John Rich

Director

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The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Foundation Presents

02:26

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About

About this interview

In his seven-hour interview, John Rich (1925-2012) talks about getting his start in television -- as a stage manager for NBC's The Colgate Comedy Hour -- and describes his big break in directing -- on The Ezio Pinza Show. He discusses numerous shows he directed throughout his career, including I Married Joan, The Ray Bolger Show, Our Miss Brooks, Gunsmoke, The Dick Van Dyke Show, Gilligan's Island, The Brady Bunch, and All In the Family, on which he also served as producer. Rich shares his experiences directing the pilot episodes of Maude, The Jeffersons, Barney Miller, and Newhart and speaks of his role as executive producer of Benson and MacGyver. To conclude, Rich details his thoughts on the state of television directing in the 1990s and offers advice to aspiring directors. Henry Colman conducted the interview on August 3, 1999 in Beverly Hills, CA.

All views expressed by interviewees are theirs alone and not necessarily those of the Television Academy.

"I never plotted anything. I never wrote anything down. It was always in my head. It's the only way to do it. Otherwise, you get nailed to a formula that you think may work. What happens if the actor doesn't like it? I used to let the actors run the first reading on its feet. I'd say, 'You guys do it. Let me see it.' And they would do some things that would be good; but, they'd fall apart and say, 'Help'. I would step in and say, 'Save this, save that..., but don't do this....'"

People Talking About ...

Highlights

John Rich on directing Gunsmoke and James Arness

02:22

Director John Rich on the creation of the classic ottoman opening of The Dick Van Dyke Show

01:55

John Rich on the development and casting of the third (and final) pilot and early seasons of All in the Family

15:33

John Rich on the audience's reaction to the kiss in the All in the Family episode "Sammy's Visit"

00:42

John Rich on insisting that "MacGyver" would solve every problem without a gun and making an enemy of the NRA

00:30

John Rich on telling the truth

00:21

Full Interview

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Chapter 1

On his childhood and early influences; on his love of reading, radio and plays

On writing for his high school newspaper; on attending college at the University of Michigan and entering the service during World War II; on studying with Professor Garnet R. Garrison - NBC radio director

On working for radio station WHRV in Michigan

Chapter 2

On reporting basketball for WHRV; on moving to New York and starting the radio program Wanted

On F.B.I involvement with Wanted; on the Willy Sutton episode of Wanted

Chapter 3

On becoming a stage manager at NBC television; on his union activities and working in Hollywood

On working in live television on The Colgate Comedy Hour; on how working on the West Coast differed from the East Coast

Chapter 4

On his efforts to promote the Directors Guild of America; on directing The Ezio Pinza Show and The Dennis Day Show

On the new story, "Let's Watch Florence Chadwick Leave Catalina Island at Midnight and Watch her Swim Across the Channel"

On directing I Married Joan

Chapter 5

On the first broadcast of the Academy Awards; on directing I Married Joan

On directing The Ray Bolger Show; on union minimums in the 1950s; on directing Our Miss Brooks

On sitcoms in the 1950s

Chapter 6

On directing Gunsmoke; on the challenges of directing Westerns; on being in the editing room

On directing Elvis Presley; on the cast of Gunsmoke

Chapter 7

On directing episodes of Gunsmoke, Bonanza, Bat Masterson and The Twilight Zone

On the 1955 live broadcast of the opening of Disneyland ("Dateline: Disneyland")

On guild strikes and negotiations for pension plans and 1948-1960 movie royalties

Chapter 8

On the Hollywood Blacklist (and witnessing an actor being fired during a reading of an episode of I Married Joan)

On getting hired to direct The Dick Van Dyke Show; on Carl Reiner and Sheldon Leonard; on banning set visitors on the first three days of rehearsals

On the visual aspects of The Dick Van Dyke Show; On Dick Van Dyke's physical comedy and the creation of the classic "ottoman" opening

On negotiating his deal on The Dick Van Dyke Show with Sheldon Leonard; on his directing style on The Dick Van Dyke Show

Chapter 9

On the writing staff and memorable episodes of The Dick Van Dyke Show; on leaving The Dick Van Dyke Show to make feature films

On feature films, Gilligan's Island, and I Spy

Chapter 10

On directing the first three episodes of Gilligan's Island; on the talents of creator Sherwood Schwartz and the cast

On directing the first six episodes of The Brady Bunch; on working with the cast and the casting process

On directing episodes of Gomer Pyle (briefly)

On the development and casting of the third (and final) pilot and early seasons of All in the Family

Chapter 11

On casting Sherman Hemsley as "George Jefferson" on All in the Family; on dress rehearsals of All in the Family; on rehearsing eating scenes

On problems with Standards and Practices; on breakthrough episodes of All in the Family

Chapter 12

On Fred Silverman; on the "Sammy's Visit" episode of All in the Family; on Gloria's pregnancy and All in the Family's only music cue

On leaving All in the Family; on working with Henry Fonda; on directing Barney Miller

On directing the pilot of Maude; on The Jeffersons

On being executive producer on Benson

Chapter 13

On directing and executive producing Benson; on directing the pilot of Newhart

On producing and directing Mr. Sunshine; on producing MacGyver and his favorite episodes of MacGyver

On ending his producing partnership with Henry Winkler; on directing an episode of Murphy Brown

On his thoughts on the industry today; on television shows he watches; on advice to aspiring directors

Chapter 14

On doing a pilot with Walter Slezak on which there was a major problem with the set

On television directing today and the future of television; on career highlights and regrets; on how he'd like to be remembered

On the final shot of the movie The New Interns

On thoughts on people with whom he's worked

Shows

Academy Awards, The

John Rich on working on the first Academy Awards telecast in 1952; the 3-camera technique

02:45

All in the Family

John Rich on the development and casting of the third (and final) pilot and early seasons of All in the Family

15:33

John Rich on how Sherman Hemsley was cast as George Jefferson on All in the Family, and later, The Jeffersons (spin-off)

03:35

John Rich on leaving All in the Family

01:20

John Rich on shooting rehearsals of All in the Family

12:40

John Rich on Sammy Davis Jr.'s suggestion, as a guest on The Tonight Show, that he would make a funny guest star on All in the Family (leading to his appearance on the classic episode "Sammy's Visit")

01:04

John Rich on informing guest star Sammy Davis, Jr. on the way All in the Family was rehearsed

01:07

John Rich on the invention of the "kiss" for the third act in the All in the Family episode "Sammy's Visit"

01:03

Director John Rich on the audience's reaction to the kiss in the All in the Family episode "Sammy's Visit"

00:42

Director John Rich on insisting that guest star Sammy Davis Jr. not use cue cards on the episode "Sammy's Visit"

00:49

All in the Family: "Sammy's Visit"

John Rich on Sammy Davis Jr.'s suggestion, as a guest on The Tonight Show, that he would make a funny guest star on All in the Family (leading to his appearance on the classic episode "Sammy's Visit")

01:04

John Rich on the set-up of All in the Family's episode "Sammy's Visit"

01:41

John Rich on informing guest star Sammy Davis, Jr. on the way All in the Family was rehearsed

01:07

Director John Rich on the invention of the kiss for the third act in the All in the Family episode Sammy's Visit

01:03

Director John Rich on the audience's reaction to the kiss in the All in the Family episode "Sammy's Visit"

00:42

Director John Rich on insisting that guest star Sammy Davis Jr. not use cue cards on the episode "Sammy's Visit"

00:49

Barney Miller

Director John Rich on wanting a casting change for the wife in Barney Miller

05:37

Bat Masterson

John Rich on directing Bat Masterson

02:37

Benson

John Rich on ABC President Anthony Thomopoulos' daughter wanting to observe a rehearsal of Benson

02:29

John Rich on being an executive producer on Benson (starting the second season)

02:36

John Rich on directing and executive producing Benson

01:10

Bonanza

John Rich on directing Bonanza

00:25

Brady Bunch, The

John Rich on directing the first six episodes of The Brady Bunch; on working with the cast; on casting

08:02

Colgate Comedy Hour, The

John Rich on setting up The Colgate Comedy Hour at the El Capitan Theatre

11:18

Dennis Day Show. The

John Rich on directing The Dennis Day Show

06:40

John Rich on Jack Benny guest starring on The Dennis Day Show

01:22

Dick Van Dyke Show, The

John Rich on directing and motivating actors on The Dick Van Dyke Show

00:27

John Rich on getting hired to direct The Dick Van Dyke Show; on Carl Reiner and Sheldon Leonard; on banning set visitors on the first three days of rehearsals

08:47

John Rich on the visual aspects of The Dick Van Dyke Show; on Dick Van Dyke's physical comedy and the creation of the classic ottoman opening

08:17

John Rich on negotiating his deal on The Dick Van Dyke Show with Sheldon Leonard; on his directing style on The Dick Van Dyke Show

07:42

John Rich on Carl Reiner and other Dick Van Dyke Show writers

00:57

John Rich on his favorite episode of The Dick Van Dyke Show: "Where Did I Come From?" - the birth of Rob and Laura's son

00:40

John Rich on Procter & Gamble and CBS having issues with the "That's My Boy?" episode of The Dick Van Dyke Show

03:51

John Rich on his favorite episode of The Dick Van Dyke Show - "Where Did I Come From?" - the birth of Rob and Laura's son

00:03

Dick Van Dyke Show, The: "That's My Boy?"

John Rich on Procter & Gamble and CBS having issues with the "That's My Boy?" episode of The Dick Van Dyke Show

03:51

Dick Van Dyke Show, The: "Where Did I Come From?"

John Rich on his favorite episode of The Dick Van Dyke Show: "Where Did I Come From?" - the birth of Rob and Laura's son

00:40

John Rich on his favorite episode of The Dick Van Dyke Show: "Where Did I Come From?" - the birth of Rob and Laura's son

00:33

Dunninger

John Rich on being a stage manager at The Dunninger Show

01:15

Ezio Pinza Show, The

John Rich on directing The Ezio Pinza Show

04:45

Gilligan's Island

John Rich on directing Gilligan's Island

09:20

John Rich on directing the first three episodes of Gilligan's Island and the talents of creator Sherwood Schwartz and the cast

03:36

Gomer Pyle - USMC

John Rich on directing episodes of Gomer Pyle

00:54

Gunsmoke

John Rich on directing Gunsmoke when he wanted to switch to drama from comedy directing

16:09

John Rich on the actors of Gunsmoke

01:39

John Rich on directing Gunsmoke and James Arness

02:22

I Married Joan

John Rich on directing I Married Joan

07:30

John Rich on directing I Married Joan and working with Joan Davis

06:27

John Rich on the Hollywood Blacklist (and witnessing an actor being fired during a reading of an episode of I Married Joan)

03:15

I Spy

John Rich on working with Bill Cosby on I Spy

00:54

Jack Carter Show, The

John Rich on being a stage manager at The Jack Carter Show

01:56

Jeffersons, The

John Rich on casting Mike Evans as "Lionel Jefferson" on All in the Family

06:45

John Rich on how Sherman Hemsley was cast as George Jefferson on All in the Family, and later, The Jeffersons (spin-off)

03:35

Kraft Television Theatre

John Rich on being a stage manager at Kraft Television Theatre

04:22

Law & Order

John Rich on acting with Julia Roberts on Law & Order

01:20

MacGyver

John Rich on producing MacGyver

07:57

Maude

Director John Rich on Maude with Bea Arthur

00:39

Mr. Sunshine

John Rich on producing Mr. Sunshine

04:38

Murphy Brown

John Rich on directing one episode of Murphy Brown

00:47

Newhart

John Rich on directing the pilot of Newhart; on the concept and format of the series

05:35

Our Miss Brooks

John Rich on directing Our Miss Brooks

02:59

John Rich on format changes on Our Miss Brooks

01:37

Philco-Goodyear Television Playhouse

John Rich on working with producer/director Fred Coe on The Philco-Goodyear Television Playhouse

01:06

Ray Bolger Show, The

John Rich on directing The Ray Bolger Show

07:20

Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, The

John Rich on Sammy Davis Jr.'s suggestion, as a guest on The Tonight Show, that he would make a funny guest star on All in the Family (leading to his appearance on the classic episode "Sammy's Visit")

01:04

Twilight Zone, The

John Rich on directing two episodes of The Twilight Zone

03:15

Wonderful World of Disney, The aka Magical World of Disney, The

John Rich on the live broadcast of the opening of Disneyland ("Dateline: Disneyland")(airdate: July 17, 1955)

05:44

Your Show of Shows

John Rich on wanting to work on Your Show of Shows

00:16

Topics

Censorship / Standards & Practices

John Rich on Procter & Gamble and CBS having issues with the "That's My Boy?" episode of The Dick Van Dyke Show

03:51

John Rich on problems with Standards & Practices on All in the Family

03:23

Characters & Catchphrases

John Rich on All in the Family's "Archie Bunker"

00:40

John Rich on using props to tell backstory of characters - as he did with Sherman Hemsley's "George Jefferson"

01:06

Classic TV Series Episodes

John Rich on the live broadcast of the opening of Disneyland ("Dateline: Disneyland")(airdate: July 17, 1955)

05:44

John Rich on memorable episodes of The Dick Van Dyke Show

05:04

John Rich on Procter & Gamble and CBS having issues with the "That's My Boy?" episode of The Dick Van Dyke Show

03:51

John Rich on the audience's reaction to the kiss in the All in the Family episode "Sammy's Visit"

00:42

Director John Rich on Sammy Davis Jr.'s suggestion, as a guest on The Tonight Show, that he would make a funny guest star on All in the Family (leading to his appearance on the classic episode "Sammy's Visit")

01:04

Comedy

John Rich on memorable episodes of The Dick Van Dyke Show

05:04

John Rich on Procter & Gamble and CBS having issues with the "That's My Boy?" episode of The Dick Van Dyke Show

03:51

John Rich on Sammy Davis Jr.'s suggestion, as a guest on The Tonight Show, that he would make a funny guest star on All in the Family (leading to his appearance on the classic episode "Sammy's Visit")

01:04

John Rich on the audience's reaction to the kiss in the All in the Family episode "Sammy's Visit"

00:42

Emmy Awards

John Rich on working with Gunsmoke producer Norm Macdonnell and assisting the editor, who won the Emmy that year

03:02

Historic Events and Social Change

John Rich on casting Mike Evans as "Lionel Jefferson" on All in the Family

06:42

Hollywood Blacklist

John Rich on the Hollywood Blacklist (and witnessing an actor being fired during a reading of an episode of I Married Joan)

03:15

Industry Crossroads

John Rich on the Hollywood Blacklist (and witnessing an actor being fired during a reading of an episode of I Married Joan)

03:15

Memorable Moments on Television

John Rich on the live broadcast of the opening of Disneyland ("Dateline: Disneyland")(airdate: July 17, 1955)

05:44

John Rich on Procter & Gamble and CBS having issues with the "That's My Boy?" episode of The Dick Van Dyke Show

03:51

Director John Rich on Sammy Davis Jr.'s suggestion, as a guest on The Tonight Show, that he would make a funny guest star on All in the Family (leading to his appearance on the classic episode "Sammy's Visit")

01:04

Pop Culture

John Rich on the live broadcast of the opening of Disneyland ("Dateline: Disneyland")(airdate: July 17, 1955)

05:44

Director John Rich on the creation of the classic ottoman opening of The Dick Van Dyke Show

01:55

John Rich on memorable episodes of The Dick Van Dyke Show

05:04

John Rich on Procter & Gamble and CBS having issues with the "That's My Boy?" episode of The Dick Van Dyke Show

03:51

John Rich on All in the Family's "Archie Bunker"

00:40

John Rich on using props to tell backstory of characters - as he did with Sherman Hemsley's "George Jefferson"

01:06

John Rich on the audience's reaction to the kiss in the All in the Family episode "Sammy's Visit"

00:42

Director John Rich on Sammy Davis Jr.'s suggestion, as a guest on The Tonight Show, that he would make a funny guest star on All in the Family (leading to his appearance on the classic episode "Sammy's Visit")

01:04

Representation on Television

John Rich on casting Mike Evans as "Lionel Jefferson" on All in the Family

06:42

John Rich on Sammy Davis Jr.'s suggestion, as a guest on The Tonight Show, that he would make a funny guest star on All in the Family (leading to his appearance on the classic episode "Sammy's Visit")

01:04

Studio and Network Management

John Rich on the live broadcast of the opening of Disneyland ("Dateline: Disneyland")(airdate: July 17, 1955)

05:44

TV Theme Songs

Director John Rich on the creation of the classic ottoman opening of The Dick Van Dyke Show

01:55

Television Industry

John Rich on the live broadcast of the opening of Disneyland ("Dateline: Disneyland")(airdate: July 17, 1955)

05:44

John Rich on the Hollywood Blacklist (and witnessing an actor being fired during a reading of an episode of I Married Joan)

03:15

John Rich on Procter & Gamble and CBS having issues with the "That's My Boy?" episode of The Dick Van Dyke Show

03:51

John Rich on problems with Standards & Practices on All in the Family

03:23

Underrepresented Voices

John Rich on casting Mike Evans as "Lionel Jefferson" on All in the Family

06:42

John Rich on Sammy Davis Jr.'s suggestion, as a guest on The Tonight Show, that he would make a funny guest star on All in the Family (leading to his appearance on the classic episode "Sammy's Visit")

01:04

Professions

Directors

View Profession

John Rich on his early directing responsibilities

01:16

John Rich on protecting actors

00:48

John Rich on moving from comedy to directing drama - he wanted to direct Playhouse 90 but got Gunsmoke from CBS

01:24

John Rich on negotiating his deal on The Dick Van Dyke Show with Sheldon Leonard; on his directing style on The Dick Van Dyke Show

07:42

Director John Rich on the casting process

00:45

John Rich on the type of directing that isn't done anymore

01:02

John Rich on his view of directing today, his disappointment with television today (1999), and how directors are being phased out by networks. "You don't hire a legend."

03:11

Performers

View Profession

Director John Rich on the casting process

00:45

Genres

Adventure/Espionage Series

John Rich on producing MacGyver

07:57

Comedy Series

Director John Rich on the creation of the classic ottoman opening of The Dick Van Dyke Show

01:55

John Rich on the writing staff and memorable episodes of The Dick Van Dyke Show; on leaving The Dick Van Dyke Show to make feature films

13:08

John Rich on directing All in the Family

15:33

John Rich on All in the Family

28:45

John Rich on directing All in the Family

13:16

John Rich on directing the pilot of Newhart

05:35

Music Shows & Variety Shows/Specials

John Rich on being stage manager/AD on The Colgate Comedy Hour

11:17

John Rich on directing The Ezio Pinza Show

04:43

Western Series

John Rich on directing Gunsmoke

16:09

John Rich on directing Gunsmoke and James Arness

01:43

People

Aaron Ruben

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John Rich on Aaron Ruben

01:02

Anthony D. Thomopoulos

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John Rich on ABC President Anthony D. Thomopoulos' daughter wanting to observe a rehearsal of Benson

02:29

Art Linkletter

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John Rich on the live broadcast of the opening of Disneyland ("Dateline: Disneyland")(airdate: July 17, 1955)

05:44

Beatrice Arthur

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John Rich on directing Bea Arthur on Maude

01:35

Bernard West

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John Rich on All in the Family writers Bernie West and Mickey Ross

01:00

Bill Cosby

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John Rich on working with Bill Cosby on I Spy

00:54

Bob Denver

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John Rich on the cast of Gilligan's Island

01:25

Bob Newhart

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John Rich on directing the pilot of Newhart; on the concept and format of the series

01:51

Bud Yorkin

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John Rich on working with Bud Yorkin on The Colgate Comedy Hour

00:23

John Rich on All in the Family's co-creator Bud Yorkin

01:53

Carl Reiner

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John Rich on directing The Dick Van Dyke Show

03:07

John Rich on Carl Reiner and the creation of the opening of The Dick Van Dyke Show

01:55

John Rich on Carl Reiner and other Dick Van Dyke Show writers

00:57

John Rich on Procter & Gamble and CBS having issues with the "That's My Boy?" episode of The Dick Van Dyke Show

03:51

John Rich on Sheldon Leonard and Carl Reiner's reaction to Rich leaving The Dick Van Dyke Show

00:56

John Rich on the casting of Rob Reiner as "Mike Stivic" on All in the Family

02:12

Carroll O'Connor

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John Rich on the cast of All in the Family: Carroll O'Connor

01:43

John Rich on actor Carroll O'Connor

01:45

Danny Arnold

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John Rich on wanting a casting change for the wife in Barney Miller

05:36

David Lloyd

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John Rich on the writing on Mr. Sunshine

00:56

David Sarnoff

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John Rich on David Sarnoff

02:54

David Susskind

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John Rich on getting hired by David Susskind to direct a pilot that got cancelled and the beginning of "pay or play"

02:23

Dean Martin

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John Rich on working with Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin

00:40

Dennis Day

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John Rich on working with Dennis Day

00:55

John Rich on Jack Benny guest-starring on The Dennis Day Show

01:22

Dick Van Dyke

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John Rich on meeting and working wtih Dick Van Dyke

05:15

John Rich on the visual aspects of The Dick Van Dyke Show, Dick Van Dyke's physical comedy, and the creation of the classic ottoman opening

08:17

Don Nicholl

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John Rich on All in the Family writer Don Nicholl

00:52

Douglas Edwards

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John Rich on his first memories of television - seeing Douglas Edwards do the news on a TV in a hamburger joint

00:30

Eve Arden

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John Rich on Eve Arden of Our Miss Brooks

02:59

Ezio Pinza

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John Rich on working with Ezio Pinza and Ted Mills on The Ezio Pinza Show

04:43

Florence Henderson

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John Rich on shooting the first few episodes of The Brady Bunch around Florence Henderson's schedule

02:29

Fred Coe

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John Rich on working with producer/director Fred Coe on The Philco-Goodyear Television Playhouse

01:06

Fred Silverman

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John Rich on trading wit with Fred Silverman

01:22

John Rich on Fred Silverman

01:03

Gene Barry

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John Rich on Gene Barry of Bat Masterson

02:19

George Segal

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John Rich on actor George Segal and top billing in The Jerusalem Post

02:06

Hal Cooper

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John Rich on getting Hal Cooper on as Associate Producer for Gilligan's Island

00:19

Henry Fonda

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John Rich on his television movie with Henry Fonda

01:38

Henry Winkler

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John Rich on partnering with Henry Winkler to produce Mr. Sunshine

02:46

John Rich on ending his producing partnership with Henry Winkler

02:23

Hugh Downs

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John Rich on meeting Hugh Downs

00:37

Jack Benny

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John Rich on Jack Benny guest-starring on The Dennis Day Show

01:22

Jack Carter

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John Rich on being a stage manager and becoming an AD at The Jack Carter Show

01:56

James Arness

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John Rich on the actors of Gunsmoke: James Arness

01:15

John Rich on directing Gunsmoke and James Arness

01:43

James T. Aubrey

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John Rich on Jim Aubrey

01:07

Jeffrey Tambor

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John Rich on producing Mr. Sunshine

03:44

Jerry Lewis

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John Rich on working with Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin

00:40

John Rich on working with Jerry Lewis and Tony Curtis

01:08

Jerry Paris

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John Rich on training Jerry Paris to direct The Dick Van Dyke Show

00:20

Jerry Seinfeld

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John Rich on Jerry Seinfeld on Benson

00:56

Jerry Van Dyke

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John Rich on Dick Van Dyke's brother, Jerry, and Jerry's role on The Dick Van Dyke Show

04:21

Jim Backus

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John Rich on directing Jim Backus in I Married Joan

00:47

John Rich on directing Jim Backus in I Married Joan

02:10

Joan Davis

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John Rich on meeting and working with Joan Davis of I Married Joan

07:30

John Rich on directing Joan Davis in I Married Joan

01:11

Julia Roberts

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John Rich on acting with Julia Roberts on Law & Order

01:20

Lynn Stalmaster

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John Rich on working with Gunsmoke casting agent Lynn Stalmaster and wanting Pernell Roberts

03:41

Michael Eisner

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John Rich on Michael Eisner

01:34

Michael Ross

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John Rich on All in the Family writers Bernie West and Mickey Ross

01:00

Mike Evans

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John Rich on casting Mike Evans as "Lionel Jefferson" on All in the Family

06:45

Milton Berle

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John Rich on watching Milton Berle rehearse

00:19

Norman Lear

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John Rich on working with Norman Lear on The Colgate Comedy Hour

00:19

John Rich on All in the Family's co-creator Norman Lear

01:17

John Rich on casting Mike Evans as "Lionel Jefferson" on All in the Family

06:43

John Rich on Norman Lear's involvement and casting on All in the Family

05:21

John Rich on how Sherman Hemsley was cast as George Jefferson on All in the Family, and later, The Jeffersons (spin-off)

03:35

John Rich on the difficulties of getting All in the Family on the air

01:06

Norman Macdonnell

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John Rich on working with Gunsmoke producer Norm Macdonnell and assisting the editor, who won the Emmy that year

03:02

Pernell Roberts

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John Rich on working with Gunsmoke casting agent Lynn Stalmaster and wanting Pernell Roberts

03:41

Ray Bolger

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John Rich on directing Ray Bolger

01:32

John Rich on Ray Bolger

02:06

Rene Auberjonois

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John Rich on the cast of Benson

01:57

Richard Dean Anderson

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John Rich on MacGyver star Richard Dean Anderson

02:05

Rob Reiner

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John Rich on the casting of Rob Reiner as "Mike Stivic" on All in the Family

02:12

John Rich on Rob Reiner on the first day of All in the Family

00:42

Robert D. Wood

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John Rich on CBS President Robert D. Wood

01:52

Robert Guillaume

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John Rich on Benson star Robert Guillaume

00:32

John Rich on Benson star Robert Guillaume

00:34

Robert Reed

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John Rich on Robert Reed of The Brady Bunch

00:50

Rod Serling

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John Rich on directing two episodes of The Twilight Zone

02:44

Ronald Reagan

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John Rich on the live broadcast of the opening of Disneyland ("Dateline: Disneyland")(airdate: July 17, 1955); on Reagan as an actor

10:02

Rose Marie

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John Rich on Rose Marie's amazing talent as a comedy straight woman

00:27

Sally Struthers

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John Rich on the cast of All in the Family: Sally Struthers

00:08

Sammy Davis, Jr.

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John Rich on informing guest star Sammy Davis, Jr. ("Sammy's Visit") on the way All in the Family was rehearsed

01:07

John Rich on insisting that guest star Sammy Davis Jr. not use cue cards on the All in the Family episode "Sammy's Visit"

00:49

Sheldon Leonard

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John Rich on getting hired to direct The Dick Van Dyke Show; on Carl Reiner and Sheldon Leonard; on banning set visitors on the first three days of rehearsals

06:18

John Rich on negotiating his deal on The Dick Van Dyke Show with Sheldon Leonard; on his directing style on The Dick Van Dyke Show

07:42

John Rich on Sheldon Leonard and Carl Reiner's reaction to Rich leaving The Dick Van Dyke Show

00:56

Sherman Hemsley

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John Rich on casting "George Jefferson" on All in the Family

03:38

John Rich on how Sherman Hemsley was cast as George Jefferson on All in the Family, and later, The Jeffersons (spin-off)

03:35

John Rich on using props to tell backstory of characters - as he did with Sherman Hensley's "George Jefferson"

01:06

Sherwood Schwartz

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John Rich on Sherwood Schwartz writing for I Married Joan

00:21

John Rich on Sherwood Schwartz

00:58

John Rich on directing Gilligan's Island

09:11

John Rich on Gilligan's Island and the talents of Sherwood Schwartz

00:16

John Rich on Sherwood Schwartz's The Brady Bunch

07:37

Sid Smith

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John Rich on his first shot directing The Colgate Comedy Hour, replacing Sid Smith

00:58

Ted Mills

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John Rich on working with Ezio Pinza and Ted Mills on The Ezio Pinza Show

04:43

Tina Louise

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John Rich on the cast of Gilligan's Island

01:25

Tony Curtis

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John Rich on working with Jerry Lewis and Tony Curtis

01:08

Walt Disney

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John Rich on the live broadcast of the opening of Disneyland ("Dateline: Disneyland")(airdate: July 17, 1955)

05:39

Zsa Zsa Gabor

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John Rich on directing The Ezio Pinza Show

00:23