RIP Michael J. Pollard

1939-2019

Oscar nominated actor Michael J. Pollard has died at age 80. He was born in 1939 in Passaic, New Jersey. In addition to his many film and television credits, he was the original Hugo Peabody in Broadway’s BYE BYE BIRDIE in 1960.  

In January 1964, he appeared as Ted Mooney, son of Gale Gordon’s Banker Mr. Mooney, on “The Lucy Show” (TLS S2;E16) who was dating Lucy’s daughter, Chris.

In the episode, “Chris Goes Steady,” Mr. Mooney bristles when Lucy suggests that Ted and Chris may get married, dreading that they would be related. In “Here’s Lucy,” Lucy’s character is indeed related to Gale Gordon’s – she is his brother-in-law. They are also related by marriage in “Life With Lucy.”  

This was Pollard’s only appearance opposite Lucille Ball, although he would go on to appear in “Star Trek”, a Desilu series.  

In 1967, Pollard was nominated for an Oscar and other major acting awards for his role in the film BONNIE & CLYDE.