 |
| As Jillson in The Joey Bishop Show. |
Thanks to streaming TV and online services and cable networks, new generations are discovering another of comic Joe Besser's most memorable and hilarious television roles on The Joey Bishop Show.
How did Joe become a regular on the series? As the first season of The Joey Bishop Show (1961-62) approached its climax, Joe made a memorable entrance as Jillson, the mailman and Bishop's unusual but funny next-door neighbor, appearing in six standout episodes. His portrayal was a sure comedy standout.
So, unsurprisingly, when the series revamped its format for the second season (1962-63), Joe’s character was upgraded to the beleaguered, henpecked building superintendent, Mr. Jillson, who lived in fear of his wife. This transformation allowed Joe to showcase his comedic brilliance as a series regular, delighting audiences with his standout performances, filmed in front of live audiences, until the show's final episode on March 30, 1965.
To uncover every detail of Joe's unforgettable journey on The Joey Bishop Show, and his great memories, check out his updated and expanded autobiography, Once a Stooge, Always a Stooge, available hardcover, paperback, Kindle, audiobook and e-book editions formats.
In the meantime, check out this archive of clips of Joe's iconic role as Jillson, which are just more examples of his enduring impact on television comedy.