Historic 1983 Alex Karras ABC Variety Contract Archive

This museum-grade, fully executed Standard AFTRA Engagement Contract—dated July 13, 1983—stands as an exceptional artifact of modern television and sports history. Personally hand-signed on the principal talent validation line by NFL All-Pro defensive tackle and acclaimed Hollywood character actor Alex Karras, this legal instrument formalizes his appearance on ABC’s high-stakes seasonal promotional event, the Love Boat Fall Preview Special.

Executed exactly as Karras transitioned into prime-time stardom as the beloved patriarch George Papadapolis on the hit sitcom Webster (1983–1989), this document captures the monumental real-world business mechanics backing one of the premier sports-entertainment crossover icons of the late twentieth century.

Production Specifications & Corporate Loan-Out Covenants

The multi-page contract outlines a sophisticated broadcasting framework managed by the American Broadcasting Company Television Network in Hollywood:

• The Performance Parameters: Secure Karras to portray himself (logged under "Part(s) to be Played: self") for a guaranteed one-day term, with a scheduled final performance day of July 23, 1983.

• Corporate Loan-Out Structure: Routes his performance tracks, network liabilities, and financial disbursements through his personal production vehicle, Georgian Bay Productions, Inc.

• Union Wage Scales & Perks: Maps out the exact baseline regulatory values required by the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA), locking in a compensation rate of $460.00 plus 10%. Highlighting his elite industry standing, a customized corporate rider states, "ABC will provide limousine transportation to and from the taping."

Autograph Pedigree & Archival Condition

• Pristine Signature Specimen: Positioned flawlessly across the primary "Performer" line, the Blazing Saddles and Victor/Victoria star hand-penned an absolute exhibition-quality legal signature: "Alex G. Karras". Written in fluid ink, his script captures his distinct cursive calligraphy, featuring an elegant capital "A" and a towering capital "K," guided by a studio coordinator's red wax pencil mark.

• Network Execution: The contract is counter-signed on behalf of ABC by business affairs executive Danli Hutsller.

• Condition: Preserved in magnificent condition for over forty years, the two-panel contract sheets retain uniform typography, original double-punch binding patterns, and an "Executed Original" office stamp.

For strict compliance with modern data privacy metrics, sensitive personal telephone numbers and Social Security tracking fields have been cleanly blacked out. This rare archive represents the absolute zenith of premium sports and Hollywood heritage collecting.