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Greg Evigan's Shock Over Talking Chimp Show Premise
17 Sep
Summary
- Actor Greg Evigan initially doubted the premise of B.J. and the Bear.
- Evigan considered leaving Los Angeles for New York before the audition.
- He starred in B.J. and the Bear from 1979 to 1981.
Actor Greg Evigan has revealed his initial incredulity regarding the premise of the popular 1970s sitcom B.J. and the Bear. The show centered on a truck driver who traveled with a pet chimpanzee. Evigan recalled this during a recent interview about his career.
At the time the opportunity arose, Evigan was contemplating relocating from Los Angeles to New York to return to Broadway. His agent urged him to audition for the part, despite his hesitation about the show's unusual concept.
Evigan suggested that his nonchalant attitude during the audition may have contributed to him landing the role. He believed that appearing too eager could convey desperation. The series, starring Evigan as trucker Billie Joe "B.J." McKay, ran for three seasons on NBC from 1979 to 1981.
Following B.J. and the Bear, Evigan starred in another successful sitcom, My Two Dads. This popular show aired through the late 1980s and early 1990s, featuring Evigan as one of two men vying for the affection of the same woman.
