Regular Cast Members as Guest Stars

What did you guys think of this? I always wondered why regular cast members were billed as guest stars for episodes where their characters were a major force in the storyline. Was this normal for a lot of shows back then? Did it have something to do with SAG? The problem I had with it was that it wasn’t consistent. For instance why didn’t Matthew Laborteaux receive guest star billing for “Sylvia” or “May We Make Them Proud” when he played such important parts in those episodes? I can think of several episodes in Season 5 where I would have given guest star billing to regular cast members. And I definitely think Kevin Hagen deserved it for “A Child With No Name” in Season 9. I always found the “fake guest star” practice weird, but they could have at last been consistent with it.

I always thought that was used when a "regular" wasn't on much anymore then came back for a "guest" apperance.
I was recently watching the Waltons and along season 6 Ellen Corby who played Grandma Walton really had a stroke so she wasn't on their for most of that season. Then about season 7 she came back as a "guest".

Maybe I'm wrong on this, but just thought that was how it worked. ??

Gin wrote:

I always thought that was used when a "regular" wasn't on much anymore then came back for a "guest" apperance.
I was recently watching the Waltons and along season 6 Ellen Corby who played Grandma Walton really had a stroke so she wasn't on their for most of that season. Then about season 7 she came back as a "guest".

Maybe I'm wrong on this, but just thought that was how it worked. ??

Well that’s how it works normally when people who used to be part of the regular cast come back for a guest shot, and that makes sense. What I don’t get is when someone who is still a part of the regular cast get billed as a “guest star” for an episode simply because that week’s episode just happens to focus on their character.

Okay...I guess I hadn't noticed that....now I'll have to be looking for that too! LOL
Good Question......DEAN! Where is that man when you need him??? I bet he could answer that. Good luck.