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![The Cast of Coach]()
Craig T. Nelson led this sporty sitcom as Hayden Fox, head coach of a fictional college football team and single dad to a teen daughter (Clare Carey). Backing Fox were assistant coaches Luther Van Dam (Jerry Van Dyke) and Dauber Daubinski (Bill Fagerbakke), and his lady love, TV anchor Christine Armstrong (Shelley Fabares). The show ran on ABC from 1989 to 1997 and scored a ton of fans. Which former cast member has a new drama series, and who voices a character on "SpongeBob SquarePants"? Click through to find out! (AP)![Craig T. Nelson Then]()
Before taking on his best-known role -- Hayden Fox on "Coach" -- Nelson was known for starring in the “Poltergeist” horror films. The actor also appeared in the TV series “Call to Glory.” Movies filmed during his run on “Coach” include “Turner & Hooch,” “Troop Beverly Hills,” and “Ghosts of Mississippi.” (ABC)![Craig T. Nelson Now]()
After “Coach,” the actor starred in another series, “The District” and appeared in “My Name is Earl” and “CSI: NY,” among other shows. He voiced Mr. Incredible in the 2004 animated film “The Incredibles,” and last year he appeared in the movie “The Proposal.” Other films include “The Family Stone” and “Blades of Glory.” Now 66, Nelson currently stars as family patriarch Zeek Braverman in the NBC series “Parenthood.” (REUTERS)![Shelley_Fabares_Then]()
As a youngster, Shelley was known for playing Donna Reed’s oldest child on “The Donna Reed Show.” During the 60s, she had a recording contract (remember “Johnny Angel”?) and appeared in three Elvis movies. In the 70s and 80s the actress worked on her TV career... and in 1989, she landed a role on “Coach” as Craig T. Nelson’s love interest (and eventually wife), Christine Armstrong. Fabares was nominated for two Emmys for the role. (ABC)![Shelley_Fabares_Now]()
After “Coach” ended, Fabares started doing voice work, playing Martha “Ma” Kent in “Superman: The Animated Series.” In 2000, she received a liver-transplant after being diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis. On her second marriage, the actress is now 66. (REUTERS)![Bill_Fagerbakke_Thenn]()
Former college football player Fagerbakke played the role of assistant coach Michael "Dauber" Dybinski. Look at that hair! (ABC)![Bill_Fagerbakke_Now]()
The actor has found fame again in animation: He currently voices Patrick Star on the series “SpongeBob SquarePants”! Also in recent years, Fagerbakke has won critical acclaim for his stage work (“The Merchant of Venice”; “A Doll’s House”) and has appeared on TV shows like “Heroes” and “How I Met Your Mother.” Movie credits include “Jennifer’s Body” and “Halloween II.” Now 52, the 6’6” actor is currently married. (AP)![Clare_Carey_Then]()
Carey played Coach’s “little girl,” Kelly Fox, who goes from teenager to college coed to bride on the show. (ABC)![Clare_Carey_Now]()
After "Coach," Carey went on to play the Olsen twins’ mom on short-lived series “So Little Time.” She also had recurring roles on the series “Point Pleasant, “ “Jericho,” and “Crash.” Carey has done a string of independent moves, including “La Cucina” and “Submission,” and TV guest spots on a variety of shows, including “Monk,” “Boston Legal,” “Army Wives,” “House, M.D.,” and “Chuck.” Now 43, Carey is reportedly married with two children. (At left, Carey on the set of "Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles" in 2001/REUTERS)![Jerry_Van_Dyke_Then]()
Dick Van Dyke's little brother made his acting debut on "The Dick Van Dyke Show" and had a successful Hollywood career before portraying dim-witted assistant coach Luther Van Dam. He even received four consecutive Emmy nominations for the role. (AP)![Jerry_Van_Dyke_Now]()
Now 79, Van Dyke reportedly resides on his Arkansas ranch, but when he’s not raising llamas, the actor makes the occasional TV appearance (“My Name is Earl”). He’s also acted as spokesman for brands like Hardee’s and Big Lots. The actor has been married twice and has three children (one deceased). (At left, Van Dyke makes an appearance on "The District"/AP)Then/Now: The Cast of 'Coach'
Let's go back to Minnesota State and check in on those football fanatics.
Move Forward
- Then/Now: The Cast of 'Coach'
