BEL AIR—Lauralee Bell has just released the third episode of “Family Dinner,” a sitcom- type series which viewers can watch on the Internet. Ms. Bell who portrayed the most beloved heroine on daytime television’s “The Young and the Restless” is the daughter of legends Lee Phillip Bell and the late Bill Bell, Sr.

Lauralee spoke with Canyon News this week about the great response her series has been getting since the debut earlier this year. The new webisode is titled “Gladys to Meet You.” Gladys is the over the top mother of Bell’s character Karen O’Connell, who is a very neurotic desperate housewife who wants her 15 minutes of fame. Karen’s family consists of a husband Steven, played by Emmy winner Aaron Lustig, who is unlucky in the love life area; three children, two of which never know when to shut up and the other who seems to be a deaf mute with a bad attitude; and if you thought Karen’s mother-in-law, played by Phyllis Diller, was hilarious on air, look out! Oscar winner Cloris Leachman, who portrays Gladys the oversexed, tacky granny who can’t keep her mouth shut or her hands to herself, is just what “Family Dinner’ ordered.

Courtesy: Martin Bell Productions

Lauralee tells Canyon News, “Just like working with Phyllis Diller, I was stunned and grateful that Cloris agreed to appear on the show. She’s an Oscar winner who is used to a huge trailer for a dressing room and she came to our tiny set so down to earth and gracious. We had great chemistry and her scenes on episodes 3 and 4 were shot quickly and easily. My husband Scott [Martin] and I just loved all of her mannerisms and gestures. She needed no direction. Cloris took the ball and ran with it.”

Karen’s goal to appear on Oprah is actually getting closer. Though her family would be better suited for Jerry Springer’s show instead. Bell didn’t mind making fun of herself when talking about Karen. “Tommy, admit it. We all have that side of ourselves that we want to be tacky in private and don’t we all love those talk shows that have the type of people on that Karen and her family are?” asked Bell.

Knowing that Bell comes from one of Hollywood’s most distinguished and respected families in Beverly Hills, I cannot figure out how a young lady I have known for three decades could exude such tackiness in her role as Karen. Even down to Karen’s hairstyle, it’s all about camp. This show belongs on TV. It’s the best series since “Jerry Seinfeld” and it is “Married with Children” meets “Porky’s.”

Bell and her handsome husband have fans all over Beverly Hills. Socialite and actress Constance Towers who has worked in movies, TV and on stage tells Canyon News, “I enjoyed Cloris Leachman on this recent webisode as much as I did Phyllis Diller previously. Lauralee Bell is such a beautiful, charming and comedic actress. Who knew after years of heavy drama on her father's show, 'Y&R' that she'd be so perfect in comedy. I just love the little children on the series and I can see why Cloris's character thinks Zach Cumer as Jeremy is so handsome. Great show. I can hardly wait to see the next webisode. Though former costar Thom Bierdz who is Phillip on “The Young and the Restless” tells Canyon News, “She's hilarious in her new show 'Family Dinner.' Lauralee has come a long way since Cricket Blair [Y&R]. Seeing Cloris Leachman play her on screen mom, Gladys is also amazing. She's no Lee Bell, that's for sure. Lee Bell is the epitome of class and grace. Gladys is an oversexed granny who even flashed her boobs to a dinner guest and her chemistry on air with Lauralee is a must see.”

Bell is also missed for her work at “Y&R.” Former leading man Doug Davidson tells Canyon News, “Her new show is awesome. She is an absolute sweetheart. I miss her deeply on the show and we will always be friends. I absolutely love and respect her!”

Awesome is absolutely the word to describe Bell’s new venture. Ida Lupino would be proud of Bell. She was the first actress in Hollywood’s golden era to become a producer, director and work behind the scenes of films. Lauralee Bell is a part of Hollywood royalty, but she has made her own niche in comedy. The tacky, over the top and hilarious show can be seen at familydinneronline.com or funnyordie.com.

Fans speculate about who will be the next dinner guest? I’d say First Lady Michelle Obama or even Lee Bell herself won’t be invited. While Maury Povich must be on Karen’s short list. 

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