Colt Seavers wasn’t just a Hollywood stuntman; he was a bounty hunter using his skills to capture fugitives, often in the flashiest way possible with his striped GMC 4×4 pickup. This show gave us action-packed plotlines and a behind-the-scenes peek at Hollywood, all tied together with Lee Majors’ crooning theme song. Let’s catch up with the cast of The Fall Guy and see where life has taken them since the show’s heyday!
1. Lee Majors (Colt Seavers)
Lee Majors brought Colt Seavers to life, embodying the rugged and resourceful bounty hunter who could outsmart criminals with as much finesse as he tackled Hollywood stunts. Majors’ early acting career began in the mid-’60s with his breakout role on The Big Valley, where he played the stoic Heath Barkley. Before landing the part, Majors beat out another rising star, Burt Reynolds, for the role. Majors later cemented his fame as Steve Austin in The Six Million Dollar Man, a show that defined the ’70s with its iconic slow-motion action sequences. During this time, he also became one-half of a Hollywood power couple, marrying Farrah Fawcett. However, their high-profile marriage ended in divorce in 1982, with Majors reflecting on how demanding careers strained their relationship.
When The Fall Guy premiered in 1981, it offered Majors a chance to reconnect with his roots as a stuntman, ensuring that real stunt performers were given proper recognition on-screen. After the series ended in 1986, Majors continued acting but faced challenges in landing blockbuster roles. He found moderate success with the TV series Raven in the early ’90s and the reunion film Bionic Ever After? in 1994. Even as his career slowed, he remained active in smaller projects, with his latest appearance in the 2021 film Narco Sub. Today, at 84 years old, Majors is still working, with a role in the upcoming The Fall Guy film starring Ryan Gosling. Married to Faith Majors since 2002, he continues to be a beloved icon of action-packed television.
2. Jo Ann Pflug (Samantha “Big Jack”)
Jo Ann Pflug’s character Samantha, or “Big Jack,” only appeared in the first season of The Fall Guy, but her strong and assertive performance made a lasting impression. Pflug had a knack for capturing attention even in small roles, as she did when voicing the Invisible Girl in the 1967 Fantastic Four cartoon. She gained wider recognition in the 1970 film MASH*, where she played Lt. Dish. Though much of her role was cut for time, her charm and beauty stood out. The ’70s proved fruitful for her career, with roles in Catlow, a western starring Yul Brynner, and the sitcom Operation Petticoat. However, by the ’80s, her acting opportunities began to dwindle.
Outside of acting, Pflug found new ways to connect with audiences. She began hosting etiquette workshops and eventually launched The Jo Ann Pflug Show on Seaview Radio, where she interviewed celebrities like Pat Boone and Shirley MacLaine. Pflug also became a born-again Christian, a transformation she credits to being baptized in Pat Boone’s swimming pool. Though she stepped back from acting, her legacy in film and television remains significant. Now 83 years old, Pflug lives a quieter life in Florida, balancing her faith and fond memories of a vibrant career.
3. Douglas Barr (Howie “Kid” Munson)
Douglas Barr’s portrayal of Howie “Kid” Munson brought humor and heart to The Fall Guy. As Colt’s clumsy but lovable cousin, Howie handled the less glamorous tasks of bounty hunting, often taking the wheel for long road trips while bungling finances along the way. This role was a breakout for Barr, whose acting career had begun just a year earlier with the short-lived sitcom When the Whistle Blows. Though his comedic timing shone on The Fall Guy, Barr also demonstrated versatility by taking on more adventurous roles in projects like The Wizard, a late-’80s series about a brilliant inventor, and the family-friendly sci-fi movie Spaced Invaders.
In the early ’90s, Barr shifted his focus away from acting to pursue a new passion: winemaking. He founded Hollywood and Vine Cellars, a boutique vineyard in Napa Valley specializing in high-end wines. Despite leaving acting behind, Barr remains tied to The Fall Guy through his participation in a 2020 cast reunion. Now 74 years old, he lives a low-profile life with his wife, Clare Kirkconnell, whom he married in 1984. Interestingly, Clare appeared in a season five episode of The Fall Guy. Barr’s career may have taken a different path, but his time as Howie remains a fan favorite for viewers who cherished the show’s mix of humor and adventure.
4. Markie Post (Terri Michaels)
Markie Post joined The Fall Guy in its second season, stepping into the role of Terri Michaels, a sharp-witted and fast-talking bail bondswoman. Post’s energetic performance and undeniable charisma made Terri an integral part of the show, though she left after season four to take on an even more iconic role as Christine Sullivan on Night Court. Running from 1984 to 1992, Night Court allowed Post to showcase her comedic talents, earning her widespread acclaim. Post’s ability to balance humor and heart carried over into the ’90s with roles like Georgie Anne in Hearts Afire and her unforgettable performance as Cameron Diaz’s mom in There’s Something About Mary.
Even as her career thrived, Post faced personal challenges, including a battle with cancer that she fought privately for years. Tragically, she passed away in 2021 at the age of 70, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and talent. Post’s performances remain beloved by fans who remember her not only for her humor but also for her grace and strength, both on and off the screen. Her time on The Fall Guy was just one chapter in a career filled with memorable roles that continue to resonate with audiences today.
5. Heather Thomas (Jody Banks)
Heather Thomas lit up the screen as Jody Banks, a fearless stuntwoman who held her own alongside Colt and Howie. With her athleticism and undeniable charisma, Thomas made Jody a fan favorite, bringing a mix of strength and beauty to the role. Before The Fall Guy, Thomas had appeared in Co-ed Fever, a short-lived series attempting to emulate the success of Animal House. Her guest spot on B.J. and the Bear caught the attention of producer Glen Larson, who cast her in The Fall Guy. Off-screen, Thomas became a pin-up icon, but her life wasn’t as glamorous as it seemed. Struggling with cocaine addiction during the show’s run, she eventually sought help in the mid-’80s and turned her life around.
After The Fall Guy, Thomas stepped away from acting, with her final credited roles in the films My Giant (1998) and Girltrash: All Night Long (2014). Her decision to leave Hollywood was partly driven by safety concerns, as she faced harassment from stalkers. She shifted her focus to family life and writing, publishing her first novel, Trophies, in 2008. Now 66, Thomas leads a quieter life, sharing glimpses of her journey with fans through social media. Her portrayal of Jody remains a highlight of The Fall Guy, capturing the grit and glamour of one of TV’s most action-packed series.
Let’s raise a toast to this fantastic ’80s action series! Did you have a favorite character or episode? The roller derby episode stands out for many, but we’d love to hear your memories of Colt, Howie, Jody, and the gang! Let’s keep the discussion going!
