Gimme a Break!, originally broadcast from 1981-1987 on NBC, featured Nell Carter as Nell Harper – an infuriated housekeeper working for the Kanisky family, consisting of a widowed police chief and three of his daughters as well as herself, her personal and professional relationships as well as Nell’s own development both personally and professionally. The show focused on their interactions while exploring Nell’s own growth both personally and professionally.
The Ultimate Guide to the Gimme a Break! Cast and Their Careers
Table of Contents
Gimme a Break! featured an ensemble cast, many of whom would go on to become well-known actors themselves, who brought laughter, emotion, and charm to its scenes. Here are some notable members and roles from Gimme a Break!.
1. Nell Carter stars as Nellie Ruth “Nell” Harper
Nell Carter plays Nell Harper, an outgoing housekeeper for the Kaniskys after their mother passes. A former singer, she becomes both their housekeeper and surrogate mother to Katie, Julie and Samantha (three Kanisky daughters). While sometimes clashing with their father Carl (the protagonist of the show), Carl remains her employer and partner; in turn she respects Carl as both an employer and partner while having her own family such as Maybelle (mother), Loretta (sister) as well as best friend Addy as romantic partners!
Carter won two Tony Awards as both an actress and singer, appearing in various stage, film, and television productions such as Ain’t Misbehavin’, The Misadventures of Sheriff Lobo, Modern Problems, Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper and Ally McBeal before her untimely death at 54 in 2003.
2. Dolph Sweet as Carl Kanisky
Dolph Sweet portrays Carl Kanisky, chief of police of Glenlawn, California and father to Katie, Julie and Samantha. A strict but loving parent after his wife unexpectedly passed away, Carl hires Nell as his housekeeper; although their opinions or methods might sometimes diverge greatly he trusts in her help and friendship greatly.
Sweet was an actor known for appearing in many films and television series such as The Taking of Pelham One Two Three, The Dukes of Hazzard, Another World and The Honeymooners before his passing at 64.
3. Kari Michaelsen portrayed Katie Kanisky
Kari Michaelsen stars as Kathleen “Katie” Kanisky, Carl’s eldest daughter from Margaret (deceased). Katie is both ambitious and rebellious, often breaking away from authority or rules set out by Carl while having an close bond with Nell who supports her dreams and ambitions.
Michaelsen has appeared in multiple films and television series, such as Fantasy Island, Knight Rider, T.J. Hooker and The Love Boat. Additionally she serves as both motivational speaker and author.
4. Lauri Hendler stars as Julie Kanisky Maxwell
Lauri Hendler plays Julie Kanisky Maxwell, Carl and Margaret’s middle child. Julie is an endearing young lady who quickly falls for men; in season four, she married college professor Jonathan Maxwell (her cousin). Additionally, Julie provides strong support to Katie and Samantha while remaining close with Nell who provides advice and guidance.
Hendler has appeared in various movies and TV shows, such as Mork & Mindy, Newhart, Mr. Belvedere and Charles in Charge. She is also well known for providing voice work for animated series such as Rugrats, The Wild Thornberrys and As Told by Ginger.
5. Lara Jill Miller as Samantha “Sam” Kanisky
Lara Jill Miller plays Samantha “Sam” Kanisky, Carl and Margaret’s youngest daughter. An energetic young lady, Sam enjoys sports and video gaming but her curiosity often gets her into trouble and creates problems both for herself and Nell who treats Sam like her own daughter.
Miller was best known for her roles in movies and television shows like Sixteen Candles, The Facts of Life, All My Children and The Amanda Show. Additionally, she provided voice acting roles on animated series like The Loud House, Clifford’s Puppy Days, Curious George and Wubbzy.
6. John Hoyt as Stanley Kanisky
John Hoyt portrays Stanley Kanisky, Carl’s father. Katie (Lisa Leung) becomes Carl’s girlfriend in this storyline.
Bill Kanisky, Samantha’s grandfather, is an unforgiving old police officer who moves in during season 2. While frequently complaining and criticizing, Bill remains fond of Nell (known to him as his “Dumpling”).
Hoyt was a highly-acclaimed actor, featured in films and television series such as Spartacus, Cleopatra, Twilight Zone, Star Trek and many others over his eighty-six year life span before passing away at age 86 in 1991.
7. Joey Lawrence as Joey Donovan
Joey Lawrence stars as Joey Donovan, an orphan boy adopted by Nell during season 3 and affectionately known as his “Mom”, Joey enjoys singing and dancing; making jokes; as well as making practical jokes on others. Joey forms close bonds with both Nell (his “Mom”) and his adopted family of Kaniskys whom he considers his family.
Lawrence can be seen in various films and TV shows, such as Blossom, Brotherly Love, Melissa & Joey and Hawaii Five-0. Additionally, he serves both as singer and producer.
FAQ: The Ultimate Guide to Your Questions
Q: What Is Gimme a Break! About?
A: Gimme a Break! is an American television comedy-drama series starring Nell Carter as Nell Harper, an ambitious yet fiery housekeeper working at Kaniskys – a white family with three daughters led by widowed police chief husband who are led by widowed police chief wife, while also exploring Nell’s personal and professional life within that context. The show highlights their interactions while delving deeper into Nell’s personal journey in her professional and personal life.
Q: Are the events depicted in Gimme a Break! real accounts?
A: Gimme a Break! does not focus on an actual historical event; rather it draws its inspiration from Mort Lachman and Sy Rosen’s personal experiences growing up with black housekeepers as part of their lives.
Q: Where can I watch Gimme a Break?
A: Gimme a Break! is available to watch now on Peacock and Tubi and can be bought or rented on iTunes, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube and Vudu.
Q: How many seasons and episodes exist of Gimme a Break?
A: Gimme a Break! spans six seasons and 137 episodes. The first season features 19 episodes; in subsequent years they add 22 or 25 episodes; respectively for seasons three, four, five, sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth (each season having 19-22-23 episodes each season).
Q: Who are some of the guest stars featured on Gimme a Break?
A: Gimme a Break! has featured prominent guest stars like Whitney Houston, Sammy Davis Jr., Ray Parker Jr., Helen Hunt, Danny Glover, Don Rickles, Andy Gibb, Rue McClanahan, Anne Francis, Ted Knight and Dick Van Dyke among many more. Milton Berle Pat Morita Al Lewis Robert Mandan Bernie Kopell Richard Moll Edie McClurg Telma Hopkins Jackee Harry Tim Reid Della Reese Sherman Hemsley Isabel Sanford Marla Gibbs Roxie Roker Franklin Cover Gary Coleman Todd Bridges Dana Plato
And many more.
Stay tuned to CHOPNEWS for the latest scoops and updates of Business News, Sports News, Technology News, World News and Entertainment News.
