Pioneers of Television
Mike Connors
Mike Connors is best known for playing the title role in “Mannix,” a crime drama that revived the genre in 1967. Produced by Bruce Geller, “Mannix” lasted eight years, thanks to tight editing, lots of action and, of course, Mike Connors.
Geller and Connors had to fight CBS to get Gail Fisher cast as Connors co-star on “Mannix.” As Peggy Fair, Fisher became the first African-American woman to earn an Emmy.
Connors did guest shots on a wide range of iconic series, including “e Untouchables,” “Maverick,” “Gunsmoke” and “Perry Mason.” In fact, when Raymond Burr wanted a pay raise on “Perry Mason,” the producers asked Connors to take over the role. at was enough to convince Burr to back down.
In 1982, Connors returned to series work as the star of “Today’s FBI.” But Mannix is his signature — a role he played in 194 episodes. Or 195, if you count Joe Mannix’ return in an episode of “Diagnosis Murder,” which aired exactly 30 years aer Connors first played Joe Mannix.
So we went into CBS and argued with them and they finally said we could cast her (Gail Fisher). But they said if we get any mail om the south saying they resent a black girl being on the show, then we’d have to fire her immediately. Mike Connors in Pioneers of Television
Mike Connors 4 Emmy nominations Golden Globe winner (1970) Pioneers of Television
Linda Evans
Linda Evans starred in “Dynasty,” one of the most popular series of the 1980s. But her breakthrough role on American television came much earlier — in the classic western “e Big Valley,” starring Barbara Stanwyk.
In a rare serious moment, Joan Rivers once said that Evans is “the only person in the business I’ve never heard anything negative about.” Perhaps that’s because Evans never wanted to be a TV star. e only reason she started acting is because her parents thought it would help her overcome shyness.
She guest-starred on a wide range of classic TV series — from “Ozzie and Harriet” and “e Untouchables” to “Rockford Files” and “North and South.”
Evans is regularly listed among America’s most beautiful women, and recently she demonstrated a long-hidden skill as a chef — winning the competition in the reality series “Hell’s Kitchen.”
I kept thinking somebody was going to find out that I didn’t know what I was doing. I would go out for a part and they would give it to me — and I’d think “oh no.” I mostly showed up in terror hoping that I could get through it. Linda Evans in Pioneers of Television
Linda Evans Emmy nominated Golden Globe winner (1982) People’s Choice winner (5 times) Pioneers of Television
Martin Landau
Martin Landau’s acting career dates back to Lee Strasberg’s Actors Studio, where he and friend Steve McQueen honed their cra. Landau went on to work in wide range of golden age television anthologies, including “Playhouse 90,” “Kra eater” and “Omnibus.”
Landau was Gene Roddenberry’s first choice to play Mr. Spock on “Star Trek,” but Landau turned down that part. Instead, he went to work on the other side of the lot — as Rollin Hand on “Mission Impossible,” the role that made him a household name.
In the early 1970s, he starred in the innovative science-fiction series “Space 1999.” More recently, he was nominated for an Oscar for Woody Allen’s “Crimes and Misdemeanors,” and then won the Oscar for his poignant role of Bela Legosi in Tim Burton’s “Ed Wood.”
His most recent television work has resonated with a new generation, most notably his role in “Entourage” as the determined Bob Ryan. Long-recognized as one of the best acting teachers in Hollywood, Landau continues to give back to the next generation.
(On being offered the role of “Spock” on Star Trek) It would have been torturous. I mean I would have probably died playing that role. I mean, even the thought of it now upsets me. Martin Landau in Pioneers of Television
Martin Landau Oscar winner (1994) Golden Globe winner (3 times) Emmy nomination (6 times) Pioneers of Television
Nichelle Nichols
Nichelle Nichols began her career as a singer, touring with Duke Ellington and Lionel Hampton. One of her first acting roles came in the breakthrough TV series “e Lieutenant,” produced by Gene Roddenberry. When Roddenberry began “Star Trek,” he cast Nichols in the role of Lt. Uhura, fourth in command on the Enterprise.
It was the first time on American television that an African- American woman played a role other than servant. But Nichols soon became frustrated that Uhura’s role on the series was fading into the background. She planned to quit “Star Trek,” until Dr. Martin Luther King intervened — personally encouraging her to continue. Dr. King said Uhura was an important positive role model that influenced millions. Nichols stayed.
Nichols and William Shatner famously kissed on “Star Trek”; an event hailed as the first interracial kiss ever on American television. At the last minute, NBC tried to prevent the kiss from airing. When that failed, they expected an onslaught of complaints. e network received only one letter.
Aer “Star Trek,” Nichols has volunteered her time with NASA to help recruit minorities to the space agency. She’s also served on the Board of Governors of the National Space Society, a nonprofit organization specializing in space advocacy.
ey were incredible episodes written involving Uhura — but it got to the point where I wouldn’t even bother reading the scripts. Because all my lines would be crossed out and given to others. By the time we shot, all I’d have le to say is "Hailing equencies open." Nichelle Nichols in Pioneers of Television Pioneers of Television
Robert Conrad
Robert Conrad burst onto the national television scene as Tom Lopaka in “Hawaiian Eye” — a role that gave him plenty of opportunity to take off his shirt. America noticed.
In 1965, he was cast in the role that would make him a household name, as James West in “Wild Wild West.” is escapist action series defied definition — mixing westerns with science fiction, fantasy and James Bond. Whatever it was, it was a big hit.
Later he played tough guy Pappy Boyington in “Baa Baa Black Sheep,” and won rave reviews for his role as French trapper Pasquinel in the miniseries “Centennial.”
While “Centennial” proved Conrad was a first- rate actor, it was “Wild Wild West” that established his reputation as an expert fighter. Conrad did most of his own stunts. On one occasion, a less-experienced guest star made an error, and Conrad fell 15 feet, onto his head — on concrete. He suffered six-inch crack in his skull. Aer medical treatment, he finished the scene.
IIn “Wild Wild West,” I kissed 143 women and had 118 fights. Or vice versa I can’t remember. I never met a woman I didn’t like. I mean, you go to work and they tell you to kiss a woman — are you serious, what a great job. Robert Conrad in Pioneers of Television
Robert Conrad People’s Choice Award winner (1977) Golden Globe winner (1978) Pioneers of Television
Production Bios
DIRECTOR/PRODUCER - Steven J. Boettcher Steven J. Boettcher is a five-time Emmy-winning filmmaker. He produced and directed the PBS documentaries “e Gold Rush,” “e Oregon Trail” and “Pioneers of Primetime.” Boettcher has also produced pieces for a wide variety of networks and syndicated programs. In 2003, he created “Legend of Lambeau Field” for the Green Bay Packers, which ranks among the top five sports DVDs ever sold in the U.S. Since 2004, Boettcher’s energy has been focused on the production of seasons one and two of PBS “Pioneers of Television.” He resides in Milwaukee.
WRITER/PRODUCER - Michael J. Trinklein Michael J. Trinklein is an emmy-nominated producer and writer. He wrote and produced the PBS documentaries “e Oregon Trail,” and “e Gold Rush.” Trinklein has also written for the Wall Street Journal and the Boston Globe. His recent book on American history is a bestseller. A university professor for 15 years, Trinklein taught rhetoric and filmmaking. Since 2004, Trinklein’s focus has been seasons one and two of PBS “Pioneers of Television.” He resides in Milwaukee.