Shocking Secrets From The Set Of ’80s Shows
The 1980s was a decade of iconic television shows that captured the hearts of millions of viewers worldwide. From the epic drama of Dallas to the quirky humor of Cheers, these shows became cultural touchstones and continue to entertain audiences to this day. But behind the scenes, there were secrets and scandals that kept audiences intrigued and gossiping. From feuds between co-stars to unexpected plot twists, the 80s were full of juicy secrets that were often hidden from the public eye.
We’re exploring some of the most interesting secrets from 80s TV shows that may surprise even the most dedicated fans.
Miami Vice
Miami Vice was a groundbreaking crime drama series that aired from 1984-1990, set in the colorful and dangerous world of Miami’s drug trade. The show’s iconic style, music, and cinematography became a cultural phenomenon and influenced fashion and popular culture. The series starred Don Johnson and Philip Michael Thomas as undercover detectives Sonny Crockett and Ricardo Tubbs.
Edward James Olmos also appeared on the show as Martin Castillo, and he reportedly had trouble getting along with one of the stars during season 1 of filming. The two would frequently argue in between takes, Olmos actually channeled his anger toward Johnson into his performances! Rewatch season one and see if you can spot his real rage coming through.
Quantum Leap
This drama series brought the idea of time travel to life. Nothing was more riveting than being glued to the TV waiting for the next episode of Quantum Leap wondering what would happen next. Dr. Sam Beckett is constantly being thrown into different bodies while interacting with his best friend Al Calavicci.
However, Al Calavicci, played by Dean Stockwell, was known for being more than just Dr. Beckett’s companion, he was also a cigar-smoking womanizer. Turns out Stockwell was the one who decided his character should be known for smoking. He thought it was a great way to get free cigars!
Magnum PI
Tom Selleck was originally offered the role of Indiana Jones in Steven Spielberg’s classic adventure film, Raiders of the Lost Ark. However, Selleck had to give up the role due to his contractual obligations to star in this series. However, that didn’t stop him from becoming a major film and TV star. The show became a huge hit and ran for eight seasons, cementing Selleck’s status as a Hollywood icon.
Despite missing out on the opportunity to play Indiana Jones, Selleck went on to have a successful film career, starring in hit movies such as Three Men and a Baby and Quigley Down Under. He also had a recurring role in the TV series Friends and currently stars in the popular police drama, Blue Bloods.
Knight Rider
Patricia McPherson played the role of Bonnie Barstow, a technician who helped maintain the titular car KITT, in the first season of the popular 1980s TV series Knight Rider. However, she was reportedly fired from the show due to a lack of chemistry with the lead actor David Hasselhoff. She was subsequently replaced by Rebecca Holden, it was rumored that Holden was brought in to add more sex appeal to the show, and her character was often portrayed in tight clothing and skimpy outfits.
However, Hasselhoff wasn’t happy with this change. Holden was eventually written out of the show after the second season, and McPherson returned for several guest appearances throughout the series’ run.
Family Ties
Despite being the lead actor on a hit TV show, Michael J. Fox was not yet a household name when he started filming the first season of Family Ties. As a struggling actor, he had limited financial resources and did not own a car at the time. As a result, he often had to rely on hitchhiking, to get to the show’s set in Hollywood from his home in Brentwood.
Fox’s dedication to his craft and his willingness to overcome obstacles to make it to work is a testament to his work ethic and his commitment to his career. Considering the level of fame he eventually achieved, we think it paid off!
ALF
Hide your cats, because it’s time to talk about ALF! What looked like a quirky and wholesome family sitcom on the surface was actually a tense lesson in adaptability for everyone. Once their run on the show ended, many cast members claimed they had a bad time on set. Why would someone be mad about being in a successful sitcom? As it turns out, working with a puppet can be a nightmare.
Not only was ALF the star, but he was a star that required multiple people to make him appear lifelike. That, and, since the puppeteers can’t be seen on camera, a lot of fancy footwork was required on the set. People couldn’t move naturally and also ended up getting jealous of the puppet’s success!
Who’s The Boss
It seems like Tony Danza just couldn’t keep his fists to himself, even as he was about to become one of the biggest stars on TV. But instead of sending him to the unemployment line, the judge who sentenced him to community service actually gave his career a boost! Who’s the Boss? went on to become a massive hit, and Danza’s character Tony Micelli became a beloved icon of ’80s TV.
Perhaps the community service gave Danza some extra time to practice his comedic timing and charm. And who knows, maybe he even picked up a few cleaning tips while he was at it – after all, his character on the show was a housekeeper!
Matlock
Matlock was a show that proved you don’t need fancy legal jargon to win a case – all you need is a southern drawl, a seersucker suit, and a sharp mind! Andy Griffith’s performance as Ben Matlock made it the ultimate guilty pleasure for fans of courtroom dramas. However, many fans wondered why Tyler Hudson was written out of the show after the third season.
Kene Holiday, the actor behind Tyler Hudson, was terminated from the show after the third season due to his ongoing struggles with drugs and alcohol. Despite his talent and popularity, Holiday’s addiction issues had become a liability for the show’s producers and they ultimately decided to let him go.
The Wonder Years
Ah, the perils of growing up on TV! Poor Danica McKellar was just trying to go through puberty like any other girl, but her sudden growth spurt caused a major headache for the producers of The Wonder Years. The show’s main love story between Kevin and Winnie was in danger of being derailed – they just didn’t look right standing together anymore!
So, they decided to write in a storyline about their falling out and keep Winnie in the background for a while. But fear not, fans of young love – Fred Savage must have had a growth spurt of his own because the two were able to reconcile once again. All’s well that ends well!
Baywatch
Baywatch, the iconic ’90s show that brought us slow-motion beach runs and countless beach rescue missions, had a dirty little secret – most of the cast wasn’t even good at swimming! Who knew that the actors saving lives on the beach were actually just pretending to doggy-paddle in the ocean? And to top it all off, the biggest bombshell of all – Pamela Anderson, the ultimate Baywatch babe, hates water!
It’s a good thing the show’s producers were able to work their magic with camera angles and editing, because we can’t imagine the show without its iconic beach scenes. Maybe it’s time to give the Baywatch cast some swimming lessons for the inevitable reboot?
Growing Pains
Some people who turn to religion develop a more peaceful lifestyle. Unfortunately for Kirk Cameron, this was not the case. You probably know him as Mike Seaver from Growing Pains. Towards the end of the show, he converted to Christianity, and seemingly also became a terror to have on set, trying to have aspects of the show changed when he didn’t like them.
His co-star Jullie McCullough played Julie Costello, and the two never seemed to get along. While there are two sides to the story, most seem to side with McCullough. She claims Cameron’s hatred for her hit an all-time high when she posed for playboy, since this didn’t align with his new Christian values.
Star Trek: The Next Generation
The crew of the Starship Enterprise may have been battling Klingons and exploring strange new worlds, but behind the scenes, the cast of Star Trek: The Next Generation had their own battles to fight – over their salaries! When Wil Wheaton, who played Ensign Wesley Crusher, was offered a promotion to Lieutenant instead of a raise, he couldn’t help but reply with this smart-alecky yet accurate comment. We can take a leaf out of his book when it comes to clapping back at our bosses.
It’s good to see that even in the 24th century, rent is still a pain in the neck. Maybe they should have just asked the replicator for some money instead!
Night Court
The passing of a beloved cast member is never easy, and for the Night Court family, the loss of Selma Diamond after Season 2 was a devastating blow. But out of the darkness came a glimmer of hope – Florence Halop, whose mannerisms mirrored Selma’s, stepped in to fill the void in Season 3. Sadly, Florence passed away after completing just one season, leaving the producers with a difficult decision.
In the end, they opted to bring in a younger actress, Marsha Warfield, to take on the role of Roz. It’s a testament to the strength and resilience of the Night Court team that they were able to keep the show going despite these challenges and honor the legacy of those who came before them.
Airwolf
Jan-Michael Vincent’s struggles with addiction cast a dark shadow over the filming of Airwolf. The talented actor, whose performances had captivated audiences on the big screen, found himself battling demons that threatened to destroy his career and his life. Despite his troubles, Vincent continued to give his all to the role of Stringfellow Hawke, the daring pilot at the center of Airwolf’s thrilling adventures.
It’s a testament to his talent and dedication that he was able to deliver such powerful performances in the face of such adversity. Sadly, Vincent’s addiction would eventually take its toll, and his star would fade all too soon. His cocaine habit is named as one of the main reasons the show was cancelled.
Dynasty
When fans think of Dynasty, we think of scandal, big hair, drama, fights, and of course Blake and Alexis played by John Forsythe and Joan Collins. They starred as a divorced couple with a multitude of issues. Blake and Alexis’ feud was one of the biggest plot points in the series, Forsythe and Collins seemed to have taken these roles very seriously.
Collins said that Forsythe was cold towards her whenever they weren’t filming. There was one season where he didn’t speak to her at all! Though it seemed the two would never make up, over time they gradually warmed up to each other. Collins ended up being one of the first people to pay tribute to Forsythe after his passing.
Dallas
Linda Gray’s brief dismissal from Dallas in the mid-1980s could have spelled disaster for the popular show. Fortunately, her co-star Larry Hagman recognized the value of her character and the chemistry between their characters. Hagman’s threat to leave the show without Gray’s presence demonstrates the close working relationship and camaraderie between the two actors.
It’s heartwarming to see such loyalty and support in the cutthroat world of television. The show would not have been the same without Sue Ellen’s complex and nuanced portrayal by Gray, and the fact that her co-star recognized that and stood up for her is a testament to the strength of their bond. Their on-screen dynamic continues to captivate audiences today.
Murder, She Wrote
Despite their reported animosity, Angela Lansbury and Peter S. Fischer still managed to create a hit show with Murder She Wrote. Maybe their disagreements fueled their creativity? And let’s be real, Lansbury is a legend and can demand as many revisions as she wants. We all know she’s the real star of the show, and the thought of her leaving had fans in a frenzy.
Thankfully, she decided to come back, and Fischer had to scramble to rewrite the finale. Maybe they should have just hugged it out and had a glass of wine together. Who knows, they might have ended up being the best of friends.
Full House
They always say to never work with animals and children in show business. Why? Probably because it makes everything a million times more complicated. While there are plenty of (working) kids and animals that listen and know how to take cues, that’s not always the case. In the early 90s, everyone’s favorite house was almost too full for one actor.
John Stamos reportedly tried to get the Olsen twins fired from their singular role! Why? They were just too difficult to work with. We get it can be aggravating, but come on! Do you really want to be remembered as the guy who got Mary-Kate and Ashley fired?
Seinfeld
Pregnancy typically doesn’t stop the film schedule. Production will either find a way to hide an actress’s baby bump, or they’ll write a pregnancy into the character’s plotline. When Julia Louis-Dreyfus revealed she was pregnant, Jerry Seinfeld had a pretty interesting idea. Though Dreyfus probably saw it as more offensive than interesting. The mention of it reduced her to tears.
Though Jerry’s idea wasn’t exactly as out-there as you might think. January Jones’ character in Mad Men was written to have gained a significant weight as a way to hide the actress’s baby bump. But we guess Dreyfus wasn’t keen on the idea at the time.
Roseanne
Roseanne was one of those shows that struck a bunch of chords with audiences. Many weren’t thrilled with how crass and honest the show was, others thought it accurately depicted life in America for many families. Either way, it was a smash-hit. Millions tuned in weekly to see what adventure Roseanne would have with the gang.
While each story was well-crafted, it seems that not even the writers were huge fans of their work. That’s probably because they were terrified of their boss (and the show’s titular character). Roseanne’s legendary temper and overall attitude weren’t secrets to the cast and crew. She was apparently horribly scary and rude to work with!
The Golden Girls
What made The Golden Girls so special was the bond we got to see between the characters. Despite their differences, the ladies seemed to really care about one another. No matter what happened, they always seemed to come together over cheesecake and a few laughs. We all wanted a bond like that, right? As it turns out, they weren’t always the friendliest with one another.
Most of it was just for show! According to Betty White, the sweetest of the group, they were more acquaintances than anything. She wasn’t that close with all of her co-stars. She and Bea Arthur never really hung out when they weren’t on-set together.
Diff’rent Strokes
Diff’rent Strokes is one of television’s cutest and saddest moments. The show was off-the-charts fantastic thanks to Gary Coleman. His adorable presence and comedic timing melted everyone’s hearts. He was also raking in the dough at a very young age. You’d think that after years of hard work, he’d have a relaxing and comfortable adult life.
You’d also be wrong. Unfortunately, Coleman’s parents stole all of his hard-earned cash! By the time he was able to sue them, they had no money left to give back! After the case ended, Coleman didn’t return to acting. He lived out the rest of his life as a security guard instead of an actor.
The A-Team
A show about a bunch of renegades taking the law into their own hands? Buckets of testosterone and gold chains every single season? Are we talking about The A-Team? You bet your camper vans we are! While the guns and explosions were enough to entertain viewers during its run, behind-the-scenes things were much more explosive.
Given that the entire main cast was made up of macho men with macho ideas, it was hard for them to respect the female cast members. When Marla Heasley joined the show, it was made abundantly clear she wasn’t welcome. Apparently, none of the (male) actors wanted her, or any other women, on the lot!
Sesame Street
What’s one of the most wholesome shows in history doing in an article like this? Nothing truly scary or dark happens on Sesame Street (they have tons of street lights thanks to responsible city planning and infrastructure). Well, not anymore at least. Back in the early seasons of the show, a few residents of the neighborhood led a double life!
While on the show, David (played by Northern Calloway) was a cheery fellow who was set to become the next Mr. Hooper! Off the show, Calloway was arrested for breaking and entering someone’s home. Later, before he was fired for biting the music coordinator of the show during a fight.
A Different World
It’s hard to talk about A Different World without mentioning that it was a spin-off of the wildly popular Cosby Show. While some characters made a reappearance in the spin-off series, the show didn’t last past six seasons. Though that’s not bad for a spin-off. Some of the more well-known characters didn’t fare as well as the show did.
Denise Huxtable, played by Lisa Bonet, was actually in a season of the show! While reprising her Huxtable name she became pregnant (offset). During a meeting one day she was let go by none other than Bill Cosby! Why was she fired? “Lisa Bonet is pregnant, but Denise Huxtable is not.” Rude.
The Dukes of Hazzard
The Dukes of Hazzard was a fast-driving, wild, and rootin-tootin’ good time of a show. It followed the titular Duke cousins as they did their best to raise havoc and make the evil Boss Hog’s life miserable. It was a wildly popular show with so much influence that the merch sales alone racked up millions in revenue for the production company. Warner Bros. had a cash cow on its hands.
It’s a pity they milked it for all it was worth without paying the actors fairly. The two main stars ended up leaving the show after feeling like they weren’t being compensated for the success of the seasons and subsequent merchandise profits! They even claimed the entire cast had been cheated by Warner Bros.
Family Matters
You can’t think of Family Matters without also thinking about the goofy and loveable Steve Urkel. The two go hand in hand! However, that wasn’t the original plan. Urkel was initially just supposed to be a goofy side character that appeared every now and then. The main focus of the show was always supposed to be on the family.
Of course, after fans fell in love with Jaleel White’s character, the show’s focus shifted. That led to a lot of resentment from the rest of the cast. However, for the sake of making good television, and getting a paycheck, the family adapted to the switch in focus.
Saved By The Bell
If you left your high school days in the past, think back for a moment. Would you ever go back? What if things were different and more like Saved By The Bell? All those hijinks, friendly rivalries, and first kisses look a lot more fun now, don’t they? While the show isn’t at all what high school was like for most of us, it did have some interesting teen drama going on. Mark-Paul Gosselaar, AKA Zack Morris, wasn’t just a player for the cameras.
During the run of the show, he dated all the female co-stars in the cast! He wasn’t the only one, either. After a few more relationships started and failed, the show’s creator, Peter Engel, had to step in. Not only was he the producer, but he also doubled up as the mediator during the breakups and fights that ensued.
Cheers
Egos and Hollywood go hand-in-hand. When you work in an industry that builds up people to think they’re the best, an actor’s ego can inflate while their skin gets thinner and thinner. Eventually, even an off-hand remark or poorly timed joke when not filming can have disastrous effects on someone’s career. When filming Cheers, Eddie Lebec always seemed to know just what to say.
Off-screen, his actor Jay Thomas, had a habit of putting his foot in his mouth. He was caught complaining one day about having to kiss his co-star Rhea Perlman. Apparently, Perlman overheard the complaint and got Thomas fired from the show! His character was never seen after season seven.
Moonlighting
The show Moonlighting was loved by many, especially when it came to the lead stars, Cybill Shepherd and Bruce Willis. Their characters were known for solving cases and their flirty banter. Most fans will be sad to find out that the romantic connection wasn’t quite there in real life. What started as hot and steamy feelings quickly turned sour.
The two could barely stand to be in the same room as one another. Shepherd has described Willis as being “volatile” in nature, however, fellow cast memeber Curtis Armstrong claimed there’s a lot more to their story than meets the eye!
The Incredible Hulk
It’s fascinating to learn how committed Bill Bixby and Lou Ferrigno were to maintain the illusion that they were the same person on The Incredible Hulk. It’s clear that they cared deeply about their young fans and wanted to keep the magic alive for them. It’s impressive that they went to such lengths to avoid shattering that illusion, such as not being out in public at the same time and refusing to pose for photographs together.
It’s also interesting to hear that they never crossed paths on set during each other’s scenes, which helped them maintain the psychological distance between Banner and the Hulk. We love to see this level of dedication from actors to their craft and their audience.
The Jeffersons
The Jeffersons wasn’t just a groundbreaking sitcom and spin-off that stood on its own two feet for some of the best television to come out of the 70s. As George and Wheezy moved on up from guest characters on All in the Family to their show, real-life and the characters’ lives seemed to become the same. Helen, neighbor, and friend of the Jeffersons, was married to a white Jewish man on the show.
It just so happened that the actress who played Helen (Roxie Roker) was also married to a white Jewish man! This isn’t surprising now, but back then the show creators were worried about the couple being seen on TV. Roker had to prove it was okay by showing a picture of her and her husband together!
Happy Days
Every day is a Happy Day when you’re on the set of Happy Days. This wholesome show set in the 50s was actually shot in the 70s! Not only did it give Henry Winkler and Ron Howard a massive career boost, but it also saved Howard’s life. Right before Happy Days was scheduled to shoot the pilot, Howard received a notice that he would be drafted into the Vietnam War.
Since that didn’t sound like fun, Howard had to find a way to get an exception from being sent overseas. Given that he was in an art school, he couldn’t use his studies as an excuse. Thankfully, at the eleventh hour, he got selected to shoot the pilot for Happy Days! That was enough work to keep him out of the draft (and probably alive).
Mork & Mindy
Literal angels walk amongst us every day. There is no proof more concrete than Robin William’s existence among the rest of us. He was, and will always be, a shining ray of light to millions. His jovial persona and manic yet carefully refined energy are what dreams and miracles are made of. Long before he captured people’s hearts in the 90s, he was doing it all for the first time in the 70s.
From 1978 to 1982 Williams played the alien Mork in the classic and cherished by all Mork & Mindy. Even the casting director knew he was perfect for the role upon their first meeting. He said Williams was the only real alien to audition for the part. His commitment to the character was nothing short of perfect.
Three’s Company
Suzanne Somers, who played the bubbly Chrissy Snow, demanded a big raise and even part ownership of the show, but when her demands were denied, she started skipping work. That didn’t sit well with her co-stars, John Ritter and Joyce DeWitt, who eventually refused to work with her. It’s too bad, because the chemistry between the three of them was a big part of what made the show so fun to watch.
But hey, maybe it all worked out for the best in the end. Somers went on to have a successful career in other TV shows and movies, and Three’s Company continued to be a hit even after she left.
M*A*S*H
The horrors of war aren’t only felt on the battlefield. Sometimes even portraying a character in a war can lead to a near-fatal accident. Though not comparable to what goes on in those moments, it can still get scary. On the hit show M*A*S*H every character goes through the wringer. It makes sense since they’re trying to survive in a warzone. Even the actors started to feel less than perfect while working. William Christopher (Father Mulcahy) got sick with a horrible case of hepatitis.
Instead of retiring from the show to rest, he insisted he keep working. His co-star (Hawkeye) knew how much the show meant to Cristopher. It was especially important given that Cristopher’s family depended on the show’s paycheck. To ensure he could return whenever he was better, the show wrote Cristopher’s illness into the character to give him an excuse to heal up and return when he was ready!
The Love Boat
Ahoy there, matey! Did you know that on “The Love Boat,” fans could actually sail alongside the cast and crew? That’s right! These weren’t just ordinary extras, but real-life tourists who paid a pretty penny for the experience. In season seven, when the show went to Hong Kong, fans could pay anywhere from $3,370 to $8,550 for the cruise.
Can you imagine rubbing elbows with Captain Stubing, Gopher, Isaac, and the rest of the gang while sailing the high seas? It’s no wonder “The Love Boat” was such a hit. Who wouldn’t want to join in on the fun and romance of the show? Now, all we need is a ticket to the past to experience it for ourselves!
Terms of Endearment
According to reports, the actresses in 1983’s Terms of Endearment were often at each other’s throats during filming. At times, they even got into physical altercations! Costars Shirley MacLaine and Debra Winger really had it out for each other. Things only got worse, and more personal, when MacLaine won the Oscar for Best Actress as Winger was nominated in the same category. Talk about an awkward moment.
The winger was quite outspoken when it came to addressing the rumors about their feud. “I can’t deny that we fought,” she said to The New York Times in 1986. ‘‘We challenged ourselves, and when we got tired of challenging ourselves, we challenged each other.”
The Simpsons
The Simpsons are one of television’s longest-running animated families. Despite all the laughs they bring people every week, a whole lot of drama occurs that would tear even the strongest of families apart. Long before the voice actors fought for more pay, there was a different issue being hammered out.
Sam Simon, one of the original producers of the show, felt shafted by the other members of the crew. Despite being an integral force in the show’s success, he felt he didn’t receive enough credit or pay! This led him to leave the Emmy juggernaut after only four seasons at the helm. Do you think he made the right decision?
The Golden Girls
Time to break out the big guns. It’s Golden Girls time. Y’all ready for this? Not only is this one of the best television shows of any genre, but it has fans that span generations. It has fans from all around the world. It has fans who are literal queens of countries. The Golden Girls are golden forever. We’re not the only ones who think so. When the show was at its peak, The Queen Mother PERSONALLY WROTE TO THE GOLDEN GIRLS that she would love to see them perform for her live.
Obviously they went and performed for royalty by live-acting a personalized episode just for The Queen Mother’s exhibition in 1988. They’re the Golden Girls. Thank YOU for being a friend, Queen Elizabeth.
Married…With Children
In the annals of television history, few stories are as delightfully ironic as the tale of Married… With Children and its irate viewer, Terry Rakolta. Back in 1989, concerned parents were up in arms over the show’s portrayal of a happily dysfunctional family. But little did they know, their backlash was like fuel to the fire. Enter Terry Rakolta, the boycott advocate who took to multiple talk shows to rally parents against the show.
Oh, the irony! Instead of disappearing into obscurity, Married… With Children thrived on the added attention, even sending flowers to Rakolta as a twisted “thank you.” As Katey Sagal, aka Peg Bundy, recalls, their nemesis unwittingly became their greatest promoter.