Teech – Nostalgia Central

1 9 9 1 (USA)
13 x 30 minute episodes

This CBS culture-clash comedy starred Phill Lewis as “Teech” Gibson (whose given name was David), an African-American music teacher who moved to Winthrop Academy, a snooty all-white private boarding school for boys, after being laid off from his job at a tough inner-city school in South Philly.

Winthrop was home to 200 boys, a select few of whom delighted in causing mischief. The principal trouble-makers being the “Gang of Four” – Kenny Freedman (Joshua Hoffman), Boyd Askew (Kenny Johnston), George Dubcek, Jr. (Curnal Aulision) and Alby Nichols (Jason Kristofer). Cue the comedy.

Other regular characters included the officious, meddling headmaster Alfred W. Litton (Steve Gilborn) and the wry, sexy assistant headmaster Cassie Lee (Maggie Han), who wore miniskirts and said things like, “I love the sound of expanding khaki in the night.”

Blues legend BB King (who sang the theme tune) had a cameo appearance as Teech’s Uncle Isaac.

Star Phill Lewis was convicted of manslaughter and drunken driving after his car crossed a centre line near Washington on 28 December and crashed head-on into a car being driven by 21-year-old Isabel Duarte, who was killed. The actor’s blood-alcohol level was 0.29%.

The court sentenced Lewis to five years in prison, but suspended four.

David “Teech” Gibson
Phill Lewis
Cassie Lee
Maggie Han
Alfred W. Litton
Steve Gilborn
Kenny Freedman
Joshua Hoffman
Boyd Askew
Kenny Johnston
Alby Nichols
Jason Kristofer
George Dubcek, Jr.
Curnal Aulision
Adrian Peterman
Jack Noseworthy
Uncle Isaac
BB King