Let me tell you a little story about one of the most iconic TV shows in history, Murder, She Wrote. One of the show's creators and writers, Thomas B. Sawyer, has a favorite mug that sums up the quirky town of Cabot Cove. The mug says, “Cabot Cove Coroner: If you lived here, you’d be dead by now.” Sawyer jokes, “We used to laugh about how it was practically the murder capital of America,” he shares exclusively with Closer.
Spanning 12 seasons starting in 1984, Angela Lansbury took on the role of Jessica Fletcher, a retired English teacher and best-selling mystery writer turned amateur detective. “Angela was one of the kindest, most down-to-earth people you could ever meet,” says Tom, who authored the memoir The Adventures of the REAL Tom Sawyer. “She was the ultimate professional. She didn’t demand much, and there was rarely any tension on set. It was a dream working with her.”
Of course, nothing runs smoothly all the time, and Murder, She Wrote had its share of drama behind the scenes too. In the seventh season, when the show was pulling in 25 million viewers a week, Angela’s contract was up for renewal. She asked to become a co-executive producer, which didn’t sit well with the show’s original creator and producer, Peter Fischer. “Angela didn’t care much for Peter’s controlling ways,” reveals Tom. CBS ultimately sided with Angela, saying, “Peter, at this point, we need her more than we need you!” It was a huge win for Angela, and she absolutely deserved it.
Read also:Savannah Guthrie And Hoda Kotb Reunite On Vacation A Heartwarming Encounter
For Michael Horton and Debbie Zip, who were married in real life and played Jessica’s nephew Grady and his wife Donna on the show, Murder, She Wrote was a true family affair. “My favorite memory was being pregnant on the show,” Debbie shares. Their son Trevor made his television debut while still in the womb. “It was such a special time,” Michael adds. “Not only did we get married on the show, but we also had a baby on it. It was like life imitating art.”
During breaks, Michael and Debbie often hung out with William Windom, who played Cabot Cove’s beloved Dr. Seth Hazlitt. “He was always playing chess, hoping someone would come over and join him,” Michael recalls. “It was a great way to relax between takes.”
Guest Stars Galore
One of the highlights of working on Murder, She Wrote was the incredible lineup of guest stars. “My favorite moment was when Milton Berle guest-starred,” says Michael. “He had all his lines on cue cards, but he ad-libbed the whole time. He was pure vaudeville, and it was such a blast to watch him work.”
Tom recalls bringing in comedian Buddy Hackett for an episode. Buddy had a reputation for off-color humor, so he was warned to keep it clean around Angela. “Angela had just won a Golden Globe, and Buddy was on his best behavior,” Tom says. “But as she was leaving, he quipped, ‘Those really are a pair of golden globes!’” Angela overheard and couldn’t stop laughing. It was moments like these that made working on the show unforgettable.
Angela’s portrayal of Jessica Fletcher struck a chord with audiences. “She was smart, sharp, and yet so warm and nurturing,” Debbie reflects. “People just gravitated toward her. She was the perfect blend of intellect and heart.”
