 His Li'l Abner role brought him a guest appearance on NBC's "The Ford Show" (starring Tennessee Ernie Ford).He later appeared in the original Broadway production of "The Unsinkable Molly Brown", performing the role of Johnny at matinees.In 1967, Palmer had a recurring role as Sergeant James Bustard, a former Confederate States of America soldier, in the short-lived ABC military-western series "Custer".