Cody Lambert was a beloved character on the hit TV show Step by Step from 1991-1996. Played by iconic actor Patrick Duffy, Cody was the patriarch of the blended Lambert-Foster family and a fan favorite throughout his time on the show.
Originally, Cody was a successful contractor running his own construction business in Wisconsin. He had a steady girlfriend named Dana Foster, with whom he had two teenage children, Brendan and Karen. After Dana’s death in an accident, Cody became the guardian of her three children, Frank, Carol and JT. As a result, Cody married Dana’s sister, Alicia Foster (played by Suzanne Somers). Together they formed one big happy family made up of seven kids and two very different parents!
Cody quickly became famous for his wholesome charm and wit. He was always ready to offer advice or lend a helping hand to anyone in need – especially his family members. He wasn’t afraid to speak out when he felt something wasn’t right or offer guidance when needed. His sense of humor also made him very popular with viewers.
Sadly, Cody was written out of Step by Step after its fifh season due to legal problems surrounding actor Patrick Duffy’s 1995 arrest on accusations of domestic violence by his first wife Jeannette Robbins. In 1996, Mitchell was convicted of beating his wife resulting in the removal of Cody from the series. Flash (played by Eddie Cibrian) replaced him for one season before being replaced with Jean-Luc Rieupeyroux (Bronson Pinchot).
Although we may never see Cody Lambert again on our screens, this beloved character will not be forgotten anytime soon! He left an indelible mark on viewers who still fondly remember him as the wise and loving father figure from this iconic sitcom.
What Happened to Cody on Step by Step?
Cody was written out of the show Step by Step after the show’s fifth season due to legal issues related to actor Sasha Mitchell, who played Cody. In 1995, Mitchell was arrested on accusations of domestic violence by his first wife Jeannette Robbins. The following year, he was found guilty of beating his wife and subsequently fired from the show. Cody’s character was never seen again after that point, although the show continued without him for two more seasons until its cancellation in 1998.
Replacement of Cody on ‘Step by Step’
In the sixth season of the television show Step by Step, Flash was replaced by Jean-Luc Rieupeyroux, played by Bronson Pinchot. Flash had been written in as a replacement for Cody, who was portrayed by Sasha Mitchell. Jean-Luc was introduced as Carol’s business partner and beautician. He brought an enthusiasm and enthusiasm to his job that often resulted in comedic moments. His relationship with Carol was often strained due to their differing personalities and their differing approaches to running a business.
The Cancellation of ‘Step by Step’
Step by Step was canceled due to declining ratings. By 1997, viewership had dropped significantly from the show’s peak in its first two seasons, when it aired on Friday nights and was aong the top 20 shows in the US. The show moved to Saturday nights for its fifth season and failed to attract a significant audience. ABC then delayed the show’s sixth season to mid-season, but this failed to boost ratings enough for the network to keep it on the air. Ultimately, Step by Step was unable to maintain a consistent audience and ABC decided to cancel the show after six seasons.
Cody’s Fight in ‘Step by Step’
In the Step by Step episode “Just for Kicks” (Season 2, Episode 14), Cody Lambert (played by Sasha Mitchell) engages in a physical altercation with a bully at school. After being pushed around by the bully and getting in an argument, Cody is provoked into fighting him. The fight is broken up when Frank Lambert (played by Patrick Duffy) intervenes and brings Cody home, where he gives him an emotional lecture about solving his problems responsibly. This episode aired on January 18, 1991 and marked the first time Cody was seen fighting onscreen.
Conclusion
Cody Lambert was a beloved character on the ABC sitcom “Step By Step”. He was portrayed by actor Sasha Mitchell from 1991 to 1995. After legal issues stemming from Mitchell’s 1995 arrest for domestic violence, he was written out of the show in its fifth season and replaced by character Flash. Unfortunately for fans of the show, ABC canceled “Step By Step” in 1997 after six seasons due to declining ratings. Cody Lambert remains an iconic part of the show’s history, and will be remembered fondly by fans of the series.
