Jumping from the small screen to the big screen can be a bit tricky, but it can most certainly be done. Sometimes it happens right away, while for others, it’s a surprise performance years in the making. Every once in a while it even leads to a nice piece of hardware. As the stars begin to walk down the red carpet for the 80th Annual Academy Awards, The Greg Brady Project pays tribute to 70s television stars who have had a brush with Oscar…
Alan Alda
TV: Hawkeye Pierce, “M*A*S*H” (1972-1983)
Oscar: Supporting Actor Nomination, “The Aviator” (2005)
Billy Crystal
TV: Jodie Dallas, “Soap” (1977-1981)
Oscar: 8 Time Host
Danny DeVito
TV: Louie DePalma, “Taxi” (1978-1983)
Oscar: Best Picture Nomination (producer), “Erin Brockovich” (2001)
Sally Field
TV: Sister Bertrille, “The Flying Nun” (1967-1970)
Oscar: Lead Actress Winner, “Places in the Heart” (1985),
Lead Actress Winner, “Norma Rae” (1980)
Judd Hirsch
TV: Alex Reiger, “Taxi” (1978-1983)
Oscar: Supporting Actor Nomination, “Ordinary People” (1981)
Ron Howard
TV: Richie Cunningham, “Happy Days” (1974-1984)
Oscar: Best Director/Best Picture Winner (producer) “A Beautiful Mind” (2002)
Shirley Jones
TV: Shirley Partridge, “The Partridge Family” (1970-1974)
Oscar: Supporting Actress Winner, “Elmer Gantry” (1961)*
(*Oscar came before TV series)
Carol Kane
TV: Simka Grava, “Taxi” (Recurring, 1980-1983)
Oscar: Lead Actress nomination, “
(“Nomination came before TV series)
Mary Tyler Moore
TV: Mary Richards, “Mary Tyler Moore” (1970-1977)
Oscar: Lead Actress Nomination, “Ordinary People” (1981)
Rob Reiner
TV: Michael Stivic, “All In The Family” (1971-1978)
Oscar: Best Picture Nomination (producer), “A Few Good Men” (1993)
John Travolta
TV: Vinnie Barbarino, “Welcome Back, Kotter” (1975-1979)
Oscar: Lead Actor Nomination, “Saturday Night Fever” (1978),
Lead Actor Nomination, “Pulp Fiction” (1995)
Robin Williams
TV: Mork, “Mork & Mindy” (1978-1982)
Oscar: Lead Actor Nomination, “Good Morning,
Lead Actor Nomination, “Dead Poets Society” (1990),
Lead Actor Nomination, “The Fisher King” (1992),
Supporting Actor Winner, “Good Will Hunting” (1998)
Did I miss anyone? Has 70s snobbery left someone out of the running (John Ritter in “Sling Blade”)? More importantly, is there a 70s television star who you think is primed for an Oscar worthy resurgence? Anyone at all?
Loading ...
Bob Hunt
on Feb. 24th, 2008
Looks like a comprehensive list to me, Eric. BTW, I can’t help but add someone who just missed the 70’s with an early 80’s TV debut:
Tom Hanks
TV: Bosom Buddies (1980-1982)
Oscar: 1988 Nominated Best Actor for Big
1993 Won Best Actor for Philadelphia
1994 Won Best Actor for Forrest Gump
1998 Nominated Best Actor for Saving Private Ryan
2001 Nominated Best Actor for Cast Away
I mention this because, if you had looked me square in the eyes in 1980 and told me that one day, two of Hollywood’s biggest and most acclaimed stars would be Robin Williams and Tom Hanks, I’m sure that I – even at the tender age of 12 – would have told you that you were full of it.
Eric Greenberg
on Feb. 24th, 2008
Bob, I was annoyed at myself for keeping it to the 70s because of that one example, so thanks for adding Tom. Had to be done.
By the way, speaking of “Bosom Buddies,” “Weekend Today” had a “Newhart” reunion feature this morning. Peter Scolari said that when he showed up for the first day of the show and Bob Newhart saw him, he said “I wanted the other one” and that his dressing room door said “Tom Hanks’ friend” or something like that. Good stuff.
Renee
on Feb. 26th, 2008
Okay, this may post twice, and my apologies beforehand if it does (did not ask me the “captcha” phrase with the last one).
Anyhow – I did not see the Weekend Today show, but, all this week, on the Today Show, they are having cast reunions from the old television shows. Today the cast from Happy Days was on. The only one missing was Scott Baio. No “Brady Bunch” reunion though
Eric Greenberg
on Feb. 26th, 2008
No idea if Scott was invited, but if you watch his reality show, you get the sense that he’s not really into that sort of thing. On the other hand, how cool is it that Ron Howard still cares about the show?
You’d think a “Brady” reunion would be a no brainer, but I’m sure it’s harder than you’d think to get everyone together. Maybe they’ll be another round if these do well in the ratings.
I’ve been tossing around a reunion show post in my head, so I may get into this a little more soon.
Leave your Comment