Introduction
Vic Tayback was a beloved 70s icon, best known for playing Mel Sharples on the hit TV series Alice. But his road to success was far from easy. Tayback started his career as a greasy spoon owner, and it was only through his dedication and hard work that he was able to climb his way to the top. His legacy as an Emmy award winner continues to inspire aspiring actors and entrepreneurs alike.
Section 1: Early Life and Career
Born in Brooklyn in 1930, Vic Tayback grew up in a family of Turkish immigrants. As a young man, he joined the Navy and later attended the University of Detroit. But it wasn’t until he moved to Los Angeles in the 1950s that he found his true calling as an actor.
Tayback’s early career was mostly spent in television commercials, and he even appeared in several episodes of the TV series Gunsmoke. However, the turning point in his career came when he bought a struggling diner in Hollywood called Mel’s Drive-In and transformed it into a popular hangout spot for actors and film industry executives.
Section 2: Rise to Fame on Alice
In 1976, Vic Tayback landed the role of a lifetime when he was cast as Mel Sharples on the hit TV series Alice. The show, which was based on the Martin Scorsese film Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, was a huge success, running for nine seasons and earning Tayback four Emmy nominations.
Tayback’s portrayal of Mel Sharples, the gruff but lovable owner of Mel’s Diner, was the highlight of the show, and his character quickly became a pop culture icon.
Section 3: Legacy on the Big Screen
Though Vic Tayback was best known for his TV work, he also appeared in dozens of movies throughout his career. Some of his most notable film roles include playing Lt. Vukovich in the 1971 crime drama The Seven-Ups and starring opposite Liza Minnelli in the 1977 musical New York, New York.
Despite his success on the big screen, Tayback always remained committed to his work in television, and he continued to appear in guest roles on a wide variety of shows throughout his career.
Section 4: Emmy Award Winner
In 1979, after years of being nominated, Vic Tayback finally won the Emmy award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for his work on Alice. The win was a huge moment for Tayback, and it solidified his status as one of the most respected actors in television.
Over the years, Tayback continued to receive critical acclaim for his work on Alice, and he remained a beloved figure in the entertainment industry until his death in 1990.
Section 5: Impact on the Restaurant Industry
Despite his success in acting, Vic Tayback never forgot his roots as a restaurant owner. In fact, he remained involved in the food industry throughout his life, and he even wrote a cookbook called Vic’s Favorite Recipes.
Tayback’s dedication to the restaurant industry and his success in the entertainment industry helped to inspire a whole new generation of actors and entrepreneurs, who saw him as a role model for what could be accomplished with hard work and perseverance.
Section 6: Personal Life and Family
Vic Tayback was married twice during his life, first to Sheila McKay and later to Caterina Conte. He had four children, including actress Tracey Tayback, who appeared on several episodes of Alice alongside her father.
Despite his busy schedule as an actor and restaurant owner, Tayback always made time for his family, and he was known for being a kind and loving father and husband.
Section 7: Tributes and Legacy
Since his death in 1990, Vic Tayback has been remembered and celebrated by fans and colleagues alike. In 1994, Mel’s Drive-In was rebranded as Mel’s Diner in honor of Tayback’s iconic role on Alice, and the location has become a popular tourist destination for fans of the show.
Numerous celebrities and industry insiders have paid tribute to Tayback over the years, praising his talent, his kindness, and his dedication to his craft. His inspiring legacy as an actor, entrepreneur, and family man continues to live on to this day.
FAQs
Q1. How did Vic Tayback get his start in show business?
A1. Vic Tayback began his career as a television commercial actor before moving on to guest roles on shows like Gunsmoke.
Q2. What was Vic Tayback’s most famous role?
A2. Vic Tayback is best known for playing Mel Sharples on the TV series Alice.
Q3. Did Vic Tayback win any awards for his work on Alice?
A3. Yes, Tayback won the Emmy award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 1979 for his work on Alice.
Q4. Was Vic Tayback involved in the restaurant industry?
A4. Yes, Tayback owned a popular diner in Hollywood called Mel’s Drive-In, which he later transformed into a successful restaurant franchise.
Q5. Did Vic Tayback have children?
A5. Yes, Tayback had four children, including actress Tracey Tayback.
Q6. What was Vic Tayback’s legacy?
A6. Vic Tayback is remembered as an actor, entrepreneur, and family man who inspired a whole generation of aspiring actors and entrepreneurs.
Q7. Where can I watch episodes of Alice?
A7. Episodes of Alice can be found on various streaming services, including Hulu and Amazon Prime Video.
Conclusion
Vic Tayback’s legacy as an actor, entrepreneur, and family man continues to live on to this day. Despite facing many obstacles along the way, Tayback never lost faith in his dreams, and his hard work and dedication ultimately paid off in the form of a successful career and a loving family. His inspiring story is a testament to the power of perseverance, and it serves as a reminder that anything is possible with enough determination and hard work.