MONDAY MEMORIAL TVXOHOF - GEM DIAMOND, "GGTK"

From the Los Angeles Times:

Gary Beach, a Broadway and TV veteran whose portrayal of a truly terrible theater director in Mel Brooks' monster hit "The Producers" won him a Tony Award in 2001, has died, said his agent, Steven Unger. He was 70.

Unger said Beach died Tuesday at his home in Palm Springs. No cause was given.

After nearly 20 years in New York, Beach moved to Los Angeles. "I fell in love with the idea of having a car like an adult," he said. There, he acted in such shows as "The John Larroquette Show," ''Murder, She Wrote," ''Saved by the Bell" and "Will & Grace."

Sadly, it took the death of Gary Beach (Tony Winner for ‘The Producers’) for me to learn that he was the center of a crossover.

Saved by the Bell
- Class Rings (1992) 
... Gem Diamond

Zack appears to have negotiated a great deal on class rings for the senior class, but it turns out he has been scammed [so] he plots revenge.

[Gem Diamond's business card read "Jeweler, Ringologist and GGTK". The latter stood for "good guy to know".]

California Dreams
- Honest Sly (1996) 
... Gem Diamond

Sly gets a job as a used car salesman and dupes Sam into buying a piece of junk. 

[Gary Beach crosses over his role as Gem Diamond he played four years prior.]
I never saw either episode but I get the feeling that "Gem Diamond" was quite a con man.

The man responsible for Gem Diamond into both shows was Brett Dewey.  He co-wrote "Class Rings" with Ronald B. Solomon and as the co-creator of 'California Dreams', he wrote "Honest Sly" on his own.

So Gem Diamond came so close to completing the trifecta which would qualify him for membership in the Television Crossover Hall of Fame.  But now, it's not to be.

Unless....

With a bit o' splainin, perhaps we can make an honorary memorial tribute exception for him.

Let's take a look at Gary Beach's resume at the IMDb.  Ah!  And there we are!
Cheers
- Bidding on the Boys (1987)
... Emcee 

From the IMDb:
Rebecca is planning a bachelor auction at the bar to raise money for Children's Hospital. Despite Rebecca's nonchalance toward his participation, Sam ends up being one of the bachelors, as is Woody (who she actually asked). Both Sam and Woody end up regretting it because of who purchases them. 

Why can't the Emcee be Gem Diamond?

We never learned his name while he was at Cheers, and let's face it, "Gem Diamond" was more than likely an alias as well.  So I feel safe in claiming that he was Gem Diamond.

I wouldn't be surprised if he skimmed something off the top of the proceeds from the auction to line his own pockets.  That would certainly splain away why he was seen only the West Coast afterwards and using "Gem Diamond" as an alias to cover his trail.

Although it's too late to "honor" (or the nearest equivalent) Gary Beach while he was still alive, I hope this small attempt serves a memorial in Toobworld.

Let's give him a hand... or three.

BCnU!