- Ron Howard, Happy Days,TV, 1974-1984. Don lost Richie to Ron Howard, but the team came up with a new character of Ralph Malph for him – and he lasted 168 episodes, four less than Richie when they both quit, er, “joined the army.”
- Michael Ontkean, Slap Shot, 1976. Most auditioned for Ned Braden. Nick Nolte wanted the same role in Paul Newman’s Charlestown Chiefs’ squad – but had no time forice-skating lessons. The Vancouverian Ontkean was the real thing. He had turned down a New York Rangers ice hockey contract to take up acting.
Birth year: Death year: Other name: Casting Calls: 21