Gimme a Break: The First Season Cast

Get a Break

The first season of Gimme a Break will be available on DVD on February 14, 2006, from Universal. The late Nell Carter (second from left) stars, along with Joey (now Joe) Lawrence. At the far right is Kari Michaelson who went to U.S.A. cheerleading camp in Goleta, Calif. with a BeanStalk staffer (Michaelson was at Beverly Hills High, and we were somewhere else; we graduated the same year. BTW, Michaelson beat out Helen Hunt for the role on "Gimme a Break"). The series ran from 1981 to 1987.

In Memorium: Dolph Sweet, seen in the photo above, was only on the first season. He died in 1985. Carter died in January 2003. Howard Morton, who was Officer Ralph Simpson, died in 1997. John Hoyt, who was Grandpa, died in 1991 of lung cancer. Jane Dulo, who played Grandma, died in 1994 during cardiac surgery. Peter Schrum, who was Uncle Ed in the second season, died in 2003 of a heart attack. Rosetta Lenoire, who played Nell’s mother, but may be best remembered for her long-time role on “Family Matters,” died in 2002, from diabetes’ complications.

The Cast

Nell Carter as Nellie Ruth "Nell" Harper

Dolph Sweet as Chief Carl Kanisky (1981-1985)

Kari Michaelson (Michaelsen) as Katie Kanisky (1981-1986)

Lauri Hendler as Julie Kanisky Maxwell (1981-1986)

Lara Jill Miller as Samantha "Sam" Kanisky

Howard Morton as Officer Ralph Simpson (1981-1986)

John Hoyt as Grandpa Stalney Kanisky (1982-1987)

Jane Dulo as Grandma Mildred Kanisky (1982-1983)

Pete Schrum as Uncle Ed Kanisky (1982-1983)

Joey Lawrence as Joey Donovan (1983-1987)

Telma Hopkins as Addy Wilson (1984-1987)

Jonathan Silverman as Jonathan Maxwell (1984-1986)

Matthew Lawrence as Matthew Donovan (1986-1987)

Paul Sand as Marty/Esteban (1986-1987)

Rosetta LeNoire as Maybelle Harper (1986-1987)

Rosie O'Donnell as Maggie O'Brien (1986-1987)

Alvernette Jiminez as Angie (1981-1982)