thirtysomething episode guide
originally by eric r. jorgensen, jon conrad & loring s. holden. With some added information by Bob Fahey
At the end of this guide you will find Bob Fahey's list of real world tie-ins to names of people, places and companies on the show.
There were 85 episodes, spread over four seasons:
season 1 1987-1988
1) thirtysomething
9/29/87, 12/22/87, 10/23/90
"thirtysomething" - Series Premiere
Hope and Michael Steadman are still adjusting to parenthood while struggling with money problems and best-friend
crises. [In this episode only, Janey Steadman is played by
Jade and Lauren Mortimer. In this and the Hitchcock
episode, Ethan and Brittany Weston are played by Jason and
Rachel Nagler.]
writer: marshall herskovitz
writer: edward zwick
director: marshall herskovitz
2) attack of the killer parents
10/6/87, 12/29/87
Hope's anxiety over her parent's (Shirley Knight,
George Coe) impending visit taxes everyone's patience.
writer: marshall herskovitz
writer: edward zwick
director: edward zwick
3) housewarming
10/13/87, 8/2/88
While preparing for a housewarming, Michael feels pangs
of guilt about leading a yuppie existence, and the carpenter
and Hope flirt with each other. Faith Ford is introduced as
Janine. Dave Firland: Tom O'Brien.
writer: marshall herskovitz
writer: edward zwick
director: john pasquin
4) couples (or ``level of misery'')
10/27/87, 4/5/88
A night out degenerates into an argument between Nancy
and Elliott as their marital woes become apparent. Hostesses: Karen L. Gannon, Chris Rennolds, Annette Marroquin, Patricia Lindley.
writer: marshall herskovitz
writer: edward zwick
director: marshall herskovitz
5) but not for me (or ``saturday night'')
11/3/87, 3/29/88, 3/14/89
Gary and Melissa rekindle their long-dormant love affair; Hope and Michael's ``date'' turns into a disaster.
Michael Feinstein appears as himself. Irritants: Lucy Webb,
Tim Stack.
writer: richard kramer
director: tom moore
6) we gather together
11/17/87
Hope and Michael plan a quiet Thanksgiving alone but
learn their friends are counting on being invited over.
Jeff: Jack Blessing.
writer: susan miller
writer: richard kramer
writer: edward zwick
writer: story by susan miller
director: mark cullingham
7) nice work if you can get it (or ``yo! it's my arts center!'')
12/1/87, 4/19/88
As a deadline approaches, ad men Michael and Elliott
wrestle with a creativity block, Ellyn develops a crush on a
business associate. Terry Kinney is introduced as Steve
Woodman. Amy: Amy Benedict. Fear, Dread, and Anxiety:
Daniel W. Frishman, Tony Cox, Phil Fondacaro.
writer: paul haggis
writer: story by jean vallely
director: claudia weill
8) weaning
12/8/87, 7/26/88
Sensing baby Janey's decreasing dependency on her, depressed Hope decides to go back to work. Rosalind Cash is
introduced as Val Shilliday. Cooper: Marg Helgenberger.
Amy: Amy Benedict. Alex Miller: Meg Wittner. Larry
Richards: Clive Rosengren.
writer: liberty godshall
director: john pasquin
9) i'll be home for christmas
12/15/87, 6/14/88
Michael and Hope argue about whether their infant's
first holiday should be Christmas or Hanukkah. A famous
photographer (Andy Aronson: Paul Sand) shows interest in
Melissa's work. Melissa age 12: Danielle Rioux.
writer: richard kramer
director: robert lieberman
10) south by southwest
1/5/88
It's a Hitchcockian nightmare as Gary falls in love; as
the romance progresses, he begins receiving a series of
threats against his life. Eve: Dana Delaney. Philip Vandamm: Christopher Carroll.
writer: paul haggis
director: dan lerner
11) therapy
episode 8711, 1/12/88, 6/7/88, 4/18/89
Elliott and Nancy seek professional help for their
troubled marriage; Michael finds it hard to keep it a secret. Dr. Nicolson: Marshall Herskovitz.
writer: susan shilliday
director: marshall herskovitz
12) competition
1/19/88, 8/9/88, 3/13/90
Michael's jealousy is aroused when an important client
(Werner Breslow: Richard Masur) makes it clear he prefers Elliot. Meanwhile, Hope and Nancy try to come to terms with
computers.
writer: joseph dougherty
director: rob cohen
13) separation
1/26/88, 9/6/88
Elliott temporarily moves in with Michael and Hope after separating from Nancy.
writer: susan shilliday
director: paul haggis
14) i'm in love... with my gynecologist
2/2/88, 5/24/88
Competing for the attention of the same man jeopardizes
the new found friendship between Ellyn and Melissa. Dr. Bob
Kramer: Robin Thomas.
writer: ann lewis hamilton
writer: richard kramer
writer: story by ann lewis hamilton
director: scott winant
15) business as usual
2/9/88, 6/21/88
Michael's hopes for a joyous reunion with his father
(Leo Steadman: Steven Hill) are destroyed when he discovers
the real reason for the visit. Linda (Michael's Stepmother): Barbara Rhoades. Dr. Turlow: David Wohl.
writer: paul haggis
writer: marshall herskovitz
director: claudia weill
16) accounts receivable
3/1/88, 6/21/88
A rocky relationship between Michael and his brother
Brad (Danton Stone) is further strained when Michael learns
the family business is almost bankrupt. Barbara Steadman:
Barbara Barrie. Birdie Kravitz: Dena Dietrich. Maury
Pressman: Ron Young Mike: Jay Lambert. Young Brad: Jacob
Kenner.
writer: richard kramer
director: edward zwick
17) whose forest is this?
episode 8717, 3/15/88, 3/28/89
Nancy and Elliot's separation takes its toll on their
son, Elliot prepares for a blind date with a chiropractor
(Sharon Berman: Lisa Jane Persky). Includes Ethan's fairytale nightmares, with acknowledgments to Maurice Sendak.
The Beast: Irwin Keyes.
writer: richard kramer
writer: story by kathleen tolan
director: peter horton
18) nancy's first date
3/22/88
Melissa's burgeoning romance slows when she learns he
doesn't want any more kids. Nancy has her first date since
the separation.
writer: susan shilliday
director: ron lagormarsino
19) undone
4/12/88, 1/24/89
Michael's old girlfriend from college (Chelsea Field)
pays a visit.
writer: joseph dougherty
director: dan lerner
20) tenure
5/3/88
Gary evaluates the fate of his academic career as he
undergoes tenure review at the college. Ellyn learns her
building is going co-op, leaving her to decide whether to
buy her apartment. Dr. Weiss: Allan Miller. Mary: Devon
Williams. Roger: Grant Heslov.
writer: ann lewis hamilton
writer: story by john olive
director: ken gilbert
21) born to be mild
First Season finale, 5/10/88, 8/23/88
Ellyn and Woodman's weekend is ruined when they are
forced to babysit Janey. Dr. Butler: Robert Crow. Robin
Leach appears as himself.
writer: jerry stahl
director: ron lagormarsino
season 2 1988-1989
22) we'll meet again
12/6/88, 5/30/89, 3/6/90
Michael wants to have another baby, Hope finds heirlooms
while checking for radon contamination in the attic,
including the diary of a woman who lived in the house
during World War II.
Sally Spangler: Jo Anderson. Roy MacCaulay: Lenny Von
Dohlen.
writer: richard kramer
director: scott winant
23) in re: the marriage of weston
12/13/88, 8/1/89
Having consulted a divorce arbitrator, Elliot and Nancy embark on a new relationship. Jack Bronstein: Lyman Ward.
Anna Trautman: Millie Perkins. Derry: David Packer. Adrienne: Rita Wilson.
writer: susan shilliday
director: paul haggis
24) the mike van dyke show
12/20/88, 6/6/89, 12/19/89
With the arrival of Christmas and Hanukkah, the Steadman home is once again fraught with religious uncertainty.
Old Gentleman: Jack Gilford. Dr. Richards: Clyde Kusatsu.
Rabbi Markowitz: Craig Berenson.
writer: marshall herskovitz
writer: edward zwick
director: robert lieberman
25) trust me
1/3/89, 8/8/89
Melissa decides she wants to have a baby - and chooses
Gary as the father. Gary begins to get involved in community work. David Marshall Grant and Patricia Kalember are introduced as Russell Weller and Susannah Hart. Curtis Caldwell: Courtney Vance. Rosie: Lynne Thigpen. Monty Ovary:
Jeff Altman.
writer: richard kramer
director: steven robman
26) no promises
1/10/89, 8/15/89
Ellyn's shock over her parents' impending divorce
threatens her relationship with Woodman. James Warren:
Charles Cioffi. Marjorie Warren: Betsy Blair. Young Ellyn:
Hayley Carr.
27) politics
1/17/89, 12/25/90
Michael and Elliott manage an offensive candidates' ad
campaign; Gary and Susannah dine at the Steadmans. Jerry
Kravitz: James Eckhouse.
28) success
1/31/89, 6/13/89
Melissa photographs a famous singer's album cover.
With Carly Simon. David Clennon and Richard Cummings, Jr.
are introduced as Miles Drentell and Mark Harriton.
29) first day / last day
2/7/89, 6/20/89
With tensions building between Michael and Elliot,
flashbacks review their first meeting and how they came to
establish their company. Al Pressman: Art La Fleur. Amos
Bordon: Nicolas Coster. Cheryl Eastman: Sheila Kelley.
30) about last night
2/14/89
Susannah has surprising news for Gary; Nancy fears
she'll never meet her deadline. Jack Bronstein: Lyman
Ward. Alex: Charles Noland.
31) elliot's dad
2/28/89, 8/22/89
Elliott hopes a visit from his dad (Eddie Albert) will
solve his personal problems. Ruthie Weston Tresh: Meagen
Fay. Donald Tresh: Paul Eiding. Matt Enwright: Timothy
Carhart. Roberta Sessions: Linda Sorenson.
writer: joseph dougherty
32) payment due
3/7/89, 7/14/89
Ellyn's sudden change in behavior shocks her friends
and strains her relationship with Woodman. Dave Calloman:
Jeff McCracken. Dr. Meyer: Philip Abbott.
33) deliverance
3/21/89
With the women away on a camping trip, Michael and Elliot care for the children and corroborate on their first
project since bankruptcy. Mrs. Moore: Peggy Doyle. Carla:
Courtney Gebhart.
34) michael writes a story
4/4/89, 7/11/89, 1/2/90
Michael signs up for a creative writing class, only to
find Nancy is already a student in the class. Ivy Dunbar:
Lorinne Vozoff. Matt Enwright: Timothy Carhart.
writer: joseph dougherty
35) new job
4/11/89, 7/18/89
Michael and Hope deal with a devastating loss, while he
and Elliott work for DAA, Miles Drentell's agency. Holly
Fulger Andra Millian are introduced as Hollis Amato Angel
Wasserman.
36) be a good girl
4/25/89, 7/25/89
Melissa's grandmother (Rose: Sylvia Sidney) asks for
her help with the family business. Elaine Steadman: Phyllis
Newman. Murray Steadman: Herbert Edelman.
37) courting nancy
5/2/89, 9/5/89
Elliott sets out to win Nancy back when she becomes
more involved with Matt. Drew: Charles Stratton.
38) best of enemies
5/16/89, 1/29/91
While researching a magazine story, Hope learns that
Susannah may have diverted social center funds.
writer: joseph dougherty
season 3 1989-1990
39) nancy's mom
9/19/89, 5/8/90
Just as Nancy and Elliott settle into a comfortable
dating groove, Nancy's mom (Eleanor Krieger: Elizabeth Hoffman) comes for a visit.
40) love and sex
10/3/89, 1/30/90
Michael and Hope find themselves sexually out of sync,
while seeing their babysitter in the raptures of young love.
Lauren: Cheryl Pollack. Bernard: Brad Pitt. Danny: Richard
Murphy.
41) mr. right
episode 8903, 10/10/89
Melissa and Ellyn turn to video dating in their search
for the right man. Corey Parker is introduced as Lee Owens.
Kelly: Susie Duff.
42) new baby
10/24/89, 6/5/90
Gary tries to keep Susannah's spirits up as she goes
into labor. Dr. Silverman: Patricia Heaton. Clara: Andi
Chapman. Isabel: Diane Delano.
43) legacy
10/24/89, 6/12/90
A brush with death convinces Michael to draw up a will;
career success changes Michael's relationship with Drentell.
Elliott and Nancy get back together. Jeffrey Milgrom:
Richard Gilliland. Kit: Dan Shor.
writer: joseph dougherty
44) strangers
11/7/89
Melissa and Lee's relationship parallels Russell and
Peter's. Peter Frechette is introduced as Peter Montefiore.
45) pilgrims
11/21/89
As Thanksgiving nears, Ethan is troubled by Elliott
moving back in and by a rash of neighborhood robberies.
46) the burning bush
11/28/89, 1/15/91
Ellyn's contemplation of an affair with a married man
leads to recollections of her and Hope's longtime friendship. Hope at 17: Kate Hodge. Ellyn at 17: Kelly Wolf.
Ricky Bianca: Tyra Ferrell.
47) new parents
12/5/89
Gary's plan to stay home with Emma is interrupted by a
visit from his mother (Georgann Johnson). David Hall: Jeff
Perry.
48) michael's campaign
12/12/89, 6/19/90
Michael goes through a power struggle at work. Leo
Steadman: Scott Marlowe. John Dunaway: J.D. Souther.
writer: joseph dougherty
49) pulling away
1/9/90
Michael gets a promotion at work, and has trouble dealing with Elliot. Page: Tasia Balsam. Congressman Mainway:
Bruce Davison. Tony Gilchrist: Stephen Kearney.
writer: joseph dougherty
50) another country
1/16/90
After getting her book published, Nancy discovers she
has cancer.
51) post op
1/23/90, 7/24/90
Nancy recovers from her cancer surgery, and her sister
Deb (Tess Harper) seems to be the only one who understands.
Dr. Silverman: Patricia Heaton. Dr. Verney: Chip Zien.
52) once a mermaid
2/6/90, 7/10/90
Ellyn starts dating a married man. Richard Gilliland
returns as Jeffrey Milgrom. Valerie Milgrom: Felicity La
Fortune. Erich Anderson is introduced as Billy Sidel. Geraldo Rivera appears as himself.
53) father and lovers
2/13/90, 7/4/90
Melissa gets her boyfriend a job with Michael's ad
agency, and fears she's turned him into a yuppy monster.
Courtney Dunn: Mariska Hargitay. Herb Segal: John
Moskiff.
54) her cup runneth over
2/20/90
Jeffrey leaves his wife Valerie (Felicity La Fortune)
and moves in with Ellyn. Christie: Mya Akerling. Therapist: Brian Smiar.
55) good sex, bad sex, what sex, no sex
2/27/90, 7/31/90
Sex problems plague Melissa and Lee, Gary and Susannah,
and Nancy and Elliot. Stephanie: Patricia Arquette.
56) the other shoe
3/20/90, 8/7/90
Nancy becomes more involved with a new friend from her
support group (Katherine Cortez). Gloria: Jane Alden:
Arthur: Robert Levine.
writer: Joseph Dougherty
57) three year itch
4/3/90
The incinerator campaign ends, but Hope is reluctant to
end her relationship with John Dunaway. Michael gets a
long-awaited raise. Margaux: Anne De Salvo
58) i'm nobody, who are you?
4/10/90, 8/14/90
Gary refuses Michael's offer of financial help. Emily
Dickinson: Mary Beth Hurt. Catherine: Robin Morse.
59) arizona
4/17/90, 8/21/90
Hope and Michael see the problems in their marriage as
they visit Hope's parents (George Coe, Shirley Knight).
Peggy York: Charlotte Stewart.
60) going limp
5/1/90, 8/28/90, 4/23/91
Elliott is nervous about directing his first commercial. Don DeLise: Charles Rocket.
61) towers of zenith, part 1 (or ``the go-between'')
5/15/90, 9/4/90
Michael is approached by Minnesota Brands to help in a
corporate takeover. Bob Spano: Paul Dooley. Gus Hennessy: Marc Levy.
writer: Joseph Dougherty
62) towers of zenith, part 2 (or "samurai adman")
5/22/90
Michael and Elliott help the DAA takeover while Miles
fights the buyout. Mrs. Arthur: Cassie Yates. Jack Ashley: Robert Symonds.
writer: Joseph Dougherty
season 4 1990-1991
63) Prelude to a Bris
9/25/90
Leo Steadman is born, and the question of his bris
arises. Dr. Ben Teitleman: Alan King. Rabbi Frankel:
Philip Sterling. Dr. Silverman: Patricia Heaton. Barbara
Steadman: Barbara Barrie.
64) life class
10/2/90, 7/23/91
Nancy's constantly changing sexual feelings start to
affect her marriage; Hope feels overwhelmed by two children.
Art: Eric Rose. Dr. Eilerton: Christopher Curry.
65) control
10/9/90
A photography assignment brings Melissa and Miles together; Jeffrey and Ellyn look for an apartment.
66) the distance
10/16/90
Susannah's New York job offer threatens her relationship with Gary; Ellyn's relationship with Jeffrey ends.
Kate: Elizabeth Kemp. Judge Allan: Beverly Hope Atkinson.
Gail: Lauren Tom.
writer: Joseph Dougherty
67) The Haunting of D.A.A.
10/30/90
Michael is troubled by hard times and strange spooks at
D.A.A., which combine to give him a new perspective of
his position at the company.
68) the guilty party
episode 9006, 11/13/90
Hope throws a surprise party for Michael to make up for
giving all her attention to the baby; the Japanese arrive.
Miles gets loopy on prescription drugs.
Electra Rosenbloom: Renee Taylor. Preceptor: Debra Mooney.
Ernest Leight: Andrew Lauer.
69) photo opportunity
11/27/90
Family and career demands pull Melissa in opposite directions. Brendan Norris: Joseph Maher. Jill Steadman:
Gail Mayron (Melanie Mayron's real sister).
Ms. Alexander: Roberta Wallach. Aunt Muriel:
Cynthia Frost.
70) never better
12/4/90
After beginning an unlikely relationship with Gary, Ellyn is attracted to a former date (Erich Anderson returns as
Billy Sidel). Claire: Jill Novick. Therapist: Frank
Diels.
writer: Joseph Dougherty
71) guns & roses
12/11/90
Nancy's problems with cancer therapy affects her relationship with her children; Elliot is jealous of award-nominee Michael. As of this episode, Brittany Weston is
played by Lindsay Riddell. Ted Brunel: Joseph Brutsman.
72) happy new year
12/18/90, 7/30/91
A New Year's Eve party brings new friendships, the renewal of old ones, and sobering news for Hope. Patsy Klein:
May Kay Place. Melody Klein: Heather McComb. Russell, Peter, Mark, Kate, and Angel appear.
73) melissa and men
1/8/91
Melissa has a photo exhibition at a gallery, causing
her to reflect on her history with men. Cindy: Noelle
Parker. Leonard: Mark Nelson. Melissa at 16: Alexandra
Lee.
74) advanced beginners
1/22/91
Billy's old girlfriend (Liberty Godshall) visits and
stays with the two of them in Ellyn's apartment. Dr. Rawlins: Bruce Winant. Lina: April Ortiz.
75) sifting the ashes
2/5/91
Nancy's last chemotherapy coincides with Elliot's visit
to Baltimore, to see a prospective client and his mother
(Eileen Brennan). Tommy McArthur: Jeff Perry. Father
Tierney: Richard Brestoff.
76) second look
2/12/91, 8/6/91
A harrowing incident and the results of Nancy's surgery
force everyone to re-evaluate themselves.
77) fighting the cold
2/19/91
Everyone tries to deal with the devastating occurrence,
as well as the lack of heat in the Steadman house.
writer: Joseph Dougherty
78) the difference between men and women
2/26/91
The men plan a bachelor party for Billy. The women
schedule one of their own. George: Chris Mulkey. Hostess:
Laura Tate.
79) our wedding
4/9/91, 8/13/91
Billy's family and Ellyn experience doubt on the eve of
their wedding. Marjorie Warren: Lois Smith. Mrs. Sidel:
Rita Zohar. Mr. Sidel: Len Lesser.
80) closing the circle
4/16/91, 8/20/91
Agency crises, his role in the administration of Gary's
estate, and a disturbing health report for Peter pull
Michael in opposite directions. Catherine: Deborah Offner.
81) out the door
4/30/91
Major changes are in the air at DAA. Verdoving: Reiner Schoene. Terry: Michael Ayr.
82) hopeless
5/7/91
As a volunteer at a homeless shelter, Hope befriends
two of its occupants. Alice: L. Scott Caldwell. Jenna:
Brooke Fontaine.
83) a stop at willoughby
episode 9021, 5/14/91, 8/27/91
Long hours and a demanding client stress Michael to the
limit. Rita: Shawn Weatherly. Durstin: Ken Jenkins. Dr.
Flick: Dierk Torsek. Randy: Richard Comeau.
writer: Joseph Dougherty
84) melissa in wonderland
5/21/91
In Hollywood, Melissa gets caught in the bizarre machinations of television. Bree Ann: Brooke Adams. Warren:
Matthew Laurance. Callie: Carrie Hamilton. Debrah: Colleen
Camp. Daniel: David Brisbin.
85) california (the final episode)
5/28/91
Michael faces decisions that will affect personal and
professional lives. Robert Gould Shaw: David Bowe. Willa:
Rosalind Chao. Fiona: Dana Stevens. Laurence: Peter Henry
Schroeder.
thirtysomething Credits: Susan Shilliday was a writer for the show, and
Val Shilliday was a character played by Rosalind
Cash, first appearing in Weaning, 12/8/87
(submitted by me)
DAA was apparently named after the mighty firm CAA,
and it follows that Miles Drentel was patterned
after Michael Ovitz, head dude at CAA who in 1996
was destined to get very rich by getting fired
by Disney. There are differences, of course. The
name CAA stands for Creative Artists Agency,
Los Angeles-based literary and talent representatives.
DAA stands for its founders' names (Drentel, Arthur
and Ashley), the business is in Philadelphia, and
the work is of a different nature.
(submitted by me)
Winant Scott was the name of a business mentioned on
the show (I forget which episode and whose business)
and Scott Winant was supervising producer and
sometime director on the show. Further, Bruce
Winant played Dr. Rawlins in Advanced Beginners,
1/22/91. (submitted by me)
Robert Gould Shaw was a minor character in the last episode
(California - 5/28/91). Hope says, "Again she asks
'who is Robert Gould Shaw'." Robert Gould Shaw was
a real life Civil War officer and subsequent character
in producer/writer Ed Zwick's Oscar-winning movie "Glory."
(submitted by Jan Nicholson)
Bedford Falls - Thirtysomething's makers took their company name
from Bedford Falls, the fictional town in the classic
movie, "It's a Wonderful Life." The line, "...and dance
by the light of the moon," (heard during thirtysomething's
end credits) is from the song, "Buffalo Girls," sung in
that movie. The house seen in the end credits also is
from the movie. You can see the house and hear the song
by clicking the link to "My animated Bedford Falls logo" on
my main thirtysomething page. Michael and Eliott mention
Bedford Falls in thirtysomething's final episode, "California."
(submitted by me)
Grendel is Michael and Hope's dog, and it's also the name of a
key character (the monster) in Beowulf. That epic is, of
course, Gary's favorite book, and he mentions it in
several episodes, including "Second Look"-2/12/91.
(submitted by Markus Schmitz)
Rabbi Markowitz was a character in the Christmas episode "The
Mike van Dyke Show"-12/20/88. His name probably is derived
from the name of that episode's writer:
Mar(shall) (Hers)kowitz. (submitted by Markus Schmitz)
Bistro Le Parsons III is a restaurant visited by Michael, Hope,
Billy and Ellyn in "Hopeless" (5/17/91). This is probably
a reference to Lindley Parsons III, executive producer.
(submitted by Markus Schmitz, and also mentioned by Lisa
Stevenson in her exhaustively detailed episode guide)
Jerry Stahl was a character in the episode "Housewarming"-10/13/87.
He was someone from Hope's past, with whom she had an
"extended physical encounter." Michael was unhappy about the
prospect of meeting Stahl, but to Michael's delight he turned
out to be a dweeby guy with a cheesy grin and a nasal voice.
In real life Jerry Stahl penned the episode "Born to be
Mild"-5/10/88. Stahl was a heroin addict at the time he was
writing for thirtysomething, "Alf," "Moonlighting" and other
shows. He later wrote a book about himself called "Permanent
Midnight."
(submitted separately by Andrea Stanfield, someone called RCR,
Hal Beardsley and me)
Patsy Klein, a character in the episode 'Happy New Year'
(12/18/90), has a name annoyingly similar to that of singer
Patsy Kline. That's all. I know it's not much. I watched
the episode to see if she says she's "crazy" or that she
"falls to pieces," but it just didn't happen. Mary Kay
Place, who played Klein, turned up again in the Bedford
Falls Company's "My So-Called Life" as Camille Cherski,
mother of Sharon Cherski, the former best friend of
Angela Chase (the central character on the show).
Other actors who crossed over from 30-s to MSCL include:
Danton Stone - brother Brad to Michael Steadman, the main
male character on 30-s, and brother Neil to Graham Chase,
the main male character on MSCL.
Paul Dooley as Bob Spano, the Minnesota Brands big boss
in "Towers of Zenith" on 30-s, and as Chuck Wood (what a
name) on MSCL. Dooley is married to 30-s writer/producer/
director Winnie Holzman.
Jeff Perry - David Hall in "New Baby" on 30-s, and really
neat, sympathetic teacher Mr. Katimski in episodes 12 and
13 of MSCL.
(submitted by me, except for the bit about Dooley being
married to Holzman, which I stole from Lisa Stevenson's site)
thirtysomething cameo - Onscreen for maybe half a second, a
director's slate in episode 60, "Going Limp," in the 3rd season,
reads "THIRTYSOMETHING." It's backwards but easily readable.
You can see it in my Pictorial Guide to thirtysomething. See
the link on my main 30-s page.
(Nathan Olson spotted this and emailed Lisa Stevenson about it,
and I shamelessly stole it from her site and used it here)
Kate Hodges, who played the young Hope in the ep "the burning bush"
went on to star as Randi Wallace in the series "She-Wolf of
London." That series' episode "Little Bookshop of Horrors"
opened with a scene of a couple called Hope and Michael
discussing business, and the names Elliot and Miles were
dropped as well. Hope later went nuts and beheaded Michael.
(This provided the impetus for the plot of the episode,
running down what had happened.) It obviously was a send-up
of "thirtysomething," but it's not clear whether Kate Hodges
herself contributed the idea.
(this gem contributed by Lisa Stevenson)
Joseph Dougherty, frequent writer/director for the show, "appears"
as the voice of Sherman Howard on the answering at the
beginning of the second-season episode first day/last day.
(Sent by Lynn Wilhite to Lisa Stevenson and
shamelessly stolen by me)
Pressman Department stores, where Mr. Pressman rudely interviews
Michael and Eliott for jobs in the second-season episode
"First Day/Last Day," is most likely a tip of the hat to
thirtysomething producer Ellen S. Pressman.
(shamelessly stolen from Lisa Stevenson's web site)
W.H. Macy, co-writer of the fourth-season episode "Sifting the Ashes,"
became much more famous after the demise of thirtysomething in
1991. Switching to his acting cap, William H. Macy was a regular
on the TV show "ER" and appeared in many movies, including
Fargo, Mystery Men and Magnolia. Check out this
page: http://www.whmacy.com/thirty.htm. Also, go
to http://www.whmacy.com/rose.htm to read what he told Charlie
Rose about how he came to write a thirtysomething episode.
(submitted by me)
If you know of other potential "insider" items to add to this
page, please email me at robertafahey@hotmail.com
Real world tie-ins to names of
people, places and companies
on the show:
Special thanks to Lisa Stevenson, who was the main
contributor other than myself.
If you see your name here and would rather not, email me
and I'll remove it. Alternatively, if you'd like me to
include your email address with your name, let me know.