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 Mel
Menefee
Mel Menefee has been
an entertainer all his life. He and his brothers were part of the world
of vaudeville.
"Mel is a singer, a dancer, an artist, a tap dance instructor, and
one of the most memorable personalities we will ever have in any present
or future Sidewalks-related series," says executive producer
Richard R. Lee. "The character of 'Mel Menefee' on the show,
who likes to create mischief for the hosts and crew, is what defined the
comedic elements for Sidewalks. In real life, Mel is just like the
character, but, of course, he doesn't create that much trouble. He has
a personality that you will instantly fall in love with. I can only imagine
how boring Sidewalks would have been if there was never a Mel Menefee
on the show."
Mel was an original crewmember when the show first went in production in
1988. He was a production assistant/camera operator until he made a surprise
guest appearance on the third episode. After that, Mel regularly appeared
as a co-host and a comedic foil for the other hosts.
 "He
did everything on the show," Richard adds. "It would take days
to talk about all the comedic bits we did with him. His most memorable
bit was when we centered one entire show on him. He dreamed throughout
the episode that he had his own late-night talk show called The Mel
Menefee Show. Another crewmember and I went all out in set and sound
effects to pull this scenario around Mel. Mel did a perfect job as a Johnny
Carson-type host sitting behind the desk and all. But, the best part
of the show, beyond the talk show bit, was our spotlighting of his creative
side as an artist, a singer, and as a tap dance instructor (his group of
energetic seniors tap danced on the show). To me, Mel should have been
known to the world as another Bob Hope and Bing Crosby. I
was so fortunate to get a talent like his on our little TV show."
Mel left the show in 1994 (for reasons still unknown), but popped up during
one of the Sidewalks Holiday Toy Guide Specials with Dee Jones.
His return -- with his best partner and co-host Dee -- has brought back
the special magic that has been missing on Sidewalks for a very
long time. Welcome home, Mel!
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