1980s TV Shows: A Trip Down Memory Lane With… Ilene Graff (Marsha Cameron Owens in “Mr. Belvedere”)

Exclusive Interview by Karen Beishuizen

“Mr. Belvedere” was an American sitcom that aired on ABC from 1985 til 1989. It ran for 6 seasons and 117 episodes. The show follows the struggles of an English butler trying to adapt in an American household in Pittsburgh. The butler, Mr. Belvedere, was played by Christopher Hewett, Bob Uecker played dad George Owens. Ilene Graff played mum Marsha Cameron Owens for the entire 6 seasons.

KB: “Mr. Belvedere”: What was the show about?

It’s about an English butler named Lynn Belvedere who works for the Owens family in Pittsburgh. He struggles to adapt in his role.The family consist of dad George, mum Marsha, son Kevin, daughter Heather and son Wesley.

KB: How did you get the part as Marsha Cameron Owens?

I auditioned! It was a fairly painless process, which is not always the case. I had a producer’s audition, one or two callbacks, and then a network callback. “Network” is where you audition for the network and studio execs and do chemistry reads with the other actors. My read was with Bob Uecker, and it couldn’t have gone better—we hit it off instantly. I guess I ticked all the boxes, because I booked the job.

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

I liked Marsha’s sense of humor and her obvious affection for her husband and kids. I liked how she incorporated Mr. Belvedere into the family structure and grew to love him. I also admired her ambition and flexibility. She was also much wiser than I’ll ever be! Because I came from Broadway musicals and was a singer, our producers and writers had me sing in a few episodes, which was great. Loved those weeks.

KB: How was it working with Christopher Hewett who played the butler Mr. Belvedere?

I’d known Christopher in New York. In fact, he had directed me in a musical. We were so happy to see each other at the final audition and really wanted to work together again. He brought a traditional British stage actor’s discipline to work, and I think we all benefited from his experience. He made us laugh even when he was trying so hard to be proper. I loved him so much.

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

Monday was table read day, where we literally sit around a table with all of the departments in attendance, as well as studio and network reps. Lunch, notes, and then we start blocking on the set: where we stand, how we enter, where we move. Next day, new script with re-writes, and we continue rehearsing. That continues on Wednesday. Thursday is camera blocking day when the tech aspects come into play and the cameras figure out where they have to be to cleanly capture the action on stage. Friday: hair, make-up, wardrobe, dress rehearsal taping with an audience, dinner, notes, final taping. It’s busy, but there’s lots of time for fun in addition to the work.

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

I’m proud of our “very special episodes” which tackled subjects like AIDS, child abuse, drugs, drinking, sexuality, etc. Some people deride family comedies for doing these themed shows, but I always felt we were doing a service to our audience. My personal favorites for me and my character were the episodes in which I got to sing. So much fun!

KB: The series ran for 117 episodes: Were there ever moments that you wanted to quit after playing a character for so long?

NO! I would have stayed forever. I loved everyone involved with the show, loved having a steady job that also allowed me to have a family life, and loved being paid for making people laugh.

KB: Are you still in touch with the other cast members? Do you have reunions?

Yes, we are still in touch. The kids and I are still close, and we’ve had some opportunities to be together last year. Unfortunately, Bob Uecker died in 2025 and we all went to Milwaukee to celebrate him. We’re also in touch with Bob’s wife, Judy, whom we love like family. The kids and I and my daughter had dinner together recently. My daughter was a baby when we started the show, and it was great to see them all together, grown up and doing so well.

KB: Looking back now would you have played Marsha Owens differently?

I don’t think so, I played her as written and brought a lot of my own personality to the role. Don’t really know what else I could have done while being respectful of the creators’ vision.

KB: Why do you think “Mr. Belvedere” is still so beloved even after 40+ years?

People love the family and the relationships between us and Mr Belvedere. They get a kick out of Wesley’s hijinks and how he drove Mr B crazy. But audiences knew that no matter what happened in the stories, the family unit was rock solid and would always be there for each other.