TODAY'S TWD/DEEP SIX CROSSOVER: THOSE WHO LEFT US

I've mentioned here in the past how depressing it is to work on my Hat Squad tributes to those actors, writers, directors, etc. who played a role in expanding the TV Universe after they pass away. There's just something about tallying up their TV credits from the IMDb.com, and remembering moments from many of them, and knowing we'll never see them create another Toobworld citizen for us that just makes it all such a downer.

In the last few weeks, we lost six actors who each made their mark in Television (some known more for their roles in the movie universe, but still....) and deserved the full Hat Squad treatment. But I just couldn't bring myself to delve into it, and as the year draws to a close, I'm finding I just don't have the time. (I'm toiling away on the annual Toobits Awards.)

And yet, I didn't want 2008 to end without giving them some sort of acknowledgement, so I'm presenting today as the Tiddlywinkydink a group Hat Squad, showcasing the character (in some cases, characters) for whom these actors were best known in Toobworld.

BEVERLY GARLAND

Barbara Harper Douglas
'My Three Sons'

[seen here with Fred MacMurray]

NINA FOCH

Carol Flemming
'Columbo' - "Prescription Murder"
[seen here with Gene Barry]

ROBERT PROSKY

Sgt. Stan Jablonski
'Hill Street Blues'

PAUL BENEDICT

Harry Bentley
'The Jeffersons'

The Painter
'Sesame Street'

VAN JOHNSON

The Minstrel
'Batman'

as Himself
'I Love Lucy'

[seen here with Lucille Ball]

as Himself
several game shows

MAJEL BARRETT RODDENBERRY

Christine Chapel
'Star Trek'

Lwaxana Troi
'Star Trek: The Next Generation'

As Red Skelton would sign off, "May God Bless......."

BCnU......
Toby O'B

PS
In the new year, with many TV shows still on hiatus from the holidays, I'll have the time to present their TV credits for proper Hat Squad tributes.