Comments on: Charles Nelson Reilly, Match Game Panelist, Passes Away at 76

By: Andrew

Andrew — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 13:25:36 +0000

What a shocker. The chemistry between him and all of the others, especially Brett, is impossible to recreate. I knew I recognized the voice of “Dirty Bubble” somehow!!

“This is not a job, this is a social engagement.”

By: Scott

Scott — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 13:40:22 +0000

Anyone who could play an (incredibly campy) evil magician on a kids’ show (Lidsville) is true genius. What was great about CNR was that he was comfortable in his own skin, and that the network (and fellow panelists and host) allowed him to be who he was. He didn’t beat us over the head with anything but his vibrant personality. And, he seemed not to be haunted by any demons (drinking, etc.), and was in no way a diva or full of himself. He never became sullen like Richard Dawson and Paul Lynde did (great talents though both were).

The only sad thing was his reported remark that game shows killed his career. Since he was a Tony-award winning actor, I can see why he may have felt that way, but it didn’t seem to kill Tony Randall’s career (who was very involved in theatre through the end of his life). Maybe it’s about how one defines “career.” Gene Rayburn had a great one and it centered around radio, game and panel shows. CNR had a great “career” whether he realized it or not.

By: steve baxley

steve baxley — Wed, 30 May 2007 00:10:18 +0000

The memory I will have of CNR is when he served as host for the GSN tribute to last episodes of Games shows called “Y2PLAY”

In memory of CNR, I think it would be cool to have a 72 hour marathon of Match Game with a phone number where fans can record their memories

By: Donald

Donald — Tue, 29 May 2007 18:27:03 +0000

He did leave his mark in TV primarily for Match Game. He will be missed.

May he Rest In _______

By: Greg

Greg — Tue, 29 May 2007 14:13:00 +0000

I didn’t know CNR was gay!

By: Andy

Andy — Tue, 29 May 2007 03:15:24 +0000

Debralee Scott passed away two year ago in 2005 just three days after her 52nd birthday. IMDB website said she died of natural causes, but think she drank too much which might have contributed to her death. She always looked wasted whenever she was on Match Game, and remember her “wardrobe malfunction” on Password Plus?

There’s a Match Game clip on youtube where Brett Summers and Charles Nelson Reilly sing with Bill Anderson. That clip is more in memory of Debralee Scott instead of Charles Nelson Reilly because Bill sings about Debralee.

Scott and Reilly are now reunited in the spirit world.
RIP CNR 1931-2007 and DS 1953-2005

By: Brandon

Brandon — Tue, 29 May 2007 02:52:11 +0000

Anonymous, Debralee passed away in 2005.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Mon, 28 May 2007 23:53:00 +0000

Off on a tangent, but Debralee Scott is dead?

I guess it is true what they say about death happening in threes. First Kitty, then Tom Poston and now good ol’ “Chuck” Reilly.

I grew up on TPiR and Marc’s Double Dare, but it was Match Game that made me a true game show fan through and through. And of course, a huge part of MG was the play between Brett and Charles. I daresay that had the only regular been Richard Dawson the show wouldn’t have been as fun even with Gene’s antics still there. And of course, even though I like MG90, Charles was a big part of that too.

He was also on the only episode of the MG/Hollywood Squares Hour I’ve ever seen, and I was left wondering why he was not a regular there too.

I hear the show he did prior to MG, It Pays to Be Ignorant for Hatos-Hall, was really funny. I wish I could see it. But even for such a brilliant comic mind, he couldn’t help Gene salvage Break the Bank, which is sad.

The man will be missed. We can only take consolation in the fact that he isn’t sick and suffering anymore.

By: Jim

Jim — Mon, 28 May 2007 23:28:07 +0000

It was kind of surreal being on the air this morning and hearing on our CNN radio feed about the death of Charles and soon after reporting the story in our extended news blocks. He, by his own admission, was indeed a game show fixture. Match Game just wasn’t as entertaining without him on the panel. What people forget about Charles is that he was quite an accomplished actor.

All and all, he entertained generations on television and Broadway and brought some brevity to the American public for so many years. That’s the true legacy: the fact that he made us smile, laugh, and forget our troubles. RIP CNR.

By: DDELE7

DDELE7 — Mon, 28 May 2007 20:03:23 +0000

Match Game for many years was GSN’s flagship program. And the secret to its success was Gene, Richard, Brett and Charles. And lets not forget Johnny O.

The chemistry the 4 had give MG cult status as well as generations of loyal fans. I was so surprised to hear of his passing.

Im sure GSN will give him a tribute that would do him justice. He was the most loyal panelist in the whole series. And a fine actor.

I wouldnt be surprised if Betty White or Brett Summers made some comments in a interview following the wake of his death.

RIP charles.