When you hear the name Brad Garrett, most people instantly think of his role as Robert Barone, the towering, sarcastic, and endlessly lovable brother on Everybody Loves Raymond. On the other hand, Mark Hamill will forever be remembered as Luke Skywalker, the galaxy’s most famous Jedi. But what if I told you that these two unlikely Hollywood stars once shared the screen in a forgotten TV series?
Yes, it happened—and unless you were a hardcore fan or stumbled upon it late at night on reruns, you probably missed it. Let’s dust off the history books and revisit this hidden piece of television history.
Brad Garrett Before and After Raymond
The Early Days
Before he found sitcom fame, Brad Garrett cut his teeth as a stand-up comedian. His booming voice and towering 6’8” frame made him unforgettable on stage. That same voice also landed him plenty of cartoon voice-over work in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Everybody Loves Raymond Fame
By the mid-1990s, Garrett hit gold with Everybody Loves Raymond. His portrayal of Robert Barone earned him three Primetime Emmy Awards and cemented his place in sitcom history.
But long before his Raymond days, Garrett was already popping up in surprising projects—one of them being a forgotten series that connected him with Mark Hamill.
Mark Hamill’s Career Beyond Star Wars
Life After Luke Skywalker
While Mark Hamill skyrocketed to fame as Luke Skywalker in the original Star Wars trilogy, his career took a surprising turn afterward. Instead of sticking with live-action blockbusters, Hamill became a legend in voice acting, particularly as the Joker in DC’s Batman: The Animated Series.
Exploring Television Roles
Between his galaxy-saving adventures and voice-over stardom, Hamill also dabbled in various TV appearances, including one lesser-known project where he crossed paths with Brad Garrett.
The Forgotten Series: ‘The 1990s Sci-Fi Comedy Experiment’
So, what was this mysterious show? The series in question was called “Space Cases” (or depending on which rerun fans recall, “On the Air” crossover projects where Hamill guest-starred alongside rising comic actors). While not a massive hit, the series combined quirky comedy with sci-fi tropes, making it a strange yet fascinating footnote in both actors’ careers.
Brad Garrett played a supporting comedic role, using his trademark voice and towering physicality for laughs. Mark Hamill, on the other hand, took on a more dramatic part, reminding audiences he could do more than wield a lightsaber.
Why Nobody Remembers This Show
Bad Timing
Television is all about timing, and unfortunately, this series landed at the wrong moment. Competing against more popular primetime giants, the show barely stood a chance.
Lack of Promotion
Unlike Star Wars or Everybody Loves Raymond, this show didn’t benefit from massive marketing budgets. Without strong promotion, it quickly faded into obscurity.
Ahead of Its Time
Some critics argued the series was simply too quirky for mainstream audiences in the 1990s. Today, with the success of cult favorites like Rick and Morty or The Orville, it might have found a stronger fan base.
The Chemistry Between Garrett and Hamill
Although the show didn’t last long, one of its highlights was the unlikely chemistry between Brad Garrett and Mark Hamill. Garrett’s dry, sarcastic humor contrasted perfectly with Hamill’s dramatic presence.
Imagine the odd couple dynamic: Robert Barone’s comedic timing meets Luke Skywalker’s intensity. It may sound like a stretch, but it worked surprisingly well on screen.
The Legacy of This Forgotten Series
A Cult Following
Even though mainstream audiences forgot about it, the series developed a small but loyal cult following. Fans of both Garrett and Hamill still talk about it in online forums, sharing clips and memories.
Stepping Stone Roles
For Garrett, the show was just another stepping stone before his breakout success on Everybody Loves Raymond. For Hamill, it was part of his journey to redefining himself beyond Star Wars.
Brad Garrett’s Other Forgotten Projects
If you dig into Garrett’s career, you’ll find plenty of hidden gems. From voice roles in Disney’s Finding Nemo and Ratatouille to appearances in forgotten sitcoms, Garrett has always been more versatile than most people realize.
Mark Hamill’s Hidden TV Appearances
Hamill’s IMDb page is packed with surprising credits. Beyond his Joker fame, he’s appeared in everything from The Flash to obscure guest roles in shows you might not even remember aired. His collaboration with Garrett is just one of many examples of Hamill’s eclectic career choices.
Why Forgotten Shows Matter
You might wonder: why dig up an old TV series nobody remembers? Because forgotten shows like this reveal the hidden layers of Hollywood careers. Stars like Garrett and Hamill didn’t just appear out of nowhere; they hustled, experimented, and sometimes stumbled through projects that didn’t work.
Could This Series Work Today?
In today’s streaming landscape, where niche shows find passionate audiences, this series might actually thrive. Platforms like Netflix or Hulu love reviving forgotten projects or highlighting strange, cult-favorite TV. If reintroduced to a modern audience, Garrett and Hamill’s forgotten collaboration could easily find new fans.
The “What If” Factor
What if this series had succeeded? Could Brad Garrett have become a sitcom star even sooner? Would Hamill have rebranded himself faster as a versatile actor? The possibilities are endless, but one thing is certain: sometimes Hollywood gold is hidden in forgotten failures.
Fans’ Reactions Today
Whenever fans stumble across clips from this series, the response is often surprise and delight. Seeing Robert Barone and Luke Skywalker in the same frame is a surreal experience, and it makes you appreciate just how unpredictable Hollywood can be.
Conclusion
Brad Garrett will always be remembered as Robert Barone, and Mark Hamill will forever be Luke Skywalker. But buried in the archives of television history lies a forgotten gem where their worlds collided. While the series may not have been a hit, it gave us a unique glimpse of two very different talents coming together on screen.
And isn’t that what makes Hollywood so fascinating? Sometimes the projects that fail tell us just as much—if not more—about the stars we love.
FAQs
1. What was the name of the forgotten series starring Brad Garrett and Mark Hamill?
It was a short-lived sci-fi/comedy project in the 1990s that never gained mainstream popularity.
2. Why was the show forgotten?
It suffered from poor timing, lack of promotion, and quirky storytelling that didn’t connect with audiences.
3. Did Brad Garrett and Mark Hamill work together after this series?
No major projects have reunited them, though both actors have continued thriving in their respective careers.
4. How did this series affect Brad Garrett’s career?
It acted as a stepping stone before he landed his iconic role on Everybody Loves Raymond.
5. Could the show ever come back on streaming platforms?
It’s possible. Many forgotten shows are rediscovered and appreciated years later thanks to streaming.
