Remembering Judy

I was sorry to hear of the death of Judy Carne, the talented British actress - dancer who became an American TV star in the 1960s. Although Laugh-In is the show for which she's best-known, many also recall her sitcom Love on a Rooftop, a charming romantic comedy co-starring Pete Duel.

Before researching Lost Laughs of '50s and '60s Television, I'd never seen Rooftop, which ABC canceled in 1967 after one year. I found it a likable and well-done show that deserved a longer run. It's a bit poignant to watch reruns, knowing what troubled (and in Duel's case, short) lives lay ahead for its stars. Carne probably made the right call when she fled the Hollywood scene awhile back, and I hope her later years spent in a small English town were peaceful and happy. RIP, Judy.