What Ever Happened to the Cast of “Mork & Mindy”?
- - What Ever Happened to the Cast of “Mork & Mindy”?
Tereza ShkurtajJanuary 18, 2026 at 8:30 PM
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Bob D'Amico/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty
The cast of 'Mork & Mindy.'
When Mork & Mindy blasted onto television screens in 1978, it brought with it a mix of sci-fi silliness and heartfelt comedy that ran for four memorable seasons.
The show followed Mork, a curious alien from the planet Ork, as he studied human behavior while living with the down-to-earth Mindy in Boulder, Colo.
Powered by Robin Williams’ wildly improvisational humor and Pam Dawber’s warm charm, the series quickly became a pop-culture phenomenon.
The show was a spinoff inspired by Williams’ breakout guest appearance on the sitcom Happy Days, which instantly made him a star.
Decades later, the laughter still echoes – and fans can’t help but wonder what became of the beloved cast members who made the show so unforgettable.
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Pam Dawber as Mindy McConnell
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Actress Pam Dawber in 1979 and in 2015.
Pam Dawber won hearts as Mindy McConnell, the kind, grounded human who balanced out Mork’s alien chaos. After Mork & Mindy, she starred in the hit sitcom, My Sister Sam, as well as the 1992 film Stay Tuned.
In 1987, she married fellow TV star Mark Harmon — best known for NCIS and the Freaky Friday franchise. The two have remained one of Hollywood’s longest-lasting couples. They have two sons and have kept their family life largely private.
"We're not trying to keep something secret, but if you don't want it totally exploited by the press, you have to," Dawber told PEOPLE after marrying Harmon.
In recent years, the 74-year-old briefly returned to the spotlight with guest appearances. For instance, during Harmon’s final season on NCIS after an 18-year run, Dawber made a special appearance alongside her husband, playing investigative journalist Marcie Warren.
Her role spanned four episodes and became a standout moment for longtime fans. Notably, it marked the first time the real-life couple ever shared the screen on the popular CBS series.
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Robin Williams as Mork
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Robin Williams in 1979 and in 2013.
Robin Williams rocketed to fame as Mork from Ork, dazzling audiences with rapid-fire improvisation and boundless energy.
After Mork & Mindy, he became one of the most successful and beloved actors of all time, starring in films like Mrs. Doubtfire, Dead Poets Society, Aladdin, and Good Will Hunting. With his extraordinary talent, he won five Golden Globe awards, two Emmy Awards, five Grammy Awards and an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.
Williams was married three times – first to Valerie Velardi, then to Marsha Garces Williams, and lastly to Susan Schneider. He is also the father of three children: Zak, Zelda and Cody.
Tragically, Williams died by suicide in 2014 at the age of 63. Though gone, his work continues to inspire laughter, tears, and admiration around the world.
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Conrad Janis as Fred McConnell
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Conrad Janis in 1981 and in 2009.
Conrad Janis played Fred McConnell, Mindy’s easygoing and supportive father, on Mork & Mindy.
After the show, Janis continued acting in television and film for decades, often popping up in guest roles in films and shows like Suspense, The Jeffersons and Happy Days.
Janis was also a talented jazz musician who led his own band, the Beverly Hills Unlisted Jazz Band, showing off skills far beyond acting.
Janis died in 2022 at the age of 94 due to organ failure from old age. He is survived by his brother, two children from his first marriage, two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
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Elizabeth Kerr as Grandma Cora Hudson
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Elizabeth Kerr in 1981.
Elizabeth Kerr portrayed Grandma Cora Hudson, bringing warmth and wisdom to Mork & Mindy. After joining the show, Kerr was also featured in the films Frankie and Johnny and Going Berserk.
She was known for playing sharp, witty older characters with heart. Kerr never married and had no children, dedicating much of her life to acting and theater.
Kerr died in 2000 at the age of 82. Her performances left a lasting impression, especially on fans who appreciated her blend of humor and grace.
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Tom Poston as Franklin Delano Bickley
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Tom Poston in 1979.
Tom Poston brought quirky charm to the role of Franklin Delano Bickley, Mindy’s lovable but often clueless boss.
Poston had a long career in comedy, frequently appearing on classic TV shows like The Bob Newhart Show and Newhart. He was well known for his deadpan delivery and offbeat timing.
In a sweet real-life love story, Poston married actress Suzanne Pleshette in 2001 after years of friendship. He had one daughter from a previous marriage. Poston died in 2007 at the age of 85 after a short illness.
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Jonathan Winters as Mearth
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Jonathan Winters in 1981.
Jonathan Winters played Mearth, Mork’s childlike son, and brought his signature wild comedy to the role. Already a legendary comedian, Winters was famous for his improvisational genius long before joining Mork & Mindy.
He appeared in films such as It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World and lent his voice to animated favorites like The Smurfs. In 1999, Winters received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.
Winters was married to his wife, Eileen, for over 60 years, and they had two children. He was open about his struggles with mental health and became an advocate for understanding mental illness.
He died in 2013 at the age of 87. His influence on comedy – including comedians like Williams – remains enormous.
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