The "Bear" was played by a great monkey named Sam. He and I got along famously...and I really thought that chimp liked me. As a matter of fact, when I came back to do the opening show of another season, he remembered me! (At least, that's how he acted!) Those big teeth didn't scare ME!
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This particular episode was one
of the most enjoyable experiences I've had working in television.
I played the part of a pregnant girl who gives birth in the back of BJ's
truck in a snow storm. Ted Danson played the role of
my husband, who in this show
is terribly preoccupied with his work, but BJ is there in a desperate moment
to help deliver my child. During long hours and lots of night shooting,
BJ and my character shared many adventures. Greg Evigan and I worked very
well together, and were subsequently cast opposite each other frequently.
We worked together on a second two-part BJ and the BEAR; as well as on
MURDER, SHE WROTE; FAME; and MASQUERADE. A wonderful side note to this
story is that Greg's wife - who's name, coincidentally, is Pam - became
pregnant while we were shooting this episode. I always felt it was the
practice Greg got with all that grunting and groaning I did in the back
of that truck!
Peter Altobelli, who also did my make-up for the pilot episode of MAGNUM, PI., is a wonderful make-up artist. We became good friends, and always had such fun on set...as did my dog, Devon. She loved to go to the studio with me every morning, and was never at a loss for people to walk her. The only time she ever barked was once on my close-up!
