Donny Osmond took April Fool’s Day to a whole new level with a ’70s throwback video that left fans laughing and cringing.
The “Masked Singer” star took his prank all the way back to 1976 for the very first episode of the “Donny and Marie Show.” This would be the first of many gags he would play on the audience and his sister, throughout the series’ run.
Donny Osmond’s First ‘Donny & Marie Show’ Prank Left Viewers Horrified
To celebrate April Fool’s Day, Donny Osmond took to Instagram to share the very first televised prank he pulled on the audience, and his sister Marie Osmond. The moment was seen during the first episode of the “Donny & Marie Show” on January 23, 1976.
The post was titled, “It’s not easy working with a dummy.” The entertainer captioned the video by explaining the prank, and its results.
“It’s April Fool’s Day, so I couldn’t resist taking you back to the very first episode of ‘Donny & Marie’ with my opening prank on the show. That may have been the first time Marie let everyone know who the real ‘dummy’ was, but trust me, it wasn’t the last,” Osmond quipped.
At the beginning of every episode, the brother and sister act opened the show by singing and introducing their guest stars. Then, they left the stage to introduce the ice dancers, who kept the audience entertained while the Osmond’s laced up their own skates.
In the clip, Donny entered the rink with what looked like his sister atop his shoulder. He dropped her onto the ice, as he scurried to his feet.
“That was a great way to start the show,” Marie said in the clip. “They introduce both of us and you come out with a dummy.”
He responded, “I only did it to protect you. That was a very dangerous skating trick. It’s not easy working with a dummy.” Marie just looked at her brother and smiled, prompting a big audience response.
Fans Reacted to Donny Osmond’s Fun, Throwback Clip
In the comments section of Donny Osmond’s Instagram post, fans shared their remarks about the all-in-good-fun clip. It reflected a simpler time in television history, when silly gags were commonplace.
One Instagram fan claimed, “That scared me when I was a little kid.” A second posted, “Happy April Fools’ Day! I remember that episode well. It was very funny. Love reminiscing the good times when you post all these great moments. Poor Marie lol.”
“I loved their show, what I wouldn’t give to go back to these days of good wholesome family entertainment!!! They also had amazing celebrities on their show,” recalled a third follower.
“Happy April fools day!!!! I love this. So cute and funny. You were such a good sport,” declared a fourth fan.
The “Donny & Marie Show” aired for four seasons on the ABC network, from January 1976 through May 1979.
