10 Things You Missed In Black Sheep Squadron

1. Mostly Fictional Characters

While based on WWII pilot Greg “Pappy” Boyington, most of the show’s characters were fictional. Contrary to the series, Boyington’s real-life squadron wasn’t composed of misfits.

2. Title Change

Initially titled Baa Baa Black Sheep during its original run (1976-1978), the show was later syndicated as Black Sheep Squadron.

3. The Real Pappy Appeared

Boyington himself appeared in three episodes, playing General Harrison Kenlay. His first cameo was in The Deadliest Enemy Of All: Part 2.

4. Robert Conrad’s Casting Drama

Despite his Hollywood reputation and off-camera antics, Robert Conrad was ultimately cast as Pappy, though producer Stephen Cannell almost passed on him.

5. Missed Roles

Conrad turned down other iconic roles, including Tony Nelson in I Dream of Jeannie, fearing he’d be overshadowed by co-star Barbara Eden.

6. Pappy’s Lambs

To compete with Charlie’s Angels, the show introduced four nurses, dubbed “Pappy’s Lambs,” in later episodes.

7. Two Dogs Played Meatball

Meatball, the squadron’s Bull Terrier mascot, was played by two dogs: one for acting and one for stunts.

8. No Real Zeroes

Japanese Zeroes in the show were actually modified North American T-6 Texans, also used in films like Tora! Tora! Tora!

9. Theme Song Origins

The theme song is adapted from The Whiffenpoof Song, popularized by Yale University’s a cappella group and recorded by artists like Elvis Presley.

10. Rock Star Finale

Peter Frampton, fresh off the success of Frampton Comes Alive!, guest-starred in the finale as a British jungle dweller.