RIP Gene Reynolds

1923-2020

Although best known as the six-time Emmy-winning Producer of “M*A*S*H” (1972-83), he was also an actor who played the role of Mr. Taylor, who rents the Ricardo apartment when they move to Connecticut in “Lucy Hates To Leave”

(S6;E16 ~ February 4, 1957). 

His wife (who wanted to cut the legs off Lucy’s new sofa) was played by Mary Ellen Kay. 

That same year, Reynolds also acted in an episode of the Desilu series “Whirlybirds”. From 1962 to 1963 he directed William Frawley in “My Three Sons”. Around the time of his appearance on “I Love Lucy” he began his eventual transition from acting to producing / writing / directing. 

But one can’t help but wonder what it would have been like if The Taylors were spun off into their own TV series.  Would the Ricardo’s storied apartment still be home to the hilarious antics of Lucy and Ricky?  Or would it be a different type of series?  After “All in the Family” CBS presented “704 Hauser” (1994) using the same premise. Perhaps Gene Reynolds’ career would have been totally different!