In the past few weeks, I’ve posted a couple of “From the Vault” episodes over at brioux.tv: the podcast. One featured a 2014 interview with Bill Daily talking about his boss on The Bob Newhart Show; the other was another 2014 interview, this time with WKRP in Cincinnati creator Hugh Wilson. I’ve done others in
Hugh Wilson talked his way into a job at MTM Enterprises at just the right time. When he arrived in the early ’70s, they were busy making sitcom history with The Mary Tyler Moore Show and The Bob Newhart Show. Wilson, who had no prior TV experience, could often be found up in the rafters, taking a crash
Stronger, faster, higher — artier. The opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 was an artistic triumph, a master class in dazzling outdoor sight and sound. It had to be less fun for the tens of thousands of onlookers positioned for six to eight hours along the River Seine, as well as the 6800
Back in 1995, during my days writing for TV Guide Canada, I had a memorable encounter with Faye Dunaway. At the time, the Academy Award-winning actress had a reputation for being difficult; certainly on a set during a production but also in exchanges with reporters. “Good luck,” I was warned after landing the assignment. My
The death of comedy legend Bob Newhart July 18 had me scrambling for this “From the Vault” conversation with Bill Daily. This was recorded in May of 2014 with the interview arranged to cover the release of The Bob Newhart Show: The Complete Series in a DVD box set from Shout! Factory. I also interviewed
Bob Newhart made me laugh so many times over the years, especially on his first hit TV sitcom, The Bob Newhart Show (1972-78). I’ll never forget, therefore, the one time I made him laugh. It was at a Television Critics Association Awards presentation, at least a dozen years ago. I believe our group were bestowing
Judas Priest. Not Lieutenant Hunter as well? The rash of former TV stars who have passed away in the last few days is alarming, especially considering another former reality show star came within a half inch or so of joining them. Passing away Friday, July 13 was James B. Sikking, part of the large and
What to make of Richard Simmons? Born in New Orleans in 1948, he was an overweight teen who shed pounds through diet and exercise. This led to his own weight loss clinic in Beverly Hills, Slimmons. The successful business was profiled on the TV show Real People and Simmons himself became something of a national