‘B.J and the Bear’ Cast: Where Are They Now?
Plus, learn shocking secrets about the cast members!
In the realm of iconic television shows from the late 1970s and early 1980s, few hold as much nostalgic charm and enduring popularity as BJ and the Bear. Created by Glen A. Larson, this show captivated audiences with its blend of action, comedy, and adventure.
BJ and the Bear aired on television screens from 1978 to 1981, and followed the adventures of B.J. McKay and his best friend, a chimpanzee named Bear. Set against the backdrop of the American highway, the series chronicled the duo’s travels in B.J.’s signature red and white Kenworth K-100 cabover truck, taking on various jobs and encountering a myriad of colorful characters along the way.
At its core, BJ and the Bear was a classic buddy road-trip series, blending elements of comedy, drama, and action. The show’s premise of a lone trucker and his companion resonated with audiences, offering a unique twist on the traditional buddy-cop formula popularized in other television shows of the era. With its catchy theme song, memorable characters, and thrilling adventures, BJ and the Bear quickly gained a devoted fanbase and became a staple of primetime television.
One of the key factors contributing to the show’s popularity was its charismatic lead actor, Greg Evigan, who portrayed the affable and resourceful B.J. McKay. Evigan’s charm and charisma endeared him to audiences, making him a household name during the show’s run. Additionally, the presence of Bear, the chimp, added a whimsical and endearing element to the series.
BJ and the Bear also resonated with audiences due to its blend of action-packed thrills and lighthearted humor. Each episode featured a new adventure or challenge for B.J. and Bear to overcome, ranging from thwarting criminals to helping those in need. This winning formula kept viewers eagerly tuning in week after week, cementing the show’s status as a beloved classic.
BJ and the Bear: Greg Evigan as B.J. McKay
Born in 1953, in South Amboy, New Jersey, Greg Evigan got his start on Broadway, in the cast of Jesus Christ Superstar. From there he got a role in a tour company cast of Grease. He hit the small screen in shows like The Six Million Dollar Man, One Day at a Time and Barnaby Jones.
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His big break came playing the actor B.J. McKay on B.J. and the Bear. After the show, he had guest appearances in shows like Fame, Matlock and Murder, She Wrote. He had a reoccurring role as Danny Doyle in Masquerade (1983-84). Then he hit tv magic playing the part of Joey Harris on My Two Dads (1987-1990). In the 1990s he played Jake Cardigan in TekWar (1994-1996) and Dr. Dan Hathaway in Melrose Place (19996-1997).
His next big role was as Bill Sutton in Big Sound (2000-2001). He also played Jim Harvey on two dozen episodes of General Hospital (2018).
Most recently he was in the 2021 TV movie Blending Christmas.
Did you know? Evigan sang the theme song to B.J. and the Bear.
Claude Akins as Sheriff Lobo
Born in 1926 in Nelson, Georgia, Akins began his acting career in the 1950s with parts in a variety of shows including Dragnet, Soldiers of Fortune and Alfred Hitchcock Presents.
In the 1960s, he had bit parts in dozens of popular series including Bonanza, Twilight Zone and Rawhide.
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In the 1970s he appeared in the Mission: Impossible TV series as well as Barnaby Jones before getting the job of reoccurring cast member Sonny Pruitt on the show Movin’ On (1974-1976).
He then got the part of Sheriff Lobo on B.J. and the Bear. His character was so popular with fans that there was a spin-off The Misadventures of Sheriff Lobo that ran for two seasons.
In the 1980s and 1990s he made appearances in dozens of shows including The Love Boat, Matlock, Hunter and Falling from Grace.
Akins passed away from stomach cancer in 1994.
Did you know? Akins last movie was 1994’s Twisted Fear.
BJ and the Bear: Eric Server as Lt. Jim Steiger
Born in 1944 in Santa Monica, California, Eric Server got his acting chops in the 1960s in General Hospital. In the 1970s he had parts in Mod Squad, Mission: Impossible, and Switch. He was also the voice of Dr. Theopolis in the Buck Rogers series.
His big television break was playing Jim Steiger on B.J. and the Bear. He was on the show for all three seasons. After that series, he went on to appear in several 1980’s shows including Hillstreet Blues, Simon & Simon and T.J. Hooker.
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The 1990s saw him in L.A. Law, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and The New Lassie. His most recent movie was 2014’s Mom’s Night Out.
Did you know? Server had three different guest appearances in The Incredible Hulk—one as a police officer, one as a race car driver and one as a thief.
Judy Landers as Stacks
Born in 1958, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Judy Landers was a star gymnast as a child and went on to attend the famous Juilliard music school. She then started modeling and acting and appeared in Happy Days, Charlie’s Angels and The Jeffersons before getting her reoccurring role as Stacks on B.J. and the Bear.
In the ‘80s she had guest appearances in a slew of hit shows including The Fall Guy, Fantasy Island, Night Court, The Love Boat, and Knight Rider. She also was a series regular on the show Madame’s Place where she played the role of Sara Pitts.
In the ‘90s Landers, along with her older sister, Audrey, produced and appeared in the PBS children’s series The Huggabug Club. She was most recently in the 2019 movie Manipulated.
Lander is married to baseball player Tom Niedenfuer and they have two daughters, Lindsey and Kristy.
Did you know? Landers has such a strong resemblance to her sister, Audrey, that they have appeared together in a number of features as identical twins, even though they were actually born more than two years apart.
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BJ and the Bear: Mills Watson as Deputy Perkins
Born in 1940, in Oakland, California, Mills Watson got his acting chops in the 1960s with appearances in several shows including the Mission: Impossible television series. In the 1970s he was prolific and appeared in Hawaii Five-O, Bonanza, Mod Squad and Gunsmoke. After getting the part of Deputy Perkins on B.J. and the Bear, he then moved to the spin-off show The Misadventures of Sheriff Lobo.
In the ‘80s he appeared in the beloved show, Harper Valley P.T.A, as well as several other TV hits including T.J. Hooker, The Fall Guy and Murder, She Wrote.
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Most recently he was cast in the 1991 TV movie Blood River and then the 1992 movie Gunsmoke: The Last Man.
Did you know? Watson is now retired from acting. He told Shock Cinema magazine, “I was very fortunate to have been able to do as much as I wanted. Today I have a fifteen-acre farm, growing hay. I just relax here with my wife Sue. There’s no pressure up here in Oregon. It’s safe and it’s not stressful at all, which I feel is keeping me alive.”
Sheila Wills as Angie
Born in 1947 in Louisiana, Sheila Wills was seen in several popular TV shows in the 1970s including The Six Million Dollar Man, Kojak and Battlestar Galactica.
She starred in 15 episodes of BJ and the Bear before becoming a season regular on Days of Our Lives from 1983-1987.
In the ‘90s she appeared in Knots Landing, Beverly Hills 90210, and 7th Heaven. The 2000s saw her on Scrubs and NCIS: Los Angeles.
Most recently, in 2022-2023 she appeared in the television series All American.
For more 80’s TV and movies click through the links below!
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