About
"Everybody wanted to set the world on fire in the 'golden age' of television. Every director, every actor, every writer, wanted to change the world, wanted to teach, had something to say."
In his two-and-a-half-hour interview, Jack Klugman (1922-2012) fondly recalls his fifty years in television, including his over 400 appearances on many of the early dramatic live anthology programs, such as Philco Television Playhouse, Kraft Television Theatre (and writing two episodes: "Big Break" and "Code of the Corner" for Kraft), U.S. Steel Hour, and Studio One. He comments on the many directors and writers with whom he's worked, talks about working with Ethel Merman in a stage production of Gypsy, and recalls his role as "Juror #5" in the film version of Twelve Angry Men. He speaks of his invaluable friendship with Tony Randall, and their legacy, TV sitcom The Odd Couple. Klugman discusses his favorite episode of The Odd Couple ("Password"), working with Gary Marshall, and stage performances of The Odd Couple years after the series left the air. He details differences between theater and television and discusses his lead role in the successful series Quincy, M.E. He also openly speaks about his battle against throat cancer. Sunny Parich conducted the interview on May 1, 1998 in New York, NY.
Highlights
Jack Klugman on working with Tony Randall on The Odd Couple
Jack Klugman on getting asked to play the role of "Oscar" on the TV version of The Odd Couple
Jack Klugman on his favorite episode of The Odd Couple: "Password" with guest Allen Ludden
Jack Klugman on his Quincy, M.E. character being two heroes in one
Jack Klugman on "The Blacklist" episode of The Defenders
Jack Klugman on working with Ethel Merman in "Gypsy"
Full Interview
Chapter 1
On his childhood and early influences; on growing up in South Philadelphia; on how his love of muckrakers lead to his role on Quincy, M.E.; on loving to gamble; on being drafted in War World II; on his interest in acting; on his first acting experiences; on his classmates in school
On moving to New York; on being roommates with Charles Bronson and working for Ed McMahon's father; on off-Broadway work; on Ethel Winant casting him in a show; on Summer Stock productions; on being a stage manager for productions; on his Broadway debut in "Mr. Roberts"; on his impression of early television; on an early TV production with John Daly; on great advice from director Robert Mulligan
Chapter 2
On differences between theater and television; on working with director Robert Mulligan; on how he got jobs in early television; on working on anthology drama Studio One; on directors he worked with in live television - Sidney Lumet, George Roy Hill, John Frankenheimer, Fielder Cook, Delbert Mann; on working with Ethel Merman in Gypsy
On working with on Martin Ritt; on film actors being scared of television; on his role in Twelve Angry Men; on writing "Big Break" and "Code of the Corner" for Kraft Television Theatre; on writers Paddy Chayefsky and Bob Fosse
Chapter 3
On co-starring in the Producers' Showcase production of "The Petrified Forest" with Humphrey Bogart; on Fred Coe; on production moving from New York to LA; on Playhouse 90, which originated in LA; on how tape affected live television
On commuting to LA from NY; on appearing on four episodes of The Twilight Zone; on Alex Segal thinking of him for comedic roles; on "The Blacklist" episode of The Defenders; on the Hollywood Blacklist
Chapter 4
On the Hollywood Blacklist; on his starring role in Harris Against the World; on his first appearance in the Broadway play The Odd Couple - replacing Walter Matthau; on getting cast as "Oscar" in the stage play and TV versions of The Odd Couple; on working with Tony Randall and Garry Marshall
On writers Jerry Belson and Harvey Miller; on directors Jerry Paris and Jay Sandrich; on the TV debut of The Odd Couple on September 24, 1970 and reaction to the show; on network concerns that The Odd Couple was about a homosexual couple; on The Odd Couple going from single to multicamera and getting a live audience; on working with Penny Marshall and guest stars on The Odd Couple
Chapter 5
On his favorite episode of The Odd Couple:"Password"; on The Odd Couple's poor ratings and the show ending in 1975
On starring in Quincy, M.E.; on his brother beginning to write for Quincy, M.E.
On his illness; on Tony Randall approaching him about a one-performance revival of The Odd Couple; on "The Sunshine Boys"; on how important it is for him to continue working; on his advice to aspiring actors; on his thoughts on "the Golden Age of television"; on his contribution to television; on how he would like to be remembered
Shows
Actors Studio
Jack Klugman on director Yul Brynner directing him on Actors Studio
Defenders, The
Jack Klugman on The Defenders
Jack Klugman on "The Blacklist" episode of The Defenders
Jack Klugman on "The Blacklist" episode of The Defenders
Harris Against the World
Jack Klugman on his starring role in Harris Against the World
Kraft Television Theatre
Jack Klugman on writing "Big Break" for Kraft Television Theatre
Jack Klugman on writing "Code of the Corner" for Kraft Television Theatre
Mister Peepers
Jack Klugman on Mr. Peepers
Naked City
Jack Klugman on working on Naked City
Odd Couple, The (1970-75)
Jack Klugman on getting asked to play the role of "Oscar" on the TV version of The Odd Couple; on what he brought to his character and the chemistry between him and Tony Randall
Jack Klugman on the TV debut of The Odd Couple on September 24, 1970 and reaction to the show; on regulars and guest stars
Jack Klugman on his first appearance in the Broadway play of The Odd Couple - replacing Walter Matthau
Jack Klugman on his favorite episode of The Odd Couple: "Password" with guest Allen Ludden; on The Odd Couple's poor ratings and the show ending in 1975
Playhouse 90
Jack Klugman on a production of Playhouse 90
Jack Klugman on Playhouse 90
Jack Klugman on a production of Playhouse 90 with Art Carney and working with Rod Serling
Producers' Showcase
Jack Klugman on co-starring in the Producers' Showcase production of "The Petrified Forest" with Humphrey Bogart (airdate: May 30, 1955)
Quincy, M.E.
Jack Klugman on how his love of muckrakers lead to his role on Quincy, M.E.
Jack Klugman on starring in Quincy, M.E.; on the show's writers
Studio One
Jack Klugman on working on Studio One
Twilight Zone, The
Jack Klugman on appearing on four episodes of The Twilight Zone
Topics
Anthology Drama
Jack Klugman on co-starring in the Producers' Showcase production of "The Petrified Forest" with Humphrey Bogart (airdate: May 30, 1955)
Characters & Catchphrases
Jack Klugman on the role of "Oscar" on The Odd Couple
Jack Klugman on his Quincy, M.E. character being two heroes in one
Emmy Awards
Jack Klugman on "The Blacklist" episode of The Defenders and winning an Emmy for the role
Historic Events and Social Change
Jack Klugman on being drafted in War World II
Hollywood Blacklist
Jack Klugman on "The Blacklist" episode of The Defenders and winning an Emmy for the role
Jack Klugman on the Hollywood Blacklist
Jack Klugman on his recollections about the Hollywood Blacklist
Industry Crossroads
Jack Klugman on the Hollywood Blacklist
Jack Klugman on "The Blacklist" episode of The Defenders and winning an Emmy for the role
LGBTQIA+
Jack Klugman on network concerns that The Odd Couple was about a gay couple
Memorable Moments on Television
Jack Klugman on "The Blacklist" episode of The Defenders and winning an Emmy for the role
Pop Culture
Jack Klugman on his Quincy, M.E. character being two heroes in one
Technological Innovation
Jack Klugman on how tape affected live television
Jack Klugman on The Odd Couple going from single to multicamera and getting a live audience
Television Industry
Jack Klugman on the Hollywood Blacklist
Jack Klugman on "The Blacklist" episode of The Defenders and winning an Emmy for the role
TV's Golden Age (1940s & '50s)
Jack Klugman on co-starring in the Producers' Showcase production of "The Petrified Forest" with Humphrey Bogart (airdate: May 30, 1955)
Jack Klugman on the Golden Age of Television
War
Jack Klugman on being drafted in War World II
World War II
Jack Klugman on being drafted in War World II
Professions
Actor
Jack Klugman on his desire to go to drama school in Pittsburgh and his first acting experiences
Jack Klugman on being scared in front of the camera
Jack Klugman on the craft of acting and on the differences between performing on stage and in front of a camera
Performers
Jack Klugman on his desire to go to drama school in Pittsburgh and his first acting experiences
Jack Klugman on being scared in front of the camera
Jack Klugman on the craft of acting and on the differences between performing on stage and in front of a camera
Genres
Classic Anthology Series
Jack Klugman on writing "Code of the Corner for Kraft Television Theatre
Jack Klugman on writing "Big Break" for Kraft Television Theatre
Jack Klugman on co-starring in the Producers' Showcase production of "The Petrified Forest" with Humphrey Bogart (airdate: May 30, 1955)
Comedy Series
Jack Klugman on starring with Tony Randall in the TV version of The Odd Couple
On his favorite episode of The Odd Couple: "Password," and on The Odd Couple's poor ratings
Drama Series
Jack Klugman on "The Blacklist" episode of The Defenders
People
Lauren Bacall
Jack Klugman on co-starring in the Producers' Showcase production of "The Petrified Forest" with Humphrey Bogart (airdate: May 30, 1955)
Jerry Belson
Jack Klugman on The Odd Couple writers Jerry Belson and Harvey Miller
Humphrey Bogart
Jack Klugman on co-starring in the Producers' Showcase production of "The Petrified Forest" with Humphrey Bogart (airdate: May 30, 1955)
Paul Bogart
Jack Klugman on writing "Big Break" for Kraft Television Theatre
Herbert Brodkin
Jack Klugman on producer Herbert Brodkin
Charles Bronson
Jack Klugman on being roommates with Charles Bronson and working for Ed McMahon's father
Jack Klugman on Charles Bronson training him for his Broadway debut in "Mr. Roberts"
Yul Brynner
Jack Klugman on director Yul Brynner directing him on Actors Studio
Paddy Chayefsky
Jack Klugman on writer Paddy Chayefsky
Dick Clark
Jack Klugman on Dick Clark guest starring on The Odd Couple
Lee J. Cobb
Jack Klugman on acting with Lee Cobb
Jack Klugman on Twelve Angry Men
Fred Coe
Jack Klugman on producer Fred Coe
Fielder Cook
Jack Klugman on director Fielder Cook
Jackie Cooper
Jack Klugman on Jackie Cooper being head of Screen Gems
Howard Cosell
Jack Klugman on Howard Cosell guest starring on The Odd Couple
Wally Cox
Jack Klugman on loving the show Mr. Peepers
John Daly
Jack Klugman on an early TV production with John Daly
Ossie Davis
Jack Klugman on Ossie Davis
Peter Falk
Jack Klugman on "The Blacklist" episode of The Defenders
Henry Fonda
Jack Klugman on his Broadway debut in "Mr. Roberts" and playing the second lead with Henry Fonda
Bob Fosse
Jack Klugman on writer Bob Fosse
John Frankenheimer
Jack Klugman on director John Frankenheimer
Monty Hall
Jack Klugman on Monty Hall guest starring on The Odd Couple
George Roy Hill
Jack Klugman on working with George Roy Hill
Ernest Kinoy
Jack Klugman on "The Blacklist" episode of The Defenders
Glen A. Larson
Jack Klugman on his Quincy, M.E. creator Glen Larson
Allen Ludden
Jack Klugman on his favorite episode of The Odd Couple: "Password" with guest Allen Ludden
Sidney Lumet
Jack Klugman on director Sidney Lumet
Delbert Mann
Jack Klugman on director Delbert Mann
Martin Manulis
Jack Klugman on working with Martin Manulis and Rod Serling on "The Velvet Alley" on Playhouse 90
Alex March
Jack Klugman on director Yul Brynner directing him on Actors Studio
Nancy Marchand
Jack Klugman on drama classmate Nancy Marchand
E. G. Marshall
Jack Klugman on working with E.G. Marshall on "The Blacklist" episode of The Defenders
Garry Marshall
Jack Klugman on getting asked to play the role of "Oscar" on the TV version of The Odd Couple
Jack Klugman on working with Garry Marshall on the TV version of The Odd Couple
Jack Klugman on Garry Marshall messing with the network and sending fake scenes for The Odd Couple
Penny Marshall
Jack Klugman on getting asked to play the role of "Oscar" on the TV version of The Odd Couple
Jack Klugman on working with Penny Marshall on The Odd Couple
Walter Matthau
Jack Klugman on writing "Code of the Corner for Kraft Television Theatre
Jack Klugman on his first appearance in the Broadway play of The Odd Couple - replacing Walter Matthau
Ed McMahon
Jack Klugman on being roommates with Charles Bronson and working for Ed McMahon's father
Ethel Merman
Jack Klugman on working with Ethel Merman in "Gypsy"
Arthur Miller
Jack Klugman on doing Summer Stock
Harvey Miller
Jack Klugman on The Odd Couple writers Jerry Belson and Harvey Miller
Al Molinaro
Jack Klugman on working with Al Molinaro on The Odd Couple
Robert Mulligan
Jack Klugman on great advice from director Robert Mulligan
Jack Klugman on working with director Robert Mulligan
Jerry Paris
Jack Klugman on The Odd Couple director Jerry Parris
Tony Randall
Jack Klugman on working with Tony Randall on The Odd Couple
Jack Klugman on his favorite episode of The Odd Couple: "Password" with guest Allen Ludden
Jack Klugman on Tony Randall approaching him about a one-performance revival of The Odd Couple
Ronald Reagan
Jack Klugman on how his love of muckrakers lead to his role on Quincy, M.E.
Martin Ritt
Jack Klugman on Martin Ritt
Geraldo Rivera
Jack Klugman on watching Geraldo Rivera nightly
Reginald Rose
Jack Klugman on writer Reginald Rose
Jack Klugman on Twelve Angry Men
Stuart Rosenberg
Jack Klugman on "The Blacklist" episode of The Defenders
Jay Sandrich
Jack Klugman on The Odd Couple director Jay Sandrich
Alex Segal
Jack Klugman on Alex Segal thinking of him for comedic roles
Rod Serling
Jack Klugman on working with Martin Manulis and Rod Serling on "The Velvet Alley" on Playhouse 90
Jack Klugman on appearing on four episodes of The Twilight Zone and working with Rod Serling
Fred Silverman
Jack Klugman on Fred Silverman trying to find projects for him
Neil Simon
Jack Klugman on his first appearance in the Broadway play of The Odd Couple - replacing Walter Matthau and meeting Neil Simon
Jack Klugman on not wanting the TV version of The Odd Couple
Stephen Sondheim
Jack Klugman on working on "Gypsy"
Lee Strasberg
Jack Klugman on taking classes with Lee Strasberg as often as he could
Betty White
Jack Klugman on his favorite episode of The Odd Couple: "Password" with guest Allen Ludden
Ethel Winant
Jack Klugman on Ethel Winant casting him in a show
Jack Klugman on getting cast on Playhouse 90