He Now Belongs to the Universe….Leonard Nimoy

He was an icon to a generation, a role model for geeks, and a member of one of the most successful science fiction franchises in history. Today in Los Angeles, Leonard Simon Nimoy passed into immortality. The actor had dedicated his life to his craft, but he will forever be known as the “voice” of logic , Mr. Spock on the original television series “Star Trek.” The series only lasted three years, but spawned an entire merchandise line, several feature films, and four spin off series . The official cause of death was chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Nimoy was born on March 26,1931 in Boston , Massachusetts to Dora and Max Nimoy. Nimoy had been raised an orthodox speaking Jew. His parents had immigrated from Izaslav , separately and uniting in the United States. Leonard starting acting quite early and he used it when he had enlisted in the Army Special Services. He made his rounds in Hollywood doing roles on all the big shows of the era like “Perry Mason,” Bonanza,” and “Gunsmoke.”As well as acting , Nimoy was a singer, songwriter, photographer, and director.

Nimoy was first cast in the original pilot of “Star Trek” . He later described his co star and Captain, William Shatner as his “brother.” The first time that the actors worked together was prior to the sci -fi series. Nimoy played the villain and Shatner was a reluctant recruit on “The Man from Uncle.” In 1966, he became the half Human-half Vulcan officer on the USS Enterprise. The role garnered Nimoy three Emmy nominations. He continued the role until 2013 when he made a brief appearance in JJ Abrams directed “Star Trek Into Darkness.” The sign that he was most known for “Live, long and prosper.” with the bent finger salute came from his childhood. He said in an interview that it came from the blessing of the Jewish priests.

In later years , Nimoy became a semi regular character on the series “Fringe.” He retired from acting in 2010 . He was also instrumental in casting the role of “Spock” in the JJ Abrams movies. The main reason for retiring was so that Zachary Quinto could step into the media spotlight as “Spock.” His last appearance was a voice over on “The Big Bang Theory” as a Spock action figure that talked to Sheldon. The episode was called “The Transporter Malfunction.”

In his personal life he embraced his Jewish roots and was involved in many Holocaust projects . Nimoy also confessed that he had become an alcoholic and entered into rehab. He claimed that the character was responsible for influencing his own thought process and life. He also wrote two books “I am Not Spock” and “I Am Spock.” He married his first wife actress Sandra Zober in 1954. He married his second wife and widow , Susan Bay in 1989. He is survived by two children Adam by his first wife and Julie by his second wife.

My only exposure to Mr. Nimoy was because of my late father. He was a man that was indeed ahead of his time. My father not only watched “Star Trek” but also embraced the theories that he talked about on the program “In Search Of.” Most actors spend their whole lifetimes just trying to get work and it is a blessing when an actor gets that once in a lifetime role that transports them into immortality. Leonard Nimoy was that and more. He was an icon for an entire generation. He will certainly be missed and Chitownstarconnections sends all of those who loved him their prayers.

Here is Leonard in one of his early roles. He appeared as “Hansen” on the episode of “The Twilight Zone” called “A Quality of Mercy.”

Here he is as the logical half human -half Vulcan of the original “Star Trek”. Live long and prosper.

Nimoy directed two of the “Star Trek” movies. Here he is with the late Gene Roddenberry and DeForrest Kelley, as well as William Shatner

“He was like a brother to me.” tweeted William Shatner today when asked about his friend’s death. This is one of the greatest bromances of all  time.

Here is Leonard Nimoy with the young man who took up the Spock role , Zachary Quinto

Here is Leonard on the set of the last television appearance “The Big Bang Theory”with Emmy award winning Jim Parsons.

You will live in our hearts , long after you are gone from this earth, and we will prosper because we knew you

1931-2015

Moniqua Has the Desire To Inspire

Television is filled with strong female characters and the ABC hit “Nashville” is no exception. These are women who have it all. They are mothers, business women and hit makers. They also know how to stand on their own against their men. Story lines are peppered with a country sound and no city since “Dallas” has been more identified with a location than “Nashville.” The city, with its great music, can definitely be described as a character on the show.

Today I had the pleasure to chat with one of the stars of “Nashville,”  Moniqua Plante. Moniqua plays “Natasha” the love interest of “Mayor, Teddy Conrad.”  Moniqua had nothing but good things to say about her fellow castmates. She counts herself very fortunate to work alongside talented people like Connie Britton, Hayden Panettierre, and Charles Esten. As for Eric Close, her leading man, Moniqua told me that she was originally cast for only three episodes. But, she also said, “The chemistry between Eric as Teddy and me as Natasha has been incredible. He is so giving and he is very easy to work with. I’m actually flying back this week to shoot some more scenes with him.” And about spoilers between the hooker and the Mayor? Moniqua laughed and said that even she doesn’t know what’s next in the plot.

Since “Natasha” was introduced by Jeff, Moniqua sees the relationship as “doomed.” But she also thinks that their story is far from over. “Teddy is in search of true love. He is looking for something real.” That’s why she is sure that she is not the one for Teddy. Their relationship is a secret that Jeff is holding over Teddy’s head. Secrets like these are reminiscent of the grand old era of night time soaps that fuel television shows like “Nashville.”

Moniqua admitted that she also likes the strength that her character has and said, “These are all women who have strength and like that. These are the kind of roles that I gravitate toward.” And she said, ”Callie Khouri, (the show creator) is well known for characters like that.”

Acting isn’t the only thing on her plate. Moniqua was quite excited about a script that she is working on with a partner. She explained that it was a full length comedy. Plus, Moniqua has also gone back to school to get her degree in holistic nutrition which remains her other true passion. She told me that it was her desire to teach people how to keep their bodies healthy and make people feel good inside and out.

But with the popularity of her character on “Nashville,” I have a feeling this isn’t the last we will hear of Ms. Plante. Her star is definitely on the rise.

 

Here is Moniqua with her leading man, Eric Close who plays Mayor Teddy Conrad

A Salute to Black History Month

Since it is Black History Month, Chitownstarconnections has decided to continue our long time tradition  of bringing fun facts about television characters to our devoted readers.  Hope you enjoy this trip down memory lane and our tribute to our favorite current Afro-American actors.

Nichelle Nichols in the original Star Trek as Lt Uhura became quite the fantasy to young boys in the sixties. She proved that a woman could be brainy and sexy. Her legendary kiss with Capt Kirk was quite the eye raiser in the civil right sixties.

Back in the day, ABC made the Jackson Five into a cartoon. Young girls could follow the adventures of the hip five and dance to their music.  Dig those threads and afros.

Another cool dude from the seventies was Lawrence Hilton Jacobs as Freddie “Boom Boom” Washington . Freddie was the hip “Sweathog”

Many a girl spent Saturday nights with this guy. Ted Lange was “your bartender Isaac” on The Love Boat .

Robert Guillaume started off as the butler to the Tates on “Soap” But America loved the way that Benson told off his employers, so he got his own spin off in the early eighties.

They moved on up from being Archie Bunker’s neighbors to the East Side in their own show. The late Isabel Sanford and Sherman Hemsley  portrayed the couple that gave people a positive message that blacks could move up as well.

Cicely Tyson and Maya Angelou led the star studded cast of “Roots” It was the television event of the 70’s and sent the whole country searching for their ancestry.

 

 

Maude’s maid , Florida and her family moved to Chicago in the hilarious spin off to “Maude” Good Times”

 

He was the hip night dj at WKRP in Cincinnati, “Venus Flytrap” But later Tim Reid would do guest appearances on “That 70’s show” and appear on the sitcom “Sister, Sister”

 Eddie Murphy began his career on “SNL” Here is one of his most memorable characters “Mister Robinson” A ghetto version of children’s tv host Mr Rogers.

 

Originally a spin off of “The Cosby Show”, A Different World” featured the students and faculty of Hillman College including sweethearts Whitley and Dwayne . The show is now known for the famous wedding scene where Whitley was marrying another man when Dwayne declared his love for Whitley. The jilted groom was Joe Morton who went on to earn an Emmy as “Eli Pope” on “Scandal”

Meshach Taylor was the lovable Anthony Bouvier on “Designing Women”

Diahann Carroll has made history and remained a presence on television. As “Julia” , she was the first black female character that was not portrayed as a household servant.  She stirred things up on “Dynasty” as she battled Joan Collins. Most recently, she played Burke’s mother on “Gray’s Anatomy”

“In Living Color” was one of the first hits of the fledgling Fox network.  Damon Wayans was “Homey” the Clown. The show was also a launching pad for Jim Carrey and future Oscar winner , Jamie Foxx

Oprah  Winfrey started in Chicago on Channel Seven and from there she took off. Winfrey and her HARPO productions became a force to reckon with.  The Oprah Winfrey Show was a household staple for nearly two decades.

A spin off from “Perfect Strangers”  Family Matters was about the Winslow family and their hilarious next door neighbor who had a crush on the oldest daughter, Laura. Everyone loved the antics of Steve Urkel super nerd.

LeVar Burton was first introduced to television audiences in the historical miniseries Roots” as Kunta Kinte. He is now infamous as Geordi La Forge from “Star Trek The Next Generation” , originally helmsman and becoming Chief Engineer of the USS Enterprise D . Today he plays the best friend and boss of Eric McCormack on “Perception”

Will Smith became the charming teen who was a fish out of water in “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air”  He then graduated to being a serious actor and box office king.

Martin Lawrence was the fool on his own Fox show. “Martin

It may have be known as the black version of “Friends” but these girls had it goin on.  “The cast of Living Single included Queen Latifeeh, Kim Coles, Erika Alexander, and Kim Fields.

 

Eriq LaSalle made his mark as Dr Peter Benton, surgeon on the legendary “ER”

Donald Faison first appeared on the tv scene from “Clueless”, a role he played in the original film.  As Dr. Christopher Turk on “Scrubs” , he became the partner in crime to Zack Braff’s “JD”  Today he appears on the TV Land original series, “The Exes”

Ron Glass first was seen on “Barney Miller” as fussy Det Harris , then went on to be on “Friends”as Ross’s divorce lawyer . Now he will forever be known to “Browncoats” as Shepherd Book , preacher on the Serenity on “Firefly”

In 2005 , Shonda Rhimes introduced television audiences to the staff of Seattle Grace Memorial on the power hit “Grey’s Anatomy” .Here are cast members James Pickens Jr. Chandra Wilson and Jesse Williams

Jason George joined the cast of “Grey’s ” as Dr. Ben Warren the man to sweep Bailey off her feet

Addison Montogomery left Seattle in this GA spinoff “Private Practice” Here are her two best friends, Sam and Naomi  on their wedding day.

Here is the most powerful black woman on television. Shonda Rhimes has created the most memorable romances and characters in a total of three series. Her females are fierce and her heroes have sacrificed for the women they love. She is the queen of TGIT and millions watch her three shows. “Grey’s Anatomy” Scandal” and the newest hit “How To Get Away With Murder”

SNL alums joined Alec Baldwin in this spoof of late night comedy sketch shows “30 Rock” Here is Tina Fey and Tracy Morgan

It’s the dueling divas of “Glee” Rachel and that soulful sister , Mercedes

Eamonn Walker is Chief Boden on the show about real heroes”Chicago Fire”

LaRoyce Hawkins protects the Windy City in “Chicago PD”

Garrett Morris is a part of television history. He was a member of the “Not Ready For Prime Time Players” the original cast of SNL. Today he’s Earl on the hit “Two Broke Girls”

Tamala Jones and Penny Jerald Johnson are the gals at the 12th on “Castle”

Shonda takes us for a roller coaster ride every Thursday with the OMG Crazy “Scandal” Here is Kerry Washington, former cast member Columbus Short, and Olivia’s lover Tony Goldwyn. Kerry is Olivia Pope , a former White House communications director who continues to have relations with the married President

Joe Morton and Chandi Alexander brought the evil to the table as Olivia’s parents, Maya and Eli Pope  Both turned in award winning performances , but Joe brought home an Emmy for his role.

She is fierce and fabulous. She is an entertainer , astute business woman, and a role model .  She is the host of the hit show “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”  She is RuPaul Charles.

Viola Davis shines as Analise Keating , a law professor who teaches her students about life and most importantly “How to Get Away With Murder”

Andy Samberg and Andrew Braugher bring on the laughs on “Brooklyn Nine Nine”

The Johnson family shows what it is like to be a modern Black family on “Blackish”

Tim Meadows was on “SNL” as the Ladies Man and Dan Buckatinsky played his gay husband on the comedy “Marry Me” They are the father’s of the main character , Annie .

Chris O Donnell and LL Cool J  keep the peace on NCISLas Angeles

Television icon Marla Gibbs has made her mark on three series. “Florence” the Jeffersons maid , “Mary on “227” and most recently she helped the gladiators find important clues on “Scandal”

Malcolm Jamal Warner made his mark as Theo on “The Cosby Show” today he and his girlfriend,Amy Sykes played by Kearran Giovanni. They are joined by Fritz Howard , played by Jon Tenney

The family that plays together doesn’t necessarily stay together on the newest hit . “Empire” Terrence Howard and Taryn J Herndon are reunited after their roles in “Hustle and Flow” as the heads of the Lyon family, Lucius and Cookie

You Always Hurt the One You Love

Okay gladiators breathe deep after that ending. Note: if you haven’t seen tonights thrilling ride . Major spoilers ahead!!! Shonda , GIRL! we need to talk. But first, my take on tonight’s episode.

Olivia started the hour out still as a hostage as the world criminals continued the bidding after Iran backed out. All of Washington was at work trying to rescue her. The most exciting part was seeing the Chief Executive hard at work planning a strategic attack for rescue for the person Cyrus described as his heart. Retribution came fast and furious to the Vice President when  he got “Hucked” . Elizabeth turned her back on her accomplice and the result was a stroke. Mellie called his the  bluff.

Abby has earned her gladiatorship back. All she wanted to do was help Olivia and she did the ultimate thing. She called an old friend and he ended up being the hero who rescued her.Henry Ian Cusick made a triumph return as Stephen Finch, former original gladiator. He became the MVP of the episode when he led the charge to bring to her to freedom.

The most heartbreaking moment came at the end of the show. Olivia was safely back in her apartment with her gladiators . Huck and her had a very tender moment. I always felt that of all of the gladiators she had the closest bond with Huck  and he is definitely the one to trust with her life. I think my heart jumped out of my body when we heard that voice say “Liv”  Like most of you thought, I was holding my chest and preparing for the happy ending. This was it and then in two minutes, Shonda Rhimes made everyone hate Olivia Pope and want to hug Fitz.

Shonda , why do you want your couples so unhappy? You broke up Callie and Arizona . You made Derek leave Seattle for DC. You killed Jackson and April’s baby. You caused Abby to cheat with Leo and broke David Rosen’s heart. You sent Olivia away with Jake when Fitz needed her most. You had Cyrus almost marry a hooker when he was still mourning James. We thought that Mellie had finally found love with Andrew and you had him two time her with Lizzie Bear. Now you are pairing up Owen with Amelia and basically throwing  Vermont away. People on line are saying they hate Olivia and putting up pictures of the house in Vermont in flames. Well I am a gladiator and will stay one. I know this isn’t the endgame and I will remain faithful.

Next week: there will be no gladiator report because of the two hour “How To Get Away With Murder” Scandal returns March 5

 

Thanks to Huck , Andrew had a stroke .He promised Quinn there would be no more killing.

Is this the end of the dream? Olivia tears into Fitz and throws the ring back at him

It wasn’t Jake or Fitz, it was original gladiator , Stephen Finch who saved her. He certainly changed and it is a shame that he couldn’t stick around . He could have given Rosen and Leo a run for their money for Abby.

Are We The Victims of Celebrity?” Marie Antoinette” Answers That Question

We are a society that worships celebrities. It is a proven fact . Just look at all the magazines, television shows, and web sites. We spend our time tweeting in the hope that our favorite music or television star will answer us. For the first time in history, celebrities and their fans can actively participate in each others lives. We can’t get enough of them.

The latest play at Steppenwolf “Marie Antoinette” is a satire that will get the town talking. Its almost kismet that this play opens during NY Fashion Week. The costumes become characters in the show themselves. But for an actress to portray the “Butterfly Queen” with her own special opulence and style, then the costumer must have a special kind of creativity. Dede M Ayite uses pastels and curves to convey the character of Marie as the height of style. Her love of fashion and use of Louis Vuittons makes fun of the conception of celebrity and everybody worshipping her. This is the point that David Adjmi makes by taking the historical account of her and her husband, Louis XVI and giving it a modern twist.Adimi also takes the story and gives it a twist that reminded this author of the modern day sagas of Shonda Rhimes. It is interesting to note this since one of the founders of the theatre is currently appearing in one of these shows, Jeff Perry on “Scandal”

Alana Aranas makes the main character likable and fun. This could be a difficult task considering the amount of energy required to pull the character off. She captures the audience with her aura of glamour and can girl work it. Dressers help her make the necessary changes of costume. Her dear husband is played to comic perfection by favorite Tim Hopper. Louis is the weak wimp to the strong Marie. Both actors know how to pull it together as we see how fast things go downhill . Chaos becomes the order of the day when the citizens of France are tired of the opulent ways of their queen. Alan Wilder steals the show as the “Sheep”. He is the voice of reason and also could be interpreted as a foreshadowing of what is to come as well.

“Marie Antoinette” will be at Steppenwolf in the Upstairs Theatre  until May 10. One of the other features are the lively post show discussions following each performance. Audience members are encouraged to discuss the play and the discussions are always lively. For ticket information go to steppenwolf.org.

With hair and make up by Dave Bova and the fabulous costumes by Dede Ayite , “Marie Antoninette” is a treat for the eyes as well as the ears. Jeff Sugg marries the era of France with modern times with his projection design.

TV’s Most Passionate Kisses

It’s Valentine ‘s time again and this time we salute television’s most passionate couples. Either brought together by fate or riders of love’s roller coasters, these couples bring passion to the small screen. We  have included some new ones and old ones so enjoy

 Moonlighting’s Maddie and David bantered and bickered until this moment. This is when the fighting ended and the lovin started.  Glass was broke and furniture was wrecked when these two let loose.

“FRIENDS” set the standard for romance in the nineties. Friends became lovers when Monica and Chandler slept together for the first time in London.  Here they are in Vegas when they decide to get married after a crap game.

But the couple that first captured America’s hearts was Ross and Rachel.  Forced to choose between Julie and Rachel, Ross comes to his senses for their first kiss.  It was in the rain and it was hot.

“ER” gave us the first McDreamy in Clooney’s Doug Ross. The love of his life was Carol Hathaway (The Good Wife) Julianna Marguiles. Carol let Doug go and she stayed in Chicago to have his babies.  But true love prevailed and Carol ran to Seattle to be with Doug.

When  Meredith returned to Seattle , she had no idea that she would find true love. She found it in the guise of the dreamy Derek Shepherd. He decided to propose in the elevator where so many kisses had taken place.  Amid the many brain scans, she said yes.

It took a shooting spree in Seattle Grace to bring these two girls to their senses. Calliope and Arizona are two smart women who got married and have an adorable little girl named Sophie. They have her thanks to their late friend, Mark

These two are now united together in eternity. Dr Mark Sloane and Dr Lexi Grey.

She was hit by an icicle and Cupid’s arrow at the same time..Grey’s hasn’t been the same since Cristina left Owen . It’s Dr Cristina Yang and Dr. Owen Hunt

They made beautiful music together until his boozing tore them apart. She then married another man and raised their child together. Leaving Luke at the altar , she was free to return to the love of her life.But is it too late for “Nashville’s Deacon and Rayna.

They finally found love together and are having a baby. It’s finally a happy ending for Juliette and Avery on “Nashville”

They heat up Chicago more than the fires they fight together.It’s Casey and Dawson on “Chicago Fire”

Partners becomes lovers …it’s the very hot Halsted and Lindsay of “Chicago PD”

It’s a very sad tale in real life as well when Cory Monteith and Lea Michele had planned to get married and he turned  up dead.They were the nerd and the jock on “Glee” as Rachel and Finn

Brittany and Santana were two cheerleaders in love on “Glee”

Two boys who can’t keep their love a secret . But is that love doomed? Here’s hoping for “Glee’s” Kurt and Blaine

He needed a muse for his writing , so he decided to tag along with an NYPD detective. In the end , Kate fell in love with Rick and now they are a married couple. Is a baby also in the future for Richard Castle and Kate Beckett Castle?

It’s on again and off again for the lovers of the 12th on “Castle” . It’s Lainie and Esposito

Love can come to nerds too. That is why we love this couple. Amy has been more than patient with Sheldon and finally last Valentines’ they kissed. Wonder when the next step will happen on “The Big Bang Theory”

It started out as the nerd and the hot girl , now Leonard and Penny have matured enough to be engaged. It’s the story of the actress and the physicist on “BBT”

She started out to use him and then they realized they were in love. I hope this isn’t the end of “Scandal”s Abby and David.

These two met on the “Trail ” and then married. On a regular basis , they battled in the halls of the White House while harboring nasty secrets. Sadly, while digging to find the truth James was shot. He will always be the great love of his life no matter what. We can’t get enough of James and Cyrus on”Scandal.”

Power was the aphrodisiac that destroyed this couple . Andrew Nichols was going to be Vice President. He had been in love with Mellie for years while he served as her husband ‘s lt governor and then he swept the First Lady off her feet. They heated up the White House until he went too far. Andrew and Mellie of “Scandal”

Blood turns this couple on and when they get together, it is usually murder . The couple that tortures together stays together like Quinn and Huck of “Scandal”

But the most passionate couple on television is the Fixer and the President. Fitz and his Livvy used to not be able to  keep their hands off each other. Their love is so powerful that he went to war for her and built a.  house for them. Let’s hope there is a happy ending for Olivia and Fitzgerald on “Scandal”

Meet The Parents

There have been a lot of famous folk playing the moms and dads of tv’s best.  Who could ever forget Martin Sheen as crazy Rose’s dad on Two and a Half Men or the fabulous Holland Taylor as Alan and Charlie’s mom ?  Let’s look back on these famous  moms and dads

 

Christine Baranski may be fighting her own battles on ‘The Good Wife”  but she also fights the good fight with her son the “Underachiever” Dr Leonard Hofstadter on “The Big Bang Theory.”

Emmy award winner Laurie Metcalf plays the religious mom with the son with the brain on “The Big Bang Theory”  As Sheldon’s simple mom, she deals with his high IQ and ego.  Little known fact, Laurie was married to Jeff Perry of “Scandal”

Carol Burnett ‘s claim to fame is  her variety show “The Carol Burnett Show” in  the 70’s. Most recently though she played mother to one of Hawaii’s finest Steve McGarrett on “Hawaii Five O”

The fab and “Fam-ous” Debbie Allen took a turn at playing  mom with the very hot Dr Jackson Avery on “Grey’s Anatomy”  She has also involved herself with the very suave and sophisticated Richard Webber as well.

Diahann Carroll is a timeless beauty . From playing Whitley’s mom on ‘A“Different World” to the difficult Momma Burke who ripped off Christina Yang’s eye brows on “Grey’s Anatomy” . She remains a lady of class and sophistication.

Hector Elizondo played the very loving and understanding Carlos Torres to his daughter Dr Calliope Torres on “Grey’s Anatomy”

Tyne Daly  is know for playing cop on “Cagney and Lacey” but on “Grey’s Anatomy”she is mom to Derek “McDreamy” Shepherd and Amelia Shepherd. She was also like a mom to the late Mark “McSteamy” Sloan.

Sally was the Vice President who tried to steal the White House on “Scandal” But here is Kate Burton as the mother battling Alzheimer’s , Dr Ellis Grey on “Grey’s Anatomy”.

Here is Jeff Perry who is the busy body of the Oval Office on “Scandal” Cyrus when he was the father of the late Lexi Grey and Meredith Grey on “Grey’s Anatomy”  Thatcher Grey

Joe Morton was dumped by socialite Whitley on “A Different World” and Khandi Alexander was on “ER” as Peter Benton’s sister and then a regular on “CSI Miami” . Together  they are the evil parents of Olivia Pope – Eli/Rowan and Maya Pope on “Scandal”

Barry Bostwick is no stranger to politics he is best know for playing Mayor Randall M. Winston Jr on “Spin City” but “Scandal” fans know his him as the no good father of President Fitzgerald Grant the 3rd, The only good thing Fitzgerald Grant did right was creating one hot son!

Tim Meadows made us laugh on “SNL” and Dan Bucatinsky made us cry on “Scandal” as James  . He was father to a baby , now he is a father to Annie on “Marry Me” as Kevin.

Susan Sullivan played Maggie in the 80’s on “Falcon Crest” and James Brolin played Dr. Kiley on “Marcus Welby MD” in the 70’s. Together they are the parents of writer Richard Castle on “Castle”

Scott Paulin has been in movies such as” Turner and Hooch “and TV shows such as” Moonlighting. “:Currently he plays Jim Beckett to recently married bad ass NYPD detective Kate Beckett on “Castle”

First known for playing gay son , Steven Carrington on “Dynasty” Jack Coleman has made quite a name for himself in recent years. He was the in the closet husband of Sally Langston on “Scandal” , the evil Senator Bracken on “Castle.” Currently he is the father of Ruzek on “Chicago PD”

  JD and Elliot from “Scrubs” both have parent issues. Here is the late great John Ritter and from “Night Court” Markie Post as the two residents mom and dad.

Courteney Cox plays the confused and lovable  Jules on “Cougar Town”   Creator Bill Lawrence likes to put his alums to work as well. Jules ‘s father is played by none other than Ken Jenkins who played the nasty Dr Bob Kelso on Lawrence’s hit series “Scrubs”

His mom is an erotic novelist who kissed his best friend and his father is a drag queen. Welcome to the world of Chandler Bing on “Friends” Played to perfection by Morgan Fairchild and Kathleen Turner

Isn’t this a lovely family portrait of the Geller family on Friends? St Elsewhere’s Christina Pickles and Elliot Gould played the parents of  Monica and Ross.

“That Girl” Marlo Thomas introduced herself to a new generation when she did “Friends” she was the new independent mom of Rachel .. then Jen donated her time to Marlo’s favorite cause … St Jude’s Children’s Hospital

The two fireman of 51, Treat Williams plays Kelly Severide’s father on “Chicago Fire”

Richard Roudtree aka John Shaft plays retired Detective Boden, father of Chief Wallace Boden on “Chicago Fire”

Here is the very handsome Lawson family on USA”s “Royal Pains” Henry Winkler made a name for himself on “Happy Days”  and Edward Asner was Mary’s boss on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.”

 

Mary McDonnell played Carter’s mom on “ER” . Today   she is Rusty’s mom Sharon Raydor on “Major Crimes”

Swoosie Kurtz played Alex on “Sisters. Today  she s mom to Molly on “Mike and Molly”

President “Martin ” Sheen guested on his son’s show “Two and a Half Men” as the hilariously unstable Rose’s father who was crazier than her. He was obsessed with their mother.

Holland Taylor plays mom to Alan  and the late Charlie  on “Two and a Half Men”

In real life Debbie Reynolds is mother to Princess Leia but on TV she was mom to Grace on “Will and Grace”

Finally we end up with that bon vivant and legend- wait for it  dary  Neil Patrick Harris . Here he is as Barney on “HIMYM” with another television legend John Lithgow playing his father. John was Dick on “Third Rock From the Sun”