Urban Legends Television

15 Points Per Correct Answer - No time limit  

1. "Leave it to Beaver" reminded us of a more innocent America, when life centered around the family and the neighborhood. Of course, after the show ended, people began telling stories of the darker side of this show. According to rumor, which character ended up becoming a pornographic movie star? June Cleaver, the mother Eddie Haskell, Wally's obnoxious pal Wally Cleaver, the older brother Lumpy Rutherford, the neighborhood bully

2. When George Reeve, the actor who played TV's Superman, died in 1959, his death was shrouded in rumor. Apparently he started to believe he really was the Man of Steel, and died trying to imitate him. How? "Faster than a speeding bullet..." He tried to stop a rifle shot with his chest. "It's a bird, it's a plane..." He jumped off a building trying to fly. "More powerful than a locomotive..." He tried to stop a train. He had a heart attack trying to bend a steel rod.

3. Many of us grew up with "Seasame Street". In this magical neighborhood, birds grew to giant sizes, monsters played with children, and no-one's car alarm went off at four in the morning. Sadly, nothing lasts forever. According to legend, which Muppet was supposed to be killed off in the early 1990s? Ernie Elmo (please, please, please) Cookie Monster Grover

4. "Gilligan's Island" (1964-1967) was a pretty popular show in its day. According to rumor, Gilligan's first name was only ever stated once, in the pilot. What was it? Mulligan Alice Bob Willy

5. Not all television stars are human (no, I'm not talking about Tony Danza). Animal stars will always have a place in our hearts. According to legend, what animal actor suffered a cruel demise when the show ended? Arnold Ziffel, the pig from "Green Acres", was roasted and eaten at the wrap party. Flipper the dolphin was sold to a Mexico City aquarium and died of neglect six months later. Buck, the dog from "Married...With Children", was abandoned at an animal shelter and put to sleep. Mr. Roger's beloved fish were dumped in the studio parking lot after his death.

6. Sometimes we remember the opening theme of a TV show better than the show itself. Not all theme songs are benign, however. According to rumor, which theme song contained satanic messages when played backwards? 'Where Everybody Knows Your Name' (Cheers) 'A Horse is a Horse' (Mister Ed) 'The Ballad of Jed Clampett' (The Beverly Hillbillies) The 'SpongeBob Squarepants' theme

7. It's easy to believe that actors are very much like their on-screen persona. That's why it's jarring when we find they may lead very different lives than the ones we see on TV. Which of these rumors was actually TRUE? Mr. Rogers was a sniper in Vietnam. His trademark sweaters covered his Marine Corps tattoos. Dr. Ruth Westheimer served as a sniper in Israel. Bob "Captain Kangaroo" Keeshan was one of the first soldiers to go ashore on Iwo Jima. Don Knotts was once the most feared drill instructor at Paris Island.

8. For my money, there's nothing more satisfying than seeing a fresh-faced, cute as anything child star grow up to be a bitter, alcoholic has-been - but that's just me. According to rumor, shock rocker Marilyn Manson once starred in a sitcom. Who was he? Wesley, the younger son from "Mr. Belvedere" Sam, the red headed stepson from "Different Strokes" Paul, the nerdy friend from "The Wonder Years" Jamie, the brother from "Small Wonder"

9. Remember "The Little Rascals" - Buckwheat, Spanky, Darla, Alfalfa? You really don't see them on TV anymore. Legend would have us believe a certain well-known actor felt they portrayed negative stereotypes of African-Americans. They bought the rights and prevented them from being broadcast. Who was this? James Earl Jones Bill Cosby Eddie Murphy Oprah Winfrey

10. Sometimes former stars have successful careers after television. Others wind up in congress. Which TV star-turned-congressman reportedly had a page fired for making a joke about his acting career? Fred Grandy (Gopher, the ship's purser from "The Love Boat") Sonny Bono (co-host of "The Sonny and Cher Show") Ben Jones (Cooter the mechanic from "The Dukes of Hazzard") Fred Thompson (Arthur Branch, the DA from "Law & Order")