David Birney, an actor, and director who was best known for playing a Jewish cab driver married to an Irish Catholic teacher in the one-season long 1972 sitcom Bridget Loves Bernie and as a doctor of the 80s hit St. Elsewhere, died on Friday, at 83. Birney passed away at his Santa Monica, California home, […]
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The post David Birney, ‘Bridget Loves Bernie’ & ‘St. Elsewhere’ Star, Dies At 83 appeared first on uInterview.
- 5/6/2022
- by Jacob Linden
- Uinterview
David Birney, who starred on the first season of the buzzy medical drama “St. Elsewhere,” as well as the short-lived, controversial sitcom “Bridget Loves Bernie” — about a Catholic woman marrying a Jewish man — has died at 83. His life partner Michele Roberge confirmed the news to The New York Times, and said he died due to Alzheimer’s disease at his home in Santa Monica.
Birney’s nearly-40 year television career began with a part in the 1969 series “Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing,” all the way through to a guest appearance in “Without a Trace” in 2007. He also had roles and recurring spots on many classic TV shows, including “Murder, She Wrote,” “The Love Boat” and “Hawaii Five-0.”
Yet his best-know parts were Dr. Ben Samuels on the first season of the 1982 drama “St. Elsewhere,” which he had to leave because of a Broadway commitment, and a lead role on the 1972 sitcom “Bridget Loves Bernie.
Birney’s nearly-40 year television career began with a part in the 1969 series “Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing,” all the way through to a guest appearance in “Without a Trace” in 2007. He also had roles and recurring spots on many classic TV shows, including “Murder, She Wrote,” “The Love Boat” and “Hawaii Five-0.”
Yet his best-know parts were Dr. Ben Samuels on the first season of the 1982 drama “St. Elsewhere,” which he had to leave because of a Broadway commitment, and a lead role on the 1972 sitcom “Bridget Loves Bernie.
- 5/3/2022
- by William Earl
- Variety Film + TV
David Birney, an actor who found early success on Broadway before landing the co-starring role on a 1972 sitcom, Bridget Loves Bernie, that would be one of the most controversial TV shows of its era, died of Alzheimer’s disease Friday, April 29, at his home in Santa Monica, Calif. He was 83.
His death was reported to The New York Times by his life partner, Michele Roberge.
Hollywood & Media Deaths In 2022: Photo Gallery
Born in Washington D.C. and raised in Cleveland, Birney had studied theater at the University of California, Los Angeles, when in 1965 he began acting in regional theaters across the country, including the Barter Theater in Abingdon, Virginia, and the Hartford Stage Company in Connecticut.
In 1967, he performed in a New York Shakespeare Festival production of A Comedy of Errors, and in 1969 he made his Broadway debut as Cleante in Molière’s The Miser. In all, he appeared...
His death was reported to The New York Times by his life partner, Michele Roberge.
Hollywood & Media Deaths In 2022: Photo Gallery
Born in Washington D.C. and raised in Cleveland, Birney had studied theater at the University of California, Los Angeles, when in 1965 he began acting in regional theaters across the country, including the Barter Theater in Abingdon, Virginia, and the Hartford Stage Company in Connecticut.
In 1967, he performed in a New York Shakespeare Festival production of A Comedy of Errors, and in 1969 he made his Broadway debut as Cleante in Molière’s The Miser. In all, he appeared...
- 5/3/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
The veteran actor-director David Birney, best known for his role in the popular but short-lived CBS sitcom Bridget Loves Bernie, has died. He was 83. Birney’s death was confirmed by the New York Times, which stated that the actor passed away on April 29 at his home in Santa Monica from Alzheimer’s disease. He was diagnosed with the life-altering neurologic disorder in 2017. Born on April 23, 1939, in Washington, D.C., Birney graduated from Dartmouth College and later earned an M.A. in Theatre Arts at UCLA. He served in the Army in the 1960s and won the All Army Entertainment contest and received the ‘Barter Theatre Award’ in 1965. This would kick-start Birney’s career in theatre, which included starring roles on Broadway in Amadeus, Benefactors, and Man and Superman, and major roles at the American Shakespeare Festival. Birney would move into television work in the late 1960s, appearing in bit parts in various TV movies.
- 5/3/2022
- TV Insider
David Birney, a familiar face to ’70s TV audiences with dozens of appearances over five decades, including as the star of “Bridget Loves Bernie,” the short-lived CBS sitcom where he met future wife Meredith Baxter, has died, according to reports. He was 83.
The New York Times reported that Birney died Friday at his home in Santa Monica of Alzheimer’s, citing life-partner Michele Roberge. The Times said he was diagnosed with the degenerative disease in 2017.
Birney played the titular Bernie Steinberg on “Bridget Loves Birney,” a ratings hit during the 1972-1973 TV season that was nonetheless canceled after just one season. But the connection was made: Birney would wind up dating and marrying his co-star Meredith Baxter, who was known as Meredith Baxter-Birney by the time she played Elyse Keaton on “Family Ties.”
The couple had three children – Kate, Mollie, and Peter – and divorced in 1989. Years after their divorce, Baxter...
The New York Times reported that Birney died Friday at his home in Santa Monica of Alzheimer’s, citing life-partner Michele Roberge. The Times said he was diagnosed with the degenerative disease in 2017.
Birney played the titular Bernie Steinberg on “Bridget Loves Birney,” a ratings hit during the 1972-1973 TV season that was nonetheless canceled after just one season. But the connection was made: Birney would wind up dating and marrying his co-star Meredith Baxter, who was known as Meredith Baxter-Birney by the time she played Elyse Keaton on “Family Ties.”
The couple had three children – Kate, Mollie, and Peter – and divorced in 1989. Years after their divorce, Baxter...
- 5/3/2022
- by Josh Dickey
- The Wrap
Lou Cutell, who played the “Assman” on Seinfeld and the rainbow-Mohawked Amazing Larry in Pee-wee’s Big Adventure among 100-plus TV and film credits spanning five decades, has died. He was 91.
His friend Mark Furman announced the news on social media but did not provide details.
“After 91 years, and a great life, my friend Lou Cutell went home,” Furman posted Sunday (see it below). “A film, theater and character actor. Big Larry in Pee Wee’s Big Adventure, Ass Man in Seinfeld, Abe in Grey’s Anatomy S12,E4. He took me to Lucille Ball’s house in 1986. Rest in peace Lou.”
Cutell might be most recognizable to TV fans for his one-off Seinfeld role as Dr. Howard Cooperman in the 1995 episode “The Fusilli Jerry.” It featured Kramer (Michael Richards) picking up his new license plates at the Dmv, only to find that they are someone else’s vanity plate that reads “Assman.
His friend Mark Furman announced the news on social media but did not provide details.
“After 91 years, and a great life, my friend Lou Cutell went home,” Furman posted Sunday (see it below). “A film, theater and character actor. Big Larry in Pee Wee’s Big Adventure, Ass Man in Seinfeld, Abe in Grey’s Anatomy S12,E4. He took me to Lucille Ball’s house in 1986. Rest in peace Lou.”
Cutell might be most recognizable to TV fans for his one-off Seinfeld role as Dr. Howard Cooperman in the 1995 episode “The Fusilli Jerry.” It featured Kramer (Michael Richards) picking up his new license plates at the Dmv, only to find that they are someone else’s vanity plate that reads “Assman.
- 11/23/2021
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Bernard Slade, a versatile writer who created one of Broadway’s most successful plays and several hit TV shows, has died. He passed Wednesday at his home in Beverly Hills, Calif. at age 89 of complications from Lewy body dementia, according to his daughter.
Slade began his career as a theatrical producer and stage actor in Canada. His success there led to a contract with Screen Gems, where he was assigned to write three television pilots per year. His work there resulted in the show Love On A Rooftop, which lasted one season, and The Flying Nun, which ran for three seasons and boosted the career of Sally Field.
His greatest success was 1970’s The Partridge Family, the tale of a musical family that traveled by bus. Shirley Jones was the mother of a singing family, which included stepson David Cassidy, whose good looks and smooth voice spawned nationwide teenage devotion.
Slade began his career as a theatrical producer and stage actor in Canada. His success there led to a contract with Screen Gems, where he was assigned to write three television pilots per year. His work there resulted in the show Love On A Rooftop, which lasted one season, and The Flying Nun, which ran for three seasons and boosted the career of Sally Field.
His greatest success was 1970’s The Partridge Family, the tale of a musical family that traveled by bus. Shirley Jones was the mother of a singing family, which included stepson David Cassidy, whose good looks and smooth voice spawned nationwide teenage devotion.
- 11/1/2019
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Playwright, screenwriter and Oscar-nominee Bernard Slade has died at the age of 89 in his Beverly Hills home due to complications from Lewy body dementia, according to Broadway World.
Slade is known for creating “The Partridge Family” television series in 1970, and for writing the Broadway show “Same Time, Next Year” in 1975. He later adapted the play into a feature film and wrote the screenplay for the feature film version in 1978. The story follows a man and a woman in separate marriages who have a one-night affair and end up meeting in the same place every year on the anniversary of that night.
Also Read: John Witherspoon, Prolific Character Actor and 'Friday' Star, Dies at 77
Slade also wrote for television shows from the late 1950s through the early 1970s, such as “Encounter,” which he also acted in, as well as “Playdate,” “Love on a Rooftop,” “Bewitched,” and “The Flying Nun.” He is...
Slade is known for creating “The Partridge Family” television series in 1970, and for writing the Broadway show “Same Time, Next Year” in 1975. He later adapted the play into a feature film and wrote the screenplay for the feature film version in 1978. The story follows a man and a woman in separate marriages who have a one-night affair and end up meeting in the same place every year on the anniversary of that night.
Also Read: John Witherspoon, Prolific Character Actor and 'Friday' Star, Dies at 77
Slade also wrote for television shows from the late 1950s through the early 1970s, such as “Encounter,” which he also acted in, as well as “Playdate,” “Love on a Rooftop,” “Bewitched,” and “The Flying Nun.” He is...
- 10/30/2019
- by Margeaux Sippell
- The Wrap
Bernard Slade, the Oscar-nominated writer who created The Partridge Family and wrote the enduring romantic comedy Same Time, Next Year for Broadway and the big screen, died Wednesday. He was 89.
Slade died peacefully at his Beverly Hills home from complications of Lewy body dementia, a family rep announced.
In the 1960s and '70s, Slade also developed ABC's The Flying Nun and created NBC's The Girl With Something Extra, two comedies starring Sally Field; created ABC's Love on a Rooftop, featuring Judy Carne, Pete Duel and Rich Little, and CBS' Bridget Loves Bernie, starring David Birney and Meredith Baxter; and served ...
Slade died peacefully at his Beverly Hills home from complications of Lewy body dementia, a family rep announced.
In the 1960s and '70s, Slade also developed ABC's The Flying Nun and created NBC's The Girl With Something Extra, two comedies starring Sally Field; created ABC's Love on a Rooftop, featuring Judy Carne, Pete Duel and Rich Little, and CBS' Bridget Loves Bernie, starring David Birney and Meredith Baxter; and served ...
- 10/30/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Bernard Slade, the Oscar-nominated writer who created The Partridge Family and wrote the enduring romantic comedy Same Time, Next Year for Broadway and the big screen, died Wednesday. He was 89.
Slade died peacefully at his Beverly Hills home from complications of Lewy body dementia, a family rep announced.
In the 1960s and '70s, Slade also developed ABC's The Flying Nun and created NBC's The Girl With Something Extra, two comedies starring Sally Field; created ABC's Love on a Rooftop, featuring Judy Carne, Pete Duel and Rich Little, and CBS' Bridget Loves Bernie, starring David Birney and Meredith Baxter; and served ...
Slade died peacefully at his Beverly Hills home from complications of Lewy body dementia, a family rep announced.
In the 1960s and '70s, Slade also developed ABC's The Flying Nun and created NBC's The Girl With Something Extra, two comedies starring Sally Field; created ABC's Love on a Rooftop, featuring Judy Carne, Pete Duel and Rich Little, and CBS' Bridget Loves Bernie, starring David Birney and Meredith Baxter; and served ...
- 10/30/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
The Wasteland:
Television is a gold goose that lays scrambled eggs;
and it is futile and probably fatal to beat it for not laying caviar.
Lee Loevinger
When people argue over the quality of television programming, both sides — it’s addictive crap v. underappreciated populist art — seem to forget one of the essentials about commercial TV. By definition, it is not a public service. It is not commercial TV’s job to enlighten, inform, educate, elevate, inspire, or offer insight. Frankly, it’s not even commercial TV’s job to entertain. Bottom line: its purpose is simply to deliver as many sets of eyes to advertisers as possible. As it happens, it tends to do this by offering various forms of entertainment, and occasionally by offering content that does enlighten, inform, etc., but a cynic would make the point that if TV could do the same job televising fish aimlessly swimming around an aquarium,...
Television is a gold goose that lays scrambled eggs;
and it is futile and probably fatal to beat it for not laying caviar.
Lee Loevinger
When people argue over the quality of television programming, both sides — it’s addictive crap v. underappreciated populist art — seem to forget one of the essentials about commercial TV. By definition, it is not a public service. It is not commercial TV’s job to enlighten, inform, educate, elevate, inspire, or offer insight. Frankly, it’s not even commercial TV’s job to entertain. Bottom line: its purpose is simply to deliver as many sets of eyes to advertisers as possible. As it happens, it tends to do this by offering various forms of entertainment, and occasionally by offering content that does enlighten, inform, etc., but a cynic would make the point that if TV could do the same job televising fish aimlessly swimming around an aquarium,...
- 7/22/2013
- by Ricky
- SoundOnSight
Meredith Baxter, 64, has been an actress for more than 40 years. She is best known as Elyse Keaton -- the flower-child mom of Michael J. Fox's straight-laced Alex Keaton on program "Family Ties," which ran from 1982 to 1989. But baby boomers may remember her in her first sitcom, "Bridget Loves Bernie" on CBS in 1972, and her run on the show "Family" from 1976 to 1980.
What they likely didn't know is that Baxter struggled with alcoholism for years, putting herself and her children in danger. Baxter has been married three times and has five children, and in December 2009, when the tabloids began writing about her relationship with a woman, she came out about as a lesbian in an interview with Matt Lauer on the Today show.
In this moving video, Baxter talks about how she conquered alcohol, and why coming out was the best decision she ever made.
What they likely didn't know is that Baxter struggled with alcoholism for years, putting herself and her children in danger. Baxter has been married three times and has five children, and in December 2009, when the tabloids began writing about her relationship with a woman, she came out about as a lesbian in an interview with Matt Lauer on the Today show.
In this moving video, Baxter talks about how she conquered alcohol, and why coming out was the best decision she ever made.
- 3/31/2012
- by Laura Rowley
- Huffington Post
Chicago – Steven and Elyse Keaton were the super-parents of a certain generation. “Family Ties” was the 1980s TV show featuring Michael Gross and Meredith Baxter as the Keatons. As TV parents, they raised Alex (Michael J. Fox), Mallory (Justine Bateman) and Jennifer (Tina Yothers).
The quintessential 1980s sitcom propelled Fox to stardom, and provided Red vs. Blue State discourse before it was cool, as Alex Keaton was a Reaganite conservative and his parents were liberal ex-hippies from the 1960s. Well-written, funny and warm without being sticky, the show was anchored by Gross and Baxter’s chemistry as Steven and Elyse.
Gross and Baxter had their reunion at the Hollywood Celebrities & Memorabilia Show in September of 2010. The show is a biannual event that brings celebrities to Chicago to meet, sign autographs and interact with their admirers. Joe Arce of HollywoodChicago.com was also there to capture the Family Ties reunion in photography.
The quintessential 1980s sitcom propelled Fox to stardom, and provided Red vs. Blue State discourse before it was cool, as Alex Keaton was a Reaganite conservative and his parents were liberal ex-hippies from the 1960s. Well-written, funny and warm without being sticky, the show was anchored by Gross and Baxter’s chemistry as Steven and Elyse.
Gross and Baxter had their reunion at the Hollywood Celebrities & Memorabilia Show in September of 2010. The show is a biannual event that brings celebrities to Chicago to meet, sign autographs and interact with their admirers. Joe Arce of HollywoodChicago.com was also there to capture the Family Ties reunion in photography.
- 12/29/2010
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
By the Advocate
One of America's all-time favorite TV moms, Meredith Baxter -- who played Elyse Keaton on "Family Ties" -- came out as a lesbian in an interview with Advocate.com.
Baxter, who also played an all-American girl in "Bridget Loves Bernie," opened up about her coming out process, her relationship with her partner Nancy Locke, coming out after sobriety and romping around with thousands of lesbians on the recent Sweet Caribbean Cruise in the exclusive interview.
Read more from the Advocate.com.
...
One of America's all-time favorite TV moms, Meredith Baxter -- who played Elyse Keaton on "Family Ties" -- came out as a lesbian in an interview with Advocate.com.
Baxter, who also played an all-American girl in "Bridget Loves Bernie," opened up about her coming out process, her relationship with her partner Nancy Locke, coming out after sobriety and romping around with thousands of lesbians on the recent Sweet Caribbean Cruise in the exclusive interview.
Read more from the Advocate.com.
...
- 12/2/2009
- by Dylan Stableford
- The Wrap
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