Gail Fisher knew she was a talented actor

"Some people think I should be overjoyed at how well I'm doing on Mannix, and I suppose I am, but not for the same reason."

When you're an actor, there's a certain level of modesty that the public expects you to adhere to. While viewers and critics may sing your praises, an actor is expected to be humble, even bashful when speaking of their success, almost as if they feel they don't deserve it.

Of course, for many actors, that praise is well-earned, but If an actor acknowledges their talent, they risk seeming self-absorbed, even if they're right. To be honest, it's a rule that has far overstayed its welcome in our polite society, and it's time we tossed it right in the dumpster where it belongs. Life is too short not to be proud of yourself when pride is warranted, and when something is good, you should be able to shout it from the rooftops. There's nothing wrong with a little confidence.

Gail Fisher had the right idea during her interview with The Philadelphia Inquirer. Fisher discussed her role as Peggy Fair on Mannix, a portrayal that earned her two Golden Globes and an Emmy. Fisher was self-aware enough to know talent when she saw it, and luckily, she was able to recognize talent in herself. Moreover, she wasn't particularly shocked at the idea, either.

Fisher stated, "Some people think I should be overjoyed at how well I'm doing on Mannix, and I suppose I am, but not for the same reason."

The actor explained, "They didn't cast me on the show simply because I'm black. It isn't even necessarily a black role. They cast me because I'm a darn good actress and I know I am. So why should I be surprised that I've succeeded."

Arguably, Fisher was able to enjoy her victories because she knew the hard work and perseverance that it took to get there. She said, "I was forced to struggle for my very existence at first. So now, I take advantage of every situation and learn something from it for the perfection of my art."

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18 Comments

JERRY6 10 months ago
The roll was made for her , having watched from the start , she really grew into the role by season 2 she nailed it . They could never do a remake
JERRY6 10 months ago
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JERRY6 daDoctah 10 months ago
i don't count the intertect years as Mannix so season 3 is where she started to really shine in the roll . one of the few shows I can watch several times
nerstrand 10 months ago
I definitely think Joe and Peggy were in love with each other.
MsRockford74 nerstrand 10 months ago
Yes, me too! Especially, in the episode in season 4 with Darren McGavin! It is so clear that they were meant to be:)
Mannixishot nerstrand 10 months ago
YES! I realize the times were different and you couldn't show an interracial relationship back then but I read between the lines and see they were in love with each other. It's just a shame they didn't have the two being married when Mike Connors made that appearance on Diagnosis Murder. Even a throwaway line would've been cool.
Witchyboo65 nerstrand 9 months ago
Me too❤️❤️❤️
Witchyboo65 Mannixishot 9 months ago
Yes 😍😍😍😍
Witchyboo65 MsRockford74 9 months ago
Absolutely. That's one of my favorite episodes, for that reason ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Pacificsun 10 months ago
I agree with the last paragraph in terms of making an observation. However I think her evolution in the role of Peggy Fair was curious. I watch Mannix consistency every night, and am on about the third iteration of the cycle. So can easily compare the episodes. In the earlier seasons she either played it differently, or was directed with a different emphasis. To me, she did seem somewhat self-conscious not in herself for negative reasons. But overly self-aware of being in the role. Watch it carefully, and compared to later seasons when they featured more of her acting range, she was cool and detached. No connection with Mike Connors. She even called him Mr. Mannix. But as she got more to do in the Series, perhaps more emotions to demonstrate, her (acting) personality expanded. I also read among these MeTV stories, that she didn't feel she was represented by that role. Meaning that she felt very different, and shouldn't be judged (compared to it). You can also see her evolution in how they enhanced her appearance. I have a hunch she helped determine her fashions, and look, and that's fine. Because it all made her more noticeable. Mannix (the Series) wouldn't be as it is, at all, without the effect of Peggy Fair on the ensemble (including the Lieutenants). And she brought out the humanity in "Joe Mannix." Otherwise he would've grown pretty boring. And I love watching that Series over an over. I wish there was a fan website for it. Because there are so many details to notice.
Mannixishot Pacificsun 10 months ago
I think calling him Mr. Mannix during her first few episodes was fine. I consider it a case of being professional. Not that Mannix wasn't a professional because I never recall him calling Peggy "Ms. Fair" Just seems like there's more to be expected from a secretary to her boss. They gave enough of an adjustment period for the two to work together for awhile before she started calling him "Joe".
Andybandit 10 months ago
Mannix was a good show.
BrittReid Andybandit 10 months ago
And Joe always drove a cool car.
Pacificsun BrittReid 10 months ago
Yes, they actually had a production staff position responsible for the cars and the manufacturers relationship appearing in the final credits (meaning intentional product placement).
Mannixishot BrittReid 10 months ago
I loved those green convertibles best. I wasn't too fond of that silver convertible in season 7.
JERRY6 BrittReid 10 months ago
I'm still looking for a convertable Dart I can customize into a perfect Mannix replica I'd even get a rotary phone hooked up . that is my dream car , My mother had a 68 convertable GTX but my cousin bought it 2 years before I hd my permit , and he wrecked the car , still do not speak to him
Deleted 10 months ago
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Pacificsun 10 months ago
Having binged it you should be an expert in support of my observation, in the comment above. She was far from in love with him, in the beginning. My hunch is she had no desire to portray that angle as an easy excuse for the role. I think (script wise) after a few rescues of she and her family, and especially friends and love interests, she developed an honest fondness (appreciation) for Mannix. But always put an awful lot of pride into her support of Mannix, regarding his profession, and helping him solve cases. She got downright angry in one episode where the script prevented Joe from giving her details about one of the cases. I enjoy the twists and turns in the Series, and being kept off-balance by the different Lieutenants, who's repetition also could've become boring. It prevented "Mannix" (as a Series) from growing stale too soon. And can thank having a very watchful production team throughout that Series (once it got into the 2nd season).
Mannixishot 10 months ago
I wonder if they approached Gail to appear or not? I doubt Mike Connors salary for doing that episode was so bloated they couldn't get both of them on. She might've been asked and declined?

Yes, I think they were both in love with each other. I said something like this on a review for one of the Mannix episodes. They don't have to be pawing each other on the couch to show love. They both showed love and concern for each other. I recall one episode that played not that long ago when Peggy and Toby were vacationing in the cabin and Joe was worried about them. He called the police to go check on them and he went up there himself.
10 months ago
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