Speak of the Ill-Fated Devil

Some coincidences cannot be ignored. Just a few days ago I wrote about the 80's sitcom actor Jim J. Bullock in conjunction with cameo appearances on television programs. His name was totally chosen at random because the man himself is, to be honest...quite random.

Then today I read this:

'80s Sitcom Secrets Revealed! by Daniel R. Coleridge

TV Guide Online has some good dirt for classic-TV fans today: It's no secret that former talk-show host and Hollywood Squares regular JM J. Bullock, 49, is gay. However, Monroe Ficus — his ditzy character on ABC's Too Close for Comfort — wasn't supposed to be. Still, that didn't stop many viewers from reading him that way, which caused lotsa drama behind the scenes. Now that the '80s hitcom's first season is out on DVD, Bullock thinks it's high time Monroe's skeletons come out of the closet, too!

TV Guide Online: You recently guest-starred on The Bold and the Beautiful...
JM J. Bullock: Yes, my character's name was Serge. But I pronounced it "Sir-gay."

TVGO: Before we hang up, what are you up to these days?
Bullock: I just got back from doing Hairspray on Broadway, and I'm starting my second season of Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide on Nickelodeon. I play the life science teacher, Mr. Monroe. How bizarre is that? The creator adored Monroe on Too Close for Comfort and wanted to name the character that as a tribute. All these kids who grew up watching me are now hiring me! I feel like a gayosaur.

These are mere snippets of the interview. I'll spare you the rest of the gory details. Unles of course if reading more about Jim J is what you want, what you really, really want.