TV & VIDEO - Dec. 21, 1989

Ill Rollins Takes Time Off From Series: Howard Rollins, co-star of the NBC series “In the Heat of the Night,” has taken time off because of illness. Carroll O’Connor, the show’s executive producer and star, denying a National Enquirer report that claimed he had fired Rollins, said that Rollins entered a hospital several weeks ago after having chest pains. Although the tests showed he had no coronary problems, the actor decided to take some time off, he said. “We are all expecting him to return to work in the near future as soon as he is able to physically withstand our very strenuous work schedule,” said O’Connor, calling Rollins a “vital part of the series.” O’Connor said he will take legal action against the Enquirer, calling its story “totally unfounded and deliberately false.” The show, which is filmed on location in Georgia, will rely on guest appearances by other actors while Rollins recuperates.