Stories

Jackie Gleason knew that The Honeymooners would last forever

He also had a great understanding of why

Mama's Family wasn't interested in bringing social issues into its episodes

The series was in the business of entertainment, not teaching.

Jimmie Walker said he was nothing like J.J. on Good Times

He was more of a loner in real life than his "Dy-no-mite!" character!

When Larry Linville wasn't filming M*A*S*H, he was pursuing a high-flying hobby

Linville had two kinds of highs during his time on M*A*S*H: Working as an actor on a successful TV series and building aircraft.

Here's how Ozzie Nelson used his family's age to help his show

Fun and family first, fame and fortune second.

Mama's Family became a kinder show when it moved into syndication

A Mama's Family writer called Thelma Harper "a positive role model."

Lucille Ball on the lack of I Love Lucy reunions: ''It's never been that important.''

However, Ball did keep in contact with her old costars.

There was a time when no one knew what Ozzie's career was on The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet

He was family first and questions later. Can anyone recall what Ozzie did for a living in his series?

In the 1960s, Ozzie Nelson was considered a Hollywood genius

We can't tell if Ozzie Nelson was working hard or hardly working with how much fun he had with his family on set.

Mike Farrell said his shyness almost ruined his chances of becoming a TV star

He was a bit of a shy guy before becoming the charming doctor with the best mustache in the 4077th.

Lucille Ball once said that she spent most of her time watching Vivian Vance while rewatching old episodes of I Love Lucy

"Viv was sensational," said Lucy.

The real reason why Carol Burnett began limiting her appearances as Eunice in Mama's Family

Burnett was more than a friend to Lawrence; she was a teacher.

Allan Kayser used Mama's Family as a learning opportunity

The actor was a student of comedy with the best teacher: Vicki Lawrence.

It wasn't until she starred in I Love Lucy that Vivian Vance's mother began supporting her daughter's dreams as an actor

"We didn't know what we had," said Vance.

The producer and Jim Nabors spent a lot of time perfecting Gomer Pyle: USMC

Jim Nabors and Gomer Pyle were both small-town boys with a lot of optimism.

Frank Sutton didn't like talking about politics during his time on Gomer Pyle: U.S.M.C.

Frank Sutton was only an actor, and he wanted both interviewers and his fans to know that.

Frank Sutton used his real military experience on Gomer Pyle: USMC

Sutton was a real Army veteran with a fictional Marine background.

In the '60s, Carol Burnett and Jim Nabors went on the road together

They were as good of friends offstage as they were comedians onstage together.

After Gomer Pyle, Jim Nabors became a nut farmer in Hawaii and needed a life-saving liver transplant

''I raise macadamia nuts in Hawaii and that's good enough for me.''

Marines loved Frank Sutton and he loved the Marines

Sutton's popularity in the role of Sgt. Carter had people running to sign up for the Marine Corps.

This Mama's Family writer said that he drew from his own family when writing for the series

Would you want to get to know a real-life Thelma Harper?

Lucille Ball didn't enjoy watching some of the earlier episodes of I Love Lucy

Ball called some of the episodes "silly."

Alan Alda used his experience from the military while playing the role of Hawkeye

Alda didn't want M*A*S*H to be a series that portrayed war as a ''fun place to be.''

Vivian Vance commented on the ''desperation'' in later episodes of I Love Lucy

"I, personally, like any show that, from the beginning to end, is not forced," said the actor.

A new Norman Lear biography reveals his dynamic with Carroll O'Connor and John Amos

Making TV isn't easy!

Lucille Ball explained the most important lesson she took from her early career in the film industry

Ball appeared in various B movies in her early days as a film actor.

Here's the real reason why Lucille Ball dyed her hair that iconic red color

The look is legendary, but the steps taken to get there are shrouded in rumors.

Sally Field said high schoolers were the world's hardest audience

Teens loved Sister Bertrille!

Florence Henderson loved new Brady Bunch fans

"I just care too much," said Henderson.

The Flying Nun helped Sally Field soar (literally)

Getting Sister Bertrille airborne was no easy task.

Sally Field wasn't your typical ''All-American Girl'' despite what it seemed onscreen

Many might be surprised to learn that this typical "All-American Girl" was in therapy when she was 19.

Sally Field hated being called cute during her time on The Flying Nun

Many words could be used to describe Field and her career, but "cute" is not one of them.

Mike Farrell helped M*A*S*H mature as a series

Mike Farrell was the new guy for a while, but quickly went up in the ranks as M*A*S*H progressed.

Here's how the Meadows sisters made television a family affair

The two sisters had a love for performing.

Florence Henderson acknowledged that The Brady Bunch was unrealistic, and explained why that was actually a good thing

"A lot of people don't realize that on The Brady Bunch, I'm acting," said Henderson.

Clifton Davis wanted to act in a show that many could relate to

"We try to do a 'people show' that's warm," Davis said.

Ted Lange used That's My Mama as a chance to prove himself

Before he boarded The Love Boat, he was just trying to stay afloat on That's My Mama.

Tim Conway wasn't interested in becoming a performer — until Rose Marie stepped in

As a young man, Conway wasn't interested in the Hollywood lifestyle.

Bea Arthur and Sally Struthers used to gossip in the supermarket when they saw each other

"She was a big deal," said Struthers. "I loved her."

Carl Reiner once called Dick Van Dyke's talent ''sickening''

Surprisingly, this was high praise.

Theresa Merritt faced an identity crisis during her time on That's My Mama

She was Mama Curtis to everyone, even in real life.

Theresa Merritt based her That's My Mama character on her aunt

Mama Curtis always felt like a real person. Turns out, it's because Mama Curtis was actually Aunt Gertie.

ABC wanted That's My Mama to emulate the success of Good Times

The network wanted the Curtis family to impact viewers like the Evans did, but that's not what happened.

Ja'Net DuBois had big love for her small role on Good Times

Somebody’s got to play the small parts, and DuBois was at peace with that.

Carol Burnett was ''petrified'' the first time she performed comedy in school

Burnett said that she was a "wallflower" as a child.

Audrey Meadows made bank in her role on The Honeymooners

The Honeymooners made Meadows a millionaire.

Norman Lear based Archie Bunker off of his own father

The writer borrowed from his life.

M*A*S*H's Loretta Swit thought laughter and comedy were hard to come by

Swit still kept a positive attitude even when things looked negative.

Buddy Ebsen believed classic TV viewers needed a father figure

Ebsen thought Jed Clampett could be the dad everyone needed and wanted in the ’60s.

Carol Burnett was worried she'd overwhelm an audience before she starred in her own variety series

"The last thing I want is to shove myself down people's throats three times a week."

Despite their differences, Norman Lear said that having Carroll O'Connor as Archie Bunker was ''so worth it''

"My entire body felt, 'Oh my god. This is Archie.'"

Donna Douglas was a ''friendly critter'' towards all animals on The Beverly Hillbillies

She had a genuine love for pets of all shapes, sizes, and kinds.

Raymond Bailey was ''the banker's hero'' after his role on The Beverly Hillbillies

His success as The Clampetts' banker was so unexpected, he wouldn't have even put money on it.

Irene Ryan was worried she would have tomatoes thrown at her during live performances

Stage fright? No way. Fears of being famous? Nope. Flying tomatoes? Irene Ryan was always looking out for them.

About that time Max Baer Jr. played Jethro's twin sister on The Beverly Hillbillies

Max Baer Jr. was a man who looked like a lady, or a man who looked like his twin sister.

Barry Williams really did wipe out while surfing in Hawaii on The Brady Bunch

A memorable scene in The Brady Bunch was actually one of Barry Williams's most embarrassing moments.

Eve Arden was afraid of losing her identity to Miss Brooks

After eight years of playing the role, Eve Arden was afraid of losing herself to Miss Brooks.

Vivian Vance's acting career had a parallel in mental health

She was much more than just Ethel Mertz.

Jean Stapleton knew that Edith Bunker wasn't stupid

"Edith is the power."

LaWanda Page was scared to make mistakes when she first appeared on Sanford and Son

The actress didn't want to disappoint her mom, Redd Foxx and viewers.

Night Court's Harry Anderson had a tough start to his success

A little magic goes a long way.

This M*A*S*H episode came as a surprise for fans watching

"Abyssinia, Henry" was a serious episode for the comedy series.

Ted Danson's toupee practically became its own character on Cheers

Did you know the moment Sam removed his hairpiece was totally unscripted?

Carol Burnett’s childhood friends were shocked she became a comedy star

The TV legend was a quiet kid and didn’t start acting until college!

Carroll O'Connor gave the best advice for aspiring actors

The Emmy award-winning actor was all for following your dreams but said it would not come easy.

Harvey Korman on the type of chemistry it took to make The Carol Burnett Show work

Korman was proof that cast chemistry was key to comedy gold!

Here's how Mayberry and Andy Griffith shaped George Lindsey

He treated each day in Mayberry like it was his last.

After a spinoff involving Lenny and Squiggy was scrapped, Cindy Willaims said it was probably for the best

The Laverne & Shirley duo were going to get their own show!

Mayberry's Ken Berry couldn't believe he would replace Andy Griffith

Those are some pretty big shoes to fill, but luckily, Ken Berry was quick on his feet.

Here's what Ken Berry had to say to people who thought Mayberry R.F.D. was ''unrelatable''

He defended his fictional hometown until the series ended in 1971.

Mayberry R.F.D. was a twist and turn in Ken Berry's life

Although acting wasn't Berry's original dream, he did it well and replaced an acting legend with ease.

George Lindsey used his country roots to his benefit in Mayberry R.F.D.

Turns out, Lindsey didn't have to do that much acting in order to play the part of a small-town country bumpkin.

Cindy Williams explained the secret to a good television series was a bit of stupidity

"We take television to its dumbest," said the actor.

Despite his stardom, Desi Arnaz said that he was a ''family man'' at heart

"The public does not think of me as a homebody," said the actor.

Cindy Williams and Penny Marshall had two very different reactions to fame and success

Finding success was one of the best—and most confusing—days of their lives.

Success was the only thing keeping Rob Reiner and Penny Marshall apart

The timeless couple just wanted to have a little more time with each other.

Cindy Williams loved playing the role of Shirley on Laverne & Shirley

Cindy Williams and Penny Marshall were surprised when Laverne & Shirley became one of the most-watched TV series in the country.

Tim Conway was proud to play second fiddle to Carol Burnett

"Carol is the only star I would go on as a regular with," said Conway.

Penny Marshall was afraid of stardom during her time on Laverne & Shirley

Penny Marshall dealt with different degrees of pressure during her time on the show. One of those pressures came from herself.

Producer Garry Marshall was surprised by Laverne & Shirley's success

The producer said Laverne & Shirley was "all about timing."

Don Adams used his past roles to build upon his role in Get Smart

Don Adams was clever in his portrayal of Maxwell Smart.

Bob Newhart was hesitant to return to the classic TV wars

Don’t worry—he just needed the right show to showcase his style of comedy.

Vivian Vance said that ''there was no boss'' on the set of I Love Lucy

Vance also said that she and Lucille Ball balanced each other out.

Ann B. Davis said that the children on The Brady Bunch were ''the backbone of the show''

Davis adored her costars on The Brady Bunch.

Here's how Happy Days helped Ron Howard mature

All Ron Howard wanted was to act his age.

Tom Bosley shared a lot in common with his Happy Days character

Bosley built a career on being a dad.

Marion Ross loved the similarities between her Happy Days family and her real one

Marion Ross loved her own family just as much as Marion Cunningham loved Richie and Joanie.

Henry Winkler put an end to a common rumor about Happy Days in 1976

Remember when we all thought Henry Winkler was leaving Happy Days? He addressed the rumor in a 1976 interview.

Ron Howard used Happy Days as a chance to shed his ''Opie'' image

His role as Richie helped him grow up and grow out of his "Opie" character.

Bob Newhart did comedy to ''keep him from crying''

"I guess I laugh to keep from crying," Newhart said.

Sally Struthers spent $40,000 trying to leave All in the Family

We almost lost Gloria!

The cast and crew of The Carol Burnett Show were like a real family behind the scenes

Wouldn't you want Carol Burnett as your sister?

This scene of Laverne & Shirley was so good it made Steven Spielberg jealous

While visiting the set of Laverne & Shirley, Spielberg saw greatness.

In 1966, Bob Denver gave advice on how to be funny

Bob Denver knew how to be funny, and he wanted you to know how too.

Alan Hale Jr. was constantly mistaken for his father in the '60s

Everyone thought Alan Hale Jr. was Alan Hale Sr. throughout his acting career. A real like father, like son moment.

Harvey Korman said that he didn't look for ''comedy'' in sketches on The Carol Burnett Show

Korman was a professional.

Carol Burnett said she was ''fortunate'' that her work never interfered with her private life

"Actually, I've been very lucky," said Burnett

Bob Denver and Dawn Wells said Gilligan's Island wasn't just for kids

It didn't matter if you were a kid or an adult, getting stranded on Gilligan's Island was an easy thing to do.

Tina Louise would have picked Manhattan over Gilligan's Island

Oops! Looks like Tina Louise would have rather been stranded somewhere else.

When Gilligan's Island ended, an exhausted Bob Denver got a boat of his own

The actor had worked a three-year tour with just one day off.

Carroll O'Connor began an anti-drug crusade in memory of his son

He used his platform to make a difference.

M*A*S*H actor Gary Burghoff hated being called cute

The man with a teddy bear hated being called cute.

Tom Hanks had this to say about dressing in drag during his time on Bosom Buddies

Sometimes it takes a pair of high heels to reach great heights.

Tom Hanks had some critiques for Bosom Buddies in the early '80s

Tom Hanks was a fresh face in Hollywood at the time, yet he still knew how to make a hit TV series.

Bosom Buddies helped Peter Scolari be known as a funny man

The critics may not have believed in Bosom Buddies, but they definitely took notice of Peter Scolari's comedic talent.

M*A*S*H's McLean Stevenson didn't think kids should watch TV

He wanted kids to give up TV and turn the page to reading—even if it meant fewer kids were watching M*A*S*H.

Gary Burghoff wanted M*A*S*H fans to connect with Radar

He was one of the few non-officers on M*A*S*H but had all the characteristics needed to be one.

Get Smart's Don Adams was a real-life Maxwell Smart

Before Get Smart he was lying about his age and performing stand-up comedy in dive bars.

Leslie Nielsen landed a role on Police Squad because of his acting in Airplane!

After the '80s movie Airplane!, Leslie Nielsen was flying high in his career.

Loretta Swit said her role on M*A*S*H was one of the hardest to play

"She's human and humane, and I try to justify her outrageous behavior by being the best nurse in Korea," Loretta Swit said about her M*A*S*H character.

Don Adams on the secret formula to Get Smart's success

Although he wasn't conducting James Bond-level spy work, his dedication to the job paid off.

Barbara Feldon was famous for commercials before she was on Get Smart

From selling men's pomade and purring at the audience to playing Agent 99 in a spy spoof, Feldon was a queen of TV.

Mel Brooks was aiming for a ''dangerous comedy'' with When Things Were Rotten

Things were never rotten for Mel Brooks or his incredible career.

Jamie Farr wanted M*A*S*H fans to accept him with or without the dress

Farr didn't need Gary Burghoff or a pretty dress for Klinger to shine.

Leslie Nielsen found a love for comedy through Police Squad!

He was known for being a serious actor until he went and did something as silly as Airplane! and Police Squad!

Henry Winkler on how he'd like to see The Fonz leave Happy Days

It was tough to say goodbye to a character he loved so much.

Success caught Get Smart's Barbara Feldon by surprise

Forget money and fame; being Agent 99 was enough of a ''status symbol'' for Barbara Feldon.

Alan Alda wanted a very private life for him and his family during his time on M*A*S*H

He was a ladies' man who only cared about one woman.

David Rasche said Sledge Hammer reminded him of improv classes

This funny guy took the Sledge Hammer! series very seriously.

Henry Winkler explained the frustrating part of playing The Fonz

"I don't mind talking about the show at all, it's just that I don't want to be The Fonz."

Cher shares Lucy's less-than-sunny Bono bon mot

The singer reached out to her famous peer for advice.

Henry Winkler agreed to play the Fonz — on one condition

"I got a call and they asked if I’d like the role."

Harvey Korman loved The Carol Burnett Show, but hated some of the costumes

After all, fake mustaches, feathers, tutus, and tiaras can only take you so far.

Tim Conway thought more comedy was needed in TV and film

This funny guy on TV wanted to be a funny guy in the movies, too!

10 behind-the-scenes photos of Christmas on classic TV to get you in the holiday spirit

Get into the holiday spirit with your favorite classic TV stars!

Penny Marshall and Cindy Williams mended their friendship fifteen years after Laverne & Shirley ended

"We got together at my house and had the conversation I wished I'd been able to have fifteen years earlier," wrote Marshall.

Originally, we were never meant to see more than the back of Alan Brady's head on The Dick Van Dyke Show

Initially, the character had a much smaller role planned.

Ron Howard said that the teens of the fifties weren't so different from the young people of today

The actor believed that the two groups were more alike than they were different.

Gilda Radner was briefly considered for the role of Shirley Feeney in Laverne & Shirley

The SNL actor was nearly the star of the hit sitcom.

Carl Reiner based The Dick Van Dyke Show on his feelings for his wife, Estelle

"When I was no longer involved in making the piece and just sitting back as an audience, I was really amazed at how many of them are very, very funny."

Here's what Christmas meant to Lucille Ball, Mike Connors and more in 1973

Here's what Christmas meant to these six celebrities, guaranteed to get you in the holiday spirit!

Penny Marshall enjoyed drinking milk and Pepsi as a child, long before she starred on Laverne & Shirley

Laverne and Penny shared a drink of choice.

Andy Griffith once calculated what it would cost to give the Twelve Days of Christmas

"Plus sales tax."

The Honeymooners had a Christmas special in the '70s

Ralph directs a Christmas play!

8 things we learned about Norman Lear from the book: ''Norman Lear: His Life and Times''

Here are eight reasons why Norman Lear was the groundbreaking man behind more than five hit series, according to the book Norman Lear: His Life and Times.

Not all actors wanted to be roasted by Dean Martin on The Dean Martin Celebrity Roast

And with a look at some of the roasters, we could understand why!

Please enjoy this pep talk from Florence Henderson

Feeling down? Take a dose of Carol Brady.

Here's Marlo Thomas' reaction to ending her hit series That Girl

She carried parts of Ann Marie with her long after the cameras stopped rolling.

Dick Van Dyke: ''I never thought I would be anything''

The multi-hyphenate talent never saw stardom ahead.

How Marlo Thomas gave Danny Thomas the worst Father’s Day gift possible

The decision to act came easily for everyone—except Marlo's parents.

That Girl's Marlo Thomas was tired of talking about her dad in interviews

Her famous father wasn’t her only acting inspiration!

Catchy Comedy celebrates Thanksgiving with a Dean Martin Celebrity Roast marathon on Nov. 28th

We're dishing out a heaping helping of the Dean Martin Celebrity Roast starting Nov. 28th at 6a ET on Catchy Comedy.

When he wasn't acting on Mama's Family, Ken Berry loved to ride motorcycles

"It's more than a hobby with me," said the actor.

Susan Olsen had a crush on her on-screen sibling during the filming of The Brady Bunch

"I had two thousand various crushes on him," said Olsen.

Maureen McCormick on why she doesn't like to watch The Brady Bunch

The actor wasn't a fan of reruns.

This was Susan Olsen's proudest moment in her acting career

No, it wasn't on the set of The Brady Bunch.

That evil woodpecker that terrorized Ritchie in The Dick Van Dyke Show was based off a real (and terrifying) bird

Watch out: There's a bird on the loose!

Eve Plumb had to channel her inner Jan Brady for The Brady Brides

The Brady Brides marked one of her first times seeing her on-screen sister in years.

Dick Van Dyke had to be reminded frequently that he was a star

The actor kept humble.

Florence Henderson called seeing everyone all grown up on A Very Brady Christmas ''strange''

Henderson called this family reunion a "little strange."

Marion Ross called Tom Bosley the ''father'' of the Happy Days cast and crew

The actor was a father figure, on-screen and off.

Tom Bosley wasn't upset that he had to share the stage in Happy Days

"I don't miss front and center," said the actor.

Vicki Lawrence fought for better scripts on Mama's Family

Having worked under Burnett, she knew not to settle.

R.I.P. Quincy Jones, titan of American music

He created theme songs for classic TV and film and worked with everyone from Sinatra to Michael Jackson. He was 91 years old.

Lucille Ball perfected I Love Lucy on the road before it ever aired its first episode

Ball was an expert in her craft.

Fear was a powerful motivator for Henry Winkler

How Winkler used his anxieties to his advantage.

Compared to My Three Sons, Fred MacMurray said being a father was harder at home

Fatherhood was so much easier for MacMurray when it was written out in My Three Sons.

Fred MacMurray tried to keep My Three Sons as fresh as possible

MacMurray and his three sons were no strangers to change.

Desi Arnaz on playing a character after Ricky Ricardo: ''I wanted to get as far away as possible from I Love Lucy.''

It was the series that made him a star, but why did he want to get away?

Did you catch this horror movie easter egg in Night Court?

Horror fans may have spotted the in-joke to one of John Larroquette's early roles.

At 20, Don Grady was an actor, a writer and composer for My Three Sons

Grady became a triple threat at the age of 20!

Here's a few reasons why ALF was Max Wright's hardest work

Whenever he felt on top of the world, ALF was there to help ground him.

Despite his role in My Three Sons, William Frawley was ''undomesticated''

The character was the authority on cooking, cleaning and caretaking; the actor lacked that skill set.

Here's the reason Paul Fusco believed everyone loved ALF

ALF took the world by storm, and he wasn’t even from this planet!

Fred MacMurray was ''semi-retired'' while on My Three Sons

MacMurray was such a low-pressure kind of guy that he even "semi-retired" while still working.

ALF's Paul Fusco enjoyed creating shows for families and kids

ALF gave us an out of this world look into a planet he wasn't even from.

The misstatement of the century: Mary Tyler Moore once referred to herself as ''plain'' and ''simple''

Moore was often approached by fans for style tips.

Anne Schedeen thanked ALF for bringing her up to star status

All she needed was a working spaceship to help her land her star status.

Max Wright said ALF the alien made him feel more human

It took an alien from outer space to help Max Wright find his humanity in the world.

Ron Howard on his time as a university student while playing a high schooler on Happy Days

"It would be a lack of foresight to think I had it made now and didn't have to continue to improve myself," the actor said.

Penny Marshall: ''I didn’t want to be in show business''

The story is as unexpected as it is interesting!

Terror on the high seas: 10 Love Boat guest stars in horror movies

It's an open smile on a friendly shore. Or is it?!

One weird fact connects Halloween (1978) and Mama's Family

Mama's in the house. But Michael Myers is, too!

The creator of Happy Days said that it would be difficult to write a comedy about modern teenagers

Would those days still be happy if they were happening in the 1970s?

Vivian Vance commended Lucille Ball on her talent as a performer

Vance called Ball "a great clown."

Lucille Ball didn't mind sharing her series with farm animals

Lucille Ball took "rural humor" to a new extreme!

Ron Howard's Happy Days departure was sudden and unexpected

He couldn't stay Richie forever!

Vivian Vance said that success made her mean for a while

Learning to love Ethel was no easy task for Vance.

Making Lucy iconic: How writers crafted Lucille Ball's TV character

Here's what it was like, straight from the source.

This was the moment during Henry Winkler's Happy Days audition that won him the role of The Fonz

Winkler turned a four-line audition into a showstopper.

Henry Winkler said that the reason Fonzie was so appealing was because he genuinely enjoyed playing the character

He's Henry Winkler's favorite cool guy!

The Three Stooges said children would attack them in public

A nine-year-old thwacked them with a cane on the boardwalk.

Did you catch this Happy Days easter egg in one of the biggest horror franchises?

It was a reference 26 years in the making!

Here's why the iconic comedy duo Laurel and Hardy broke up

The comedy duo had to separate in order to team up against the studio!

Stan Laurel of Laurel and Hardy used to compare comedy to sports

A boxer studies the timing of each punch, while a comedian studies the punchline.

Anson Williams beat out 400 other actors for the role of Potsie

Williams fought hard to be called a Potsie!

Starring in Laverne & Shirley put a real damper on Cindy Williams' love life

"I wonder the real motive now when somebody wants to date me," she said.

R.I.P. John Amos, star of Good Times, Roots and The Mary Tyler Moore Show

Catchy Comedy will celebrate actor John Amos with a tribute featuring special episodes of Good Times. Tune in to remember John Amos starting Wednesday Oct. 2nd through Friday, Oct. 4th starting at 6p ET | 3p PT each day.