Leif Erickson's Final Role Was In The Best '80s Fantasy TV Show
by Joe Roberts · /FilmAdd SlashFilm on Google:
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Leif Erickson is best known for starring in the underrated Western series "The High Chaparral" as ranch patriarch "Big John" Cannon. The show ran on NBC from 1967 to 1971, and Erickson was 56 when he debuted as Big John, which is to say that he'd been working for quite some time before being cast in his most well-known role. Prior to "The High Chaparral" he'd appeared in multiple films, including Elia Kazan's "On the Waterfront," and classic Western TV series including "Zane Grey Theatre" and two episodes of Clint Eastwood's "Rawhide."
After "The High Chaparral" came to an end, he continued to work in TV, appearing in an episode of Rod Serling's "Night Gallery" and the show that also saw a young Arnold Schwarzenegger play a bonkers bodybuilder, "The Streets of San Francisco." It was only fitting, given his illustrious small screen career, that he finish his acting career by guesting on one of the most successful shows of the 1980s: "Fantasy Island." Unfortunately, he had to do so alongside a country music singer who's acting skills weren't quite on Erickson's level.
Gene Levitt's series aired on ABC from 1977 to 1984 and did exactly what it said on the tin. "Fantasy Island" was set on an island where visitors could experience their fantasies come to life. With the help of his assistant Tattoo (Hervé Villechaize), Ricardo Montalbán's Mr. Roarke hosted those visitors over seven seasons and two made-for-TV movies. During the final season, he welcomed Erickson in what would be his final role.
Leif Erickson left the screen with a friendly handshake in Fantasy Island
Leif Erickson was no stranger to sci-fi and fantasy, having appeared in '50s sci-fi cult classic "Invaders from Mars," which deserves more recognition than it gets. His "Fantasy Island" episode, however, had nothing to do with defending Earth from aliens and more to do with defending the episode from some atrocious acting on the part of his co-star.
The 1984 episode, "Goin' on Home/Ambitious Lady" sees Mickey Gilley's country music star Billy Jo Prine visit the island. It seems that years ago Billy left behind his family and a true love in order to pursue his dream of becoming a successful musician. Now that he's accomplished it all, he asks Mr. Roarke to assemble his remaining family: his father (Erickson), younger brother (John Dennis Johnston) and the girl he left behind, Katie McCallum (Cristina Raines).
When Billy Jo and his father reunite, the elder Prine is anything but happy to see him. During Billy Jo's absence his mother passed away and his father can't forgive his son for not checking in. It's a decent little role for Erickson, who's given plenty to chew on as Father Prine, even if the episode as a whole isn't the finest "Fantasy Island" installment. Erickson is also the best actor in the episode and it's sort of a shame he has to share his scenes with Gilley, a real-life country songster who's clearly out of his depth.
Ultimately, things work out for old Billy Jo, who patches things up with his family. The final scene sees him, his father, and brother line up to bid Mr. Roarke farewell. After a handshake, Erickson and co. stroll off-screen and that's the last we saw of this screen legend.