alt.tv.3rd-rock FAQ Updated November 1, 2000 PART 2: Section 4 A newsgroup devoted to the discussion of the NBC Comedy "3rd Rock From the Sun." Please direct all comments, questions, criticisms, amusing anecdotes, not so funny stories, boring jokes and rambling dissertations to: bradley@110.net Created by: Bonnie Lynne Kretschmer Written by: Bonnie Lynne Kretschmer (penfold@primenet.com) Monty D. Martin (carlo17@primenet.com) Nathan E. Humbard (nateh@usit.net) Bradley Whitmarsh (5/1/00-present) (bradley@110.net) Thanks to: the NBC web page, the Internet Movie Database, and all of the posters in alt.tv.3rd-rock who have contributed information to the FAQ. Thanks also to Matt and all of the information we co-opted from his alterna-FAQ. The most current version of this document is posted twice monthly in alt.tv.3rd-rock (around the first and fifteenth of the month). It is also posted on the web at: http://users.110.net/~ps3776/3rdrock =======FAQ=====FAQ=====FAQ===== 4.0 About the Characters/Actors ------- 4.01 JOHN LITHGOW (Dr. Dick Solomon) ------- DICK SOLOMON The High Commander a.k.a. "Dr. Dick Solomon" has established himself as a physics professor at Pendelton, a small Ohio college. He is the eccentric leader of the alien mission to study Earth's inhabitants. Dick is in love with Dr. Albright, an associate at the college where he teaches. He doesn't know what to do about it, because love is a foreign concept to the alien commander. He has also discovered that he is very bad at lying or at hiding any of his emotions at all. At the end of the first season (just as he'd finally achieved a romantic relationship with Dr. Albright!) he was temporarily replaced and imprisoned in the basement by the Anti-Dick, or "Such". The second season brought some nurturing to their relationship, and some ups and downs, and culminated in the announcement of their engagement. The third season began with their breakup and followed their failed efforts to stay away from one another. JOHN LITHGOW From the NBC web site: For his role as Dick Solomon (aka. the High Commander) on "3rd Rock From the Sun", John Lithgow has received two Emmy Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, a Golden Globe and an American Comedy Award. Lithgow first received national attention as a result of his Oscar-nominated portrayal of Roberta Muldoon in "The World According to Garp" in 1982. He received a second Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of Debra Winger's lover in the Oscar-winning "Terms of Endearment" in 1983. His feature film credits also include "Memphis Belle", "Footloose", "The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai", "Blow Out", "Twilight Zone: The Movie", "All That Jazz", "Raising Cain", "The Manhattan Project", "Harry and the Hendersons", "Distant Thunder", "At Play in the Fields of the Lord", "Cliffhanger", "A Good Man in Africa", "The Pelican Brief", "Princess Caraboo", "Silent Fall", "Johnny Skidmarks", and "A Civil Action". Lithgow won his first Emmy Award in 1987 for his performance in an episode ("The Doll") of Steven Spielberg's "Amazing Stories". He also earned Emmy nominations for his work in the television movies "The Day After" and Hallmark Hall of Fame's "The Resting Place". His other television credits include the live broadcast of "The Oldest Living Graduate", with Henry Fonda; a PBS production of the Dorothy Parker story "Big Blond", with Sally Kellerman; and the TV movies "The Last Elephant", "The Wrong Man", "The Boys", "The Redwood Curtain", and "My Brother's Keeper". During his most recent hiatus from "3rd Rock", Lithgow served as both the executive producer and the star (in the title role) of the cable movie "Don Quixote.". Born into a theatrical family in Rochester, New York, Lithgow made his stage debut at age six in "Henry VI Part III", with Ellis Rabb. A Harvard graduate, Lithgow was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship and used it to study at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art before settling in New York to pursue a stage career. He received a Tony Award and a Drama Desk Award for his Broadway debut in "The Changing Room". From 1973 to 1982, he performed in a different Broadway play each season. He was nominated for a Tony in 1985 for his performance in "Requiem for a Heavyweight". In 1986 he received rave reviews when he returned to Broadway to star in "The Front Page", and in 1988 he earned a third Tony nomination for his performance in "M. Butterfly". His 14-song CD "Singin' in the Bathtub with John Lithgow", which was recently released by the Sony Wonder Family Artist Series, includes his own song, "Big Kids". Lithgow lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Mary, a history professor at UCLA, and their daughter, Phoebe, and son, Nathan. Lithgow also has a son, Ian, from a previous marriage, who has a recurring role on "3rd Rock" as Leon, one of Professor Solomon's less articulate students. Lithgow's birthday is October 19. From the Internet Movie Database: John was born on October 19, 1945 in Rochester, NY. Filmography Shrek (2001) (voice) .... Lord Farquar Don Quixote (2000) (TV) .... Don Quixote Rugrats in Paris: The Movie (2000) (voice) Portofino (1999) Homegrown (1998) .... Malcolm/Robert Stockman Johnny Skidmarks (1998) .... Sergeant Larry Skovik Civil Action, A (1998) .... Judge Walter J. Skinner Officer Buckle and Gloria (1998) .... Narrator Special Effects: Anything Can Happen (1996) (voice) .... Narrator ... aka Special Effects (1996) "3rd Rock from the Sun" (1996) TV Series .... Dick Solomon ... aka "Life As We Know It" (1996) Christmas in Washington (1996) (TV) .... Himself Redwood Curtain (1995) (TV) .... Laird Riordan Hollow Point (1995) .... Thomas Livingston ... aka Rysk Roulette (1995) My Brother's Keeper (1995) (TV) Tuskegee Airmen, The (1995) (TV) .... Senator Conyers World War II: When Lions Roared (1994) (TV) .... Franklin Delano Roosevelt "American Cinema" (1994) TV Series .... Host "Then There Were Giants" (1994) TV Series .... Franklin D. Roosevelt Good Man in Africa, A (1994) .... Arthur Fanshawe Princess Caraboo (1994) .... Professor Wilkinson Silent Fall (1994) .... Dr. Harlinger Cliffhanger (1993) .... Eric Qualen Country Mouse and the City Mouse, The (1993) .... Alexander Love, Cheat & Steal (1993) (TV) .... Paul Harrington Pelican Brief, The (1993) .... Smith Keen Wrong Man, The (1993) (TV) .... Phillip Mills Raising Cain (1992) .... Carter/Cain/Doctor Nix/Josh/Margo Boys, The (1991) (TV) .... Artie Margulies ... aka Guys, The (1991) (TV) At Play in the Fields of the Lord (1991) .... Leslie Huben Ricochet (1991) .... Earl Talbott Blake Ivory Hunters (1990) (TV) .... Robert Carter ... aka Last Elephant, The (1990) (TV) Memphis Belle (1990) .... Col. Bruce Derringer Traveling Man (1989) (TV) .... Ben Cluett Out Cold (1989) .... Dave Geary Distant Thunder (1988) .... Mark Lambert Baby Girl Scott (1987) (TV) .... Neil Scott Harry and the Hendersons (1987) .... George Henderson ... aka Bigfoot and the Hendersons (1987) Manhattan Project, The (1986) .... Dr. John Mathewson ... aka Deadly Game (1987) (USA: video title) Mesmerized (1986) .... Oliver Thompson ... aka Shocked (1986) Resting Place (1986) (TV) .... Major Kendall Laird Santa Claus (1985) .... B.Z. ... aka Santa Claus: The Movie (1985) Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension, The (1984) .... Doctor Emilio Lizardo/Lord John Whorfin Footloose (1984) .... Reverend Shaw Moore 2010 (1984) .... Walter Curnow ... aka 2010: The Year We Make Contact (1984) 2010: The Odyssey Continues (1984) (uncredited) .... Himself Glitter Dome, The (1984) (TV) .... Marty Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983) .... John Valentine (segment 4) Day After, The (1983) (TV) .... Joe Huxley Terms of Endearment (1983) .... Sam Burns Not in Front of the Children (1982) (TV) .... Richard Carruthers I'm Dancing as Fast as I Can (1982) .... Mr. Brunner World According to Garp, The (1982) .... Roberta Muldoon Blow Out (1981) .... Burke Big Blond (1980) (TV) ... aka Dorothy Parker's Big Blond (1980) (TV) (USA: complete title) Mom, the Wolfman and Me (1980) (TV) .... Wally Oldest Living Graduate, The (1980) (TV) .... Clarence All That Jazz (1979) .... Lucas Sergeant Rich Kids (1979) .... Paul Philips Big Fix, The (1978) .... Sam Sebastian/Spitzler Secret Service (1977) (TV) .... Thorne Obsession (1976) .... Robert Lasalle Dealing: Or the Berkeley-to-Boston Forty-Brick Lost-Bag Blues (1972) .... John Notable TV Guest Appearances "Frasier" (1993) playing "Madman Martinez" (voice) in episode: "Someone to Watch Over Me" (episode # 2.19) 3/28/1995 "Tales from the Crypt" (1989) playing "Dr. Oscar Charles" in episode: "You, Murderer" (episode # 6.15) 1/25/1995 "Amazing Stories" (1985) playing "John Walters" in episode: "Doll, The" (episode # 1.22) 5/4/1986 Other Works Designed necktie for Stonehenge, Ltd's "Christopher Reeve Collection" (exclusive to JCPenney), with four percent of sales benefiting the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation. Wrote, produced, and acted on radio show "Under the Gun" for WBAI-FM, NYC, 1972-73. TV commercial for Discover credit card (1997) TV commercial for Kemper Funds (voice) (1996-) TV commercials for 10-321 long distance (1997) Narrator, "National Geographic Millennium Special", NBC-TV, 22 Dec 1999 Theater: "The Changing Room" (1973), "Division Street" (1980), "Requiem for a Heavyweight" (1985), "The Front Page" (1986), "Madame Butterfly" (1988) ------- 4.02 KRISTEN JOHNSTON (Sally Solomon) ------- SALLY SOLOMON Second in command, The Lieutenant AKA "Sally Solomon" is a seasoned military officer who has incinerated entire armies. When The Lieutenant asked why Dick had decided to make Sally a woman, Dick shrugged, "You lost." The cover story is that Sally is Dick's sister. She has had many a disastrous date, a very successful bake sale and a failed attempt at a relationship with Kevin Randell (a teacher at Tommy's school). Sally is quite taken by the sparks that fly between her and Officer Don, a local policeman whose main goal is "to make detective some day." Sally has held jobs, but does not generally work because it is their perceived image that as a woman her job is to clean, cook, and kill spiders. She is great-looking, knows it (and tries to use it), has a flair for fashion (especially shoes), and a direct, no nonsense attitude. KRISTEN JOHNSTON From the NBC web site: Kristen Johnston garnered a 1997 Emmy Award and a second nomination in 1998, as well as nominations for Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild and American Comedy Awards, for her portrayal of Sally Solomon on "3rd Rock from the Sun". Born in Washington, D.C. and raised in Milwaukee, Johnston began acting at age six. While earning her bachelor of fine arts degree at New York University, Johnston appeared in college stage productions. She made her professional stage debut with the Atlantic Theater Company, founded by playwright David Mamet and during her long tenure there she was featured in such productions as "Overruled", "As You Like It", "Portrait of a Woman" and "Rosemary for Remembrance". While living in New York, Johnston found non-stop work in theater, sometimes performing three different plays at three different theaters in a single evening. She received a Drama Desk Award nomination for her portrayal of a bitter, drunken New Yorker in the Lincoln Center production of "The Lights". The show brought her to the attention of a Carsey-Werner executive who recommended her for the role of Sally. She has performed with the Naked Angels Theater Company in "The Stand In" and "Hot Keys", in which she played a serial killer. In addition, she has performed with New York Stage and Film in "Kim's Sister", with David Strathairn and Jane Adams; the Playwright's Horizon in "Baby Anger"; and at Central Park's Delacorte Theater as Sabrina (a role originated by Tallulah Bankhead on Broadway) in Thorton Wilder's "The Skin of Our Teeth". Johnston made her feature film debut in "The Debt", the winner of the Best Short Award at the Cannes Film Festival in 1993. Her additional feature film credits include "Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me" and the upcoming sequel to "The Flintstones", in which she stars as Wilma. One of her extracurricular interests is the well-being of animals. She serves on the board of Companion Animal Placement, an animal rescue organization based in New York, and on the board of the ALS Project, an organization devoted to finding a cure for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. She is actively involved with the Human Rights Campaign, a Washington, D.C.-based group fighting against harassment of gays and lesbians. Johnston currently lives in Los Angeles with her four dogs. Her birthday is September 20. From the Internet Movie Database: Kristen was born on September 20, 1967 in Washington, DC. Filmography Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas, The (2000) .... Wilma Slaghoople Nobody Knows Anything (2000) Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999) (as Kristen Johnson) .... Ivana Humpalot Running with Scissors (1998) "3rd Rock from the Sun" (1996) TV Series .... Sally Solomon ... aka "Life As We Know It" (1996) Christmas in Washington (1996) (TV) .... Herself London Suite (1996) (TV) .... Grace Chapman ... aka Neil Simon's London Suite (1996) (TV) Backfire! (1995) .... Kate Debt, The (1993) .... Alice Kosnick ... aka D¡vida, A (1993) (Portugal) Orkly Kid, The (1985) Notable TV Guest Appearances "Roseanne Show, The" (1998) playing "Herself"(episode # 1.17) 10/6/1998 "Larry Sanders Show, The" (1992) playing "Herself" in episode: "Adolf Hankler" (episode # 6.6) 4/19/1998 "Duckman" (1994) playing "Kathie Lee"(voice) in episode: "My Feral Lady" (episode # 4.20) 6/21/1997 "Five Mrs. Buchanans, The" (1994) playing "Zena, the prostitute" in episode: "Spare the Rod, Spoil the Buchanans" 11/16/1994 "Chicago Hope" (1994) playing "Dr. Wendy Smythe" in episode: "Genevieve and Fat Boy" (episode # 1.6) 11/3/1994 "Chicago Hope" (1994) Other Works TV commercial for Clairol hair care products (1998) ------- 4.03 FRENCH STEWART (Harry Solomon) ------- HARRY SOLOMON "Harry Solomon" doesn't seem to have a particular job in the aliens' mission. He plays Dick's younger brother. Harry has a unique perspective on everything. He can appear very stupid at times, but it is this unique perspective that allows him to make discoveries that the others would never have made. Harry has never kept a job long, but he keeps trying. He has worked at a diner, a video store, a department store, a gay bar, and even politics. He has never had much expected of him from the rest of the team and has a similarly low self-esteem. However, he is a talented artist, an avid observer of television and quite the dancer. Toward the end of the first season we have also found out that Harry has a radio transmitter in his skull through which the Solomons communicate with The Big Giant Head. Harry has an on-again, off-again relationship with Mrs. Dubcek's daughter Vicki, who lives in Florida and occasionally visits. FRENCH STEWART From the NBC web site: "Harry is a broad-based character drawn from silent films, of which I have a huge collection", says French Stewart, whose performance as the oddball alien with the alias of Harry on NBC's "3rd Rock From the Sun" is another in a string of his strange and quirky television roles. Born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Stewart graduated from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. While touring extensively, he received critical acclaim in The Grove Shakespeare Festival's landmark production of "The Comedy of Errors", as well as South Coast Repertory's staging of "Romeo and Juliet" and "Richard II" in San Diego. In 1988, he became a member of the Cast Theater, where he performed for five years in the Los Angeles cult hit "Zombie Attack!" and numerous other stage productions. Stewart received three separate Best Actor awards from "LA Weekly" magazine for his performance in Justin Tanner's productions of "Party Mix", "Happy Xmas", and "Pot Mom". Stewart made his television debut as the outrageous disc jockey on "The New WKRP in Cincinnati". He has also appeared on "The Larry Sanders Show", and NBC's "Just Shoot Me", "Seinfeld", "NewsRadio", and "Caroline in the City". He also had a recurring role on the series "The Boys Are Back". His film credits include "Leaving Las Vegas", "Glory Daze", "McHale's Navy", the hit science-fiction epic "Stargate", and the lead role in the upcoming "Love Stinks". Stewart's voice-over talents can be heard as the character Ikarus in the animated series "Hercules". He has a production deal to create his own animated series for Disney, and he is the national spokesperson for Clamato juice. An activist for HIV/AIDS education, he has toured with the "Secrets" program, which performs for and counsels young people about the realities of HIV. Stewart and his wife, actress Katherine LaNasa, whom he met when she had a guest-starring role on "3rd Rock", live in Los Angeles. His birthday is February 20. From the Internet Movie Database: Milton French Stewart was born on February 20, 1964 in Aluquerque, NM. Filmography "Buzz Lightyear of Star Command" (2000) TV Series (voice) "God, the Devil and Bob" (2000) TV Series .... Bob Allman Murder at the Cannes Film Festival (2000) (TV) Till the End of Time (2000) Love Stinks (1999) .... Seth Cinderelmo (1999) (TV) .... Prince Dick (1999) .... The Interviewer Hercules: Zero to Hero (1999) (V) (voice) .... Icarus "Hercules" (1998) TV Series .... Icarus ... aka "Disney's Hercules" (1998) (USA) McHale's Navy (1997) .... Happy Glory Daze (1996) .... Dennis Broken Arrow (1996) .... I.R. Crewman "3rd Rock from the Sun" (1996) TV Series .... Harry Solomon ... aka "Life As We Know It" (1996) Christmas in Washington (1996) (TV) .... Himself Leaving Las Vegas (1995) .... Businessman 2 Magic Island (1995) .... Supperstein Stargate (1994) .... Lieutenant Feretti "New WKRP in Cincinnati, The" (1991) TV Series .... Razor Dee (1992-1993) Notable TV Guest Appearances "Charmed" (1998) playing "Genie" in episode: "Be Careful What You Witch For" (episode # 2.22) 5/18/2000 "Pajama Party" (2000) playing "Guest"(episode # 1.2) 2/11/2000 "Just Shoot Me" (1997) playing "Steven/Mr. Mayor" in episode: "Puppetmaster" (episode # 3.7) 11/17/1998 "NewsRadio" (1995) playing "office temp worker" in episode: "Mistake" (episode # 3.23) 5/14/1997 "Caroline in the City" (1995) playing "Stu" in episode: "Caroline and the Long Shot" (episode # 2.39) 2/11/1997 "Mad TV" (1995) playing "Host" 1996 "Space: Above and Beyond" (1995) playing "Survivor" in episode: "Farthest Man From Home, The" (episode # 1.2) 10/1/1995 "Mad TV" (1995) playing "Host"(episode # 2.8) "Larry Sanders Show, The" (1992) playing "Intern" in episode: "Would You Do Me a Favor?" (episode # 3.3) 7/6/1994 "Seinfeld" (1990) playing "Manager" in episode: "Opposite, The" (episode # 5.21) 5/19/1994 Other Works: TV commercial for 10-10-220 long distance (1999) Co-Host of the 1st annual TV Guide awards (1999) TV commercial for DiGiorno Frozen Pizza (1998) TV commercial for Clamato juice (199?) ------- 4.04 JOSEPH GORDON-LEVITT (Tommy Solomon) ------- TOMMY SOLOMON The Intelligence Officer/Information Officer is older than Dick, but his human body is that of a teenager, and he plays Dick's son Tommy. Tommy created the cover story of the Solomon Family and the false documentation with which to pull off the scam. Although the first version was only one month back (he had a book report due) and had to be revised. His body has had the most emotional baggage to deal with, but his elder wisdom and maturity has led him to cope admirably. He lacks the understanding of the social rules of his age group (he is posing as a high school student), particularly among males. However his intelligence, sensitivity and blatant lust has attracted an array of teenage girls. His semi-steady girlfriend, August, is a constant source of lust and frustration for him. All he wants to do is figure out what it is that she wants and do it. Tommy has also developed a crush on his Glee Club teacher, Miss Frost, from the moment he heard her sing "Bali Ha'i" solo in class. Tommy is in a rock band called "Whiskey Kitten" along with his two friends from school, Romano and Elman. JOSEPH GORDON-LEVITT From the NBC web site: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who plays Tommy Solomon, a mature alien posing as a human teenager on NBC's "3rd Rock From the Sun", has been acting professionally since the age of six when he played Tommy Lee Jones' son in the television movie "Stranger on My Land". A native of Southern California, Gordon-Levitt has amassed television credits that include guest roles on "That '70s Show" and "China Beach", as well as NBC's "Family Ties", "Quantum Leap", and "L.A. Law", and roles in the TV films "The Great Elephant Escape" and "Switching Parents". He also had a recurring role on "Roseanne" as D.J.'s boring friend, George. Gordon-Levitt was a regular on two other NBC series. He played David Collins on the revival of "Dark Shadows" and the son of a congressman (played by David Hyde Pierce of NBC's "Frasier") on Norman Lear's "The Powers That Be". He made his feature film debut in "A River Runs Through It" playing the young Norman. Gordon-Levitt has since starred in "Roadkillers", "Holy Matrimony", "The Juror", "Halloween: H20", and "10 Things I Hate About You". During his recent summer hiatus, he worked on the upcoming films "Picking up the Pieces", directed by Alfonso Arau ("Like Water for Chocolate") and "Loving Lulu", in which he stars opposite the film's executive producer, Melanie Griffith. He also is providing the voice of Jim Hawkins in the upcoming Disney animated feature "Treasure Planet", a modern version of "Treasure Island". Gordon-Levitt received the Hollywood Reporter Young Star Award as Best Young Actor in a Feature Film for his work in the film "Angels in the Outfield". In addition, he has won two Young Star Awards, Best Performance by a Young Actor in a TV Comedy Series, for his performance on "3rd Rock From the Sun". He made his professional stage debut in June 1997 in the Naked Angels' Los Angeles production of "Gun Play" at the Actors' Gang Theater. Gordon-Levitt lives with his family in his native Southern California. His birthday is February 17. From the Internet Movie Database: Joey was born on February 17, 1981 in Los Angeles, CA. Filmography Treasure Planet (2002) (voice) .... Jim Hawkins Picking Up the Pieces (2000) .... Flaco Forever Lulu (2000) .... Martin 10 Things I Hate About You (1999) .... Cameron James Sweet Jane (1998) .... Tony Halloween H20: Twenty Years Later (1998) .... Jimmy ... aka Halloween 7 (1998) (USA) ... aka Halloween: H20 (1998) (USA: promotional title) ... aka Halloween: H20 (20 Years Later) (1998) (USA: promotional title) Juror, The (1996) .... Oliver Laird "3rd Rock from the Sun" (1996) TV Series .... Tommy Solomon ... aka "Life As We Know It" (1996) Christmas in Washington (1996) (TV) .... Himself Great Elephant Escape, The (1995) (TV) .... Matthew Road Killers, The (1994) .... Rich Angels in the Outfield (1994) .... Roger ... aka Angels (1995) (UK) Holy Matrimony (1994) .... Zeke Gregory K (1993) (TV) .... Gregory Kingsley ... aka Gregory K.: A Place to Be (1993) (TV) (USA) ... aka Switching Parents (1993) (TV) "Roseanne" (1988) TV Series .... George (1993-1995) River Runs Through It, A (1992) .... Young Norman Beethoven (1992) .... Student "Powers That Be, The" (1992) TV Series .... Pierce Van Horne Plymouth (1991) (TV) .... Simon Hi Honey - I'm Dead (1991) (TV) .... Josh Changes (1991) (TV) ... aka Danielle Steel's 'Changes' (1991) (TV) "Dark Shadows" (1991) TV Series .... David Collins/Daniel Collins ... aka "Dark Shadows Revival" (1991) (USA: video box title) Settle the Score (1989) (TV) .... Justin Stranger on My Land (1988) (TV) .... Rounder Notable TV Guest Appearances "Daily Show, The" (1996) 1999 "That '70s Show" (1998) playing "Buddy Morgan" in episode: "Eric's Buddy" (episode # 1.10) 12/6/1998 "Roseanne" (1988) playing "George" in episode: "Several episodes 1993-1995" 3/1/1995 "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman" (1993) in episode: "Secret, The" (episode # 1.15) 5/15/1993 "L.A. Law" (1986) in episode: "Lose the Boss" (episode # 6.7) 12/12/1991 "Quantum Leap" (1989) playing "Kyle" in episode: "Permenent Wave - June 2, 1983" (episode # 4.5) 10/16/1991 "China Beach" (1988) playing "Archie Winslow, age 9" in episode: "Quest" (episode # 4.13) 6/25/1991 "Murder, She Wrote" (1984) playing "Boy #1" in episode: "Shear Madness" (episode # 6.20) 4/29/1990 ------- 4.05 JANE CURTIN (Dr. Mary Albright) ------- DR. MARY ALBRIGHT Dr. Mary Albright is human. She is an anthropology professor who shares Dick Solomon's office at the university. Dr. Mary Albright was quite a flower child in her youth, but has still never seen anything quite like Dr. Solomon. At their first meeting he insulted her work and then later simultaneously apologized and propositioned her. His candor is endearing, but he can be annoying and very hard to be around. She and Nina have worked together for awhile and have a close working relationship as well as a strong friendship. Mary has not had the best luck with men and has many disastrous relationships, but appears (as of yet) to have never been married or had any children. However, she does have a brother, Roy, who sells aluminum siding and is a constant embarrassment to her. She also has a dog named Pepper, a gift from Dick to apologize for killing her fish. Pepper is quite affectionate. Mary comes from a dysfunctional family--her parents bicker constantly and have survived numerous extramarital affairs and counseling sessions. Despite the on-again, off-again status Mary shares with Dick, her parents see a younger version of themselves in the couple. JANE CURTIN From the NBC web site: Two-time Emmy winner Jane Curtin gained national attention when she made her TV debut in 1975 as one of the original members of the Not Ready for Prime Time Players on the hit NBC late-night series "Saturday Night Live". During her five-year run on that show, she received critical acclaim and two Emmy nominations for her creation of an assortment of memorable characters, including the anchor on "Weekend Update" and the mother of the Conehead family. She starred with Susan Saint James for five years on the popular television series "Kate & Allie", twice earning the Emmy Award as Best Lead Actress in a Comedy Series (1984, 1985) for her portrayal of affable divorcee Allie Lowell. Curtin's other television credits include the critically acclaimed miniseries "Common Ground", as well as the television movies "Divorce Wars", with Tom Selleck, and "Maybe Baby", with Dabney Coleman. She also performed in the specials "Bob and Ray & Jane, Laraine and Gilda" and "30 Years of Comedy's Greatest Hits.". Her feature film credits include "ANTZ", "Coneheads", "How to Beat the High Cost of Living", "Suspicion", "Mr. Mike's Mondo Video", and "O.C. and Stiggs". Born and raised in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Curtin studied drama at Northeastern University. She was a member of the improvisational theater group The Proposition for four years before going on a national tour with a number of plays, including the comedy "Last of the Red Hot Lovers". She appeared on Broadway with Joanne Woodward as Prossie in George Bernard Shaw's "Candida", and reprised the role on television. Her other stage credits include the off-Broadway musical revue "Pretzels", which she co-wrote, and several appearances in A.R. Gurney's "Love Letters". Curtin lives in Los Angeles with her husband and their daughter. Curtin's birthday is September 6. From the Internet Movie Database: Jane was born on September 6, 1947 in Cambridge, MA. Filmography Catch a Falling Star (2000) (TV) .... Fran Antz (1998) (voice) .... Muffy "3rd Rock from the Sun" (1996) TV Series .... Mary Albright ... aka "Life As We Know It" (1996) Christmas in Washington (1996) (TV) .... Herself Tad (1995) (TV) .... Mary Todd Lincoln Coneheads (1993) .... Prymaat Don't Try This at Home! (1990) (TV) .... Herself ... aka Penn & Teller: Don't Try This at Home (1990) (TV) "Working It Out" (1990) TV Series .... Sarah Marshall Common Ground (1990) (TV) .... Alice McGoff Maybe Baby (1988/I) (TV) .... Julia Gilbert Suspicion (1987) (TV) .... Lina McLaidlaw O.C. & Stiggs (1985) .... Elinore Schwab "Kate & Allie" (1984) TV Series .... Allison "Allie" Lowell-Barskey Coneheads, The (1983) (TV) (voice) .... Primat Divorce Wars: A Love Story (1982) (TV) .... Vickey Sturgess How to Beat the High Co$t of Living (1980) .... Elaine Bob & Ray, Jane, Laraine & Gilda (1979) Mr. Mike's Mondo Video (1979) .... Herself "Saturday Night Live" (1975) TV Series .... Herself (1975-1980) ... aka "NBC's Saturday Night" (1975) ... aka "SNL" (1975) ... aka "Saturday Night" (1975) Notable TV Guest Appearances "Recess" (1997) playing "Mrs. Clemperer"(voice) in episode: "Wild Child" 1998 "Love Boat, The" (1977) in episode: "Romance Roulette" 1977 ------- 4.06 SIMBI KHALI (Nina) ------- NINA CAMPBELL Nina is the opinionated and smart secretary at the university for Dr. Albright (mostly) and Dr. Solomon. Nina is a side character, and as such, we have not found out much about her as of yet. There does seem to be a strong loyalty to Dr. Albright. When Dr. Albright was to leave the office, it was unquestioned, Nina went with her and was not expected to work with Dr. Solomon anymore. Nina seems to have known and worked with Dr. Albright before. They often eat lunch together and go to outside activities like the Women's discussion group. SIMBI KHALI From the NBC web site: Simbi Khali plays Nina Campbell, the assistant, and often referee for college professors Mmary Albright (Jane Curtin) and Dick Solomon (John Lithgow). The youngest of seven children, Khali was born in Jackson, Mississippi, and raised in Chicago. She attended the Duke Ellington School of Arts High School and then continued her education at the California Institute of Arts, where she graduated with a bachelor of fine arts degree. Her television credits include guest-starring roles on the series "Martin" and "Sinbad". In addition, she was a regular on "She TV", a series from both the "3rd Rock" executive producers Bonnie and Terry Turner and the Carsey-Werner Company. She is most proud of her Michael Jackson impersonation on the show. Among her feature film credits are roles opposite Eddie Murphy and Angela Bassett in "A Vampire in Brooklyn", directed by Wes Craven, and in AA Thin Line Between Love and Hate", directed by and starring Martin Lawrence. Her stage credits include performances in regional productions of "For Colored Girls ... , The Colored Museum", "A Midsummer Night's Dream", and "Troilus and Cressida". Khali recently completed two screenplays, a coming-of-age story entitled "Sanctuary" and "Wallflower", a comedy. When she isn't working, Khali is an active volunteer with College Summit, a national organization that holds workshops across the country to aid at-risk and inner-city youths with their college entrance essays. Khali lives in Los Angeles, where in her spare time she enjoys camping, fishing, writing, and collecting folk art and dolls. Her birthday is April 28. From the Internet Movie Database: Simbi was born on April 28, 1971 in Jackson, MS. Filmography Plump Fiction (1997) .... Sister Sledge Thin Line Between Love and Hate, A (1996) .... Adrienne "3rd Rock from the Sun" (1996) TV Series .... Nina Campbell ... aka "Life As We Know It" (1996) Vampire in Brooklyn (1995) .... Nikki "She TV" (1994) TV Series .... Skit Characters Writer Filmography Sanctuary (1999) Notable TV Guest Appearances "Sinbad Show, The" (1993) playing "Carmen" in episode: "Girls Unda Hoodz" (episode # 1.22) 4/21/1994 "Martin" (1992) ------- 4.07 ELMARIE WENDEL (Mamie Dubcek) ------- MAMIE DUBCEK Mrs. Dubcek is the divorced/widowed landlord for the Solomons. She has had a colorful past (which she seems to enjoy sharing stories about) and gives the Solomons occasional advice and information about humans. She is of Slavic heritage, has had at least 3 husbands, and has buried at least one of them. Mamie has at least two children: An unmarried daughter Vicki, who has an attraction for Harry, and a married son, who has blessed her with a toddler grandson who can wrap most any adult around his little finger. Mamie also has a granddaughter, around 6 years old, named Melanie. ELMARIE WENDEL From the NBC web site: Elmarie Wendel, who plays Mrs. ("Mamie") Dubcek, the colorful landlady on NBC's "3rd Rock From the Sun", was born on a farm in Iowa but didn't stay there for long. She spent her childhood traveling throughout the Midwest with her musician father and two sisters. Their family act featured Elmarie and her sisters dancing in theater, concert and state fair venues while their parents headed up the orchestra. Wendel received a bachelor of arts degree in theater from the University of Oregon and planned to make a career in serious drama. She joined a touring theatrical company immediately upon graduation with the goal of performing in New York. She worked in regional theater across the country and performed as a lead singer with jazz bands until she made it to New York. She made her debut on Broadway in the hit musical "Little Mary Sunshine". Her extensive Broadway credits include productions of "Wonderful Town", "Copper & Brass", and "Cole Porter Revisited". After she became a mother, she decided to join a touring company of "Annie", which took her to California where she preferred to raise her daughter. Wendel and her daughter, J.C., have a "close working and sometimes living relationship". Mother and daughter live within minutes of each other, and when J.C. was a series regular, playing Mia on "Dave's World", the series was filmed a few soundstages away from "3rd Rock". Wendel has had guest-starring roles on such series as NBC's "Seinfeld" and "Caroline in the City", as well as "Murphy Brown", "Murder, She Wrote", and "Love and War". Her television-film credits include the cable movies "And the Band Played On", "She Said No", and "Far from Home". Wendel is proud that her professional career has crisscrossed the paths of many performers and performance types. "I've danced with Jimmy Durante, Mickey Rooney and Harold Lang, and sung with Dom Deluise, John McMartin, Kaye Ballard, and Greg Louganis", she says. "I've split the bill with Kenny Rogers, Sammy Davis Jr., Manhattan Transfer, Tom Jones, and even trained chimpanzees". She has been honored with an Obie Award, a Clio Award, a Dramalogue Award and as the Outstanding Performer of the Year/Las Vegas. She recently has taken her cabaret act, "Elmarie Live!", to San Francisco and London, with more dates in other cities to be announced as her "3rd Rock" schedule permits. From the Internet Movie Database: Filmography "3rd Rock from the Sun" (1996) TV Series .... Mamie Dubcek ... aka "Life As We Know It" (1996) Rumpelstiltskin (1996) .... Gypsy Woman Immortalizer, The (1991) (V) .... Agnes Going Under (1990) .... Sonar She Said No (1990) (TV) Notable TV Guest Appearances "Weird Science" (1994) playing "Mrs. Wilder" in episode: "She's Alive" 3/5/1994 "Murder, She Wrote" (1984) playing "Nurse Receptionist" in episode: "Petrified Florist, The" (episode # 9.15) 2/21/1993 "Seinfeld" (1990) playing "Helene" in episode: "Trip, The: Part 2" (episode # 4.2) 8/19/1992 "Seinfeld" (1990) playing "Helene" in episode: "Trip, The: Part 1" (episode # 4.1) 8/12/1992 "Murphy Brown" (1988) playing "Mrs. Beale" in episode: "Everytime it Rains ... You Get Wet" (episode # 3.21) 3/18/1991 ------- 4.08 WAYNE KNIGHT (Officer Don Leslie Orville) ------- OFFICER DON LESLIE ORVILLE Officer Don is a melodramatic man who works for the Rutherford Police Department. His main career goal is to "make detective some day", and his fondest personal wish is to have Sally some day. Sally and Don share a strange relationship full of sexual innuendo and implied passion, which sometimes leads Don into embarrassing situations. Don is genuinely fond of Sally's family, and has become friends with Mary, Nina, and Mrs. Dubcek through the Solomons. Nothing is known so far about his family. Don is single. WAYNE KNIGHT From the NBC web site: (http://www.nbc.com/thirdrock/knight.html) Before he began playing a police officer who befriends a family of aliens on NBC's "3rd Rock From the Sun", Wayne Knight was well-known to television audiences as the neurotic postal worker Newman on "Seinfeld". Knight has also had numerous memorable feature film roles including the overwrought cop in "Basic Instinct", a primeval prime course in "Jurassic Park", and a star-struck publicist in "Space Jam". He also appeared in "JFK", "Dead Again", and "Born on the Fourth of July". Knight, an only child, was born in New York City and moved with his family to rural Cartersville, Georgia, where his parents were reassigned to work in the women's apparel industry ("It was always hard to tell my friends that my dad was in ladies' underwear"). He attended the University of Georgia and performed in regional theater during his summers until he left school to work in the Barter Theater in Abingdon, Virginia. After obtaining his Actor's Equity card, he drove to New York and soon was cast in the long-running Broadway hit "Gemini", where he stayed for three years. In 1983 he accepted an offer to appear regularly in "Assaulted Nuts", a television sketch comedy series for Britain's Channel Four. When he returned to New York, he found additional stage work, starring on Broadway in 1989 in Larry Gelbart's "Mastergate" and in "One of the Guys", directed by Arthur Penn at the Public Theater. During this time Knight juggled two jobs; he became a part-time private investigator for five years, allowing him the flexible work schedule he needed to continue acting and auditioning. "I did not carry a gun", says Knight, "but they hired a lot of actors because they figured we had no scruples. I did the boring phone work, surveillance and an occasional bust-in or spying on a spouse. I eventually got fired because I was getting too much acting work.' In 1990 Knight caught a big break while crossing Fifth Avenue in New York when actor Jack Weston recognized him and suggested that he replace him in "Measure for Measure" at the Lincoln Center. After that role, more luck came his way as a result of his friendship with Oscar winner Emma Thompson, a fellow actor on "Assaulted Nuts". Knight was cast by Kenneth Branagh in the feature "Dead Again", a role which kick-started his spate of high-profile credits in the 1990s. His other features include "Dirty Dancing", "V.I. Warshawski", "Ishtar", and "The Wanderers". He is the voice of Tantor the elephant in the animated feature film "Tarzan" and the evil toy collector in "Toy Story II". On television Knight provides the voice of the evil emperor in the Disney animated series "Buzz Light Year of Stark Man". Knight also was a regular on the series "The Edge" and "The Second Half", and he had a recurring role on "Against the Grain". This past summer he starred on Broadway in "Art". Knight and his wife live in Los Angeles. His birthday is August 7. From the Internet Movie Database: Wayne was born on August 7, 1955 in Cartersville, GA. Filmography "Buzz Lightyear of Star Command" (2000) TV Series (voice) .... Emperor Zurg Toy Story 2 (1999) (voice) .... Al McWhiggin Tarzan (1999) (voice) .... Tantor My Favorite Martian (1999) (voice) .... Zoot the Suit ... aka My Favourite Martian (1999) (Australia) Brave Little Toaster Goes to Mars, The (1998) (V) (voice) .... Microwave "Toonsylvania" (1998) TV Series (voice) .... Igor ... aka "Steven Spielberg Presents Toonsylvania" (1998) Hercules (1997) (voice) .... Demetrius the Pot Maker For Richer or Poorer (1997) .... Bob Lachman Space Jam (1996) .... Stan Podolak "3rd Rock from the Sun" (1996) TV Series .... Don Leslie Orville ... aka "Life As We Know It" (1996) To Die for (1995) .... Ed Grant Chameleon (1995) .... Stuart Langston "Second Half, The" (1993) TV Series .... Robert Piccolo Jurassic Park (1993) .... Dennis Nedry ... aka JP (1993) (USA: promotional abbreviation) "Fallen Angels" (1993) TV Series .... Leo Cunningham (Dead-End for Delia) T Bone N Weasel (1992) (TV) .... Roy Kramp "Edge, The" (1992) TV Series .... Various Basic Instinct (1992) .... John Correli Double Edge (1992/I) (TV) .... Tommy White Dead Again (1991) .... 'Piccolo' Pete Dugan JFK (1991) .... Numa Bertel V.I. Warshawski (1991) .... Ernie Smeissen "Seinfeld" (1990) TV Series .... Newman Born on the Fourth of July (1989) .... Official Everybody's All-American (1988) .... Fraternity Pisser ... aka When I Fall in Love (1988) Dirty Dancing (1987) .... Stan Forever, Lulu (1987) .... Stevie ... aka Crazy Streets (1987) "Assaulted Nuts" (1985) TV Series Double Negative (1985) Sex O'Clock News, The (1984) Wanderers, The (1979) (uncredited) .... Gang Member Notable TV Guest Appearances "Dilbert" (1999) playing "Path-E-Tech Secuirty Guard" in episode: "Bet, The" "Mathnet" (1987) playing "Peter Pickwick" in episode: "Case of the Parking Meter Massacre, The" (episode # 3.3) 1990 Other Works TV commercial for Coors Light beer (1997) TV commercials for 1-800-COLLECT long distance (1996) TV commercial for Frosted Cheerios cereal (1996) TV commercial for Relenza (1999) TV commercial for Relenza/GlaxoWelcome (1999) ------- 4.09 LARISA OLEYNIK (Alissa Strudwick) ------- ALISSA STRUDWICK Alissa is Tommy's girlfriend. They met when Alissa was assigned to be Tommy's lab partner in Biology class. Tommy fell head over heels for her and they have been together since. Alissa provides a sense of normalcy and "humanness" in the otherwise wacky and unpredictable world of the Solomon clan. LARISA OLEYNIK From the NBC web site: (http://www.nbc.com/thirdrock/oleynik.html) Switching from a young girl with super powers to the high school girlfriend of an alien might be an odd change for some, but Larisa Oleynik is taking it in stride. Best known as the title character of Nickelodeon's hit series "The Secret Life of Alex Mack", about a girl who gained extraordinary powers from a chemical spill, Oleynik has recently joined the cast of aliens on NBC's "3rd Rock from the Sun" in the role of Tommy's (series star Joseph Gordon-Levitt) girlfriend, Alissa. Oleynik explains that she is slowly discovering who Alissa is. "I'm still just figuring out what she's about. With each week's script, I learn a little more about her". Born and raised in the suburbs of San Francisco, Oleynik, an only child, began acting at the early age of eight years old when she won the part of the young Cossette in a San Francisco production of "Les Miserable". She continued working in theatre and television and eventually earned the lead role in "Alex Mack". In addition to the series, Oleynik also starred in the 1995 feature "The Baby-Sitters Club" and supplied the voice of Odette in the animated film "The Swan Princess". On television, Oleynik has made guest appearances on "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman" and "Boy Meets World", and she starred in the network movie "River of Rage". Although she had planned to take some time off and enjoy her final years of high school, Oleynik is keeping busy. She recently starred in the feature "Ten Things I Hate About You", a modern version of the Shakespeare classic "Taming of the Shrew". Her "3rd Rock" co-star, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, also stared opposite her in the film. Oleynik currently resides with her family in a suburb of San Francisco. She serves as a youth ambassador for the National Center of Tobacco-Free Kids. Her birthday is June 7. From the Internet Movie Database: Larisa was born on June 7, 1981 near San Francisco, CA. Filmography 100 Girls (2000) .... Wendy, The Girl Next Door Time for Dancing, A (2000) 10 Things I Hate About You (1999) .... Bianca Stratford "3rd Rock from the Sun" (1996) TV Series .... Alissa Strudwick (1998-) ... aka "Life As We Know It" (1996) "Boy Meets World" (1993) TV Series .... Dana (1996-1998) Baby-Sitters Club, The (1995) .... Dawn Schafer "Secret World of Alex Mack, The" (1994) TV Series .... Alexandra "Alex" Mack River of Rage: The Taking of Maggie Keene (1993) (TV) .... Gail ... aka Murder on the Rio Grande (1993) (TV) Notable TV Guest Appearances "3rd Rock from the Sun" (1996) playing "Alissa Strudwick" in episode: "Dick vs. Strudwick" (episode # 4.94) 5/11/1999 "3rd Rock from the Sun" (1996) playing "Alissa" in episode: "Indecent Dick" (episode # 4.8) 12/8/1998 "Boy Meets World" (1993) playing "Dana" in episode: "First Girlfriends' Club" (episode # 5.15) 2/13/1998 "Boy Meets World" (1993) playing "Dana" in episode: "Stormy Weather" (episode # 3.16) 2/9/1996 "Boy Meets World" (1993) playing "Dana" in episode: "Heart is a Lonely Hunter, The" (episode # 3.15) 2/2/1996 "All That" (1995) playing "Alex Sax" "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman" (1993) playing "Susie" in episode: "Heroes" (episode # 1.13) 5/1/1993 "Adventures of Pete & Pete, The" (1993) in episode: "Dance Fever" Other Works In 1989, at the age of 8, she played the part of Cosette in the San Francisco Production of "Les Miserables." ------- 4.10 IAN LITHGOW (Leon) ------- LEON Leon is a painfully shy student of Dr. Solomon. Leon is often wrong, but underestimated by both himself and Dr. Solomon. It is a favorite pastime of Dr. Solomon's to pick on him. Also, he and Sally almost had to repopulate the earth during a snowstorm and blackout (in Frozen Dick). IAN LITHGOW Ian is the son of John Lithgow from a previous marriage. Kristi reports that Ian attended Harvard University and was active in theatre there, and that he was a production assistant in the movie "Love, Cheat, And Steal". Kristi also reported the following: Catherine Burns (COM '91) directed A Pound of Flesh, a black comedy that was screened at the Coolidge Corner Theater on December 8, 1994. The film marks the feature debut of the production team of Ms. Burns and Karl Williams (COM '91), as well as the film debut of Ian Lithgow, son of actor John Lithgow. Shot in 18 days with a final budget of only $45,000, the film tells the story of a young couple who accidentally stumble upon an illegal organ donor ring, and, subsequently, are pursued by a well-mannered serial killer who wants to impose order on the world. The following is a look at films scheduled to screen tonight in the second installment of USC's Spring 1998 First Look Film Festival: "Interrogation," written and directed by John Colorado and with support from Marcia Lucas, is easily the most kinetic and visual of all the films in this semester's First Look -- but to what end? Probing the fast-lane lifestyles of up-and-coming yuppie movers and shakers, "Interrogation" imagines an icy, barren interrogation chamber as the limbo encountered by its self-absorbed protagonist (Ian Lithgow) on his sudden journey from this world to the next. Through flashbacks, we see how the man got there, and the stylized process photography that allows superimposition and animation to seamlessly dissolve into one another is the greatest strength of "Interrogation." It provides a psychedelic mindscreen of sorts for our hero, but in the long interview scenes, as Lithgow is questioned by an unidentified arbiter, the tension sags and a sense of aimlessness sets in. From the Internet Movie Database: Filmography Far From Bismarck (1999) .... Wallace "3rd Rock from the Sun" (1996) TV Series .... Leon ... aka "Life As We Know It" (1996) Pound of Flesh, A (1993) ------- 4.11 DAVID DeLUISE (Bug Polone) ------- BUG POLONE Bug is one of 4 perpetual Rutherford students who always end up in Dick's classes (along with Leon, Pitman, and Caryn). Bug is only a nickname, stemming from a childhood incident involving a Volkswagon (he was hit by one). Bug's real first name has yet to be revealed. Bug's parents are divorced--his father is a heavy-set gangster type, and his mother is an active divorcee who once slept with Dick. Bug has at least 2 brothers who work as bodyguards for their father. DAVID DeLUISE From the Internet Movie Database: David is the son of Dom DeLuise, and has at least two brothers, Peter and Michael. He and his wife Bridgett have two daughters, Reiley and Dylan. His birthday is November 11. Filmography Terror Tract (2000) .... Allen Doyle "Roughnecks: The Starship Troopers Chronicles" (1999) TV Series .... Sgt. Francis Brutto ... aka "Starship Troopers: The Series" (1999) (UK) Dirt Merchant (1999) ... aka Dirt Merchant: Alternative Investigator (1999) (USA) "Jesse" (1998) TV Series .... Darren Warner (1998-1999) Godson, The (1998) .... Gaffer Hairshirt (1998) .... Peter Angelo ... aka Too Smooth (1998) (USA) Between the Sheets (1998) "3rd Rock from the Sun" (1996) TV Series .... Bug Pollone ... aka "Life As We Know It" (1996) Where Truth Lies (1996) .... Policeman #1 Dracula: Dead and Loving It (1995) .... Intern Kicking and Screaming (1995) .... Bouncer Silenzio dei prosciutti, Il (1994) .... Policeman 1 ... aka Silence of the Hams, The (1994) (USA) Liars' Club, The (1993) .... Joey Matthews Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993) .... Villager Seeds of Tragedy (1991) (TV) .... Customer Happy (1983) (TV) .... Rogie Hot Stuff (1979) .... Ernie's Kid David Notable TV Guest Appearances "Zoe, Duncan, Jack & Jane" (1999) playing "Todd Lambert" in episode: "Feud, The" (episode # 2.5) 4/9/2000 "G vs E" (1999) playing "Roland" in episode: "To Be or Not to be Evil" (episode # 1.7) 8/29/1999 "Single Guy, The" (1995) in episode: "Grandfather Clause" (episode # 2.18) 3/26/1997 "Home Improvement" (1991) playing "Dennis Turner" in episode: "Communication Breakdown" (episode # 6.19) 3/11/1997 "Ellen" (1994) playing "Hat-Robber" in episode: "Guns 'N Ellen" (episode # 2.17) 2/15/1995 "SeaQuest DSV" (1993) playing "Manager of "Buddy's"" in episode: "Vapors" (episode # 2.5) 10/9/1994 "Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman" (1993) playing "Toaster #2" in episode: "I've Got A Crush On You" (episode # 1.6) 10/24/1993 "Saved by the Bell: The College Years" (1993) playing "Tony" in episode: "Poker Game, The" (episode # 1.6) 10/12/1993 "Hunter" (1984) playing "Randy Morton" in episode: "All That Glitters" (episode # 7.19) 3/8/1991 "21 Jump Street" (1987) playing "Stevenson" in episode: "Number One with a Bullet" (episode # 5.10) 12/22/1990 ------- 4.12 CHRIS HOGAN (Aubrey Pitman) ------- AUBREY PITMAN Pitman is one of Dick's perpetual students. He is not the brightest student in the class, as a "D" usually makes him happy. Pitman's trademarks are his gawdy glasses and the bandana he always wears around his head. Pitman is responsible for teaching Dick how to smoke. CHRIS HOGAN From the Internet Movie Database: Filmography On Edge (2000) .... Prof. Robinson Edtv (1999) .... Paul ... aka Ed TV (1999) (USA: poster title) "From the Earth to the Moon" (1998) (mini) TV Series .... Don Eyles Since You've Been Gone (1998) (TV) .... Elliot DiAngelo Touch (1997/I) .... Scruffy Staff Worker "Mad TV" (1995) TV Series .... Himself (1997-1999) Encino Woman (1996) (TV) .... Roger ... aka California Woman (1996) (TV) "3rd Rock from the Sun" (1996) TV Series .... Aubrey Pitman ... aka "Life As We Know It" (1996) Don't Look Back (1996) (TV) .... Duff "If Not for You" (1995) TV Series .... Lance Notable TV Guest Appearance "West Wing, The" (1999) in episode: "20 Hours In L.A." (episode # 1.16) 2/23/2000 "That '70s Show" (1998) playing "Therapist #2" in episode: "That Wrestling Show" (episode # 1.14) 2/7/1999 ------- 4.13 DANIELLE NICOLET (Caryn) ------- CARYN Caryn is one of the 4 "classmates" at Rutherford. Caryn is very petite, and pretty in a natural way. Caryn is a champion of human rights who stands up for her beliefs. Racial equality and environmental preservation are also important to Caryn. Of the 4 classmates, Caryn is the only one who ever shows any indication of intelligence. DANIELLE NICOLET From the Internet Movie Database: Danielle was born on November 24, 1975. Filmography Shadow of Doubt (1998) .... Cheryl ... aka Reasonable Doubt (1998) Melting Pot (1997) .... Duandranice ... aka Race (1997) "3rd Rock from the Sun" (1996) TV Series .... Caryn ... aka "Life As We Know It" (1996) Fall Into Darkness (1996) (TV) .... Tracey Prince, The (1996) .... High Class Hooker Where Truth Lies (1996) .... Lisa Loaded Weapon 1 (1993) .... Debbie Luger ... aka National Lampoon's Loaded Weapon 1 (1993) Jacksons: An American Dream, The (1992) (TV) .... Verla "Almost There!" (1988) TV Series .... Lisa Bartholomew #1 (1990) Notable TV Guest Appearances "Undressed" (1999) playing "Cory" in episode: "Surprize, Surprize - part 3" (episode # 2.17) 3/15/2000 "Undressed" (1999) playing "Cory" in episode: "Surprize, Surprize - part 2" (episode # 2.16) 3/14/2000 "Undressed" (1999) playing "Cory" in episode: "Surprize, Surprize" (episode # 2.15) 3/13/2000 "Grown Ups" (1999) playing "Veronica Richmond" in episode: "Bachelor Action" (episode # 1.5) 9/20/1999 "Moesha" (1996) playing "Melanie Trottman" in episode: "Ohmigod Fanatic" 2/1999 "Brimstone" (1998) playing "Madeline Fuller" in episode: "Slayer" (episode # 1.7) 12/11/1998 "In the House" (1995) in episode: "Mr. Hill Goes to New York" (episode # 4.21) 3/31/1998 "Diagnosis Murder" (1993) playing "Sara Gilbey" in episode: "Murder By the Busload" 7/11/1996 "Family Matters" (1989) playing "Vonda Mahoney" in episode: "Love God, The" (episode # 3.10) 11/22/1991 "Family Matters" (1989) playing "Vonda Mahoney" in episode: "Food, Lies and Videotape" "Family Matters" (1989) playing "Vonda Mahoney" in episode: "Officer and a Waldo, An" ------- 4.14 SHAY ASTAR (August Loeffler) ------- AUGUST LOEFFLER August is Tommy's girlfriend. August met Tommy at the make-up counter at the mall in "Lonely Dick". August is forceful, opinionated, liberated and a very frustrating mystery for Tommy. She respects and is a little in awe of Tommy's intelligence, but knows that his hormones let her call the shots. August knows what she wants and will let Tommy know as it suits her, however, her attempts at control do not always work out as she had planned. The only thing known about her immediate family is that her father is a heart surgeon. SHAY ASTAR From the Internet Movie Database: Shay was born on September 29, 1981. Filmography Deal of a Lifetime (1999) .... Peggy Doozer Nome Prince and the Magic Belt, The (1996) (V) (voice) .... Andrea Toto Lost in New York (1996) (V) (voice) (uncredited) .... Andrea Virtual Oz (1996) (V) (voice) .... Andrea "3rd Rock from the Sun" (1996) TV Series .... August Leffler ... aka "Life As We Know It" (1996) "Oz Kids, The" (1996) TV Series (voice) .... Andrea ... aka "Little Wizard Stories" (1996) Christmas in Oz (1996) (V) (voice) .... Andrea Seduced by Madness (1996) (TV) .... Girl #2 ... aka Seduced by Madness: The Diane Borchardt Story (1996) (TV) Who Stole Santa? (1996) (V) (voice) .... Andrea "Good Life, The" (1994) TV Series .... Melissa Bowman Rio Shannon (1993) (TV) Ernest Scared Stupid (1991) .... Elizabeth Samantha (1991) .... Young Samantha Notable TV Guest Appearances "ER" (1994) playing "Amy Thompson" in episode: "What Life?" (episode # 2.4) 10/12/1995 "Boy Meets World" (1993) playing "Mindy" in episode: "Wrong Side of the Tracks" (episode # 2.19) 2/24/1995 "Boy Meets World" (1993) playing "Paula" in episode: "I Am Not a Crook" (episode # 2.14) 1/13/1995 "Quantum Leap" (1989) playing "Mary Elroy" in episode: "Tale Of Two Sweeties, A - February 25, 1958" (episode # 5.12) 1/5/1993 "Star Trek: The Next Generation" (1987) playing "Isabella" in episode: "Imaginary Friend" (episode # 5.22) 5/2/1992 "Designing Women" (1986) playing "Tiffany" in episode: "I Enjoy Being a Girl" (episode # 6.20) 3/9/1992 "China Beach" (1988) playing "Karen, age 8" in episode: "Quest" (episode # 4.13) 6/25/1991 "China Beach" (1988) playing "Karen, age 8" in episode: "100 Klicks Out" (episode # 4.11) 6/11/1991 ------- 4.15 ILEEN GETZ (Dr. Judith Draper) ------- DR. JUDITH DRAPER Judith is a stoic, highly intelligent, no-nonsense employee of Rutherford. She is active in a womens' group and chairs the Disciplinary Committee at Pendelton. Dick is somewhat afraid of her, and almost had to share an office with her. Judith has a brother Roger, who is her personal assistant. Judith once sent Mary flowers after the wrong assumption that Mary was a lesbian, but she also "made out" with Officer Don on the couch at his Super Bowl party. ILEEN GETZ From the Internet Movie Database: Filmography Celebrity (1998) .... Reunion Announcer "3rd Rock from the Sun" (1996) TV Series .... Judith Draper ... aka "Life As We Know It" (1996) Prosecutors, The (1996) (TV) .... Female ADA #2 Notable TV Guest Appearances "Chicago Hope" (1994) playing "Mrs. Bridges" in episode: "Verdicts" (episode # 3.13) 1/13/1997 "NYPD Blue" (1993) playing "Homeless Woman" in episode: "Yes Sir, That's my Baby" (episode # 4.6) 11/26/1996 "NYPD Blue" (1993) playing "Homeless Lady" in episode: "Yes Sir, That's my Baby" (episode # 4.6) 11/26/1996 "Seinfeld" (1990) playing "Organizer" in episode: "Sponge, The" (episode # 7.9) 12/7/1995 "Cybill" (1995) playing "Hairdresser" in episode: "They Shoot Turkeys, Don't They?" (episode # 2.8) 11/19/1995 "Caroline in the City" (1995) playing "Mrs. Banks" in episode: "Caroline and the ATM" (episode # 1.5) 10/19/1995 "Law & Order" (1990) in episode: "Act of God" (episode # 5.17) 3/22/1995 ------- 4.16 RON WEST (Dr. Vincent Strudwick) ------- DR. VINCENT STRUDWICK Strudwick is one of Dick's fellow professors at Pendelton, although perhaps "fellow" is not the quite the right word. To be blunt, Dick hates Strudwick with a passion, and judging by the way the two of them go at it, the feeling is completely mutual. Dick is jealous (imagine that!) of Strudwick's success (his latest Physics book was received very well by the academic community) and things have just escalated from there. Oh by the way, Strudwick is also Alissa's (Tommy's girlfriend's) father. RON WEST From the Internet Movie Database: Filmography Sour Grapes (1998) .... Dr. Ismer "3rd Rock from the Sun" (1996) TV Series .... Dr. Vincent Strudwick ... aka "Life As We Know It" (1996) Babe, The (1992) .... Spectator Backdraft (1991) .... Alan Seagrave Good Night, Sweet Wife: A Murder in Boston (1990) (TV) .... Dermot Kid Who Loved Christmas, The (1990) (TV) .... Derelict "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" (1988) TV Series .... Himself (1989-1990, 1992) Producer Filmography "Kwik Witz" (1996) TV Series ... aka "Quick Witz" (1997) (USA: new title) Notable TV Guest Appearances "3rd Rock from the Sun" (1996) playing "Dr. Vincent Strudwick" in episode: "Dick Behaving Badly" (episode # 2.19) 3/23/1997 "Seinfeld" (1990) playing "Dr. Strugatz" in episode: "Shower Head, The" (episode # 7.15) 2/15/1996 ------- 4.17 JAN HOOKS (Vicki Dubcek) ------- VICKI DUBCEK Vicki started out as the white-trash daughter of the Solomons' landlady, Mrs. Dubcek. She ended up the Queen of the Universe, quite literally. In between was an on-again, off-again relationship between she and Harry. There is still a possibility that the two of them will get back together sometime in the future, but it seems unlikely since Vicki had the Big Giant Head's child. JAN HOOKS Jan is one of many former "Saturday Night Live" players who has appeared on "3rd Rock From the Sun", joining Phil Hartman, Al Franken, Laraine Newman, Ana Gasteyer, Julia Sweeney, Kevin Nealon, and of course Jane Curtin. Jan's previous TV experience includes a starring role on the CBS series "Designing Women". From the Internet Movie Database: Jan was born on April 23, 1957 in Decatur, GA. Filmography Saturday Night Live: 25th Anniversary (1999) (TV) .... Herself Saturday Night Live: The Best of Phil Hartman (1998) (TV) .... Herself Simon Birch (1998) .... Miss Leavey ... aka Angels and Armadillos (1998) "3rd Rock from the Sun" (1996) TV Series .... Vicki Dubcek ... aka "Life As We Know It" (1996) "Martin Short Show, The" (1994) TV Series .... Meg Harper Short Dangerous Woman, A (1993) .... Make-up Girl Coneheads (1993) .... Gladys Johnson Frosty Returns (1993) (TV) (voice) .... Lil Batman Returns (1992) .... Jen "Designing Women" (1986) TV Series .... Carlene Frazier Dobber (1991-1993) Wildcats (1986) .... Stephanie ... aka First and Goal (1986) Funland (1986) "Saturday Night Live" (1975) TV Series .... Herself (1986-1991) ... aka "NBC's Saturday Night" (1975) ... aka "SNL" (1975) ... aka "Saturday Night" (1975) Joe Piscopo Video, The (1985) (V) Pee-wee's Big Adventure (1985) .... Tina "1/2 Hour Comedy Hour, The" (1983) TV Series .... Regular "Bill Tush Show, The" (1980) TV Series .... Various Characters Notable TV Guest Appearances "Simpsons, The" (1989) playing "Manjula Nahasapeemapetilon"(voice) in episode: "Take My Wife Sleaze" (episode # 11.8) 11/28/1999 "Simpsons, The" (1989) playing "Manjula Nahasapeemapetilon"(voice) in episode: "Eight Misbehavin'" (episode # 11.7) 11/21/1999 "Simpsons, The" (1989) playing "Manjula Nahasapeemapetilon"(voice) in episode: "I'm With Cupid" (episode # 10.13) 2/14/1999 "Simpsons, The" (1989) playing "Manjula Nahasapeemapetilon"(voice) in episode: "Two Mrs. Nahasapeemapetilons, The" (episode # 9.7) 11/16/1997 "Hiller and Diller" (1997) playing "herself" 10/21/1997 "3rd Rock from the Sun" (1996) playing "Vicki - Dubcek's daughter" in episode: "Gobble, Gobble, Dick, Dick" (episode # 2.10) 11/24/1996 Other Works TV commercial for Nike Zoom Air sneakers ("Support Group") (1997) TV commercials for Nike Zoom Air sneakers (1997) ------- 4.18 OTHER CHARACTERS/ACTORS ------- For brevity, only character descriptions are being included. For actors' filmographies, look them up at the Internet Movie Database (http://us.imdb.com/search.html). RICO (Chad Einbinder) Rico is Officer Don's right-hand man down at the police station. He is friendly and has shown a fondness for both Don and Sally. He's committed to his job as well; he arrested Dick when Dick tried to offer him a "tip". THE BIG GIANT HEAD (William Shatner) The Big Giant Head finally made an appearance at the end of the fourth season, as he voyaged to Earth to check up on the mission. Once here, he took human form and went by the name Stone Phillips. The BGH is a rambunctious fellow who likes to drink and have sex. He doesn't like Mary, but he does like Vicki...well, enough to father her child. DR. HOWARD (Richard McGonagle) Dr. Howard is the Solomons family doctor. His role on the show has been small, but he has appeared in at least one episode every season, and usually has some funny lines to deliver. COACH STRICKLAND (Michael Milhoan) Coach Strickland is the gym teacher and resident sex education expert at Tommy's school. He isn't very bright, and he tends to get rather animated, but he still comes off as a likable character. He has not appeared on the show since the end of the third season. MRS. SUMNER (Jennifer Rhodes) Mrs. Sumner is the wife of the Dean. She appeared in several first and second season episodes, but has not appeared since. She is usually the object of ridicule and humiliation, whether it be at the hands of Dick, Harry, or Dr. Hanlin. DR. SUTOR (Harry Morgan) Dr. Sutor is one of the more veteran professors on the Pendelton faculty. He is sometimes annoyed by Dick, but at other times has been rather supportive. He has not appeared on the show since the end of the second season FATHER RICE (Bruce Morrow) Father Rice was the school chaplain at Pendelton, and was usually seen with either Judith or Dr. Sutor in some of the first season episodes. The actor who played him, Bruce Morrow, died of cancer in 1996. MISS FROST (Brenda Strong) Miss Frost was Tommy's glee club teacher, and major crush, during the first and second seasons. She has not appeared on the show since then. KEVIN RANDELL (John D'Aquino) Mr. Randell was Tommy's teacher and Sally's first serious love interest. He was patient with Sally as she felt her way through the learning experience of a relationship, but eventually grew tired of her quirks and unexpected actions, and broke up with her toward the beginning of the second season. LARRY (Steve Larson) MRS. DeGUZMAN (Nancy Yee) Larry and Mrs. DeGuzman were classmates of Harry's during his time at night school. The three of them were good friends, although they drifted apart after night school ended. Harry hired the two of them at the bar with disastrous results, and they have not been seen since. JENNIFER RAVELLI (Laurie Metcalf) Jennifer Ravelli shared Dick's office during the time Mary was promoted to Dean. Dick fell in love with her, but quickly tired of the relationship. The two of them had a falling out, at which point Jennifer was relocated to another office on campus. LUCY (Marianne Muellerleile) Lucy is the lunchlady that terrorized Dick, then was hired by Mary as her new assistant when Mary became Dean. She was bossy and vindictive, but still was appreciated by Mary for her contributions. She vacated her position when Mary was demoted. HAPPY DOUG (Jim Beaver) Doug is the bartender that hired Harry to help him at the bar. He is not all that bright, and does not say much, but he gets the job done.