Well, everyone wants a robot friend to share their feeling with, and that dream was turned into a virtual reality for the viewers by a series titled Small Wonders, which was released on September 7, 1985. Small Wonders also inspired the making of the Indian version of the series titled Karishma Ka Karishma.
Created by Howard Leeds follows the family of robotic engineers and the daily adventures his family and neighbors go on after he makes a robotically engineered girl who he passes off as the adopted daughter of the family. Directed by Peter Baldwin and John Bowab, the series soon became a fan favorite with its unique storyline and humor.
The opening music theme of Small Wonders was one of the most loved theme songs of that time. Small Wonders ran for 4 successful seasons with 96 episodes, each having a runtime of 22 minutes. Those 22 minutes spent on the series were some of the best moments of memory for the children of that time. Small Wonders was also criticized by some people who considered it one of the worst sitcoms to be made with a low budget.
The story of Small Wonder revolved around Vicki, an android in disguise of a 10-year-old girl built by Ted Lawson. Ted brings Viki home for her to develop within a family environment. The Lawson family tells the neighbors and people around them that Vicki is an orphaned child they have adopted legally. The aging of the lead actress was covered by the producers by making it look like Ted has upgraded Vicki to be more human-like.
The Small Wonder Joint Venture undertook the production of Small Wonders, and the series lead cast consisted of Dick Charles playing the role of Ted Lawson, creator of Vicki, Marla Pennington played the role of Joan Anderson, Ted’s wife and Vicki’s pretend mother, Jerry Supiran plays the role of Jamie Lawson, Ted, and Joan’s son, Emily Schulman played the role of Harriet, the nosy neighbor of Lawson family, and Tiffany Brissette played the role of Victori, an android created by Ted.
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Small Wonders Cast: Where Are They Now?
As The Small Wonders went off-air after 4 successful seasons on May 20, 1989, it left the sitcom’s fans wondering what their favorite actors from their childhood are up to now.
1. Dick Charles
Born in Long Beach, California, Dick Charles, originally Richard Leslie Christie, is an American actor best known for his portrayal of Ted Lawson in the widely popular sitcom Small Wonders. Charles debuted in the Hollywood industry with his role as Danny Travis in The Last Word. After his success in Small Wonders, Dick made an appearance in the comedy-drama film titled Molly, where he played the role of Maitre D’. Charles took a break from the industry in 1999 and made a comeback with The Spy Next Door, where he played the role of the father n the church.
Dick has continued with his profession as an actor as he was last seen briefly in the series titled Breaking Bad. Apart from his career as an actor, Dick also wrote the story for Molly after Small Wonders went off-air. Some notable word of Charles includes his role in Looker, Undocumented, Hell or High Water, and 50 To 1. Charles has become a part of the soap opera titled The Bold And The Beautiful, where he plays the role of Charles Webber, a recurring character.
2. Marla Pennington
Born in Burbank, California, on March 5, 1954, Marla Pennigton, originally Marla Lynn Pennington, is an American Actress best known for her portrayal of Joan Lawson, wife of Ted Lawson, in Small Wonders. Marla started her career in Hollywood with her role in Lucas Tanner, where he played the role of Jan. Marla was last seen in the sitcom Small Wonders, and she quit her job as an actor after Small Wonders went off-air.
Marla revealed the reason behind her quitting acting after Small Wonders gave birth to Dan, her son. Marla was briefly seen in The Morning Show With Mike, where she appeared with her co-hosts in 2009. Marla also gave her voice for the DVD set of Small Wonders released in 2010. Some notable work of Marla includes The Incredible Hulk, where she played the role of Miriam Charles, General Hospital, where she played the role of Samatha, Happy Days, where she played the role of Cynthia and Herndon, where she played Nurse Joan.
3. Jerry Supiran
Born in Arcadia, California, on March 21, 1973, Jerry Supiran, originally Jerry Michael Supiran, is an American former child actor best known for his role as Jamie in the sitcom Small Wonders. Jerry began his career in the Hollywood industry with his role in Galactica 1980, where he played the role of Super Scout. Jerry was last seen in a sitcom titled Mr Belvedere, where he played the role of Jordan.
Jerry’s life took a tragic turn after he dated a stripper who stole money from his trust fund, which led him to become homeless. As an adult, Jerry has continued to struggle to get employed. He worked as a waiter in several restaurants as an adult but was laid off in 2010. As of 2023, Jerry is still jobless and most probably homeless. Jamie made an attempt to become a part of Dancing With The Stars, but he didn’t cut the end. Some notable work of Jerry includes Little House On The Prairie, where he played the role of Young Almanzo, Archie Bunker Place, where he plays the role of Peter McBride, Newhart, where he played the role of Ted Ward and Fame, where he played the role of Keith Donlon.
4. Emily Schulman
Born in Los Angeles, California, Emily Schulman, originally Emily Hope Schulman, is a former child actress best known for her role as Harriet in Small Wonders. Emily began her career with her role in Hotel, where she played the role of Debbie. Emily was last seen in a period drama titled Christy, where she played the role of Ruby Mae Marrison. Emily quit her profession as an actress in 2008.
Emily is married with four children as of 2023. As of 2023, Emily teaches acting to students in Connecticut. Some notable work of Emily includes The Wonder Years, where she played the role of Susan; Troop Beverly Hills, where he plays Tiffany and Knight & Daye, where she played the role of Chris Escobar.
5. Tiffany Brissette
Born in Paradise, California, Tiffany Brissette, originally Tiffany Michelle Brissette, is a former child actress turned nurse, best known for her role as Vicki in Small Wonders. Tiffany made her debut in the Hollywood industry with her role as Little Shirley in Heart Like A Wheel. Tiffany was last seen in Parker Lewis Can’t Lose, where she played the role of Annie Ricker.
After quitting her career as an actress, Tiffany became a registered nurse in 2007. Some notable work of Tiffany includes Webster, where she played the role of Kathy; Beanpole, where she played the role of Alice Gillette; and The Adventures Of Teddy Ruxpin, where she played the role of Safety Tips Officer.
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