Editing Jack Klugman (section)

== The Odd Couple ==

Klugman's casting as Oscar Madison in "The Odd Couple" (1970-1975), opposite Tony Randall's Felix Unger, created one of television comedy's most beloved pairings. His Oscar—sloppy, loud, passionate about sports and indifferent to cleanliness—embodied qualities that his Philadelphia upbringing had made familiar. The chemistry with Randall, whose fastidious Felix provided perfect contrast, generated comedy that the writing supported but that their performances elevated.<ref name="klugman"/>

His Emmy Awards for the role (1971, 1973) validated abilities that the comedy might have obscured, his Oscar no mere buffoon but a fully realized character whose frustrations and affections were recognizable. The friendship with Randall that developed during the show's run, which Klugman later documented in memoir, provided the genuine connection that their on-screen relationship reflected. The Philadelphia authenticity he brought to the role—Oscar as the guy from the neighborhood, translated to Manhattan—gave the character grounding that distinguished him from mere comic type.<ref name="strait"/>

His subsequent success in "Quincy, M.E." (1976-1983), where he played a Los Angeles medical examiner who solved crimes, demonstrated range that could move from comedy to drama. The role's eight-season run confirmed his ability to carry a series as sole lead, without the partner whose presence had balanced "The Odd Couple." The crusading quality that Quincy embodied—his insistence on truth regardless of political pressure—reflected values that his Philadelphia origins may have instilled.<ref name="klugman"/>