1997: Neil Simon Recrafts ‘The Sunshine Boys’ for TV
On this day in 1997, CBS presented a telemovie version of Neil Simon’s 1972 Broadway play, The Sunshine Boys, the story of aging vaudevillians whose relationship deteriorates to the point that they find it difficult to work together.
Simon wrote the TV adaptation, which starred Woody Allen as Al Lewis and Peter Falk as Willie Clark and reimagined the two as pioneers of early television. The telefilm’s supporting cast included Michael McKean, Liev Schreiber, Edie Falco, Sarah Jessica Parker and Whoopi Goldberg.
The Broadway roles were originated by Sam Levene as Lewis and Jack Albertson as Clark; a 1997 revival starred Tony Randall and Jack Klugman. A 1975 film version was also made, starring George Burns and Walter Matthau.
1976: ‘Laverne & Shirley’ Spins Off ABC’s ‘Happy Days’
You could make the case that Penny Marshall and Cindy Williams, as blue-collar buddies Laverne...
Susan Sarandon Says She Turned Down “Big Check” for This Baffling Thelma & Louise Sequel Idea
Susan Sarandon was close to telling Hollywood execs to take a flying leap after she was pitched...
1995: ‘My So-Called Life’ Finale Airs
My So-Called Life, the critically acclaimed but viewer-deficient drama about teenage angst,...
The Bachelor Added 5 New Contestants and Things Went South Fast
Victoria: I just really didn’t like when you shut me down during conversation and I...