From Steinbrenner's office to Lee Iococca's...
In somewhat of a related story to yesterday's "Dukes of Hazzard" story, I'll continue with the dreaded sitcom curse that seems to cast it's spell on everyone who was ever involved in a long running television series, The curse is that no matter what these poor souls do, even winning the Nobel Peace Prize, they will forever be known for getting a bowl of soup dumped over their heads or falling down a flight of stairs. They try to re-invent themselves and get another job but they can't. Soon after going through countless auditions and getting no call backs, they become bitter and angry that they did that show in the first place and distance themselves from it. After the anger subsides, and many years pass by, these people once again embrace the character that gave them fame and fortune and soon become a caricature of themselves. Such was the case with the cast of "The Duke's of Hazzard." For years after the axe fell on the General Lee, getting one of these people to talk about the show was like pulling teeth. Now that the movie is set to arrive in theatres, all the "old timers" from the show suddenly have a lot to say. This was kind of the same situation for the cast of Seinfeld even though the show ended on it's own terms. Jerry Seinfeld went into hiding for 10 years while the remainder of the gang struggled and struggled to find work. Michael Richards, Julia Louise Dryfuss, and Jason Alexander immediately signed deals for shows centered around them. In less than a few weeks all three programs were unplugged. Michael and Julia gave up and also went into hibernation while "George Costanza" Jason Alexander kept hitting the asphalt looking for a new gig. Unlike George on TV, Jason is really motivated and isn't about to give up the fight to find steady work. In recent years after struggling with the loss of two of his shows and going on Entertainment Tonight and other gossip shows only to be insulted when asked questions about Jerry Seinfeld, something new arrived...the DVD. Alas, this was the garlic around the neck in Hollywood that broke the curse...suddenly old shows are coming up from the dead to once again take over your televisions. It was with this development that many fallen stars were suddenly eager to make peace with their past and go out there and make the rounds on Leno and Letterman to reflect on their candid moments making the shows. This was also the bait that lured the gang from Monk's Cafe out from under their rock. All four of the former cast membershugged and laughed and cried as they played hopscotch from one show to the next to plug their DVD's. As of right now, Jason Alexander realizes that he will always be George and another role or part in a TV show or stage play will only have him pounding the pavement again. He's finally made full circle! In a commercial for Chrysler, Jason walks into the office of Lee Iococca who spins around in his chair and uses the line "yadda, yadda, yadda." It's great to be home again, isn't it? THAT'S the way I see it today!
posted by Dave Sypniewski at
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
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