Tag: Lily Ruskin

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The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet

1952-1966

Title Card for "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet".

Maria appeared in the 33rd episode of the 6th season in 1958 in a minor speaking role as Japanese exchange student Fumiko Yamaguchi.

The sitcom, which aired on ABC from 1952 through 1966, starred the entertainment duo of Ozzie Nelson and his wife, singer Harriet Nelson, as well as their sons, David and Ricky. After a long run on radio the show was brought to TV, where it continued its success. With 14 seasons it was the longest running live-action sitcom in American TV history until “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” surpassed it on December 1st of 2021 though it still holds the record in terms of total episodes produced with a count of 435.

Episodes

S06 E33 – The International Set (1958)

Ozzie and Darby throw separate parties on the same night each with a different theme. Things become complicated when they both decide to host their parties together and can’t agree on a theme.
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December Bride

1954-1958

Maria appeared in a single episode of the final season of this show, which was canceled in 1959 after ratings started dropping in 1958.

The series was created by Parke Levy and centered on the adventures of Lily Ruskin, a spry widow played by Spring Byington. The term “December Bride” refers to women who got married late in life, a goal Lily was trying to achieve.

The show aired on CBS and was sponsored by General Foods’ Instant Maxwell House Coffee. Many of its characters were revived for a short-lived spinoff series called “Pete and Gladys”, which aired from 1960 until 1962..

Episodes

S05 E02 – The Alaska Show (1958)

Maria, as Tahitian Glamour Girl Tanana, participates in a plan to get back at Matt’s military buddy who played a prank on him and got him an assignment in Glacier Island, Alaska, after Lily signed Matt up for the Air Force behind his back.
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Maria McClay