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Saturday, May 28, 2022

Tony Dow (Wally Cleaver) has received bad news


Tony Dow, who played the Beaver's big brother, Wally Cleaver, on Leave it to Beaver, has received some devastating news.  Tony's wife, Lauren Shulkind, announced in a Facebook post on Thursday, May 5th. that her husband's cancer had returned.  She did not specify what type of cancer Tony has.

"Dear friends and fans of Tony Dow, I have some very sad news to share with you," "Unfortunately, Tony has once again been diagnosed with cancer. He is approaching this reality so bravely, but it is truly heartbreaking.

"We want to thank you in advance for your caring thoughts. Our Love, Lauren & Tony."

The former child star is 77 and has been battling health issues.  In August of 2021, Lauren confirmed to TMZ that Tony had been hospitalized with pneumonia after an agonizing 24-hour wait in the emergency room.  Due to a surge of DELTA variant of  COVID cases in Los Angeles area, there was a shortage of hospital beds. 

Tony is reportedly a two-time cancer survivor.  He survived a bout with prostate cancer, followed by gall bladder cancer.


- Joanne


EDITOR'S UPDATE (July 27, 2022):  Tony Dow's wife, Lauren, and his representatives mistakenly reported his death on Facebook yesterday.  In the family's most recent Facebook message, Tony's son, Christopher, writes, "This is a difficult time.  Dad is at home, under hospice care, and in his last hours.  My wife and I are by his side along with many friends that have visited.  He has a fighting heart."

EDITOR'S UPDATE: (July 27, 2022).  Tony Dow passed away today, one day after his death was prematurely reported on Facebook.  He was 77 years old.  To read an article that I wrote about Tony in 2016. click on the link below.

TV BANTER . . . with Joanne Madden : Tony Dow (Wally Cleaver): The Beaver's older brother is a man of many talents



Saturday, May 21, 2022

Y&R Report (May 21, 2022): The Latest on The Young and the Restless

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

Hi fans,
Well, we expected Diane Jenkins to stir things up and she certainly hasn't disappointed.  Not surprisingly, Diane crashed the Mariah/Tessa wedding.  She just couldn't stay away, which tells me that she hasn't completely reformed.  In many ways, she's still the same old Diane and she uses her sincere love for Kyle as a cover for dirty deeds..  If she had really changed, she wouldn't have shown up at the event..  Of course, she used the excuse that she just wanted to see Kyle officiate at the wedding.  Michael Baldwin scolded her when she told her what she had done.  He tried to impress upon her that she really did crash that wedding and that it was a bad mistake.  Diane being Diane, I doubt she'll listen to Michael's sage advice.
By turning up at the wedding.  Diane did herself no favours.  She risked her chances of reconciling with Kyle.  He wasn't exactly pleased to see her there, but she is betting that he will allow her back into his life - and she is probably right.  Kyle Abbott is conflicted by the return of his mother.  He is appalled by some of her actions and he's not convinced that she has reformed.  Still, he is unable to completely reject her or to pretend that she's still dead or that she doesn't really exist. This means stormy weather ahead for Kyle and his newlywed bliss with his Snowflake bride.
We've just caught our first glimpse of the new Summer Newman, played by Allison Lanier..  She seems sweeter than the way Hunter King played her, not as rough around the edges.  The new Summer doesn't seem devious like her mother.  However,  she certainly shares Phyllis' dislike of Diane, her new mother-in-law.  Summer is planning to return to Genoa City, a decision she will probably come to regret.  
Diane is not going anywhere.  In fact, she seems to be enjoying herself, despite all the animosity towards her.  She will not be driven out of Genoa City - at least not for a while.  That means that Summer will have to deal with her, which won't be easy for Snowflake.  It will be very awkward and it will probably cause problems for her marriage to Kyle.  Summer claims that she will support her husband in whatever decision he makes regarding Diane.  As the feud between Phyllis and Diane escalates, the situation will become more and more awkward for Summer.  It will be difficult for her not to take sides.  In fact, Phyllis will demand loyalty from her daughter.  She will be very angry if Summer refuses to stand by her..  
Meanwhile, Kyle's sympathy for Diane seems to be growing.  After all, despite Diane's nefarious behaviour, she is still his mother.  In the end, the unfortunate Summer may have to choose between Phyllis and her marriage to Kyle.  By supporting Phyllis too strongly, se risks alienating him.  As for Kyle, he may have to choose between his mother and Summer.
It's obvious that Diane has too main objectives.  The first is, of course, to win Kyles's approval and become a part of his life.  The second is to bring down her archenemy, Phyllis.  She is determined to hit Phyllis where the fiery redhead is most vulnerable - her relationship with Jack.  She will probably go after Jack herself, just to punish Phyllis.  In Diane's eyes, Jack is Phyllis' weak spot.  She freaks out whenever Diane even mentions the status of their relationship and makes it clear that any discussion of Jack is strictly off limits.  Diane has taken note that Phyllis only became romantic with Jack when Diane came on the scene.  Will Jack feel that Phyllis is using him as pawn in her attack on Diane?
So, Ashland Locke met Diane in the park.  I've been waiting for those tow  to run into each other.  She the only person in Genoa City who is as unpopular as he is.  Diane seems to like his type, a wealthy business mogul.  Ashland, however, may use her to make Victoria jealous.  It's obvious that Victoria is not over him.  That's why she's decided to go on a spa vacation with Nikki, to put some space between them,  
Kyle and Summer were wrong to forbid Ashland to see Harrison.  It was mean and petty. They should not have allowed their feelings toward Ashland to interfere with Harrison's relationship with someone whom he has always regarded as a  parent.  I'm afraid that poor Harrison is going to be very confused someday.
It's about time Noah Newman got a life.  Yes, I know he's been helping Nick at New Hope and that has done some artistic work.  However, he always seems to be moping.  It's about time he stopped pining over Tessa and his failed romance in London.  I hope he gets over it  and moves on because there could be a love triangle in the works between Noah and Allie and Crystal Porter (Tessa' sister, played by Morgan Obenrede).  It all depends on whether Morgan becomes s permanent member of the cast.  As far as I know, there's been no word yet  as to whether she just came for the wedding or whether she'll stay for a while.   If she leaves, the field is wide open for Allie.  So let's focus on Allie, since Crystal may not be around town much longer.  What is really going on with Jack's granddaughter and what is her connection to Diane?  Is she really that sweet or does she have a hidden agenda? Does Diane have some connection to Allie's mother?
What is the deal with Allie's mother anyway?  Allie confided in Jack about her feelings toward her mother and how the two are estranged.  Her mother's identity hasn't been revealed yet and there is a certain mystery surrounding her.  I suspect that Allie has a painful secret that will be revealed at some point.  The secret may threaten her relationship with Noah.
Adam is conspiring again, this time with his main squeeze, Sally Spectra.  He is determined to gain control of Newman Enterprises and he has come up with what he considers to be a foolproof plan.  He and Sally have decided to help rekindle the romance between Ashland Locke and Victoria.  Adam figures that if Victoria goes back to Ashland, she will lose Victor's support and Newman Enterprises will be his for the taking. 
Michael Baldwin is playing a very dangerous game.  He's never going to please both Lauren and Victor.  In the end, he will have to make a choice.  Working for Victor Newman is challenging and exciting to him.  He doesn't seem to mind being Victor's lackey and Victor doesn't want him to play it safe.  Where does that leave Lauren, though?
I'm please that Y&R is  honouring Kate Linder and giving Esther her due.  I enjoyed the flashback scenes with her and Mrs, Chancellor and Jill.  The storyline about Esther trying out a dating app is funny and poignant.  I rally don't blame Chloe for being concerned about her mother.  That guy contacted Esther far too quickly.  My instincts tell me he may just want to sell cleaning products to Esther.  At least, Esther's expectations aren't too high.


Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

A. Lanier (Summer)

So fans, now that you've seen Allison Lanier n the role of Summer, what kind of an impression has she made on you?  Does she suit the part?  I've had a fairly positive attitude toward her.  I think she has good chemistry with Micharl Mealor (Kyle).  Let me know what you think.  Are you pleased with Hunter King's replacement?  Reply to the poll below and let me know.


Was your first reaction to the new Summer positive or negative?
 
pollcode.com free polls

NOTE TO READERS

I need your feedback.  If you have any comments on Y&R, please email them to me with "Viewer Forum" in the subject line. I will be happy to publish your comments and reply to them  You do not have to use your real name.  I really need your input.  I really need to hear your opinion.  I want to know if you agree or disagree with me. 

My email address:  jmadden16@yahoo.ca
That's all for now.  Don't forget that the next edition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday, June 11, 2022.

Take care, 

Joanne

Sunday, May 15, 2022

A :Letter form Denis Mandel (Eugene Belvin on Happy Days)

 
On September 22, 2021, I wrote about Denis Mandel, who played Eugene Belvin on Happy Days.

Click link below for September 22, 2021 article on Denis Mandel

http://www.tvbanter.net/2021/09/whatever-happened-to-denis-mandel.html

At the end of the article, I invited Denis to send me an email, keeping fans up to date about himself.  I stated that I would be very pleased if he would  do so and I that I would really like to publish it for the readers of TV Banter.  Well, I am happy to report that I received a very gracious letter from Denis.  I thank him for kindly responding to my request and I would like to share his email with the the readers of TV Banter.  

Ms. Joanne Madden, 

I saw what you had written about me a little while ago and I thought, wow, here’s a person who is fair, balanced and sane. And I just came across it again and out of all the press I’ve read over the years, you strike me as the most thoughtful and respectful. So kudos to you. And thank you. 

As for me, I have been writing, and working on different projects and yes acting. So, let’s see what’s going to be released. 

Again, nice work and whatever you’re doing at the present time and in the future… wishing you much success!  


Best regards,

Denis Mandel

Saturday, May 7, 2022

Y&R Report (May 7, 2022) The Latest on The Young and the Restless

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

Hi fans,
The May Sweeps are upon us and that means lots of excitement and drama on the Y&R, especially involving Diane Jenkins.  She is the ultimate pariah, the most unwelcome person in Genoa City ever.  The episodes featuring Diane should be titled "Everybody Hates Diane."  Yet, despite all the animosity towards her, Diane refuses to be driven out of town.  She was quite defiant when she faced the wrath of the Abbott family (Ashely was especially hostile).  In fact, she wore a smile on her face when she entered the Abbott home.  She stood before them all and faced their questions and their skepticism.
The Abbotts certainly grilled Diane.  It was as if she were on trial.in the Abbott court of law.  It was quite an interrogation, but Madame Jenkins kept her cool.  She's certainly a piece of work and she's one tough cookie.  That doesn't mean that I believe she's completely reformed herself, because I definitely do not,  It also doesn't mean that I have any great admiration for her.  I just think she's a force to be reckoned with.  
No character shakes things up like Diane does.  Almost every character on the show has issues with her.  Remember that Summer and Jill don't even know that she's alive and back in Genoa City.  When they find out, they won't exactly be thrilled.  They will have plenty to say to her and it won't be very welcoming either.  Diane will likely cause problems cause problems for Kyle and Summer, who will be arriving in Genoa City soon.
Ashland Locke is also very unpopular, but don't expect him to leave Genoa City anytime soon either.  He'll be hanging around for a while yet and Victor will keep trying to get rid of him, but he seems quite determined to hold his ground.
It seems that Princess Victoria will be torn between her feelings for Ashland and her feelings for Billy.  Billy can't seem to stay away from Victoria, no matter how much he claims he's concerned about the welfare of the children they share.  After being deceived by Ashland, Victoria is very confused.  She is going to cry on Billy's shoulder.  That won't sit well with Lily.  I don't think she and Billy will last.  it won't help that he doesn't see where he fits in with the Chancellor-Winters merger.
It didn't take Victor long to replace that portrait of his princess.  A new painting of Victoria is back up on her office wall.  Newman Locke will revert to its original name - Newman Enterprises.  Victoria and Nikki will be co-CEOs, with Victor's approval.  However, the princess and the queen mother had better watch their backs.  Adam fully intends to gain control of Newman enterprises.
Allie will face the Abbott family next.  She arrived at the Abbott home not long after Diane had departed.  Fortunately for Allie, she will have a much easier time than Diane.  The writers will have to find a way to keep Allie in Genoa City.  Since she is studying to be a chemical engineer, she will probably end up working at Jabot.  I think the Abbott family will really warm up to her, even Ashley who is a chemist.

VIEWER FORUM

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

My email address:  jmadden16@yahoo.ca
Here's an email from longtime Y&R viewer, Carly in Barrhaven, Ontario.

So, Chelsea and Rey will not be getting involved.   I predicted they would kill Rey off so poor Sharon can end in the arms of Nick again or maybe Adam.  She absolutely needs a man in her life.  Quite a surprise that they brought back Diane Jenkins.  This could make an interesting storyline.  I don't think Ashland is leaving anytime soon, so will be interesting to see where that's going.

With time, Sharon will have another man in her life.  It will most likely be Nick Newman or Adam, if he becomes disenchanted with Sally Spectra.  It was a good move to bring back Diane Jenkins.  So many characters are involved in her storyline.  Yes, Carly, it will certainly be interesting to see where Diane's storyline is headed.  I was recently presented with  a very interesting possibility.
Another Y&R fan, Fifi in Collingwood, Ontario, has an intriguing prediction.  Fifi thinks that Diane will get involved with Ashland Locke,  Her prediction makes sense to me.  Ashland is wealthy and debonair, just the kind of man who would appeal to her.  There aren't many people in Genoa City who don't have a grudge against Diane,  However, Ashland has no past with her and he's quite unpopular himself.  Furthermore, the Newmans are trying to drive Locke out of town and they also despise Diane. Both Locke and Jenkins are badly in need of an ally.  They could easily join forces against the Victor and Nikki and the others.
Diane hasn't met Ashland yet, but she's bound to run into him at Society or The Grand Phoenix.  I can't wait to see how she reacts to him.  It should be fun.
There will be trouble ahead for Michael Baldwin.  An online spoiler says that he "will continue to enjoy being Victor's fixer and the power and intrigue that go with it."  Michael is playing with fire and he's lucky he returned safely from the assignment Victor gave him in Peru.  This will not sit well with Lauren either.

CAST NEWS
Big new storyline coming up for Kate Linder (Esther)

Fans of Kate Linder (Esther Valentine) will be delighted to know that she has a big new storyline in the works as she celebrates her 40th anniversary in the role of Esther.  According to Kate, Y&R will delve into Esther's past.  In an interview with The Locher Room : Kate said, "I can't tell you what's going to happen, but in a while, they're going to be revisiting some of Ether's history."  There is one clue, though.  An online spoiler says "that there might be some romance in the air for Esther." 


Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Susan Walters 

Is Diane Jenkins (Susan Walters) being judged too harshly or does she deserve the scorn she is receiving from the Abbotts and others?  Has she really become a better person?  What do you think, fans?  Respond to the poll below and let me know.

Do you think Diane is being treated too harshly?
 
pollcode.com free polls


DAYTIME EMMYS
The 49th annual Daytime Emmys will take place in Los Angeles on Friday, June 24, 2022.  The two-hour show is set to air on CBS at 8 pm PST.  It will also be streamed live on Paramount at the same time.  The awards will be returning with a lot of the glitz and glamour that was lost during the last two years of the pandemic.  For the first time since 2014, there are five nominees in the Outstanding Daytime Drama Series: The Young and the Restless, The Bold and the Beautiful, General Hospital, Days of our Lives and its spinoff, Days of Our LivesBeyond Salem, a limited series which appears on the Peacock streaming service.
The Young and the Restless leads all the daytime dramas with 18 nominations.  Y&R cast nominations include the following: Melissa Ordway (Abby Newman) in the Outstanding Supporting Actress category; Peter Berman (Jack Abbott) and Jason Thompson (Billy Abbott) in the Outstanding Lead Actor category, Mishael Morgan (Amanda Sinclair) in the Outstanding Lead Actress category; Jordi Vilasuso (ex-Rey Rosales) and Bryton James (Devon Hamilton) in the Outstanding Supporting Actor category; Alyvia Alyn Lind (ex-Faith Newman)  and Ptosha Storey (Naya Benedict) for Outstanding Guest Performance.

That's all for now.  Don't forget that the next edition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday, May 21, 2022.  Enjoy the May Sweeps.

Take care,

Joanne

Friday, May 6, 2022

Linda Lavin and the cast of Alice


So many women identified with the character, the person of Alice because they, in fact, were Alice. They were single mothers and working women. She represented 80% of the women who work in this country and she still does. Women who are still not getting equal pay for the equal quality of work they do. It was a huge success, not only because it was in a great time slot, but because it was something that everybody in America, families and working people, identified with the characters and the situation. It was a very powerful experience for me, for all of us. To have a nine-year hit in television is very rare and I was very grateful for it. It changed my life in many ways.

- Linda Lavin
Interview with Gregg Shapiro, Baltimore Outloud, April 20, 2020

Actor-singer Linda Lavin has been a prolific entertainer on television and in the theatre for decades..  Linda was born in Portland, Maine on October 15, 1937.  She is the daughter of David Joseph Lavin, owner of a furniture business, and Lucille (née Potter), an opera singer and local radio show host.  Her family was active in the local Jewish community.  In 1959, Linda graduated from the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, where she was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree in theatre arts.

After graduating, Linda moved to New York City to try her luck on Broadway.  She struggled to find success in musicals but was disappointed in her uninspired female roles.  She turned to more dramatic roles and won rave reviews for her work.  She received a Tony Award nomination for Featured Actress in Last of the Red Hot Lovers.

In 1967, Linda appeared in a television version of the musical Damn Yankees!, starring Phil Silvers and Lee Remick.  By 1973, she had moved to Hollywood to launch a television career.  She appeared in episodes of such shows as Rhoda (1974), and Harry O (1975).  From 1975 to 1976, Linda had a recurring role as Detective Janice Wentworth on Barney Miller, the comedy-drama police series starring Hal Linden and Abe Vigoda.

Linda Lavin left Barney Miller to play the lead on the sitcom Alice, the role for which she is best known.  The cast of tv show alice television series ran for nine seasons (202 episodes), from 1976 to 1985 on CBS.  It was based on the 1974 film Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore, which starred Ellen Burstyn in the title role of Alice Hyatt.  On TV, however, Linda portrayed Alice cast of tv show alice, a single mother who works hard at Mel's Diner so that she can support herself and her young son.  An aspiring singer, the widowed Alice waits on tables at the greasy spoon in order to meet her expenses.

In a 2020 interview with Gregg Shapiro for Baltimore Outloud, Linda said that she loved the film Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore. She described it as "a unique movie whose time had come to tell the story about single mothers, working women."  Of the film's television adaptation, she said the following: "The right place for it to be was television.  We had more than 40 million people a week watching us."

In the 1970s, Linda also made guest appearances on Phyllis (1976), Family (1977), Kaz (1979) and The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1979).  In the 1980s, she had leading roles in three TV movies: Maricela (1986),  A Place to Call Home (1987) and Lena: My 100 Children (1987).  In Lena: My 100 Children, Linda portrayed Lena Kuchler, who arrives at a World War II refugee camp in search of missing family members.  She is unable to find the information she is seeking, but encounters many hungry children.


From 1991 to 1992, Linda starred in the short-lived ABC sitcom Room for Two, along with Patricia Heaton of Everybody Loves Raymond fame.  Linda portrayed the widowed Edie Kirkland, who moves in with her daughter, Jill, played by Heaton. 

Below is a 1991 press photo of Linda Lavin and Patricia Heaton for Room for Two.

Beginning in the 1990s, Linda began to take on more Jewish roles on television, particularly Jewish mothers.  She co-starred with Nasttasja Kinski and Michael York in the 1996 TV film of Danielle Steeles' The Ring.  Linda played Ruth Leibman.in this World War II, historical romance.  In 2018, she appeared as Florie Bloom in the comedy Conrad Bloom, alongside Mark Feuerstein in the title role.

From 2013 to 2014, Linda portrayed Lorna Harrison on all 15 episodes of the short-lived NBC series Sean Saves the World.  She also appeared in a 2018 episode of Madam Secretary and in episodes of the Netflix series, The Santa Carita Diet.  Linda Lavin has never stopped working.  She currently appears in B Positive, a comedy-drama about a divorced dad who needs a doner for kidney transplant and finds a volunteer in a woman from his past.  Linda plays Norma, one of the senior citizens at a local retirement home.  B Positive premiered on CBS on November 5, 2020.  As of this writing, the show has not been cancelled or renewed for a third season,

Linda Lavin has been married three times and divorced twice.  On September 7, 1969, she married actor Ron Leibman.  The marriage ended in divorce in 1981.  On August 22, 1982, Linda wed another actor, Kip Niven, whom she met on the set of Alice, and became stepmother to his two children..  In 1992, she divorced Niven for reasons of mental and emotional cruelty and adultery.  

On Valentine's Day 2005, Linda married ger current husband, actor Steve Bakunas.  Steve is also an artist and musician.  Linda first started contacting Steve online in 1999, after a friend suggested that he might be able to help her with foundation for inner city girls.  She then went to an opening night theatre performance and he was seated in the next row.  She was immediately struck by him.

Steve Bakunas

WHAT HAPPEND TO THE CAST OF ALICE?


McKeon in 1976
PHILIP McKEON (Tommy Hyatt):  Child star Philip Mckeon  portrayed  Alice's son,  Tommy Hyatt.  Linda Lavin noticed him at a Broadway performance of Medea and Jason (1974) and recommended him for the part of her TV son, Tommy.  After Alice ended its run in 1985, Philip made periodic acting appearances and he was one of the producers of the 1994 action-comedy film Teresa's Tattoo, featuring his younger sister, Facts of Life star Nancy McKeon.  After the year 2000, he worked in radio, first in Los Angeles and then in Texas.  Sadly, Philip McKeon passed away after a lengthy illness on December 10, 2019.  He died in Texas at the age of 55.



Tayback in 1976

VIC TAYBACK (Mel Sharples): Brooklyn-born Vic Tayback portrayed diner owner Mel Sharples in both the film Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore and the TV series Alice.  His portrayal of Mel earned him two Golden Globe Awards and an Emmy nomination for best supporting actor.

Although best known for his role as Mel, Vic appeared in numerous TV shows.  He began his television career in 1958 and guests-starred on numerous television series including The Mary Tyler Moore ShowColumbo, Bonanza and Star Trek.  He also was also a notable film and theatre actor.  His film credits include Bullitt (1968) and All Dogs Go to Heaven (1989).  Vic Tayback died of a heart attack in Glendale, California on May 25, 1990.  He was 60 years old.  



BETH HOWLAND (Vera Goman): Beth Howland was an actress of stage and television.  A talented singer and dancer, Beth appeared in Broadway musicals before moving to California.  During her TV career, Beth guest-starred in episodes of a number of shows such as The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Eight is Enough, Cannon, Little House on the Prairie and The Love Boat.  However, she is best known for her role as the somewhat ditzy, accident-prone waitress, Vera Goman on Alice.  Beth remained on Alice for all nine seasons of the series.  After the show ended, she went into semi-retirement.

Beth was married twice.  From 1961 to 1969, she was married to actor Michael J. Pollard, with whom she had a daughter, Holly.  In 2002, she wed actor Charles Kimborough, who played anchorman Jim Dial on Murphy Brown.  Beth Howland died of lung cancer on December 31, 2015.  She passed away in Santa Monica, California at the age of 76.  In keeping with Beth's wishes, Kimborough did not report her death to the media until May 24, 2016.


CHARLES LEVIN (Elliot Novak). From 1983 to 1985, Charles Levin portrayed Elliot Novak, who became the husband of Vera Goman, in 25 episodes of Alice.  Charles Levin also played the model in the 1993 "The Bris" episode of Seinfeld.  Charles also had the recurring role of Eddie Gregg on Hill Street Blues.  He made numerous guest appearances in episodes of series such as Family Ties, The Facts of Life, Falcon Crest and Night Court.

On July 8, 2019, Levin was reported missing to the police.  At the time, he lived in Oregon and his car was found on a remote road in Selma, Oregon.  A day later, his body was discovered.  On November 8, 2019, authorities declared his death to be accidental as he had apparently fallen down an embankment while trying to to find help.  Charles Levin was 70 years old at the time of his death.  

END NOTES:  

* Linda Lavin's first husband, Ron Leibman, died from complications of pneumonia at the age of 82.  Her second husband, Kip Niven, died of a heart attack that same year.  He was 73 at the time of his passing. Linda's two ex-husbands, as well and her Alice co-stars Philip McKeon and Charles Levin.

* In January 2011, Linda was inducted to the American Theater Hall of Fame.

* In 2012, Ghostlight Records released a recording by Linda called Possibilities.

* Linda has been nominated for five Tony Awards  She has won once, for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play, for Broadway Bound in 1987.  She has also won two Golden Globes for Best TV Actress in a Musical or Comedy, for Alice in 1979 and 1980.

SORCES:  Jewish Women's Archives: Linda Lavin, by Ingerlene Voosen Emry, last updated June 23, 2021;  Baltimore Outloud, "Love story: an interview with award winning actress and singer Linda Lavin, by Gregg Shapiro; April 20, 2020; Amo Mama, "Linda Lavin Feels Very Fortunate to Have Found Husband Steve Bakunas - inside Her Personal Life," by Manuela Cardiga, August 6, 2020; Wikipedia; Internet Move Database (IMDb)


- Joanne