The Chuck Cunningham Syndrome is a term for when a character in a television show or book disappears and is never mentioned again. The name comes from Chuck, Richie Cunningham's older brother on Happy Days. Can be a major cast change, as a major actor/ actress leaves the show, and is not referred to again. Most often, it occurs when a minor character is no longer deemed necessary to the television show's plot, and the actor/ actress playing the character is sacked. Examples * John Burns on Taxi * Larry Mondello on Leave it to Beaver * Kate Bradley on Petticoat Junction * Chuck Cunningham on Happy Days * Doofus on DuckTales * Judy Winslow on Family Matters * Seven on Married... with Children