In 1956 I was cast as Linda in 'Make Room For Daddy' television series, 'Make Room For Daddy'.
The show lasted 7 seasons. Later called 'The Danny Thomas Show'.
We filmed the show every week in front of a live audience for seven laughter filled years.
Linda Williams aka Angela Cartwright
The show also starred Marjorie Lord as my Mom, Penny Parker and then Sherry Jackson and Rusty Hamer as my step-siblings.
The Danny Thomas Show ran for seven seasons. Sherry Jackson played Terry for a year.
The Williams Family
As Linda I got to say zingers I would never have dreamed of saying to my real parents.
It was fun being playing the part of Linda Williams for 7 years.
I got to sing and dance and do all sorts of crazy things I would never do in real life.
Danny trying to reason with Linda...
There were many episodes where Danny would sing to me at the piano.
Marjorie Lord played my Mom.
We had amazing guest stars like Paul Anka, Lucille Ball, Bob Hope, Jack Benny, Joey Bishop, Milton Berle, Frank Sinatra, Diana Ross, Tennesse Earnie Ford, Annette Funicello, just to name a few.
Who knew I would work with the Bloop before 'Lost In Space'.
Halloween TV Guide cover
It's funny to see us all in color. All seasons were in Black & White until 'Make Room for Grandaddy'.
Andy Griffith and Ron Howard, whose appearance on our show as a sheriff and his son, would spin off into their own series 'The Andy Griffith Show'.
Danny was a funny guy. We did our show live every Thursday night and often there were surprises. Learning to ad lib, listen to the live audience reaction were all things Danny taught me about.
7 seasons of 36 shows...unheard of today....
Linda the performer
One of my favorites. 'Linda loses a tooth'
Rusty Hamer played my brother 'Rusty.'
The real Rusty was an only child and would often torment me.
A one on one with Danny...
Really were these bangs in fashion???
Post Toasties..."Just a little bit better".
Penney Parker played Terry Williams from 1959 - 1960
Sherry Jackson played my half-sister and later made a guest appearance in 'Lost In Space'.
I did love wearing these poufy dresses. This one was red.
A funny scene with Danny in the episode 'Linda runs away'...
Not sure what we did here... there was always something.
This was a dream sequence that I remember. It was so much fun dressing up in this gown with high heel shoes. What a fun episode.
Charley Helper was Danny's nightclub owner played by Sid Melton. What a funny, kind guy.
Marjorie Lord was the sweetest, kindest person. I loved working with her.
Family issues...
I remember these polka dot grey dishes. Funny the things you remember.
The perks of being in show biz...Like being invited to the opening of Disneyland.
We had tons of Guest Stars on our show. Some of the biggest names in show business at the time, like Perry Como pictured here..
Rusty used to pull my pony tail before I would go onstage.
I recieved lots of fan mail that my Mom answered and sent out a photograph. This was one of the pictures that was sent in 1958..
This was my half-moon parrot 'Danny' that Danny Thomas gave to me for one of my birthdays. I had him for years.
Our last season group shot.
Angela Cartwright clothes were available too. I wore these dresses in the shows as well.
There were many Angela Cartwright clothes, dolls and games.
I cut my album 'Angela Cartwright Sings' when I was 7. With such hit tracks as '64 Tadpoles', 'The Kids on My Block', 'Mr Jumbo' and Mr. Jumbo. My favorite was' Please Don't Grow Up Too Soon' that I sang with my Dad.
Paper Dolls with 'Angela and her friends'.
puzzles and coloring books....
Paint sets and games...
The Linda doll was available with a cereal box top and a couple of dollars.
My Angela Cartwright doll came in 3 sizes. One walked beside you when you held her hand.
I have a couple of my dolls... one I played with and ones I didn't.
