The Surprising True Stories Behind TV’s Funniest Stars

#1: Betty White Put Her Career Aside During World War II

Betty White became one of America’s most loved television stars. She was best known for The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Golden Girls, and her quick sense of humor. Before her long career began, however, she stepped away from show business to help during World War II.

White joined the American Women’s Voluntary Services. She drove a truck carrying supplies to soldiers staying in camps near Los Angeles. She also went to evening dances for troops who were about to leave the country and serve overseas.

#2: Donna Douglas Took Disney to Court

Donna Douglas became famous as Elly May Clampett on The Beverly Hillbillies, where her warm smile and country charm made her a television favorite. Years after the sitcom ended, however, she became part of a legal fight involving one of Hollywood’s biggest comedy hits.

Douglas and her business partner sued Disney, claiming Sister Act was copied from a movie idea they had developed called A Nun in the Closet. They asked for $200 million in damages, but a jury rejected the claim and ruled in Disney’s favor.

#3: Marlo Thomas’s Nose Job Before Fame

Marlo Thomas became a television star as Ann Marie on That Girl, a groundbreaking sitcom about a young woman building an independent life in New York. Before the show made her famous, though, her appearance had already become the subject of lasting Hollywood talk.

Thomas is widely reported to have had a nose job before That Girl, changing the strong nose she shared with her father, entertainer Danny Thomas. She never publicly confirmed the surgery, so the story remains an often-repeated claim rather than a proven fact.

#4: Elizabeth Montgomery Had Eyes for a Bewitched Director

Elizabeth Montgomery became a television icon as Samantha Stephens, the suburban witch at the center of Bewitched. Behind the scenes, her personal life was becoming complicated. During the show’s final season, she grew close to director Richard Michaels while each of them was still married.

Montgomery and Michaels began an affair during the final season of Bewitched. Their spouses later learned about the relationship, and both marriages ended. After the series finished in 1972, Montgomery and Michaels moved in together, although their relationship eventually ended after several years.

#5: Ed O’Neill Nearly Took a Job With the Mob

Ed O’Neill became famous as Al Bundy on Married… with Children and later as Jay Pritchett on Modern Family. Before acting brought him success, his dream of playing professional football ended, leaving him unsure about what kind of work he would do next.

O’Neill said a childhood friend offered him a job collecting money for a man connected to organized crime. His father realized what the work involved and strongly warned him against it. O’Neill listened, turned down the offer, and avoided entering a dangerous criminal world.