Phyllis (TV series) had higher overall ratings than "Rhoda" that season, as well as equal ratings with its parent show, "The Mary Tyler Moore Show". The stigma of the deaths of several cast members during the show's run, as well as the ill health of actress Jane Rose, are also said to have been factors in the series' cancellation. The final episode ("And Baby Makes Six") had Bess announcing that she and Mark were expecting their first child. This installment aired Sunday, March 13, 1977. The same week, on Saturday, March 19, Leachman made her last appearance as Phyllis Lindstrom on the final
Thomas Carter (director) was presented with the "Distinguished Alumnus Award" from Texas State University. Carter first began his film career as an actor. His first roles included working in television shows/movies such as: "M*A*S*H", "Lou Grant", "What's Happening!!", "The Secret of Isis", "Whose Life Is It Anyway?", "The Blue Knight", "Good Times", and "Hill Street Blues". He was a regular on the sitcom "Szysznyk" (1977). Carter is most known for his appearance on the series "The White Shadow" between the years 1978 through 1980. "The White Shadow", which ran three seasons from 1978 to 1981. Carter played James Hayward, a troubled teenager with