A Tribute to Norman Fell

On Tuesday, December 15, one of the brightest stars in the sitcom rerun heavens dimmed forever: Mr. Norman "Stanley Roper" Fell. As is our custom at Pop-Culture-Corn, the devastating news led us to the conviction that a fitting tribute was in order for this great actor. We immediately contacted Bernie Taupin and Sir Elton John, who promptly laughed in our faces. After offering them a hefty songwriters fee and international rights to the single release, they became all too eager to lend a hand. For you Three's Company devotees and lovers of great comedy alike, we now present a PCC exclusive: a very special tribute to a very special actor.

Camera in the Wind

Goodbye, Norman Fell
Though I never knew you at all
I watched you on the telly
and I laughed until I bawled
You killed me with a look
and the viewer became your friend
You hated having sex with Helen
and all the money she would spend

And it seems to me you faced your life
like a camera in the wind
Always offering a clever smile
after jokes would end
And I'm glad I never knew you
or your rapier wit
Your career burned out long before
your heartbeat ever did

Three's Company was great
You thought Jack was flaming gay
but you let him in your building
and your courage paved the way
Even on your own show
your special style was joyous to see
Jeffrey Tambour couldn't top you
as you ate the sets with glee

And it seems to me you faced your life
like a camera in the wind
Selling plastics in The Graduate
to Dustin Hoffman
And I'm glad I never knew you
or your rapier wit
Your career burned out long before
your heartbeat ever did

Goodbye, Norman Fell
Though I never knew you at all
I watched you on the telly
and I laughed until I bawled
Goodbye, Norman Fell
From a viewer lost without your grin
Don Knotts thought he could replace you
but it's a fight he'd never win

And it seems to me you faced your life
like a camera in the wind
You did some movies, but Stanley Roper
was your living end
And I'm glad I never knew you
or your rapier wit
Your career burned out long before
your heartbeat ever did


1924-1998
R.I.P