Aired: 1979-86
DAD: Gov. Gene Gatling (James Noble) / Widower
DAD’S JOB: Governor
KIDS: Katie (Missy Gold)(11)
WHERE’S MOM?: Dead – went to a costume party dressed as a sugar cube and was attacked by a horse.
STAND-IN “MOM”: Benson (Robert Guillaume)
One link to think about and then just put it out of your mind: Benson worked with a stuffy assistant of the Single Dad/Governor, played by Rene Auberjonois. Twenty years later, Captain Benjamin Sisko would have a stuffy assistant named Odo, played by the same Rene Auberjonois. Go figure.
Update 12 May 1999: Okay, so I asked Mr. Auberjonois how come he’s been in so many proximities of Single Dads. Here’s his response:
JIM-
Geeze! I have no idea why I’ve been in the thrall of Single Dads. Coincidence would be my guess.
Best-
René Auberjonois
A snap of the Uncle Charley Memorial Dish Towel to Michael Duclos (duclos@mindspring.com) for the info on the late Mrs. Gatling. Thanks, Michael!