LOS ANGELES — Alan Rachins loves being a hippie. In fact, he's quick to laugh as he talks about his "Dharma & Greg" character, who's totally different from the stuffy lawyer he played on "L.A. Law."
"It's like night and day," Rachins said with a twinkle in his eye.
Today, Rachins plays Larry Finklestein, Dharma's wacky, hippie dad. And he said he likes the plot twists this season that are forcing Larry, who can barely remember the 1960s and '70s, to become more responsible.
For one thing, with a baby on the way, he had to have a job. Last week, Abby Finklestein (Mimi Kennedy), Larry's wife, gave birth to Dharma's new sibling.
"Dharma & Greg" airs at 8 p.m. MST Tuesdays on ABC. And Larry the hippie is now Larry the night watchman.
"We have a child; now we have to deal with him," Rachins said during a brief interview at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles. Rachins and Kennedy were there for the SHINE Awards, which are given to programs that responsibly address sexual issues. "Dharma & Greg" was among the shows winning in the "Scene Stealers" category.
Rachins said Larry isn't changing too much on "Dharma & Greg," and that's fine with him. He praised the popular sitcom, now in its fourth season.
"I think it's a charming romantic comedy. It's optimistic," he said. "We have a lot of fun with all different viewpoints."
"Dharma & Greg" gets to the point fast and is funny because of colorful characters who say what they think. Dharma Freedom Finklestein-Montgomery, played by Jenna Elfman, is the free-thinking daughter of the hippie parents. Greg Montgomery (Thomas Gibson) went into the marriage as the uptight attorney, the son of wealthy snobs Edward and Kitty Montgomery (Mitchell Ryan and Susan Sullivan).
"Dharma & Greg" has evolved while keeping the contrast between the Montgomerys and the Finklesteins. Dharma has led Greg to be more adventurous, but for the first time disagrees with some of his life choices when he joins the U.S. Army Reserve.
Likewise, Larry and Abby have taught Edward and Kitty to loosen up and enjoy life, but the personalities are remaining the same. The way-too-detached Kitty is still questioning her marriage to Edward.
Rachins chuckled over his favorite episode — a story about Larry regaining his memory after getting a whiff of some old Hai Karate cologne. Unfortunately, the Hai Karate didn't last forever, and the '60s and '70s became a blur again.
Born in Boston, Rachins studied at the Wharton School of Finance before moving to New York for private acting lessons. He performed in many plays, including the Broadway productions of "After the Rain" and "Hadrian the Seventh." In 1972, he studied writing and directing at the American Film Institute in Los Angeles. He sold scripts to "Hill Street Blues," "Fall Guy," "Hart to Hart" and "Knight Rider."
Rachins returned to acting with the leading role in Henry Jaglom's film, "Always." That spotlight led him to "L.A. Law."
His movies have included "Heart Condition," "Showgirls," "Starquest," "Leave It to Beaver" and "Meet Wally Sparks."