After seven years of playing Chachi Arcola on the beloved show Happy Days, actor Scott Baio was ready for a change. In 1984, he stepped into the role of Charles on the sitcom Charles in Charge, marking a refreshing new chapter in his career. Scott described the transition as "healthy" for him, emphasizing the difference in humor styles between the two shows. "In Charles in Charge, the comedy is grounded in real-life situations and problems, not just setup and punchlines," he explained. This shift allowed Scott to explore a more nuanced and relatable form of humor.
A New Adventure: The Premise of Charles in Charge
Created by Michael Jacobs and Barbara Weisberg, Charles in Charge introduced viewers to Scott's character, Charles, a college student at the fictional Copeland College in Brunswick, New Jersey. Financially driven, Charles answered an ad for a live-in caretaker position, leading him to the Pembroke family. In exchange for room and board, Charles took on the responsibility of caring for the Pembrokes' children. This setup not only showcased Charles' maturity but also highlighted the challenges of balancing college life with family responsibilities.
Meet the Pembroke Family and Friends
When Charles first arrived on the scene, he became part of the Pembroke household, which included Stan and Jill, played by James Widdoes and Julie Cobb, and their children Lila, Douglas, and Jason, portrayed by April Lerman, Jonathan Ward, and Michael Pearlman, respectively. The cast expanded with Willie Aames from Eight is Enough as Charles' best friend, Buddy, and Jennifer Runyon as his girlfriend, Gwendolyn Pierce. Although CBS canceled the show in 1985, it found new life through syndication, allowing fans to continue enjoying the adventures of Charles and his family.
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A New Beginning: The Powell Family Joins the Mix
When Charles in Charge returned on January 3, 1987, the show introduced the Powell family, led by single mom Ellen, played by Sandra Kerns. Joining her were her father Walter (James T. Callahan) and her children Jamie, Sarah, and Adam, portrayed by Nicole Eggert, Josh Davis, and Alexander Polinsky. A recurring guest star was Ellen Travolta, John Travolta's sister, who played Charles' mother, Lillian. This new dynamic added fresh storylines and humor, keeping the show relevant and entertaining for its dedicated audience.
Curious about what happened to Scott and his young co-stars before and after the show? Keep scrolling to uncover their fascinating journeys!
