The Dumb One

8/13/2019 The Dumb One

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EPISODE

4THE DUMB ONE

TEASER: HOW YOOO DOIN?

FADE IN:

INT. LIVING ROOM - NEW YORK APT - EVENING

We open on three familiar, hip, late 20s friends in the middle of a

deep conversation.

MONICA: Joey, what would you do if you

were omnipotent?

JOEY: I'd probably kill myself.

MONICA: Excuse me?

JOEY: Hey, if "Little Joey's" dead, then

I got no reason to live.

ROSS: Uhh, Joey ... (Slowly)Omnipotent.

JOEY: You are? Ross, I'm sorry.

Ohhhhh Joey, Joey, Joey. How many times while watching an episode

of Friends (or Joey for that matter) do you find yourself smiling ear to

ear and then laughing hysterically at the sweet, childlike naivete displayed

by Matt LeBlanc? For many addicted viewers, he is the reason they watch.

No matter what the situation, Joey Tribbiani approaches and looks at it in

a different way. Thats because he hasnt got a clue. Still, what comes out

of his mouth is often cute and sweet and almost always ridiculously funny.

He is sincere, positive and childlike. He has no idea just how, well, stupid

he can sometimes be, like in this scene from Friends where hes giving

dating advice to Rachel.


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JOEY: Rach, you gotta find out if he's inthe same place you are. Otherwise, it's just

a moo point.

RACHEL: A moo point?

JOEY: Yeah. It's like a cow's opinion. It

just doesn't matter. It's moo.

Good joke. But in the hands of Matt LeBlancs skillful character-

ization, that line becomes a great joke. Its because he has no clue how

simple he is, and he is so genuine and sweet and innocent. He really

believes what he says, even if it seems absurd to us (and for that, you cant

help but love him). Plus, he can always be counted on to amp up thecomedy in a scene just by opening his mouth. Almost everything he says is

funny because he isThe Dumb One.

ACT ONE WHO IS THE DUMB ONE?

The Dumb One is a character that has been around forever, almost

exclusively as a best friend or sidekick. One need look no further than the

1950s and the wonderful, sweetly naive Gracie Allen of the husband and

wife team Burns & Allen.

GEORGE: Say goodnight Gracie.

GRACIE: (Waves)Goodnight, Gracie.

And this character continued to flourish in the 60s with the not so

bright townsfolk like Gomer Pyle (Jim Nabors) and his cousin Goober

(George Lindsey) on The Andy Griffith Show or goofball hicks like

Jethro Bodine (Max Baer Jr.) on The Beverly Hillbillies.

In the 70s, television gave us the dumb blonde like Chrissy (Suzanne

Somers) on Threes Company and the dumb hunk like Vinnie Barbarino

(John Travolta) on Welcome Back, Kotter. We also saw the likes of

dumb older characters like Ted Baxter (Ted Knight) on The Mary Tyler

Moore Show. This carried into the 80s with characters like Coach

(Nicholas Colasanto) from Cheers or Rose (Betty White) on Golden

Girls.


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In the 90s, there was Lowell (Thomas Haden Church) from Wings

and the emergence of the dumb jocks like Joey Qoey Lawrence) onBlossom, Kelso (Ashton Kutcher) on That 70s Show and of course,

Matt LeBlancs Joey.

They are some of the most beloved characters of all time because

actually, The Dumb One is really the comedic relief in a sitcom. Comedic

relief? In a sitcom? Yes. You see, The Dumb One is often a character that

can make people laugh with a line or a look or just by being in the scene.

They are an important character for many sitcoms because they bring

instant humor just by being who they are ... dumb. And thats why they

almost always get the last laugh (or at least the biggest). They are usually

supporting characters that dont have (or need) as much dialogue. But

when they do open their mouths, its guaranteed to be a big joke. Want anexample?

In an early episode of Cheers, some of the regulars including Diane

(Shelley Long) are talking about lifelong dreams. Then, loyal but light-

headed Coach decides to join the conversation.

COACH: I'm working on a novel. Going on six

years now. I think I might finish it tonight.

DIANE: (Surprised)You're writing a

novel?

COACH: No. Reading it.

Characters like Coach and later Woody (Woody Harrelson) are vital

to keeping the funny in a show. But why are they mainly supporting

characters? Perhaps because of the childish and simplistic nature of the

character, there have not been many shows that have put The Dumb One

in the lead. Sometimes, like in the case of Friends, The Dumb One will

be part of an ensemble, but very rarely are they given their own show (that

is why so many industry insiders were curious to see how Joey would do

now that he didnt have his friends with him).


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The Dumb One is a wonderfully funny character (if played right). As

an actor, it is one of the most difficult characters to play because there area lot of easy traps to fall into (Ill discuss these in the following section).

But, it is also an incredibly rewarding character because if played well, it

can translate to instant and constant laughs. So lets show you how to play

The Dumb One ... smart.

Commercial Break

And a Dumb One shall lead them...

As I mentioned in this episode, there are only a few shows in history

that have featured The Dumb One in the lead. And, interestingly enough,

most of them took place in the 1960s. First there was (Shazam!) Jim

Nabors in Gomer Pyle USMC, a spin-off of The Andy Griffith Show

that featured that beloved, simple-minded hayseed in the Marine Corps.

Then there was uGet Smart, starring Don Adams as Maxwell Smart.

Not only was this show a big hit in its time, but it spawned numerous

catch phrases includingMissed vie by that much! For those of you who

have never seenGet Smart, Max is a cross between James Bond and

Austin Powers, but even dumber.

And finally, there's The Munsters, a broad-humored but funny

show, featuring Fred Gwynne as the sweetly naive Frankensteinesque

Hetman Munster The series often revolves around the other members of

the family constantly working to fix something Herman did, be it signing

up for ten years of dancing lessons or taking a sleeping pill and getting

himself locked in a sarcophagus at a museum of natural history. The show

features many of the other Eight Characters of Comedy, including his wife

Lily (Yvonne DeCarlo) as the ever-patient Logical Smart One. All the

characters on the show have their plotlines, but Herman can be counted

on week after week to do something dumb and to be adorable doing

it.Back to our show ...


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This could mean they are cushioned and protected from the harsh realities

of life. Therefore, they never really develop common sense. But theyalways mean well. Thats why they are so easy to like.

Now fast forward to adult Dumb Ones and youll see that they are

exactly the same. Thats right. Thats because The Dumb Ones main

characteristic is being childlike. Dont believe me? Read the above

paragraph again. Doesnt it remind you of Joey? For The Dumb One,

childhood is where it all begins and never ends. This is what makes these

characters so fascinating, so likable and so funny.

In the rest of this section, Ill talk about a lot of specific charac-

teristics. But you should notice that all of these characteristics have

something in common. They are all characteristics of a small child. And

this is the MOST IMPORTANT trait for The Dumb One to embrace.Often, when am I getting newer actors to try to play this role, I have to

grab them by the wrist and lead them back to their childhood. Unlike

dramatic acting, I take them back to a specific happy time for themlike

Christmas morning, riding a pony or getting a new bike. This is not easy

for most adults to do, but it is vital if you want to play this role.

Think of how excited a child can get when he or she finds something

that fascinates them. Think of how innocent they can be when they

discover something new. Think of how endearing they are when they try

to tell a story or remember a joke. Much like The Lovable Loser, The

Dumb Ones are always enthusiastic about their idea, the words theyre

speaking, something theyve found, the scene, life in general. They arealways very positive people and a source of joy for everyone who knows

them.

The adult Dumb Ones are the same way. Watch Art Carney as Ed

Norton on The Honeymooners, like in this scene where hes trying to

make Ralph feel better after he lost his job.

ED: Come on, boy, let's have a little smile.

(Ralph forces a smile)There, that's my boy.

Bigger, bigger, that's it! That's the way

you gotta stay even if it takes a whole year

to get a job. Even if you never get another

job!


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RALPH: A fat lot I've got to smile about.

Nine years on the job. Today I'm fired and bytomorrow I'm forgotten. They won't even

remember what I look like.

ED: That's great! (THEN)Go right back

tomorrow morning and ask for a job!

Or check out Jean Stapleton as Edith Bunker on All in the Family.

In this scene, the Bunkers are all having a family chat on capital

punishment.

ARCHIE: Go ahead, ask your mother, she

believes in capital punishment.

GLORIA: Do you, Ma?

EDITH: Well, sure.

GLORIA:MA?!

EDITH: Well, as long as it ain't too severe.

Art and Jean are amazing in showing exactly how to bring a childlike

innocence to an adult character. Thats what you need to bring to the role

instead of playing dumb. You need to be childlike in your acting if youre

going to play The Dumb One well. You need to get excited over small

things. You need to pout, not get angry. Find the disappointment (not the

resentment) when things dont go your way. You need to always stay

positive and show that sweet, warm side of you. It doesnt matter what

the scene is about, you need to put aside your adult perception of it and

approach it with the innocence of a child.And most successful actors, whether

playing drama or comedy, are in touch with their inner childas they

should be.

Makes sense, right? Because in the craft of acting, you have to

pretend, play dress up and escape to a make-believe land. And trust me,

not only does this childlike nature keep you working as an actor, but if you

play The Dumb One on a sitcom, it seems to keep you lookingyounger.


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Case in point, Tony Danza. He is a great example of an actor keeping in

touch with his childlike spirit and still looking youthful. Twenty-five yearson TV proves it. And it all goes back to his first character, Tony Banta on

Taxi.Tony Banta is definitely not the brightest bulb in the socket, but more often

that not, he is the one that many of the other characters will talk to when

something is bothering them, be it Bobby (Jeff Conaway) having trouble

with his acting career or Elaine (Marilu Henner) having boy troubles. The

reason they confide in him is because of his sunny disposition. He is always

positive, always happy and always there to cheer them up; usually by saying

something stupid or flashing that goofy grin (that sunshine smile). His

intention is always to help them, to reassure them the only way he knows

how, even if we see it as silly or stupid.

Danza later brought a similar character (with just a tad more common

sense) to Whos the Boss?

TONY: I'm Tony Micelli. I'm here about the job.ANGELA (Judith Light): Oh, I'm sorry. There must be a

mistake. This job is for a housekeeper.TONY: That's me, Mr. Goodmop! (Flashing grin). Ay-oh.

Oh-ay.Really, for you the actor to play The Dumb One, you need to harness that

sunshine inside of you and let it out in the scene. The Dumb Ones are

often very likable, and its because of these childlike qualities. If they were

mean-spirited and dumb, you wouldnt be rooting for them. If you play the

character with joy and enthusiasm, the audience will find you adorable and

love you for it.


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Commercial Break

The Dumb One as a Villain?

Although this is extremely rare, there have been cases where sitcom

writers have wanted to usevillains in their show premise. The way they

often do this is by molding the villains after The Dumb One. Why?

Because viewers will still be able to like them, at least a little. It makes these

so-called villains less threatening, as is the case withHogan's Heroes.

Col. Wilhelm Klink (Werner Klemperer) and Sgt. Hans Schultz (John

Banner) are the epitome of The Dumb One, even though they tiy to act

like they know what they're doing in running the P.O.W. camp. Both are

such bumbling goofballs, that you find yourselfalmost liking them ... which

is weird considering they're Nazis!

Back to our show ...

Duh!

I know this probably goes without saying, but The Dumb One is

DUMB (even if they dont realize it). They are oblivious to life. Not

consciously oblivious (like The Lovable Loser), but oblivious to what is

happening around them. Think of one of the all-time greats, Homer

Simpson (voiced by Dan Castellaneta). Check out this exchange where

Homer is shocked by daughter Lisas decision to go vegetarian.

HOMER: Are you saying you're never going to

eat any animal again? What about bacon?

LISA: No.

HOMER: Ham?

LISA: No!

HOMER: Pork chops?

LISA: Dad, those all come from the same

animal!


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HOMER: (Chuckling)Oh yeah, right Lisa ... a

wonderful, magical animal.

(Notice the Extended Triplet in Homers

dialogue.)

Homer is a sweet, enthusiastic and immature teddy bear and oh- so-

dumb. Dumb, dumb, dumb. How dumb is he? He is soooo dumb that he

prays to Superman, he invented a gun to shoot makeup on women and he

has driven around Springfield collecting grease as a way to make money.

And those are simply everyday plans for Homer. Although the writers

constantly put him in Lovable Loser storylines, where he desperately and

hopefully wants something week after week, at his core, Homer has all the

characteristics of The Dumb One. And even though his brain tries to keephim out of trouble (yes, he talks to his brain like its a separate entity),

Homer just cant avoid being dumb, especially when he tries to pull

something over on Marge.

MARGE: (Knows he's been at Moe's bar)

Homer, where have you been?

HOMER'S BRAIN: Don't say the bar, don't say

the bar, don't say the bar.

HOMER: Pornography. I was buying

pornography.

Oh Homer... "DOh!"

I need to stress the difference between playing dumb and playing

sweetly naive like Joey or innocent and gullible like Homer. Playing

dumb is a major pothole that a lot of actors fall into. More often than not,

new actors will play this role by adding uhhs to the dialogue or blankly

staring into space while twirling their hair. Do not play dumb! If you play

dumb, youre showing youre acting and nobody wants to seeyou acting.

As I tell my students, if youre caught acting, then the Acting Police are

going to take you away to SAG prison and you will be forced to watch

beginning actresses of all ages perform Laura from The Glass Menagerie.

Believe me, it aint pretty!Instead, to play The Dumb One, latch on to those things that you

know nothingabout (and use how you feel in those situations) for playing

this character.


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For example, I know very little about rocket propulsion. If I were in the

middle of a conversation I eagerly wanted to be a part of (because TheDumb One is always enthusiastic), how would I contribute to a

conversation about rocket propulsion? What would come out of my

mouth? Til tell you right now, it wouldnt be anything intelligent (by the

way, if you know a lot about rocket propulsion and feel like you could

participate in a conversation on this topic, you might want to jump back

and read The Neurotic episode again).

Just think of the show Coach with Bill Fagerbakkes take as

Dauber, one of the assistant football coaches. Dauber is always throwing

his two cents in, and the fact is, he never really knows what he is talking

about ... even when it comes to football! But it doesnt stop him because he

is just as enthusiastic as he is naive.Heres another great one ...

ROSE: Can I ask a dumb question?

BLANCHE: Like no one else.

Enter Rose Nylund, played by Betty White. There are times you cant

believe how naive she is. But she is so sweet and eager to join the

conversation, that you always want to hear from her ... well that, and she

makes you laugh.

ROSE: You know what they say ... You can

lead a herring to water, but you have to

walk really fast or he'll die.

Commercial

Break Reality check

A good reality television example of The Dumb One would be the

genuine and childlike William Hung on American Idol. He has no clue

how bad his singing is, but his enthusiasm makes him endearing.

Or, Jessica Simpson on Newlyweds. Though sweet and likable, she

says and does some things that are just unbelievable.

Back to our show...


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Never tell a lie

Once again, chalk these qualities up to more reasons why mostviewers love watching The Dumb One. There is nothing false about them.

They are true to themselves and more often than not, they are proud of it.

They always tell the truth, even if they say something that is obviously

incorrect. But to The Dumb One, what they say is the truth. Once again,

its about commitment.

Actually, that makes for great comedy when The Dumb One is paired

up with The Logical Smart One. There are scenes where the two will get

into a tiff over something and its apparent to all that The Logical Smart

One is right. But that doesnt stop The Dumb One from standing his or

her ground.

Its important for an actor to bring sincerity and honesty to thischaracter. The Dumb Ones are very genuine people. The idea of lying or

cheating never really occurs to them and if it does, it is well planned and

done for a veryimportant purpose (like saving the world from evil-doers).

Even then, theyre not very good at it. They always get found out or admit

to it before they get found out.

The Dumb One often says whatever pops into their mind, even their

subtext.They never edit themselves. This character can be very direct even

if they dont realize what theyre saying is obvious or inappropriate. Think

of that little niece or nephew who innocently blurts out that you have a

weird head or that your breath smells funny. The Dumb One will often

say something offensive without realizing its offensive, and if played right,it makes for a good laugh. This is another area where writers can have

some fun and actors can feel some flexibility with the character.

Youve got a friend in me

Okay, okay, by now youre probably getting the point that The Dumb

Ones are really easy to like. Everyone would like a Dumb One as a friend.

You might not want them to operate on you or represent you in court or

even watch your house while youre away. But you want them in your life.

And why not? With their sunny disposition and their core desire to make

everyone happy, they are a joy to be around.


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THE DUMB ONE ... AND MORE

The Dumb One is a character that seems to work well with most of

the other characters because of the humor they bring by simply being

themselves. They definitely work well with The Neurotic (think of how

frustrated Monica gets with Joey at times). They also work well with a

Logical Smart One who is trying to explain something The Dumb One

cant comprehend.

But there is one character that is a little harder to play opposite The

Dumb One, and that is The Bitch / Bastard. Although it has been played

out successfully in The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Gomer Pyle

USMC, The Dumb One and The Bitch / Bastard are typically not paired

up very often. Well get to that in the next episode.

Unlike other characters, The Dumb One almost exclusively sticks to

his or her own characteristics, not borrowing as much from other

characters. You will rarely see The Dumb One act neurotic, as they are

uncomplicated and content with their life. You will hardly see them as

mean-spirited and you will only really see them in the role of The Logical

Smart One if a specific scene calls for them to be the voice of reason. But

know that they will return to their character on the blow of the scene.

A good sign that they are unlike other characters is that The Dumb

One is never sarcastic (even if they try to be from time to time). Sarcasm

requires intelligence, something The Dumb One lacks. They are such

honest and sincere people, they dont really understand the concept of

sarcasm, and as such, it comes off as false. The Dumb One isnt good at

lying and sarcasmis telling a lie. Also, sarcastic remarks are a way for some

characters to lash out at the world. The Dumb Ones dont want to lash

out, not even for a second. As a Dumb One, you have plenty of places

from which to draw humor, so sarcasm doesnt need to be one of them.

The only minor variation you might see in these characters is that

they might be toned down if theyre showing up in a singlecamera

comedy, like Frank Burns (Larry Linville) on MASH or Charlotte York

(Kristin Davis) on Sex and the City.


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A multi-camera comedy is more heightened and open to a broader

comedic interpretation (hyper-reality). But in these single-camera

comedies, you simply cant be as dumb as Joey or Rose because single-

camera is more intimate. The feel of the show is more realistic, like a

feature film. There are more close-ups. Therefore, the actors

interpretationstheir intentions, thoughts, facial expressions and

physicalitiesshould be more specific and less heightened. In single-

camera comedies, these actors play up the naivete, the gullibility and the

innocence in a very funny, yet more realistic way. Kristen Davis, Larry

Linville and other single-camera comedy actors are really playing The

Naive One rather than The Dumb One.

Possible intentions for The Dumb One:

To Please To Make

happy To Excite To

Make proud To Play

To Be honest To

Create harmony To

Encourage To

Support To Comfort

Final Thoughts On Playing The Dumb One

Some of you might see some similarities between this character and

The Lovable Loser. While they do both end up making dumb choices at

times, there is a big difference in their approach. Remember, I called The

Lovable Loser consciously oblivious, meaning they are aware that

something is wrong or that their idea might not be the best one, but they

are blinded by their own want. The Dumb One is actually the opposite.

They arent aware in the least that this would be a bad idea. Otherwise

they wouldnt do it. Their messes are a result of their simply being

oblivious, not consciously oblivious to a situation. Thats a big difference

and an important one between these two characters.


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So, there is a lot more involved in playing The Dumb One than you

thought, isnt there? Dont worry, if its close to who you are, you can

play it. Its just a matter of finding what part of you is in The Dumb One,

meaning what part of you is sincere, genuine, enthusiastic and childlike.

When I was an agent in New York back in the 80s, I worked with

Matt LeBlanc. I got to be a part of the beginning of his career and I got

to watch on TV as he developed this character that would make him so

famous. When Friends ended, Barbara Walters interviewed Matt and

asked him if he saw any part of himself in Joey I mean, Joeys a dimwit

and youre certainly not, Walters said. And shes right. Matt is not a

dimwit. He is a successful, talented, comedic actor. What I found most

interesting was that Matt Le Blanc was looking for the right words to

express what part of him isJoey Instead, he just smiled that childlike grin

and said, I dont know. I just understand Joey.

Matt is not Joey but he does possess many of these qualities. Matt

was always a sweet, good-natured and sincere guy. When I last saw him, it

was 1993 in L.A. (right before Friends). I was a commercial casting

director, and I suggested him for a part. I remember after the session, I

walked him outside and he showed me his new motorcycle with

enthusiastic pride, much in the way Joey would.

The point is that Matt, who is really an intelligent guy, was able to

draw from his childlike qualities, just like every other classic Dumb One

character has done since the start of sitcoms. He didnt decide he was

going to play dumb. He tapped into his childlike nature and it worked.

Check him out in this episode of Joey talking to his nephew

Michael (Paulo Costanzo):

MICHAEL: What is the best news I could give

you?

JOEY: (Truly excited)They fixed the

vending machine? Oooh, we got a ping pong

table? Oh wait, Kool and the Gang got back

together?


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Joey is excited about everything. He only wants everybody to be

happy, to have fun and to live where he is ... in perpetual childhood. This

is what you need to do. Whether youre acting this character or writing it,

you need to go back to when you were six or seven years old and think

of how the world looked and then apply that perspective to your

character. This will help you make your Dumb One sweet, likable, naive,

honest and very funny.

And if youre still struggling, watch the classic episode of Friends

where Joey introduces his Tribbiani Method of Acting.

JOEY: Okay, some tricks of the trade.

Now, I've never been able to cry as an

actor, so if I'm in a scene where I have tocry, I cut a hole in my pocket, take a pair

of tweezers and just start pulling. Or ah,

or, let's say I want to convey that I've

just done something evil. That would be the

basic 'I have a fish hook in my eyebrow and

I like it.' (Raises one eyebrow and shows

off pretend fish hook)Okay, let's just say

I've gotten some bad news, well all I do

there is try and divide 232 by 13. (Looks

all confused)And that's how it's done.

FADE OUT

TAG:

ANNOUNCER V.O.: In the next episode of "The

Eight Characters of Comedy," The Dumb One

has a dream to work at FAO Schwarz, but

that dream doesn't sit well with his

nagging, manipulative girlfriend or his

bitter, mean-spirited father.

Watch the carnage as The Dumb One defies

The Bitch and The Bastard.


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ROLL CREDITS ...Here is a list of some of the great Dumb Ones in sitcom history.

Character Actor Show

Gracie AllenTony BantaVinnie BarbarinoTed Baxter

Jethro BodineWoody BoydBlondie BumsteadKelly BundyEdith BunkerGloria Bunker-StivicFrank BurnsDauber DybinskiHalSynclaire James-JonesMichael KelsoLowell MatherTony MicelliHerman MunsterEd NortonRose NylundErnie Coach PantussoGoober Pyle

Gomer PyleJoey RussoSgt. Hans SchultzHomer J. SimpsonMaxwell SmartChrissy SnowDick SolomonJoey TribbianiCharlotte York

Gracie AllenTony Danza

John TravoltaTed Knight

Max Baer Jr.Woody HarrelsonPamela BrittonChristina Applegate

Jean StapletonSally StruthersLarry LinvilleBill FagerbakkeBryan CranstonKim Coles

Ashton KutcherThomas Haden ChurchTony DanzaFred Gwynne

Art CarneyBetty White

Nicholas Colasanto GeorgeLindsey

Jim NaborsJoey LawrenceJohn BannerDan CastellanetaDon AdamsSuzanne Somers

John LithgowMatt LeBlancKristin Davis

The Bums and Allen ShowTaxiWelcome Back, KotterThe Mary Tyler Moore ShowThe Beverly HillbilliesCheersBlondieMarried ... With ChildrenAll in the FamilyAll in the FamilyMASHCoachMalcolm in the MiddleLiving SingleThat 70s ShowWingsWhos the BossThe MunstersThe HoneymoonersGolden GirlsCheersThe Andy Griffith Show

The Andy Griffith ShowBlossomHogans HeroesThe SimpsonsGet SmartThrees Company3rd Rock From the SunFriends/JoeySex and the City

The Dumb One

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