LOS ANGELES (August 27, 2006) — Producer Aaron Spelling wasn’t famous for creating the kind of TV programs that critics and awards shows lavished with praise, but that’s just what the late mogul got on Sunday’s Emmycast.
In a special tribute, stars of “Dynasty” and “Charlie’s Angels” recalled the mastermind of those and other hit shows as a star-maker with a sense for what audiences wanted.
“Aaron made TV that simply tasted good,” said Stephen Collins, who stars on the critically praised Spelling show “7th Heaven.” “He had his share of serious projects, but no one did guilty pleasure better than Aaron.”
Spelling died in June at 83 after suffering a stroke. Other shows he created include “Fantasy Island,” “Love Boat,” “The Mod Squad,” “Starsky and Hutch,” “Melrose Place” and “Beverly Hills 90210.”
Spelling was nominated five times for best drama series (”Dynasty,” “Mod Squad” and, three times, “Family”), but never won. He did capture two Emmys — for the TV movies “And The Band Played On” and “Day One.”
On Sunday, Spelling was honored by two trios of alumnae — including Joan Collins, who starred in “Dynasty” and Heather Locklear, who starred in “Melrose Place.”
“Aaron understood what a star is,” Joan Collins said. “He helped to create many stars and, in my case, he reinvented one.”
After a short series of clips — including several that featured him as an actor — the original “Charlie’s Angels” made a rare joint appearance on stage.
“I can still smell the pipe and the cologne he wore every day,” Kate Jackson said. “I can feel his arm around my shoulder and the thrill I first felt when he looked at me and said ‘Baby, you have stardust in your eyes.”’
Jackson’s remembrances brought tears to the eyes of Farrah Fawcett and audience members, including Spelling’s widow, Candy.
“Miracles do happen,” said Jaclyn Smith, the third member of the hit 1970s show. “I’m sure that he is looking down and smiling on us right now knowing that he brought us together again. Aaron loved actors, and we loved him right back.”
Not everything Spelling was happy Sunday night.
His daughter, Tori, did not sit with her mother, Candy. The two are reportedly feuding over Spelling’s will.
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