and later “Diagnosis Murder,” was a testament to his instincts and experience,...
He never stopped thinking about television and analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of the networks he once ran, as well as the dozens of outlets that came to prominence after his storied run as a top executive ended in the early 1980s.
Silverman, a seminal figure in TV who died Jan. 30 at 82, knew that the first line of his obituary would identify him as the only person — so far — to have served as head of programming for ABC, CBS and NBC.
But after scaling the heights, he made a successful shift into producing at a time when that path was not as nearly common as it is today for former senior executives. His success in the 1980s and ’90s as a producer of such series as “Matlock” and “In the Heat of the Night,” and later “Diagnosis Murder,” was a testament to his instincts and experience,...
- 2/4/2020
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Fred Silverman, the executive who became the only person in TV history to have headed programming for each of the Big Three broadcast networks, died on Thursday at his home in the Pacific Palisades, Calif. He was 82.
Silverman died with his family by his side.
During his prolific career, Silverman was credited with helping to launch some of the most successful shows and miniseries of all time, including “All in the Family,” “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” “Happy Days,” “The Waltons” and “Roots.”
After turning both CBS and ABC around in the ratings, Silverman failed to work his magic at NBC in the late 1970s and early ’80s. Once he left the Peacock net to branch out on his own with the Fred Silverman Co., Silverman forged another career as a producer, turning out a number of successful series, including “Matlock,” “In the Heat of the Night,” “Jake and the Fatman” and “Diagnosis Murder.
Silverman died with his family by his side.
During his prolific career, Silverman was credited with helping to launch some of the most successful shows and miniseries of all time, including “All in the Family,” “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” “Happy Days,” “The Waltons” and “Roots.”
After turning both CBS and ABC around in the ratings, Silverman failed to work his magic at NBC in the late 1970s and early ’80s. Once he left the Peacock net to branch out on his own with the Fred Silverman Co., Silverman forged another career as a producer, turning out a number of successful series, including “Matlock,” “In the Heat of the Night,” “Jake and the Fatman” and “Diagnosis Murder.
- 1/30/2020
- by Paula Bernstein
- Variety Film + TV
Fred Silverman, the legendary television producer and executive behind such groundbreaking shows as All in the Family, Soap and Hill Street Blues, and the only executive to creatively run CBS, ABC and NBC, died Thursday at his home in Pacific Palisades. He was 82.
Silverman’s knack for identifying hit shows in the making and programming them into memorable primetime nights led Time magazine to crown him “The Man with the Golden Gut” in 1977.
“There are a lot of things that I can point to that I think are proud achievements,” Silverman said in a 2001 interview with the TV Academy Foundation. “Most importantly, I had the opportunity to kind of stretch the medium a little bit, to do some things that had never been done before.”
Watch a clip from his sit-down with Dan Pasternak for the foundation’s “The Interviews” series below.
Born on September 13, 1937, in New York City, Silverman...
Silverman’s knack for identifying hit shows in the making and programming them into memorable primetime nights led Time magazine to crown him “The Man with the Golden Gut” in 1977.
“There are a lot of things that I can point to that I think are proud achievements,” Silverman said in a 2001 interview with the TV Academy Foundation. “Most importantly, I had the opportunity to kind of stretch the medium a little bit, to do some things that had never been done before.”
Watch a clip from his sit-down with Dan Pasternak for the foundation’s “The Interviews” series below.
Born on September 13, 1937, in New York City, Silverman...
- 1/30/2020
- by Erik Pedersen and Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Lewis Dauber, a veteran character actor whose gentle demeanor made him the go-to man for portrayals of priests, died Thursday of liver cancer at his home in California’s Pacific Palisades. He was 70.
Dauber’s credits as a priest included appearances on the TV shows The Bernie Mac Show, Who’s the Boss?, Diagnosis Murder, Melrose Place, NYPD Blue, The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, and The League.
He was born in New York on April 27, 1949, and earned a bachelor’s degree from Uc Berkeley. Early in his career, he sold travelers checks for Citibank before moving on to acting. Dauber appeared in commercials, on the stage, and in the film Jingle All the Way (1996).
His last credit came on a 2017 episode of Lethal Weapon. Dauber also taught at Mount St. Mary’s in the college’s weekend school for the department of film and social justice.
Survivors include his wife,...
Dauber’s credits as a priest included appearances on the TV shows The Bernie Mac Show, Who’s the Boss?, Diagnosis Murder, Melrose Place, NYPD Blue, The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, and The League.
He was born in New York on April 27, 1949, and earned a bachelor’s degree from Uc Berkeley. Early in his career, he sold travelers checks for Citibank before moving on to acting. Dauber appeared in commercials, on the stage, and in the film Jingle All the Way (1996).
His last credit came on a 2017 episode of Lethal Weapon. Dauber also taught at Mount St. Mary’s in the college’s weekend school for the department of film and social justice.
Survivors include his wife,...
- 10/5/2019
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Lewis Dauber, a character actor who made a specialty out of portraying priests on television, died Thursday of liver cancer at his home in the Pacific Palisades. He was 70.
Dauber played men of the cloth on shows including Who's the Boss?, Diagnosis Murder, Melrose Place, NYPD Blue, The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, The Bernie Mac Show and The League.
Born on April 27, 1949, in New York, Dauber earned a bachelor's degree from Uc Berkeley and sold travelers checks for Citibank before deciding to pursue acting. He went on to appear on the stage, in commercials ...
Dauber played men of the cloth on shows including Who's the Boss?, Diagnosis Murder, Melrose Place, NYPD Blue, The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, The Bernie Mac Show and The League.
Born on April 27, 1949, in New York, Dauber earned a bachelor's degree from Uc Berkeley and sold travelers checks for Citibank before deciding to pursue acting. He went on to appear on the stage, in commercials ...
- 10/4/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Lewis Dauber, a character actor who made a specialty out of portraying priests on television, died Thursday of liver cancer at his home in the Pacific Palisades. He was 70.
Dauber played men of the cloth on shows including Who's the Boss?, Diagnosis Murder, Melrose Place, NYPD Blue, The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, The Bernie Mac Show and The League.
Born on April 27, 1949, in New York, Dauber earned a bachelor's degree from Uc Berkeley and sold travelers checks for Citibank before deciding to pursue acting. He went on to appear on the stage, in commercials ...
Dauber played men of the cloth on shows including Who's the Boss?, Diagnosis Murder, Melrose Place, NYPD Blue, The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, The Bernie Mac Show and The League.
Born on April 27, 1949, in New York, Dauber earned a bachelor's degree from Uc Berkeley and sold travelers checks for Citibank before deciding to pursue acting. He went on to appear on the stage, in commercials ...
- 10/4/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Reactions continue to pour in on the death of Stephanie Niznik, who died last month at age 52 in Encino, Calif. of unknown causes.
Everwood creator Greg Berlanti and showrunner Rina Mimoun were the latest to weigh in. Niznik is best known for her role as neighbor Nina Feeney on Everwood during its four-season run from 2002-2006.
In a joint statement, the executive producers called Niznik “the mother of our tribe” for the medical drama series.
“Everwood was more than a television show. It was a family,” the statement said. “We recently lost the mother of our tribe, Stephanie Niznik. Stephanie played Nina, the next door neighbor to Andy Brown, and the woman who helped raise his children as he struggled with being a single father. She continued that role off-screen by being an incredible friend, a nurturing mother figure to our younger cast members and an artist who brought warmth,...
Everwood creator Greg Berlanti and showrunner Rina Mimoun were the latest to weigh in. Niznik is best known for her role as neighbor Nina Feeney on Everwood during its four-season run from 2002-2006.
In a joint statement, the executive producers called Niznik “the mother of our tribe” for the medical drama series.
“Everwood was more than a television show. It was a family,” the statement said. “We recently lost the mother of our tribe, Stephanie Niznik. Stephanie played Nina, the next door neighbor to Andy Brown, and the woman who helped raise his children as he struggled with being a single father. She continued that role off-screen by being an incredible friend, a nurturing mother figure to our younger cast members and an artist who brought warmth,...
- 7/14/2019
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Actress Stephanie Niznik, best known for her roles as Nina Feeney on Everwood and as Kell Perim in Star Trek: Insurrection, died June 23 in Encino, California. She was 52.
The Bangor, Maine native played neighbor Nina Feeney on the WB medical drama series Everwood throughout its four-season run from 2002-2006. She also was a series regular in the mid-1990s action drama Vanishing Son and the 2007 drama Life Is Wild.
Her additional credits include guest roles on Nash Bridges, NCIS and CSI: Miami and recurring roles on Grey’s Anatomy and Diagnosis Murder.
On the film side, she played Trill Starfleet Ensign Kell Perim in the feature Star Trek: Insurrection, then went on to play the Wraith in the “Rogue Planet” episode of the series Star Trek: Enterprise.
Her other film credits include Anywhere But Here, The Twilight of the Golds, Dear God and Exit to Eden. Her most recent film...
The Bangor, Maine native played neighbor Nina Feeney on the WB medical drama series Everwood throughout its four-season run from 2002-2006. She also was a series regular in the mid-1990s action drama Vanishing Son and the 2007 drama Life Is Wild.
Her additional credits include guest roles on Nash Bridges, NCIS and CSI: Miami and recurring roles on Grey’s Anatomy and Diagnosis Murder.
On the film side, she played Trill Starfleet Ensign Kell Perim in the feature Star Trek: Insurrection, then went on to play the Wraith in the “Rogue Planet” episode of the series Star Trek: Enterprise.
Her other film credits include Anywhere But Here, The Twilight of the Golds, Dear God and Exit to Eden. Her most recent film...
- 7/13/2019
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.