 While loosely based on the Burglar novels by  Lawrence Block (II) (qv), two of the principal characters  underwent major changes: Bernard "Bernie" Rhodenbarr, a white male  bookstore owner/burglar, became Bernice "Bernie" Rhodenbarr as  played by Whoopi Goldberg (qv); lesbian dog groomer Carolyn  Kaiser, Bernies best friend, became gay dog groomer Carl Heller and  was portrayed by Bob Goldthwait (qv).