11 Things You Might Not Know About ‘CHiPs’

We all remember watching CHiPs when we were younger. It first came onto our screens back in 1977 and starred Erik Estrada and Larry Wilcox. Sadly, this show finished in 1983.

So, here are some fun things that you probably didn’t know about this incredible show that blessed our screens in the late 70s and early 80s. And let’s first get in the mood with the iconic intro:

1. Larry Wilcox and Erik Estrada didn’t actually get along

When it came down to filming for CHiPs it was reported that the pair really didn’t get along at all. This was one of the main reasons that Wilcox decided that he would quit the series.

Equally, Estrada wasn’t that happy with working with Tom Reilly either who was Wilcox’s replacement after he left.

2. In the October of 1981 two real-life California Highway Patrolmen were injured when they were on duty and the cast took time out from filming the show to donate blood

They decided that they would go out of their way to donate blood to the two officers that were on duty at the time.

Sadly, only one of the officers survived.

3. On the belt, which is part of every officer’s uniform, the policemen wear a rectangular pouch

This isn’t actually part of the uniform, which is the Sam Brown (holster) belt, and this rectangular pouch was there to help hold the wireless microphones that the actors wore!

4. The character of Jon Baker was named after the nephew of Rick Rosner, the show’s creator

The young boy actually appeared on the show at one point too!

He made an appearance in the very first episode when he was stopped by Ponch and Jon because he was riding his bike on the highway.

5. Various images of the cars that were used in CHiPs were real California Highway Patrol cruises that were bought at an auction

These cars were actually bought at an auction for the show.

This meant that the show were about 4/5 years behind with their version of the car, but this was the only way to get some for the show!

6. Whilst filming, Erik Estrada suffered a very serious motorcycle accident

This was dangerous and meant he had a long road to recovery.

When he was feeling like he could, he began shooting some scenes from his hospital bed.

7. Erik Estrada went above and beyond for his role and actually went through training to see what it was like to be an officer

He decided that he would go through CHP training at CHP Academy to see what it was really like to be a CHP officer.

8. Jon and Ponch never used the weapons during the whole series

But, Baricza had to after he got beat up fighting some car strippers.

There is no explanation discussing.

9. Gwynne Gilford, who played the role of Sgt Getraer’s wife Betty, was actually the real wife of Robert Pine

This was a recurring role and she played Betty who was Getraer’s wife!

10. Before Randi Oakes landed a recurring role in this show, she had a one-off appearance in an episode in the second season

She initially starred as a car thief in a one-off episode that appeared in the second season.

The following season she was offered a recurring role and joined the cast as Bonnie Clark.

11. In real life, CHP motorcycle officers don’t actually ride in pairs

The first two seasons the fact the pair rode together was because Ponch was on probation, which meant that Jon was his mentor.

However, following this the viewers were just too used to seeing them as a pair together. So, they decided to keep them as a duo for the entire run of the show!

Take at the cast THEN and NOW for CHiPs:

For more of these throwback videos, check out our YouTube Channel!

Related:

11 Worst TV Shows From The Past

Can You Match These Weddings To Their TV Shows?