Eric Allan Kramer, known for his role as Bob Duncan, the goofy and overweight father on Disney's hit show "Good Luck Charlie," underwent a significant transformation. This article explores Kramer's weight loss journey, its impact on his character, and the changes it brought to the show.
The Goofy Dad on "Good Luck Charlie"
Eric Allan Kramer, a University of Alberta drama alum, was cast as Bob Duncan, the hapless father in "Good Luck Charlie." Kramer's character, Bob Duncan, a pest control owner for Bob's Bugs Be Gone, was often the subject of comedic jokes due to his size. The sight of the 6-foot-4, 260-pound actor next to Bridgit Mendler, who played his teen daughter Teddy, was a reliable source of laughter.
The Wake-Up Call
During the filming of the third season, Kramer realized he had gained a lot of weight and his knees were suffering. He attributed this to being a single dad with a full-time show, which led him to neglect his own well-being. "At the start of the season, I was limping around with knee problems and felt really old and weak. When I looked at myself on the show, I didn't recognize myself. I actually said, 'Who is that guest star?' and that's when I said, 'Holy crap! Time to get back to the gym.'"
Back to the Gym and Healthy Eating
In January, Kramer started going back to the gym and watching his diet. He began visiting the gym four times a week, combining weight training and cardio. He also modified his diet, opting for smaller, lighter meals throughout the day instead of an "anything goes" approach.
The Transformation and its Impact on the Show
Kramer's transformation was gradual but noticeable. By the end of the filming season, he had lost 35 pounds. This change forced the writers to address his weight loss in the show. "The writers started coming up to me, saying, 'Hey what's going on? We wanted to write a joke about your physique and now we can't,'" Kramer said laughingly.
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His body was so different that writers were forced to explain his weight loss on the show. The final shows were just taped and the Season 3 finale airs Aug 26. "It was too noticeable to ignore," he says. Rest assured, the comedian is still playing Bob Duncan as funny. "We'll be explaining the change in the end cliffhanger. Bob tries to look younger by staying fit and dressing like a teenager, much to the dismay of the family (except for Gabe who calls Bob's new look "a comedic goldmine").
Bob Duncan's Character Evolution
Bob Duncan is the patriarch of the Duncan family, husband to Amy Duncan, and father to PJ, Teddy, Gabe, Charlie, and Toby. He owns a pest control company, Bob's Bugs Be Gone, and has been ordained a minister online. As the series progresses, Bob's relationships with his children evolve. He is stricter with Teddy, recognizing her potential, and has a rocky relationship with Gabe, who teases him. Bob cares for Charlie and shares a good relationship with Toby.
Other facets of Bob Duncan
Bob used to be part of a band called the Bob Duncan Experience before he was kicked out. Bob has always been a considerably tall man throughout the show. It was just hard to tell because of his overweight appearance in Season 1 and 2. He is 6'2 and bald. He can look intimidating because of his imposing height and his muscular appearance. Amy and Bob Duncan are both a couple. They married in June 1991; Bob was 20 and Amy was 18. They love each other just as any other couple does. Amy also trusts Bob in taking care of the baby, Charlie, when she is away or goes to the hospital. However, it is revealed that they are not really married ("Snow Show, Part Two"). So, they had to marry again in January 2011.
Episodes Featuring Bob's Weight Loss
Several episodes of "Good Luck Charlie" reference Bob's weight loss. In one episode, Bob tries to look younger by staying fit and dressing like a teenager. Another episode features Bob showing Vern how to stay in shape with Bob's workout routine. Additionally, there's a mention of Bob being inspired to lose weight after taking Toby to the park.
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