'The Show Must Go On' - Dealing With Death on TV

15 Points Per Correct Answer - No time limit  

1. From 1984 to 1992, 'Night Court' followed the antics of fledgling judge Harry T. Stone (magician/comedian Harry Anderson) presiding over a late-night Manhattan courtroom. Despite the many comedic twists and turns, there was a perceived 'curse' in that two actresses who portrayed female baliffs died in succession. The first was noted comedian and writer Selma Diamond, who died May 13, 1985, after the end of Season Two. Who was the second? Florence Halop Gail Strickland Jeanette Nolan Ellen Foley

2. The premise of the 1984 action series 'Cover-Up' centered on photographer Danielle Reynolds (Jennifer O'Neill), who becomes a spy like her late husband and pairs up with hunky male model Mac Harper, a former Vietnam vet. Tragically, after only seven episodes into the series, the actor playing Mac was dead, the victim of an errant prop gun. Who was the unfortunate actor? Jon-Erik Hexum Mykelti Williamson Richard Anderson Anthony Hamilton

3. One of the funniest shows in the 1970s turned into one of the most poignant by its end. Veteran actor Jack Albertson, who starred in everything from 'Miracle on 34th Street' to 'Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory', was paired up with a young Hispanic comedian in 1974 for the series 'Chico and the Man', about a cranky and prejudiced garage owner and a Chicano mechanical whiz. By 1977, the actor portraying the glib Chico was falling apart at the seams, culminating in his suicide on January 29. Who was the actor who played 'Chico'? Gabriel Melgar Freddie Prinze Isaac Ruiz Danny Mora

4. From 1999 to 2006, the NBC drama 'The West Wing' brought millions of viewers into the lives of a fictional President of the United States (Democrat Josiah Bartlet, played by Martin Sheen) and his staff. Most of the day-to-day operations were handled by Chief of Staff Leo McGarry, who, by the 2005 season, was on the ticket as a Vice Presidential running mate to Congressman Matt Santos (Jimmy Smits). Sadly, it was not to be. The actor playing McGarry died before the episode could be filmed. Who was the actor? Richard Schiff John Spencer Bradley Whitford Joshua Malina

5. Actor/comedian Redd Foxx is best remembered to television audiences as the gruff, but loveable junk dealer Fred G. Sanford (the 'G' stood for any number of things) in the comedy series 'Sanford and Son', which ran from 1972 to 1977. After over a decade off the airwaves, Foxx returned for a new series in 1991, only to die at the age of 68, after seven episodes were filmed. What was the name of the show? The Redd Foxx Show The Royal Family The Sanford Arms Grady

6. The 1971 series 'Alias Smith and Jones' was an interesting concept for the TV western. Two infamous outlaws, Hannibal Heyes and Jedediah 'Kid' Curry, were given a chance to go straight under new identities...if only the bounty hunters, detectives, occasional posses and other outlaws would let them. However, on the last day of 1971, the actor playing Hannibal Heyes was found shot to death, putting the series in jeopardy. What was the actor's name? Peter Duel Ben Murphy Roger Davis Ralph Story

7. Back in the 1990s, one of the busiest actor/comedians was the vastly talented Phil Hartman. An acomplished artist, who created album covers for groups like Poco and America, he was also a long-time cast member of 'Saturday Night Live' and a popular voice actor for 'The Simpsons'. At the time of his death, Hartman was one of the stars of what other sitcom? 3rd Rock From The Sun NewsRadio Caroline In The City The Larry Sanders Show

8. From 1977 to 1981, 'Eight Is Enough' entertained audiences with its thought-provoking and humorous look into the lives of the Bradford family, with children ranging in age from eight (Adam Rich as Nicholas Bradford) to 23 (Grant Goodeve as David Bradford). However, the show had to overcome a major hurdle when the actress playing the Bradford matriarch, Joan, died after completing only the first four episodes. Who was the actress? Lani O'Grady Betty Buckley Diana Hyland Connie Newton

9. One of the phenomenal talents who made the successful transition from radio to television was Beatrice 'Bea' Benaderet, who not only worked with Orson Welles 'Campbell Playhouse', but also made her mark with Jack Benny and with George Burns and Gracie Allen. Also, along with June Foray, she was one of the female voices for Warner Brothers' Looney Tunes franchise. She was up for the role of Granny in 'The Beverly Hillbillies', but actually pointed out actress Irene Ryan, who would eventually get the role. She was working on a show very similar to 'Hillbillies' when she died October 13, 1968. What was the name of her show? Green Acres Hee Haw Mayberry RFD Petticoat Junction

10. One of the perennial nice guys in show business was comic actor John Ritter, best remembered for happily playing the foil opposite hot-pantsed Joyce DeWitt and buxom Suzanne Sommers in the hit sitcom 'Three's Company' in the 1970s and 80s. As the new millenium began, Ritter was starring in the animated series 'Clifford, the Big Red Dog'. He was also starring in a live-action series for ABC, when he collapsed on the set and died September 11, 2003. What was the show? 8 Simple Rules... Hearts Afire Man About The House Problem Child - The Series