Typecasted Sitcom Stars

[JT]

I have to say that people who think that they are typecasted are selfish jerx!I mean I'm sure many of us would LOVE to play some of our famous characters!So to those actors/actresses they need to LQQK around and smell the coffee because they had great lives and many people admire them for their great lives!I'm talking about:

Max Baer Jr.-he literally HATED Jethro Bodine
Ron Palillo-said he wished he never did Horshack

Some greats were greatful for their success like
Alan Hale Jr.-on the GI:ETHS his wife Naomi said everytime he put that hat on "He was the Skip-per!He really loved it"
Tina Yothers-said she'd never trade her FT days.

Some people are just what I call "Typecasted Jerks"

[DJM77]

Fred Berry, who played Rerun on
What's Happening!! has been very greatfull for his role on the show. He even legally had his middle name changed to Rerun.

I think that Dustin Diamond who played Screech on Saved By The Bell will have a very hard time getting other roles. He will get typecast really bad.

[JT]

I fogot about Fred!When he was on ET (Entertainmet Tonight) they showed him walking the streets and he STILL wears those berets!

[Sitcomwriter]

John-Paul Vitale (ME!)-In every show I write which stars myself I always play a lovestruck teenager (IE:John-Paul,Islip Middle School,The Teacher's Daughter) except for an as of now un-named romantic comedy series where I play a lovestruck twentysomething ;)

[Central Perk]

Originally posted by Sitcomwriter
John-Paul Vitale (ME!)-In every show I write which stars myself I always play a lovestruck teenager (IE:John-Paul,Islip Middle School,The Teacher's Daughter) except for an as of now un-named romantic comedy series where I play a lovestruck twentysomething ;)

:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:
Boy I feel sorry for an actor who always plays the same character like yourself...it must be really tough not being able to play the unlovestruck 50 year old. :rolleyes:

[bus_stop]

I agree that screech will have a hard time finding other roles (see im still calling him screech, how pathetic is that!) but amazingly a lot of the other saved by the bell cast members have done quite well in finding work, with a show like saved by the bell i would think it would be hard...but i think poor ol screech will be ok, on this point did it shock you guys to see that mark paul gosselar (zack...sp wrong) was casted on NYPD Blue, just seems weird to me, but hey what do i know.

Bus_Stop

[Sitcomwriter]

Originally posted by Dr. Frasier Crane
:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:
Boy I feel sorry for an actor who always plays the same character like yourself...it must be really tough not being able to play the unlovestruck 50 year old. :rolleyes:

Tell me about it! :lol:

BTW That "Un-named Romantic Comedy Series" now has a name:"What We Got"!

[baronzzz]

Jerry Mathers and Tony Dow are probably always going to be the Beav and Wally. And the same with Ken Osmond as Eddie Haskell. But I dont think any of them are bitter about it.

I know Tina Louise is bitter about being known as Ginger. If you ever meet her, dont call her Ginger!

As for Max Baer, he must be over it since he has been trying to finance his Beverly Hillbillies casino. And Elly May (Donna Douglas) still wears a rope around her jeans and has those pigtails.

The worst must be Adam West and Burt Ward. They are typecast as Batman and Robin BUT cant get jobs as Batman and Robin. That's pretty ironic.

[Mysty Eyes]

Well, I don't know how they feel about it, but...

Henry Winkler will always be The Fonz.

Ron Howard is Richie Cunningham. (Ronnie is Opie.)

Anson Williams is Potsie Webber.

Erin Moran is Joanie Cunningham.

Others on Happy Days weren't as definitely typecast.


As far as Screech Powers goes, Justin Diamond could possibly be hardly identifiable with a different hair style and talking normally. It was the nerdiness and squeaky voice that made Screech so "screechy." He's like Jaleel White, who doen't come across as Urkel when he isn't playing the part of Urkel.

[DarleneIllyria]

Originally posted by baronzzz
Jerry Mathers and Tony Dow are probably always going to be the Beav and Wally. And the same with Ken Osmond as Eddie Haskell. But I dont think any of them are bitter about it.

I know Tina Louise is bitter about being known as Ginger. If you ever meet her, dont call her Ginger!

As for Max Baer, he must be over it since he has been trying to finance his Beverly Hillbillies casino. And Elly May (Donna Douglas) still wears a rope around her jeans and has those pigtails.

The worst must be Adam West and Burt Ward. They are typecast as Batman and Robin BUT cant get jobs as Batman and Robin. That's pretty ironic.

I agree with you about Jerry and Ken, but I think Tony Dow escaped typecasting. I think he directs now.

I agree with you about Tina. Max is trying to cash in on BH, so I guess he's over it. Donna Douglas....won't even go there.

Unfortunatley, I agree with you about Adam and Burt. I don't think either one is upset about being typecast. Still kind of disappointing that they got typecast because they were really great actors. If only a psychopath role had came their way. That really breaks the molding of typecasting if you get a psychotic part.

[JT]

Well, in the Batman THS, they said Burt showed his moneymaker in a movie and they're all like "Batman never showed his backside before!"

[baronzzz]

I dont think the Brady kids will ever escape their roles either. If I saw Maureeen McCormack in a psycho role where she was killing people I would probably think "Oh look Marcia has finally gone crazy!"

When a show like Brady Bunch or Gilligans Island is rerun over and over for decades, its hard for the viewing public to accept some actors as anything other than their character. A movie is more of a one shot deal but a TV series with over 100 episodes just ingrains them in your mind as that character.

Also, it must be hard for the actor to grow old. Since they are frozen in our minds at the age they are in the show. I saw Tina Louise a few years ago and was shocked how old she looked. The series was done in the 60s but somehow I was disappointed that she didnt look the same.

[Czas na Zywiec]

Nancy McKeon will always be Jo.

Estelle Getty will always be Sophia Petrillo.

[Cactus Jack]

To me, Donny Most will ALWAYS AND FOREVER AND EVER AND EVER AND EVER AND EVER be Ralph Malph, he really gave a lot to that role, he was hysterical in that role, I don't think they could pikc ANYONE better than Donny Most playing Ralph Malph thats hwy I lvoe him so much in that role!!!

[DarleneIllyria]

Originally posted by baronzzz
I dont think the Brady kids will ever escape their roles either. If I saw Maureeen McCormack in a psycho role where she was killing people I would probably think "Oh look Marcia has finally gone crazy!"

When a show like Brady Bunch or Gilligans Island is rerun over and over for decades, its hard for the viewing public to accept some actors as anything other than their character. A movie is more of a one shot deal but a TV series with over 100 episodes just ingrains them in your mind as that character.

Also, it must be hard for the actor to grow old. Since they are frozen in our minds at the age they are in the show. I saw Tina Louise a few years ago and was shocked how old she looked. The series was done in the 60s but somehow I was disappointed that she didnt look the same.

You do have a point about Maureen in a psycho role. That would be so crazy. Jan used to be the crazy one, but watch out......Marcia's on the prowl with the knife. *plays psycho music* :D

I agree with you about the reruns. If it's a popular show then people are going to identify them with the character. In response to someone in this post that mentioned Tina Louise. I think the girl has a major attitude. Be happy that you are an actress and that people even know one of your character's names. Most actors/actresses don't even get that.

It is kind of odd about celebrities growing older. It's freaks me out to see a celeb now and then watch one of their shows from the 60's and they are young again. You do have a few celebrities that still look pretty much the same. Adam West just turned 74 a few days ago, and he still looks the same. He's got a few wrinkles and some gray hair, but its scary how he still looks young.

[Brian Damage]

Originally posted by Mysty Eyes
Ron Howard is Richie Cunningham. (Ronnie is Opie.)

I disagree with that. When I hear the name Ron Howard, I now think of a very successful director.

What about:
Jimmy Walker(JJ on Good Times)
Fred Savage(The Wonder Years)

Gary Coleman}
Todd Bridges} Diff'rent Strokes

[Mysty Eyes]

Originally posted by briandamage
I disagree with that. When I hear the name Ron Howard, I now think of a very successful director.

Well, I do too. But I was referring to acting roles, as I believe every other answer in this thread does. And I honestly don't think he could be easily be accepted in other ROLES.

[Sitcomwriter]

I think we can add Hilary Duff to the list if she's not already on it.

[SBTB Geek]

Originally posted by Sitcomwriter
I think we can add Hilary Duff to the list if she's not already on it.

Not really... because she's not stuck on her "Lizzie McGuire" character. Plus, she's continously starting new movies that are far from "Lizzie."

She just did "Agent Cody Banks," and she's finishing up a movie with Steve Martin.

[tesiay]

I read somewhere that Don Adams was proud of all the awards Get Smart won but the show made him typecast.

[mstewart]

Barbara Eden - Always Jeannie
Sally Struthers - Archie's little girl (Gloria Bunker Stivic)
Florence Henderson - Carol Brady
Mary Tyler Moore - Laura Petrie/Mary Richards
Bonnie Franklin - Ann Romano (No offers came her way after One Day at A Time folded.)

[Nanny Fine]

I think the majority of the FRIENDS cast will have a hard time avoiding being typcast when FRIENDS ends (sadly :( ) next season. Aniston will probably go on to bigger and better (she really has already done a good job) and I honestly think Kudrow could as well if given the right role (she was hilarious in Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion) but Matthew Perry will ALWAYS be Chandler Miriam Bing. Matt LeBlanc will ALWAYS be dumb but lovable Joey Tribianni. I've loved these characters/actors for 10 years. I'd have a hard time watching any of the 6 of them play anyone other than the "FRIENDS".


Heck I watch "JESSE" now and think "Boy Kelly Bundy has matured". :rolleyes: Christina Applegate has been, is now and always will be Kelly Bundy to me no matter how old she is or what show/movie she's in.

I wonder if she finds that a good or bad thing.

[Sitcomwriter]

Originally posted by Nanny Fine
Matthew Perry will ALWAYS be Chandler Miriam Bing.


That's very true.I've seen commercials for "The West Wing" and am like "Cahndler just doesn't belong there".

[DarleneIllyria]

Originally posted by Nanny Fine
I honestly think Kudrow could as well if given the right role (she was hilarious in Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion)

I know this has absolutely nothing to do with the topic, but I loved that movie.

[sara]

What about some of the actors on M*A*S*H. I don't know if Jamie Farr, William Christopher, or Gary Burghoff have done that much acting after the show was over.

[treky]

look at the actors from all the "Star Trek" series-Sure, William Shatner was on "3rd Rock From The Sun" 3 or 4 times, but his role was similar to Capt. Kirk. And Brent Spiner has only had a couple of small roles, like his recent cameo appearance on "Frasier". (which is made by the same studio, B.T.W.)

And, yes, Max Baer has changed his mind about "The Beverlly Hillbillies". And I think Tina Louise has changed her mind about "Gilligans Island" now that her daughter's started watching it.

[treky]

oops! Sorry! "Star Trek"'s not a sitcom. "Sorry about that, Chief!"

[DarleneIllyria]

Originally posted by treky
look at the actors from all the "Star Trek" series-Sure, William Shatner was on "3rd Rock From The Sun" 3 or 4 times, but his role was similar to Capt. Kirk.

That's the one thing I don't get. William Shatner is a fantastic actor. Why label him just as Captain Kirk. I've seen him in comedy roles, he's funny. In drama roles, he's terrific.

This is a tidbit for all you Shatner fans out there, but check out the new Brad Paisley "Celebrity" video. It's got William in it. When I first saw him in it, I didn't scream out 'Oh my God, it's Kirk.' Instead I said to myself 'Omg, It's William Shatner. Geez, he rocks. He absolutely rocks.'

I think I'm done. I've got all my Shatner rocks out of me now. lol

[*PinkLady*]

Originally posted by sara
What about some of the actors on M*A*S*H. I don't know if Jamie Farr, William Christopher, or Gary Burghoff have done that much acting after the show was over.

I agree. Pretty much none of them have done anything since M*A*S*H.

[GrapeJelly]

I think Eve Plumb has been very vocal about her discontent with being typecasted as Jan Brady. I remember seeing her on the Jon Stewart show plugging her new "Fudgie" project carrying on like it was the best thing ever (as if anybody cared that she played Fudgie's Mom) and Jon kept bringing up the Brady Bunch, much to her annoyance. She pretty much refused to talk about it for a few years, in addition to passing up other Brady projects like their variety show.

Barry Williams, on the other hand, has completely milked his Brady Bunch association for all it's worth :p

David Cassidy is one who confuses me. He complains that his recording career was stunted by the Partridge Family's bubblegum music, but then he goes and tries to record a different version of "I Think I Love You" every few years! :crazy:

[James]

Originally posted by Brian Damage
What about:
Fred Savage(The Wonder Years)

When I hear the name Fred Savage I will always think of Kevin Arnold and his role on The Wonder Years. Of course, I will remember the other actors and actresses (Danica McKellar, Jason Hervey, etc.) for their roles on TWY as well, just like Henry Winkler is "The Fonz" on Happy Days! (Or should I say Arthur Fonzarelli?)

[harper]

there are actors who are automatically associated with shows whether or not they want to be.The fact is few actors or connected to two or more shows.Carroll O'Connor has all in the family and in the heat of the Night.A.Alda.has Mash.Carol Burnett has C.B Show and Garry Moore.C.Bergen-Murphy Brown.David Hyde Pierce-Frasier.Steven Weber and Tim Daly-Wings.A.Dickinson-Police Women.Mike Connors-Mannix.Tom Poston-Steve Allen.and newhart.S.Pleshette on Newhart
Penny Marshall-L&S.H.Winkler-H.Days.J.,Ritter-has Threes Company.its a curse and a plus to be associated with.John Spencer has L.A Law and West Wing.J.Smits-L.A LAW-NYPD Blue-
My dad is known for Carol Burnett and Blazzing Saddles a few for the flintstones as the great gazoo.So few can get away from their own fame-L.Hagman-Dallas,I dream of Jeannie.Good bad or different this happens everyone knows Angela lansbury from Murder She wrote and Jerry Orbach on Law & Order and yet they should be known for their broadway days.So it does have its advantages and disadvantages to be associated with 1 or 2 roles.My dad is privaledged and warmed by the idea that he is connected to Carol and Mel Brooks.The Actors who are jerks are bitter and aren't even grateful for their 15 minutes of fame.Those are the actors who will waste life wallowing in bitterness thats there unfortunate roadblocks that they will have to deal with.