Classic Les Lye
I took this shot during the summer of 1985 production schedule; this is classic Les, doing his announcer bits with an unlit cigar in his mouth, and deely boppers on his head:
He's marking up his script, underlining the words he wanted to emphasize. A real pro!
He's marking up his script, underlining the words he wanted to emphasize. A real pro!
Great shot.
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Recently my girlfriend made a Star Wars themed screenplay project for a college course, so it began with "Chewbacca donates to Locks of Love will not be seen at this time, in order that we may bring you the following hair-raising program." and ended with "This has been an R2D2 production, and I swear if I trip over that overdeveloped garbage can one more time... what do you mean we're still on the air?" Every different character Les played on YCDTOTV was so well done, I wish I could have seen more of the programs he did over his career.
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Moose,
I have that episode.Alisdair and Adam in orbit,Dougie in Space Diapers,great episode.
Have you ever given any thought to doing an updated version of YCDTOTV?Starring Christine McGlade as Mom,Alisdair as Dad,with new kids and guest appearances by the original cast members.Barth could have a son and his place would be Barth Jr (like Carl Jr).If Roger Price is still around and some of the writers are still around...
To much to wish for...then how about a TV Special?A lot of Disney shows were produced in Canada,I bet one of those companies would be willing to work on a YCDTOTV project.Just a suggestion...
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I honestly think Les Lye is the most amazing actor ever....I cannot believe he played *all* of the adult men. Wow.
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I wonder what the funniest character was for Les? I liked Barth the most, followed by the dad. "Duh- I heard that" was classic and unmatched in television history and was a trend setting comment where I'm from. Parents were always saying that when they thought I'd said something about them. The Barth's Burger skits have many laughs and the one that stands out the most is the one where Barth was going to do a roast with Big Bird. Out came Barth with a tied up Big Bird, cooked. That was awesome. Then, there was the messy dad... but he was entirely most funniest in the opposite sketches. Les got me when he did the cereal one with Dougie, who waited on the cereal to make those sounds. When the last cereal noise didn't happen, Les/dad popped the hell out of Dougie's head "WHACK!" Then he told Dougie about making all those noises at the table. That was freaking hilarious. Classic! YCDTOTV was, if not the funniest show on televion for kids thoughout many summers of 1980-1985. Les played all the adult male roles and they were flawless on screen. He is an amazing actor.
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Forgive me if I've already posted this elsewhere (I AM getting old.) but the reason dad is my favourite is that he was the most outrageous. When we first created the show, and it was local Ottawa only (pre Nick) dad was openly, and always, drunk, and the cans littered around his armchair in the livingroom were beer cans. This was, to my mind, the most dysfunctional and norm-challenging character. It's one thing for a kid to feel like they are more clever than a goofy arcade owner, or a gross diner owner...but what fun for a kid to feel like they are superior to their clueless parents!
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Well said, Christine. "Dad" was just outrageous and the worse parent ever imagined without the need of law enforcement. Maybe. Then you add the opposite sketches to that and kids ate that up. There should be a best of Les Lye video/dvd. Also, not to take away from "mom" in those skits, she was just as hopeless also with that maid outfit and red wig.
And Christine, you're not old!!! You're a fossil. JUST PLAYING! DON't ban me! Introduction to the opposite sketch?
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Christine, I am loving this blog! Thanks for enlightening us fans with the behind-the-scenes info.
One topic I'd love to see a future entry discuss: What was your relationship with Lisa like off-camera? Did you two become close friends? My brother and I always loved the great comedic chemistry you and Lisa had (in fact, I'd go so far as to declare you two the Lucy and Ethel of '80s Canadian TV!), so I wondered if that stemmed from an off-camera friendship or if it was more just two actors doing their job well.
And are you still in touch with Lisa these days?
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Your on crack thinking that thought. there is no comparison between those two couples. i am a die hard fan of christine but no way is she in the same as lucy dude.
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It is incredibly flattering to compare Lisa and I to Ethel and Lucy, but I have to agree with Master X: I grew up with (oops-showing my age) The I Love Lucy Show, and Lucille Ball is comic genius in a category of comic genius that she shares with only, say, Red Skelton (also, yes, from my childhood) or even, maybe, some of the fantastic comediens and comediennes on Laugh In (which YCDTOTV ripped off mercilessly).
But as for me and Lisa: we were definitely friends off cam, even though she was quite a bit younger than me. She was, and is, a really lovely and genuine person.
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The friendship between you two definitely showed. You two certainly had a chemistry that is comparable to some of the greats. Do you and Lisa still keep in touch? If so, how is she doing?
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Thank you Christine for not taking that the wrong way. As i siad i am a huge fan of yours but your comparison of redd and such is correct, i am from lucys hometown of jamestown and they just had her festival and the memories are so much to see when thewy have it. she was never accepted here and thats what drove her to becoema n actress, now the whole town has embraced her ways long after the fact they cast her out before. its a joke if you ask me. they casy her out as a outcast in her town here then she makes it big and they try to become famous off her stardom and death to profit there town. i guess it happens everyuwhere but to see it makes me ill. well either way you are a incredible actress as well but i cnat place you that high like he did. and as i siad i am a huge fan of yours and mean no disrespect in the least. keep the posts rolling and its nice to read on your past behind the scenes memories. keep it honest and real as always christine.
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Christine:
Wow - this is a riot to discover your blog! Not sure what jogged my memory about you, but a bit of Googling and here I am.
So after 25 years, I can actually say to you (and the world) "wow I had a huge crush on you back in the 80's!" LOL. Growing up in Buffalo I was fortunate that we could see YCDTOTV on our cable system. It was irreverent, funny as hell, and spot-on from a kids point of view of things. Best to you & your family.
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What can be said about Les?? He was and still is the MAN! The man had a gift and I am very glad that he shared it with us on that show. It was amazing to me this man who played Barth and the Dad ALSO played Ross, Blip,.....etc. I told Christine in and email a while back that I am surprised that Hollywood wasn't banging on his door. Thank you for the post Christine! I hope that all is well with you Les!!
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Has Les Lye done any TV shows since the You Can't/Turkey TV days?
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I'm not sure about television, but I do remember him appearing on a Canadian telethon many years ago, where someone made a donation in exchange for his using his tie as an improvised Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle mask. :)
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You've got some classic Les here. Now how about some current Moose. I'll bet you're as slim as ever. After all, a classic never dies!
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Les Lye grew up in Toronto and spent his eary summers on Wards Island where he was an outstanding End Man in many Minstrel Shows. He also won first prize as an Al Jolson imitator at the CNE.
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It's because of Les Lye's performance in the "Ross' Egg-o-rama" bits that I spent many of my elementary school nights wondering how any commercial establishment could survive with an address like "Route 12, King Side Road."
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i always thought u were the hottest thing id ever seen on tv
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We lived in Florida in 86-87 and I first saw the show there on cable. As a result, I had an interesting experience. I went to church one Sunday and, as I was a temporary bachelor - my wife having to move back to Maryland before me - a family invited me to have dinner with them. The children - about eight or so - had to show me their rooms. One of the tots made a comment and, without forethought, I responded,
"Da-aaah, I....heard that!" Several voices in unison squealed, "You watch 'You Can't Do That on Television!'" "Yeas," I said. "It's the only decent program on TV at that time (4 pm Eastern). Little did I realize how much impact the show had. As one of the adult fans, I think it was one of the best shows on the tube EVER, and I miss it. Les Lye is one of the greatest talents in the world - bar NONE. I wish I could meet him to tell him this story in person. Thank, Moose, for all the wonderful entertainment you and the cast gave us. Hmm...what would you think of "YCDTOTV: The (Slightly) Later Years"? Sort of what all you guys are doing now and reprising some of your antics. Hey - we MISS you!
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Hello, Christine! I have not seen you on television for years!
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I remember arguing with my younger brother over whether or not that guy played all those characters. He didn't believe me that it was all the same guy.
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I saw the news today that Les passed away a few months ago. That is sad. I was always very funny on the show in all his roles, and seemed like a nice guy in interviews I have seen. And he was obviously well liked by the kids in the cast. He was able to create characters that poked fun at the way kids see adults. Barth and "the father" were always my favorite characters, but he was good in everything. The cast must have good memories of him. Rest in Peace.
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Les was one funny guy. Ross, Barth, Blip, the drunken dad, El Capitano, Snake Eyes, the teacher, the coach. Such great characters. I still remember me and my kid sister bellowing "D'hiiiiii Heard That!"
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