1980s TV Shows: A Trip Down Memory Lane with… Jane Carr (Louise Mercer in “Dear John”)

Exclusive Interview by Karen Beishuizen

“Dear John” was a sitcom television series that aired on NBC from 1988 to 1992. It was originally based on the British sitcom of the same name. It ran for four seasons and 90 episodes. Judd Hirsch played a teacher whose wife left him for his best friend. He joins a support group for people who are divorced and single. Jane Carr played Louise Mercer, an English woman, who is the founder and leader of the group.

KB: “Dear John”: What was the show about?

“Dear John” was a situation It comedy about a group meeting in a community center in New York. It was for the support of divorced and separated people. This was a remake of a series that had already aired in the UK.

KB: How did you get the part as Louise Mercer?

I had several auditions meeting with producers that ended in an on set filmed audition.

KB: What did you like about the character and how do you make it your own?

The character of Louis had a British sensibility because of the original writing. I was originally asked to adopt an American accent but it was ultimately decided to keep her British. Much more fun.

KB: How did a week on the set look like from getting the script to filming?

We started with a table read and then started to rehearse on set. We rehearsed for 5 days incorporating script changes up to the minute of recording in front of an invited audience. Sometimes changes happened from one take to the next during the filming.

KB: Where was the show filmed?

We filmed at Paramount Studios in Hollywood.

KB: What was it like working with Judd Hirsch?

Working with Judd Hirsch and the rest of the cast was a joy. We had all come from a theatre background which made for our happy working environment.

KB: Are you still in touch with actors from the show?

I see the other actors from time to time. Obviously 30 odd years have passed since the show. I see Judd if I’m in New York. I see Harry around town. Isabella and I had lunch a couple of months ago. I don’t see Jerry unless some “Dear John” reunion is planned. We all got on very well and it was a wonderful experience.

KB: Do you have a favorite episode on the whole show and why this one?

I don’t have a favorite episode but the one that I always remember the most vividly is the one where it was disclosed that I was pregnant and a character played by Woody Harrelson was the father. The pilot episode is also a strong memory as it was the beginning of it all.

KB: Looking back now would you have played Louise differently?

No.. I don’t think so. It was a show of it’s time. Sitcom’s are not quite the same these days….. if they exist at all.

KB: Why do you think “Dear John” is still beloved after 35+ years?

I haven’t noticed that it is still beloved. Most of the people I meet weren’t even born when the show was on. I very, very occasionally get recognized and people say that it was a show they enjoyed… but that happens less and less. So I’m delighted that it was a show you enjoyed.

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