I caught this article at aumag.org. Here's an excerpt:
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Archived from the IMDb Discussion Forums — Family
ethersmum — 18 years ago(September 03, 2007 01:01 PM)
I caught this article at aumag.org. Here's an excerpt:
Though semi-retired, Sada still has a passion for the stage. Shes presently involved with a new work-in-progress, an adaptation of a book, New Burlington: The Life and Death of an American Village. I ask about the possibility of a Family reunion. She tells me that several years ago, Gary Frank (who played Sadas son, Willy) was developing a script. Indeed, Gary wrote a pilot, had a couple of the original producers on board, shopped it around, but no one was interested. When asked about his memories of working with Thompson, Gary reveals, She helped me define myself in those years we were together; a great influence in my life. Sada was the matriarch of the show and rightfully so, because she brought such compelling gravity to it, as she does with each role. When shes not acting, shes the most charming, eccentric, sometimes giggly and sillya gorgeous woman.
This reporter must admit that its a thrill to talk to his mom, as Sada and her TV family substituted for the love and support he felt he wasnt getting from his own family at the time. Im sure Family has consoled others, as well. Thompson has a motherly aura, and its evident in her strong, comforting voice.
Thompson is speaking from her home in Connecticut, where, up until a few years ago, she lived with her husband of fifty-seven years, Don Stewart. (They have a Qdaughter, Liza, who is a costume designer.) He presently resides in a facility for Alzheimers patients. He is very ill and has been there for three years, she explains over the phone. There is a heaviness in her voice. He had [the disease] several years before that. It got to the place where I really couldnt protect him anymore from driving, well, just wandering, she divulges. It became too difficult and I wanted to protect him as much as I could. She scoped out a number of places before settling on this facility, and is quite pleased.
FAMILY TREE
Q: What was one of your favorite memories of working on Family?
A: The essential pleasantness of it. It really was a very happy set. I mean there were days when it was trying as the devil, but for the most part it was joyous. We all got along splendidly, though we never socialized off the set. After the series ended, Jimmy and I made a point to go out to dinner once a week with each other.
Q: Where is your Emmy?
A: Its in my dressing room in the bedroom.
Q: What do you consider your best work?
A: Youd have to ask somebody else. [She laughs modestly] I really, really couldnt say. I just love to work!
Q: Name your favorite movie of all time.
A: Oh, theres so many. Im pulling a blank. Well, Henry the V. There are so many that I richly enjoyed. Im a constant customer at Blockbuster. [Laughing]
Q: Where is your favorite place to disappear to?
A: Maine. Also, all my life Ive read a great deal and disappearing into a book is also a refuge and a feeding.
Q: What is something youre dying to do before you leave this earth?
A: Gee, I dont know. I love seeing my friends. Id like to go out to California and see whats left of my friends, since a lot of them have bitten the dust. And spend more time with our daughter and her husband, who live and work out there.
Q: What are you most proud of?
A: Well, I think my marriage.
Q: Name one word to describe Sada Thompson.
A: [A brief silence] Wonder. Life has been very good to me, but I continue to have what I see in my daughter too that kind of fresh surprise.
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spike71 — 18 years ago(September 03, 2007 05:54 PM)
I would love a reunion. It would be different without James Broderick, but I still think they could do a successful reunion. It was great to hear what Sada is doing today. I just loved the show and hope the dvd's continue. Sada, if by chance you ever check this site, can we write to you somewhere and do you know who we'd write to to show our support for a reunion?
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jmd26_0 — 18 years ago(September 06, 2007 04:18 PM)
Sorry, guys, but I think its too late for a reunion, sadly. I think one would have been great in the late 80's or early 90's, but I feel like doing one now would be pointless. We can assume that now Willie and Buddy have kids of their own (and Timmy may even had had one!)- I just don't see how it's really workable.
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susannine — 18 years ago(October 20, 2007 01:32 AM)
Yes spike71, I totaly agree with you. And what a wonderful idea about writing to this wonderful woman to show our support and appreciation. Family is still a big part of my life as I still watch the episodes on dvd. Just love the morals and values FAMILY portrayed that a lot of todays shows just dont capture anymore. Really hope the reunion goes ahead. What a joy that would be to see.
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carvenstud — 18 years ago(September 28, 2007 11:42 AM)
thanks for this article!. I bought the DVD set when it came out last year and have been patiently awaiting for the other seasons. To me, this show is like an escape that takes me back to a simpler time in my life. I'm now beginning to re watch all the episodes again. There's nothing like a quiet evening at home watching this quality program. I hope the next DVD comes out soon.
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taylorje — 18 years ago(October 05, 2007 05:51 PM)
Oh, I feel the same way! I've saved a couple of episodes to watch later, although I've seen them before on TV. If only Lifetime or Hallmark would air this series! WGN in Chicago ran the series in the early 1980's and I didn't think to tape them.