Gimme a Break!'s primary photo
  • Gimme a Break! (1981–1987)
  • TV-G
    TV Series | 30 min | Comedy
Gimme a Break! (1981–1987)
TV-G
TV Series | 30 min | Comedy

Nell agrees to look after the Kanisky's home, as a special favor to her dying friend, and takes on the role of housekeeper to widowed police chief Carl and a parental figure to his three teenage daughters, and eventually a foster son.
Read more: Plot summary
Seasons
6   |   5   |   4   |   3   |   2   |   1   See all
Creators
Mort Lachman (created by) (screenplay) (story by) (written by) | Sy Rosen (created by) (screenplay) (story by) (written by)
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Status
Edit Released
Updated Oct 29, 1981

Release date (First episode)
Oct 29, 1981 (United States)

Contacts

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Cast

Add Cast
369 cast members
Name Episodes Known for
Nell Carter
Nell Harper Nell Harper   See fewer
137
Lara Jill Miller
Sam Kanisky Sam Kanisky   See fewer
119
Lauri Hendler
Julie Kanisky / Julie Kanisky Maxwell Julie Kanisky / Julie Kanisky Maxwell   See fewer
114
Kari Michaelsen
Katie Kanisky Katie Kanisky   See fewer
111
Dolph Sweet
Chief Carl Kanisky / Carl Kanisky Chief Carl Kanisky / Carl Kanisky   See fewer
88
John Hoyt
Grandpa Stanley Kanisky / Grandpa Kanisky Grandpa Stanley Kanisky / Grandpa Kanisky   See fewer
82
Joey Lawrence
Joey Donovan Joey Donovan   See fewer
77
Telma Hopkins
Addy Wilson Addy Wilson   See fewer
68
Howard Morton
Officer Ralph Simpson / Officer Simpson Officer Ralph Simpson / Officer Simpson   See fewer
50
Matthew Lawrence
Matthew Donovan Matthew Donovan   See fewer
18
Rosetta LeNoire
Maybelle 'Mama' Harper Maybelle 'Mama' Harper   See fewer
16
Jonathan Silverman
Jonathan Maxwell Jonathan Maxwell   See fewer
16
Paul Sand
Marty Marty   See fewer
11
Rosie O'Donnell
Maggie O'Brien Maggie O'Brien   See fewer
10
Pete Schrum
Uncle Ed Kanisky Uncle Ed Kanisky   See fewer
9
Jane Dulo
Grandma Mildred Kanisky Grandma Mildred Kanisky   See fewer
8
Harrison Page
Hamilton Storm / Bob / Dennis / Robert Hamilton Storm / Bob / Dennis / Robert   See fewer
8
Don Bovingloh
Desk Clerk Desk Clerk   See fewer
7
6
Don Sherman
Lester / Mike / Rafel / Telephone Installer / The Cab Driver / The Plumber Lester / Mike / Rafel / Telephone Installer / The Cab Driver / The Plumber   See fewer
6
Yvonne Wilder
Dr. Fran Roberts / Dr. Jane Keller / Tina Dr. Fran Roberts / Dr. Jane Keller / Tina   See fewer
5
Roslyn Kind
Female Student / Marfa Cosgrove Female Student / Marfa Cosgrove   See fewer
5
Victoria Carroll
Applicant #1 / Bank Teller / Gale / Melissa Applicant #1 / Bank Teller / Gale / Melissa   See fewer
4
Robin Bach
Cameraman / Caterer / Man / Man #1 Cameraman / Caterer / Man / Man #1   See fewer
4
Jack Fletcher
Mr. Swackhammer Mr. Swackhammer   See fewer
4
Rick Fitts
Andrew / Male Student / Officer Brewer Andrew / Male Student / Officer Brewer   See fewer
4
Mark L. Taylor
Mr. Broderick Mr. Broderick   See fewer
4
Raf Mauro
Actor Actor   See fewer
4
Patrick Collins
Tim Donovan Tim Donovan   See fewer
3
James A. Watson Jr.
James Roland James Roland   See fewer
3
Jay Johnson
Rev. Cunningham / The Priest / The Ventriloquist Rev. Cunningham / The Priest / The Ventriloquist   See fewer
3
Lynne Thigpen
Loretta Harper Loretta Harper   See fewer
3
Nat Bernstein
Murphy / Officer Murphy / Officer   See fewer
3
Bonnie Urseth
Doris / Pregnant Woman / Valerie Doris / Pregnant Woman / Valerie   See fewer
3
Cliff Norton
Mr. Bickford / Passerby / Ship Doctor Mr. Bickford / Passerby / Ship Doctor   See fewer
3
Hazel Shermet
Mrs. Larry Rhine / Rita / Woman Mrs. Larry Rhine / Rita / Woman   See fewer
3
3
Grace Albertson
Actress Actress   See fewer
3
Phil Leeds
Mr. Galotta / Night School Student / Security Guard Mr. Galotta / Night School Student / Security Guard   See fewer
3
Magda Harout
Actress Actress   See fewer
3
3
Louis Guss
Actor Actor   See fewer
3
3
3
John Otrin
Police Officer / Police Officer #2 Police Officer / Police Officer #2   See fewer
3
Joseph Maher
Professor Dudley Professor Dudley   See fewer
2
Patrick Breen
Keith Dudley Keith Dudley   See fewer
2
Jack Carter
Corelli / Customer Corelli / Customer   See fewer
2
2
Rue McClanahan
Katrina / Marian Katrina / Marian   See fewer
2
Teddy Wilson
Club Owner / Rev. George Dixon Club Owner / Rev. George Dixon   See fewer
2
Maggie Cooper
Mary Beth Sinclair Mary Beth Sinclair   See fewer
2
Lewis Arquette
Coach Henderson / Kramer Coach Henderson / Kramer   See fewer
2
Charles Weldon
Good Ol' Charlie Johnson Good Ol' Charlie Johnson   See fewer
2
Gary Collins
Gary Collins Gary Collins   See fewer
2
Frank Bonner
Officer Baxter / Warren Officer Baxter / Warren   See fewer
2
Hilda Haynes
Emma Harper / Mrs. Harper Emma Harper / Mrs. Harper   See fewer
2
Michael Dorn
Major Carpenter / Quentin T. Jones Major Carpenter / Quentin T. Jones   See fewer
2
Kurt McKinney
Chip / Steve Siler Chip / Steve Siler   See fewer
2
2
Blake Clark
B.J. O'Brien B.J. O'Brien   See fewer
2
Phil Rubenstein
Captain Luchesi / Philly Captain Luchesi / Philly   See fewer
2
Fred McCarren
Tim Donovan Tim Donovan   See fewer
2
Pam Matteson
Nurse #1 / Waitress Nurse #1 / Waitress   See fewer
2
2
2
Tonya Williams
Judy Mitchell Judy Mitchell   See fewer
2
Nora Boland
Edna / Woman #1 Edna / Woman #1   See fewer
2
Will Hunt
Bill Larkin / The Drunk Bill Larkin / The Drunk   See fewer
2
2
Liz Torres
Nurse #2 / Secretary Nurse #2 / Secretary   See fewer
2
Jack Lindine
The Mad Bomber The Mad Bomber   See fewer
2
Leonard Lightfoot
Dr. Jamel Anderson / Louis Dr. Jamel Anderson / Louis   See fewer
2
2
Arnold F. Turner
Fireman / Policeman Fireman / Policeman   See fewer
2
2
George Memmoli
Phil / The New Member Phil / The New Member   See fewer
2
Allan Rich
Judge Judge   See fewer
2
2
Jan Claire
Actress Actress   See fewer
2
2
2
Judy Walton
Receptionist Receptionist   See fewer
2
Jason Edwards
Dr. Ferguson Johnson Dr. Ferguson Johnson   See fewer
2
2
René Le Vant
Howard Howard   See fewer
2
2
Jeremy Sunderland
Customer / Leonard Hansman Customer / Leonard Hansman   See fewer
2
Shari Shaw
Sandy Sandy   See fewer
2
Paris Vaughan
Actress Actress   See fewer
2
2
Patricia Veselich
Karen / Sharon Karen / Sharon   See fewer
2
2
2
2
William G. Schilling
Police Officer #1 Police Officer #1   See fewer
2
2
Denise Routt
Actress Actress   See fewer
2
2
Case Strassner
Baby / Self Baby / Self   See fewer
2
Shelly Garrett
Earl / Limo Driver Earl / Limo Driver   See fewer
2
Paul Williams
Captain Jerk Captain Jerk   See fewer
1
1
1
Julie Anne Haddock
Silver Slipper President Silver Slipper President   See fewer
1
Howard Platt
Gus Lambert Gus Lambert   See fewer
1
Helen Hunt
Valerie Valerie   See fewer
1
Alice Ghostley
Mrs. Falconberg Mrs. Falconberg   See fewer
1
Dennis Burkley
Dr. George Avery Dr. George Avery   See fewer
1
1
1
1
Hank Rolike
Rev. Harper Rev. Harper   See fewer
1
1
Dana Gladstone
Burglar #1 Burglar #1   See fewer
1
Robert Costanzo
Mr. Brandt Mr. Brandt   See fewer
1
The Pointer Sisters
The Doo-Wop Girls The Doo-Wop Girls   See fewer
1
Tony Randall
Tony Randall Tony Randall   See fewer
1
Sharon Spelman
Margaret Kanisky Margaret Kanisky   See fewer
1
Rick Lohman
Warren Sandler Warren Sandler   See fewer
1
Ernie Hudson
Prince Prince   See fewer
1
Art LaFleur
Mr. Hamilton Mr. Hamilton   See fewer
1
1
Jane Daly
Actress Actress   See fewer
1
1
1
Mike Darnell
George George   See fewer
1
1
Robert Miller Driscoll
Mr. Meyer Mr. Meyer   See fewer
1
Mallie Jackson
Babs Pasternak Babs Pasternak   See fewer
1
Liz Sheridan
Nurse Whales Nurse Whales   See fewer
1
Eugene Roche
Officer Jerry Officer Jerry   See fewer
1
John P. Navin Jr.
Scotty Sherman Scotty Sherman   See fewer
1
Elvia Allman
Grandma Kanisky Grandma Kanisky   See fewer
1
Paul Regina
Jonathan Jonathan   See fewer
1
Elizabeth Kerr
Grandma Kanisky Grandma Kanisky   See fewer
1
Madison Arnold
Burglar #2 Burglar #2   See fewer
1
William Larsen
The Judge The Judge   See fewer
1
Jim Gatherum
Boy #1 Boy #1   See fewer
1
1
Alan Oppenheimer
Mr. Daniels Mr. Daniels   See fewer
1
Deborah Pratt
Vanessa Vanessa   See fewer
1
1
Lance E. Nichols
Vampire Vampire   See fewer
1
George Kirby
Mayor Hopkins Mayor Hopkins   See fewer
1
1
1
Ed Koch
Mayor Ed Koch Mayor Ed Koch   See fewer
1
1
Paul Gleason
Mr. Kimball Mr. Kimball   See fewer
1
1
Tom Wright
Construction Worker Construction Worker   See fewer
1
Patrick Cronin
Mr. Gronimeyer Mr. Gronimeyer   See fewer
1
Helen Page Camp
Mrs. Bennett Mrs. Bennett   See fewer
1
1
1
1
Kelly Ann Conn
A Silver Slipper A Silver Slipper   See fewer
1
Alan Stock
The Robber The Robber   See fewer
1
Michael A. Salcido
The Maitre'd The Maitre'd   See fewer
1
Anthony Battelle
Delivery Man Delivery Man   See fewer
1
1
Eliza Roberts
Applicant #2 Applicant #2   See fewer
1
Florence Halop
Mrs. Falkenberg Mrs. Falkenberg   See fewer
1
1
James Mendenhall
The Doctor The Doctor   See fewer
1
Mark Harrison
Patrolman #1 Patrolman #1   See fewer
1
Edward Rayden
Boy #2 Boy #2   See fewer
1
1
Michael Dudikoff
Greg Hartman Greg Hartman   See fewer
1
Thomas Callaway
Michael Michael   See fewer
1
Andy Gibb
Andy Gibb Andy Gibb   See fewer
1
F. William Parker
Defense Attorney Defense Attorney   See fewer
1
Bunny Summers
Actress Actress   See fewer
1
Eugenia Wright
Saniation Dept. Lady Saniation Dept. Lady   See fewer
1
1
Helen Rubio
Mrs. Lopez Mrs. Lopez   See fewer
1
William Zabka
Jeffrey Jeffrey   See fewer
1
1
1
Milton Berle
Leopold Leopold   See fewer
1
Ray Parker Jr.
Ray Parker Jr. Ray Parker Jr.   See fewer
1
Ken Berry
Cute Dave Cute Dave   See fewer
1
Patricia Huston
Actress Actress   See fewer
1
Timothy Brown
William Frazier William Frazier   See fewer
1
1
Rob Steinberg
Mr. Kirk Mr. Kirk   See fewer
1
1
Harry Basil
Nicky Pappalardo Nicky Pappalardo   See fewer
1
1
Jenny Beck
Molly Hamilton Molly Hamilton   See fewer
1
1
Diana Brookes
Blonde Blonde   See fewer
1
Lou Cutell
The Druggist The Druggist   See fewer
1
David Kaufman
Boy #3 Boy #3   See fewer
1
1
1
1
Merlin Marston
Patrolman #2 Patrolman #2   See fewer
1
Bob Bigelow
Man #2 Man #2   See fewer
1
Frantz Turner
Wilson Brown Wilson Brown   See fewer
1
1
1
Kay Dingle
Fainting Bank Customer Fainting Bank Customer   See fewer
1
Barbara Hamilton
Lady Shopper Lady Shopper   See fewer
1
Sumant
Dr. Singh Dr. Singh   See fewer
1
Dennis Haysbert
Rev. Winfield Rev. Winfield   See fewer
1
1
Pat Sajak
Pat Sajak Pat Sajak   See fewer
1
Whitman Mayo
Papa Jack Jenkins Papa Jack Jenkins   See fewer
1
Candi Milo
Leslie Leslie   See fewer
1
Peter Iacangelo
Mr. Brown Mr. Brown   See fewer
1
Janice Kent
Mrs. Piper Mrs. Piper   See fewer
1
Abraham Alvarez
Mr. Gonzalez Mr. Gonzalez   See fewer
1
Gary Bayer
Doctor Doctor   See fewer
1
1
Gloria Gifford
Marilyn Wallace Marilyn Wallace   See fewer
1
William Lanteau
Mr. Harris Mr. Harris   See fewer
1
Gerald Berns
Man at the Bus Stop Man at the Bus Stop   See fewer
1
Tim Haldeman
Dr. Megway Dr. Megway   See fewer
1
Michelle Poulin
Saleslady Saleslady   See fewer
1
Bo Anthony
Actor Actor   See fewer
1
1
John Ingle
Mr. Randall Mr. Randall   See fewer
1
Jane Galloway
Sally Parsons Sally Parsons   See fewer
1
1
Terri Hoyos
Actress Actress   See fewer
1
Niles Brewster
Male Customer Male Customer   See fewer
1
Paula Holmberg
Actress Actress   See fewer
1
Johnny Brown
Rev. Digby Rev. Digby   See fewer
1
Renny Temple
Arresting Officer Arresting Officer   See fewer
1
Fred Franklyn
Charles Foster Charles Foster   See fewer
1
Miriam Flynn
Mrs. Brandt Mrs. Brandt   See fewer
1
Charles Cooper
Customer Customer   See fewer
1
Tammy Taylor
Actress Actress   See fewer
1
Laurie Rose
Belly Dancer Belly Dancer   See fewer
1
1
James Cromwell
Russell Cosgrove Russell Cosgrove   See fewer
1
1
Marcia Rodd
Officer Dwyer Officer Dwyer   See fewer
1
Hal Williams
Dr. Phil Gray Dr. Phil Gray   See fewer
1
Ola Ray
Deanna Deanna   See fewer
1
J.A. Preston
Preston Pomeroy Preston Pomeroy   See fewer
1
Basil Hoffman
Mr. Fuller Mr. Fuller   See fewer
1
1
Rod Colbin
Dr. Kessler Dr. Kessler   See fewer
1
Nicole Rosselle
Young Katie Young Katie   See fewer
1
Sammy Davis Jr.
Albert / Sammy Davis Jr. Albert / Sammy Davis Jr.   See fewer
1
Jill Whitlow
Actress Actress   See fewer
1
Tom Morga
Actor Actor   See fewer
1
Sheila Frazier
Yvonne Anderson Yvonne Anderson   See fewer
1
1
Jack Colvin
Dr. Raymond Michaelson Dr. Raymond Michaelson   See fewer
1
Al Fann
Ben Guthrie Ben Guthrie   See fewer
1
Walter Mathews
Policeman Carlotti Policeman Carlotti   See fewer
1
Reuven Bar-Yotam
Mr. Pappalardo Mr. Pappalardo   See fewer
1
Michael Korn
Walter Walter   See fewer
1
1
Fred Holliday
Lottery Host Lottery Host   See fewer
1
1
Susan Wolf
Receptionist Receptionist   See fewer
1
Beverly Stone
Female Customer Female Customer   See fewer
1
Nigel Bullard
Man in the Bar Man in the Bar   See fewer
1
Madison Mason
News Anchor News Anchor   See fewer
1
Jeffrey Wheat
Cameraman Cameraman   See fewer
1
Suzanne Snyder
Actress Actress   See fewer
1
1
Jack Manning
Security Guard Security Guard   See fewer
1
John Medici
Officer Officer   See fewer
1
1
Jack Dodson
Principal Smythe Principal Smythe   See fewer
1
K.C. Martel
Danny Maloney Danny Maloney   See fewer
1
1
Keri Houlihan
Young Julie Young Julie   See fewer
1
Joe Gieb
Mr. Baker Mr. Baker   See fewer
1
Justin Lord
Dr. Fred Robinson Dr. Fred Robinson   See fewer
1
1
Gary Lee Davis
Moose Murphy Moose Murphy   See fewer
1
Joey Green
Actor Actor   See fewer
1
1
1
1
1
1
Bennet Guillory
Steven Marken Steven Marken   See fewer
1
1
1
Susan Bugg
Helen Helen   See fewer
1
1
1
Tony Perez
Actor Actor   See fewer
1
Sara Ballantine
Actress Actress   See fewer
1
1
Richard Paul
Stanley Nichols Stanley Nichols   See fewer
1
Patrick Henderson
Patrick Henderson Patrick Henderson   See fewer
1
Gretchen Wyler
Aunt Blanche Aunt Blanche   See fewer
1
Ken Olfson
Jason Swinborn III Jason Swinborn III   See fewer
1
Sheila Rogers
Woman #1 Woman #1   See fewer
1
Joyce Gittlin
Bridesmaid #1 Bridesmaid #1   See fewer
1
Annice Parker
Actress Actress   See fewer
1
1
Dorothy Meyer
Sarah Banks Sarah Banks   See fewer
1
Kathy Gieb
Mrs. Baker Mrs. Baker   See fewer
1
Jeanna Barron
Young Samantha Young Samantha   See fewer
1
Laura Copland
Actress Actress   See fewer
1
1
Dawn Merrick
Actress Actress   See fewer
1
1
1
1
1
Jana Brown
Actress Actress   See fewer
1
1
Melody Hamilton
Actress Actress   See fewer
1
1
1
Celia Wellman
Bridesmaid #2 Bridesmaid #2   See fewer
1
Peggy McCay
Robin Thornton Robin Thornton   See fewer
1
Kathryn Reynolds
Mickey Hightower Mickey Hightower   See fewer
1
1
1
Mary Bond Davis
Actress Actress   See fewer
1
1
Marii Mak
Mary Lou Fong Mary Lou Fong   See fewer
1
Lee Amone
Actor Actor   See fewer
1
1
Ruth Carlsson
Actress Actress   See fewer
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Mari Falcone
Piano Player Piano Player   See fewer
1
Fred D. Scott
Minister Minister   See fewer
1
1
1
1
Vanna White
Vanna White Vanna White   See fewer
1
Ken Page
Kenneth Wilson Kenneth Wilson   See fewer
1
Angelina Estrada
Actress Actress   See fewer
1
Paul Bahn
Musician Musician   See fewer
1
1
1
1
Eileen Saki
Karen Chang Karen Chang   See fewer
1
Dolores Albin
Actress Actress   See fewer
1
Jim Furmston
Musician Musician   See fewer
1
1
Eve Smith
Actress Actress   See fewer
1
Randy Mitchell
Musician Musician   See fewer
1
1
1
Keith Nelson
Musician Musician   See fewer
1
1
1
Snooki Young
Musician Musician   See fewer
1
1
1
1
1
1
Peter Aguilar
Student Protester Student Protester   See fewer
1
Marsha Clark
Loan Officer Loan Officer   See fewer
1
Kathy Wagner
Young Julie (uncredited) Young Julie (uncredited)   See fewer
1
Jo de Winter
Woman #2 (uncredited) Woman #2 (uncredited)   See fewer
1
Carol Sutton
Stewardess (uncredited) Stewardess (uncredited)   See fewer
1
Ellis Marsalis
Gospel Pianist (uncredited) Gospel Pianist (uncredited)   See fewer
1
Shelly Markham
Piano Player (uncredited) Piano Player (uncredited)   See fewer
1
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