This is round four of The Ultimate Sitcom Actor Tournament. For rules, point values, and other information, see the introduction.
In round three, Bernie Kopell held his title by beating Larry Storch, but Lucille Ball usurped Charlotte Rae. In this round, Bernie Kopell and Lucille Ball will face off against William Windom and Elinor Donahue.
William Windom
William Windom is another one of those actors you see in everything but you never know his name. Star Trek fans remember him as Commodore Decker in the original series episode, “The Doomsday Machine.” He also played The Major in the Famous The Twilight Zone episode, “Five Characters in Search of an Exit.” But William made quite a few sitcom appearances, including Barney Miller, The Greatest American Hero, and Newhart. He retired from acting in 2006 and passed away in 2012 at 88 years old.
Starring Roles: 4 seasons = 80 points
Regular Roles: 2 seasons = 20 points
Recurring Roles: 0 = 0 points
Guest Appearances: 33 episodes = 33 points
TOTAL: 133 points
Elinor Donahue
Another Star Trek original series actor, Elinor Donahue played diplomat Nancy Hedford in the episode, “Metamorphosis,” but that was just one of her many TV appearances. Her sitcom work includes regular roles on Father Knows Best and Get a Life, recurring roles on The Andy Griffith Show and The Odd Couple, and guest appearances on Mork & Mindy, Newhart, The Golden Girls, and Herman’s Head among others. Now retired, Elinor celebrated her 86th birthday on April 19th.
Starring Roles: 1 season = 20 points
Regular Roles: 9 seasons = 90 points
Recurring Roles: 4 season = 20 points
Guest Appearances: 16 = 16 points
TOTAL: 146 points
Winners
Bernie Kopell and Lucille Ball are still the reigning champs!
Check back tomorrow for round five!