1980s TV Shows: A Trip Down Memory Lane With… Susan Ruttan (Roxanne Melman in “L.A. Law”)

Exclusive Interview by Karen Beishuizen

“L.A. Law” was a legal drama series created by Steven Bochco and Terry Louise Fisher. It aired on NBC for eight seasons from 1986 to 1994. The show starred Harry Hamlin, Corbin Bernsen, Jill Eikenberry, Michael Tucker, Susan Dey, Michele Greene, Alan Rachins, Richard Dysart, Jimmy Smits, and Susan Ruttan who played Roxanne Melman, the legal secretary and office administrator. A role which earned her four Primetime Emmy Award and two Golden Globe Award nominations.

KB: “L.A. Law”: What was the show about?

As the title implies, it was a law show but also a show about relationships, monitoring not only the legal skills of the attorneys but their personal lives as well.

KB: How did you get the part as Roxanne Melman?

I auditioned for the role of Roxanne long with many others. I went back three times to read and finally was chosen.

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

Roxanne was real, representing all of those who work in those subsidiary positions, often not being recognized but who keep the ball rolling smoothly along. She was an evolving character, growing into her own awareness of what she was worth. I gave her humor, and quirkiness, and honest emotional portrayal.

KB: Did you get some sort of legal training as you played a legal secretary to make it look believable on screen?

No legal training was required, we got a script and all the information was there. I did know shorthand and when we did conference scenes, I would take down everything the actors said, just because I could.

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

I took seven days to shoot a script; we got it while finished the previous weeks’ show and a shooting schedule. You would start memorizing so that you would be ready for first day. We worked long hours, the longest I remember personally was 20 hours, that was a challenge.

KB: Where was the show filmed?

The show was shot at 20th Century Fox studio, on stage 8. Occasionally, we would shoot on location but primarily on stage.

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

I had many favorite episodes but the one that really engaged fans was when Roxanne asked for a raise and Arnie wouldn’t give it to her. She finally said, “I want what I want and if I can’t get it here, I’ll get it somewhere else!”. People all over the country were outraged, confronting Corbin in public, telling him to give her the money!! I got the raise!!

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

Corbin and I are frequently in contact. In fact, we recently shot a film together. We all occasionally talk; everybody has pretty much geographically relocated but they are just a phone call away!

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

I would not change one thing about Roxanne. She was perfect and is still missed to this day. I like to think of her as still out there and living a happy life.

KB: How do you explain that this show is still beloved after 40+ years?

“L.A. Law” was a hit the moment it aired, with a cast of characters that resonated with viewers from every walk of life. It tackled issues that remain relevant today. The brilliant
creators/writers knew how to draw a story line where you thought you knew where it was going and then flip it on its head. There were moments where you thought “oh, you’re not going there!” and it would and then beyond. There were shocking moments, powerful emotional moments and truly gratifying moments and “L.A. Law” is still popular because of all of this, it can’t go stale or be relegated to a dustbin of 80-90’s shows. Now, children of the people who watched the original are watching and enjoying themselves and for me, being a part of this, was beautiful.

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