In all the decades I've watched this show, I've never found an answer to
this question. Thorny just stopped appearing after the first four years
or so. I always wondered if DeFore had a falling out with Ozzie, but
he appeared with Harriet, Mary Jane Croft, David and other TV cast
members for a 1981 Christmas special. He was very amiable and loved talking
about his role. But nothing about why he left! Does anyone else know?
I read 2 reasons: one was that he chose to leave to pursue other interests and the other reason is that he was fired by Ozzie for wanting a raise. I'll guess we'll never know the real reason.
I liked the character of Thorny and much better than Darby. Nothing against Parley Baer - just thought Thorny seemed like a friendlier neighbor.
Didnt Don start appearing the sitcom Hazel? Maybe he got that job and opted out of O&H.....
shareHe left O & H in 1957. Hazel started in 1961...
shareOh that is a bit of a gap, so no jumping from Ozzie to Hazel. Now I wonder why he left the show!
shareAccording to "Written Out of Televison", DeFore himself was confused why he wasn't asked back, but suspected it was a contractual issue.
shareHis son said Don DeFore had a 5 year contract with the Ozzie and Harriet show. When that ended he wanted to open a restaurant at Disney World which he did.
shareSpike, it wasnt really Darby who succeeded Thorny as Ozzie's new main buddy. That was actually Lyle Talbot as his neighbor Joe Randolph.
And I thought Talbot's character was a good addition/replacement in the show.
[deleted]
[deleted]