If you think about T. J. Hooker and its talented cast, it’ll probably conjure images of car chases, car crashes, shootouts, more car crashes, some tackling, and William Shatner as the title character, Sergeant T.J. Hooker, a tough but compassionate cop. All these traits and more contributed to this action-packed police drama giving viewers five seasons of excitement in the mid-’80s. The series followed Hooker and his partner, Vince Romano, as they battled crime on the mean streets of LA. With a mix of humor and suspense, T. J. Hooker also kept viewers entertained with the emergence of a beyond-charismatic blonde bombshell in Heather Locklear! But there’s way more where that came from, so we’re revisiting the cast of T. J. Hooker to see what led them to the show, and more importantly, what are they doing today! Along the way, we’ll find out why all the recurring actors had to be below 5 foot 9 and why all the cop cars produced so much smoke. That’s not actually normal. But without further ado, let’s go catch some perps, or we’ll lose them in the car chase, but we’ll find them later, about 46 minutes later. You know the drill. Is Richard Herd still alive? Richard Herd from T. J. Hooker and after / Everett Collection / ImageCollect Captain Dennis Sheridan is the father of Heather Locklear’s character and the captain of the police precinct. He is a no-nonsense cop who expects his officers to follow the rules. Actor Richard Herd / ImageCollect Richard Herd began acting in the early ’70s, known for his prolific career for decades, as well as having a striking resemblance to Hollywood elite actor, Karl Malden. Just look at him! He got his film debut in Hercules in New York in 1970, but his big break was probably 1979’s The China Syndrome. After his success in T. J. Hooker, he also appeared on shows like Seinfeld, as Mr. Wilhelm, George Costanza’s boss at the Yankees. He continued acting and made his final film appearance in the Clint Eastwood film The Mule in 2018.  Richard was diagnosed with cancer and died in May 2020, at the age of 87. He was inducted into the National Broadcaster Hall of Fame for his work in Old Time Radio. Is Hugh Farrington still alive? Actor Hugh Farrington / YouTube screenshot Lt. Pete O’Brien is a tough and experienced detective who has seen it all. He’s a bit of a ladies’ man but always looks out for his fellow officers. Farrington had a brief acting career / YouTube screenshot Hugh Farrington had a short-lived acting career that began in the early ’80s. Aside from T. J. Hooker, he held roles in The Terminator, Arizona Heat, Caged Fury, and The Golden Girls, which was his final acting credit in 1990. Farrington was injured while serving in the United States Navy and acted while using a wheelchair. Hugh sadly passed away in 2001 at the age of 70 at his house in Port St. Lucie, Florida. Is James Darren still alive? James Darren from the T. J. Hooker cast / Everett Collection / ImageCollect Officer Jim Corrigan was one heck of a pretty cop, almost as pretty as Locklear – and he was not afraid to break the rules to get the job done. Actor James Darren / ImageCollect Darren’s entry into Hollywood was in a series of teenage-themed films, and it proved difficult to escape the teen-idol image he got from pictures like Gidget (1959) and Gidget Goes Hawaiian in ‘61. Most people to this day still refer to him as Moondoggie. He also gained fame in the early and mid-1960s as a singer, with several hits to his name, like “Her Royal Majesty” and  “Goodbye Cruel World,” which hit #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1961. It sold over one million copies and went gold. Darren also provided the singing voice for Yogi Bear in the animated film, Hey There, It’s Yogi Bear! in 1964. He did all this while balancing guest-starring roles on TV, like on Charlie’s Angels and Hawaii Five-O. We also saw him as the host of Portrait of a Legend in the ‘70s and ‘80s. Beginning with an episode of T. J. Hooker, he began dabbling in directing, most notably seven episodes of Hunter, and his last directing effort was two episodes of Melrose Place for season five, reuniting with his good friend Heather Locklear. By the late ‘90s, he achieved newfound popularity through his singing hologram Vic Fontaine on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. After a 16-year hiatus, Darren returned to acting in 2017, for the Harry Dean Stanton film titled Lucky. Well we’re just lucky that Darren is still going strong; he’s been married to former Miss Denmark 1958, Evy Norlund, since 1960, and they had two children together. Tragically, we lost another member of the ‘T.J. Hooker’ cast when Darren passed away on September 2, 2024, at the age of 88. Is William Shatner still alive? William Shatner leads the cast of T. J. Hooker / Everett Collection / ImageCollect The titular Sergeant T. J. Hooker was dedicated to his job, protecting the citizens of Los Angeles. After witnessing the death of his partner, T. J. Hooker vowed to take down the criminals that led to his partner’s demise. He is an expert in hand-to-hand combat, which comes in handy when apprehending criminals, most of whom Hooker lost sight of in the initial car chase. Shatner was very Shatner; if you ask him, he was superb, but he brings to mind Jack Lord from Hawaii 5-O, dramatic and stylized but it worked for the role. Shatner today / ImageCollect In 1954, Shatner moved to New York City in the hope of building a career on Broadway. He made his first appearance on TV in a children’s program you’ll probably remember: The Howdy Doody Show, where he created the role of Ranger Bob, co-starring with a cast of puppets and Clarabelle the Clown. It was four years before he landed a role in a film, 1958’s The Brothers Karamazov, playing Alexei, the youngest brother to Yul Brynner. In 1964, Bill was cast in an episode of The Man from U.N.C.L.E. that featured Leonard Nimoy, predating their long Star Trek partnership. His Captain James Kirk is certainly his most iconic, as well as up there with any franchise’s lead; however, this iconic role became a detriment when Star Trek flew off the air. He felt he had been typecast, forcing a career dip filled mostly with B-movies like Roger Corman’s Big Bad Mama in 1974 and the horror film The Devil’s Rain in ‘75. Shatner also became a regular on game shows like Hollywood Squares and the Match Game. SENIOR MOMENT, from left: William Shatner, David Shatraw, Melissa Greenspan, 2021. © Screen Media Films / Courtesy Everett Collection But fans of Star Trek were not about to let the show, or Shatner’s career, bite the dust. They began organizing conventions, and with the explosion of space interest in Hollywood due to George Lucas’ Star Wars, Paramount began producing Star Trek: The Motion Picture, which hit theaters in 1979. So we got a show, a cartoon, some films, and lots of merchandise. In recent years, Shatner has still been acting. From spinning off of The Practice, to a five-season run of Boston Legal, and just in 2021 he costarred with Christopher Lloyd and Jean Smart in Senior Moment. Today, he is 93 years old, and in his spare time enjoys breeding and showing American Saddlebreds and Quarter Horses. Shatner also got closer to the stars when he took a flight to space in 2021, part of Blue Origin’s second sub-orbital human spaceflight. We’re just glad the spaceman made it back to our homey rock. Is Adrian Zmed still alive? Adrian Zmed over the years / Everett Collection / ImageCollect Officer Vince Romano is Sergeant Hooker’s new partner, a level-headed cop, and voice of reason for the duo. Although much younger than T. J., Shatner’s Hooker was still the faster runner, which is about in line with the realism of the show. Zmed today / MJT/AdMedia / ImageCollect Adrian Zmed began acting as Danny Zuko in the national touring production of Grease. He later appeared on Broadway three times, twice as Zuko. He followed the Grease love to Grease 2, playing Johnny Nogerelli. In 1980, Adrian was cast in the Annie Potts-led series Goodtime Girls, playing a too-flat-footed military reject turned cab driver in the 40s. Then he co-starred with Tom Hanks in Bachelor Party, the same year he became Romano. He left T.J. Hooker in 1985 when it moved to CBS, choosing instead to replace Deney Terrio as host of Dance Fever for its final two seasons. But his acting career never reached primetime again. Today Zmed is 70 years old, and the last time we saw him act was as a version of himself, for two episodes of the Netflix show, Lady Dynamite. He also had his own show on Princess Cruise Lines in the 2000s, and we’re very glad to hear this fella is still afloat. Is Heather Locklear still alive? Bombshell and talent powerhouse Heather Locklear / Everett Collection / ImageCollect Officer Stacy Sheridan is a rookie cop who is partnered with Sergeant Hooker and is eager to prove herself. She’s spunky, absolutely stunning, and oftentimes impulsive, which gets her into trouble. With piercing blue eyes and silky blond hair, Heather Locklear in the 1980s was the poster child for the girl next door. She rose to fame as the scheming niece on ABC’s Dynasty. Locklear today / www.acepixs.com / Peter West/ACE Pictures ACE Pictures Inc / www.acepixs.com And appeared on Dynasty, at the same time she was taking down bad guys on T.J. Hooker. Post-’80s Locklear continued her dominance of TV, starring in Melrose Place in the ’90s and Spin City in the early 2000s. While she still makes TV appearances, sadly Locklear is in the news recently for a far more personal and health-related issue. In 2018 she was arrested twice for two separate instances of battery and was also hospitalized with a suspected overdose of prescription medication. Locklear has since become sober and is reported to be doing well. We recently saw her in the titular role for the TV movie, Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff: The Kristine Carlson Story in 2021. Today Locklear is 62 years old, and we hope it’s only on the up and up for her! T. J. Hooker was one of the best police series of the ’80s and ’90s. So why were all the regulars 5 foot 9 or shorter? Of course, that’s because no one could tower over the shorter William Shatner. Even taller guest stars had to be shot in separate shots to fulfill this tall order. As for the cop cars producing so much smoke, that’s because the car was a 1977 Dodge Monaco, which as of the 1982 debut was already five years old. The cars used were all high mileage surplus units from police agencies and the smoke was oil-burning due to the high mileage. Tell us, what was your favorite episode of T. J. Hooker? What about your favorite character? And where does this one rank against the greatest police series of all time? Is it better than In the Heat of the Night? T.J. HOOKER, Adrian Zmed, William Shatner, Richard Herd, Heather Locklear, 1982-86, (c)Columbia Pictures Television/courtesy Everett Collection Next up: The ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ Cast Has Only Three Surviving Stars Left The post The Only Stars From The Cast Of ‘T.J. Hooker’ Still Alive Today appeared first on DoYouRemember? - The Home of Nostalgia. Author, Dana Daly

For millions of television viewers, the words “This. Is. Jeopardy!” are impossible to hear without immediately recognizing the voice behind them. For more than four decades, Johnny Gilbert has welcomed audiences into one of America’s most beloved game shows with a delivery that has become as iconic as the clues themselves. According to FOX 17, this week, fans and colleagues joined together to celebrate an incredible milestone as the legendary announcer marked his 98th birthday. The occasion served as a reminder of just how deeply his voice has become woven into television history and the daily routines of generations of viewers. The Voice That Became Part Of Jeopardy!’s Identity             View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by Jeopardy! (@jeopardy)   Johnny Gilbert first joined Jeopardy! In 1984, alongside longtime host Alex Trebek, and quickly became an essential part of the show’s identity. From introducing contestants to delivering his famous opening line, his unmistakable voice helped create the atmosphere that fans have come to associate with the program for more than forty years. JEOPARDY!, Jeopardy set (2003), 1984—, ©ABC / Courtesy Everett Collection The official Jeopardy! social media accounts marked the occasion with a birthday tribute celebrating the announcer’s remarkable career and lasting contribution to the series. Fans quickly filled the comments with memories of hearing him announce their names as contestants or simply sharing how comforting and familiar his voice had become after years of watching the show with family members and friends. Johnny Gilbert has a long history on ‘Jeopardy!’  YouTube screenshot Part of what makes Johnny Gilbert‘s achievement so remarkable is not simply his longevity but the consistency he has brought to one of television’s most enduring institutions. Through changes in hosts, contestants, and television itself, his voice has remained one of the constants that viewers can always count on hearing. Former executive producer Mike Richards once made it clear that the announcer would remain with the show for as long as he wished to continue. Those who have worked alongside him often describe him as humble, professional, and deeply appreciative of the opportunity to be part of the Jeopardy! family. YouTube screenshot As Johnny Gilbert celebrates his 98th birthday, fans continue to express gratitude for the role he has played in their lives over the years. For many viewers, hearing his familiar introduction is not simply the beginning of a game show episode but the start of a cherished daily tradition that spans generations. Few voices in television history have achieved that kind of connection with audiences. Judging by the affection pouring in from fans, the legendary announcer remains every bit as beloved today as when he first stepped behind the microphone more than forty years ago. Next up: Patrick Stewart Celebrates 85th Birthday And Clears The Air On His Retirement Plans The post ‘Jeopardy!’ Honors Legendary Announcer Johnny Gilbert On His 98th Birthday appeared first on DoYouRemember? - The Home of Nostalgia. Author, Ruth A

For millions of television viewers in the 1970s, Randolph Mantooth was not simply playing paramedic John Gage on Emergency! — he was John Gage. The actor’s performance helped introduce audiences to the world of emergency medicine and inspired countless young viewers to consider careers in public service. According to MeTV, what many fans may not realize, however, is that Mantooth almost took that inspiration one step further himself. When the hit series came to an end, the actor received an offer that could have changed the entire course of his life and career. Training Randolph Mantooth Underwent On ‘Emergency!’ Left A Lasting Impression EMERGENCY!, Kevin Tighe, Randolph Mantooth, 1972-1977/Everett Collection During the seven-year run of Emergency!, Randolph Mantooth spent countless hours training alongside firefighters and paramedics to make the series feel as authentic as possible. The preparation gave him a deep appreciation for the people who put themselves in danger every day to protect others and save lives. Actor Randolph Mantooth / Photo by Henry McGee-Globe Photos, Inc. / ImageCollect His commitment did not go unnoticed by the professionals he worked with. After the series ended in 1979, a fire chief who had worked with the production approached him with an unexpected offer: if he wanted to become a real firefighter, they would help make it happen. Mantooth later said he seriously considered the opportunity, which reflected the respect he had earned from the firefighting community during his years on the show. Why He Ultimately Stayed In Hollywood EMERGENCY!, from left: Judy Farrell, Randolph Mantooth, Kevin Tighe, Dawn Lyn, and Tim Donnelly in ‘Dinner Date’ (Season 2, Episode 10, aired December 2, 1972), 1972-79/Eerett Collection Despite his admiration for first responders and the appeal of the profession, Mantooth eventually decided to continue acting. He later explained that while he had grown to love the work firefighters do, he also loved performing and wanted to remain in the career he had already built. The story adds another fascinating layer to the legacy of Emergency’s Randolph Mantooth and his connection to the series that defined his career. Few actors become so closely associated with a role that professionals in the field begin to see them as one of their own, yet that was exactly what happened in his case. EMERGENCY!, Randolph Mantooth, Bobby Troup, Julie London, Robert Fuller, Kevin Tighe, 1972-77 / Everett Collection Looking back decades later, the actor admitted he never expected people to still be talking about the show so many years after it aired. Yet the enduring popularity of Emergency! proves just how powerful those stories were for audiences who watched John Gage race toward danger each week. For longtime fans, learning that Mantooth nearly traded television scripts for fire calls only makes his connection to the role feel even more authentic and memorable. Next up: ‘Charlie’s Angels’ Star Cheryl Ladd Turns 75 And Looks Like An Angel Who Forgot To Age The post Randolph Mantooth Came Surprisingly Close To Becoming A Real Firefighter Thanks To ‘Emergency!’ appeared first on DoYouRemember? - The Home of Nostalgia. Author, Ruth A

For many television viewers of the 1990s, Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman was more than just another weekly drama. The series combined frontier adventure, romance, family stories, and heartfelt moments in a way that turned Colorado Springs into a place audiences looked forward to visiting every week. Now, nearly three decades after the series ended its original run, longtime fans may have reason to feel hopeful again. According to Remind, several of the show’s stars have publicly expressed their desire to return, and according to cast member William Shockley, efforts to bring the beloved series back are actively moving forward. The ‘Dr. Quinn’ Cast Says They Are Ready To Return             View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by William Shockley (@williamshockley)   Excitement surrounding a potential Dr. Quinn reunion has grown thanks to social media posts from stars including Jane Seymour, Joe Lando, and William Shockley. The actors have repeatedly shared photos together alongside the hashtag #BringBackDrQuinn, making it clear that their affection for the series remains as strong as ever. Instagram Shockley, who played Hank Lawson throughout the show’s six-season run, recently revealed that every surviving cast member is willing to participate in a reunion project. He also shared that series creator Beth Sullivan continues to work on scripts designed to bring the characters back in a way that feels true to the spirit of the original show. According to him, the challenge is not finding willing actors but finding the right story to tell. Fans Are Ready To Return To Colorado Springs Everett Collection Part of what makes the idea of a Dr. Quinn reunion so appealing is the enduring popularity of the characters. Viewers spent years following the relationship between Dr. Michaela Quinn and Byron Sully while also growing attached to the residents of Colorado Springs and the sense of community that surrounded them. DR. QUINN, MEDICINE WOMAN, from left: Joe Lando, Jane Seymour, ‘For Better or Worse, (season 3, episode 28, aired May 20, 1995), 1993-1998, © CBS/courtesy Everett Collection Unlike many television revivals that rely solely on nostalgia, supporters believe there are still stories left to tell. The cast members themselves have echoed that feeling, arguing that the characters and their relationships still have room to grow after all these years. The enthusiasm surrounding the project shows just how much affection audiences still have for the series decades later. For fans who grew up watching Jane Seymour ride through town as television’s favorite frontier doctor, the possibility of a Dr. Quinn reunion feels less like a revival and more like returning home after a very long journey. Next up: ‘Jeopardy!’ Honors Legendary Announcer Johnny Gilbert On His 98th Birthday The post The ‘Dr. Quinn’ Reunion Fans Have Been Hoping For May Finally Be Happening appeared first on DoYouRemember? - The Home of Nostalgia. Author, Ruth A

'It should be an interesting, unique expression of life.'