Monday, May 24, 2010

Blast From The Past for May 24th Allan Kayser



After graduating from Columbine High School in 1982 (where he participated in baseball and wrestling) Allan Kayser moved to Hollywood to become an actor. Allan had little experience but soon got roles in some low budget flicks like 'Hot Chili' (see below) and 'Night Of The Creeps'. Kayser's biggest break came in 1986 when NBC cancelled 'Mama's Family' which had aired for one season on the network. A deal was made to continue to air the show in syndication and half the cast was cut which led to Kayser being brought on in the role of Bubba.



Bubba and Kayser were an instant hit and he quickly became a teen idol appearing in the teen magazines at the time. Kayser was one of televisions most likable actors and Bubba was a character that became one of the shows most popular. It is interesting to look back at how blatantly the show used Kayser's sexual attraction to the delight of both men and women viewers. It was common at the time to use the women as sex objects in sit-coms (Think Teri Copley in 'We Got It Made', Lydia Cornell in 'Too Close For Comfort' and of course Suzanne Somers in 'Three's Company'). It was not so common to showcase the assets of a male cast member the same way. There were other himbos on tv (Lorenzo Lamas and The Duke Boys), but in sit-coms in the 70's and 80's guys were practically neutered (those Brady Boys) to ensure a widespread audience. They could be cute, they could not however be sexual.



There really has not been a successful male bimbo on tv since Bubba and 'Mama's Family' left the air. Kayser is still fondly remembered and frequently is brought up when tv studs from the 80's are brought up. Kayser's impact cannot solely be attributed to his filling out his jeans. Kayser is a talented actor whose comic timing and facial expressions helped make an incredibly stupid character like Bubba both likable and popular.



Kayser left Hollywood for Missouri in the early nineties to settle down with his Family. He attended Central Missouri State University while there and operated a dance academy in Warrensburg with his wife for several years. Kayser and his wife divorced in 2000 and after a brief stay in Utah, Allan returned to California to resume his acting career. Unfortunately work was sporadic and Kayser moved to be with his children in Sharpsburg, GA. Kayser has not left acting completely but is not actively pursing work in the field. Personally I think it is time for the return of Kayser to Prime-Time. I think Kayser would be a great addition to Cougar Town! Although not updated in awhile, Kayser does have a small site you can check out HERE: and you can see a more detailed Resume of his work HERE:



Below: Allan on 'Circus Of The Stars' (1989).

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Loved him as Bubba in "Momma's Family" with his tight-ass jeans, suspenders and tucked-in shirts.