As a fan of classic ’80s television, I can’t help but feel nostalgic when reminiscing about the beloved sitcom, Silver Spoons. The friendship between Jason Bateman and Rick Schroder, who played the mischievous “Ricker” on the show, is one of the most endearing aspects of this iconic series.
Over time, the bonds between people, no matter how strong, can shift or weaken. The person you’re most attached to as a teenager might not be the same when you’re building a family. Similarly, celebrity relationships can be very close during filming, but they may drift apart due to scheduling conflicts, lack of time, or even differences in values.
It seems there was a strong bond between Ricky Schroder and Jason Bateman during their time working on “Ozark”. They reportedly had a great camaraderie on set, often causing mischief by playfully harassing fellow celebrities and tourists at Universal Studios while not filming. However, it’s worth considering whether this closeness extended beyond the show into a lasting friendship as adults. Here’s what we know about how their friendship developed during the two seasons they filmed together, and if they managed to maintain a connection once the cameras were turned off.
What was Silver Spoons about and who was in its cast?
The television series “Silver Spoons” initially aired on NBC and quickly became popular among children and teenagers who were fans of the network’s youth-centric programming during the early to mid-1980s. The sitcom revolved around Ricky Stratton (played by Ricky Schroder), a young boy who unexpectedly finds himself in wealth when he discovers that he is the son of Edward Stratton III, a wealthy toy company heir (portrayed by Joel Higgins). Edward, who often behaves like a child, enjoys cruising around his mansion on a custom go-kart and filling his living room with arcade games. However, taking care of his responsibilities as a parent is something new to him, but he’s committed to doing the best for his new son.
In addition, we find Kate Summers (Erin Gray), a mature assistant to Edward and eventually Ricky’s stepmother, as well as Dexter Stuffins (Franklyn Seales), a fastidious business manager for Edward. As Ricky acclimates to life in the mansion and a new school, he befriends several boys, with Alfonso Spears (Alfonso Ribeiro) being his longest-standing friend. Alfonso’s cool demeanor serves as a contrast to Ricky’s playful nature as he grows.
Who Jason Bateman & Ricky Schroder played on Silver Spoons
Ricky Schroder portrayed the character of Ricky Stratton in the popular series “Silver Spoons.” This young character was born from a short-lived marriage between Edward Stratton III and Evelyn Stratton Whiting, played by Christine Belford. Initially, Evelyn had sent Ricky to a boarding school due to her remarriage at the start of the show, but later contacts Edward who takes custody of him. The contrast between Ricky’s grim demeanor and Edward’s carefree enthusiasm creates an interesting dynamic throughout the series. As the story unfolds, we follow Ricky from the age of 12 to 17, witnessing his transformation from “Ricky” to “Rick,” and his progression from junior high to senior year. The show chronicles Ricky’s journey through significant milestones in adolescence and teenage life.
During the first two seasons of “Silver Spoons,” Jason Bateman portrayed the character Derek Taylor, a rebellious individual who often landed Ricky in difficult situations. He persuaded Ricky into questionable acts such as concealing an orangutan they’d found and causing turmoil at a sleepover. Moreover, Derek engaged in mental manipulation with his friend, making him believe that his father didn’t care for him and that Kate was interested in him, among other deceits. However, Derek departed the show midway through Season 2, moving to Saint Louis with his mother.
In actuality, NBC transferred Bateman to his own television series, “It’s Your Move,” in 1985. Unfortunately, this show was only on for one season before it got canceled. Subsequently, he landed a role on “Valerie,” where he gained immense popularity among teenagers, and the events that followed became part of history. Concurrently, Alfonso Ribeiro debuted as Alfonso Spears during the initial episode of Season 3 of “Silver Spoons.” From there, he forged his own path as a promising young actor.
Bateman and Schroder often got into trouble on the Silver Spoons set
During their time working on “Silver Spoons”, these two lads developed a strong friendship, frequently spending leisure time together on the filming location.
As a die-hard fan, I’d often hop on my bike with a buddy of mine, cruising around the lot for fun or exercise. We’d even daringly cling to the back of those trams, letting them pull us along this very route, causing quite a stir among the passengers who’d shout, “Look! It’s those two kids from Silver Spoons!” Bateman shared with GQ. Our favorite haunt was Jaws Lake where we’d wade in and catch fish. However, our antics didn’t sit well with Universal tour guides, who sternly requested a halt to our activities through a letter, claiming we were spoiling the experience by meddling with the lake.
In addition to this incident, Schroder and Bateman nearly collided with Michael Jackson on their bikes while they were whizzing around the set. On Jimmy Kimmel Live, Bateman explained, “He was a fan of our show and the ‘Ricker’. He was walking towards the stage as we were speeding away, and we almost hit him.” However, it’s unclear if Schroder and Bateman still hang out together these days.
Are the Silver Spoons cast members still friends?
It can be challenging to determine if Rick Schroder (formerly known by that name) and Jason Bateman still socialize, as there isn’t any clear evidence one way or another. However, photos exist of the two hanging out in their twenties, like the picture displayed above. It’s important to mention that Bateman does not follow Schroder on Instagram, a platform both are active on. To be fair, Bateman has been inactive on his account for quite some time, and it appears he hasn’t posted anything since 2021. While Bateman is more active on X (previously known as Twitter), it seems that Schroder does not maintain an account there.
Over the years, my admiration for these two actors has taken different paths. On a personal and professional level, they’ve each chosen distinct routes. Schroder is known for his conservative views, while Bateman identifies as a Democrat. Their careers have also diverged significantly. Bateman has made a name for himself not only as an acclaimed actor but also as a director, with critically-acclaimed shows like “Ozark” and “Arrested Development” under his belt. He’s also found success on the silver screen, with memorable films such as “Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story” and “Game Night.
Previously known for voice acting roles in animation, Schroder transitioned into a successful adult acting career, starring in series like “NYPD Blue,” “Strong Medicine,” and expanding the “Lonesome Dove” universe. He currently balances his time between acting, directing, and production, but has faced controversies both personally and professionally. As of 2024, he is the founder of the Reel American Heroes Foundation. There’s a possibility that these two actors might collaborate again in the future.
Interested in discovering more about that iconic ’80s sitcom? Let me share some of the “Silver Spoons” cast members who have sadly passed on.
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2024-11-27 18:30