People who guest starred and later became regular in different role

[Tim L]

The classic example of "two actors/same role" was on "The Mothers-In-Law" (NBC 1967-69) where Roger C. Carmel played Roger Buell in 67-68, but left because of a money dispute. Veteran character actor Richard Deacon replaced Carmel as "Roger" in the 1968-69 season. The two were nothing alike in how they played Roger..In looking at this show years later (and I thought it was a good show-still do,,) I realize how much of an "I Love Lucy" Clone it was..

 

[BobSacamano]

"Roger C. Carmel played Roger Buell in 67-68, but left because of a money dispute. Veteran character actor Richard Deacon replaced Carmel as "Roger" in the 1968-69 season. The two were nothing alike in how they played Roger."

But they were both alike in that they were both gay..

 

[LKellerIII]

"Roger C. Carmel played Roger Buell in 67-68, but left because of a money dispute. Veteran character actor Richard Deacon replaced Carmel as "Roger" in the 1968-69 season. The two were nothing alike in how they played Roger." But they were both alike in that they were both gay.."

Uh...thanks for pointing that out, I guess. Reportedly, most of the actors on Perry Mason were gay, but I don't think you'd find Raymond Burr, William Talman, and Ray Collins (Lt. Tragg) playing the same type of parts.

The story of the Mothers-In-Law "salary" dispute is a rather sleazy one. There were charges that there was no money for salary because Arnaz wrote himself into the show, so the extra salary money went to him. Other stories involve Carmel's reported substance abuse on and off the set, and imply it was the real reason that Arnaz wanted to get rid of him. Certainly, Desi was not a saint in that department, either.