SIGMUND AND THE SEA MONSTERS

From Sept. 8, 1973, to Nov. 23, 1974, these guys showed the importance of friends, friends, friends on Saturday mornings.

Billy Barty 1924–2000 Sigmund’s family kicked

him out for not being scary, but showbiz vet Billy was always accepted

in Hollywood for being himself — appearing in more than 75 TV shows and movies, including Foul Play, Tough Guys and Willow. He also started The Billy Barty Foundation to

benefit those of short stature.

Johnny Whitaker

While beachcombing Johnny came to the aid of new friend Sigmund, series star Johnny, 57, left acting

for missionary work and college. He then worked as a talent agent and is now a drug counselor, stemming from a battle with substance abuse. “I have not always made the right choices in my life,” he’s said, “but

everything happens for a reason.”

Rip Taylor Sea genie Sheldon added

some magic for the show’s second season. Confetti-tossing comic

Rip, 82, applied his tricks of the trade on a string of game shows from Hollywood Squares to The Gong Show and The $1.98 Beauty Show. He has also appeared in pics like Indecent

Proposal, has done voice-over work and performed his act extensively in Las Vegas.

Scott Kolden Though Johnny’s brother Scott had to keep mum about hiding Sigmund in their clubhouse, Scott, 55, went on to make a lot of noise as a sound effects engineer. He’s worked on over 200 films and TV series, including The X-Files, Becker, Everybody Loves Raymond and 24. He also found time to get married (with Johnny serving as his

best man) and become the father of six.