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Before “TRL,” “Real World,” “Cribs,” or “Jersey Shore,” there was “Remote Control” – MTV’s very first non-music series. Contestants in lounge chairs were asked pop-culture questions from categories such as "Dead or Canadian?" Other popular segments included "Sing Along With Colin," where contestants finished songs sung by Colin Quinn. The TV-themed game show ran from 1987 until 1990, and helped launch the careers of Adam Sandler, Colin Quinn and Denis Leary. But where are they now?![MTV Stars]()
The quirky series became a cult hit -- and gave its hilarious cast members and writers a platform for their talents. (MTV)![Ken_Ober_Then_kljsfd]()
The show’s premise had season one host Ober putting on a game show from his basement. Before winning MTV fame, Ober was a comedy champion on the 1980s variety show, "Star Search." (MTV)![Ken Ober: 1957 to 2009]()
Ober was a hot Gen X host, going on to head up three more game shows ("Make Me Laugh," "Smush," and "Perfect Match") after "Remote Control." Following his hosting gigs, Ober began working behind the camera as a writer and producer on "New Adventures of Old Christine," "Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn," and "Mind of Mencia." Sadly, Ken passed away last year at the age of 52. No official cause of death has been released. After Ober's death, Denis Leary spoke of his former co-star: “As the star and host of 'Remote Control,' he was a welcoming ringmaster who helped to kickstart the careers of numerous talents, including Adam Sandler, Colin Quinn and myself. He will be remembered always by each of his friends not only for his massive talent but for his true, deep and enduring friendship."![Adam_Sandler_Then_fkdls]()
Just four days after Sandler's TV debut (a guest appearance on “The Cosby Show”), "Remote Control" premiered. Sandler started as a writer on the trivia show but eventually made his way onscreen, playing characters like Stud Boy and Colin Quinn's fictional cousin, Trivia Delinquent. (MTV)![Adam_Sandler_Now_kdjlafkd]()
A gig on “Saturday Night Live” followed “Remote Control,” and Sandler’s Hollywood career took off. The comedian had a hit with 1995 comedy "Billy Madison," and has starred in more than 20 movies since! Some of his biggest films include “Happy Gilmore,” “The Wedding Singer,” “Big Daddy,” and “Spanglish.” After a dramatic turn in last year’s “Funny People,” Sandler filmed the upcoming “Grown Ups.” The actor is reportedly currently shooting a Jennifer Aniston movie, “Just Go With It,” slated to hit theaters in 2011. Now 43, Sandler is married with two daughters. (AP)![Kari_Wurher_Then_kldsjak]()
Wuhrer captured viewer’s attention as the host for seasons 2-3. Alicia Coppola followed for season four, and Susan Ashley came in for season five. (MTV)![Kari_Wurher_Now_kjl]()
After the show, Wuhrer moved on to TV shows like “Swamp Thing” and movies like “Beastmaster 2,” as well as many straight-to-video sexploitation movies. Kari gained mainstream fame with the series “Sliders” and “General Hospital” and most recently, “Lincoln Heights.” More recent movies include “Anaconda” and “Eight Legged Freaks.” The actress is currently filming an episode of “Leverage.” On her second marriage, Wuhrer, 42, has three young children. (REUTERS)![Denis_Leary_Then_klfdddj]()
Leary started as a writer on "Remote Control" before stepping in front of the camera to play kooky pop icon Andy Warhol, Colin Quinn’s “brother,” and Rolling Stone Keith Richards. Leary soon became an MTV star, appearing in a string of ranting, chain-smoking promos for the network. (MTV)![Denis_Leary_Now_fg]()
Now 52, Leary’s had a long, successful career as a comedian, an actor, and an author (“Why We Suck”). Leary has appeared in over 40 movies, including "Demolition Man" with Sylvester Stallone, "The Ref," and the political comedy "Wag the Dog.” Successful comedy albums include "No Cure for Cancer" and “Lock n’ Load.” Leary co-created and stars in the post-9/11 fireman series, “Rescue Me,” which has earned him Golden Globe and Emmy nominations. The show begins its sixth season in June. The actor is married with two children. (REUTERS)![Alicia_Coppola_Then_dsklaj]()
Coppola (no relation to the film family) started her career as the season four host of “Remote Control.” Susan Ashley came in for season five. (MTV)![Alicia_Coppola_Now_sdfsd]()
After “Remote Control,” Coppola joined soap “Another World.” Other TV shows include “Star Trek: Voyager,” “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” and “Two and a Half Men.” In 2007, the actress became a regular on the series “Jericho” and played an FBI agent in “National Treasure: Book of Secrets.” Now 41, Coppola is married and is reportedly expecting her third child this month.![Colin_Quinn_Then_jksfdf]()
The stand-up comic filled the sidekick/announcer role on “Remote Control,” emerging as a crowd favorite. (MTV)![Colin_Quinn_Now_kjl]()
Now 50, Quinn is famous for his “Remote Control” role, as well as his memorable stint on “Saturday Night Live” and his show “Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn.” Additionally, the comedian has had small roles in films like “A Night at the Roxbury” and is a regular radio guest on “The Opie & Anthony Show.” Quinn will next appear in the 2010 film “Grown Ups” with his former “Remote Control” co-star Adam Sandler. (REUTERS)Then/Now: "Remote Control"
"It’s his basement, it’s his rules, it’s his game show!" What became of the fresh faces of MTV's hit '80s game show?
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