Can You Match These Actors to Their '50s and '60s TV Shows?

By: Allison Lips
Estimated Completion Time
5 min
Can You Match These Actors to Their '50s and '60s TV Shows?
Image: Getty Images / E+ / elkor

About This Quiz

In the 1950s, you were lucky if your family had a TV and was able to get 4 channels. The medium was new and brought the family together in prime time. There were no reruns. Watching a recorded show meant sitting through a blurry kinescope, which was often reused due to its high cost. Few shows from these very early years survive. Fortunately, I Love Lucy star Desi Arnaz had the foresight to film his show, allowing us the chance to continually relive this golden age of television.

It was a time when radio stars Jack Benny and George Burns found success among cowboys Gene Autry and Gunsmoke's James Arness. Kids could relate to Jerry Mathers as the Beaver, while Robert Young's Jim Anderson supported their dads' theory that a Father Knows Best.

Eventually, the 1950s gave way to the 1960s. Some shows remained on top of the ratings. Others ended, giving way to color programming that featured superheroes, rural settings, unusual families and more!

You may love these shows from their debuts or became familiar with them through reruns. However, do you know them well enough to match these actors to their 1950s and 1960s shows? Test your knowledge of 1950s and 1960s stars and series regulars with this quiz! Click the button below to begin!

Floyd the Barber
Kidesan Cekokapa
What is the name of the show on which this actor would give you a cut and a shave?
The Beverly Hillbillies
The Andy Griffith Show
Green Acres
Petticoat Junction
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Howard McNear, who played Floyd the Barber, appeared on "Leave It to Beaver" as a barber named Andy. He also appeared on "Peter Gunn" and "Maverick."

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Ricky Ricardo
CBS Home Entertainment
On what show did this actor frequently scold his wife with "You've got some 'splaining to do!?"
The Honeymooners
The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show
The Dick Van Dyke Show
I Love Lucy
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

To convince CBS to cast Desi Arnaz as her husband, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz created a vaudeville show that toured the country. The couple's show was so successful CBS allowed Arnaz to appear on "I Love Lucy" as his real life wife's character's husband.

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Circus Boy
Norbert Productions
Before this actor Monkee'd around, he was friends with the elephant in the room on which show?
Circus Boy
Flipper
Lassie
Mr. Ed
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Micky Dolenz was credited as Micky Braddock for his appearances in "Circus Boy." For "The Monkees," Dolenz would use a form of his full name, George Michael Dolenz.

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john banner
docob5
Which show featured this actor declaring he knew nothing whenever he knew something?
Hogan's Heroes
Batman
Twelve O'Clock High
Combat
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

During "Hogan's Heroes'" run, John Banner appeared as Sergeant Shultz on "The Lucy Show" and "The Red Skelton Hour." Banner's last acting appearance was as Max Ledbetter in "The Partridge Family" episode, "Who is Max Ledbetter and Why is He Saying All Those Terrible Things?"

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jack webb
Not Kunakorn
What detective show had this actor ask for "just the facts?"
Columbo
Peter Gunn
Perry Mason
Dragnet
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The LAPD badge Jack Webb used as Joe Friday was a present from Chief William H. Parker. It was authentic LAPD shield from the 1950s. When Webb died, his fictional badge number 714 was retired.

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The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis
20th Century Fox Television
Before this actor was trapped on an island, he helped his best friend get the girl on which show?
Mr. Novak
Our Miss Brooks
The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis
Leave It to Beaver
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis" debuted on CBS in 1959. The show was based on creator Max Shulman's short stories, which were compiled for a book that was published in 1951.

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Bonanza
National Broadcasting Company (NBC)
Which western featured this actor as the patriarch living on a ranch with his three sons?
Bonanza
Gunsmoke
Rifleman
Rawhide
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Lorne Greene, who played "Bonanza" patriarch Ben Cartwright, was born Lyon Himan Green in Ottawa, Canada. The actor appeared in all 14 seasons of "Bonanza."

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spock
Star Trek
What show had this actor provide a cool-headed counterpart to his hot-headed captain?
Time Tunnel
Lost In Space
My Favorite Martian
Star Trek
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Leonard Nimoy's childhood played a role in the creation of the Vulcan Salute. The actor remembered seeing the gesture as part of an Orthodox Jewish synagogue service. Years later he decided to incorporate it into his "Star Trek" character.

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major nelson
dumbledoor26
Before this actor moved to Dallas, he lived in Cocoa Beach on what show?
I Dream of Jeannie
Bewitched
My Favorite Martian
Lost in Space
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Acting runs in Larry Hagman's family. While Hagman is known for playing Major Anthony Nelson and J.R. Ewing, his mother Mary Martin, played Peter Pan in multiple TV movies.

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The Dick Van Dyke Show
Calvada Productions
What show featured this actor as a writer on a comedy/variety show based in New York?
I Love Lucy
The Jackie Gleason Show
Make Room For Daddy
The Dick Van Dyke Show
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Before "The Dick Van Dyke Show" featured its star Dick Van Dyke, the show was called "Head of the Family." During the show's "Head of the Family" phase, it starred Carl Reiner, who would later play Rob Petrie's boss.

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The Rifleman
Four Star Productions
On what western did this actor wield a distinctive weapon?
Gunsmoke
Rawhide
The Rifleman
Bonanza
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"The Rifleman" starring Chuck Connors aired 169 episodes over five years. While the show aired on ABC, it was inspired by an episode of Dick Powell's "Zane Grey Theater," which aired on CBS.

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Betwitched
Ashmont Productions
This actor played the ever-suffering husband of a witch on which show?
I Dream of Jeannie
The Addams Family
Dark Shadows
Bewitched
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Dick York was the first actor to play Darren Stephens. He kept the role for 5 seasons until severe back pain forced him to retire. For the 6th season onward, Dick Sergeant took over the role.

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rochester jack benny
HoughsVideos
What show did this actor appear on as the butler to a star who was forever 39?
The Jack Benny Program
The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show
The Jackie Gleason Show
Arthur Godfrey and His Friends
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Eddie "Rochester" Anderson's parents, Big and Ella Mae, were both performers. Big Ed performed in minstrel shows, while his wife was a circus tightrope walker.

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Bewitched 2
Sony Pictures Television
Which show featured this actor as an otherworldly uncle?
Bewitched
I Dream of Jeannie
My Favorite Martian
The Man From U.N.C.L.E.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

After "Bewitched" ended, Paul Lynde, who played Uncle Arthur, was given his own show. On short-lived "The Paul Lynde Show," Lynde played an attorney.

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adam west
mister custodian
On which show did this actor have a sidekick named Robin?
The Green Hornet
Adventures of Superman
Star Trek
Batman
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The man who starred in 1960s "Batman" was born William West Anderson. He took Adam West as a stage name because he appeared in some westerns.

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James arness
MarkBlue8
What show did this actor appear on for 20 years as Marshall Matt Dillon?
Gunsmoke
Rawhide
Bonanza
The Rifleman
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

James Arness became famous for his role as Marshal Matt Dillon. However, the TV role was originally offered to John Wayne. On radio, William Conrad lent his voice to "Gunsmoke's" marshal.

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MISSION IMPOSSIBLE
Paramount Television
What show did this actor appear on as Jim Phelps?
Combat!
Jericho
Mission Impossible
Dragnet
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Peter Graves's older brother was James Arness. While the two never appeared onscreen together, Peter Graves directed the "Gunsmoke" episode "Which Dr," which his brother acted in.

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bob crane
Lois Keisha
This actor lived and worked in Stalag 13 on which show?
McHale's Navy
Twelve O'Clock High
Hogan's Heroes
The Phil Silvers Show
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The jacket Bob Crane wore as Colonel Hogan had previously appeared on screen. Frank Sinatra donned it in 1965's "Von Ryan's Express."

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George Burns & Gracie Allen Show
CBS
Which show did this actor appear on with his ditzy wife?
The Jack Benny Program
The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show
The Jackie Gleason Show
I Love Lucy
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Gracie Allen retired after "The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show's" eighth season. Once she retired, George Burns decided to keep the show's cast for a spinoff, "The George Burns Show."

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raymund burr
Joseph F
This actor played a lawyer defending the innocent on which show?
Dragnet
Perry Mason
Peter Gunn
Columbo
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Even though he played the eponymous character, Raymond Burr missed several episodes. Bette Davis, Hugh O'Brian, and Mike Connors were among the actors who filled in for Burr.

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I dream of Jeannie
Screen Gems Television
On which show did this actor play an astronaut?
Hogan's Heroes
Bewitched
I Dream of Jeannie
Mission Impossible
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Bill Daily appeared on two successful shows. In the 1960s, he played Major Roger Healy on "I Dream of Jeannie." In the 1970s, Daily played Howard Borden on "The Bob Newhart Show."

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deforest kelley
CBS
Which show had this actor remind his captain that he was a doctor?
Star Trek
My Favorite Martian
I Dream of Jeannie
Lost In Space
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Before DeForest Kelley could play Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy, Gene Roddenberry first had to convince a network to pick up "Star Trek." Roddenberry described the show s a "space western" to spark interest.

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Leave it to Beaver
Gomalco Productions
This actor's character had an older brother named Wally on which show?
The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet
Leave It to Beaver
Father Knows Best
Circus Boy
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In 1987, Jerry Mathers reprised his role as Theodore "Beaver" Cleaver. He appeared on "The Love Boat" with his fictional brother Wally.

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Davy jones
The Monkees
Which show featured this actor and his band-mates trying to make it in the music industry?
Batman
The Monkees
The Partridge Family
The Archies
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Davy Jones passed away in 2012. However, the rest of "The Monkees" have been keeping his memory alive on the albums Good Times and Christmas Party. The former released in 2016, while the latter was released in 2018.

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Gilligan's Island
Gladysya Productions
Which show saw this actor repeatedly get on his captain's nerves?
Gilligan's Island
Green Acres
The Beverly Hillbillies
Petticoat Junction
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The ship Bob Denver's Gilligan served as first mate on was called the S.S. Minnow after Newton Minnow. In 1961, Minnow was in charge of the Federal Communications Commission and called television "America's vast wasteland."

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robert young
Shout! Factory
Which show did this actor appear on as the father of three children?
Leave It to Beaver
I Love Lucy
The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet
Father Knows Best
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Robert Young played Jim Anderson on both the radio and TV versions of "Father Knows Best." He is the only cast member from the radio version to make the transition with the show.

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Jack Benny Program
CBS
On what show did this actor play the violin?
I Love Lucy
The Jack Benny Program
The Jackie Gleason Show
The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Jack Benny is known for his radio and TV program. However, he also starred in a few movies. They include "The Hollywood Revue of 1929" and "George Washington Slept Here."

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jackie gleason the honeymooners
Your Television Network
On which show did this actor frequently tell his fictional wife "to the moon?"
I Love Lucy
The George Burn and Gracie Allen Show
The Honeymooners
I Love Lucy
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Jackie Gleason used his childhood address for Ralph Kramden's fictional address. It was 328 Chancey Street in Brooklyn, New York.

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Steve_McQueen_1959
CBS Television
This actor played a bounty hunter on which TV series?
Rawhide
Wanted Dead or Alive
Bonanza
The Rifleman
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Before "Wanted Dead or Alive," Steve McQueen played the lead in "The Blob," a low-budget sci-fi film. During "Wanted Dead or Alive," McQueen appeared in "The Magnificent Seven" with Yul Brynner.

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jed clampett
Tata Soda
On which show did this actor play the patriarch?
Green Acres
The Andy Griffith Show
Mayberry RFD
The Beverly Hillbillies
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Jed Clampett himself, Buddy Ebsen, is only one of three actors to appear in every episode of "The Beverly Hillbillies." The other two are Irene Ryan and Donna Douglas.

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Maxwell Smart
YouTube
Which show had this actor work for CONTROL?
Mission Impossible
I Dream of Jeannie
Get Smart
Dragnet
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Don Adams played Maxwell Smart on two channels. The first four seasons of "Get Smart" aired on NBC. The show moved over to CBS for its last season.

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oliver wendall douglas
YouTube
This actor played a big city lawyer who moved to the country on which show?
Petticoat Junction
Green Acres
Mayberry RFD
The Beverly Hillbillies
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Eddie Albert, who played Oliver Wendell Douglas, and Eva Gabor were the first sitcom stars to sing their show's theme song. The "Green Acres" theme song predates "The Monkees" by a year.

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Herman Munster
YouTube
On which show did this actor and his family live at 1313 Mockingbird Lane?
The Munsters
The Addams Family
The Advertures of Ozzie and Harriet
Leave It to Beaver
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Fred Gwynne made appearances as Herman Munster on other shows. These include "The Danny Kaye Show" and "The Red Skelton Hour."

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My Three Sons
CBS Television Network
On which show did this actor have multiple children?
Leave It to Beaver
Father Knows Best
My Three Sons
The Andy Griffith Show
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Fred MacMurray, who played Steven Douglas, created a filming technique now called the MacMurray method. It involved shooting all scenes for all episodes in one location before moving on to another.

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Gomez Addams
Filmways Television
Which show featured this actor and his fictional family giving guests a fright?
The Munsters
The Addams Family
My Three Sons
The Andy Griffith Show
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

John Astin, who played Gomez Adams has two children with Patty Duke. They are Mackenzie Astin and Sean Astin.

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maverick
Warner Bros.
Which show did this actor play a character named Bret, who has a brother named Bart?
Rawhide
Maverick
Have Gun- Will Travel
The Rifleman
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

James Garner was a stage name for the actor who played Bret Maverick. He was born James Scot Bumgarner.

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william frawley
YouTube
Which show featured this actor as a landlord?
The Andy Griffith Show
The Jack Benny Program
I Love Lucy
The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

During the run of "I Love Lucy," William Frawley was nominated five times for best sporting actor. He never won for his role as Fred Mertz.

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The Danny Thomas Show
Marterto Productions
Which show had this actor play a successful nightclub singer juggling family with career?
The Jackie Gleason Show
The Danny Thomas Show
The Jack Benny Program
I Love Lucy
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Danny Thomas did more than act as Danny Williams. He also worked behind the camera on "The Andy Griffith Show" and "The Mod Squad."

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Mister Ed
Filmways Television
On which show did this actor have a talking horse?
Mister Ed
Lassie
Circus Boy
Flipper
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Alan Young played Wilber Post for 5 years. Later in life, he became known as the voice of Scrooge McDuck in "Ducktales."

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Lost In Space
20th Century Fox Television
Which show did this actor play Professor Dr. Zachary Smith on?
The Twilight Zone
Lost In Space
My Favorite Martian
The Time Tunnel
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Jonathan Harris's character was not in the original pilot for "Lost in Space." However, he was added to the second pilot and remained for the series.

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Getty Images / E+ / elkor