If you spent your evenings watching syndicated television in the 1980s, you probably remember the snappy banter echoing from the top of a sleek San Francisco restaurant. It's a Living ran from 1980 to 1989, following the ups and downs of a diverse group of witty waitresses working at the upscale establishment known as Above the Top.
While the show bounced between networks and syndication during its run, it built a loyal fanbase that still wonders about the actors who brought those characters to life. Let's look at the lives and careers of the Its a Living cast, exploring their breakout roles, what happened after the show wrapped, and where they are today.
The Premise and Impact of the Sitcom
Created by Dick Clair and Jenna McMahon, It's a Living originally premiered on ABC in 1980 under the title Making a Living. The premise focused on four waitresses—played by Marian Mercer, Ann Jillian, Gail Strickland, and Barrie Youngfellow—navigating friendship, romance, and demanding customers while working in a restaurant atop a high-rise tower.
After a modest first season and some creative restructuring, the series was retooled, brought back into syndication, and renamed It's a Living. It ran successfully through 1989, cycling through several cast changes while retaining its core comedic DNA.
The show relied on sharp dialogue and strong ensemble chemistry. Unlike many sitcoms of the era that focused on domestic family units, this workplace comedy highlighted independent women balancing careers and personal ambitions in an urban setting.
Meet the Core Ensemble: Where Are They Now?
Ann Jillian (Cassie Cranston)
Ann Jillian played the ambitious, glamorous waitress Cassie Cranston, quickly becoming a breakout star of the series. Before and during the show, Jillian was a recognizable face on television. In 1985, shortly after leaving It's a Living, she faced a public and courageous battle with breast cancer, documenting her journey in the acclaimed TV movie The Ann Jillian Story, where she played herself. She continued acting through the 1990s and later dedicated much of her time to motivational speaking and cancer advocacy. Today, she lives a quieter life out of the public spotlight.
Marian Mercer (Nancy Beebe)
Marian Mercer portrayed the sharp-tongued, veteran waitress Nancy Beebe, bringing exceptional comedic timing and theatrical background to the ensemble. Mercer had already built a respected career on Broadway—winning a Tony Award for Promises, Promises—before transitioning to television. Following It's a Living, she made guest appearances on shows like Murphy Brown and Empty Nest before retiring from acting. Mercer passed away in 2011, leaving behind a legacy of brilliant comedic performances.
Barrie Youngfellow (Jan Miller)
Barrie Youngfellow played Jan Miller, providing steady comedic relief and serving as one of the few cast members to stay with the series throughout its entire run. After It's a Living, Youngfellow appeared in popular 1990s television projects, including recurring roles on Moesha and guest spots on dramas like Matlock. She is married to actor Jim Haynie and has largely stepped away from the screen to enjoy retirement.
Gail Strickland (Dot Higgins)
Gail Strickland was part of the original Season 1 lineup as Dot Higgins before the show underwent its major casting shifts and syndication rebrand. Strickland pivoted successfully into dramatic television and feature films, appearing in notable movies like Norma Rae and The American President, alongside recurring television roles in series such as Seinfeld and Melrose Place.
Paul Kreppel (Sonny Lane)
Playing the wisecracking, flamboyant piano player Sonny Lane, Paul Kreppel added a distinct energy to the restaurant floor. After the series ended, Kreppel transitioned into stage direction, writing, and production. He won a Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award and has continued working in regional theater and independent film projects, while also teaching acting masterclasses.
Later Additions and Recurring Favorites
As the series evolved through its syndication years, several new cast members joined the restaurant staff, breathing fresh life into the premise.
Crystal Bernard (Amy Tompkins)
Crystal Bernard joined the cast in 1985 as the sweet, naive southern transplant Amy Tompkins. While It's a Living gave her early national exposure, Bernard skyrocketed to household-name status shortly after when she starred as Helen Chappel Hackett in the long-running hit sitcom Wings from 1990 to 1997. Alongside her acting career, Bernard built a successful sideline as a Christian pop and country singer-songwriter. She stepped away from mainstream Hollywood in the 2000s to focus on her music and private life.
Sheryl Lee Ralph (Ginger St. James)
Sheryl Lee Ralph joined the later seasons as Ginger St. James, bringing unmatched charisma and vocal talent to the ensemble. Ralph has enjoyed one of the most enduring and decorated post-sitcom careers in the cast. She starred in landmark Broadway productions like Dreamgirls and built an impressive television resume with hits like Moesha and Instant Mom. In recent years, she won an Emmy Award for her standout performance as Barbara Howard in the acclaimed comedy series Abbott Elementary.
Behind the Scenes: Production Changes and Syndication
One reason It's a Living holds a unique place in television history is its unusual production path. ABC canceled the show during its initial network run, but syndication executives recognized its potential for daily afternoon and evening slots.
When production resumed for syndication, the show swapped out a few cast members while keeping the core dynamic intact. This flexibility allowed the series to outlive many of its network competitors. Syndicated comedies relied heavily on repeatable, character-driven episodes, making It's a Living a staple of local television line-ups throughout the late 1980s.
You can learn more about how television syndication models shaped retro broadcasting through resources like the Museum of Broadcast Communications.
Common Mistakes and Misconceptions
- Mistake: Fans often confuse It's a Living with Alice, another popular 1980s diner-based sitcom. While both featured waitresses dealing with quirky customers, Alice was set in a greasy-spoon diner in Arizona, whereas It's a Living took place in an upscale San Francisco high-rise restaurant.
- Misconception: Many viewers assume the entire original cast stayed for all nine seasons. In reality, the show underwent multiple casting overhauls between its network cancellation and its syndicated revival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I stream It's a Living today?
Currently, It's a Living is not widely available on major streaming subscription platforms due to complex music licensing and syndication rights from the 1980s. Occasional episodes surface on retro broadcast networks or digital archival sites.
How many episodes of It's a Living were produced?
The series produced a total of 120 episodes across its four network seasons and subsequent syndicated runs.
Why did the show change its title?
ABC originally aired the show under the title Making a Living during its first season in 1980. When the network canceled it and the show was picked up for syndication, producers rebranded it as It's a Living and introduced a slightly refreshed theme song and cast adjustments.
Did any of the cast members win major awards for their work?
While the ensemble received critical praise for their comedic timing during the 1980s, several cast members achieved major award success later in their careers—most notably Sheryl Lee Ralph winning an Emmy for Abbott Elementary and Marian Mercer's earlier Tony Award win for stage work.
