Bill Daily, the actor best known for his roles in “I Dream of Jeannie” and “The Bob Newhart Show,” passed away on September 4, 2018. While many students may not be familiar with his work, teaching them about Bill Daily can be an excellent way to connect with their interests and introduce them to a significant figure in American television history.
To start, ask your students if they have ever heard of Bill Daily. Chances are, most of them won’t know who he is. Introduce him as an actor who was popular in the 1960s and 70s and starred in two popular TV shows. Explain that he played a supporting role in both shows but was instrumental in making them so successful.
Next, show your students clips from “I Dream of Jeannie” and “The Bob Newhart Show.” Ask them to pay attention to Bill Daily’s character and how he interacts with the other actors. After watching the clips, discuss their observations and ask them if they think Bill Daily was an important part of the shows.
You can also tie in a lesson on the history of television and how it has changed over time. Use Bill Daily’s career as an example of the changing trends in television and how actors have had to adapt to new styles and genres.
Overall, teaching students about Bill Daily can be a fun and engaging way to introduce them to a beloved actor and an important piece of American television history.
