Reflections on CHiPs 40 Years Later

$_57Well, you spend your younger life studying to be an actor and you accept roles in various TV series and TV commercials to work yourself up the ladder. You negotiate for better credits so one day it will say “Starring Larry Wilcox” but when you work with Charlton Heston or James Coburn or Lee Marvin, they usually get better billing of course because they have a bigger brand. First billing means your name is shown first and means you have earned some branding in the business and companies have probably spent millions of dollars branding your personal name. I have learned to accept such billing and continued to work on my brand.

When Rick Rosner asked me to star in CHIPS and find a co-star with him I was excited about the fact that I would receive first billing branding and finally have another star credit. In later years, the legal arguments were to bump my name off the first position but that did not happen. Here we are 40 years later and ME TV says starring Erik Estrada and the “blonde guy”. As my wife watched an episode with me on TV and saw the “blonde guy” reference she sat amazed that Me TV would be so rude, so ruthless, to do what the National Enquirer would do. She exclaimed, “Wow, not only did they do something that is immoral, there is a contract obligation to using your name face and likeness.” The world is full of an amazing amount of respect and courtesy these days as a TV Network chooses to run the good old “classics” while exhibiting the crass morality and sensitivity of 2015. Legal and morality are often stepping stones in the world of entertainment. Onward……with more shallow chameleons in the business world, one realizes that handshakes and integrity are not part of today’s etiquette in a world of wordsmiths and phony contract obligations. By the way, my wife also said, “Blondes have more fun.” Gotta love her.

CHiPs – 40 years later and re-runs:

Oh, the false intrigue and romance of memories. Well, my wife and dogs and cat sat waiting for the re-run of the old show CHIPS with fun anticipation. However, 10 minutes into the show and it still was not being shown other than a black screen which said the provider (ME TV ) is having technical difficulties and could not provide the content as of this moment. My wife commented, “of course,” tired of the abuse of the world. Maybe God spanked Me TV for their lack of manners. We chuckled.

Finally the show came on and I must say, the early episodes were really, well, let’s politely state, they were just simple. The police theme was a series of chases with a wheel that was to come off and create a violent wreck. The personal theme was the dog being shifted and hidden from the Sgt. Getraer played by good ole Robert Pine. We saw that Ponch lived in a motor home and ate ding dongs and was strutting his stuff in his briefs. We saw Jon lived in an apartment and drove a very cool right hand steer Austin Mini Cooper. I think the Mini Cooper caught people off guard and added some intrigue and perhaps someone mused, “Hey, what kind of guy is this Jon Baker?”

Actors like to layer intrigue in scripts that have none. In subsequent episodes the producers decided the mini cooper was not a man’s car and switched it to my pick up Chevy truck. A trite blue cupcake-a Chevy truck. But over time, even the truck became a kind of a character. However, I loved that little Mini Cooper and later bought one for my son Derek and shipped it all the way from London for him while I was filming the movie with Lee Marvin, Dirty Dozen. I can remember I just kept trying to create some depth, some interest, some intrigue in a very flat and shallow character and a script that was shallow and linear. I was always swimming up- stream with people who just wanted shallow trite packages and construed any input as some ego driven actor trying to “paint” when in fact I was simply trying to contribute……something.
While watching these two episodes of CHIPS I saw some old faces that I remembered like my stunt double Scotty Dockstedder who died recently homeless and living in the parks. The stunt Scott did with the lay down of the bike was scary and very dangerous and as I watched I remember him being concerned about high siding the bike at that speed. High siding is when the bike flips you over and then comes crushing down on you. The solution in those days was keep both brakes on and locked until you can separate yourself “completely” from the bike so it does not pop up and drag you with it. Scotty tore up his arm in that stunt but was OK I assume….as he and the boys probably headed to the Stuntman’s Bar for good ole male back slapping mixed with shots and beer. So sad that Scotty had to leave this world the way he did….so very sad. It is another reminder that we only have so much time with our friends and loved ones. Watching the show and Scotty’s sacrifices reminded me of all the people who I owe so much too as I got caught up in my own circle. Lew Saunders with his afro looked great and so the show and cast grew and continued. Later when female officers were brought in the show added some more shine and lipstick it gave a nice balance and pleasing visuals for a wider demographic of audiences. Cy Chermak did a nice job of that and steering the shows and keeping them on track The production values in the later shows are quite obvious unlike these early shows. The post production and music mixes had a lot to be desired but they were typical and representative perhaps of the late 70s and early 80s. However, I would humbly suggest that my 40 year Saturday afternoon quarterbacking review of CHIPS is time sensitive and not simply black and white.

It is and was hard for me to sit and watch this show with my wife, Marlene. I felt like I had told her about the days when I was a star and then we both sat down to watch this famous old icon TV Series called CHIPS and the horns drag on and the actors say corny lines and I look over at my wife hoping what she sees is perhaps different than what I see. However, her reaction says it all…….sorry Larry, wow this was written pretty poorly and puts you in questionable light……I mean is this a cartoon. It really was like watching Sponge Bob or something thereof, as an adult. Sorry…..but really makes me cringe to watch myself. The writing is so bad and so corny at times I just think……oh man…how in the heck are you going to deliver that corn-ball line. LOL The long chase scenes with the music that goes on forever and screeching horns for drama accents and grainy film is just awful….but the themes of the shows are of course positive and the relationship between Ponch and Jon is cute and how you would hope two respectful young men with integrity would act.

It takes a team of people to produce a quality show and each have to interface with all parties. People just do not understand that ALL of the actors have to be trained; ALL of the crew must be experts and the writing can make anyone look absolutely horrid and I mean anyone. As I look back 40 years and think poor Michael Dorn and the one liners they gave him were a nightmare for him and any actor. Robert Downey Jr could not have delivered his lines.

Today I watched the show with the snakes and the runaway bus, however, I was most excited to see the scene with my son Derek who played the little boy of the family whose father was killed in a car accident. It was so fun to see Derek in that show and to see his film credit at the end of the show.

I think some of the action shots and aerial shots of the motorcycles are excellent and I think the cast chemistry was the magnet for sure. I was actually kind of impressed with the riding that Jon and Ponch did on the show and how nimble “we” became with the motorcycles. I can easily spot the stuntmen in certain shots but the camera angles and mount shots were done well for the day as they had no GoPros or DSLR cameras to mount everywhere. Every shot was some big Panasonic Camera or an Arrie 35 mm camera with bloop cover for sound noise.
Robert Pine’s character was narrowly defined and he plays his role well as it was usually at the podium giving Sergeant like instructions. I know that this same old acting menu of being the Sergeant for Robert became old hat and uncreative. Kind of like eating pancakes for two months straight. They really needed to expand his character more. There were attempts here and there but nothing seemed to get more widely defined and more interesting and challenging for Robert. They did try to bring in his wife as a character but they did not do much with her. Robert was and is a well trained actor and it was a shame he did not receive a better creative menu to sample.

These kinds of defined maps for characters and background is what adds depth and evolution and character arc to a script. Layering in nuance and mannerisms and walks and such help but the writers and producers have to understand how to add velocity to these choices so the stories are much more dimensional. MASH was a TV Series I worked on that did exactly this, and as an actor, when I arrived, it was a lot of deep discussions on the characters and the choices and the subtext and what one might do with a prop and a glance or a piece of candy. In the movie the Last Hard Men I chose to such on candy canes in the movie every time Barbara Hershey appeared. I also chose to make him a degree off with his hat and walk instead of the way it was written as a macho man….trite and heroic. The character had dimension when I was done. This is the constant battle for an actor who wants to put his signature on every moment of on screen time. Even light and thin themed shows like CHIPS and LASSIE can add nuance and subtle signatures. It may not warrant a dramatic performance but it most definitely warrants a “signature” of some kind. Understanding the writer’s intent, the vector of the show, and the character’s arc are just the beginning of learning how to break down a script and to begin adding one to 20 items that may or may not enhance the show and help with the writer’s intent.
Of course all of the other characters bring back special memories.

When Fritz (Lew Saunders) runs back to his car, my wife said, “Wow…you can sure tell he is an athlete by the way he runs and carries himself.” I guess that means I am chopped liver or the blond chopped liver. LOL

Some of the extras bring back lots of memories because the extras were my good friends. I used my team roping friend and partner Gary Stanley as my stand in and he was also used in the show here and there. They wrote a script about rodeo and roping and that show was fun because Gary and I got to rope a lot and we got to use our own horses and rent them to the production company. (Greed) Gary Stanley, was injured on the show and I have not seen him in years. I see me putting him in a headlock as we improvised walking out of the briefing room in once scene and it reminded me we tried to have fun. Actually I think I was working hard in some of these shows to add some depth and it just was not part of the pastel color scheme if you will but that does not mean you quit trying. These early shows were a form a “light-Disney with some action” and drama and acting or thinking it required Marlon Brando kind of ran against the grain. That is not my suggestion in this narrative but I still firmly believe that adding subtle nuance creates a more favorable “signature”. Vic McCain was another good extra and friend. He was a real handsome young man and could easily have been one of the stars. From time to time you see him in the briefing room usually near the handsome tall car chippie, Brodie (Baricza) Greer. I have run into Vic recently as he lives in the So Cal area still. Brodie Greer came to the re-union and was a blast and an entertaining soul filled with handsome humility. Brodie was also a very fine athlete. Rosey Greer as one of our famous guest stars was fun and of course, one enormous body from his old NFL days. Paul Link and Randi Oakes, Michael Dorn, Breanne Leary and Lou the Mechanic had not been cast yet. Luckily they came along later to add more to the menu. I can remember having many conversations with Lou or with Paul about subtext and indirect action…metaphors and such….all indulgent crap an actor learns to implement as part of his or her signature. Now I laugh at my own passion to paint oil with water colors but I do see it here and there and it privately makes me happy. Sometimes it is my acting and sometimes it is something another actor is doing that I suggested. Teamwork! As I look back to the various cast members I felt like artistically, that Grossie and Lou the Mechanic were my favorites and had the biggest upside because there could be a catalogue of nuance with them. My manic marketing mind so enjoyed looking in the scripts for their scenes to see if I got to act with them or not because I knew we could discuss and mentally masturbate about the scenes and the so called subtext.

These early shows had a group of producers and writers that were fired which is painful for many and later Cy Chermak came in with his new writers and production staff. The show changed a lot when Cy came in as he was a seasoned producer. TV shows are a producer’s medium and Cy really put lipstick on the pig if you will….and did it in so many ways. Cy’s talents were in post production and in guiding the scripts I think. He kept the show on focus and had some “passion” like all of us about his perspectives. I really believe the show was successful in a large part due to Cy Chermak. I keep promising to do an interview with Cy for our DVD real of the reunion that Sue Walsh did such a nice job of doing for all of the cast and fans. I hope to finish that interview in the next few weeks as Cy has agreed.

I think the first two shows I watched suggested some interesting timing that was starting to evolve amongst the cast. Erik was not a trained actor and so he was often a work in progress on the set. Timing is everything with an actor….timing for another actor to pick up his cue or to remember his line, timing for him to hand you an envelope or prop; timing for him to zip his coat on the punch line, timing for him to exit stage left so the other actor can enter from the stage right etc. Let me politely say that timing on our show was an evolving work in progress. However, having said that, I feel that he picked up on the nuances quickly and over time our exchanges with nuance were fun and charismatic. I actually liked the two characters, Jon and Ponch, and really enjoyed their chemistry.

Stream of Consciousness – (As I sat on the couch and looked at this young guy (the blond guy) on my TV widescreen it was weird. I am no longer that young guy…and I really do not recognize him but you know what……I actually liked that kid….he was kind of natural…….woops….not nice to brag about yourself…and that IS YOU Larry.)

Anyway, by far and away that “Chemistry” was the STAR, notice I said STAR, not STARS, of the show CHIPS. As that wonderful chemistry spread amongst other cast members we began to have a team. A team is always the most successful, unless one person wants to be king of the mountain and then the team is divided and eventually shelf life is cut short. That is why people use predictive modeling to suggest the end goal and the TEAM that is warranted to accomplish longevity. What most people do not understand is that when two actors are on screen and one is good and one is bad……THEY ARE BOTH BAD. You cannot work well alone as you must have the character opposite you to stimulate nuance and improvisation that over time define more hues of the character. If I screw up a line for Ponch or vice versa, it screws up the cutting of the scene and looses momentum. For me, my perspective, if you will, is that I could see these early episodes of the show not quite working well with timing and such…..and it would eventually come together over time and would create a charismatic interface with the non tangible audience sitting watching one of the three choices for TV (NBC, ABC or CBS)…..and that relationship is not easily defined in a timely and thus profitable manner, but that digital relationship of holding hands with the audience is the formula for success. When digital chemistry transcends dimension the success quotient in geometric and so when chemistry on the set was good and on screen it was good it would eventually move from the TV Screen in your living room to your heart and soul sitting as an audience on your own couch. This was the magic or target. In retrospect, it is sad that someone wanted to be King of the Mountain.

I also noticed, surprisingly, that these first two shows had a lot for Officer Jon Baker to do, and I had forgotten that producer Rick Rosner, had actually been very fair to the character of Jon Baker in these early episodes. I do not feel like that kind of balance or theme continued but I must say….i was a bit shocked at how much Jon had to do. Thank you Rick Rosner.

Little did I know that Lassie, CHIPS, and The Ray Bradbury Theater, The Last Hard Men and Dirty Dozen, the Dorthy Stratten Story- the Death of a Playmate and others would be some of the highlights of my acting, directing and producing career. I think back at the time they asked me to do CHIPS and I said no. I was an up and coming actor and working pretty consistently and getting good reviews for my work. I believed that this would continue forever and I would be able to dictate my future, my finances, my health and the prosperity of my family. In many ways, I was so ill prepared for the pompous and indulgent life of a young millionaire celebrity and believe me, that boomerang took its course. For every day that I laughed, indulged and lusted, someone cried in loneliness and despair. For every dollar I made somewhere, somebody lost a dollar. For every day I felt like I was born with wings someone was experiencing the Angel of Death. If and when I write a book, this IS the story, a happy and sad story of the parallels of winning and losing in a synchronous wave form of which are interconnected, and are complex and very detailed. This was a five year long carnival with lots of rides and lots of joy and lots of tragedy. The joy is the patina of public relations.
Actors always act like all things are great…rich, full of choices, glamour, fast and furious lives……and in most cases these are all fiction. The real stories of these times are usually in conflict with the illusion that an actor or public relations person wants you to believe. The act of constant public relations and diplomacy becomes in part the mastery of the art of lying. Sometimes the transition of the actor’s public relations life becomes his or her real tangential life unfortunately and that is the sickness of illusion, ego and reality all mixed in to a confusing bi-polar recipe that may or may not untangle one day.

Recently I did a red carpet event with my wife and it had the hordes of cameramen taking our photos and the flashes flashed she said, “is this weird again…I mean don’t you think this is surreal. Is this a life you want again Larry.” I looked at her sadly and in her eyes and said, “No.” We then went upstairs to a free and wonderful dinner, had champagne, told a few stories to other actors and listened to a lot of actor me, me, me stories searching for meaning and then drove home and talked about our 2 daughters and 3 boys as we like to call them and pondered the choices of each child and their trajectories in this life cycle and or dimension. May we be better parents and teach our children to be better gardeners of the “flower patch”.

My legacy is my children and loved ones and friends. Sue Walsh of course is one of those cherished and loyal relationships. My old family friends from Wyoming, candid and in your face at times are other great relationships. And of course my employer which is in fact my fans who I humbly respect and I hope that I will always be sensitive to the child in your hearts no matter what your age. The exciting dimension of experiencing our chemistry was fun and one that I was very lucky to experience in this life time. Thank you for indulging me and hanging on while I drove the bumper car.
Gratefully and humbly….Larry and Family who have all won awards and scars from CHIPS.

283 Comments:

  1. Awesome story. I grew up watching chips. Jon was my favorite character. I am Michigan based actor and have portrayed a cop numerous times. Thanks for your website and a glimpse into the show

  2. Fantastic article! Almost makes me feel like I’m right there with you and the rest of the gang. Very well written!

  3. This is a nice piece. Thank you for allowing us the chance to see how you feel about CHiPs returning to the small screen. I can actually relate to a lot of your comments on the acting then and possibly in the other rolls I saw you in.

    CHiPs was a fun show, but sadly I never fully got to the point that I followed the actors like I did in other shows, but for some reason the “blond guy” has stuck with me over time.

    I loved anything Sci-Fi at the time over mundane things like CHiPs or Starksey and Hutch, or any other “Earth based” show of the time.

    I missed out on a lot of the older shows that now I am seeing and enjoying (when I remember they are on),

    So again, THANK YOU for sharing your insight, as I do get annoyed at how MeTV has slighted you and your earned recognition.

    Sincerely yours,

    PJ (Peggy) Bedingfield

  4. Excellent story and wonderful reading. I was a Police Officer for 20 years starting in 91 and I was a faithful fan of CHIPS. I readily associate with a lot of things in the stories and also tell the difference between fact and TV fantasy. BUT the show was good entertainment and a way to relax and just enjoy some TV. without Jon Baker there to cover Ponch’s butt and furnish leadership, the series would have fallen flat I think. You did an excellent job Larry and you have the right perspective on life then and now. Always enjoyed your other roles as wells and I do remember some of your tv commercials,(Old Spice), etc. Thank you my friend for just being a quality guy and not letting fame and fortune ruin your personality and your ideals. You contributed much to many peoples lives and memories. this is your legacy I believe. 🙂

    • Thank you for your Police service Jack. One good thing about CHIPS was that it also made kids really like and TRUST policemen. I was lucky and glad you were lucky to survive your work. Semper Fi.

      Larry

  5. Larry, This is by far, my favorite column you have written. While I have thoroughly enjoyed them all, your reflections of CHiPs made me feel as though I was right there along for the ride. I was first introduced to the show when I was 7 years old. My parents had a night out and a babysitter was attempting to keep me entertained. I can hear her saying “CHiPs is on, have you ever seen it?” I nodded no and she turned it on. I would say that was the quietest hour ever in our house. I couldn’t get enough of this greatness. I own Seasons 1 and 2 on DVD and have countless others on the prehistoric VHS tape. I was like a giddy teenager when I heard that Me TV was going to air all 6 seasons and happily, my DVR will be full for sure! On a side note, I introduced my 6yr old son, Matthew, to CHiPs and you now have another fan. Since I am in the northeast, MA to be exact, and it snows and such, motorcycle officers are only out and about during the warmer months. We happened to see a pair while we were out today and he actually asked me if they were Jon and Ponch. That is one for my memory banks. Well, I guess I have rambled on long enough. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us and have a great weekend.

  6. Wow larry I enjoyed reading your column. I would sit every night and watch john and ponch in Chips. John was my favorite. And mow im really enjoying watching the show on Metv. Thanks for being who you are and thanks to your wife for sharing you with us!

  7. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and insights into, what I can only imagine as being kind of surreal, watching a 40 year younger self. The memories it brought back and the struggles of a young actor working with fluff! Very insightful. Watching the re-runs for me, brings back my youth, a happy and carefree self, who, on his bicycle pretended to be Jon Baker! My brother (and his wagon, usually the car crash victim) and my good pal was Ponch. While the show and it’s scripts may have not been an actor’s dream gig, take comfort in knowing that the show, and you specifically, were larger than life and the character you created was a man who a young kid in Minnesota idolized and wanted to be!
    Cheers to you and thank you for the memories!

  8. So very well said Larry! I have and always will love Chips and all it wonderful characters that became family to my little brother and myself. We were faithful watchers and fans of the show. We felt like we knew you personally and played chips. I played “Jon” and he played Ponch” and our bicycles were our motorcycles!! Even watching Series 1&2 on dvd now , I don’t notice some of the things you have mentioned in your column. I never thought any of the shows were corny! We loved them and still love watching them today. Thank you and all the actors ,extras, producers stuntmen all involved in making the series, we applaud you and thank for such an awesome show!!

  9. It’s interesting to read your comments today as you watch the same episodes your fans are watching – all over again – on MEtv. I think the ‘blonde guy’ angle was likely a choice originally suggested by a junior level production intern and if they knew how much offense your fans take to its use, I’d like to think they’d stop it immediately.

    Yet I’m hopeful that, minor slights aside, your enjoying seeing the latest incarnation of a much younger Larry Wilcox entertain an entirely new generation of fans. Your character wasn’t portrayed by Lawrence Olivier – as if Olivier could have consistently entertained that audience. You and the rest of the cast delivered wholesome family entertainment and in doing so greatly enhanced the reputation of the California Highway Patrol and law enforcement more generally in the 1980’s. Your character came across as a genuinely caring individual who did his best every day to may the lives of those around him better. By all accounts I’ve ever read, that was Larry Wilcox playing himself. That’s something I’d be very proud of.

    I wrote former CHP Commissioner Glen Craig about the the new CHiP’s movie, concerned that in their efforts to deliver ‘entertainment’ in 2015, that it didn’t lose the wholesome charm that made it such a hit in the first place. Glen responded that he’s going to be following up with the current commissioner and keep me posted.

    Mr. Wilcox, I’ve been a fan of yours for nearly 40 years. You were a positive influence in the lives of millions of young people who DO know your name.

    And they think ‘the blonde guy’ was pretty cool.

    • Jeff, thank you for your time, words and letter to Commissioner Glenn Craig. I actually approached the present Commissioner about doing a new TV Series about the CHP and interestingly they turned ME down. It would have been an excellent show about the ACADEMY but oh well. Thank you ….and as I say in the column….ONWARD with a positive attitude and humble gratitude.
      Larry

      • I think you’re wrong Larry I think it was fun to watch these and it’s still fun to watch these it was a simpler time and it brings us back to a better time that we had in this country these are still great I love watching me I thought yours and ponchs friendship on the show was great the way you played it off and I just think it was a great show and it’s still fun to watch

    • Barbara Lunkenheimer

      I was personally offended, when they mentioned “The blond guy,” on MeTV! I have sent an email to that affect, and I pray it doesn’t fall on deaf ears!!! You have been, and ALWAYS will be, my FAVORITE star on TV!!! I pray one day, I will be able to meet you in person! I wish I could have went to the reunion (And I TOTALLY don’t mean that in a creepy way!) Your character helped me to become a “public servant.” as a Firefighter/Paramedic, now for 22 years! Even though some of the plots of the show are kinda “Cheesy,” I still enjoy them TREMENDOUSLY!!!! I am even married to a police officer!!! Hahahaha!!!! Thank you for your article. It makes sense of a lot I was trying to pice together, myself!!! I hope you make some appearences soon near Cincinnati, Ohio!!! LOL!!!

  10. The last several paragraphs remind me of the young man I went to school with! You have come full circle, Larry! I so love your honesty and the true Wyoming blood you still portray. No matter when I am if I run into a person from Wyoming, the first thing they all do is “hug”!. What a great heritage we have. Continue to Keep it real!

  11. Thank you Larry for allowing your fans to have insight into your world & to have some idea what it was like starring in Chips & your other endeavors. I always watched Chips when it was on & am enjoying watching it again! It was interesting to read what you shared! By the way, I always liked you better…I happen to like blondes with blue eyes & don’t understand why METV has that in the preview…wow…I couldn’t believe it either when I heard it…shame on them! But, you are a true gentleman & rose above their idiocy! God bless you & your family!!

  12. Great column! You are so right about the chemistry and the positive messages. Sure some of it is corny, and some of the continuity errors drive me nuts, but CHiPs means so much to so many, and it’s something to be proud of. You did a wonderful job with Jon Baker! Never did I dream all those years ago as a little girl who was a huge fan, that I’d grow up to be your cherished friend. God works in the most wonderful ways. God bless!!

    • Hopefully, WE know what WE have…..thank you so much Sue for all you do for me…the website, the jobs, the editing, the putting up with the haters…..thank you for your extreme Loyalty.

      Larry

  13. As a child watching CHiPs, I never thought of it as “campy” or anything negative, I just loved the show. I was 11/12 when it came on. Loved both characters, and really liked seeing the women officers, since I became and officer myself in 1997. But back to “77, my dad loved motorcycles and I remember watching the show asking my dad over and over, “when can I get one dad”, he finally gave in. We had some great rides together. We also had a horse, we loved horses also. Your show brings great memories of the “good old days”, to me, and I am sure so many others. Thank you Mr. Wilcox……..

    • Well Kathy, glad you and your Dad had some good rides and thank you for your Police work. Be careful….and thanks for taking the time to read the column and share your thoughts. Onward….
      Larry

  14. Mr. Wilcox showcases his ability to write with this article. He shares deep from the recesses of his mind and soul. He further fuels why we are ardent fans. It has been awhile since I have heard phrases such as “mental masturbate” and “lipstick on a pig.” Well done and well said.

  15. Thank you sir for the memories, I enjoyed your show back then and see some of the same things you mentioned when I watch them again now. God Bless You and Your Family sir.

  16. I enjoyed your reflections.Thanks.

  17. Very interesting read…I have always wondered what you thought of the show! I suppose when you look at with older eyes, and a more experienced soul, it would seem simplistic…but when I watch it, I see it through the eyes of a lonely child growing up in an unhappy home, and looking for a positive role model. What I liked best about the character Jon Baker was his caring nature, and the way he treated all people with respect and kindness, even the “bad” guys. What made him believable was the kind, caring and respectful actor who played him….because I truly believe those characteristics cannot be faked. Sure, the stories were simple, and the lines were corny (even as a kid I had to groan at a few of them!), but it was a show like no other, and has all these years remained a favorite with so many people! I even have fun with the inconsistencies…I love to look for bloopers, or count how many times Jon and Ponch passed the same cars in the chase scenes! It really was a great show, and I hope you always look back at it with pride and affection. Thank you for sharing so much of yourself with your MANY fans! (And yes, PLEASE write that book!)

    • Shawnette – yes I think the sensitivity and caring of Jon Baker was important and the various and subtle ways he continued to display that trait was HOPE for so many in a bad environment. Thank you and glad we could digitally touch hands if you will. And yes I am very proud and grateful for my experiences………God Bless….

      Larry

  18. Thank you Larry for a wonderful look into how you felt about CHiPs and a glimpse into your personal life. My son is named “Jon” after Jon Baker! Best wishes to you and your family as you enjoy your lives together.

  19. Fantastic column, It’s a shame that at the moment here in Australia, none of our TV channel’s are running CHiPs or any other of the amazing show’s made back then, but I do know one thing, your last comment you touched on you children. I have 2 girls, my eldest suffers from depression and we have had alot of bad day’s in the last 3 years, and a lot of good day’s my youngest has had health issues as well, but we are getting through it. Our legacy is our children, I know my wife and I have and are still struggling day after day but we go on, hopefully our children cab see that we try as perants, we don’t always get it right, but we try, there is no script or manual when it comes to being parent’s. So I hope that our legacy will live on in our children and hopefully one day our grand children, Mr Wilcox you should be proud of what you have accomplished in you career and that yourself and family continue your legacy.

    • Scott, thank you for your time and comments. Depression is a very frightening health issue. I have no affiliation with a company I am going to tell you about but PERHAPS it will help. I have lost some very close friends later in life due to depression. There is a MLM company called Q Sciences selling a product named Q96 that seems to have addressed some major micro nutrients with PTSD, Bi polar and DEPRESSION. Parenting of course is a life long course and it should and must be aggressively pursued to constantly improve. Thank you and good luck with your own struggles….my hand on your heart. God Bless Larry

      • Thank you very much for your response, I do very much thank you for your support, my daughter is getting support from experts and she is doing better, we just take it one day at a time, she is a University now and doing what she loves. I will stay in touch if you don’t mind. If you ever get to Australia, drop in to our town, Toowoomba Queesnland and say hello. I will get back to the USA on day, in 2012 my wife and I managed to save up and take our girls to New York and LA they loved it. it was the only 2 weeks were every one had no medical issues, we looked at that as a gift. Sometimes it is hard to keep the faith, but I try.
        Thanks again.
        Your new friend down under.

  20. Dannielle seabrook

    Thankyou Larry, I enjoyed reading your thoughts of 40 years ago.
    My thoughts and memories of that time are vastly different to yours. As a young girl, the blonde guy was everything to me, he was my joy, laughter and not so secret crush. The dark guy, well I enjoyed his relationship with Jon but he never made my heart skip a beat.
    As I read of your embarrassment watching chips recently with your wife, it saddens me, but I can understand how you must have felt. In Australia we have had chips on tv for some time and I have recorded all episodes, I was so very excited to show my sons and husband this wonderful part of my childhood, when I pressed play the look on their faces was priceless, “mum are you for real”, was all I got.
    But do you know what, it was 40 years ago and that’s a long time in the world of television and what can be done now.
    I am sure your wife loved sitting with you and going back in time.
    Allow yourself the indulgence of your memories, allow your wife the indulgence of seeing just how handsome the blonde guy was.
    Larry no matter how poorly written the script was, or any other tv thing that I don’t understand was. Give yourself a pat on the back for being there every week to bring joy and happiness and the first butterfly’s of love to a young blond girl from across the sea.
    5 years, 40 years ago did make a real difference to a lot of people.
    Be proud of yourself, your fans are still your fans no matter what.
    Enjoy your wife and children. Sit down with a nice glass of wine each week and go back in time for an hour.
    You did good Larry Wilcox, be proud.
    Warm regards
    Dannielle seabrook

    • Danniella…..Funny my two youngest boys have not even watched CHIPS and started to once but too boring. But I want you to know I shared in the column some insights and some honesty. However, my wife and I are both very proud and grateful for the role on CHIPS but we did chuckle about the stories and the lines. Thank you

      Larry

  21. Larry,
    I enjoyed your story and I loved the show and now my 12 year old son loves it to and some of the other older shows there is no good tv right now don’t care of the reality shows so we watch older tv dvds thanks for giving us Jon Baker

  22. I still remember watching you on CHiPS and I didn’t watch it for Erik Estrada. I have to confess you were my 1st TV star crush and I have often wondered what happened to you over the years. I recently read on Facebook that you are involved in the illness Fibromyalgia which I happen to suffer from. I think that being a star is great, but actually helping others out is worth more than being the Top Cop on a show. Your wife is right Blonde guys do have more fun .Remember there are fans that still think you are great and I am one of them. Have a great day!

    • Brenda, I began to get involved in the early stages and got a lot of Hate mail so just backed off. At time I see certain members of my family show symptoms of this disorder and I naively encourage the following: 5000 units of D3 after a blood panel; B complex with folic acid; CoQ 10 and the other vitamins in a multiple. I also really believe in the Vaso Dialators like our NutriHEART on our web site (nutrisquirt.com) which is my favorite product. I am not a doctor and you should perhaps consult one but this is a really great start. There is also a product I am not involved with from a company called Q Sciences. Their product is Q 96 and they have had amazing results.

      Larry

  23. I enjoyed your column very much and can’t wait to read more.”CHiPs” was always my favorite show and is again. I was 5 yrs old when the show came out, but didn’t hear of it until season 3- it was one of the tv shows we all watched as a family every week….. You gave me some great memories as a child and for that I thank you very much

    would be awesome if we could ever talk one on one someday

    take care and God Bless

  24. karen schachtschneider

    hi larry—– so glad to be watching my favorite show from my childhood!!! but also wanted to let u know that i loved u in matlock. my question is did u enjoy working with andy griffith? u are an awesome person . thanks for listening. jon was my favorite on the show and was sad when u left. just ordered chips 99. ive never seen it yet so am looking forward to it

  25. Larry: I had wondered where you were a long time ago. I actually had asked the Sunday insert paper what you were doing now a days you were my total favorite on chips I loved that show and I want to thank you for being loyal to your fans friends and family I’m happy I have finally found your sites and I do plan on getting an autograph picture of you I’m from lansing mi and I have always been a fan of yours hope all is well

  26. Thank you Mr. Wilcox for allowing us a view from your prospective of Chips. Reading this has proven what I knew all a long, the leadership, compassion, and humility that Jon Baker brought to each show was who Larry Wilcox is in real life. I am so thankful that ME TV is allowing my 10 year old and I the chance to watch Chips together. My Senior DI told my platoon that 10% of the Marine Corps are scum bags and non hackers that the DI’s didnt have time to weed out. You Sir are one of the 90%. Semper Fi.

  27. Huge fan of yours Larry!!! You were the reason I watch chips when I was a kid!! When chips reruns were on TBS in the late 80s I actually wrote them to see if any new episodes were coming out.. They wrote me back and said no they did not have any new episodes coming.. I still have that letter!!
    Shaun from Denver!

  28. Hi Mr. Wilcox,
    First I want to say thank you for your service in Vietnam. Second, I grew up watching “Chips” as a young teen….and as a somewhat dorky result, I became a Cop (19 years now). I regard you as a great actor who during the times kept us all entertained and very interested with the show. I certainly would never consider you as ” the blonde guy”, as I too find that very insulting but can see how that would happen in a shark eat shark society.
    Not to sound creepy….at all..but thank you! I think people need and sometimes by no choice want inspirations in life…I certainly realize acting is a job and done by normal people. ….but its what you deliver on screen what makes an impact. I guess what im trying to say is…thanks…..and maybe someday I can say it in person and shake your hand.
    Respectfully
    John Bunk
    Chelsea Police Department

  29. I was always a big fan of CHIPS and I was kind of sorry to hear that a movie is going to be made. The way the world has gone, it is pretty obvious how different the movie will be from the series. At least I have the memories of the series to take with me through life. The show may have been somewhat simple, but it had heart and the characters were all great. Personally, I think I will leave things alone with the series and my memories. The movie will come and go, but you guys did it right and nothing will change that!

    Regards,
    Mark Hubert
    Sugar Land, TX

  30. Hi Larry

    I have just read your column and found it very interesting to see how you look back at the shop and how you felt at the time of making Chips. I also liked the way your wife looked at the show and I found her opinions very interesting. Especially the comment when both went to the red carpet event, your wife shows great insight to the life that you once had. But I still like chips and especially Jon Baker he made the show worth watching and yes the Blonde guy had more fun.

    Wishing you and your family the best

  31. Personally I thought “the blonde one” was snarky and really idiotic marketing. Personally I am going to write to ME tv to really say they need to pull the ADS or at least change them for at least legal obligations they have for contractual rights to use re-runs with likeness and images of “the blonde one”

  32. You are a Great Writer, refreshing & articulate.Thank you for sharing part of your story with us.The shows may seem corny now.. But I miss corny and the respect we all had for each other and life in general back in the day.its a different world today…
    All us girls in Western Massachusetts thought YOU were the HOT COP! Your Partner Ponch –he was all about T&A..You were the smart -kind -handsome cop we hoped would pull us over one day lol ..
    Friendships are so important and I hope your writing here will direct some back to friends they may have left behind. Human Kindness is Love.
    Being a Nurse I have met all kinds of people in good & bad situations.A hand up is all some need and they never forget your kindness.Why anyone would intentionally hurt another person still baffles me.
    Teamwork is the only way to work..boy if it was that easy to achieve ! You could teach classes on that…it is a learned behavior to make each other look good and always leads to success .
    You are a fortunate man to have found your soulmate in life and to have the wisdom that it is necessary to realize what’s Real & and what price others may have paid to help you discover
    your path.
    You write with such Honesty and Compassion ..You really are the “good guy”..many men I know could learn so much from you..
    FYI it’s true blonds do have more fun! ( I am one myself)Keep writing that book you are an inspiration to an amateur writer like myself.

    • Lynn Marie….thank you for being a Nurse and giving to some happy and very tragic situations. Sorry we never met when we were “dashing” around but keep up your pursuit of writing. Thank you for your precious time and comments….HUGS

      Larry

  33. Larry. Just want to say that I am a huge fan of Chips. You did a great job on the show. And what Me Tv did was wrong and Insulting I was so excited to see the show back on I watch it every night with my 3 yr old daughter and relive my child hood. Even though I was not alive yet when most of the episodes were made (I am only 33). Chips was a big part of my childhood Thank you Larry for a great show. O by the way as big of fan I am of the show I didn’t care for the last episodes you weren’t in.

  34. It’s obvious to me and others that your flair for writing could lead you to authoring that book! I hope you don’t put it off. Love your thoughts and insights, but am a little sad you don’t see Chips as many of your fans do. It brings me back to good memories and how much I enjoyed your portrayal of Jon Baker. I’m enjoying it again on METV and only think their wording of “the blonde guy” is campy and irreverent, but never thought of the show that way. It was just fun, simple and honest entertainment. Kind of like life should be. So thanks for the thought-provoking column of today, the wonderful series of yesterday, and hopefully a book to look for in the future. You seem to have made a blessed life for you and your family. You are most deserving of it! Sincerely,

    • Linda….my comments in my column were directed to the first two episodes I watched on Me TV. I suppose my own “evolution” on multiple levels will be interesting or maybe…..NOT. Anyway, thank you for reading and know that I care and I am sensitive to all points of view….not just mine.

      Gratefully,

      Larry

  35. Thank you so much for sharing your memories and craft with us. I grew up watching you in re-runs but in my mind I felt like I was watching you in present time. To this day I have fond memories of watching CHiPs and still enjoy watching it. Thanks for your column and time.

  36. Well written. It’s fun watching the old episodes. But certainly not the sum of your career. And something to look back at with a smile and a nod to your youth.

  37. Great reflections – well stated and insightful. As a fortysomething latch-key kid, the show helped shape my early childhood paradigm and I ALWAYS insisted that I was Jon when we played CHiPs around the neighborhood.

    Honestly, as much as acting means to you and others, it appears to me that your business intelligence and entrepreneurship has bettered civilization far more than your acting did and ever could (as iconic as CHiPs was).

    As an aside, I liked Robert Pine and he was perfect choice to play Thomas Magnum’s Dad. Interesting also that Pine’s son and Michael Dorn will both be known for Star Trek.

    • Brett….I just wrote you what I construed as an articulate response and this system lost it. So….bottom line thank you. I enjoy architecting business and the processes therein…..but acting satisfied my identity crisis of youth. I am indeed grateful.

      Larry

  38. Thank you for taking the time to write down your thoughts and feelings about the show. I agree that the writing was simple, but I still enjoyed it. While most of my friends were dreaming of Ponch, I have to admit I was one of the ones dreaming about Jon. Not only was he good looking, without being over the top, you gave him a personality. I never cared for Ponch’s womanizing. To me, he was just seeking trophies. Jon showed respect for, not only the women he dated, but also for his “coworkers.” Jon even respected Ponch when he was irresponsible.
    Even though the show is campy and the plots weren’t always the best, I still enjoy watching the show….the same as I enjoy Adam-12 and Emergency!. I also remember watching you in Lassie, Fire on Kelly Mountain, and Trail of Danger.
    While I understand not wanting to be a part of the idiotic Hollywood scene…I do hope you continue to act…but don’t compromise who you are.
    ~Blessings you to and your family.

    • thank you Aline for following some of my career. My manic mind needs to paint multiple layers on all assets….and it is my passionate signature. I am not Marlon Brando but I enjoyed designing what I was given in this film world. Sometimes I was given nothing and had to create something. Sometimes I was given enough to not mess with it…but not often. thank you…

      Larry

  39. Beautifully written. I was 5 years old when this show started and as corny as the lines sound now, the show was a great influence on me and I never missed an episode. I was Sindy, then later, Bonnie, on my bicycle, as I “played” CHIPS up and down my street. You were and always will be my favorite male along with Robert who I still love to call Serge. I love seeing both of you guest starring in different shows. Seeing both of you on Matlock is still great to this day! I hope you find the time to write a book, I’ll be the first to buy it. I love you and wish you and your family nothing but love and happiness. ~ Sheila, Machesney Park, IL

    • Cindy, Bonnie, and my Sheila…..thank you for your kindness and love. Great to hear such responses and I hope one day we can have your child hug my adult….and then move on in the world. Funny how there is reciprocity in a BRIDGE…..but thank you for watching.

      Larry

  40. Hi. I am thrilled to see a post such as this. I have never seen an actor or actress lay out real feelings or real words. I have always liked you…especially as Jon Baker. I have always wondered if you had that same country guy, kind, and caring spirit. It seems that you do. As most of my friends back then related more to Ponch, I liked Jon. It fit my personality more as well. I appreciate your post and some insight into some honest, caring thoughtfulness. If you do write the book, please feel free to use me as a beta reader. I am no grammar guru. However, I am a budding author as well and would love to read some more of your thoughtful insights.

  41. Hello Mr. Larry Wilcox
    I am a Brazilian fan who has always loved the show CHIPS primarily for his performance.
    You can be sure that in Brazil your role like John Baker was decisive in changing the perception of traffic police, in a time when our country was under the dark rule of a military dictatorship.
    Thank you for your life lessons, patience and serenity, both on screen and in his life.
    A big hug, lots of health and peace.

    • Rossi, I have read so many books about South America and the America Chicago Boys economic assaults and shock doctrines. I am sorry that you had to undergo such emotional, mental and perhaps physical constraints. I am glad CHIPS gave you some relief. I so enjoyed my visits to Brazil and the enormous response I had in Sao Paulo and Rio . \
      Gratefully, Larry

  42. Larry,

    Thank you for such a well written insight. Of course as an impressionable 11 year old watching CHiP’s from day 1, I would never think of the background and insight of behind the scenes details. To me, CHiP’s was the one thing that directed me in life. Jon was real to me and when I was old enough to understand what was make believe, I still held the passion of what was good and exciting of the life of the good police officer. Today I’m 29 years into my police career. Sergeant, I supervise a platoon and I run a county team of FBI trained hostage negotiators and a county team of fatal crash investigators. The episode of the MAIT Team on CHiP’s really hits home when I see it today. I want you to know how much you influenced me and how I carried through with my life long dream beginning with CHiP’s. I know many began as police because of the show. I’m an ever grateful fan .

    Jeff

    • Jeff, I am so happy you are successful in your career and I have a special place in my heart for Police, Military and the FBI. In general I think they all try to help our world. Someday we should talk of my own map and its reflective courses in life. May you be proud and know that you are doing so much for mankind. My two recent friends in the FBI are great guys and a fascinating story about choices, and one’s trajectory. I hope your trajectory is so very nurturing and helpful to mankind. Larry….Your FAN

  43. An awesome story, I live in the uk & I watched every single episode of chips, I actually do miss the show so brought seasons 1 & 2 I wish they would bring out the rest of them as its an awesome show, I would love to come over to the states & meet larry in person one day.
    Sue

  44. Larry,
    What a wonderful remembrance. As a child growing up during the original run of CHiP’s I enjoyed watching every week.You as Jon Baker was a positive role model in my life and for that I thank you
    When me and my friends used to play around and act out the show everybody wanted to be Ponch but not me I wanted to be Jon.
    I will admit I was upset when you left the show..
    As an actor you are great and I am sure in “real life” you are as wonderful a person to know.
    Thanks for being who you are and thanks for all your work.
    God bless you and your family
    A fan for life

  45. Elizabeth Rose (Lizzi)

    Thanks for everything! Just loved the show no matter what! I’m sad I can’t see it again where I live, but you did a great job as Jon Baker. All the fans love you and the character, Larry. That is something that will keep alive and true.
    Your number one fan and fan of the week …. Lizzi xx

  46. Thanks again, Larry for another great column.. So cool to get a bit of the behind the scenes info. To me you weren’t the blonde one or the other guy, you were my favourite. It is so nice to get your perspective on things and just sit back and read a good story about an interesting life. Keep them coming! I am really enjoying watching CHiPs on tv again, my kids like to watch and laugh at the 70’s fashions and hairstyles. 🙂

  47. Larry….I’d like to thank you for remaining the role model you knew CHiPs had made you. On and off the set, you set an example and I as a 5 or 6 year old kid back then…watching my favorite tv shows (CHiPs and Emergency) became attached to the characters. I enjoyed you and Baricksa (spelling) the most. I have become an Illinois State Trooper (now 40) and it was the impression you made about right and wrong….and common sense that helped a very young child believe (I knew it was tv) that the “person” could exist in any of us. Jon Baker was convincing because it really was who you were and I sensed the actual people Larry Wilcox and Jon Baker were not far off from one another. Some actors who do a long series early in their careers….have become…not embarrassed but rather irritated when fans keep them connected to a project done so long ago when David Ogden Steirs-(sorry on the spell here) did MASH. I’ve read and heard interviews where he did NOT want to known as Charles Emerson Winchester…the 3rd….his entire career. The work was brilliant but he misses the point of appreciation. Fans were not “typecasting) him at all…but like with your work on CHiPs…deeply appreciated the work. He went on to do marvelous work on other projects…why not celebrate such a wonderful success? It is his feelings and I respect that…because I cannot change how he feels. But, you have gained even MORE respect from me because you are gracious and appreciative of such fine work. I get the script and show was rather simple…..but that was the idea and it worked for everyone.
    I was recently an extra for an independent film. I hope I can appear in the next movie which is currently in development. I have been mentioned to appear in the next one as well. I hope I can bring the roles to life such as you did with Jon Baker. I will remain a role model on and off the set just as have….thanks for being transparent and genuine….you should embrace Jon Baker and Larry Wilcox….because I promise you this Sir….you helped shape a generation. Take Care and God Bless.

  48. Hi Larry,

    Thanks for writing this blog, I liked reading it. I also grew up watching Chips on Saturday evenings and you were my favorite actor! I haven’t seen much of your other work, sorry. Sue keeps us updated through Facebook and she does it well. Too bad I couldn’t join you all on the reunion, it is a bit too far away to just fly in. Take care Larry and enjoy your family and friends around you.

    Greetings from The Netherlands, Ria

  49. Thanks for all the memories, Sir. The days when CHiP’s was filmed were some of the best in our nation and I know they were the best on TV. CHiP’s was one of my favorite shows growing up and still is. My youngest son now wants to be an actor and I hope that while he follows his dream, that he can keep the “Normal life” in prospective as well as you have. Praying God’s blessing on you and your family, Sir.

  50. A great article! thank you for sharing Mr. Wilcox

  51. Refreshing and candid, sir. Thank you!

  52. I am so glad that CHiPs is back on tv. My 4 year old grandson has chosen CHiPs over Emergency as his new favorite show. He also wants to be Jon Baker for Halloween this year. We are now on the internet and EBay trying to find all that we need to make him a mini blone version of Jon. Thank you for being such a good role model.

  53. That was a very interesting read.
    I credit One Adam12 and CHiPs
    with my interest in police work
    and I am now on year 26 of my LE
    career with retirement just around the corner.
    I always enjoyed watching the differences between
    Ponch and Jon but in the end, my police officer
    personality, and most others I have seen, are much more
    Jon than Ponch. From one Marine to another, Semper Fi and thank
    you for your service to our country and for your work on CHiPs.

  54. I introduced my 16 year old to CHIPS the other evening. Half way though the show, he looked at me and said, “Wow. An 80’s cop show that didn’t suck.” I laughed. He has added it to his television viewing. Somehow, it’s become a “I can’t miss this show” along with Adam 12 and Dragnet. (Kid can’t help it, he was born into a law enforcement family) His thinking is: in a world where the police are always shown in a negative light, this was one of those shows where the cops were the good guys and people need to see that. So, the 16 year old boy child has become a fan. No matter how cheezy some may think the show was, looking back, it has created a whole new fan base. I have strict orders to purchase an autographed photo so he can proudly display it next to the one he has from Martin Milner. In his world, to be put next to Mr. Milner, is like having a planet named after you or something. 🙂

  55. Great article! I grew up watching every week and your posters all over my room. You were a positive influence on my early teen years and for that I thank you. Keep reaching for the stars and live the dream!

  56. Larry, I am sure you hear this a lot, but your character influenced me to become a police officer. If it wasn’t for Jon Baker, I wouldn’t now be a retired member of the NYPD. So I thank you for entertaining me as a child, through re-runs as a teen and now as an adult.

  57. Thank you for the role of Jon Baker, such an insirpirtation, Larry to me. May Gold bless you and your carrier.

    Scott

  58. Dear Larry,

    Thanks for the intriguing view of CHiPs from your point of view. Yes some of the story is a bit corny, but the show always had an upbeat message. That is needed in the world today. More positives from the policing side. Their is just too much negativity towards those in uniform. Jon was more of a true policeman, always wanting what is right for the community like the old police used to be. A lot like my Dad when he was a police officer. Really like to watch the episodes for all the old and pretty vehicles that used to be on the road, no minivans in sight. Because of CHiPs I drive a pick up and got my motorcycle license. One of my goals in life. You are a lot like the Jon Baker character. A caring soul who makes a difference in this world. Keep smiling, squirting and hugging others.

  59. Larry, watching you on TV and the ethics your character portrayed (good, honest ethics as a police officer, doing the right thing every time) gave me support on an already good foundation. I have now been a cop for over 25 years, and you had something to do with that. I tip my hat to you, and if you are in Los Angeles any time soon, I owe you a frosty beverage of your choice. Thank you for the show, and thank you for your article. It must have been hard to come to terms with your memories while watching the show after 40 years. And, congratulations on a long-lived show!

  60. I’m from Brazil, and since the late 70’s after watching Chips weekly I dreamed about knowing LA. Last year I faced leukemya, and for a while I really feared I wouldn’t fulfill my dream. After treatment and recovery, finally last july me (at age 50) and family could spend some weeks at LA area. It was very exciting to recognize some freeways and streets portrayed in the series (albeit on name only, because of course scenery has presumably changed a lot in 40 years). Thank you for your acting and for your memories. I intend to go back soon and if possible make it coincide with some reunion or autograph meeting.
    God bless you and your family. Rest assured that even in a far away land you have changed a life positively.

    • Homer….I am so happy you have survived and are with your family. Also happy you were able to visit L.A. and wished we could have met while you were here. The Reunion that Sue Walsh put on was wonderful…and perhaps another one day. May God Bless you.

      Larry

  61. Wow…amazing article you wrote Larry. The simplicity of the show is what keeps we watching. Todays shows have too much violence and unnecessary foul language, just cant stand to watch todays shows.

    I love the episode with you roping, High Explosive. Would love to train my Palomino to rope but sadly I just don’t have the time and age is creeping up on me. I asked Sue who was roping with you but I don’t recall her ever answering, now I have my question answered.

    Thank you Larry for sharing your views, and for being so caring and passionate towards your fans. You are truly an outstanding man, a great role model for all.

  62. “CHiPs” is and always will be my favorite TV show. From the corny lines to the fact that only Bear was the one to ever draw his gun. It was a lighthearted show that taught us that Police Officers were approachable. There were times when it would tug your heart strings. (The scene where Jon has to tell this lady her husband died in a crash. When I was a kid I wouldn’t have guessed it was his son playing the kids role) And all the countless awesome activity of the week was (jet skiing or skateboarding). The funny part of my CHiPs Fandom is that it aired 12 years before I was born. I wish I could’ve had those sweet CHiPs themed toys growing up. I watched CHiPs after school with reruns airing on TBS or TNT. It’s obsurd to think that meTV could use the “blonde one” tag line and the one who is Erik Estrada for advertising. To me Jon was my guy. He was solid. He kept his cool under pressure. He walked that thin blue line and did it proud. He reminds me of my Father who was in Law Enforcement for 35 years and is enjoying retirement. And my Father also served in Vietnam with the Air Force. Jon Baker was also a cowboy. He rode horses and had a gorgeous blue pickup that I want to find and have as my own. And the thing that caught my eye was the “Baker Trademark” blonde baton. My parents have pictures and grainy home videos of me riding my bicycle, wearing my Sheriff’s Deputy uniform my Dad’s Coworkers made for me one Christmas with my version of the blonde baton holster ed on my toy gunbelt. (I used a wooden toilet rod with a rubber toy car wheel as the stopper) riding around humming the CHiPs theme song. This column is a great insight to your CHIPS experience 40 years later. I want to thank you for being a great role model. Thank you for teaching me to always “keep the tack in the black”. And most importantly thank you for serving in Vietnam.

    – Sean Campbell, Loyal fan from small town Iowa

    • Sean from small town in Iowa…..so enjoyed your sensitive comments as I could almost see you on your bike. My son Derek used to have an elec motorcycle BEFORE CHIPS and I used to film him on my old Bolex…..I am still looking for that film. So ironic. Anyway…thank you for the kind sentiments.

      Larry

  63. Mr. Wilcox,

    Thank you for sharing your insight. It was wonderfully written and an enjoyment to read! CHiPs has been a favorite of mine since I was a young child. Not just the show itself but the character of Jon Baker. When I would watch I would see the character of Ponch as being stubborn, hot headed and an over charmer. But your character always exhibited respect, coolness, care (whether good or bad guys) and always trying to do what was right. I always wanted to be like Jon. I went through the age of the WWJD (What Would Jesus Do) bracelets. I wore two. One was What Would Jesus Do and the other was for What Would Jon Do. lol I am so grateful for the time and work that you put into making Jon the character that he was. Now, many moons later, my 7 year old daughter is getting to enjoy CHiPs. You wouldn’t believe my excitement when she said Jon was her favorite and she wants to be just like him. So, yes, the script was corny sometimes but how you portrayed your character through even the corny parts have had a positive influence in our lives. Thank you!!

    • Jessica…love the “What would Jon Do” – LOL….well God Bless your daughter so special. Today we (my wife and I) directly and indirectly counseled a single mom loosing her son to drugs. It is a journey with many highs and lows and some tragic results. What Larry Wilcox would do is the same as what Jon Baker would do. LOL….Anyway, thank you and glad Jon Baker came across so well.

      Larry

  64. Larry,

    Absolutely loved reading your column. “CHiPs” was my favorite show growing up. I never missed an episode. You were one of my favorite actors as I grew up. I also remember seeing you on an episode of M.A.S.H. Thank you for all the great seasons on CHiPs. They were great. I’ve seen them all… Many, many times. Jon was my favorite. And I went into a career in public safety because of CHiPs and Emergency. You inspired me.

    Best wishes to you and your family. Thank you to Sue for all the great work she does with your Facebook page.

  65. Great article! Yes, the show does seem corny looking back at it now, but just like the original Star Trek, it’s still a beloved part of our memories, and still way better (and cleaner!) than most of today’s TV. When I first watched the reruns on TBS as a high schooler in Texas, I had no idea one day I’d be driving some of those same southern California freeways myself! In fact it’s fun to Google some of the old landmarks from the show such as Raintree Condominiums and Poly High and find they’re still around today. And I loved your Mini Cooper from the early episodes, wish they hadn’t replaced it with the truck later on! My wife and I have the first 2 seasons on DVD and hope more will be released soon, but are glad to see them back on TV in the meantime. Anyway thanks for being such a real and classy guy!

  66. Larry Sherrod******I wrote this Sunday but noticed I put it on another link so if you already saw this,I apologize for my repetition******* Hi Larry…..this is the other Larry.I want to share a thought with you,but before I do,I want to say a BIG THANK YOU for sharing your thoughts with us! I read your article yesterday but have not had time to reply until today……At first,I was upset when I saw you mentioned as the “blond guy”,but then I came to realize….at least in MY opinion……it was a joke.First,they DID mention YOU….the “blond guy”( I think that comes from an episode of “The Nanny”)……first….and then the guy known as Erik Estrada…so you DID get top billing……and the whole thing came upon me as a joke about the ego of an actor who was on the show….I won’t mention who because that is not important,and goes without saying…..and the show may have been corny at times,but it taught me…….12-years-old when “CHiPs” premiered and on the verge of high school graduation when it ended………loyalty,respect for others,partnership & teamwork….and dad gummit,simply doing what’s right and honest because that’s just the way it ought to be.I didn’t grow up to be a patrolman,but I have been in management in the grocery business for many many years,and a lot of my personality and management skills I attribute to YOU……Larry Wilcox/Jon Baker……the man who did what is right and faced the consequences no matter what…..and the heart of Larry Wilcox/Jon Baker…..to treat others as equal human beings who deserved respect and understood that good people could have bad flaws and to not overlook the good when contemplating the bad,yet take the bad and go the extra step to turn it back around into something good…..”what’s done is done”…….and I also took the sarcasm of Robert Pine/Sergeant Getraer into how I deal with people as well.I could go on and on on here about what I’ve learned from YOu and “CHiPs” but I will leave it at that for now.I will just close for now saying saying…..from my heart to yours….LARRY WILCOX….thank YOU for putting YOURSELF into JON BAKER…..and helping a teenaged kid like me grow into a little better person! And to this day,I still drive a shortbed GMC pickup! GOD BLESS!!!!!!!

    • Larry,
      Yep…there are some cornerstones in management (the grocery vertical and others) and one key one is to take the high road with integrity with a sensitive and caring firmness if you will. Most of the things that I have done wrong in life, have been because of naïve and or limited discernment. I constantly talk to my children about symptoms and discernment so in management they come to recognize and react proactively. Jon Baker was a caring soul for sure and so are we right Larry….Larry and Larry….LOL….have a good one and thank you for indulging me. Larry Wilcox

  67. Good read. Thanks Larry.

  68. Wow alot went on behind the scenes. But over all it was an awsome show. I grew up watching Chips, I was only 7 years old ehen I first saw Chips in the late 70’s. The Chips music theme was so exciting to me. Both you Larry-Jon and Erick-Ponch, were so cute with yr uniform, motorcycle, driving into the freeway was so cool. I wished then, I was old enough to go out on a date with you. Of course I was only 7 years old, and now I’m a widowed 43 years old mom with three sons. I always loved yr cute smile. I have 1st season of Chips.
    I was in acting my in my younger years, but It was a difficult career to continue when there’s no money coming in to live with. Hope you can give me a role, LOL.

    • Jeannette…so nice to hear from you. I hope you are doing well and you are enjoying your sons and they are enjoying their special Mom. Yes the whole acting thing is a juggling act and usually is has a shelf life and the abrupt ending can be financially devastating. Keep in contact….who knows when I will have a production and cast YOU and SUE in it. That would be so much fun….to reverse our roles in life…..wow…what a neat idea. HUGS….and God Bless you and your boys. Keep your chin up and control your thoughts….focus on positives and surround yourself with positive people.

      God Bless,

      Larry Wilcox

  69. Dear Mr. Wilcox,
    Thank you for that beautifully written reflection. I was a newborn when CHiPs premiered (actually 2 days after your B-Day!), but it was a show I truly enjoyed as a youngster. I re-discovered CHiPs my freshman year of High School while I was home sick one day. Well, it was the greatest rediscovery. I even extended my sick time by a week so I wouldn’t miss an episode and I learned to program the VCR and didn’t have to miss another episode. I am not one to be “star-struck”, but you by far are the one person I admire and like to follow. The FB fan page is the best way to do it and I’m thankful to Sue for managing such a fun page. I hope to introduce my 2 1/2 year old daughter Maddyn to CHiPs sooner rather than later. I’m even contemplating a CHiPs costume for her for Halloween this year (let’s see how creative I get).
    Thanks for being so in touch with your fans.
    Sincerely,
    Courtney

    • Courtney…first…Happy August 10th. Well I am happy you were able to stay home those past days and find CHIPS and we could connect in this world. The connection is special in my mind and it is important to me. I do not think most actors understand the importance of this connection as they stay distanced on stage in the lights. The excitement is the connection….the chemistry…the energy and the spawning of JOY. Thank YOU. JOY is such a GIFT.

      Larry Wilcox

  70. I enjoyed your perspective of looking back at Chips. I want to say Larry that for us that watched it as a kid it was perfect. The good guys were the good guys. The bad guys loose at the end. The show taught us right from wrong. How to respect each other and so much more. Yeah the show is a bit campy but that’s what we love about it. You might not have a shelf full of Emmy’s from the show but you help shape thousands of kids and their future. That’s a trophy to be proud of.

    • Yes Scott….being a contributor to the molds or the templates of young people regarding values and character is an honor….for sure! Special moments come with the ability to discern. Once they asked me to be the honorary spokesperson for Vets and Saving the American Flag from desecration. I did the video called Save The Flag. Of course the Supreme Court over ruled us and decided that burning the flag was simply an expression and a freedom of speech of sorts. However, the video is one of my trophys…so proud of that secret Academy Award of sorts….LOL

      Larry

  71. Great article Mr. Wilcox!! I enjoyed watching CHiPs as a child being six years old when it premièred and almost 12 when it canceled.

    The show was never the same after you had left it and the main reason for that was a simple one; both yourself and Mr. Estrada had great on screen chemistry, which was sorely missed in the final season..

    The show was definitely a reflection of the times and I can understand your views on watching the earlier episodes. The show was similar to the bulk of lightweight shows of the time, including ‘Charlie’s Angels’, ‘B.J. & the Bear’, ‘Dukes of Hazard’, etc… The first season was an experiment to see what works and what doesn’t and the show began to hit it’s stride in the second season, including the revamping of the main title theme, which was definitely an improvement over season one. Plus the overall composed music of the series, vastly improved as the series progressed.

    The series was meant to be lightweight and fun, which again, was the sign of the times in the ’70’s. The writing was never Emmy award winning material, nor do I believe it was meant to be.

    You were ‘the star’ of the series and indeed your character was a mentor to Ponch’s character. Sadly, we cannot control politics and ‘what goes on behind the scenes’, exist in all areas of the industry. The main point is that yourself, Estrada, your co-stars, producers, writers, created a legacy which continues to entertain us all and we’re the better for it. I’m 43 yrs old and the series definitely was a positive part of my childhood, including my school chums, which, between classes, we would talk about the latest episode on Monday mornings in school!! All the best Mr. Wilcox and I sincerely hope you manage to read this.

    • Yes I agree with you Rod…good insights. Tonight I watched Baby Food and the DIRECTION was much improved….Paul Krasny did an excellent job with camera mounts, POV shots and such. I really enjoyed some of his compositions. Anyway…thanks Rod for reading the article….

      Larry

      • Thanks for the reply Larry!!

        I’m sure it’s difficult to remember, but do you have a personal favorite episode(s) that you personally felt was the best of the series?? Were there any guest stars that you personally enjoyed with??

        Hope all is well and it is great that you’re taking some of your own personal time to respond to all of the comments of fans of yourself and the series!!!

        Rod.

  72. Elizabeth Rose (Lizzi)

    Larry, if you could do it all again, would you change anything about your character Jon Baker? If so, what would you change and why?

    Your Fan of the Week ~ Lizzi xxxx

  73. Cioa Larry io sono cresciuta con i CHIPS avevo 13 anni quando iniziai a guardarli con le vostre avventure mi avete aiutato a rigare dritto, a non lasciarmi coinvolgere in cattive compagnie….Se CHIPS ha avuto successo è merito di tutto il cast, nella sesta serie mancavi tu a me non è piaciuta molto, tu e Erik avevate qualcosa di speciale, anche se non andavate d’accordo… adesso ricordo le puntate con i miei pazienti (sono fisioterapista) e lo sto facendo vedere ai miei nipoti. grazie di Cuore
    Carmela

  74. Larry I thoroughly all the episodes of “CHIP”. I moved from Chicago to Thousand Oaks CA. I drove on the 118 and remembered some scenes from “CHIPS”. I think your agent sucks! You should have had another series or movie spots. You are a hansom talented actor. You are still young enough to perform! Get a good agent and get going. I am anxious to see a new movie or TV show starring you. My kids feel the same way. ME TV will be airing the “CHIPS” series and I will be watching to remember that time in history when you were a “SUPER STAR”! I’m guessing that you are not receiving residual compensation for your earlier work in this series. GET BA GOOD LAWYER and sue the BASTARDS for just compensation, I’m sure there are many that share the same feelings that I have. Good luck to you Larry!

  75. Larry,

    Thank you for your insight and honest reflections of CHiPS. It is refreshing to still find such honesty; however I expected as much from you. That part of you always came through your screen persona. That is why I always favored, you, ‘the blonde guy’. Jon was a character that I would have loved to converse with. Ponch was too shallow, or so I thought. You made Jon affable and real. I think Jon would have been a one dimensional character without you expertise.

    By the way, I would love to read a book written by you!

    Thank you for good memories from my youth! My love and best wishes to you and your family.

    Debora

  76. I love ME-TV and their funny (and kind) commercials. The first time I saw “the blonde one” it made me angry. Your character and Robert Pine’s were my favorites. Erik Estrada had fans but not all of them.
    ME-TV should pull that commercial immediately. Best wishes to you and your family and know that your body of work is greatly appreciated.

  77. Barbara Lunkenheimer

    After watching tonight’s episode, an )unfortunately) seeing the “Blond one,” Commercial that continues to run on MeTV… I would just think I would write to you to tell you that I have sent ANOTHER email to MeTV, and how offended I was to hear that! I am SO sorry, Mr. Wilcox!!! I always thought that YOU were the STAR of the show!!!! Take care and God Bless!

    • Thank you Barbara. for your kindness and sensitivty
      Larry

      • Barbara Lunkenheimer

        Thank you for your reply, Larry! I DEFINITELY am a HUGE fan of yours!!! Although, I am happy that MeTV changed the promotion of ChiP’S from “The blond One,” to” Larry Wilcox” (as it should have been in the beginning). I see that MeTV is STILL “sneaking” in, “the blond one,” in the promo’s!!!! I have a few more NEW emails sent to MeTV, stating my dissatisfaction to the continuance of the latter, sneaky promo…. What is the matter with them (MeTV)? That is SO disrespectful of such a professional as you?!?!?!?
        My hubby is a cop (LEO), and ALSO agrees….. Anyway, I SO wish I could have been in LA this weekend. I live in OHIO. I pray/hope, one day, I could get my pic with you…. I was only a little girl when CHiP’s was on. My sister liked Ponch… But, I would, and STILL tell her that YOU were the great one!! In fact, my hubby is NOT your “typical” LEO (NARCISSISTIC), he has such a good heart, in my remembrance, like you! NOT “beyond the law!” Maybe, that is why I LOVE him SO much!!! I became, and have been a firefighter/paramedic for 22 years! A lot to do with your show, CHiP’s!!! Hopefully, remember if we could EVER meet in person, you remember the FF/PM from Ohio… LOL!!! Again, thanks for your reply!! EXITING!!!

  78. Larry, like many here I grew up watching the show and it, along with ‘Emergency’, were instrumental in my path life: my 25 year long love of riding motorcycles and my career as a firefighter.
    But neither hold a candle to what my 6 years as a United States Marine mean to me.
    Thank you for not only entertaining me but for living your entire life true to the values of the Corps.
    Semper Fi Marine!
    Jason (Amtrac’er, 1988-94)

  79. Don’t take the MeTV thing personally. It is just their attempt at a tongue in cheek way of marketing the show. Hopefully you are able to laugh since we know who you are. Ponch seemed to get more arrogant and unrealistic as the show aged and I knew, even as a kid, that this was the actor’s personality coming through. John seemed to be always a happy humble guy and when he finally left the show, I knew I was right. Count yourself lucky that you survived the madness of fame.

  80. Larry- “the blond guy”
    The thing I always loved about Jon Baker, was the same thing I found when I met you at the reunion. Humbleness. Neither the character nor the actor gave me the impression that their name HAD to be in lights. You were/are content to share the spotlight, and the credit. True gentlemen. The ones who are important, know exactly who “the blond guy” is.

    Like many, Jon Baker was the reason I got into law enforcement. I wanted to be THAT officer. The one who was quiet, efficient, well liked, and who had a knack of making other people feel cared about, and important. Again – at the reunion, I saw that first hand. Sure, I was star-struck. For 35 years I had dreamed about meeting my “first love” (giggle). But being star struck lasted about 3 minutes. After that, I was more taken with how humble, caring and concerned for others you truly are. And THAT my friend, is what more people need to be like.

    The world is full of attention grabbers. The “look at me!!” types who demand that their name be first. Let them have it. Their light will burn too bright, too quickly and will burn out. But those who have kindness and love in their hearts will have the true fans and will ultimately be the richer ones.

    Is CHiPs corny? Absolutely. And I wouldn’t change a thing about it. It takes me back to a simpler time. When people had respect for each other. When it was a hub cap, instead of a cocaine induced high, that caused an accident.

    So- you were “the blond guy”. What’s in a name? That which we call a rose, by any other name would smell as sweet. And Larry, just look at your friends, your followers and your family. We know who you are. How sweet it is.

  81. I grew up watching chips. I moved from California to florida and enjoyed watching scenes from my home state. I enjoyed your character and he was a person that I could respect. I am also sorry that MEtv has degraded your contribution. I for one appreciate your contribution and wish to say thank you. 🙂

  82. Larry- my youngest brother became a police officer due to your character in CHiPs and Jon Baker is a great role model. My favorite reruns growing up were CHiPs, Emergency! and Batman.

    I still love watching CHiPs and hope the rest of the seasons are released onto DVD so I can re watch them over and over with my kids someday.

    Thank you for being a great role model!

    Best line from the opening: “Yeah, I bet he’s got a Porche in it.”

  83. Larry, I’m old enough to have watched CHiPS during its original run. Anyone who cares about their craft and professionalism is always mistreated or even mocked by ot as you continue other ventures. hers who are not as serious. I felt pain in your writing as you brought us onto the set. Thank you for your candor, and wish you and your family well. Remember that courage requires energy and action. You embody both.

  84. Larry, thanks for this article. I was so excited when I saw metv advertise that chips would be airing. After seeing the commercial talking about “the blonde guy” I was insulted for you. thanks for your great body of work in your career. Best wishes to you and your family.

  85. Hi Larry,
    Very much both admired & appreciated your honest & candid interpretation of your experiences with “CHIPS”… The show was among my sons, Greg & Tim, favorite of television viewing during their wonderful growing up years, not only here on Long Island, but also in sunny California and, no doubt, left a positive impression, indeed…!!! “THANKS”…
    Another “THANKS” for giving me, along with Major Caulter of the Marine Corps Public Affairs Office in L.A., that kick-start when I was setting up * GRUNTS * for production and, hopefully, with an ultimate presentation upon the many silver screen of these awesome United States Of America. Was quite “Cool” of you to take time out of your hectic schedule to meet me at Dupars for coffee that morning & to sign on for the lead… I hasten to add that your signing virtually insured a massive viewing upon all those silver screens…
    Sadly, shortly after a 3rd meeting with a senior producer of Columbia, Hannah Weinstein, Mrs. Weinstein died of a massive stroke in March of 1984. She had suggested that I do a bit of work on the dialogue, handed me her card with her personal phone # and address at her home atop the Beverly Wilshire & told me to call when the writing was completed. A distribution agreement appeared to be imminent… Had a great contact with Bank Of America, Allen Wilson of the Completion Bond Company was standing by with promise of a bond, Major Caulter, waiting to give a final approval of the script for the potential of DOD (Department Of Defense) support and all of which would have left to follow up was to put together a great production team, including search for a talented director.. Of course, the entire adventure went belly up with the passing of a fine lady, indeed (!!!), Hannah Weinstein…
    And my sincerest of apologies to both Major Caulter & your own fine self for the very negative frustrations, mixed with sadness for Mrs. Weinstein & her family, when everything fell apart…
    Making a long story a bit longer, I’ve since revived * GRUNTS * and am in the midst of a complete re-write… With thought in mind that the “Angels” of the Vietnam war, the nurses, Red Cross, “Donut Dollies”, USO and all of the many fine “American Ladies” of the era are rarely mentioned, I’ve included a Navy nurse within the updated scenario… Because of a very, very pleasant experience in Australia during my “R&R” from the “Nam, I’ve a soft spot in my heart for the Australian people and hope to convince Nicole Kidman to sign on for that lead…
    Would appreciated any advice, input or otherwise as I embark upon this new adventure…
    I close with an expression of fond respect & appreciation for your unwavering support of “Toys For Tots”, with special regard for your service as the Charity’s National Chairman… I, too, on a lesser note and as a franchise owner of a Hess Gasoline service station, and much to the woe of the Hess corporate office, had my good ‘ole fellow Marines stop by my station each Christmas to load their van with many cases of the allotted annual releases of the Company’s collectable toy trucks, racing cars, helicopters, etc…
    And “THANKS” for all that precision support you wonderful “Artillery Grunts” provided us “Infantry Grunts” up along Vietnam’s DMZ… You all saved many lives & you have the enduring respect of all the fellow Marines… Actually, many of us still keep in touch & we, all who have children & grandchildren, also have a special place for you in our hearts & respect for your portrayal of Jon of “CHIPS”…
    Semper Fi’,
    Mike

    • Well Michael…thank you for the long note and your enduring sensitivity. You and I know you were on the point of the spearhead in Nam and saw the worst. I have a special place in my heart for you and your MARINE PERSERVERANCE. I pray you will win as it is so obvious to me you have always been a winner. YOU my friend are validation of a real Human Being. Just know that Always Faithful means everything to me and I am here for you. You always bring tears to my private eyes…..God Bless. Larry

      • Sincerest Of “THANKS”, Larry For The Kind Words…
        And Another “THANKS” For All That Precision Support Yourself Fellow Marines Provided Up Along The DMZ…
        “God Bless Always”
        &
        Catch Ya’ Later,
        Mike

  86. I am still without understand , Larry alwways was and will be the main character as Jon.I think that same which this incident has occured Metv should be respect for the character and for the person that you are. Carlos

  87. I am still without understand , Larry alwayss was and will be the main character as Jon.I think that same which this incident has occured, Metv should be respect and correct their error for the character and for the person that you are. Carlos

  88. Something we can´t understand and everyone know that Jon is the main character . In this case I believe that someone responsible must to correct this error and ask apologizes to you

  89. Wonderful piece. My husband and I have watched Chips since it first aired and we both agree we love seeing the reruns! We have also enjoyed seeing your other work you have done as well. Our kids are enjoying Chips now as we did back when it first aired. Mr. Wilcox you are a wonderful actor! You continue to show why we all know that you are the star regardless of what they call you. Sweet caring nature continues to show that you are a STAR!

  90. M Mercedes Hernandez

    Dear Larry;
    Thank you for writing such a fine essay about these experiences. Writing here is kind of “out of character for me” but I was compelled to do so because of that MeTV commercial. I must say that when I saw the commercials on Me TV about CHIPs and reference “the blonde one” I felt that it was “kind of rude” towards the actor that portrayed the role of Jon Baker. It reminds me of the way they do with another show that you may had seen as a kid “Rawhide”. In that one it would appear that the only start was Clint Eastwood and Eric Fleming has become the “chopped liver”. I thought maybe Larry Wilcox is no longer in the business so I became curious and “Google you” (pardon my English, it is still my second language).
    For me the two characters were equally important and I agreed with you it was the chemistry between the two that made it great. I saw that show back in Venezuela when I was in my early twenties. Although I don’t remember a single episode, I remember liking the show very much. Back then I was I novice high school teacher now I teach microbiology at a Canadian university (a big change in 40 years). So, for me all the episodes are like “brand new” and I am enjoying this “blast from the past all over” the perfect guilty pleasure to watch while doing my prescribed exercises. Thank you for the hard work you and the other put into it. I think I’ll check out some of your other work (when I have time). I remember a few years back when I was in graduate school seeing a few episodes of a Mexican soap opera: Dos mujeres un camino” where Erik was working (soaps are not my cup of tea) and asking myself what happen with Larry Wilcox. Now I know. I am glad to learn that “the blonde one” is doing fine after all these years.
    Best to you and your family and sorry for the long post
    Mercedes

    • Wow Mercedes…congrats on your Microbiology career…impressive. Hugs from Jon Baker and may we continue this digital relationship of you watching CHIPS and me getting residuals. LOL Hugs…
      Larry

      • Dear Larry;
        Thank you for taking the time to reply to me and the others with such a personalized touch! It is very much appreciated For instance, I found your remark about my career touching (and for that I am grateful). Oh man! If you ever have a question about the “magnificent microbes” although I may not be the best person to answer it, at least I shall try to point you in the right direction (you know those tiny microbiology books can be a pain to read, especially at our age).
        With regards to your remark, I hope that these CHiPs reruns go on for a long time to get those residual …” Rollin’ Rollin’ Rollin’” … ( just as that old song goes) for you as well as for all you fellow cast members.
        All the best
        Mercedes

  91. Hi Larry!
    i’ve been a fan since at least 1979/80 (age 9 or 10), you were on my wall when i was a kid. 🙂 i love CHiPs, it brings back so many nice childhood memories.
    about the ad on MeTV… i really don’t think MeTV is disrespecting you, the ads they run for the programs they show are all meant to be fun and funny, they all poke fun at the shows. they’re meant to make us laugh, stir up memories, and make us want to watch the shows again. and none of them feature all, or sometimes any of the stars in the show. look at the current Love Boat ad, it’s all about Charo, and the current Leave it to Beaver ad, it’s all about Eddie Haskell.
    i just really don’t think you should feel bad, or like you are being disrespected, because they do this with all the ads for all the shows. everyone knows who you are. 🙂
    anyway, i’m so glad i found your facebook page, Sue and all the fans are great! when the show is on i feel like a kid again, with everyone talking about the show and their memories.
    so glad to know you are really as awesome in real life as i always thought you were. wish i’d known you were going to be in San Diego, we could have tried to maybe meet you. i’ve lived here in San Diego (inland, East County) my whole life!
    God’s Blessings!
    Sheri

    • Hi Sheri….well….perspectives are what make the world go around right? Onward and chin up….no problem. Hope you are enjoying San Diego….where I was born.

      Gratefully

      Larry

  92. Watching Mrs. Downey again tonight. I was wondering if you and the cast got to spend much time talking to Margerie Bennett about her time in Hollywood. Since she started in silent pictures I am sure she was full of stories and history. Thanks

  93. I’ve always enjoyed watching Chips, and now I’d rather watch this type of show then be subjected to the current reality shows on tv that are not family friendly. Besides I’ve always had a crush on Jon Baker he was such a sweetheart. And Larry to me you’ll never just be the blonde guy, you are so much more than that, something your former partner will never accomplish.

  94. Larry, I was so excited when I heard that MeTV was going to start airing CHiPS, right from the pilot episode, this month (and was really ticked off at the “blonde guy” comment in the promos). I was a huge fan of the show, at age 10-13, and you were my favourite character. Honest, noble, selfless and hardworking, Jon, was the kind of father I’d wished I’d had growing up (my dad was 28 when CHiPS premiered and had already bailed on his family to start a new life with someone else). As a kid, I thoroughly enjoyed the show for what it was: an inoffensive police procedural, very light in depth and drama. Now, as I rewatch the show through the eyes of a seasoned actress, screenwriter and television producer, I see so many flaws (especially with Eric’s acting), weak story lines, overly long chase scenes…but still, this show will always hold a special place in my heart and I’m thankful that the internet has made it possible for me to track you down and tell you this. It would be great to meet you, someday, Larry. XO

    • Yes the storylines and editing in today’s edgy and fast paced tempo cognizant editors who make the show a wonderful form of percussion of sorts….is a lot different. I agree with you and hope we meet one day. Thank you

      Larry

  95. When CHIPS was on back in the 70s, I was a little girl with a big crush on officer Jon Baker. 🙂 Seeing those old episodes on ME TV now is very nostalgic for me. I laugh at the memory of being lovingly teased by my parents every week that my “boyfriends are on TV again”. Thank you for looking back and sharing with us your perspectives on the show 40 years later. It’s interesting now as an adult to read first hand how the show was done and what it was really like to star on the show. And I agree…the chemistry between Ponch and Jon is one thing that was done very well. But thank you for also sharing the challenges you guys faced on the show. Very insightful and eye opening. All the best to you.

  96. I am very happy to see CHiPs on Me TV. And find myself running to the tv to turn it on much like when I was a kid. We girls had our crushes and both guys were equally popular among us girls. I have enjoyed seeing this show come back. It reminds me of happy times growing up. Only thing I’m disappointed about is the” He’s the blond guy” commercial. I had a crush on the blond guy and he’s Larry Wilcox! 🙂 Both guys made the show. Without both guys there wouldn’t be the CHiPs we fans know and love and I hate the snub that’s going on with MeTV. Who can I write to at the station? I really want you to get proper credit Larry. Thanks for being awesome.
    Sincerely your fan always,
    Kris Jeschke

  97. Hi Larry
    Was so excited when I saw MeTv was
    Going to be showing Chips but was
    Also wtf with the promo!! I’m 50 now
    But still remember having your picture
    On my bedroom wall As a lovesick
    Teenager!! Thinking a TV guide cover and maybe people mag?

    All the best.
    Regards
    Lynda

  98. I enjoyed Chips when it was first run. I always thought the “blond” guy was a great actor and still do. I think they owe you a big apology for calling you that. I am a fan and I wish you and your wife a great life! Vote one for the “blond” guy!!

  99. Just read your story and was amazed by it..I grew up watching CHIPS every Saturday night. For a kid from age 7-11 years old, it was a favorite and years later played a lasting role in my life. Yep, Jon Baker was favorite & my “hearthrob”. ( I’m dvr’n CHIPS on METv and remembering my childhood &CHIPS and laugh!) As I entered jr. High school, my mom became a deputy sheriff and remained thru my entire high school years..Now I’m a 44 year old bookkeeper for one of the largest construction companies in the US, and I’m a harley loving riding woman. Gee…in 1977-81 while watching CHIPS, I would have never thought these great things would have happened in my life…Thank you for all of your acting..I still love it..Hope you still ride too..I’m looking for your autobiography…hope it comes out in the near future…A fan forever…

  100. I’ve noticed that Me TV has changed the promo, properly promoting the actor from “The Blond One” to “Larry Wilcox.” I find a lot of their promos funny; that first one for CHiPs always struck me as just being in bad taste.

  101. I also grew up watching CHiPs. I loved the show. When I realized that the show was on ME TV I couldn’t wait to have my kids watch it. Now they can’t wait til we all come home from work and school to watch the show. I just finished watching the episode with the kids with the skateboards. It was great to see it. Love seeing the episodes. Thank you so much

  102. Hey Larry,

    You know, Dawn (my wife) and I have Tivo’d and watched every ME TV airing of CHiPs. We were excited to find the network would be carrying the show. Dawn’s response to “The Blonde One” crack was to cheer “LARRY WILCOX” as your first billing appeared on the Pilot episode, and now we both do it at the start of (almost) every episode.
    I just read your post out loud to her, and now we’re cueing up the Pilot again to watch with your insights in mind. Those children in our hearts really like that Jon kid too.

  103. Larry, 40 years ago I was 7 . I loved Chips, but not Eric, you!. MeTv should be ashamed of themselves. I swear, Eric always had a hard on. Over sexed. If you ask me. Arrogant to the max! My late mother and I always preferred you.

  104. I watch ME-TV often & generally find their promos to be witty and memorable. Therefore, I was surprised & uncomfortable with “the blond guy” reference in the CHiPS promo. I found it disrespectful and snarky. My question to whoever wrote this & whoever then decided to air it is: “And what TV show did you ever star in?” As I’m sure you know, they have now changed it to reflect both actors’ contribution to the show. I know there were others who felt the original promo for CHiPS was in extremely poor taste. Best to you and your family, Sandra Louden

    • Sandra….well, for me, chin up and onweard. No big deal. Some people apologize, some people take actions, and some people do both. Veiled or overt apologies are OK with me….onward.

      Larry

  105. I too was offended when MeTv(which I enjoy) pulled that stupid stunt calling Larry Wilcox “and the blonde guy” glad to see that they changed it.

  106. I have always known you were a good guy not only on tv but in real life, too. As a father of 5 (we are rare breeds!) now watching reruns with them, I must admit I prefer Jon to Ponch but that wasn’t the case growing up following the show. My younger brother was always Jon (he’s a blond guy!) and I was Ponch due to my dark hair. It is fascinating to watch my 2 and 4 year old boys now saying they are Jon and Ponch, while playing around the house with their bike helmets and “stealing” their parents’ sunglasses! I should try to have my parents locate that CHiPs big wheel somewhere buried in their basement… Thank you for your service in the Marines, your acting career, especially as Jon Baker, and being a positive role model whom I can appreciate in a more meaningful way now that I am 39 and have a family of my own. God bless and LA 15 seven Mary 3 & 4!

  107. M Mercedes Hernandez

    Dear Larry;
    If you had been keeping an eye on MeTV you’ll notice that they changed the commercial around October 9th and now they clearly acknowledge Larry Wilcox as Officer Jon Baker (no more of the “blonde one” reference). I am glad you spoke out. I don’t know how the change came about, and how much effort it may had taken but it is done. Congratulation! It is like I tell my students, when something is wrong, don’t just sit there and take it. Speak up and find out if you can change it.
    In another note, after watching a few episodes of CHiPs, I get what you were saying about the corny lines. For me the one that stuck in my head was when the “budding writer wanna be” Jon Baker is telling his partner something like this (I don’t remember the exact words) “ I am not using your real name, see… I calling you Poncharable?????” Oh boy! All of the sudden, down to earth officer Baker is talking like a 10 year old! Well, Larry I think you deserve an award for being able to deliver that “beauty of a line” with a straight face. In any case, you get my seal of approval because a few days afterward as I went about my day that line popped up in my head and made me laugh. It still does as I write this (so if I make mistakes while typing this, it is your fault!). For that and for the fun I am having once a day by watching these antics I thank you and all the people that made CHiPs possible.
    All the best
    Mercedes

  108. Hi Larry, just want to let you know that I too was incensed by Me yv calling you the blonde guy. You have always been my favorite on the show and was close to calling them smarmy beaurocratic microbes – to steal a phase from Charles on MASH. And I did protest in script!! Now at least, they are using your name. Thank you for all the enjoyment you gave me! God bless…

  109. I’m happy I stumbled upon your site and had the chance to read
    this. I was already excited that ESPNClassic had begun airing ‘Battle Of The Network Stars’, but then I saw that Chips was returning
    to the airwaves and I was stoked! Like many, the show was a huge part of my childhood. (So was Randi Oakes, but…well….that story is for another website) As a father of a 9 year old boy, I couldn’t wait for him to sit down with me to watch ‘one of Dad’s old shows’ but, he may just feel the same way you do about some of these early episodes. Oh well. I still enjoy feeling like a kid for an hour a night. Just know that your work on the show not only entertained a young kid every week, but it also taught me to respect those men & women in law enforcement. Something I know I’ve been able to pass on to my son.

  110. Larry,
    I too was upset when I heard MeTV refer to you as “The Blonde One”. It’s okay though because I have met both you Erixk when you were filming at the Venice Beach boardwalk, i not only have a picture from that day but, I got to see the “Real” Erick.
    While “fans” were trying to get autographs and pictures, Erick was more concerned about the bimbo sitting near him.

  111. Hi Larry…..When I read your bio, I was surprised to hear that Eric refused to show up for the Chips 35 years reunion, as he was trying to push aside his CHIPS image. Well, if I were to talk to Eric I would remind him that the show and his fellow stars of the show are what brought him his popularity. And by dissing the show and his fellow actors, well, he’s also dissing the fans too. Anyway, I just want to say CHIPS was and still is a great show. Take care Larry and good luck to you always.

  112. Mr. Wilcox,
    As I sit and watch an episode of “chips” I still love the “blonde guy” just like I did all those years ago. I am sorry that the powers that be see fit to slight such a talented actor as yourself. I will forever be a fan.

  113. Nicer days for Policemen back then……probably corny today but a good mentoring tool for kids for sure. Thank you…

    Larry

  114. Larry –

    Thanks for all your contributions. I appreciate your perspective on your view of how CHiPs was produced. As an avid viewer of CHiPs and other dramas from the 1960s and 1970s, I would like to draw your focus towards another viewpoint, if I may. I agree with you that the CHiPs scripts were monochrome, melodramatic and the weaker part of the whole production. I can even see in many scenes of the show where you are trying your darndest to stretch the depths of the character. Erik Estrada had similar issues although his on-screen character was matched well to his persona off-screen, as can be seen in his works prior to CHiPs. I can see the history of your struggle; and the wounds with the show were reopend by MeTV with the blonde guy promo. Thankfully MeTV has discontinued use of that promo.

    When thinking about the peers of the industry in that era, one can easily rope CHiPs in with Hawaii Five-O, Columbo, Adam-12, Dragnet, Emergency, Tour of Duty, and others. Notwithstanding the shortcomings you have called out, CHiPs stands on its own 40 years later, especially in the episodes that Cy produced. It was a good brand and had a great run. The drama within CHiPs was different than the drama produced by Jack Lord and Leonard Freeman; and thats what gives the CHiPs series its unique character and unique identity.

    Looking forward, lets focus on what we can do with the lessons we learned. There is an opportunity I would like to discuss with you in this light, and if you are open to having a discussion over dinner (my treat), please drop me a line.

    Lance

  115. Larry,
    I’m so glad Me TV has pulled their crass ads and replaced them with ads giving you your due credit and respect. That was so offensive. I just discovered your website and appreciate the behind the scenes recollections.

  116. That bothered me too. A couple (hundred) years ago, when I was in my late teens, I raced enduro because of “the blonde one”. I have fond memories of racing in Baja and would never have tried if not for his encouragement. Fortunately Me TV has fixed their error. 😉

  117. Hi Larry. I was a young boy when CHIPS was on TV. We used to play CHIPS and pretend our bikes were the motorcycles. I was always John Baker lol. I haven’t really thought of the show for a long time but when I saw it on ME TV the memories came flooding back. Life was much simpler then. I never thought I would have the opportunity to actually communicate with you so this is a rare treat for me. Thank you for the memories and for contributing to the fun part of my childhood. I really enjoyed reading your thoughts about the show 40 years later.

    Best wishes,
    Mike

  118. Hi Larry,
    Just wanted to say thanks for the years of entertainment you provided while on CHIPs. I was dumbfounded when I saw that promo on MEtv and it eventually brought me to your site. Seeing your reaction to it motivated me to write the network to have it pulled. It appears I wasn’t the only one as they’ve apparently done the right thing and gotten rid of it. As a real life highway patrolman, I can say you’ve been an inspiration to many of us. Thanks again and take care!

  119. Hi Larry. I noticed they changed those METV promos recently – I assumed you must have let them know you weren’t happy with the “He’s the blonde one” business. I wondered what knucklehead in the management pipeline thought it was a good idea in the first place.

  120. I really enjoyed reading your article and getting your perspective of the show from the other side of the camera. (As I’ve gotten older and shot/edited a few videos myself, I really appreciate this chance to “see” that side.)
    I watch a lot of the old shows that are on MeTV and when I saw that CHiPs (one of my all time favorite shows) was coming to their line-up I couldn’t wait! After all, I hadn’t seen the show since it was first broadcast in the late ’70’s and early ’80’s.
    Then I saw the first two episodes and thought to myself, “Hmmmm… this was one of your favorite shows??!!”
    I continued to watch, however, and it didn’t take long for me to rediscover what had drawn me to the show all those years ago — the warmth, caring and friendship that came through in the actors’ portrayal of the characters. I fell in love with Jon Baker all over again. 🙂 His smile, the kindness he showed to everyone and his down to earth country charm. Didn’t hurt that you were (and still are) so very handsome. 🙂
    You talked about good and bad actors as well as roles that are badly and well written. I feel that I would much rather watch the performance given by a good/great actor playing a badly written role than a bad actor playing the best written role. That is because a good/great actor not only brings their talent to the role but also themselves and that is what makes it worth watching. You did that for the role of Jon Baker in spades! Since CHiPs came to MeTV I have found this web site and also your Facebook fan page. I have read Sue’s posts where she has mentioned more than once that playing Jon Baker was easy for you because you were in essence playing yourself. As I watch the reruns of the show on MeTV I can really see that shining through. 🙂
    Thank you for what you brought to the roll of Jon Baker and thank you for what you continue to bring to all that you do today! 🙂
    Take care.

    • Sheryl Raffensberger

      I’m most impressed on the riders ( be it you, Eric or one the stuntmen) when they went off-road! Never paid attention back then, but now as a rider of street, dirt, dual and quads, I realize just how awkward and hard it must have been with those heavy bikes and street tires. also, even today, those bikes look good. Very classy…..

  121. Mr. Wilcox:

    I was always a fan of CHiPs when it was on in prime time. One of my more favorite shows of the time, rarely missing an episode. I never saw it as corny, but one of the better shows on the air. And of course, you were the star, the actor with the real talent (along with Robert Pine), while Erik Estrada was just a young upstart with more ham than acting ability. Don’t get me wrong, I really like him.

    But Erik is more like William Shatner– no matter what role he plays, it’s pretty much the same character. In his recent SyFy Channel movie, Chupacabra vs the Alamo, (which I did enjoy), I couldn’t help but think I was watching Ponch transferred to San Antonio (which, by the way, is where I live). Nothing wrong with that, he just doesn’t have the ability to individualize his roles into separate identities. There are many actors like that.

    But you are one of the breed of actors that can make each character they play a unique and individual person.

    That said, I am really writing to you in regards to MeTV’s finally giving you your proper due in their ads for CHiPs (or, CHMePs). I felt their calling you “the blonde guy” was very demeaning to you, and am glad that’s finally fixed. I don’t know how much that really bothered you, but it royally pissed me off that they treated you that way.

    On a side note, I loved the theme music, at least at first. I did not like the way it was disco-fied in the later years.

  122. I saw that a few times where ME TV called you the blond guy. I was offended for you by that myself. Then they started saying Larry Wilcox. I figured somebody got on them about that. I am glad. It was really rude for them to do that like you didn’t even matter. Like they thought Erik Estrada was the star of the show and you were an extra. I am glad they started doing it right.

  123. Hi Larry,

    I was so thrilled when METV brought back CHIPS. I was a huge fan of CHIPS and look for every opportunity to see the reruns. CHIPS along with Hawaii Five O, Emergency, Adam 12, Airwolf and Streets of San Francisco were my favorite TV shows. Frankly, the cast of CHIPS was what made your TV show so successful. You played the role of Jon Baker so well. I wanted to be you when I was growing up watching your TV show.

    When I watch CHIPS today, I wish I could go back to those days and relive them again. I have to admit that the CHIPS theme song is one of top favorites along side with Hawaii Five O and Airwolf.

    I wish you and your family all the best and thank you again for making CHIPS a success!

    Nelson

  124. Hi Larry, I like what you wrote and find it very interesting learning more about chips and the cast. I grew up watching the show when I was a little boy. It was my favorite show and I still love it today. I am 37 years old now, and my 2 year old son already loves it. I want to say that you were awesome in the show and were a great role model. I admire you for keeping in touch with the fans . I missed the October 22 autograph signing, any future signings ??? Thanks Larry.

  125. Hi Larry,
    Enjoyed your perspective looking back 40yrs. Me TV has brought back a lot of favorites, and I find myself looking at it differently now too. Used to be Oh wow its ponch and Jon, Johnny and roy, etc the STARS!! now were all older and its I wonder what they thought of thier work now and what they are like now.
    Having met james Drury the virginian in person, you are real people with real lives…that man can talk about horses forever! (which you probably can too)! I actually took after Emergency and became the first female firefighter paramedic on our volunteer dept. What’s scary to me is if you mention “pulling a Johnny and Roy” to todays medics, they have no Idea who you are talking about!
    Thanks for sharing and your Military Service!
    God Bless!
    JanP

  126. Hi Larry,
    I’m Tiffany, from Riverside, Ca , I grow up watching chips on TV, it’s awesome u know how to race cars , motorcycles, dirt Bikes, ride horses ,your own stunts. The way you brought you own life background into your chips character Jon baker was: PRICELESS I love it. The way your stand through the negative stuff in your life is : PRICELESS too but I sorry u had to go through it in the first place. It’s a honor to talk to you Larry Wilcox I hope one day I get the honor of meeting you. Thanks for the chips character Jon baker.
    Sincerely
    Tiffany. S

  127. i see the CHIPS commercial has finally been changed on ME TV. I was so infuriated with the first commercial. I was trying to picture what kind of a moron would even dream up a commercial so rude and pathetic. But as they say “That’s Hollywood”. Full of plastic phoneys. I am glad to see that someone with a brain remedied the situation. Both stars deserve respect.

  128. Hi Mr. Wilcox,
    I have been a fan of yours since I was a kid. I loved Chips and still do! My friends and I would ride around on our bikes in the neighborhood pretending to be CHPs and I got to be Officer Jon Baker! Nowadays, my daughters are as big of fans of yours as I was when I was young. I was very excited back when Chips 99 came out on TNT, and had really hoped that it was the start of a new era of Chips. Sad to see it was just a one time deal. If they were to come to you today and ask you to be Jon Baker one more time, would you do it? You really made a great mark on popular culture and I can’t thank you enough for it!
    Thank You,
    James Yager

  129. Larry: Thank you for having your web-site. Your comments show that you are the Good Man that you portrayed on the CHIPS TV Show. While I watched when the show was first on – I find that I watch it now more often in the re-runs shown on ME-TV. I really enjoy them. Can you tell me what year Kawasaki’s you used on the show? By looking at them I would have guessed that they were 1981 or 1982 Kawasaki 1000 LTD’s and CSR’s. I owned a Black 1981 Kawasaki 1000 LTD back in the early 1980’s. I was surprised to find out that the show started in 1977 so my guess must be wrong. Also can you explain what happened that you were not on the show during it’s last season of 1983??? Thank-You. Oh – and by the way – I was born in 1954 and I am presently 60 going on 61 in 2 months time.

  130. Interesting reading your perspective of the show.
    I think it’s so easy to forget how different a time we live in now. The 70’s and 80’s were a special time, in a way we were more innocent. The world wasn’t so serious and extreme as it is now. CHiPS was, and is, just good clean fun. Personally I’m not a fan of the 21’st century, so it’s wonderful to sit back and escape for a little while and watch a few car chases, see some pretty girls in tight shorts roller skating, and watch you and Erik riding on your bikes and arresting bad guys. That’s way cooler than graphic murder investigations and singing competitions combined.
    I know the show was campy and corny by today’s standards, but I hope you have a great pride in what you did there. Such great times in a great era. You couldn’t do that show today, and that’s unfortunate. It’s great to see the show on MeTV, even if they were a little rough in the promo, hopefully it was in good fun. I got it, everyone knows Erik Estrada’s name, he became a cult personality because of that one show and good for him. But the show really was a culmination of everyone on it. It’s wonderful to see it again.
    Take care, we’ll be watching you and enjoying every minute!
    Pinball Shawn

  131. Larry,
    I just had to write and let you know this so one of the best essays I’ve read in a long time. Your honesty and insight to the business was fascinating and refreshing. For a time, I was a 911 dispatcher and then a fully commissioned police officer working in the school system. I have since moved on to other things but know that being an officer was the best thing I have ever done, or ever will do, professionally. I have to believe that the 11 year old girl in me who eagerly watched CHiPs every week was inspired by yourself and your cast mates to become something which at that time, she never even knew she wanted to be or could be. Thank you. I’m glad to hear that you are doing well and are happy. I wish you and yours health, happiness, and prosperity in the coming year and beyond.
    Sincerely,
    Mary

  132. Hi Mr Wilcox, I would just like to say how much I enjoyed reading this and watching the 35 year reunion of Chips. It was a very popular programme for us young lads in Ireland at the time so thank you for that enjoyment and best wishes for the rest of your career.

  133. Dear Mr. Wilcox, I watched your show at 17 and now at 53. I can’t add a lot to what you said but, even as a kid, you were the sexy one. As an adult, I concur… Many blessings to you and your family. Rose Leary

  134. Hi Larry,
    I have been a fan of yours since Chips. I loved the show and wouldn’t miss it if I had anything to say about it.(You were my favorite!) When I saw MeTV was going to add the show to their line up I was so excited. Just the opening notes of the theme song had my attention. Then I heard them say “starring Eric Estrada and the blonde guy”. My chin dropped to the floor. I was shocked that any station would advertise a show with so much disrespect for one of the stars. I think my blood pressure would go up every time I heard the commercial I would mutter to myself that’ it was Larry Wilcox, not the “blond one”.

    Thank you for this article and sharing your reflections on the show. I agree that the earlier shows were a little light, but they got better as the seasons went on. Right now, I am watching you chase the bad guys on a horse! (You look pretty good on that horse!)

    I just wanted to let you I don’t think of you as just the “blond one” but as Larry Wilcox who starred as Officer Jon Baker on a TV show called Chips. My personal opinion is you were the better part of Ponch and Jon.For what its worth, I remember my mom thinking the same thing when she would see me looking at my fan magazines and being excited to see pictures of you.

    Sincerely,
    Ann

  135. Hi Larry,
    Thank you for taking the time to write the above article and your reflections on the show and the past years. I’ve recently joined a few of these sites/chats and I’m amazed at what I have learned. You explained very well, how in your business, you have to work your way up. Just like I have in my job for 40 years. There are certain people that aren’t team players. Every time you are out in public you have to pretend all is well, even though we know in life, sometimes it’s not. Living in B.C., Canada, we aren’t familiar with the life of an actor & actress. I was shocked to read of all the stalkers being told about and how they have made people with your jobs absolutely miserable!
    I have enjoyed your acting on MASH & Chips. You’ve provided me with a lot of entertainment and you were constant with your character. It was written in the 70’s and they used the tools they had at the time, not like we have today! Also, from what I’ve read, you have lovely family values and are living a good life. You should be very proud of that as I’m proud to watch you. I hope I get to meet you someday to get an autograph. At least I know this much about acting, we all know you were the STAR of the show!
    Take care!
    Marian

  136. Have you thought about writing a book? Can I sew that seed in your mind. You are a great stoyteller and your life has been so varied and full of experiences. I am sure lots of people would read it.
    Reading what you have said about CHiPs and listening to some interviews, you are so grounded and humble.
    I have to date rewatched season two, I don’t think I ever saw season one as a child. I wonder if the program was and is still popular because its was more light hearted and family friendly.
    All the best

  137. Larry Wilcox was the best CHP person out there with his character Jon Baker. Yeah MeTV seemed to be rude when they first called you “The Blonde One” instead of calling you “Larry Wilcox” which they finally called you “Larry Wilcox” around October. I think I probably know why they said “The Blonde One” at the beginning. I think it was probably due to Tom Reilly (Officer Bobby Nelson) and Bruce Penhall (Cadet/Officer Bruce Nelson) also being “The Blonde Ones” that Eric “Frank Poncherello” Estrada later worked with. “CHiPs” should’ve kept you at Season 6 as I would’ve rather seen Officer Jon Baker working with Officer Bobby Nelson and Cadet/Officer Bruce Nelson instead on the 6th Season (I mean no offense to Erik Estrada). I bet their were also times you wished “Emergency!” was still on the air when “CHiPs” became on the air and hoping their would be a crossover episode (although Emergency! & “CHiPs” had different production companies but both aired on NBC). If their would’ve been a crossover, I bet it would’ve been interesting seeing Ponch & Jon helping Squad 51’s John Gage (Randolph Mantooth) and Roy DeSoto (Kevin Tighe) at a scene or at Rampart Hospital. Yeah I have seen the Squad 51 truck on some “CHiPs” episodes. Yes Larry was also wonderful playing Dale on Lassie’s final season. Stay in good health

    • Joseph,
      I enjoyed reading your post. I was just thinking how cool a crossover would have been for CHiPs and Emergency the other day. It may be because I love both shows or I may have had the thought because they air next to each other on MeTV. I have also spotted the Squad 51 truck make ‘cameos’ on CHiPs. I couldn’t help but to look for John Gage and Roy DeSoto even though it wasn’t their show. It just seemed wrong to have someone else in that truck!
      I also agree that Larry Wilcox was the best officer on CHiPs. It is fun to watch both shows again. I loved them growing up and they bring back memories of simpler times.

  138. Hi Larry I must say that I watch reruns of Chips. I love watching this show and you did a wonderful job. Plus you were so cute. This was a Awesome story. I’m one of your biggest fans. Love ya

  139. Hi Larry. I live in Johnson City Tennessee and wanted to let you know that Paul Nuckles passed away on April 10th. You may have been aware of his passing but I wanted to let you know in case you had not heard. He was from this area before heading to California many years ago to make his mark in the movies. He returned here several years ago after Miami Vice ended to live.

    I knew him as an acquaintance and have heard many stories of his time on the show and behind the scenes info. He will be missed by all that knew him.

    Dick Warlock also lives in the area. I noticed him in several of the CHiPs episodes now on ME TV.

    I have been a fan for years and wish you well. Hope to meet you personally in the future.

    Have a wonderful day!

  140. John M. Garrigan

    Ponch and Jon or Jon and Ponch were my idols growing up. I enjoyed your reflection. I sense there is still a rift between the two main characters. It appears you are using a 2015 lens to view a 1970’s show. You must face the fact that it was JUST like any other show in its era. Every old show is basic compared to today. You and Estrada will be mostly known for this television show. Both of you are icons. Look at Fred Gwynne (Herman Munster) never came to peace with his icon status. Estrada will always get more credit; just the way it is. You are correct in the team mentality. The show was about the characters and the Ponch and Jon relationship. Maybe the show is dumb and simple compared to today; but it promoted good moral standards. Many an adult today was effected by the morals portrayed in the show. Try to find a show on television today that will match up to CHIPS. I continue to watch the show and remember how good TV used to be and how wonderful life was in the 70s. Time for a new show with the surviving cast same old simple themes.

  141. Larry,
    From one “blonde guy” to another, this was a great column. Thank you for sharing your personal insight into the show. I am a faithful fan (then and now) and would always choose to be Jon as my friends and I played CHIPS, not just because I was blonde but because I was the rational one of the group. As you have mentioned CHIPS made young people like me realize that cops were good people.
    Thanks for the great memories!

  142. Hi Larry,

    I just wanted to say great article, maybe a little late however I have over the past three weeks watched back to back series 1&2 (again) with my four year old son, He loves it and subsequently he and I have to be Jon and Ponch now, pretty much every evening!
    To me there is something magical about the show, yes the chemistry, the light hearted humour etc etc however I have to be honest it just makes me smile as it takes me back to a happy childhood. I am British and live in London England, I used to watch the show every Saturday evening (before Hawaii five O) , it was the highlight of my week, what’s special is I am sharing it with my son who prefers it to every kids show of today, even his friends have been round for playdates watching it!
    Pleased to see season three has been released, ordered today.

    Take Care
    Shane

  143. Larry,
    Have you done a commercial for Me Life aired on the PGA championship today?

  144. CHiPs taught me real life values and morals and I loved how caring and moral your character was. I did not care much for Eric Estrada. I did not care much for your replacement either. I still have not seen the movie. Thanks to you I learned a lot from the show. I learned to respect others and the importance of being able to walk away and not always having to be right. Thanks so much for being so inspirational to me. I know you are not perfect but I wish I could truly express how much you helped me through my teenage years. Thank you will never be enough to express my gratitude to you

  145. I have wanted to meet you since the first time I watched CHiPs just to find out if the real person is as honorable as the character you played. I wish only good things for you and I hope you will never give up the good values you and the show taught me.

  146. It’s great reading this, because as fans of the show..we get caught up in things! We see things how we see them on the show. In other words, Jon Baker isn’t Larry Wilcox. Ponch isn’t Eric Estrada exc. When you hear the stories about the feuds, it’s not like todays shows. Where people are acting like wild animals. You guys would talk and even eat lunch together. You guys were pros and you would never know if you just watched CHIPS. My husband turned me on to Chips and we are both huge Jon Baker fans. Chips not only taught good lessons, but was fun and upbeat. And in a god awful time with that disco era. But I love the relationships. Ponch and Jon were always a lot of fun to watch and just made you feel better. My husband would hate it when they run season 6 episodes. Nothing against those actors, but it just wasn’t the same. He would always say, that’s not CHIPS! You just can’t have anyone wearing a CHP uniform. When Larry and Eric did will stand the test of time! I can go on all day but thank you for your service! It’s a real honor! I’m also glad there doing a Chips movie in a serious light this time. And not some comedy. By the way, my husband loves some of the corny lines. The season 1 episode where Ponch buys some flowers for Georgia and Jon goes, “You sure have Georgia on your mind!” So some of those corny lines are really needed.

  147. Been watching the reruns on MeTv for the last couple of weeks and loving it. The one funny thing that always stands out in these episodes is how on all the highway scenes, all the cars are going the exact same speed, like maybe 30mph. No one is passing or changing lanes or speeding. It’s like they are all connected.

    That is until it’s time for that week’s accident scene. Then all of a sudden cars are speeding by, flying around left and right and somehow jumping over the backs of cars they’re about to rear end. Too funny.

    The last episode I saw had a shot of a driver on the highway swerving around crazy, left and right, left and right all over the highway like a madman. Yet the camera shot from inside the car showed the guy barely turning the steering wheel an inch, like he was on a Sunday drive. TV at its best.

  148. In review of the CHiPs Sitcom, and seeing the re-runs even in 2016. I must say, I was proud to see a cop show that painted police a in different light than what we have today in cop shows (Really, COPs is the only cop re-run). And I don’t know the statistics, but I wouldn’t be amazed if report was given that indicated Police recruitment increased during the first 3 Season of the show airing. Now, I don’t have the insight that an actor has on his performance, or the camera angles and tricks. But I do know this, during this period in television all TV programming wasn’t recorded on HD 1080P or 4000 pixel quality. CGI probably wasn’t that much implemented and I know the computing power wasn’t there (Steve Jobs didn’t have the G1 invented yet, and Bill Gates didn’t have the x486 processor out in the market).

    So, to view CHiPS as being a high CGI, high-end graphical production would be a misnomer. However; when you consider the setup of major traffic accident, I would imagine the time, the safety, and details that went into that 30 second clip was enormous with stage people going out making a little fire seemingly look large. And having half the L.A Fire Department on standby.

    So, when I look at the show and consider the probable effort that went into the serious, and from a guy whom had many bad experiences with real cops. I tell you, I love the show and on my DVR are the first 4 seasons. To me the last seasons it become sad, as most programs do as the writers lose ideas and attempt to be creative, but lose the spark that made the show great.

    In short, I love the show with the Frank and Jon characters. And with another generation passing through, my kids knows and sees how 80’s TV look. They know XGener’s entertainment and it now is passed along for another generation.

    Larry Wilcon your name and TV legacy is known, and it is/was/will be appreciated by those that admire your presence on camera.

  149. …was a great show, Lar ! …my house 🏡 was rite below the 210 & the 2 Fwy’s that were under construction during the mid-late 70’s (La Canada)…I had a CB radio outa my house at the time and for fun, got in2 a lot ‘serious chats’ w/a lot of the crew during many of the production days ! Must say, everyone that worked on CHiP’s including u & the supporting cast, were the the best…always professional…take care, m’man !
    -steve

  150. Larry,

    I saw CHiPs for the first time when it was reran on TNT waiting for another TV show to air. I was 17 at the time and kept wondering who is this blonde guy, I like him. As I kept watching more and more episodes and got to know who Jon Baker was my first thing was I loved that he was from Wyoming, I was born there and my parents were raised in Wyoming as well. I loved his personality with Jon I felt like what you see is what you get.

    We don’t have MeTV here in Montana, so I’m sorry to hear them introduce you as the blonde guy. When I was living in California a CHP Motorcycle cop passed us and my Aunt said “There goes Ponch”. And I replied “No way that’s Jon”. I love your story and glad that fame didn’t go to your head and you stayed true to who you are and the importance of family.

    I’m now 35 years old and continue to watch the show and I look forward to the opportunity of meeting you in person one day.

  151. Thank you for such interesting insight. I truly enjoyed reading your reflection of tour time on the show CHiPs and a little of your career. I am going to share this with my son (now 17) who is going to college in the fall to start a film career. His goal is to direct. I hope he reads tour words and keeps them in his heart when,working his way up and,if he becomes successful, uses your i,sight to make quality a goal. Both on film and in character. Thank you and God bless.

  152. Well, I’m clearly very late to this piece, but a fascinating article and insight.

    I was a devoted fan of CHiPs as a small child growing up in the UK. In the mid-2000s I purchased all the DVDs and watched them with my kids. I must say, as a viewer who does not know the behind-the-scenes stuff you do, I think CHiPs was and is an excellent show that has mostly stood the test of time. More than I can say for The A-Team, The Dukes of Hazard or Airwolf for example. CHiPs had a great message and I did not think was too corny. I’m grateful for it as a part of my childhood and my children’s childhood. Might even dust off the DVDs this evening.

    Best wishes.

  153. Christian Szalwinski

    Larry,
    I am just a thirteen-year-old boy who lives in Pennsylvania and can’t stop watching CHiPs. Even though I may be one of the only kids who watches a show from the 1980s, I still won’t stop watching. You are my favorite character and throughout half my life I have been inspired to even become a CHP myself! You are one of my true heroes and I just wanted to thank you for being an inspiration and making me excited whenever I was about to watch an episode of CHiPs! Thank you!

  154. I’m 44 now and I still love CHIPS! It reminds me of growing up in a simpler time 🙂 MeTV doesn’t show reruns any more but Charge! does.

    I remember watching as a kid and thinking that my Grandfather just didn’t get it… he hated senseless destruction (post-depression era mentality). He knew my favorite shows were the Dukes of Hazzard and Chips. We’d watch the Dukes and he’s sit there giving me grief about the cars getting destroyed, and then Chips would come on, and in the first 5mins there would be 5-10x as many wrecks, hahahaha. I can still hear him hollering how your show smashed more cars than the last one we watched! LOL.

    John was my favorite, because I was a blond haired kid I suppose, but marketing seemed to favor Ponch and I had a Ponch doll as a kid that Mom got me for Christmas. I wonder where that ever went?! Anyway, it’s great to see you have a site and that you actually read and answer. Thanks for providing 44yrs of entertainment for me and now my 10yr old daughter!

    P.S. I don’t remember so much T/A when I watched as a kid! I guess there’s something for every age demo in this show 🙂

  155. LA 15-7 Mary -3 come in please
    LA 15-7 Mary -3 come in Officer Jon Baker

  156. Loved this. Chips is one of my all time favorite shows. I couldn’t wait for it to come on and was devastated when you left.

  157. That was an interesting perspective. I didn’t see any CHiPs episodes when they first aired, mainly because my TV viewing was winding down during those years, but I’ve seen enough re-runs to agree with your views on the strengths and weaknesses of the show. But I assume that its target audience dictated its limitations to some extent: cops that never used their guns, big car crashes in which no one ever died, no rough language even in circumstances in which it would be expected. It also seems that cop/detective shows from that era were almost all subject to some Hollywood cliches that seem odd in retrospect, particularly the omnipresence of crooks who were represented as rough-looking white guys with Brooklyn accents in the middle of L.A. That tradition probably started when the entertainment industry was centered in NYC, but it dragged on for decades. With everything the show was and wasn’t, I think you should be proud to be remembered as “That Blond Guy”, a character that provided relief from all the flashiness and corniness that filled the niche occupied by CHiPs. If it had been a more adult show with a more adult audience, the “Jon Baker” would have been more widely remembered by name.

  158. As a kid I remember the Team Roping Episode, but I’ve never seen it as a rerun. Do you remember the year it, episode name or number?

    I want to let all of my which one it is and try to dig it up somewhere online to watch it.

    Thanks,

    Joe

    PS. I’m also a Team Roper (Heeler) and own http://www.StraightTimeStirrups.com

  159. Boy, it sure is hard to figure out where to begin it, and how to say it, when you are talking about a TV show that I share a deep affection for with many others not only in the USA but around the world!
    CHiPs has always been one of my favorite Show. I appreciated the time and talent all the actors spent on CHiPs.
    The interaction between the actors as well as the realism was superb.
    I would have to say that my favorite Character was Jon but I enjoyed all the characters on the show. My favorite female star was Brianne Leary (Sindy).

    – from Italy –

  160. Wow glad I found this site, sitting here this afternoon reminiscing about old TV shows and Chips came to mind. Always loved the show (have it on DVD too). Larry (John on the show) was a nice dude he just seemed to be the cop that was too straight laced LOL. It definitely showed a different time in the world that’s for sure, we’re some of the problems that went on then are very minor today. Hello Larry!

  161. The A-list skills of the actors were what made that show tolerable, even at times fairly entertaining. The scripts were thin but you all knew how to make them seem terrific. You’re just an extremely skilled group of people.

  162. I know it sounds rather “cheesy” but the series was a much needed and welcome escape for me as a child. My parents were overprotective and I was severely bullied in school. Reruns came on at 4PM daily and I sat mesmerized every day, even making cassette tape recordings (this was the early 80’s after all😉) so I could listen to it again after the show ended.
    Ponch tended to annoy me. I loved Jon and always felt the character and I were cut from the same cloth. I’m an honest person who tries my best to get along with everyone. I really appreciated your attempts to bring depth to a one-dimensional character. I noticed and I am sure many others did as well. I even named by son Jon in tribute to the character that kept me sane during those hard days.

    Thank you, Larry, for brightening those dark days. I have been a fan of your work since then. I loved your character in “The Dirty Dozen” and remember the movie when I hear “Don’t Wait Under The Apple Tree”.

    If you’re interested in writing that book, I would be happy to assist. It would be my way of returning the love I felt as a child.

    Thanks so much, for everything.

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