Episode 178 – From Knots Landing to Counseling Others: A Revealing Conversation with Constance McCashin – Part 2
In the second part of this captivating conversation, former actress turned psychotherapist Constance McCashin pulls back the curtain on the making of “Knots Landing”, sharing the emotional highs, heartbreaking lows, and lifelong friendships that made the groundbreaking drama so special. She reflects on Laura Avery Sumner's remarkable evolution, explains how the writers gradually tailored storylines to the actors, and reveals what it was really like becoming a TV star despite being shy off-screen.
Constance offers fascinating behind-the-scenes stories about some of the series' most unforgettable moments, including Laura's groundbreaking rape storyline, incorporating her real-life pregnancy into the show by casting her infant son as Laura's baby, and Richard & Laura's turbulent marriage. Looking back through the eyes of a psychotherapist, she also shares why many of the show's characters could have benefited from therapy.
She reminisces about her enduring friendships with co-stars William Devane & John Pleshette, and fondly recalls working alongside Hollywood legends Julie Harris, Ruth Roman, and the incomparable Ava Gardner, including hilarious and touching stories that reveal the warmth & humor behind these iconic stars. Constance also opens up about the decision to kill off Laura Avery, the emotional impact of leaving the series after eight seasons, and why she has never been able to fully revisit Laura's final scenes.
The conversation concludes with memories of “Brooklyn Bridge”, working with John Cleese in “The Out-of-Towners”, and her seamless transition from Hollywood to a rewarding second career as a licensed psychotherapist specializing in eating disorders and body image.
CONSTANCE MCCASHIN
Constance McCashin is an American psychotherapist and former actress best known to millions of television viewers as Laura Avery Sumner on the iconic CBS primetime drama “Knots Landing”, where she starred from the series' premiere in 1979 until 1987. Her character's heartbreaking battle with a brain tumor culminated in one of the show's most unforgettable storylines and its landmark 200th episode.
Born in Chicago and raised in Connecticut, Constance's introduction to show business came at the age of five when she appeared alongside Clarabell the Clown on the legendary children's program “The Howdy Doody Show.” Although her parents chose to give her a normal childhood instead of pursuing a career as a child actress, her love of performing never faded. After earning a degree in English, she moved to New York City just five days after graduating, supporting herself with jobs—including selling belts at Saks Fifth Avenue—while pursuing an acting career.
An acting teacher's suggestion that she begin psychotherapy not only transformed her craft but also changed her life. As she became more emotionally open through therapy, her acting career flourished, leading to a successful move to Hollywood where she appeared in numerous TV series, movies, pilots, and commercials. Along the way, she starred opposite Lindsay Wagner in “The Two Worlds of Jennie Logan”, became a familiar face on TV game shows including “The $25,000 Pyramid”, “Super Password”, and “Battle of the Network Stars”, and later co-starred in the Golden Globe-winning comedy “Brooklyn Bridge.”
Following her successful acting career, Constance embraced a remarkable second act. She earned a Master's degree in Social Work from Simmons College and became a licensed psychotherapist specializing in eating disorders and body image.
Constance McCashin’s Official Website – https://constancemccashin.com
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Actress / Psychotherapist
Constance McCashin is an American psychotherapist and former actress best known to millions of television viewers as Laura Avery Sumner on the iconic CBS primetime drama “Knots Landing”, where she starred from the series' premiere in 1979 until 1987. Her character's heartbreaking battle with a brain tumor culminated in one of the show's most unforgettable storylines and its landmark 200th episode.
Born in Chicago and raised in Connecticut, Constance's introduction to show business came at the age of five when she appeared alongside Clarabell the Clown on the legendary children's program "The Howdy Doody Show." Although her parents chose to give her a normal childhood instead of pursuing a career as a child actress, her love of performing never faded. After earning a degree in English, she moved to New York City just five days after graduating, supporting herself with jobs—including selling belts at Saks Fifth Avenue—while pursuing an acting career.
An acting teacher's suggestion that she begin psychotherapy not only transformed her craft but also changed her life. As she became more emotionally open through therapy, her acting career flourished, leading to a successful move to Hollywood where she appeared in numerous television series, movies, pilots, and commercials. Along the way, she starred opposite Lindsay Wagner in “The Two Worlds of Jennie Logan”, became a familiar face on television game shows including “The $25,000 Pyramid”, “Super Password”, and “Battle of the Network Stars”, and later co-starred in the G…Read More
