2020 is off to a sad start when it comes to classic TV performers and behind-the-scenes talent. We’ve lost even more in recent weeks:
- Composer Perry Botkin Jr. (Happy Days, Laverne & Shirley, (theme to) The Young & The Restless)
- Writer-producer Allan Burns, best known as the co-creator of The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Munsters and Rhoda
- Producer Cy Chernuk (CHiPs, Ironside, Kolckak: The Night Stalker)
- Actor Hal Holbrook, renowned for his portrayals of Abraham Lincoln and Mark Twain. He later appeared on Designing Women alongside his wife, the late actress Dixie Carter
- Radio and TV talk show legend Larry King
- Veteran character actor Bruce Kirby, whose lengthy credits include appearances on classic series such as Barney Miller, Bonanza, Hogan’s Heroes, Ironside, Kojak, The Patty Duke Show and The Phil Silvers Show
- Actress Cloris Leachman, whose first credited TV appearance came way back in 1948 (The Ford Theatre Hour). She starred in series ranging from Lassie to Phyllis and The Facts of Life. One of her most memorable guest roles was as Billy Mumy’s mom in the Twilight Zone episode “It’s A Good Life.”
- Actor Gregory Sierra, remembered for his roles on 1970’s comedy classics Barney Miller (Chano) and Sanford & Son (Julio).
- Actress Cicely Tyson who guested on classic shows like The F.B.I., I Spy and Naked City. Her signature small screen performance was probably the title character in the 1974 made-for-TV movie The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman
