From left: Art Carney and Walter Matthau

"The Odd Couple" began as a play written by Neil Simon. It premiered on
Broadway in 1965 at the Plymouth Theatre in New York City and starred
Walter Matthau as Oscar and Art Carney as Felix. Later in the show’s run,
Jack Klugman took over the role of Oscar, which he played until the show
ended its Broadway run on July 2, 1967. Simon’s inspiration for the play
was his brother Danny, who was divorced and was rooming with a
divorced friend. The play was eventually made into a movie and a
successful television series.

Playwright Neil Simon

1968

 
On ABC (1970-1975)

 


Clockwise from top right) Carroll O’Connor, Rob Reiner,
Sally Struthers, and Jean Stapleton, cast of  All in the Family.

Robert "Rob" Reiner is a multitalented actor, director, producer, and writer  
who gained national attention as an actor playing Michael “Meathead” Stivic, 
on the CBS sitcom All in the Family (1971-1979). That portrayal earned him 
two Emmy Awards during the 1970s.

As a director, Reiner was recognized by the Directors Guild of America with
nominations for the films Stand by Me (1988), When Harry Met Sally (1989),
and A Few Good Men (1992). He also directed Misery (1990). 

(Most film locations in Oregon)

Rob Reiner (right) with his father Carl Reiner

1949

 
Ed McMahon (L) with The Tonight Show host Johnny Carson

  Edward Peter "Ed" McMahon, Jr. (March 6, 1923 – June 23, 2009)

McMahon was a comedian, game show host and announcer. He is best
remembered as the announcer and sidekick on the The Tonight Show
with Johnny Carson on NBC from 1962 to 1992. He also was the host of
the original version of Star Search on CBS from 1983 to 1995. McMahon
also co-hosted TV’s Bloopers & Practical Jokes with Dick Clark from 1982
to 1998 on NBC and ABC. 

(CBS-TV from 1971-1979)

On an All in the Family episode, Archie and Edith Bunker got new next-door
neighbors, Michael and Gloria’s best friend, Lionel Jefferson (played by Mike
Evans) and his parents, mother Louise Jefferson (Isabel Sanford).and his
father,George Jefferson (played by Sherman Hemsley) who did not appear
on-screen until a later episode in 1973.

The Jefferson family later moved to an apartment in Manhattan which resulted
in their own show The Jeffersons on CBS from 1975-1985.

From left: Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, and Mike Evans

Archie Bunker (Carroll O’Connor) with the Jeffersons

 
       
                   Desi Arnaz (March 2, 1917 – December 2, 1986)

Desi Arnaz  was a Cuban-born musician, actor and television producer. He first
gained international recognition as the leader of a Latin music band, the Desi
Arnaz Orchestra. He is best known for his role as Ricky Ricardo on the CBS-TV
comedy series I Love Lucy (1951-1957), starring with his real life wife Lucille
Ball.

Desi Arnaz “warming up” the audience prior to filming, 1952.