The Doctors Discussion Thread

[saynotoursoap]

According to Laryssa, the producers saw Karen as a villainess, to which I personally disgree. She could certainly be an antagonist at times, and her frosty exterior turned off some viewers, but Karen was not bad. Her actions harmed herself more than others. I love the fish-out-of-water aspect -the culture clashes between her and the other characters. Given her background, I understand why Karen acts (and reacts) in the manner she does, and throughout the series my heart went out to her. I wanted her iciness to melt. I wanted her to find love and have the happy ending which sadly eluded her. To that end, Laryssa was told that Karen should have dark hair. When she was offered the part, the producers requested that she dye her natural blonde hair to brunette, and she flatly refused. The wig was a compromise.

[DRW50]

I wonder if she keeps this wig for the rest of her run on the show...

[SoapDope]

DRW50 I wondered that too or if she has a longer wig later on in the 70's since long hair was the style at that time.

[amybrickwallace]

Every picture I've seen of Laryssa as Karen in the 70s, she still has the short brunette wig.

[Susan Hunter]

I agree with you. The Doctors has a lot of great characters, but there is something about Karen that really draws me in. I can't wait to see how her story plays out.

[SoapDope]

I guess they wanted her to look stern and harsh and save a few bucks.

[amybrickwallace]

I can't wait to see how things are like when the baby is born and how it affects the Aldrich marriage.

Edited March 3, 2015 by amybrickwallace

[SoapDope]

Is Peter Burnell who played Mike dead ? I read on IMDB that he committed suicide in 1987. When I google image, there is a current photo of a guy named Peter Burnell that looks like him.

http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/pais/people/burnell/profile.jpg

[amybrickwallace]

Peter Burnell's real name was Burnell Sitterly, and yes, he did take his own life in early 1987:

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1987-01-09/news/0100090252_1_sitterly-acting-career-burnell

[Susan Hunter]

Karen got more sound advice today from Althea. I hope she doesn't ignore it like she did Maggie's good advice. I love the fact that Matt and Maggie's wedding gift is still driving story for the Aldriches. One electric blanket and weeks of story.

Speaking of Maggie, how great was her outfit today. Love it! And those candles.

At this point, is Lydia Bruce a full contract player or is she still 'subbing' for Bethel Leslie?

[amybrickwallace]

I believe by this point Lydia was a permanent member of the cast. I believe it was August of 1968 that the announcement came that Bethel wouldn't be returning.

How great is the bridal shower thus far? Can't wait to see Nick's bachelor party with he, Matt and Ed barhopping.

[jam6242]

From 1972 (and yes, that is the actress Marsha Clark (Hillary Bauer, GL):

[slick jones]

Spartanberg Herald Journal, Saturday June 27, 1981: (paraphrased):

Actor John James of Dynasty briefly appeared on The Doctors before graduating college and landing the role of Tom Bergman on SFT, where he stayed for two years.

[DRW50]

I wonder if Marsha ever kept in touch with Gerald Gordon. There were several articles back in 1972 or 1973 about her - I wonder if she had connections.

[Classicsoap]

I don't recall WRCF cutting off any credits, So I would say it is original. Based on a script I read along with, they are not doing much editing, compared to how COZI TV has their shows edited.