The Show Must Go On

<p> A powerful behind-the-scenes look at some of America's all-time favorite television programs during their darkest hours this study examines how various hit series have absorbed the death of a lead actor during production. Although each television program eventually resumed production the lead actor's death in each case had a profound impact on the surviving cast and crew and the future of the show itself.</p><p> Individual chapters explore the events surrounding the deaths of Freddie Prinze (<I>Chico and the Man</I>) John Ritter (<I>8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter</I>) Redd Foxx (<I>The Royal Family</I>) Nicholas Colasanto (<I>Cheers</I>) Phil Hartman (<I>NewsRadio</I>) and many others. Their stories are told through first-hand accounts by those who knew them best including many of the most talented actors producers writers and directors in television over the past forty years.</p>