Series cast summary: |
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Lance Kerwin
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Adam Rush
/ ...
5 episodes, 1974-1976
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Samaria Graham
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Marla Clayton
/ ...
5 episodes, 1992-1996
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Mara Hobel
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...
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Sarah Charney
/ ...
5 episodes, 1980-1992
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Alexa Kenin
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...
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Boots McAfee
/ ...
5 episodes, 1976-1982
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Betty Beaird
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...
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Brenadelle
/ ...
4 episodes, 1975-1982
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Marion Ross
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...
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Billie Silverman
/ ...
4 episodes, 1979-1996
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Ike Eisenmann
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...
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Dalton
/ ...
4 episodes, 1973-1979
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Jean De Baer
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...
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Dr. Hayden
/ ...
4 episodes, 1983-1995
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Sparky Marcus
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...
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Brian Varner
/ ...
4 episodes, 1975-1977
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Oprah Winfrey
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...
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Herself - Host
/ ...
4 episodes, 1992-1994
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Kristy McNichol
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...
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Carlie Higgins
/ ...
3 episodes, 1975-1977
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Jodie Foster
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...
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Sharon Lee
/ ...
3 episodes, 1973-1975
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Rachel Longaker
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...
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Kelly
/ ...
3 episodes, 1977-1981
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Christine Langner
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Lynnie Ryan
/ ...
3 episodes, 1984-1989
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Kelly Wolf
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...
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Karen Anderson
/ ...
3 episodes, 1984-1985
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Alexander Chaplin
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...
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Spinner
3 episodes, 1992
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Lauri Hendler
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Carrie Mills
/ ...
3 episodes, 1978-1987
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Moosie Drier
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...
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David
/ ...
3 episodes, 1974-1983
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Jorja Fox
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...
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Diane Dravecki
3 episodes, 1992
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Laura Dean
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...
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Alison
/ ...
3 episodes, 1979-1984
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Peter Brandon
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...
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Father
/ ...
3 episodes, 1976-1977
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Marisol Massey
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Theresa Lopez
3 episodes, 1992
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Anne Gee Byrd
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Esther Greene
/ ...
3 episodes, 1978-1980
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Corey Parker
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...
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David
/ ...
3 episodes, 1983-1986
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Tara Talboy
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Karen Faraday
/ ...
3 episodes, 1975-1977
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Laurence Haddon
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Agent Nolan
/ ...
3 episodes, 1976-1979
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Jarrod Johnson
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...
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Oscar
/ ...
3 episodes, 1977-1980
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Vicky Dawson
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...
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Jen
/ ...
3 episodes, 1973-1982
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Peter Shaw
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...
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Drew Gordon
3 episodes, 1992
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Jack Manning
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Mr. Herschel
/ ...
3 episodes, 1974-1981
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Claudio Martínez
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...
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Bobby
/ ...
3 episodes, 1973-1978
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Michael Link
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...
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Alvin
/ ...
3 episodes, 1973-1975
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Carol Worthington
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...
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Math Teacher
/ ...
3 episodes, 1976
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Doney Oatman
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...
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Mary
/ ...
3 episodes, 1974-1977
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Jack Knight
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Louise's Father
/ ...
3 episodes, 1976-1980
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Joel de la Fuente
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...
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Quan Kim Thanh
3 episodes, 1992
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Cheryl Arutt
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...
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Alison Watson
/ ...
3 episodes, 1979-1988
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Michael Miller
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...
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Angela's Brother
/ ...
3 episodes, 1975-1982
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Tempestt Bledsoe
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Herself
/ ...
3 episodes, 1986-1994
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Malcolm-Jamal Warner
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...
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Himself
/ ...
3 episodes, 1986-1994
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Reuben Figueroa
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Santiago
2 episodes, 1972-1975
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Lendon H. Smith
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...
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Himself
2 episodes, 1977-1980
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Melissa Sue Anderson
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...
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Alexandria 'Alex' Benton
/ ...
2 episodes, 1977-1979
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Trini Alvarado
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Alicia Marin
/ ...
2 episodes, 1979-1981
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Karlene Crockett
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Lisl Gilbert
/ ...
2 episodes, 1981-1982
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Tracey Gold
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Ari Jacobs
/ ...
2 episodes, 1983-1990
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Keith Coogan
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Eric Nelson
/ ...
2 episodes, 1989-1990
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Kim Richards
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...
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Minnow
/ ...
2 episodes, 1973-1977
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Christian Juttner
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Hollis
/ ...
2 episodes, 1974-1977
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Scott Baio
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Jack Melon
/ ...
2 episodes, 1980-1981
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Joan Van Ark
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Roxanne
/ ...
2 episodes, 1974-1994
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Belinda Balaski
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Anna
/ ...
2 episodes, 1974-1986
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Madge Sinclair
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Miss Tomas
/ ...
2 episodes, 1978-1984
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Cynthia Nixon
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Amy Cassidy
/ ...
2 episodes, 1979-1983
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Danny Aiello
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...
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Dominic Ginetti
/ ...
2 episodes, 1980-1982
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Don Murray
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Frank Morrow
/ ...
2 episodes, 1989-1993
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Robbie Rist
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Calvin Brundage
/ ...
2 episodes, 1973-1979
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Melendy Britt
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Dolores Beckwith
/ ...
2 episodes, 1976
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Shane Sinutko
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Pete
/ ...
2 episodes, 1977-1980
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Jane Kaczmarek
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Mary Reed
/ ...
2 episodes, 1994-1996
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Carmen Maya
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...
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Santiago's Mother
2 episodes, 1972-1975
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Hal Smith
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Professor Latouche
/ ...
2 episodes, 1973-1978
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Lance Guest
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Doug Henshaw
/ ...
2 episodes, 1982-1985
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Rob Stone
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...
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Chris
/ ...
2 episodes, 1986-1988
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Lisa Vidal
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Gloria Rodriguez
/ ...
2 episodes, 1987-1991
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Christopher Daniel Barnes
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Boyd
/ ...
2 episodes, 1989-1990
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Ned Wilson
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Coach Shafer
/ ...
2 episodes, 1973-1976
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Priscilla Morrill
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Aunt Willie
/ ...
2 episodes, 1974-1977
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Eric Scott
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David
/ ...
2 episodes, 1978-1979
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Elizabeth Ward
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Jane Richardson
/ ...
2 episodes, 1981-1983
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Elizabeth Franz
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Alice Kelly
/ ...
2 episodes, 1989-1995
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René Enríquez
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Popi, Santiago's Father
/ ...
2 episodes, 1972-1975
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Rob Lowe
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Charles Elderberry
/ ...
2 episodes, 1980-1981
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Bibi Besch
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Coach
/ ...
2 episodes, 1981-1988
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Roxie Roker
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Aunt Helen
/ ...
2 episodes, 1983-1987
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Alex Colon
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Carlos
2 episodes, 1972-1975
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Jane Connell
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Aunt Peggy
/ ...
2 episodes, 1974-1976
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Walter Brooke
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Mr. Mason
2 episodes, 1977-1980
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Anna Maria Horsford
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Jessica
/ ...
2 episodes, 1981-1984
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Jennifer Grey
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Carol Schwartz
/ ...
2 episodes, 1984-1985
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Stephen Keep Mills
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Michael Skinner
/ ...
2 episodes, 1984-1985
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Beau Bridges
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Joe Grant (Father)
/ ...
2 episodes, 1973-1986
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Barbara Andres
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Mother
/ ...
2 episodes, 1973-1974
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Alan Oppenheimer
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First Cadet
/ ...
2 episodes, 1974-1979
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Tierre Turner
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Jerry
/ ...
2 episodes, 1974-1975
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Sharon Spelman
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Mrs. Elderberry
/ ...
2 episodes, 1980-1986
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Kate Zentall
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Samantha Canby
2 episodes, 1981-1986
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Mary Elaine Monti
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Helen Henderson
/ ...
2 episodes, 1984-1987
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Pam Potillo
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Kate
/ ...
2 episodes, 1986-1990
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Jay W. MacIntosh
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Mother
/ ...
2 episodes, 1974-1987
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Cindy Eilbacher
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Elva Grimes
/ ...
2 episodes, 1975-1976
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Alma Beltran
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Jed's Neighbor
/ ...
2 episodes, 1978-1986
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Kristina Sorenson
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Gretchen Lake
2 episodes, 1981-1983
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Hal Williams
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Mr. Carter
/ ...
2 episodes, 1981-1983
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Todd Graff
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Robby Pols
/ ...
2 episodes, 1983-1992
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Jane Adams
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Elly Robinson
/ ...
2 episodes, 1989-1995
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Bill Duke
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Mr. Sands
2 episodes, 1972-1975
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Marcus Ticotin
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Stevie
2 episodes, 1972-1975
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Shannon Terhune
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Cindy Franks
/ ...
2 episodes, 1978-1979
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Kari Michaelsen
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Fran Davies
/ ...
2 episodes, 1980-1983
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Sally Kemp
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Janet
/ ...
2 episodes, 1980-1981
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Fran Bennett
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Nurse Etting
/ ...
2 episodes, 1983-1989
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Eric D. Wallace
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Freddie Ellis
2 episodes, 1984-1987
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Melanie Mayron
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Janet Eller
/ ...
2 episodes, 1985-1986
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Christian Hoff
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Kevin Casio
2 episodes, 1986-1987
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Jimmy McNichol
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David Hanna
2 episodes, 1976-1985
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Christopher Maleki
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C.C.
/ ...
2 episodes, 1977
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Jo Lynn Sciarro
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BJ
/ ...
2 episodes, 1979-1982
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Peggy Stewart
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Esther Sherrigan
2 episodes, 1980-1981
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Barbara Tarbuck
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Mrs. Adams
2 episodes, 1982-1990
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Ted Gehring
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Colonel
/ ...
2 episodes, 1982-1983
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James Noble
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Dr. Edwards
/ ...
2 episodes, 1983-1987
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Nadia DeLeye
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Dominique
2 episodes, 1986-1987
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Liam Sullivan
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Doctor
/ ...
2 episodes, 1987-1989
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Lynne Thigpen
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Jo Delancey
/ ...
2 episodes, 1989-1993
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Scott Allegrucci
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Glenn
/ ...
2 episodes, 1989-1990
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Jason Andrews
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Chris Walsh
/ ...
2 episodes, 1990
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Anne Seymour
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Dr. Bancroft
/ ...
2 episodes, 1977-1981
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Rex Robbins
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Mr. Brundage
/ ...
2 episodes, 1979-1985
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Barton Heyman
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Bill Waters
/ ...
2 episodes, 1980-1982
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Debbi Morgan
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Celia
/ ...
2 episodes, 1983-1991
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Kirk Cameron
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Jefffrey Cranston
/ ...
2 episodes, 1983
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Elaine Bromka
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Librarian
/ ...
2 episodes, 1985-1990
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Kenneth Kimmins
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Father
/ ...
2 episodes, 1973-1983
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Ed Crowley
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Darby
/ ...
2 episodes, 1973-1974
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John Carlyle
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Minister
2 episodes, 1977-1979
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James MacKrell
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Himself
/ ...
2 episodes, 1978-1981
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Amy DeMayo
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Carolyn
/ ...
2 episodes, 1979
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Kia Goodwin
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Marlen
/ ...
2 episodes, 1981-1993
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Zero Hubbard
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Keith Williams
/ ...
2 episodes, 1985-1989
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Cynthia Mace
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Lucy Bard
2 episodes, 1987-1990
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Jacque Lynn Colton
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Mrs. Fulton
/ ...
2 episodes, 1977-1978
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Robert Bu
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Clerk
/ ...
2 episodes, 1995-1996
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Lee Kessler
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Jill
/ ...
2 episodes, 1976-1979
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Benny Medina
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Bob
/ ...
2 episodes, 1976
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William Lanteau
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Mr. Essig
2 episodes, 1977-1978
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Sam McMurray
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Glen Mattson
/ ...
2 episodes, 1984-1996
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Al Eisenmann
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George
/ ...
2 episodes, 1976-1979
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Peggy Rea
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Mrs. Atwater
/ ...
2 episodes, 1976-1979
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Jeannie Linero
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2 episodes, 1978-1983
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Dawn Jeffory
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Katie
/ ...
2 episodes, 1979-1989
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Shelly Juttner
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Kate
2 episodes, 1974
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Kevin McCarley
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Peaches
/ ...
2 episodes, 1974
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Lois Hall
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Mrs. Rogers
/ ...
2 episodes, 1978-1980
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Olive Dunbar
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Stella
/ ...
2 episodes, 1982-1985
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Barbara Barrie
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Anne Charney
2 episodes, 1992
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William Wise
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Chuck Charney
2 episodes, 1992
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Robert Lussier
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Stumpy
2 episodes, 1974-1978
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Nora Denney
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Mrs. Toby
/ ...
2 episodes, 1976-1977
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Tommy Crebbs
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Andrew Varner
2 episodes, 1976
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Newell Alexander
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Mr. Fredricks
/ ...
2 episodes, 1978-1979
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Danielle Carin
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Dana
/ ...
2 episodes, 1985-1995
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Olga Merediz
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Dr. Montoya
/ ...
2 episodes, 1987-1995
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Ken Medlock
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Coach
2 episodes, 1987-1989
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Nile Lanning
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Katherine
/ ...
2 episodes, 1988-1990
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Helene Nelson
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Estelle
/ ...
2 episodes, 1974-1976
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Alma Cuervo
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Dr. Riccardo
/ ...
2 episodes, 1982
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Gene Crane
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Father Ruelle
/ ...
2 episodes, 1986-1987
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Danny Cooksey
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Jake
/ ...
2 episodes, 1994-1996
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Allan Lurie
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Bus Driver
/ ...
2 episodes, 1977-1978
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Jimmy Bridges
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...
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Jerry
/ ...
2 episodes, 1978-1985
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Drew Snyder
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...
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Pharmacies
2 episodes, 1980-1988
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Peter Haas
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...
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Clem
2 episodes, 1974
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Tim Maier
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Danny Kohl
/ ...
2 episodes, 1978-1983
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Art LaFleur
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Mr. Stone
2 episodes, 1990
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Sky Berdahl
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Bruce Sherman
/ ...
2 episodes, 1987-1994
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Harold Pruett
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Gary Watson
/ ...
2 episodes, 1983-1988
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Jill Andre
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...
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Jill Gerard
/ ...
2 episodes, 1979-1981
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Julie Dolan
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Student
2 episodes, 1981-1985
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Nancy Kandal
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...
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Customer
2 episodes, 1989-1991
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Lark Geib
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...
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Girl Scout #1
/ ...
2 episodes, 1974-1976
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Gabrielle Carteris
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...
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Cecile
/ ...
2 episodes, 1987-1988
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Rusty Gilligan
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...
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Student
/ ...
2 episodes, 1976-1979
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Christopher Shaw
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...
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Arnie Hack
2 episodes, 1988-1990
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Mayim Bialik
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...
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Herself
2 episodes, 1992-1994
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Cheryl 'Salt' James
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...
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Herself
2 episodes, 1992-1994
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M.C. Hammer
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...
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Himself
2 episodes, 1992-1994
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Christopher Martin
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...
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Himself
2 episodes, 1992-1994
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Pepa
|
...
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Herself
2 episodes, 1992-1994
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Christopher Reid
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...
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Himself
2 episodes, 1992-1994
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Spinderella
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...
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Herself
2 episodes, 1992-1994
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John Stamos
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...
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Himself
2 episodes, 1992-1994
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Jody Watley
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...
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Herself
2 episodes, 1992-1994
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Sometimes a TV show passes into the cultural fabric of the country. The ABC Afterschool Special is one of those shows.
It aired for more than 20 years providing a monthly dose of drama to pre-teens and teens during the school year in the hours after school before dinner. The specials were TV movies that explored the angst and problems that real kids experienced. They were little morality plays that while not being preachy, showed that actions have consequences.
Some of the known young stars of the times appeared including some who are stars now. For many it was one of their first jobs in the industry and for others it was their way of contributing to the community.
Stars included Ben Affleck, Heather Langenkamp, Jane Kaczmarek, Brandon Cruz, Christopher Knight, Melissa Sue Anderson, Kristy McNichol, and Scott Baio, and my favorite Lance Kerwin.
My favorite was Lance Kerwin. He appeared in several of the specials including "Pssst! Hammerman's After You!" and "The Boy Who Drank Too Much" with Scott Baio. Those two shows are my favorite. Baio also was in several specials.
The series came to an end as Oprah Winfrey took over the time slot on many stations in the early 90's. A local station would keep more of the advertising money by airing syndicated programs like Winfrey's talk show, reruns of old TV shows, or the tabloid shows like Judge Judy. Just like the toy companies killed the Saturday morning cartoons, money became more important than the community. Whenever I get overcome with the dreck on between 4 and 6 PM I wax nostalgic for those specials.
The specials also added to our cultural lexicon. Whenever someone is getting overly dramatic or sentimental how often to hear a response like "This isn't an Afterschool Special." Some the specials have been collected on DVD but I would like to see the specials come back. The ABC Afterschool Special holds a special place in my heart along with Schoolhouse Rock and American Bandstand.