Remembering Jeff Conaway

Actor Jeff Conaway who played Bobby Wheeler on the TV series 'Taxi'

It is certainly sad news that actor Jeff Conaway died on Friday (May 27th). Instead of detailing his struggles with substance abuse, I'd prefer to honor his memory and legacy by acknowledging his work as an actor. Among his many roles, audiences may remember his appearance in the still popular, musical film Grease as Kenickie. Another of his most memorable roles was as taxi driver / wanna-be actor, Bobby Wheeler, on the TV sitcom Taxi. I was fortunate enough to experience seeing Conaway perform in a staged production of A Christmas Carol in 2004 in Youngstown, Ohio at the Powers Auditorium. Conaway played the role of Jacob Marley.

cover of the program

Also appearing in this staged production: Malik Yoba, Jackee Harry and Barry Williams. After the November performance, I remember seeing Conaway on Tony Danza's talk show and they discussed this production which played several days in New York City as well. (Remember Tony Danza starred with Conaway on the TV series Taxi).

inside page from program

If you click on the links below, you can watch whole episodes of Taxi. This TV series is also on DVD and available at Netflix.

My favorite Taxi episode featuring Jeff Conaway: 'High School Reunion' from the first season. In this episode he gives an unforgettable performance imitating Louie DePalma (who was played by Danny DeVito).

There are two Taxi Christmas episodes, although neither main storyline focuses on the Bobby Wheeler character.

A 1978 Christmas episode of Taxi: 'A Full House for Christmas.' This episode streams from IMDb.

The fifth and final season also features the Christmas episode, 'Get Me Through the Holidays' starring Louise Lasser as Alex's miserable ex-wife, Phyllis. This is Part 1.

A New Testimonial for my Book!

I am so very excited to announce that actor/singer Barry Williams has given my book, The Christmas TV Companion, a recommendation to be included on the back cover of the next printing. This is what he said:

“From my appearance as a child actor on Dragnet to A Very Brady Christmas to my more recent musical performance on The Wiggles, this book contains an amazing wealth of Christmas TV splendor.”

I write about his appearances in these Christmas programs in the book. Of course, he's also in the holiday episode "The Voice of Christmas" on the first season of The Brady Bunch.

This testimonial is just one of the many great things going on recently with my work. I'm working on a large promotion centered around "Christmas in July"--stay in touch for the official announcements and a few surprises. One thing for certain is that the publisher is planning a special sale of The Christmas TV Companion during the month of July. If you haven't gotten you're copy yet or are looking to get one for a friend, this might be a great opportunity for that.

My next book Tis the Season TV: The Encyclopedia of Christmas-themed Episodes, Specials and Made-for-TV Movies is being finalized for release this upcoming Fall by 1701 Press. This is the reference book you've always dreamed of--from Ab Fab to Ziggy's Gift--this ultimate guide to Christmas on television. It is the larger project from which the Christmas TV Companion was derived. I'm soooo excited about this book finally being released.

I'll be announcing more details about the next book and Christmas in July in the coming weeks.

Contest Entry #3!!!!

Yay! Here is contest entry no. 3. From Amanda By Night, who writes a great blog: Made for TV Mayhem --do check it out!

Amanda writes:

Let it be said I like a little schmaltz with my holiday and I got it in spades with the overtly sentimental made for TV movie A Very Brady Christmas (1988), which features the family reuniting under much more realistic circumstance (what do you mean Wally lost his job? That’s so unfunny…). The best line in the whole movie is when Marcia says to her husband, “Don’t be sorry, just be Wally.” I love Wally!


There will always, always be a place in my heart for all things Brady Bunch! Thank you Amanda! Here's a picture of me meeting Barry Williams in 2003, in Youngstown, Ohio. I'm the one on the right.

Keep your entries coming! Only a few (shopping) days left! Here's a quick link to the rules & the brilliant prizes you'll get: rules/prizes.