All In A Day's Work Trivia Quiz

Answer: Deputy Sheriff

Deputy Sheriff Barney Fife was played by Don Knotts. On "The Andy Griffith Show" (1960), Barney was the epitome of the opposite of cool, calm, collected character-star of the show, Sheriff Andy Taylor. It seemed Barney was forever exploiting his good intentions in the most outrageous ways.

He was everybody's favorite goof. How may of us have said, "Nip it. Nip it in the bud!"? I know I have.

Answer: Advertising Account Executive

Herbert Ruggles Tarlek, Jr. was portrayed by Frank Bonner on "WKRP in Cincinnati" (1978). It would be hard to guess what we would remember most about Herb - his obnoxious, womanizing ways or his outlandish, plaid suits. Bonner was only one of the talented (and, funny, funny!) cast members of "WKRP", who were blessed with some excellent writing and support. Who could forget the Turkey Drop episode? Or, the catchy theme song. I know you want to sing it with me. Come on, we'll sing: "Baby, if you've ever wondered, wondered whatever became of me. I'm living on the air in Cincinnati. Cincinnati WKRP."

Answer: Court Clerk

Mac Robinson was a part of the "Night Court" (1984) cast beginning with the its second season and continuing through the run of the series. Perhaps billed as the "most normal" character among the cast of crazies on "Night Court", Mac Robinson was portrayed by the very talented Charles Robinson. Drawing on what would certainly appeal to a vast majority of the American public, at the time of its run, "Mac" was introduced as a Vietnam veteran when he began his work as Court Clerk for the Manhattan Criminal Court on "Night Court".

Answer: Housepainter/Nanny

Robert Pastorelli, who played Eldin Bernecky was a member of the cast of "Murphy Brown" (1988) when the show won the Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series - multiple years! The character of Eldin is said to have been based on a real life painter, Gabe Kis aka New York City's Painter to the Stars (wikipedia.org/wiki/MurphyBrown).

By the time Murphy (Brown) had given birth (to an out-of-wedlock) baby Eldin's painting projects were nearly complete but Eldin was so much a part of Brown's life she suggested he remain in her employ (and, household) as her new baby's nanny. No one else would be better for her little Avery than Eldin.

Answer: Owner, Barbeque Restaurant

"Evening Shade" (1990) was filled with then and soon-to-be very successful actors and actresses. Burt Reynolds, Marilu Henner, Hal Holbrook, Charles Durning, Michael Jeter, Elizabeth Ashley and Ann Wedgewood were already very well known. The show also gave parts of interest to Billy Bob Thornton, Hillary Swank, Leah Remini and Alexa Vega.

It was the extremely talented Ossie Davis who played Ponder Blue, barbeque restaurant owner and everybody's best friend. He was a sounding block/psychologist for every citizen of "the little town called Evening Shade". Relying upon and reminding us of Ossie's extensive work as a voice over artist, he also served as the narrator for the show.

Answer: Owner/Operator (private) Airline

Sometimes what we like MOST about a character - especially on TV comedies - are the qualities that we DISLIKE about them. Roy Biggins (who was played to perfection by David Schramm) on "Wings" (1990) was someone who no one would want to befriend yet we enjoyed every minute he was on the screen.

He was selfish, self-serving, deceitful, philandering, callous and boorish, yet we loved Roy. What would he do next? Perhaps teach Antonio (played by the delightful Tony Shalhoub) to dance so he (Roy) could "hustle" lonely widows on a cruise ship? Funny, funny stuff!

Answer: Nurse/Office Manager

Everyone needs a "voice of reason", someone to help you see things a bit more clearly. That was really Margaret's job as she worked with Dr. John Becker as his nurse and practice manager. She may have been hired to run his clinic but she was at her best when she was "running" Dr. Becker. Margaret was portrayed on TV's "Becker" (1998) by Hattie Winston. Margaret was (almost!) always very calm, cool and collected, even when the worst happened.

For example: Do you remember the scene when Santa died in Dr. Becker's office on Christmas Eve? You know, that's not ironic, that's ... that's ... oookie.

Answer: Chiropractor

Think about a show with a lot of controversy. "Two and a Half Men" (2003) certainly bore its share of controversy both as a television comedy and among the actors in real life. It was a show that seems to have very few, if any, boundaries among those shows broadcast by the "major" American networks.

The character of Alan Harper was played brilliantly by Jon Cryer. He seemed to never let the "second fiddle" billing overshadow his performance as he attempted to co-exist with his brother and provide a home for his son.

The meek and mild family man chiropractor was no match for his rough and rowdy, eternally single brother but they made a good run of it.

Answer: Administrative (and, Personal) Assistant

Considering Timir's superlative education and background, it seemed to be an ideal opportunity when he was hired as an assistant to Russell Dunbar (played by David Spade) on "Rules of Engagement" (2007) but that is NOT the stuff the builds great comedy. Dunbar was heir to a multi-million dollar real estate business in New York city and Timmy (as Russell called Timir) would often be reduced to doing the most trivial and/or disgusting chores for Russell. "Rules of Engagement" (2007) also starred Patrick Warburton, Megyn Price, Oliver Hudson and Bianca Kajlich.

Answer: Funeral Home Beautician

Victoria Flynn was brilliantly played by Katy Mixon on "Mike & Molly" (2010). Her character was complexly simple, magnanimously self-indulgent, introspective yet totally spur-of-the moment. She truly saw her job as a funeral home beautician as a way to give back to society. "Everybody has to die, why not go out looking your best" was one of her best lines. "Mike & Molly" brought together an extremely talented cast. Joining Mixon as regulars were: Melissa McCarthy, Billy Gardell, Reno Wilson, Swoosie Kurtz, Rondi Reed, Cleo King, Nyambi Nyambi, David Anthony Higgins and Louis Mustillo.

It is definitely on my "top ten list" of all time, ever comedies; how about you?