Back in 1849, during the Reconstruction era, Two and a Half Men was created to journal the ongoing struggles of Confederate soldiers trying to move west as part of the California Gold rush. Three brothers, Ike, Zeke, and Jebediah Taylor, were the central characters (Zeke had the left side of his body blow off at Anteitam, hence the half man of the title). 2&1/2 was a touching, yet poignant reflection about a country trying to heal.
Once the original brothers died, the show floundered. Different combinations of men were tried in a desperate attempt to remain true to the title. Actors included Cneng and Eng Bunker (the "origninal" Siamese twins) who worked with Charlie Chaplin: Al Jolsen with Abbot and Costello (Jolsen worked in blackface, hoping that people would still consider an African-American on 2/3 of a person); and retired US President William Taft with a young George Burns (Taft counting for 1 1/2 men). As different members of the vaudeville life entered into the equation, 2 & 1/2 Men increasing relied on slapstick and comedy instead of it's original documentary feel.
Eventually, the stars aligned with the Depression era cast of Francisco Carlos Alberto St. Julian Estevez (Great-grandfather of current cast member Charlie Sheen), Ray Bolger (most noted for his role as the Scarecrow in the Wizard of Oz), and Bonzo the Chimpanzee (the ape as 1/2 man being a popular adage since the Scopes-Monkey Trail). Families still fondly remember listing around the radio during those sad days, laughing to the antics of these 2 & 1/2 Men.
The role played by Francisco "Charlie" Estevez has been passed down with the family ever since those golden days by Juan Estevez (1934-1941), Mary Ann Phelan (1941-1945, mother of Ramon Estevez), Jorge Estevez (1945-1958), Ramon Gerardo Antonio Estevz (1958-1978, who better known as Martin Sheen), and of course Charlie Sheen (1978- present, born Carlos Irwin Estevez).
John Crier took over the role of "Alan" under a mysterious cloud in 1986, just after starring in Pretty in Pink. Crier had been working on an episode of Amazing Stories deep in the Amazon, when rumors started that he had discovered an ancient tribe of Mayan shamans. At the same time, the actor playing Alan, Geroge Harrison, contracted a rare disease where his skin slowly turned transparent, ruining his on camera appearance. Harrison would eventually overcome his disease through daily massive doses of UV light, and Crier moved easily into the role.
The most elusive cast member continued to be the "1/2 man." After the strides taken in the civil rights era and following the Supreme Court ruling on Equal Rights, it seemed inconsiderate to cast the part with either women or minorities. The network turned to the only citizens left in American without clearly identified rights: children. Starting in the early 70s, the role of Jake has been played by a "who's who" of childhood actors: Gary Coleman, George Clooney, John Stamos, Mccauley Culkin ( a rare non-tubbby actor), and current star, Angus Jones (now 34 years old).
In all those years on the air, and in our hearts, Two and Half Men has continued to borrow and mix together elements of popular comedic styling: slapstick, punnery, observation humor, fart jokes, gender stereotypes, and, of course, casual sexual relationships with big-boobed women. What a wonderful and touching example of the finest American tradition to milk every cash cow down to the last drop.
Thank you, Two and Half Men for 167 years of laughs.
