“It's a Living” provided a home for many actors throughout the years.

Yes, and what surprises me is that so many of them would never admit that “It's a Living” provided a real launching pad to their careers. It certainly was my big television break, and, to date, I still receive fan mail regarding the series and whether I keep in contact with the other actors. Which incidentally, many of them I do.

Was there a downside to the series that kept those actors from acknowledging it?

Possibly because it never stayed in the top-ten. However, let me say first that, “It's a Living” was one of the longest running accomplishments of my career; yet, I recall the least about it. In my early days, I'd do a performance then “duck and run.” I didn't read the trades, search out the ratings, or fret over reviews (still don't). All I needed to hear was, “You've got another six-show pick up,” and that's where I'd focus. So, the following may be sketchy, but here goes...

Initially, the series was surrounded in controversy—making it hard for the show to find its audience. One review summed it up best when they wrote:

“The cast plays off the other members with a delicate balance that just skirts the kind of raunch which should excite most critics and pressure groups to the point of letter-writing campaigns and vocal opposition. Yet, the reason ‘Living’ works well —and it does— is that this oddball collection of characters (an excellent example of selective casting) has a genuine quality about them that allows us to care about the group.” — The Hollywood Reporter

To my knowledge, it never reached the point of letter writing or vocal opposition, however, we were panned in many reviews. Yes, we wore revealing outfits and delivered a fair amount of risqué dialogue, but the pilot's controversy revolved around one waitress's dilemma (a virgin) of whether she should go on vacation with her newfound boyfriend because it may lead to sex—and for the most part, all her fellow waitresses replied, “Why not?”

Unlike “Three’s Company” and “Bosom Buddies,” who slipped through the “moral majority” cracks, “Living,” unfortunately, became a pawn amid the producers and the network after Procter and Gamble dropped the show due to its provocative pilot. Hence, in trying to make the show everything for everyone, we were jerked from one time slot to another [opposite “Magnum, PI’s” premiere year and preempted by Monday Night Football], victim to a name change [“Making a Living”], and dealt with numerous cast member changes throughout the entire series.

As I look back, it's hard to believe that the show ever got past its first year. But due to an excellent written pilot, great producers and a kick-ass cast, it did and went on to become one of the first television series specifically produced for strip syndication—culminating in 120 episodes. As they say in the “biz,” that’s a “World-Series series.”

Internet Question:
What was it like to have as an understudy like Michael Feinstein, sitting in for Sonny? What was it like on the set to listen to him play? Regards, Rich H.

Sincerely Rich, it was one my most favorite weeks! Just the week before, I happened to have seen Michael playing on a local AM show and was so captivated, I ran out and bought his CD. So, you can imagine how thrilled I was when he showed up the following week as a guest-star. I told him my story about seeing him and how great I thought his CD was. The next day he brought me a different CD and asked which two songs I thought he should release as his new single. Estelle Getty—who shot Golden Girls from the adjacent sound stage—wandered over to listen to Michael play all his standards. I was sitting there too, swooning, and she said, "Hey, what's with you! These aren't even from your generation." I explained that my father was a piano player and I grew up listening and singing to all those songs. Personally, I think she wanted him all to herself - can't say I blamed her. Anyway, Michael was fun, sweet and just great to have on the set. The only unfortunate thing is that I never really had any scenes with him. So, I made sure that at least, the publicist got this picture of us.

Thanks for your question.

Internet Question:
Awesome, awesome web site! You give great detail and insight into your roles. I love the clips that you provide. Thank you for your effort. I have a question about the picture of you with Dick Clark and Ed McMahon with “TV Bloopers and Practical Jokes” in the background (beautiful picture of you, by the way). What bloopers were you showing, or were you involved in a Practical Joke? Any chance of a clip getting on your web site? Also, I distinctly remember you singing "Dancing in the Streets" on "It's A Living". Any chance of this getting on your web site also? Maybe under a heading of "Singing Performances?" Once again, AWESOME web site, and I hope we get to see you in a project soon. —Rich

I guest-starred on Bloopers when they where featuring outtakes from It's a Living. Unfortunately, I don't have a copy of it. The picture came from an old People Magazine I found in my scrapbook. As for “Dancing in the Streets,” I'd have to take a long weekend to search through numerous videos to find that segment. Someday soon hopefully. As for singing, I just happen to be in the midst of putting together a musical comedy here in Miami. I'm sure it will eventually hit my site and when it does, I'll list it under “Singing Performances” as you suggested. The praise for the site goes to my designer who did it all—dragging me along for the ride.

So happy you enjoyed it and thanks for your very nice note.

Internet Question:
Okay, I am such a fan of It's a Living in all of its revivals in the 80's. I lived in the eastern part of the US then and thought the Bonaventure was it (it's actually kind of small now). I loved the show. One of the funniest shows ever. Would love to have all the episodes on DVD, even though I've seen them over and over, they are worth watching. If they ever release them could you let me know? Gail, you are terrific! —Steve M.

My goodness! Thank you so much, Steve. Yes, the show was great fun. The creators were very talented people. Hope your fantasy comes true, cause I'd love the shows on DVD too.

Thanks for your lovely note.

Life's not the French Riviera, believe me, life's not, a charity ball.
It isn't all a great big bed of roses, it's not like showbiz, but the main thing I suppose is…
We're not the people you envy, believe me, we know we're doing okay.
We may be less than wealthy, but better yet, we're young and healthy,
and anyone who's young and healthy knows that that's the way the traffic flows.
We've no misgivings, It's a living.

Hear an MP3 or View the Opening Credits from the Pilot Episode.
(Must have Windows Media Player 6.4 or higher and a cable modem, DSL or equivalent connection!)

If anyone out there can decipher that second verse, let me know!

Hi Gail!

Great website, kudos to your designer for putting it all together. Concerning the opening theme song, I believe I can help you with the overlaying lyrics in the verse...."We're not gonna fake it, We are gonna make it.” I have always thought the theme song was one of the most cheery themes created, catching the lifestyle of the professional waiter/waitress on the way to bigger & better...mark me down as another fan who is looking for a CD boxed set as well.... Greg M.

Dear Greg,

Thanks so much for your input!