Often we talk about the old TV shows from the seventies and eighties that have become cult classics. Some adore them and form fan clubs to keep the myth alive... while others hate them and find them ridiculous, never having been able to stand them. Regardless, they are part of our lives... they are reference points and, for better or worse, accompanied our childhood. They set trends, and the actors who played in them felt like part of the family.
I often wondered: what happened to those actors? Did they find success? Did I see them again, perhaps without recognizing them? What have they done since then?
I did a little research, and I was somewhat disappointed.
Listen to this.
Do you remember Arnold? The story of the two adopted African American boys, taken in by a wealthy family. A very sad fate, that of the boys.
Dana Plato (the beautiful stepsister Kimberly) died of an overdose in 1999.
Gary Coleman (Arnold) met the ultimate bad luck. Afflicted by serious growth disorders, he was used and then discarded by the star system. After fame and glory, he hardly worked in show business again (except for a small role on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air) and often found himself in legal troubles. Now he works as an illegal parking attendant and frequently gets into trouble with the law.
The same fate befell the actor who played the older brother Willis. He is currently in prison for weapons and drug trafficking.
And what about "Three's Company"? Who hasn't felt a warm spot in their heart for the adventures of the charming blonde twins, their uncle, and the burly bearded butler?
Poor Anissa Jones (little Buffy) died in 1976 (she was not yet 18). Struck down by a cocaine and barbiturate overdose, she was cremated, and her ashes were scattered at sea, with no funeral.
Johnny Whitaker (the little brother Jody) did a few films after the series ended, but with no remarkable results. After Anissa's death, he was so devastated that he dropped everything.
Now he works as a computer technician and has created (among other things) the theme song for Friends. Occasionally, he works as a manager for child stars, motivated by a desire to protect childhood from the harshness of being on stage.
Brian Keith (the uncle) committed suicide in 1997 (he was very ill).
Cissy, the older sister, played by actress Kathy Garver, has had better luck. We've seen her in many films, where she has always worked with discretion and maturity. Who recognized her in Apollo 13?
Moreover, she is one of the leading producers of electric toys in the USA.
The burly butler French, after a great career as a voice actor for Disney cartoons (he was the voice of Bagheera the panther in The Jungle Book), died of a heart attack.
And what about "The Bradford Family"? Who hasn't followed the stories of the eight American kids? Do you remember Nicholas (Adam Rich)? Yes, the little one... the one with the funny face and the bowl haircut. Believe it or not, this kid was already doing drugs on the set of the show (and he wasn't even 10!). He got in trouble so many times, ending up in jail for armed robbery and drug trafficking. His television dad often got him out of trouble, but eventually even he gave up.
In 1996, news broke of Adam's violent death, but the mystery surrounding his end lives on today.
Currently, Canale5 is re-airing the delightful series "Bewitched."
The two protagonists, Samantha and Darrin, are lovely. She is beautiful in her optical mini skirts, and he is sweet and endearing, despite being a bit plain.
Elizabeth Montgomery and Dick York both passed away prematurely from cancer.
And what about Family Ties? The show that launched the talented Michael J. Fox, the actor who gave us so many wonderful films (including the Back to the Future saga). Michael was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease when he was only 30. He barely works anymore and has dedicated himself wholeheartedly to fighting the illness.
Starsky and Hutch has also been revived, one of the most iconic