Greg Evigan has revealed that he declined the lead role in the iconic 1980s television series Knight Rider due to concerns about potential typecasting. The actor, best known for his role in the 1970s sitcom B.J. and the Bear, expressed his apprehensions in a recent interview on the podcast Pop Culture Retro.
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In B.J. and the Bear, Evigan portrayed a truck driver who shared a unique bond with his pet chimpanzee, making the show a memorable part of television history. Knight Rider, which aired from 1982 to 1986, starred David Hasselhoff as Michael Knight, a former detective who takes on the fight against crime with the help of his intelligent, self-aware car, K.I.T.T. The premise of talking to a vehicle struck Evigan as too similar to his previous role, prompting his decision to pass on the offer.
Reflecting on the circumstances surrounding the missed opportunity, Evigan recalled being at home with his newborn daughter when his agent called him with the news of the casting. “I was in a hammock with my daughter when I got the call,” he recounted. “My agent said, ‘Hey, Greg, I got a really good one. You’re going to love it.’ I asked what it was, and he said the role was about a guy who talks to a car. At that moment, I thought, ‘Alright, but I’ve been talking to a chimp.’”
The actor explained that he was wary of being pigeonholed into similar roles: “I just wasn’t interested in doing the same thing again. It felt too familiar, and I had already experienced the challenges of being typecast. Finding diverse roles after B.J. was quite difficult, and I was eager for something different.”
Evigan’s decision not to join Knight Rider, which became a cultural phenomenon, ultimately led him to new horizons. Following this, he took on a leading role in the sitcom My Two Dads, which premiered in 1987. This show featured the unique premise of two fathers—Michael Taylor, played by Paul Reiser, and Evigan’s character, Joey Harris—sharing custody of a teenage girl, resulting in comedic and heartfelt moments throughout its three-season run.
Reflecting his desire to break away from typecasting, Evigan was keen to explore different aspects of his acting abilities. His efforts to branch out paid off in My Two Dads, where he portrayed a character quite distinct from his previous roles. Set against the backdrop of Manhattan, the sitcom thrived as it tackled the complexities of non-traditional family dynamics while delivering plenty of laughs.
Despite Knight Rider achieving significant success and a cult following, Evigan’s choice has opened avenues for him in other projects and genres. The legacy of his decision is a testament to the struggles many actors face when trying to navigate an industry that often seeks to categorise talent based on their past works.
Today, the actor looks back at his career with mixed emotions. While he acknowledges the impact of Knight Rider and its enduring popularity, he remains steadfast in his belief that his decision to turn down the role allowed him to develop a more varied body of work. Evigan’s journey signifies not just the allure of iconic roles but also the importance of artistic integrity and the desire for growth.
As the landscape of television continues to evolve, Evigan’s insights into his early career choices offer valuable lessons on the challenges of typecasting and the importance of pursuing diverse opportunities. Even decades later, his experiences resonate with actors navigating similar dilemmas in Hollywood.