Randy Pearson

Infobox character


color = purple
name = Randy Pearson
first = ""
last = "That '70s Finale"
nickname = Ms Lady Lovely Locks, Poofy Hair
alias =
gender = Male
age = 19
born =
death =
occupation = Record shop clerk
title =
callsign =
family =
spouse =
children =
relatives =
residence = Point Place, WI

Randy Pearson is a fictional character introduced during the eighth and final season of "That '70s Show." He was played by Josh Meyers.

Randy represented the turning point from the mindset of the 1970s to the mindset of the 1980s (enjoying music by Journey), still laid back but developing distinctive yuppie mannerisms and critical of the Jimmy Carter administration. He is hired by Steven Hyde to help run the record store, and also becomes a love interest for Donna Pinciotti (Laura Prepon).

Character creation

The Randy character was introduced primarily as a replacement for Eric Forman, as the actor who played him, Topher Grace, chose to leave the series after the seventh season. Randy tested poorly with audiences and was generally not accepted by the show's fans, and was eventually given a smaller role in the series. Notably, Randy barely played a role in the finale, as he has two lines and is the only regular cast member of the season not to appear in the New Year's Eve party scene.

Personality

Randy appears as a laid back, gentle and polite young man, old-fashioned when to comes to women, good with tools (as when he helps Red to build a sewing table for Kitty), and full of ideas (such as telling clients in the record store that Leo is one of the Allman Brothers to boost sales). As the season progresses, however, some of his flaws resurface, he reveals he dated a lot of women before Donna, and is a bit effeminate (whenever he displays knowledge of hair caring products or "Vogue" articles, he says he has a sister, only to finally admit he has not).

Randy is also into music, managing bands and being a part of one. He has a drum kit at his apartment, but doesn't use it.

The main source of others' jokes about him is his long poofy hair, which he sometimes emphasize by allowing them call him girl's names and making comparisons between his hair and hair of female stars. He also jokes with Donna about them being a couple with him behaving girly and her behaving manly.

Randy also often mentions his grandmothers. One of them used to put money in his piggy bank when he was a child before her death, leading him to be disappointed about the amount of money once he breaks it. The other one has polio and is in a wheelchair. He never mentions his parents except for the time he said they were divorced.

Interactions with the others

The first people Randy comes in touch with are Hyde, Kelso and Leo, joining their "circle". He is liked by most of the gang. Fez hates him when he starts showing quite a luck at winning prizes hidden under Coke caps, then when he sits on his chair, but they eventually get along. When Kitty sees him kissing Donna in Eric's room, she becomes angry at both Randy and Donna. Kitty and Donna end up by explaining themselves and reconcile, but she didn't speak with Randy again after that. Red comes to like Randy after he helps him build a sewing table. When Donna breaks up with Randy, Bob shows affection for Randy as well, expressing hope they'll get back together.

Relationship with Donna

Randy dated Donna for about half of the final season. At first, they insist they are "just friends," but Fez and Jackie get suspicious that Donna is cheating on Eric. It turns out Eric had broken up with Donna (offscreen), and Randy was being the rebound person. Donna becomes irritated that Randy is a "man slut" (he has apparently dated a lot of women). When Bob Pinciotti announces he is selling the house, Randy offers to let Donna live with him. At first she agrees, but later realizes moving in would potentially ruin her future plans, and breaks up with him. Apparently, Eric and Randy have never met: Randy comes around after Eric leaves for Africa, and is not around when Eric returns.----