Hopefully, you have tuned into my most recent podcast episode where I took you on a visit with me to '90s Con, held annually in Hartford, Connecticut (the one I have attended the past two years) and in Tampa, Florida (held in the fall). You can find the last episode here.
If you haven't tuned in yet, just know that my favorite panel I attended at this year's '90s Con included several original cast members from this classic Nickelodeon show including Kelly Brown who played Brad, Josh Tygiel who played Buddy, David Lascher who played Ted and one of my favorite comedic actresses, Christine Taylor who played Melody. A few years ago, I did an episode all about Nickelodeon shows, so I thought it may be fun to share a bit about what I learned through my research.
In 1989, Nickelodeon released one of their first live-action shows - Hey Dude, a scripted show set on a dude ranch in Arizona. The actual filming took place in Tucson, Arizona. Sets were built on an actual operating dude ranch. The fictional ranch was owned by a New York City businessman who arrived with his son, Buddy to take charge of the ranch after purchasing it. The ranch has several employees, most of whom are high school/college age, working seasonally, and one older ranch hand. Like most shows aimed at teenagers from the 80s and 90s, the group of youngsters would be friends one minute, enemies the next, attracted to each other in one episode, hating each other in the next, etc., etc. In many episodes, a moment of tension is eased when someone either accidentally or is intentionally pushed into one of the many, many water troughs on the ranch. Hilarity always ensued on this show! At the time of the show’s run, there were no major veteran actors, they were all sort of unknown newbies. Filming during the summer months was incredibly challenging as there was no A/C. The group became very tight-knit as they lived essentially on set. The show was on for 5 seasons.
David Brisbon played the role of Benjamin Ernst Sr, the ranch owner. His character is kind of nerdy and it’s clear he’s new to the concept of managing a dude ranch. He is easily overwhelmed and often wears stereotypical cowboy gear including a huge cowboy hat. Following his role on Hey Dude, he went on to many acting gigs including parts in films like Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and Erin Brockovich. He has also starred in shows like ER and Desperate Housewives.
Kelly Brown played Brad Taylor, a riding instructor and horse trainer. She plays the equally stereotypical wealthy and stuck-up girl who ultimately has a kind side even if she is rough around the edges. Her character seemed relatively similar to Brenda Walsh a bit from 90210. Before her role on the show, she was a model. Following the series' end, she left acting and owns some upscale boutiques in New York.
Debra Kelman played the role of Lucy, a ranch hand and supervisor at Bar None Ranch. She got her first modeling gig in a Sears Catalog. Following Hey Dude, Kelman took a break from acting to raise a family. More recently though she’s had roles in films like Halfway Home and At the End of the Day.
David Lascher played heartthrob Ted McGriff, a senior staff member at the ranch. He often gets in trouble and is also coming up with some sketchy plan to avoid working, sounds like Zach Morris. Lascher starred in 44 of the 65 show episodes. Following Hey Dude, Lascher played Vinnie, Blossom’s boyfriend in the show of the same name. He was also on TV shows like Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Veronica’s Closet which was led by everyone’s favorite Scientologist, Kirstie Alley, and the TV adaptation of Clueless.
Christine Taylor played the role of Melody Hanson, another summer staff member at Bar None Ranch. Melody is a lifeguard on the ranch. Taylor starred in all 65 episodes of the show. Taylor would go on to star as Marsha Brady in the Brady Bunch Movies. Odds are if you are listening to this show you have seen those movies, but if you haven’t, Taylor is so good in her take on Marsha Brady. She is so funny and embodies that character so incredibly well. She has also starred in multiple movies with Ben Stiller who she was married to, then almost divorced, then reconciled with. Taylor has some more recent acting credits like the film Friendsgiving and the TV show iCarly.
Joe Torres played the role of Danny Lightfoot. He is a proud, Hopi Native American. He is kind and conscientious, unlike Ted with whom he is friends. Not much is known about Torres both before and after Hey Dude. Rumors have swirled on the internet that he was either a car salesman in NJ or that he died of liver cancer. Nothing has been confirmed but I always found his character on the show very endearing. I hope all is well for Mr. Torres.
Finally, Josh Tygiel played Benjamin Buddy Ernst, the son of Mr. Ernst. He beat out 100 other young men for the role. His character struggles with the move to the desert, he is from the city after all, and is disappointed that there isn’t anywhere to skateboard. According to his LinkedIn profile which I located online he is a senior editor and investigator for First Advantage/BackTrack reports. He investigates due diligence and business history reports.
There have been some reunions of most of the cast members of the show over the years, the most recent being in 2014, before their appearance this year at '90s Con. You can watch episodes of Hey Dude on Paramount Plus. Also, Christine and David now co-host a '90s-themed podcast called "Hey Dude, the '90s Called.' You can find their fun show here.
