“One Day at a Time”’s Glenn Scarpelli Remembers Facing Off Against Buddy Kim Fields in 1984 “Family Feud ”Super Teen Special

In a delightful reflection on a memorable television moment, Glen Scarpelli, known for his role in “One Day at a Time,” recently revisited his participation in a special episode of “Family Feud” that aired during the show’s Super Teen Week in 1984. At the age of 60, Scarpelli fondly recalls not just the experience itself, but also the amusing mishap that occurred while he took part in the competition.

The week-long charity special saw some of the most notable young stars of the time take the stage, with Scarpelli serving as team captain for “Glen’s Gang.” This team included other young television personalities, such as Miss Teenage America Laura Baxter, Peter Billingsley from “Real People,” and Missy Gold from “Benson.” They competed against “Kim’s Kids,” a team led by actress Kim Fields from “The Facts of Life,” which featured notable actors like Adam Rich and Tasia Valenza.

Reflecting on his time as team captain, Scarpelli expressed that he felt no anxiety about the challenge. “Being team captain was so fun,” he remarked during his appearance on “The Game Show Starring Bradley Clarke.” He described his passion for games and competition, particularly noting that the stakes were lower since the show was designed to raise funds for charity. “The whole vibe relaxes a little bit, because they want the charities to make money,” he pointed out.

Richard Dawson, the iconic host of “Family Feud,” played a crucial role in ensuring that both the contestants and viewers enjoyed the experience. Scarpelli praised Dawson, recalling how he created a comfortable atmosphere that contributed to the fun of the event. The camaraderie among the young stars further enhanced the lighthearted spirit of the competition.

However, Scarpelli’s fond memories include a noteworthy blunder during the Fast Money round, which involved a question that left him and teammate Missy Gold perplexed. The question asked contestants to “name something to which you often lose your keys,” which Scarpelli found to be confusing. “The answer is just so much simpler than the question,” he reflected, illustrating the unexpected challenges that often arise in game shows.

When it came time for the bonus round, Scarpelli was placed in a soundproof booth, completely isolating him from the progress of his teammate. While waiting, he experienced a mix of anticipation and nerves as he pondered his chances based on the points scored by Gold. “It was the first episode that we shot…so it was a little nerve-wracking,” he admitted, underscoring the pressure of facing both the audience and Dawson once again.

Though the moment may have been awkward at the time, Scarpelli has since come to embrace his slip-up as a treasured part of his television legacy. “I cannot tell you how many people come up to me and go, ‘I’ll always remember you when you screwed up that question on Family Feud,’” he shared, finding joy in the lasting impact of such moments on viewers.

What could have been a source of embarrassment ultimately became a cherished memory that he relishes today. He remembers Dawson as being particularly supportive, expressing excitement about the unexpected moment of levity. “That was priceless,” Scarpelli recalled Dawson saying, indicating the host’s appreciation for the spontaneous nature of live television.

Now reflecting on this experience, Scarpelli has opted to celebrate it rather than view it through the lens of embarrassment. “I do not call it my most embarrassing moment anymore because I agree it was a very wonderful experience to have now.” This perspective highlights how our experiences, even the missteps, contribute to a rich tapestry of memories that shape who we are.

As Scarpelli continues his career in the entertainment industry, his nostalgic look back at “Family Feud” serves as a reminder of the joy of performance, the value of charity, and the importance of embracing both success and blunders as part of the journey. This light-hearted moment from a classic game show remains a vibrant part of his life story, forever linking him to the spirit of camaraderie that defined Super Teen Week.