Classic TV Birthdays: January 19

A bunch of classic TV stars are celebrating birthdays today, starting with Desi Arnaz Jr. The son of Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball turns 61…he’s probably best remembered for his guest role on the Brady Bunch.

Other January 19 birthdays: Shelley Fabares (The Donna Reed Show, One Day At A Time, Coach) is 70, Tippi Hedren (starred in Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds, guested on a number of classic TV shows), veteran NBC/PBS newsman Robert MacNeil is 83 and Fritz Weaver (character actor, appeared in 3 episodes of The Twilight Zone) is 88.

Several old favorites who have passed also share a January 19 birthday: Nicholas Colasanto (TV director and actor, best known for his role as Coach on Cheers) and Jean Stapleton (All In The Family).

Today also marks the anniversary of two classic TV stars’ deaths. Anthony Franciosa starred in a number of series, including The Name of the Game and Matt Helm. Suzanne Pleshette guested on many series, but her biggest role was Emily, Bob’s wife on The Bob Newhart Show.