60s TV Had Incredible Guest Appearances
In the 1960s, a great guest star could turn an ordinary episode into must-see television. Some played villains, some stole scenes, and others appeared years before becoming legends themselves. These are the guest spots fans still love to talk about.
CBS Television/Bureau of Industrial Service, Wikimedia Commons.
Hollywood Royalty On The Lucy Show
Lucille Ball had a knack for attracting some of the biggest stars in Hollywood to The Lucy Show. Beginning in the mid-1960s, celebrities often appeared as themselves while crossing paths with Lucy Carmichael. Those appearances made every episode feel like a special event and helped keep the sitcom fresh throughout its later seasons.
Screenshot from The Lucy Show, CBS (1962–1968), Modified
Joan Crawford Played Along
One of the most talked about guest appearances came from Joan Crawford in the 1966 episode "Lucy and the Lost Star." The Oscar winner gamely poked fun at her glamorous image while sharing scenes with Ball. Their on-screen chemistry was especially fascinating because the pair famously had a complicated off-screen relationship.
Screenshot from The Lucy Show, CBS (1962–1968), Modified
Carol Burnett Was A Perfect Match
Carol Burnett fit seamlessly into Lucille Ball's brand of physical comedy. Her guest appearance showcased the comic timing that would soon make her a television legend in her own right. Watching two comedy giants share the screen remains a treat for classic television fans.
Screenshot from The Lucy Show, CBS (1962–1968)
John Wayne Joined The Fun
Even America's favorite cowboy could not resist making time for Lucy. John Wayne appeared as himself in a memorable episode that let him gently spoof his rugged screen persona. Seeing such a towering movie star happily play along with Ball's antics delighted audiences.
Screenshot from The Lucy Show, CBS (1962–1968), Modified
Vincent Price Became Batman's Perfect Villain
When Batman premiered in 1966, it quickly became known for colorful celebrity villains. Horror legend Vincent Price embraced the campy tone by portraying Egghead with complete enthusiasm. His performance became one of the series' most beloved recurring guest roles.
Screenshot from Batman, ABC (1966–1968)
Liberace Played Twin Roles
Pianist Liberace made one of the show's most unforgettable appearances by playing both the villain Chandell and his evil twin brother Harry. The double performance gave him a chance to show off both his musical talents and his sense of humor. It remains one of Batman's most entertaining celebrity turns.
Screenshot from Batman, ABC (1966–1968)
Tallulah Bankhead Stole Every Scene
Legendary stage actress Tallulah Bankhead guest starred as the Black Widow during the show's second season. Her theatrical style fit perfectly with Batman's deliberately exaggerated world. She turned every line into a memorable performance.
Screenshot from Batman, ABC (1966–1968), Modified
Sammy Davis Jr. Surprised Viewers
One of Batman's running jokes featured celebrities poking their heads out of windows while Batman and Robin climbed buildings. Sammy Davis Jr. delivered one of the most memorable cameos in the series. The quick appearance became a favorite among longtime fans.
Screenshot from Batman, ABC (1966–1968)
Joan Collins Enchanted Star Trek
Before becoming an 1980s television icon, Joan Collins guest starred in the classic Star Trek episode "The City on the Edge of Forever." She played Edith Keeler, whose fate becomes central to Captain Kirk's greatest moral dilemma. The episode is still widely regarded as one of the finest in the franchise.
Screenshot from Star Trek, NBC (1966–1969)
Ricardo Montalbán Created A Legendary Villain
Ricardo Montalbán appeared as Khan Noonien Singh in "Space Seed." His charismatic performance left such a lasting impression that the character returned in the blockbuster film Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. Few television guest stars have ever had such a lasting legacy.
Screenshot from Star Trek, NBC (1966–1969), Modified
Julie Newmar Left A Lasting Impression
Julie Newmar's appearance as Eleen in the original Star Trek episode "Friday's Child" highlighted her versatility beyond her famous role as Catwoman. She brought warmth and intelligence to the alien character. Fans still remember her performance decades later.
Screenshot from Star Trek, NBC (1966–1969)
Frank Gorshin Crossed Into The Final Frontier
Already famous as Batman's Riddler, Frank Gorshin made another memorable television appearance on Star Trek. He played Bele in the powerful episode "Let That Be Your Last Battlefield." The story tackled prejudice and intolerance through science fiction.
Screenshot from Star Trek, NBC (1966–1969), Modified
Bette Davis Visited Perry Mason
Film legend Bette Davis guest starred in the 1963 Perry Mason episode "The Case of Constant Doyle." Her appearance demonstrated how television had become an attractive destination for major Hollywood stars. Davis brought her trademark intensity to the courtroom drama.
Screenshot from Perry Mason, CBS (1957–1966)
Carl Reiner Finally Appeared on Dick Van Dyke
Although Carl Reiner created The Dick Van Dyke Show, he originally stayed behind the camera. Eventually he stepped in front of it as the elusive Alan Brady. His appearances rewarded viewers who had waited years to finally see the famous television star everyone kept talking about.
Rogers & Cowan, public relations, Wikimedia Commons
Barbara Eden Visited Mayberry
Several years before I Dream of Jeannie premiered, Barbara Eden guest starred on The Andy Griffith Show. She played a manicurist whose arrival stirred gossip throughout the town. The role hinted at the charm that would soon make her a household name.
Screenshot from The Andy Griffith Show, CBS (1960–1968), Modified
Buddy Ebsen Delivered Heart
Buddy Ebsen appeared in the touching episode "Opie's Hobo Friend." His character taught young Opie valuable lessons while also creating difficult choices for Sheriff Andy Taylor. The emotional story remains one of the show's most admired episodes.
Screenshot from The Andy Griffith Show, CBS (1960–1968)
Don Rickles Showed His Softer Side
Known for his sharp insult comedy, Don Rickles surprised audiences with a dramatic guest role on The Andy Griffith Show. He played traveling salesman Newton Monroe in an episode filled with warmth and humor. It revealed another side of his acting abilities.
Screenshot from The Andy Griffith Show, CBS (1960–1968), Modified
Jack Nicholson Arrived Before Stardom
Years before becoming an Academy Award winning actor, Jack Nicholson appeared in The Andy Griffith Show. He played a young man named Marvin Jenkins in a 1964 episode. His appearance has become a favorite discovery for classic television fans.
Screenshot from The Andy Griffith Show, CBS (1960–1968), Modified
Elizabeth Montgomery Welcomed Famous Faces
Bewitched regularly featured high profile guest stars alongside Elizabeth Montgomery. The magical sitcom mixed fantasy with familiar celebrities in ways that delighted viewers. Many of those appearances remain memorable today.
Screenshot from Bewitched, ABC (1964–1972)
Raquel Welch Made An Early Appearance
Before becoming one of Hollywood's biggest stars, Raquel Welch guest starred on Bewitched. Her appearance came early in her career, just before international fame followed. Fans enjoy spotting future stars in roles like this.
Screenshot from Bewitched, ABC (1964–1972), Modified
Dick York Shared The Screen With Paul Lynde
Paul Lynde made several memorable appearances on Bewitched as Samantha's practical joke loving Uncle Arthur. His witty delivery and playful energy made him an instant audience favorite. He eventually became one of the show's most beloved recurring guest performers.
Screenshot from Bewitched, ABC (1964–1972)
Boris Karloff Added Chills
Horror icon Boris Karloff appeared on several television series throughout the 1960s, including memorable guest work on anthology programs like The Girl From U.N.C.L.E. and other popular shows of the era. His unmistakable voice and commanding presence elevated every appearance. Television audiences embraced seeing the legendary actor outside of horror films.
Screenshot from The Girl from U.N.C.L.E., NBC (1966–1967), Modified
William Shatner Appeared Before Star Trek
Before becoming Captain Kirk, William Shatner guest starred on numerous popular television programs during the early 1960s. His appearances on shows like The Twilight Zone helped establish him as a dependable leading man. Those performances paved the way for the career defining role that followed.
Screenshot from The Twilight Zone, CBS (1959–1964)
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