Big Eddie

1 9 7 5 (USA)
10 x 30 minute episodes

‘Big’ Eddie Smith (Sheldon Leonard) is the owner of New York’s ‘Big E’ Sports Arena – an East Side sports, entertainment and civic centre in Manhattan.

He is also an ex-gambler who is trying not to get sucked back into the racket while dealing with the various crazies and eccentrics that cross his path.

During World War II, Eddie had served in Europe, where he met his first wife, a Hungarian countess named Margaret (Eva Gabor), though they were quickly divorced.

When Eddie returned to New York, he continued his life of gambling, but in 1973 Eddie’s son and his wife were killed in a car accident.

In order to gain custody of his orphaned granddaughter, Ginger (Quinn Cummings), Eddie married his longtime dancer/showgirl girlfriend Honey (Sheree North), a dancer, and established the Big E.

They live in an apartment at 450 East 56th Street in Manhattan.

Jesse Smith (Alan Oppenheimer) is Eddie’s younger brother and assistant. Jesse was the kid in the family with ambition and drive who everyone thought would become successful. His attitude toward Eddie is one of ill-concealed resentment.

Monty “Bang Bang” Valentine (Billy Sands) is an old crony of Eddie’s who now serves as his faithful retainer and gourmet cook.

“Too Late” (Lonnie Shorr), “The Goniff” (Milton Parsons) and “No Marbles” (Cliff Pelow) are Eddie’s confederates.

Big Eddie made its debut on CBS in August 1975, running for four consecutive Saturdays (and getting a jump on the official September season start) before taking up the battle against Sanford and Son on Fridays.

‘Big’ Eddie Smith
Sheldon Leonard
Honey Smith
Sheree North
Ginger Smith
Quinn Cummings
Jesse Smith
Alan Oppenheimer
Monty ‘Bang Bang’ Valentine
Billy Sands
No Marbles
Cliff Pelow
The Goniff
Milton Parsons
Too Late
Lonnie Shorr

Episodes

Man of the Year | One Nation Invisible | Hello Poppa | Too Many Grandmothers | Who Am I? | Crashing Violet | Eddie Makes a Speech | One of Our Red Shoes is Missing | Alone Together | A Date with Eddie