These Nostalgic Shows Only Have One Surviving Original Cast Member Left

Lauren Novak May 24, 5:13 pm

Barbara Eden Tina Louise Max Baer Jr. — Everett Collection

It can be heartbreaking to learn about the death of our favorite stars. Although you likely never knew them in real life, you felt like you did as you watched their character experience highs and lows every week for years. As time goes on, many celebrities from our favorite shows of the past have passed away. We’d like to share some of the shows and its stars that only have one original cast member left alive. Feel free to debate in the comments as we are referring to original and main cast members but of course, there can always be differing opinions! Then share with us, which stars you miss the most from these beloved shows.

The Addams Family

Everett Collection

John Astin is the final surviving member of the creepy and kooky Addams family from the series in the mid-’60s. The series starred Astin (Gomez – age 94), Carolyn Jones (Morticia – died in 1983), Jackie Coogan (Uncle Fester – died in 1984), Ted Cassidy (Lurch – died in 1979), Lisa Loring (Wednesday – died in 2023), Ken Weatherwax (Pugsley – died in 2014) and Blossom Rock (Grandmama – died in 1978). Astin’s most recent role was voicing the character Uncle Dudley in Justice League Action in 2017.

Diff’rent Strokes

Everett Collection

Todd Bridges, who played Willis Jackson, is the final person alive from the original cast of Diff’rent Strokes at the age of 58. The series, which ran in the ’70s and ’80s, starred Conrad Bain (Phillip Drummond – died in 2013), Gary Coleman (Arnold Jackson – died in 2010), Dana Plato (Kimberly Drummond – died in 1999) and Charlotte Rae (Edna Garrett – died in 2018).

Gilligan’s Island

Everett Collection

The ladies outlived the men of Gilligan’s Island and now there is only one left. Tina Louise is now 90 years old. The cast included Bob Denver (Gilligan – died in 2005), Alan Hale Jr. (Captain Jonas Grumby or “the Skipper” – died in 1990), Jim Backus (Thurston Howell III – died in 1989), Natalie Schafer (Eunice “Lovey” Howell – died in 1991), Russell Johnson (Professor Roy Hinkley, Ph.D. – died in 2014) and Dawn Wells (Mary Ann Summers – died in 2020).

Mork & Mindy

Paramount Television/Everett Collection

Of course, one of the most tragic losses from Mork & Mindy was Robin Williams (Mork), who died in 2014. Now Pam Dawber, who played Mindy is still alive at the age of 72. The cast was rounded out by Conrad Janis (Fredrick “Fred” McConnell – died in 2022), Elizabeth Kerr (Grandma Cora Hudson – died in 2000), Tom Poston (Franklin Delano Bickley – died in 2007), Jonathan Winters (Mearth – died in 2013).

Sanford & Son

Everett Collection

Sadly, only the son is still alive from Sanford & Son. Demond Wilson, who played Lamont Sanford, Fred’s son is now 77 years old. Redd Foxx, who played Fred Sanford died in 1991.

I Dream of Jeannie

Everett Collection

Barbara Eden is still looking great at 92. She is the only surviving cast member from I Dream of Jeannie including Larry Hagman (Captain/Major Anthony “Tony” Nelson – died in 2012), Bill Daily (Captain/Major Roger Healey – died in 2018) and Hayden Rorke (Colonel Alfred Bellows, MD – died in 1987).

The Beverly Hillbillies

Everett Collection

Ah, those fun-loving hillbillies. The main cast starred Buddy Ebsen (Jed Clampett – died in 2003), Irene Ryan (Granny – died in 1973), Donna Douglas (Elly May Clampett – died in 2015), Max Baer Jr. (Jethro Bodine – age 86), Raymond Bailey (Milburn Drysdale – died in 1980) and Nancy Kulp (Jane Hathaway – died in 1991). This means that Baer Jr. is the only surviving member of the cast in 2024.

Laverne & Shirley

Paramount/Everett Collection

Michael McKean, who played the goofy Leonard “Lenny” Kosnowski is now 76 years old and the only surviving member of the original cast of Laverne & Shirley. Of course, Laverne and Shirley have both passed away, Penny Marshall in 2018 and Cindy Williams in 2023. In addition, David Lander (Andrew “Squiggy” Squiggman) died in 2020, Eddie Mekka (Carmine Ragusa) died in 2021, and Phil Foster (Fabrizio “Frank” DeFazio) died back in 1985, just two years after the show ended.

Three’s Company

Everett Collection

Joyce DeWitt, who played Janet Wood in the sitcom is now 75 years old. Sadly, her former roommates have all passed away including John Ritter (Jack Tripper – died in 2003) and Suzanne Somers (Chrissy Snow – died in 2023). In addition, their landlord played by Norman Fell (Stanley Roper) and Audra Lindley (Helen Roper) have passed away too, in 1998 and 1997 respectively.

Which star do you miss the most?

These Nostalgic Shows Only Have One Surviving Original Cast Member Left

December 2019