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papermoonloveslucy · 7 months

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THE FACE IS FAMILIAR… BUT I CAN’T PLACE THE NAME!

Same Actor / Different Character ~ Part 2: “The Lucy Show"

It used to be quite common for actors to be cast in multiple roles on the same series. Not in principal parts, certainly, but in supporting and minor characters. Lucycoms were no exception. Although the world created by these shows was representative of reality, the characters who populated them often gave viewers Deja vu.

For the purposes of this discussion, we won’t include background performers (aka extras) as they were nearly always drawn from the same pool of actors. Also, those who played multiple characters need to have at least one of them identified by name.

MARY JANE CROFT

Croft (a veteran of "I Love Lucy") was introduced to viewers as Audrey Simmons in 8 episodes from episode 8 in 1962. When the show's location was changed to Los Angeles, Croft also changed - into Mary Jane Lewis, which was her legal name during her marriage to producer / director Elliott Lewis. When Vivian Vance left the cast, and Lucy failed to fill her 'second banana' spot, Croft's role became increasingly more integral to the show. The second MJ was seen in 31 episode, including the series finale.

CAROLE COOK

A protege of Ball's from the Desilu Playhouse, Cook was introduced as Thelma Green in five episodes set in Danfield. Unusually, during that time she also played Betty Jo Hanson at "Lucy's College Reunion" (1963). Perhaps the episodes were aired out of filming sequence. When the show moved West, she played socialite Mrs. Valance for three episodes, and a variety of other characters (large and small) in 11 more.

ROY ROBERTS

Roberts was best known as Bank President Mr. Cheever, a role he played in 14 episodes starting halfway through season five and including the series finale. But he first appeared as the Admiral in "Lucy and the Submarine" (1966). Roberts was likely typecast as Mr. Cheever after playing a similar role on "The Beverly Hillbillies" from 1965 to 1967.

MARY WICKES

Wickes was a great friend of Lucille Ball's. While she only made one appearance on "I Love Lucy", she was seen much more frequently on "The Lucy Show". In her first appearance she played a character named Mary Wickenhauser, Wickes' birth name. It wasn't long before she was back as Fran, one of the Danfield volunteer firefighters, in three episodes. When the series went to LA, she was Lucy's Aunt Gussie in two episodes, followed by one-offs Miss Winslow, Miss Hurlow, and Aunt Agatha. In total, she played 6 characters in 9 episodes over 6 seasons! And that's just on one series!

LUCIE ARNAZ

Before she joined the cast of "Here's Lucy" as a series regular in 1968, Lucy's daughter was given opportunities to perform on "The Lucy Show", although in small roles. In Danfield she was seen as Chris's friend Cynthia in several episodes. In LA, she played several different teenagers in five episodes.

HERB VIGRAN

Vigran started out as Dr. Jacoby, the umpire of Danfield's softball team, in two episodes. He went on to play a variety of others: a doctor, a vet, a postman, and a computer salesman that was referred to as "Mr. Vigran"!

DOROTHY KONRAD

Konrad used her own first name as a member of the Danfield Volunteer Fire Brigade in two episodes, then used her last name as one of Lucy's college alumni in another. She also played bank secretary Mrs. Hutton, and babysitter Mrs. Fletcher.

JOAN SWIFT

Swift was most often seen using her own first name as a Los Angles co-worker of Mrs. Carmichael's. She also played an airline passenger, a French maid, and characters named Laurie and Dottie.

KAREN NORRIS

Norris was seen in six episodes, each time as a different character, but all with dialogue. Her most significant role was as Babette Edwards, a woman about to have her sixth child in "Lucy and Viv Play Softball" (1963).

LEW PARKER

Parker played Joan Crawford's agent, a movie producer scouting Frankie Avalon, Phil Harris' music producer, Mr. Mooney's lawyer AND his psychiatrist! In some episodes he used his own first name, in others he used his own last name.

PARLEY BAER

Baer Started his "Lucy Show" life playing the man who sells Lucy Clementine the sheep. He went to be seen as two judges, an army colonel, and a doctor. Is it any wonder he was one of the most familiar faces on television?

KATHLEEN FREEMAN

1964 was a big year for Freeman, who appeared on "The Lucy Show" five times in four different characters. She was known by her own first name in two episodes, but also played Olga the cook, Mrs. Putnam the maid, and Mrs. Blake the nurse.

GARY MORTON

Morton was Lucille Ball's real-life husband, and also a producer on "The Lucy Show". His first role (not surprisingly) was as Lucy's boyfriend, named Gary Stewart. As a stand-up comedian, he was able to handle dialogue and was cast in three more small roles, one time using his real surname. In the end credits, he used his birth name Morton Goldaper. Speaking of Lucy's boyfriend...

KEITH ANDES

Andes had played Lucy's love interest on Broadway in Wildcat (1960), so it wasn't a reach for him to do it again on "The Lucy Show." He played Bill King on two episodes set in Danfield. In Los Angeles he was back as Lucy's love interest, but this time named Brad Collins. Collins is an airline pilot, just like Lucy's boyfriend in Danfield, Harry Connors (Dick Martin). Collins was also the surname of Viv's steady boyfriend, Eddie (Don Briggs), back in Danfield.

LOU KRUGMAN

Krugman was one of Lucille Ball's favorite performers. He was instantly recognizable as the film director coping with Lucy Ricardo and her ungainly headpiece. On "The Lucy Show" his first appearance was as a Chemistry teacher named Dr. Adrian Vance (after Vivian, of course). He played a music producer named Barney Miller (no relation to the TV detective), and finally returned to playing a film director, again coping with Lucy as she watches John Wayne film a western.

JONATHAN HOLE

Hole made his first appearance with Lucille Ball in 1966, playing a department store manager named Mr. Collins. That same year he was Mr. Haskell, a Palm Springs hotel manager where Lucy and Carol sing. Finally, he used his first name to play Jonathan Winslow, father of three rambunctious chimps babysat by Lucy.

RETA SHAW

Shaw was a popular character actress from film (Mary Poppins), stage (The Pajama Game), and television ("The Ghost and Mrs. Muir"). She was seen as 3 different characters on "The Lucy Show" starting as a girthy granny at the fairgrounds when "Lucy Misplaces $2,000" (1962). In "My Fair Lucy" (1964) she was dominating Dora Dunbar, wealthy socialite. Finally, she played Mrs. Foley, owner of a roadside stand selling maps to the stars homes when "Lucy Goes to a Hollywood Premiere" (1966).

HARVEY KORMAN

Korman is best remembered from his hilarious work on "The Carol Burnett Show", but he was also worked with Carol's mentor, Lucille Ball, playing 3 roles on "The Lucy Show." First he was Mr. Slater, manager of a day camp where "Lucy and Viv are Camp Cooks" (1964). The next year he was twitchy stockbroker Mr. Phillips. During the series' first LA episode, Korman played Major Grayson, who is in charge of a military academy.

PAUL WINCHELL

Paul Winchell was best known as a ventriloquist and the inventor of an artificial heart (seriously). In 1966 he played himself on "Here's Lucy," also showcasing some of his most famous creations. The following year he was cast as Doc Putnam, a little old man, in a two part musical episode "Main Street USA". He was barely recognizable. The role required him to sing and dance, which led to a falling out between his daughter and Lucy. She felt that Lucy was working him too hard and being exceptionally cruel.

KASEY ROGERS

Rogers is best remembered for playing Louise Tate on “Bewitched” from 1966 to 1972. For Lucy, she played Miss Cavanaugh, manager of a flight attendant training school attended by Lucy and Carol (Burnett). In the final season, she played Miss Carroll, secretary to Phil Harris.

LLOYD CORRIGAN

Corrigan appeared in two films with Lucille Ball before joining her on the small screen as Mr. Holly of Holly Cleaners on the first season of "The Lucy Show". He returned to play gentleman crook Carter Harrison (a name that when reversed is given to Gale Gordon's character on "Here's Lucy" and the unnamed proprietor of a Los Angeles Christmas Tree stand.

TED ECCLES

Teddy Eccles was the second child actor to play Arnold Mooney. When Mr. Mooney and Lucy moved to Los Angeles, their children were hardly ever discussed. So Eccles was given the roles of cadet Harold, and Barry the choirboy.

HAL SMITH

Smith was best known as Otis the drunk on "The Andy Griffith Show," filmed at Desilu. For "Lucy" he played Mr. Wilson, one of the dads on an all-dad (plus Lucy) camping trip, and tuba-toting Mr. Weber in the two episodes set on "Main Street" of Bancroft.

WILLARD WATERMAN

Former "Great Gildersleeve" on radio, Waterman played TV host Greg Gregory in “Lucy and the Plumber” (1964), followed by Tex Critter at the dude ranch in "Lucy the Rain Goddess" (1966).

DICK PATTERSON

Patterson was a Broadway performer who played the "doctor" in "Lucy and the Beauty Doctor" (1966). The "doctor" was actually a TV host for a hidden camera show. He returned seven months later to play Marty King, director of Danny Thomas’s television show.

DORIS SINGLETON

Doris had originated the role of Carolyn Appleby on "I Love Lucy". On "The Lucy Show" she first played Ruth Cosgrove in "Lucy and Art Linkletter" (1966). Her character name was the real-life name of Milton Berle's wife, who would actually appear in season five as herself! Singleton returned to the series when "Lucy Gets Her Diploma" (1967) using her own first name. Doris (the character) has very little to do with the plot. Her scene might have been originally meant for Mary Jane but reassigned to Singleton due the indisposition of Croft.

RUTA LEE

Lee made her big screen debut in MGM’s Seven Bride for Seven Brothers in 1954. She was seen in many Desilu shows, finally acting opposite Lucille Ball on “The Lucy Show” as “Lucy’s Substitute Secretary” (1967). That same year she played herself opposite the aforementioned Ruth Cosgrove-Berle!

JACKIE COOGAN

One of the first child actors in Hollywood, Coogan is best remembered as Uncle Fester on "The Addams Family." He was mentioned on "I Love Lucy," but finally meets her face to face as Lieutenant Ruggles in "Lucy and the Military Academy" (1963). Five years later he was back as Mr. Burton, manager of a drive-in hamburger stand when "Lucy Gets Involved" (1968).

JAY NOVELLO

Novello started acting with Lucy on her radio show and was also seen on "I Love Lucy." In this series he plays Mr. Bundy, candy shop owner and safe cracker , and (1963) Tony DiBello, owner of an Italian Restaurant (1964) where Lucy takes her millionaire date.

OTHERS WHO HIT A DOUBLE

Jack Benny (Harry Tuttle / Himself)

Lyle Talbot (Mr. Stanford / Howard Wilcox)

Dan Rowan (Colin Grant / Dan McGowan)

Barbara Morrison (Mrs. Walker / Mrs. Winkler)

Cliff Norton (Mr. Bentley / Ike)

Tommy Farrell (Pete Murdock / Harry)

Jack Collins (Rocky / Ernie)

Howard Caine (Harold / Paul Roney)

Byron Foulger (Fred Dunbar / Mr. Trindle)

Eddie Quillan (Mr. Vincent / Briggs)

Elliott Reid (Ross Dowd / Dr. Oscar Kurtzman)

Phil Vandervoort (Alan / Tommy Watkins)

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papermoonloveslucy · 7 months

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THE FACE IS FAMILIAR… BUT I CAN’T PLACE THE NAME!

Same Actor / Different Character ~ Part 3: “Here's Lucy"

For the purposes of this discussion, we won't include background performers (aka extras) as they were nearly always drawn from the same pool of actors. Also, those who played multiple characters need to have at least one of them identified by name.

MARY WICKES

Lucille Ball's good friend tops the list of actors who played multiple roles, with seven characters in nine appearances. When the series premiered, she played a secretary friend of Lucy Carter's named Isabel in two episodes. Perhaps there was no room for Isabel, so she disappeared, but Wickes did not! Due to the fact that she played a nurse in her breakout role in The Man Who Came to Dinner (both stage and screen), she also played several nurses. She even showed up as Lucy's sister-in-law, a nun, another type that she was often cast as in films. In addition, she was a maid to an eccentric dowager, a Montana matriarch, and a nosy neighbor.

JACK COLLINS

Collins' six appearances span from season one in 1968 to the series finale in 1974. He played secret agent Johnson, expectant father Mr. Phillips, Vincent Price's producer Curt, Harry's eye optometrist Dr. Proctor, Harry's accountant Arthur Collins, and Harvey Stevens, proprietor of Harvey's Welcome Inn. Perhaps Collins is best compared to versatile actor Charles Lane on "I Love Lucy"?

CAROLE COOK

Lucy's protege is back with more interesting characters - five of them, to be exact. She started the series as a wacky woman in Carol Burnett's audience, played crusading neighbor Sheila Casten, bridge club member Lillian Rylander, gangster Ma Parker, and Cynthia Duncan, a Lucille Ball look-alike. Ma Parker was by far Cook's largest and most adventurous role on the series.

IRWIN CHARONE

Charone made five appearances on “The Lucy Show” and an equal number of “Here’s Lucy” episodes. Mr. Garfield of the Nippy Whippy Whipped Cream Company , dog owner Mr. Farnsworth, neighbor Chester P. Franklin, a permit office clerk, and college dean Phillips.

ROY ROBERTS

Roberts made an impact as Mr. Cheever on "The Lucy Show." His first appearance on "Here's Lucy" was as the Superintendent of the Air Force Academy in a two-part season opener filmed on location. He returned as a NASA's Dr. Jensen in "Lucy and the Astronauts" (1971), Warden Maginetti when "Lucy Goes To Prison" (1973), and Dr. Honeycutt when "Lucy is N.G. as an R.N." (1974).

RHODES REASON

Reason was a handsome leading man type who easily played a variety of roles from 1968 to 1973: Bradley Henshaw, Jim Simpson, Sam Toliver, Lieutenant Egan, and Keith Davidson.

ROBERT CARSON

Carson was a busy Canadian-born actor. While he never played supporting roles, he wasn't just an extra either. On "Here's Lucy" he played Martin Philips, Buzzy Brock, Sergeant Lou Holmes, and Officer Hurlow.

ROBERT ALDA

Alda (father of Alan) was best known for originating the role of Sky Masterson on Broadway in Guys and Dolls (1950). He did four episodes of "Here's Lucy," the first as himself, hosting the Secretary Beautiful Contest. The role was originally written for Don Ameche, then re-cast with Ross Martin, before Alda was finally given the part. He got to use his musical theatre skills singing the pageant’s theme. He put his musical skills to use again as Dean Butler in "Lucy, the Co-Ed" (1970). He also sang as Captain MacClay in a two-parter set on a cruise ship to Hawaii.

WALLY COX

Cox had come to the nation's attention as Mr. Peepers. On "Here's Lucy" he played ex-con safecracker Rock Barnett, wimpy Wally Manley, diamond cutter Gustav Vandermeer, and toy tycoon Tommy Tucker.

DORIS SINGLETON

Singleton created the role of Caroline Appleby on “I Love Lucy.” She was slated to appear as Doris, a secretary colleague of Lucy's, on "Here's Lucy," but the role was eliminated after the first episode. She returned, however, for three more appearances, all as secretaries to the stars: Petula Clark's secretary Miss Perkins, Eddie Albert's secretary Patty, and Lucille Ball's secretary Doris, a role modeled after Ball's own secretary Wanda.

WILLIAM LANTEAU

William Lanteau was a theatre actor who was most famous for playing Charlie the Mailman in On Golden Pond. His theatrical background surely helped him disguise himself in his four roles on "Here's Lucy". Unlike past guest actors, he looks significantly different in each one: Mr. Sherwood, a supermarket manager; Mr. Minkle, building superintendent; Spike, Ginger Rogers' secretary; and Edgar St. Vincent Kinkaid, antiques store manager.

DICK PATTERSON

Patterson was seen by Lucille Ball performing on stage and cast on "The Lucy Show." He continued his relationship with the redhead on "Here's Lucy" where he played computer matchmaker Mr. Morton (Ball's real surname), TV host Dick Dunkirk, Joe Namath's football coach Hennessy, and director of Lucy's pickle commercial Steve Thompson.

RETA SHAW

Shaw was a star of stage and screen (big and small) and Lucille Ball enjoyed working with her. This time, in the series' third episode, she played Mabel Ryker, using the same first name she had in The Pajama Game on stage and screen. She played Rita Forrester in "Lucy and The Group Encounter" (1972), and Mrs. Witherspoon, Lucy's prospective new boarder in "Lucy's Tenant" (1973).

LOLA FISHER

Fisher understudied and replaced Julie Andrews on Broadway in the musical My Fair Lady. She was seen as in "Lucy's Working Daughter" (1968), as Mrs. Pomeroy in "Lucy in the Jungle" (1971), and Bunny in "Lucy and the Franchise Fiasco" (1973).

CLIFF NORTON

Norton played Sam the Plumber who's overalls turn up on Richard Burton. He was an undercover detective looking for scalpers in an episode starring O.J. Simpson. Lastly, he got title billing in "Mary Jane's Boyfriend", playing accident prone Walter Butley.

BEN WRIGLEY

Wrigley was a British actor who appeared in My Fair Lady (1964) and Bednobs and Broomsticks (1971). so he was a natural to play butlers to Liberace and Jack Benny. He also played Homer Pomeroy in "Lucy in the Jungle" (1971).

BRUCE GORDON

Gordon was best known for playing gangster Frank Nitti in the Desilu television series "The Untouchables" (1959-63), a role he satirized on "The Lucy Show". He trades on that reputation again as Doc Porter in "Lucy and the Ex-Con" and Rocky in "Dirty Gertie", another organized crime scenario. For a change of pace, he played Grandfather Konstantine Kasos in "Lucy's Wedding Party."

ELLIOTT REID

Reid's work with Lucy goes back to "I Love Lucy". Here he plays three roles: Detective Harvey Gaines, Sammy Davis Jr.'s Director, and the host of Milton Berle's telethon.

PHIL VANDERVOORT

Vandervoort was (briefly) Lucille Ball's son-in-law and Lucy believed in keeping it in the family, casting her children, her husband, and her cousin-in-laws on the series. Vandervoort, a handsome young man, makes only three appearances but each one is made to look dramatically different, perhaps to obscure his leading man good looks. He plays Kim and Craig's musician friend Steve (the most 'normal' of his appearances), computer geek Joe Hackley, and beaded handman Tommy.

BARBARA MORRISON

Morrison returns to play two more imposing and imperious women: Harry's date Lady Agatha Warren, and finicky shopper Mrs. Murdock. With many other members of Lucy's acting company, she turns up as a diner in the series' penultimate episode.

HARRY HICKOX

Hickox was best known for playing anvil salesman Charlie Cowell in the 1962 film The Music Man. He played a drill sergeant on "The Lucy Show". He played three different policemen on “Here’s Lucy.”

BILLY SANDS

Sands played Mr. Larson, Lucy's milkman, in two episodes, but he also played Billy the bookie in a third appearance.

DON CRICHTON

Crichton was a dancer on "The Carol Burnett Show" and also did small roles, just as he did on "Here's Lucy". He danced in the series premiere, and then acted, playing Don in "Lucy, The Conclusion Jumper" (1968), and Steve in "Lucy, The American Mother" (1970).

LEW PARKER

Parker, best known as Marlo Thomas' father on "That Girl", was seen on the very first episode of "Here's Lucy" in 1968 as Mr. Caldwell. He returned in 1971 as Mr. Adams, the manager of an All-Nun Band.

LYLE TALBOT

Talbot, a veteran film actor, played Harry's Lawyer and his best pal from Bullwinkle U, Freddy Fox.

JACK MANNING

Manning played Mr. Walters, the manager of the showroom presenting teen idol Donny Osmond as well as Mr. Hubbell, a ceramics store owner who runs art classes, both during season 5.

RICHARD DEACON

Deacon was one of Desilu's favorites, appearing on "The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour," "The Mothers-In-Law" and "The Dick Van Dyke Show." For "Here's Lucy" he played unemployment office worker (with show biz aspirations) Harvey Hoople, and Loan Officer Elmer Zellerbach.

ALAN OPPENHEIMER

Oppenheimer played the part of the previously unknown Uncle Herb Hinkley, Lucy's brother. He then turned up as Lucy's doctor, Dr. Matt Parker.

OTHERS WHO 'HIT A DOUBLE'

Robert L. Stevens (River Guide / Alan Stevens)

James Brodhead (Tilford / Mr. Miller)

Mike Howden (Ski Instructor / Flight Attendant)

Ivor Barry (Producer / French Chef)

Hal Dunlop (Major Dunlop / Mr. Greenway)

R.G. Brown (Office Manager / Walter, Eva Gabor's Assistant)

Ernest Sarracino (Mr. Nicoletti / Tony)

Cecil Gold (Fred / Cecil)

Jimmy Bates (Clarence / Billy Joe Jackson)

Robert Hogan (Captain Perry / Jack Lucas)

Johnny Silver (Mountie / Benny)

Jody Gilbert (King Kong Woman / Prison Matron)

Ed Hall (Officer Egan / Numbers Smith)

Marc Lawrence (Joe Grapefruit / Ruby)

Florence Lake (Little Old Lady / Trixie)

Eddie Quillan (Cabbie / Mr. Jackson)

Al Checco (Detective Bobby / Dr. Crawford)

Dick Winslow (Harvey / Nightclub Emcee)

Susan Tolsky (Sue Ann Ditbenner / Miss Quigley)

CELEBRITIES WHO DID 'DOUBLE DUTY'

CAROL BURNETT (Carol Krausmeyer / Herself)

MILTON BERLE (Cheerful Charlie / Himself)

ROBERT CUMMINGS (Bob Collins / Bob Henning)

EVA GABOR (Eva Von Graunitz / Herself)

PAUL WINCHELL (Carlo the Tailer / Little Old Jeweler & The Great Pierre Barmarche)

ED MCMAHON (Ed McAllister / Himself)

LUCILLE BALL (Lucy Carter / Herself)

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