What happens when you’re too hunky for network television? It might seem like a champagne problem, but for Lyle Waggoner, it was an issue that affected the early stages of his career.

During an interview with The Palm Beach Post, the actor confessed that his good looks and lack of experience seemed to be a deadly combination for many casting agents.

“My kind of face only says one thing to most producers: leading man,” said the actor. “But who’s going to cast a newcomer in a leading role?” Waggoner was eventually able to find a home on The Carol Burnett Show, where he remained for seven years. But although Waggoner was conventionally attractive, he wasn’t willing to coast by on good looks alone. He used his time on the series as a learning opportunity, treating the variety series as a masterclass in comedy.

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“Let’s face it, if you spend long enough working at something, you’re bound to learn to do it well. I feel very confident about my work now - feel I know what it’s about.”

Waggoner’s hard work paid off well and by the time he left the series in 1974, the actor was a household name.

“It took five years to get to this point,” said Waggoner. “I tend to blame it on the fact that I’ve been tied to the series during regular production seasons and unavailable for other work. Actually, I’m sure the truth is that it’s just taken five years to catch the attention of the industry.”