tayback's most famous role was diner owner mel sharples in both the film "alice doesn't live here anymore" (1974) and the television series "alice" (1976–1985). although alfred lutter reprised his role as alice's son tommy in the pilot episode of the television series (he was replaced by philip mckeon when the series began), vic tayback was the only actor in the original film to reprise his role for the rest of the series. tayback received one primetime emmy award nomination in 1978 and three golden globe award nominations (winning two) from 1980 to 1982 for the role.