I didn’t think The Office could top Amy Ryan. But then I found out that Greg Daniels & Co. decided to cast Linda Purl as Mrs. Beasley, Pam’s mom.
I know what you’re thinking: “Huh? You’re putting Linda Purl in the same league as Amy Ryan? Who is Linda Purl anyway?” Even EW’s very own Ausiello referred to Purl as “a relatively unknown actress.”
Now, I’d like to take the opportunity to rile up my fellow Matlock fans and say: For shame! Unknown? Purl spent countless hours accompanying me on sick days, causing me to develop an unhealthy obsession with the show. I even flirted with the idea of becoming a lawyer thanks to Matlock, before I realized the job was more about paperwork and less about banjo-playing (bummer). And Purl? Why, she was just a peach. In fact, Purl was the third best thing about the show, right behind Andy Griffith and Kene Holliday, the lawyer’s hard-working private investigator who never got the glory he deserved for doing, you know, all of his boss’ work.
I know what you’re thinking again: “Purl’s seasons of the show only had three characters, so you’re saying she was actually the worst of the three stars!” I’ll give you that. But still! It is really hard to beat Holliday. But the fact that someone from Matlock has become relevant again—well, you just can’t beat that.
Who else is pumped?
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I love Linda Purl. I think she was in several after school specials in 70’s as well. Matlock reruns and the flu go hand in hand too. Perfect with chicken soup.
Did she marry the Fonz or just date him on Happy Days?
Actually she dated Richie Cunningham (Ron Howard)
Young Pioneers! 1970’s.
Didn’t Pam’s mom already appear in season 1? Did they re-cast the part?
she dated the fonz as a regular on happy days in the early 80’s… she was a pfitzer.. a well to do family in Milwaukee that was referred to countless times in happy days and laverne and shirley. her daughter on the show was heather o’ rourke from poltertgeist. she also dated richie in the early 70’s happy days as a different character. OMG… why do i know this stuff?
yup, assh is correct – along with sbwm – Purl has been a staple of tv for some time!!!!
Linda Purl, along with Stephanie Zimbalist, were the tv movie of the week queens for a while in the late 70s and 80s.
Stephanie Zimbalist – thanks for the blast from the past. Loved her. Was so annoyed in Ausiello’s report when he said Linda Purl was relatively unknown. I always associate her with Linda Blair.
Yay! I love Matlock. As soon as I saw the picture of the actress that had been cast, I knew who she was.
Yes, Pam’s mom was on Season 2 played by Anne Scheeden, who was also the mom on ALF!
Linda Purl, unknown? Are you freakin’ kidding me? She was the QUEEN of the miniseries/soaper of the week for decades! LOVE her! (Too bad I don’t watch “The Office,” but I might have to now…
Sorry…The Office is a show that loves its continuity. Pam’s mom already appeared in Season 2, so I’m less than psyched that she’s being played by somebody else – no matter how wonderful she is!
I _love_ Linda Purl. Before she was Ashley on “Happy Days”, she was RICHIE’S girlfriend GLORIA (season 2.) Just 4 episodes, unfortunately, but I fell in love then and I’m still in love now. She’s 54 tomorrow.
I’ll have to figure out what this “The Office” show is, and where and when it plays so I can start watching, JUST FOR HER.
Love love love her!! Matlock is by far one of the best series EVER:))