Odd Couple, The

actors and in the Felix and Oscar roles. Using many of the same plots from the original episodes, The New Odd Couple lasted only one season. In 1992 Klugman and Randall reprised their roles in a special two-hour reunion episode. Given the American public's captivation with the series, it is r likely that further versions will continue to surface. MICHAEL B. KASSEL See also Randall, Tony

Cast (1970-75) Felix Unger Oscar Madison Murray Greshner ,a Speed (1970-74) Garry Walberg Vinnie Larry Gelman z' Roger (1973-74) Archie Hahn fiz .f Roy (1970-71) Ryan McDonald ro . , Cecily Pigeon (1970-71) Monica Evans s, ;Jo Gwendolyn Pigeon (I 970- + \1' 1 71) Carol Shelly Dr. Nancy Cunningham (1970 72) Joan Hotchkis 1Ar Gloria Unger (1971-75) Janis Hansen Blanche Madison Brett Somers . Tony Randall, Jack Klugman. 1970-75. Myrna Turner (1971-75) Courtesy of the Everett Collection Miriam Welby (1972-74) Elinor Donahue

Cast (1982-83) the series to create such less critically respected pro- Felix Unger Ron Glass grams as , Mork and Mindy Lai erne and Oscar Madison Demond Wilson Shirley, and Joonie Loves Chachi. Indeed, it was Murray John Schuck through his experience with The Odd Couple that Mar- Speed Christopher Joy shall learned a valuable lesson-in order to he a major Roy Bart Braverman hit, a show must have "kid appeal." a formula Marshall Cecily Pigeon Sheila Anderson soon had down to an art. While Marshall graduated to Gwendolyn Pigeon Ronalda Douglas feature films, Jerry Belson remained in TV. eventually Maria Liz Torres serving as consultant for Cvbill, coproducer and cocre- Mona Jo Marie Payton -France ator of The Tracer Ullman Show, and writer for The Drew Cater Short: Klugman, after his first of several bouts with throat Producers cancer, returned to his dramatic roots by starring in . Jerry Belson, Harvey Miller, Sheldon NBC's Quincy. Randall moved over to MTM to star in Keller, Tony Marshall, Phil Mishkin The Tony Randall Shown, as well as the critically ac- claimed NBC series Love, Sidney. Penny Marshall, Programming History Gary's sister, launched her acting career as Oscar 114 episodes Madison's whining secretary Myrna Turner (a name ABC that rhymed when she pronounced it in her heavy New -January York accent). 1971 Thursday 9:30-10:00 The Odd Couple has enjoyed a number of spin-offs, January 1971 -June 1973 Friday 9:30-10:00 which included an animated version in 1975 featuring a June 1973 -January 1974 Friday 8:30-9:00 tidy cat and a sloppy dog. In 1982 Jerry Belson revived January 1974 -September the series for prime time, featuring African -American 1974 Friday 9:30-10:00

1682