In 1978, a little known sitcom project called Taxi hit the screens and the world of entertainment was never the same again. The Sunshine Cab Company and its many customers and employees became the talk of the town for six long years. The ABC sitcom won many awards including an Emmy. But most importantly, it put a smile one our faces. The network cancelled the show in 1982 and NBC took over, airing the fifth and unfortunately final season of the show.
Sunshine Cab Company’s garage doors may now be closed. But the actors and the memories will forever live in our hearts and souls. Here’s to the actors from this legendary cult-classic series that have bid us goodbye in reel as well as real life. Get ready with a box of tissues and let the tears flow.
J. Alan Thomas
The late actor J. Alan Thomas played Jeff bennet in the 70 episodes of the series. He was the assistant to Louie De Palma. First appearing as a background character, Thomas eventually became a vital supporting cast member from season 5 onwards of the show. he has also appeared in several other comedies like Cheers and Jim Carrey‘s Man On The Moon. The latter was his final on-screen appearance. He died on April 15, 2007.
Jeff Conaway
The former Grease star caught the eye of many people back in his prime. He guest starred in hit shows like Happy Days and The Mary Tyler Moore Show before being cast in Taxi. Conaway played the role of Bobby Wheeler in the show. He later struggled as an actor after the sitcom ended. Taking to drugs, Conaway later became infamous for his substance abuse stories in news media. He appeared in many reality shows where he sought help like Celebrity Fit Club and Celebrity Rehab With Dr. Drew. He later passed away at the age of 60 due to an accidental infection that turned out to be fatal.
Jack Gilford
The legendary actor spent half a century in the film industry. He is known for his roles in Catch-22 and Save The Tiger. Save The Tiger won him an Academy Award nomination for best supporting actor. in taxi, he played the role of Joe Reiger, father to Judd Hirsch’s Alex Reiger. The show had the father-son duo go through a strained and tumultuous relationship. Gilford appeared last in the 6th episode of the 4th season of the sitcom. He died at the age of 81 due to stomach cancer. His works also include other hits like Night Court and Mama’s Family.
Marcia Wallace
Wallace first appeared in the show in the first episode of Season 5. She appeared as herself. A very popular ’70s and ’80s actor, Wallace became a voice acting legend later in her career. She voiced Edna Krabappel, the lovable, chain-smoking teacher in The Simpsons. Her work won her many awards, including an Emmy award for Outstanding Voice-Over Performance in the episode “Bart The Lover”. Wallace was a part of The Simpsons till season 25 of the show. She died on October 25, 2013 due to Pneumonia.
