HOW "ALICE" CHANGED THE LIVES OF ITS STARS

While making America (and safe to say, the world) laugh, ALICE's success was also bringing big life changes to its cast.   ALICE made my life a lot brighter too!   Above is a photo of the cast taken in 1982.   Such photos are a snapshot of what the cast looked like at a specific time and place in ALICE history.

I suppose that ALICE is like any other successful venture; the result of success brings about prosperity and ultimately change in people's lives.   Certainly the ALICE sitcom can testify to bringing about significant change to those who were in it's cast and crew.     I have thought about this topic for years and decided today to take a stab at it.

  

LINDA LAVIN:  a big break that made her a household name.  

For LINDA LAVIN, ALICE meant stardom.   Linda began acting on Broadway in the 1960s, earning notice in IT'S A BIRD ... IT'S A PLANE ... IT'S SUPERMAN in 1966 and receiving her first Tony Award nomination in LAST OF THE RED HOT LOVERS in 1970. She moved to Hollywood in 1973 and began to work in television, making recurring appearances on BARNEY MILLER, HARRY O and RHODA before getting the title role in ALICE in 1976.   

Linda Lavin as Det. Janice Wentworth on BARNEY MILLER (1975).  (Would you look at that Jewfro!)   Prior to ALICE, Linda made a FEW television guest appearances on mostly sitcoms.  

The success of ALICE took Linda from a character actor to that of a household name, and it would be easily argued, launched the rest of her career.   During the ALICE years, Linda and the show became synonymous to working women, and Linda has never lacked work in her chosen field ever since.

Photo and letter I received from Linda sometime around 1980.  

During the ALICE years, Linda did a number of made-for-TV movies {Among them, The $5.20 AN HOUR DREAM (1978), A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH )1980), and ANOTHER WOMAN'S CHILD (1983).  She had her own TV variety special, LINDA IN WONDERLAND, airing on Thanksgiving 1980.

Nicky Silver's THE LYONS, starring LINDA LAVIN as a "scaldingly blunt Jewish mother," was one of the best Broadway events of 2012.   It's heartening to know that she is doing so great and, at 75, STILL making people laugh.

Linda starred in two sitcoms following ALICE: ROOM FOR TWO (1992-1993) and CONRAD BLOOM (1998), neither which were as successful nor long running as ALICE.  ROOM FOR TWO was a wonderful sitcom with tremendous potential, and I followed it extensively.   It was well written with subtle, good humor and excellent story lines.   I was horrified it didn't find success, though many a good show has gone to the graveyard for simply not getting the ratings required.

Following ALICE, Linda hasn't ever quit working and continues to get great and highly acclaimed roles in many different venues, including Broadway, television and some movie roles.   This year, Linda led the cast in a delightful, critically acclaimed Broadway production called THE LYONS, receiving her sixth Tony nomination!   She and husband Steve Bakunas recently announced they are moving BACK to New York after a number of years in Wilmington, North Carolina, where they owned a small theatre and became a part of the community there.  Hard to say what life would look like for Linda had there been no ALICE!

PHILIP McKEON:  A whole new world was found in "Alice".

PHILIP McKEON (note that he prefers to go by Phil these days) began modeling at age 4. He and his sister NANCY both continued modeling and later acting parts in stage, films and commercials.   It was in a Broadway performance that Linda Lavin first saw Phil and thought he was bright and talented.  Linda recommended him for the part of Tommy (apparently after the earliest producers decided that ALFRED LUTTER was too old to play Tommy.)

Certainly, growing up on the ALICE set would have been a very unique and life-changing experience.  For Phil, it meant that his entire family relocated to California from New York.  Phil described living in an apartment complex near Warner Brothers Studios in Burbank as his first California home.   For Phil, it also meant on-stage schooling, getting to know all of the cast and crew, meeting a number of guest stars who regularly made appearances on ALICE, and as his popularity and fame grew, becoming a staple in the Hollywood set in the 1970s and 1980s.    Phil was in the enviable position of being the ONLY kid on the set on a regular basis, and he no doubt received a lot of attention from all of his co-workers.   I'd love to capture some of those memories from Phil himself at some point.

During the ALICE years (1976-1985), I recall that there were numerous contests to meet PHILIP McKEON (mostly by Teen or Tiger Beat Magazine, then popular.)   Phil was featured in many of the young star profiles and I have a few of them in my enormous scrapbook.   And, following Phil's success on ALICE, three or four years later, NANCY McKEON achieved fame also when the FACTS OF LIFE added an additional character, Jo, to the cast, making her an instant celebrity also.   It is safe to say that many a teenage girl at the time had severe crushes on Philip also.   To underestimate the affect of these experiences would be an easy accomplishment.   Phil McKeon's young life was like only a couple dozen other child TV stars at the time.

One of Philip McKeon's early publicity photos.

Perhaps one thing that set me apart from other major ALICE fans was the detailed scrapbook that I compiled along the way.   To get more material, I joined Philip's "International Fan Club," from which, after joining, I was sent a big packet of materials, photos and an ID wallet card, proclaiming me as a "member in good standing."   That latter makes me laugh, as I doubt seriously that the Philip McKeon International Fan Club had any members with revoked privileges.  They even accepted a guy in a probably-almost-exclusively girl's fan club, after all!

An autograph from THE Philip McKeon, signed IN PERSON in 1983.   It says, "Barry, You're the best fan we have.  Keep it up!  Philip McKeon."   That was a honor (being called the "best fan" and, added to the fact that ALL of the cast were gracious and friendly, really made my week!)

I would meet Phil in 1983, and it was a really good experience.   By the time I met him, I knew tons about him and he naturally knew NOTHING about me.   Every girl I went to school with was gaga over him, but it was me that got to meet him.   It was really almost an accident though.   My parents took me (after some serious ME pressure) to see ALICE tapings three times, in '81, '82 and '83, and in '82, we happened to eat at EL CHIQUITO MEXICAN RESTAURANT across the street from Warner Brothers while driving around Burbank.   Had we not struck up a conversation with the waitress about ALICE taping across the street, we might not have known the secret:  the cast frequently CHILLED at El Chiquito after Tuesday night tapings!  You can be sure we were there after the tapings both years.   In '83, Phil was hanging out with VIC TAYBACK and TONY LONGO ("Artie"), and it was a simple as walking over to their table and striking up a conversation.   And all of them couldn't have been friendlier.

Phil has never specifically said, but he probably doesn't remember looking at my scrapbook, but he carefully turned all of the pages, along with Vic and Tony nearby.   I got photos with all of them.  Here's one with Phil and myself, Mexican restaurant decor in background.   Could I have POSSIBLY been more geeky back then?

Phil and myself, taken August, 1983.   This was right after the taping of the eighth season episode "It Had to Be Mel," with guest star Florence Henderson.   I enjoyed meeting the cast beyond words.   Had they been rude or insensitive to me, I would have been crushed.   Fortunately, I had just the opposite experience with all of them!

I suppose I am digressing a bit, but being a star when you're an adult definitely has its perks, but achieving fame and, for a kid, fortune at that young age is not a common thing.   ALICE changed the lives of the entire McKeon family, who followed Phil to California, where Nancy launched her career in acting also.

ALICE has been off the airways in first-run episodes since 1985, and both Nancy (and husband and kids, whom Phil adores) and their parents have left California.  Phi, however, has remained in Los Angeles and works as morning news producer at KFWB News in Los Angeles, an AM station.   It is ironic that this station was founded (in 1925) by Sam Warner, the founder of Warner Brothers, which owned ALICE and still controls the rights.    (The station is no longer connected with the Warner family now.)

VIC TAYBACK:  ALICE was the break he totally relished!

Perhaps no one enjoyed his role on ALICE as much as VIC TAYBACK.   Vic was far from a newcomer at acting, but as a character actor, he had many roles and few of them big enough to give him the clout and status most every actor wants.   He had done some nice things (ALL IN THE FAMILY, STAR TREK), but landing the role as Mel on ALICE DOESN'T LIVE HERE ANYMORE in 1974 turned out being a lot bigger of a future for Vic than he probably ever dreamed.   Besides the pilot with Alfred Lutter, Vic was the only holdover from the motion picture that went to the TV sitcom ALICE.  

VIC TAYBACK's character "Mel" was somehow lovable and likeable despite his gruff image.   I will never forget the kindness Vic showed me as a fan.   He invited me backstage to watch the cast rehearse, and I wonder how often such had happened.   Sad to say, my parents wouldn't stick around in Los Angeles long enough to let me go!    Vic seemed to love his role immensely.

Vic's character grew a lot over the years, and it seems that Vic did too.   He showed obvious affection for the cast at every possible opportunity.   He enjoyed having Philip McKeon around, treating him like an uncle, and always gave Beth Howland ("Vera") good-hearted grief, calling her "Bones."    His character fell in love with Alice, Jolene and Flo on various occasions, and Vera fell in love with Mel, but I think Vic fell in love with his life at Stage 3 at Warner Brothers.  

I remember the day, on May 25, 1990, when I learned of Vic's sudden death.   Vic was being strongly considered for a new sitcom and was hopeful about the future.   It was a really sad day, for it somehow gave some unasked for, unneeded closure for the end of ALICE.    Only five years had passed since the final episode was taped.   ALICE had changed Vic's life in big ways, though.

(NOTE:   I just read that Vic's wife Shiela Tayback, died on Nov, 21, 2001, just 11 years after Vic.  R.I.P. Vic & Shiela!)

POLLY HOLLIDAY:  Flo kissed her grits right into stardom!

If you've watched ALICE more than a half a dozen times, you know who Flo is, what Flo liked and how Flo thought.    The man-hungry, sassy red head who was the stereotype of about every roadside diner waitress all rolled into one.  

Polly Holliday, who played Flo, was perhaps as opposite from her alter ego as could be.   Polly was a lot more difficult to pinpoint than Flo, and far more conservative in just about every way.   Terribly private, not prone to Hollywood parties and not extremely tempted by fame, Polly Holliday STILL coasted into stardom through ALICE and then went on to star in her own spin-off series FLO (1980-1981), which ultimately didn't survive the brutal ratings game.   Nevertheless, Flo made at least herself, if not Polly, a household name.   "Kiss my grits!" and other Flo-speak became common catchphrases off the show.   Polly herself was far less recognizable without the red beehive wig and all the rest of Flo's outrageous attire, and it was often her unmistakeable voice that gave away the actress.

Polly Holliday and Telly Savalas in the 1979 Fourth Season Premiere of ALICE. 

After Polly's departure from ALICE and then CBS-TV's cancellation FLO in 1981, Polly continued her career with an abundance of roles in both television and movies.   Not a one of her roles resembled Flo, but she has worked as much as she has wanted to, it appears.   Nowadays, Polly is doing less perhaps, as evidenced by less frequent roles listed on IMDb, but you've never heard it said here or anywhere that ALICE didn't pave the way for Polly Holliday's future.  

BETH HOWLAND:  Being "dingy" made Vera Beth's most successful role

Before ALICE, Beth appeared in a number of roles in both New York and Los Angeles.   Beginning with an uncredited role in LI'L ABNER in 1959, Beth had a nice list of television and Broadway roles to her credit when along came ALICE.   The role of Vera as America's favorite dingy waitress ended up being Beth's most memorable role of her career, one she kept for the sitcom's nine seasons.   Perhaps no shot of Beth's Vera is more memorable than the opening credit scene of Vera throwing up the straws, presumably taken from the pilot episode.   But as the series progressed, Vera became far more of a real personalty to be reckoned with.   Vera developed credibility, sensitivity and depth out of nowhere, it seemed.

It is to the credit of Beth Howland and the writers of ALICE that Beth's character was allowed to migrate from stupid to "dingy".   Even the second season episode where Vera thinks that George Burns is God didn't match the later years of Vera's life on ALICE.    Pictured above is Vera in overalls, one of her main staples of attire.

It's true that Beth Howland has all but disappeared from the limelight and from acting in general (IMBd lists only eight roles for Beth since 1985.)  Given that royalties were not sought after during the ALICE years nearly as much as they are now, Beth may not be living "high off the hog" from royalties sadly.    But, similar to Polly Holliday, perhaps Beth is happiest being out of the limelight and enjoying relative solitude, being married to Charles Kimbrough.   Beth was, no doubt, a success story on ALICE, all the same.   I appreciate her immensely for putting such energy in a role which started out so flakey, and, to Beth's credit, ended up everyone's hero.  

Beth's character Vera underwent tremendous character development over nine seasons.   From being almost comatose in Season One to developing a unique and lovable character a bit off-center, and finally getting married, Beth Howland's Vera remains one of the most loved characters on ALICE

CELIA WESTON:  Good ol' gal Jolene projected Celia into a lifetime of movie roles

Celia Weston as "Jolene" was in some ways my favorite character.   At the very least, I was always rooting for Celia to take Jolene and make something amazing out of her, and she did just that.  And it was no piece of cake given the history of Southern waitresses on ALICE. Competing with Polly Holliday's "Flo" was not the easiest task, after all.  And I wanted ALICE to succeed after Polly's sad departure and the apparent disaster surrounding Diane Ladd's quick in-and-out role.  

Publicity shot of Celia Weston as Jolene.   Celia's Jolene achieved the status of being a darn funny AND likeable character on ALICE, being especially adept at putting down Mel's food while keeping his respect.

Perhaps after the no-so-wonderful departure of Diane Ladd, the producers, writers and perhaps Celia herself chose to make Jolene a little different than either Flo or Belle.   The most obvious difference was that Celia was younger, but also a different character in her own right.    Jolene was unashamedly Southern, but had the ability to radiate class at times, or fail miserably at it, depending on the situation.   I think Jolene's greatest success was in her ability to put down Mel and make fun of his food, both of which were ongoing gags on ALICE and part of the requirement for a successful character.   

Celia Weston as Paula Ann Hendricks on MEMPHIS BEAT (2010-2011).

It's interesting to note that following her 90 appearances as Jolene, Celia's career continued without hiatus.  She's appeared in numerous movies, some of which took me a few minutes to recognize her in.   Celia has also made television guest appearances and acquired regular roles on a long string television shows as well.   Yep, Jolene was the catalyst that brought Celia from a virtual unknown to a regular working actor.   Perhaps it is safe to say that Celia's success has not lifted her out of the "character actor" category, but I suspect that Ms. Weston is quite happy all the same.   Jolene really did do Celia proud.

DIANE LADD:  ALICE may not have been a catalyst ... or was it?

DIANE LADD (far right) as "Flo" in the 1974 movie "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore."   Ladd joined the sitcom cast in 1980 as Belle, a role which was short lived and lasted only 23 episodes.

As any ALICE fan knows quite well, Diane played Flo in the movie ALICE DOESN'T LIVE HERE ANYMORE, and then joined the cast of ALICE in the fourth season as "Belle" just as Polly Holliday was leaving to star in Flo.  Diane was the hopeful savior of the big gap that Polly would leave at Mel's Diner with Flo's departure.   There was tremendous hoopla announcing Diane as the newest cast member, but the chemistry (perhaps offstage as well as on) wasn't there, and Ladd would leave after 23 episodes in a cloud of disappointment of what could have been.

ALICE Publicity photo with Diane Ladd (1980).

With Diane's short time on ALICE, perhaps it had far less of a career boost, or a legacy, than the rest of the cast.   At the same time, however, it can be said that the enormous publicity and energy promoting Diane Ladd's "Belle" ("She's going to butter your biscuits," said the TV Guide ad) perhaps did more for Diane Ladd than meets the eye.   Beyond ALICE, Diane Ladd has had more than four DOZEN television or movie roles, formed her own production company, and has never wanted for a role since ALICE.  Her short lived role on ALICE brought her a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Television Series in 1981.  

With Diane appearing in only 23 of the ALICE's 202 episodes, you have to look pretty hard to find an episode with Belle.  Yet, as a fourth and fifth season cast member, perhaps the role of Belle did leave a permanent, not-always-seen, affect on Diane Ladd's career. 

MARVIN KAPLAN:  From a one time role in the second season to America's favorite phone man, Henry Beesmeyer kept Marvin busy and working for years.  

Nobody ever mentioned religion much on ALICE, but Marvin's "Henry" still seemed pretty Jewish.   Certainly, he was everyone's favorite phone man.   Marvin repaired the Diner's phone, ate there constantly (heaven knows why) and made continual references to his wife Chloe.

Character actor and voice artist Marvin Kaplan was no newcomer to acting when he stumbled into the role of Henry on ALICE in 1977.   It was a case of being at the right place at the right time.   ALICE was just rising to fame and fortune and Marvin was at the time and place in his career when a role such as Henry would be the perfect job.   All the stars lined up, and Mr. Kaplan worked on ALICE from 1977 to 1985, appearing in 82 episodes as Henry.

Marvin Kaplan as Henry, imitating a Russian ballet star.

Years before ALICE was anyone's project, Marvin had a regular role in the TV sitcom MEET MILLIE as Alfred Prinzmetal, an aspiring poet-composer (1952-1956).  If you ever watched TOP CAT, Marvin provided the voice of Choo-Choo in the 1960s.

TOP CAT featured the voice talents of Marvin Kaplan as Choo-Choo.   Choo-Choo was the pink cat third from the right.

Marvin also had a bit role in the 1963 film IT'S A MAD, MAD, MAD, MAD WORLD playing a gas station attendant opposite Jonathan Winters; in both roles he was featured alongside actor Arnold Stang (Top Cat's voice actor), with whom he shared a somewhat similar physical appearance.

ALICE brought all smiles to Marvin Kaplan.

Following ALICE, Marvin Kaplan had a recurring role as Mr. Gordon on the television sitcom BECKER and continued to act, write and direct.  Now in his mid-80s, Marvin is limited to a wheelchair and doesn't drive anymore, but he DOES continue to work.    Now also a producer, Marvin has a low budget film, WATCH OUT FOR SLICK, available on Marvin's website.  (www.marvinkaplan.com)   Marvin loves the time he spent on ALICE and talks freely about the years.   I've shared some amazing conversations with him online and think he's one of the true heroes of Hollywood who has kept his head through it all and remains just a hard working guy trying to make his mark on the world.  

Marvin says in his website:  "The nice thing about growing old is I can do whatever I want. I can write, direct, and act occasionally. Right now, I’m working on a screenplay, plus I have a wonderful idea for a television pilot. I’m in a very creative mode!"

ALICE ALSO CHANGED MY LIFE.

I guess I have to end this blog by saying that I've spent countless hours being ALICE's number one fan (or at least way up in the top 10 of all time!).   Thus, I'd have to say that ALICE has changed my life for the better as well.   I haven't achieved fame, but have a small fortune perhaps.   I have never been an actor, but life has been a lot more fascinating following both the characters and the actors themselves in what easily could NOT have been.   

Fiji, May 2012.

Today, I am a successful business owner in Denver (I own and am the managing director at Integrity Print Group, www.integrityprintgroup.com).   I am a home owner, a world traveler (I love the Southern Hemisphere, particularly Fiji, New Zealand and Australia), and enjoy fitness, writing, reading, philately, my dog Lupie, and doing my part in helping the world whenever possible.   I DO have other interests besides a single sitcom, but it remains a fun part of both my past and my present, and I'm thankful to Linda, Phil, Vic, Beth, Polly, Celia, Diane and Marvin for the laughs and enjoyment they've added to my life and the lives of many others.
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