Kirstie Alley, Emmy-winning ‘Cheers’ star, dies at 71
December 6, 2022 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Kirstie Alley, a two-time Emmy winner whose roles on the TV megahit “Cheers” and in the “Look Who's Talking” films made her one of the biggest stars in American comedy in the late 1980s and early 1990s, died Monday.
Robert Clary, last of the ‘Hogan’s Heroes’ stars, dies at 96
November 17, 2022 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Robert Clary, a French-born survivor of Nazi concentration camps during World War II who played a feisty prisoner of war in the improbable 1960s sitcom “Hogan’s Heroes,” has died.
Mayan Lopez, dad George heal relationship through TV roles
November 14, 2022 GMTMayan Lopez's co-star in her new NBC sitcom “ Lopez vs. Lopez ” happens to be her real-life dad, George Lopez.
The two play a father and daughter who are repairing their relationship after years of not getting along.
Leslie Jordan, versatile Emmy-winning actor, dies at 67
October 25, 2022 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Leslie Jordan, the actor whose wry Southern drawl and versatility made him a comedy and drama standout on TV series including “Will & Grace” and “American Horror Story,” has died.
‘Succession,’ ‘Ted Lasso’ top Emmys; 1st time winners shine
September 13, 2022 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — “Succession” and “Ted Lasso” topped the Emmy Awards on Monday, in a ceremony that touted the influence of TV and extended honors to global sensation “Squid Game” and winners who delivered messages of empowerment.
Sheryl Lee Ralph, 66, 1st-time nominee, wins Emmy award
September 13, 2022 GMTVeteran actor Sheryl Lee Ralph, an ageless stalwart of the industry who won an Emmy as a first-time nominee at the age of 66, relished in her victory by bellowing powerful lyrics about being an “Endangered Species,” and imploring others to never give up on themselves no matter how long it takes to be seen.
US Rep: Sitcom with Danny DeVito as voice of Satan is ‘evil’
September 7, 2022 GMTNEW ORLEANS (AP) — An animated horror comedy featuring Danny DeVito as the voice of Satan is “clearly evil,” says a Republican congressman from Louisiana whose Facebook post denouncing “Little Demon” had reached millions of people by Tuesday morning.
Kenan Thompson of ‘SNL’ to host Sept. 12 Emmy Awards
August 9, 2022 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Veteran “Saturday Night Live” cast member Kenan Thompson will host next month's Emmy Awards.
“Being a part of this incredible evening where we honor the best of the television community is ridiculously exciting, and to do it on NBC – my longtime network family – makes it even more special,” Thompson said in a statement Tuesday.
‘Golden Girls’ LA pop-up restaurant has the golden touch
August 8, 2022 GMTBEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) — Picture it: A vacant Beverly Hills bistro has been transformed into the set of a 1980s sitcom about four women living in Miami — but it's also a working restaurant.
Reservations have been going fast at the newly opened The Golden Girls Kitchen.
Tony Dow, big brother Wally on ‘Leave it to Beaver,’ dies
July 28, 2022 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Tony Dow, who as Wally Cleaver on the sitcom “Leave It to Beaver” helped create the popular and lasting image of the American teenager of the 1950s and 60s, died Wednesday. He was 77.
Director James Burrows looks back on his career in new book
June 23, 2022 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — James Burrows loves sitcoms, and he should. The 81-year-old has directed more than 1,000 episodes of TV sitcoms, including fan favorites such as “Friends,” “Cheers,” and Will & Grace." He's also directed the pilot episodes for “Frasier,” “Two and a Half Men,” “The Big Bang Theory” and more, setting the tone for the series going forward.
Slimmed-down Billy Gardell savors TV success, family life
May 20, 2022 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Billy Gardell is scrupulous about giving credit where it’s due, at home and at work.
He describes his wife, Patty, as the “North star” who helped him through tough times and kept their family on track.
Henry Winkler gets book deal, memoir to come out in 2024
May 11, 2022 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Henry Winkler is busy as ever these days, but the actor is still making time to write a memoir.
Celadon Books announced Wednesday that it has a deal with Winkler to tell his life story.
ABC’s ‘black-ish’ ends its run as ABC looks to future
April 26, 2022 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — As the comedy “black-ish” ended its run after eight seasons with a relatively modest live audience of 2.52 million viewers, ABC is already pivoting to what it hopes is its next defining sitcom.
‘Golden Girls’ shows little age at inaugural fan convention
April 23, 2022 GMTCHICAGO (AP) — TV shows about sci-fi or comic book fare usually inspire fan conventions — not a sitcom about four women of a certain age living together in Florida.
But sisters Hillary Wasicek, 37, and Melissa Gluck, 43, took this weekend's inaugural “The Golden Girls” convention at Chicago's Navy Pier to heart.
TV’s ‘black-ish’ ends 8-season run with legacy, fans secure
April 18, 2022 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — A surprise awaited “black-ish” creator Kenya Barris and his family on a 2016 visit to the newly opened National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington: An exhibit on the TV series was on display.
Liz Sheridan, Jerry’s doting mom on ‘Seinfeld,’ dies at 93
April 15, 2022 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Liz Sheridan, who played doting mom to Jerry Seinfeld on his hit sitcom, died early Friday. She was 93.
Sheridan died in her sleep from natural causes, five days after her April 10 birthday, said Amanda Hendon, her longtime representative and friend.
Estelle Harris, ‘Seinfeld’ and ‘Toy Story’ actor, dies at 93
April 3, 2022 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Estelle Harris, who hollered her way into TV history as George Costanza’s short-fused mother on “Seinfeld” and voiced Mrs. Potato Head in the “Toy Story” franchise, has died. She was 93.
‘Dark Shadows,’ ‘Lethal Weapon’ actor Mitchell Ryan dies
March 5, 2022 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Mitchell Ryan, who played a villainous general in the first “Lethal Weapon" movie, a ruthless businessman on TV's “Santa Barbara" and had character roles on the soap opera “Dark Shadows" and the 1990s sitcom “Dharma & Greg," died Friday.
Tim Considine, son on ‘My Three Sons’ sitcom, dies at 81
March 5, 2022 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Tim Considine, who played the eldest son, Mike, on the 1960s TV sitcom “My Three Sons," has died. He was 81.
In ‘Lucy and Desi,’ Amy Poehler strives to humanize TV icons
March 2, 2022 GMTFor Amy Poehler and millions of millions of Americans, “I Love Lucy” wasn’t just something that was on television. It was a show that “came with your TV and was on your whole life,” she said.
‘Martin’ cast reunites to tape 30th anniversary special
February 22, 2022 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — When Martin Lawrence looks back at his lauded career, the actor-comedian proudly thinks about how his hit ’90s sitcom “Martin” still remains relevant today.
Now, Lawrence wants to celebrate his show’s long-lasting success.
Quinta Brunson breaks down A+ grade for ‘Abbott Elementary’
February 11, 2022 GMTNew York (AP) — When “Abbott Elementary” recently trended on Twitter daily for nearly a week, Quinta Brunson was speechless.
“I was looking at it myself like ‘What is going on?’” said Brunson, the creator and writer of the first semester-sitcom and a former viral video star herself.
Howard Hesseman, star of ‘WKRP in Cincinnati,’ dies at 81
January 31, 2022 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Howard Hesseman, who played the radio disc jockey Dr. Johnny Fever on the sitcom “WKRP in Cincinnati” and the actor-turned-history teacher Charlie Moore on “Head of the Class,” has died.
‘Sanford and Son’ at 50, ‘double-edged’ Black sitcom pioneer
January 21, 2022 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — When Demond Wilson heard that Redd Foxx was going to star in a TV sitcom, the actor brushed it off as a joke.
Foxx was a killer stand-up comic, with a trademark raunchiness that Wilson figured to be a nonstarter for the timid broadcast networks that were television in 1972.
Bob Saget, beloved TV dad of ‘Full House,’ dead at 65
January 10, 2022 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Bob Saget, the actor-comedian known for his role as beloved single dad Danny Tanner on the sitcom “Full House” and as the wisecracking host of “America’s Funniest Home Videos,” died while on a stand-up tour.
Betty White, TV’s Golden Girl, dies at 99
December 31, 2021 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Betty White, whose saucy, up-for-anything charm made her a television mainstay for more than 60 years, whether as a man-crazy TV hostess on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” or the loopy housemate on “The Golden Girls,” has died.
Betty White, an ageless TV star, was America’s sweetheart
December 31, 2021 GMTBetty White was America’s naughty sweetheart.
With a wholesome smile and a dirty joke she charmed millions of viewers decade after decade, rising from $50-a-week to ageless superstar who advised her fans, “Don’t try to be young.
TV’s ‘Ghosts,’ ‘Wonder Years’ are long-view ratings winners
October 26, 2021 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — At first glance, broadcast newcomers “Ghosts” and “The Wonder Years” have barely had a chance to prove themselves in the ratings.
The CBS comedy “Ghosts” has shown early promise, so far landing just outside the top 20 for the young season so far, while ABC's reboot of “The Wonder Years” sitcom is hovering at around No.
Peter Scolari of ‘Newhart,’ ‘Bosom Buddies,’ dies at 66
October 22, 2021 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Peter Scolari, a versatile character actor whose television roles included a yuppie producer on “Newhart” and a closeted dad on “Girls” and who was on Broadway with longtime friend Tom Hanks in “Lucky Guy," has died.
Boo! Sitcom ‘Ghosts’ combos misfit spirits, feel-good charm
October 14, 2021 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — The title seems to be a dead giveaway, but there’s more to the new comedy “Ghosts” than things that go bump in the night.
“We totally think of this show as ‘What We Do in the Shadows’ meets 'Ted Lasso,” said producer Joe Wiseman.
Mayim Bialik’s ‘Jeopardy!’ goal: maintaining its integrity
September 23, 2021 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Mayim Bialik knew she’d be busy around this time of year, but not this busy.
Besides starting production on a new season of Fox's sitcom “Call Me Kat,” Bialik was recalled to duty as a “Jeopardy!” guest host — the result of the quiz show's publicly messy effort to replace the late Alex Trebek.
Emmy host Cedric the Entertainer says stuffiness is banned
September 15, 2021 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — As busy as Cedric the Entertainer is with his sitcom “The Neighborhood” and other projects, he quickly said yes when asked to host his first major awards show.
Then he sought advice on how to handle Sunday's Emmy ceremony, airing on CBS (8 p.m.
Markie Post, TV veteran actor of ‘Night Court,’ dies at 70
August 9, 2021 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Markie Post, who played the public defender in the 1980s sitcom “Night Court” and was a regular presence on television for four decades, has died. She was 70.
Post's manager, Ellen Lubin Sanitsky, said Post died Saturday in Los Angeles after a years-long battle with cancer.
Annie Murphy’s new show takes aim at familiar sitcom tropes
June 15, 2021 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — "Schitt’s Creek" star Annie Murphy's new AMC series “Kevin Can F Himself" presents itself as one of those traditional multicamera comedies with a laugh track and corny jokes. Viewers will quickly learn it’s actually much darker.
Gavin MacLeod, ‘Love Boat’ captain, dies at 90
May 29, 2021 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Gavin MacLeod, the veteran supporting actor who achieved fame as sardonic TV news writer Murray Slaughter on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and stardom playing cheerful Capt. Stubing on “The Love Boat,” has died.
An Oscar winner, more ‘Law & Order’ for NBC next season
May 14, 2021 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Renée Zellweger is coming to network TV next season in a dramatization of a murder case recounted by “Dateline NBC."
The two-time Oscar winner's role in NBC's “The Thing About Pam" is a sign of how broadcast networks are banking on eye-catching names and familiar stories to draw viewers in a TV universe increasingly packed with new streaming services.
‘Chernobyl’ and ‘Harry Potter’ actor Paul Ritter dies at 54
April 6, 2021 GMTLONDON (AP) — Versatile British actor Paul Ritter, whose roles ranged from a hapless suburban patriarch in sitcom “Friday Night Dinner” to a Soviet engineer who helps cause a nuclear disaster in “Chernobyl,” has died, his agent said Tuesday...
Metcalf loves her ‘weirdo B storyline’ on TV’s ‘The Conners’
March 29, 2021 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Laurie Metcalf smiles and laughs when she thinks of her character Jackie and her assorted misadventures on the “Roseanne” spinoff, LOS ANGELES (AP) — George Segal, the banjo player turned actor who was nominated for an Oscar for 1966's “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf...‘Virginia Woolf,’ ‘Goldbergs’ star George Segal dies at 87
March 24, 2021 GMT
‘WandaVision,’ a sitcom sendup, was a pandemic parable, too
March 5, 2021 GMTImagine being trapped in the confines of your own neighborhood, losing a sense of the outside world — and of yourself — with each passing day...
TV legend Norman Lear credits journey to laughter, family
March 1, 2021 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Norman Lear made TV relevant with “All in the Family” and more 20th-century sitcoms, and he's accomplished the same for himself as a working producer who's nearing his 99th birthday...
Prince Harry raps ‘Fresh Prince,’ says he didn’t walk away
February 26, 2021 GMTLONDON (AP) — Prince Harry, who decamped from England to Southern California last year, rapped the theme song to the 1990s sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” during a late-night talk show appearance in which he said he didn’t walk away from his royal duties...
’60 Minutes,′ ‘Equalizer’ strong Sunday punch for CBS
February 23, 2021 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Queen Latifah is becoming a TV star for CBS at a time broadcast networks can really use one, while Dwayne Johnson and Kenan Thompson made respectable sitcom debuts for NBC...
‘Saved by the Bell’ star Dustin Diamond dies of cancer at 44
February 1, 2021 GMT“Saved by the Bell” star Dustin Diamond died Monday after a three-week fight with cancer, according to his representative...
Golden Globes to honor legendary TV producer Norman Lear
January 28, 2021 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Norman Lear made his mark as a television producer who strived to explore race relation issues through his famed sitcoms “All in the Family” and “Good Times...
Dwayne Johnson is a contender in NBC sitcom ‘Young Rock’
January 27, 2021 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Dwayne Johnson’s new NBC comedy “Young Rock” has him campaigning for president in 2032, but the actor and producer sidestepped the possibility of a real-life run someday.
A coming-of-age story inspired by the former pro wrestler's colorful but challenging childhood and youth, “Young Rock” is framed by the adult Johnson's reflections on his life as he stumps for office.
‘Gilligan’s Island’ star Dawn Wells dies, COVID-19 cited
December 30, 2020 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Dawn Wells, who played the wholesome Mary Ann among a misfit band of shipwrecked castaways on the 1960s sitcom “Gilligan's Island,” died Wednesday of causes related to COVID-19, her publicist said...
‘Two and a Half Men’ star Conchata Ferrell dies at 77
October 13, 2020 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Conchata Ferrell, who became known for her role as Berta the housekeeper on TV’s “Two and a Half Men” after a long career as a character actor on stage and in movies, including “Mystic Pizza” and ”Network," has died...
Johnsons are ‘sipping tea’ for ‘black-ish’ family portrait
October 13, 2020 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — When ABC decided the Johnsons of “black-ish” were due a portrait, it sought an artist who understood the family's perspective...
DJ Jazzy Jeff talks ‘Fresh Prince’ reunion, mansion rental
September 18, 2020 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — DJ Jazzy Jeff knew “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” made a mark in television history after filming six seasons during the mid-'90s, but he thought the show’s popularity would eventually fizzle out at some point.
‘Who’s the Boss?’ gets reboot with Tony Danza, Alyssa Milano
August 5, 2020 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — A brand new life is ahead for the vintage sitcom "Who's the Boss?” and its devoted fans...
Sitcom casts to do virtual reading for Asian Heritage Month
May 28, 2020 GMTThe casts of “Fresh Off the Boat” and “Kim's Convenience” are partnering for one night for charity...
ABC renews 19 shows, adds David E. Kelley drama ‘Big Sky’
May 21, 2020 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — ABC is bringing back the lion’s share of its series for next season, including “black-ish,” “A Million Little Things” and “The Rookie...
Ken Osmond, Eddie Haskell on ‘Leave It to Beaver,’ dies
May 18, 2020 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Ken Osmond, who on TV’s “Leave It to Beaver,” played two-faced teenage scoundrel Eddie Haskell, a role so memorable it left him typecast and led to a second career as a police officer, died Monday...
Jerry Stiller, comedian and ‘Seinfeld’ actor, dies at 92
May 11, 2020 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Jerry Stiller, who for decades teamed with wife Anne Meara in a beloved comedy duo and then reached new heights in his senior years as the high-strung Frank Costanza on the classic sitcom “Seinfeld" and the basement-dwelling father-in-law on “The King of Queens,” died at 92, his son Ben Stiller announced Monday...
‘Parks and Recreation’ cast reunites for fundraising special
April 24, 2020 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — The original cast members of “Parks and Recreation” are getting back to work for a coronavirus-related fundraising special...
‘Modern Family’ promises satisfying end to its 11-season run
April 3, 2020 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Writer-producers Steven Levitan and Christopher Lloyd were mulling ideas for the 2009 TV season when they landed on an intriguing sitcom approach, one revolving around an extended family and done in the “mockumentary” style made popular by “The Office...
America Ferrera to depart NBC comedy ‘Superstore’
February 28, 2020 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — “Superstore” is losing its manager — star America Ferrera says she’s departing the NBC sitcom after its current season...
Unscripted ‘Friends’ reunion special to launch with HBO Max
February 21, 2020 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — WarnerMedia's new streaming service will debut with some extra “Friends.”
The company announced Friday that the entire original “Friends” cast will reunite for an unscripted special that will be available on HBO Max when the service debuts in May...