Week of January 8: Klugman and Durning's Finest

By Sylvia Gurinsky

Jack Klugman and Charles Durning made significant marks in television.

Klugman's most famous role, of course, was as Oscar Madison on "The Odd Couple" (ABC, 1970-75). But the issue-oriented "Quincy, M.E.," which ran on NBC from 1976-83 (starting as part of the "NBC Mystery Movie"), was just as good. Here's a clip from Season 2's "A Good Smack in the Head," about abuse:

Quincy


Durning was in numerous shows, including the CBS comedy "Evening Shade" (1990-94). But his most moving television was his own story. For years, he co-hosted "The National Memorial Day Concert" on PBS. In 2007, he talked about his D-Day experience:

D-Day


The entire series of "The Odd Couple," the first four seasons of "Quincy, M.E." and the first season of "Evening Shade" have been released on DVD.

See you next week.