Monday, October 26, 2015

Remembering David Doyle as John Bosley

David Doyle
Remembering David Doyle as John Bosley 

As a Character Actor David Doyle brought enthusiasm and relatability to a little TV Series on ABC in 1976 called “Charlie’s Angels.” As Bosley, Doyle was often called upon to navigate the opening sequence of case exposition (answer Charlie’s phone call and putting it on the speaker while the Angels watched a Slide Show presentation of the suspects involved) and would often pose as a comedic decoy. He portrayed an old Swamp Grandpa in the pilot episode and several other notable creations, such as a Rich Horse connoisseur shopping for his sweetheart Jenny-Lou. A series that created an international sensation out of Farrah Fawcett (then the famously hyphened other half of Lee Majors) and boosted the already recognized Kate Jackson and introduced another TV Beauty Jaclyn Smith making richer men out of Aaron Spelling and Leonard Goldberg.

The series did not land on a cloud of praise from Critics. Dubbed, “Jiggle TV” and exploitative it seems tame watching it now on iTunes or DVD. A show that brought uproar from parents and women’s group over three females running throughout Los Angeles without wearing bras. Indeed by today’s TV standards that point would be a solid Rated G. But before DVR and VCR’s existed (Remember VHS and Beta?) this little show that ABC thought was a “flash in the pan” made ratings and superstars out of its heroines.
BUT back to Doyle.



Doyle was quoted as saying upon reflection of his work on Angels that he was grateful. It put his kids through college and it was a steady job. The goal of any working Actor: working. Doyle brought warmth, humor and a deep commitment to dialogue that wasn’t Shakespeare worthy but definitely entertainment worthwhile. The often unsung actor who made the every-man the center of a trio of unearthly beauties was often overlooked in reunions and reunion specials and even special remembrances, such as “where are they now,” but he continued to work, and like Jaclyn Smith, stayed the entire run of the series with no less energy and comedic ability than that very first episode.

Doyle passed away in March of 1997, having last worked as a voice actor on the series “Rug Rats” Doyle left an indelible mark on celluloid. This veteran actor who appeared on Broadway and film, in addition to television, brought much to this under-appreciated role and in the test of time, the series, albeit not very controversial by today’s standards still is enjoyable to watch and enjoy. Isn’t the true test of entertainment? The test of time and endurance. 

Doyle brought soul to the Angelic Heaven called “Charlie’s Angels.” 





Photos of Doyle and as repainted by Noel Cruz of http://www.ncruz.com along with other repainted and restyled Angels also by Cruz.

On IMDB http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0236329/

Doyle’s Obituary in the LA Times: http://articles.latimes.com/1997-03-01/news/mn-33700_1_david-doyle

David on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Doyle_(actor)

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