Still Here Hollywood

Emmy and Golden Globe winner Michael Chiklis joins Steve Kmetko for a remarkably candid conversation about The Shield, Fantastic Four, The Commish, Hollywood, artificial intelligence, reinvention, family, failure, and the future of the entertainment business.

Chiklis opens up about the dramatic changes he's witnessed in Hollywood and why he believes the industry has contracted far more than many people realize. He discusses his concerns about AI, actors losing control of their own likenesses, and what happens when technology companies become some of Hollywood's most powerful players.

Michael also reveals how his wife helped convince him to completely reinvent himself after The Commish, how he developed Vic Mackey for The Shield, and why he still proudly defends his Fantastic Four movies and his portrayal of Ben Grimm, The Thing.

Away from Hollywood, Chiklis gets emotional talking about finally visiting Greece, becoming a grandfather, his family, and what he's learned about failure after decades in show business.

And then there's Elton John.

Michael tells an extraordinary story about randomly encountering Elton John in a Boston Versace store, discovering Elton was a fan of The Commish, and ultimately watching Elton change his concert for Michael's wife and perform "Candle in the Wind" especially for her.

It's Michael Chiklis, candid, funny, thoughtful, occasionally profane, and completely unfiltered.

This is Still Here Hollywood with Steve Kmetko.

 

00:00 Michael Chiklis Joins Still Here Hollywood
01:02 Growing Up in an Artistic Greek Family
04:32 The Moment Michael Knew He'd Be an Actor
07:01 Surviving Hollywood and a Changing Industry
09:00 Michael Sounds Off on AI and Owning Your Image
11:32 Tech Giants, Mergers and the Future of Hollywood
14:35 Why AI Worries Michael Chiklis
23:30 Finally Visiting Greece
27:17 "A Hard Guy With a Caramel Center"
28:03 Becoming a Grandfather
31:07 The Commish vs. The Shield
33:40 Creating Vic Mackey
39:26 How Michael Reinvented Himself
45:11 Fantastic Four and Becoming The Thing
48:13 Michael Chiklis, the Musician
53:42 Why Failure Is Necessary
55:21 What Makes Michael Happiest
58:15 The Incredible Elton John Story
1:06:45 What's Still Left on Michael's Bucket List
1:08:32 Why Michael Won't Talk Politics
1:09:12 Remembering Telly Savalas

Show Credits

Host/Producer: Steve Kmetko

All things technical: Justin Zangerle

Executive Producer: Jim Lichtenstein

Music by: Brian Sanyshyn

https://stillherehollywood.com

http://patreon.com/stillherehollywood

Suggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.com

Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.com

Publicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Richard Kind has seemingly worked with everyone, and he has the stories to prove it. The beloved character actor joins Steve Kmetko for a hilarious, candid conversation about his unlikely path from Second City to Mad About You, Spin City, Scrubs, Pixar and beyond. Richard remembers working alongside Michael J. Fox and Charlie Sheen, explains what Christopher Walken taught him simply by watching him act, talks about his experiences with Disney and Pixar, and reveals why he still considers himself an actor rather than a comedian.

And then there is George Clooney.

Kind shares a hilarious prank involving Clooney's Oscar, a TSA agent and a very heavy suitcase, before telling a far more revealing story about the man Clooney was before ER made him a superstar. During the Los Angeles riots, Kind planned to leave town with friends. Clooney had another idea.

It's funny, thoughtful, wonderfully unpredictable and very Richard Kind.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Richard Kind Is Still Here
01:17 The Character Actor Dining Society
03:40 George Clooney's Oscar Prank
06:13 Richard Kind's Second City Years
08:08 "The Harvard of Comedy"
09:19 Chasing the Dream of Acting
11:07 Did His Family Think He'd Make It?
13:20 Why Li'l Abner Should Come Back
14:12 Songs That Have Aged VERY Badly
16:17 Richard's First Television Job
18:38 Learning Television With Mary Tyler Moore
21:40 How Richard Met George Clooney
22:39 "I'm the Luckiest Guy in the World"
24:04 Richard Says He's NOT a Comedic Actor
27:02 Why He Prefers Single-Camera Acting
28:45 Remembering Linda Lavin and Tony Roberts
31:30 Spin City, Michael J. Fox and Charlie Sheen
32:59 What Actors Actually Do
37:20 The Torturous "Drive Home"
39:18 Mid-Century Modern and James Burrows
42:49 Why Fans Still Love Him on Scrubs
43:04 Richard Kind Calls Bill Lawrence a Genius
46:27 Recording Family Guy and American Dad
50:11 The Truth About Working for Disney
52:09 Richard Kind vs. Marvel Movies
57:40 What Richard Really Thinks of Amal Clooney
1:00:30 George Clooney Before He Was Famous
1:00:47 The Incredible LA Riots Story
1:03:46 Richard Says Goodbye

Show Credits

Host/Producer: Steve Kmetko

All things technical: Justin Zangerle

Executive Producer: Jim Lichtenstein

Music by: Brian Sanyshyn

https://stillherehollywood.com

http://patreon.com/stillherehollywood

Suggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.com

Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.com

Publicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Gail O’Grady became one of television’s most recognizable faces as Donna Abandando on the groundbreaking ABC drama NYPD Blue. In this encore episode of Still Here Hollywood, Gail joins Steve Kmetko for a candid conversation about the role that changed her career, why she decided to leave the hit series, and why she now wishes she had stayed longer.

Gail also remembers legendary producer Steven Bochco, reveals the unusual way she created Donna for her NYPD Blue audition, talks about working with Sharon Lawrence, and shares stories from Desperate Housewives, Law & Order: SVU, Boston Legal and more.

She opens up about becoming a mother in her 40s, moving back to Chicago to care for her father, the confidence she wishes she had when she was younger, and the advice she has passed along to her son.

Plus, Gail recalls getting actually slapped while filming Desperate Housewives, being starstruck by Henry Winkler during her first days in Hollywood, meeting one of her acting heroes, Anne Bancroft, and working on J.J. Abrams’ Duster.

 

00:00 Gail O’Grady on Still Here Hollywood
01:03 Success and Emmy Recognition on NYPD Blue
02:06 Why Gail O’Grady Left NYPD Blue
02:49 The Decision She Now Regrets
03:05 Remembering Steven Bochco
04:10 How Gail Landed NYPD Blue
06:18 Sharon Lawrence and the NYPD Blue Cast
07:03 Leaving Los Angeles
08:34 Advice for Young Actors
11:30 Becoming a Mother in Her 40s
12:56 Behind the Scenes of Desperate Housewives
14:39 Working on Law & Order: SVU
15:32 The Career Gail Might Have Chosen
16:14 Moving Home to Care for Her Father
17:20 Career Highs and Lows
18:56 How NYPD Blue Changed Everything
19:56 Meeting Anne Bancroft
21:13 Gail's Favorite Childhood Memories
22:17 Bad Habits and Belinda Carlisle
23:10 Advice for Her Son
24:18 Getting Robbed in Rome
25:22 Fame and Fan Encounters
27:31 Her Hilarious Henry Winkler Encounter
29:09 Near-Death Experiences
30:15 Her Favorite NYPD Blue Storyline
31:20 The Confidence She Wishes She Had
33:42 Her Father Became Her Scene Partner
34:48 Gail Talks About Duster

Show Credits

Host/Producer: Steve Kmetko

All things technical: Justin Zangerle

Executive Producer: Jim Lichtenstein

Music by: Brian Sanyshyn

https://stillherehollywood.com

http://patreon.com/stillherehollywood

Suggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.com

Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.com

Publicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From Raiders of the Lost Ark to Spider-Man 2, Boogie Nights, Frida and Broadway, Alfred Molina has built one of Hollywood's most extraordinary and versatile careers.

In this revealing conversation with Steve Kmetko, Molina looks back at making his movie debut for Steven Spielberg, and admits he was so inexperienced he didn't even understand the marks on the floor. He shares the story behind becoming Doctor Octopus, explains how Doc Ock's famous mechanical arms really worked, and reveals the nickname he and the puppeteers gave themselves.

Molina also takes us behind the scenes of Boogie Nights, including the line he improvised that Paul Thomas Anderson kept in the film, and talks about Salma Hayek's extraordinary fight to get Frida made with the cast she wanted.

Then the conversation gets personal. Molina discusses the times he considered giving up acting, being told he wasn't leading-man material, therapy, his unusual theory about what drives actors, his feelings about awards and the role he'd still love to play.

After five decades on stage and screen, Alfred Molina is very much still here.

 

00:00 Alfred Molina: Still Here Hollywood
01:01 His First Movie, Raiders of the Lost Ark
02:17 Alfred Molina Was Completely New to Filmmaking
04:52 Why Spielberg Told Him to Stop Watching Dailies
07:18 Why Raiders Changed Adventure Movies
08:43 Auditioning for Steven Spielberg
10:22 Learning From Hollywood's Greatest Directors
12:20 The One Director He Couldn't Understand
14:33 Regretting Not Paying Attention in School
15:08 Classical Acting Training at Guildhall
17:08 Did Classical Training Help in Hollywood?
19:01 Becoming Doctor Octopus
20:00 The Secrets Behind Doc Ock's Tentacles
23:10 The Movies Alfred Molina Loves
25:34 Why Young Fans Know Him as Doc Ock
27:04 Does He Take His Characters Home?
29:52 Why He Keeps Returning to the Stage
31:31 The Incredible Boogie Nights Firecracker Story
34:40 Actors, Directors and Happy Accidents
38:32 Film vs. Television vs. Theater
40:38 The Roles He Still Wants to Play
43:34 Playing Tevye and Diego Rivera
44:53 Salma Hayek's Fight to Make Frida
47:00 Alfred Molina Gets Candid About Awards
50:09 Why He Doesn't Really Watch the Oscars
51:24 The Best Acting Advice He Ever Received
53:18 He Thought About Quitting Acting, A Lot
55:42 Alfred Molina on Therapy
56:04 His "Genetic Flaw" Theory About Actors
58:00 The Role He Still Dreams About
59:59 The Career Moment He'd Love to Relive
1:02:06 Inside Hollywood's "CADS" Group
1:04:09 Why Their Friendships Matter

Show Credits

Host/Producer: Steve Kmetko

All things technical: Justin Zangerle

Executive Producer: Jim Lichtenstein

Music by: Brian Sanyshyn

https://stillherehollywood.com

http://patreon.com/stillherehollywood

Suggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.com

Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.com

Publicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jeff Kober has spent more than four decades disappearing into some of television’s most unforgettable characters, from China Beach and The Walking Dead to Sons of Anarchy, General Hospital and now The Pitt.

Today, Kober joins Steve Kmetko with something remarkable to celebrate, Emmy recognition for both The Pitt and General Hospital.

Kober reveals how a last-minute self-tape nearly went completely wrong before helping land him his role on The Pitt, what it is really like working opposite Noah Wyle, and why the acclaimed medical drama feels different from almost anything else he has done.

But this conversation goes far beyond Hollywood.

Kober opens up about the anxiety and darkness he experienced earlier in his life, the unusual path that led him from Montana to acting in Los Angeles, his relationship with his son, the transformative role meditation has played in his life, and why, after decades of pl

 

00:00 Jeff Kober Has Two Emmy Nominations
01:11 Joining The Pitt
02:09 What Noah Wyle Is Really Like
04:20 The Audition Disaster That Landed The Pitt
05:37 The Truth About Self-Tape Auditions
07:40 Why Jeff Initially Avoided Watching The Pitt
09:40 What Makes The Pitt Different
12:08 Why Jeff Connected With His Pitt Character
16:10 Does Jeff Kober Want to Win the Emmy?
18:12 How Jeff Kober Accidentally Became an Actor
19:40 Finding His Way Out of an Emotional Mess
23:53 China Beach and Dana Delany
25:14 The Walking Dead and Andrew Lincoln
26:30 Bringing Darkness Into the Light
29:51 General Hospital and the Brutal Pace of Daytime TV
33:40 The Most Fulfilling Role of His Career
35:30 What Jeff Kober Still Wants to Play
37:15 Life, Purpose and Finding Meaning
40:02 How Meditation Changed His Life
41:43 Is Jeff Happier Today?
42:40 Why Acting Gave His Darkness Value
44:44 The Fear He Finally Let Go
45:17 Why He Still Loves Walking Onto a Set
47:34 Was Jeff Kober a Good Father?
49:03 Would He Ever Revisit China Beach?
50:12 Jeff Kober Is Writing a Memoiraying dangerous and troubled men, he finally feels comfortable being himself.

Plus, memories of China Beach, Dana Delany, Andrew Lincoln and The Walking Dead, the brutal pace of General Hospital, and why The Pitt allowed Kober to let himself be seen in a way he never had before.

Show Credits

Host/Producer: Steve Kmetko

All things technical: Justin Zangerle

Executive Producer: Jim Lichtenstein

Music by: Brian Sanyshyn

https://stillherehollywood.com

http://patreon.com/stillherehollywood

Suggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.com

Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.com

Publicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Maria Conchita Alonso has lived one of Hollywood's most fascinating lives.

She joins Steve Kmetko to discuss escaping Cuba, growing up in Venezuela, becoming an international music star, starring alongside Robin Williams, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sean Penn, Danny Glover and Nicolas Cage, and why she sacrificed career opportunities to stand up for her beliefs.

She also reflects on aging, fame, animal rescue, Broadway, activism, and what truly matters most after four decades in entertainment.

 

00:00 Opening

00:37 Cuba, Venezuela and finding home

03:30 Lessons from her parents

06:47 Beauty pageants and Hollywood

10:08 Arriving in Hollywood

11:39 Robin Williams memories

15:29 Arnold Schwarzenegger and The Running Man

18:03 Venezuela today

20:55 Why activism changed her career

23:16 Her animal rescue foundation

27:09 Rescuing Cookie

29:49 Colors, Sean Penn and Danny Glover

35:42 Hollywood memories

38:47 Hollywood then vs. now

40:46 Social media and today's entertainment business

42:10 Acting vs. music

44:49 Her new album Caliéntame

47:50 Politics and career consequences

49:21 Aging and growing wiser

51:00 Regrets and forgiveness

53:02 Legacy and helping others

55:35 Closing

Show Credits

Host/Producer: Steve Kmetko

All things technical: Justin Zangerle

Executive Producer: Jim Lichtenstein

Music by: Brian Sanyshyn

https://stillherehollywood.com

http://patreon.com/stillherehollywood

Suggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.com

Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.com

Publicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Before Animal House became one of the greatest comedies ever made, Tim Matheson was already building one of the longest and most fascinating careers in Hollywood.

In this episode of Still Here Hollywood with Steve Kmetko, Tim shares unforgettable stories about John Belushi, Lucille Ball, Steven Spielberg, Henry Fonda, Ryan Reynolds, Mel Brooks, Anne Bancroft, Meghan Markle, Aaron Sorkin, Clint Eastwood and many more.

He reveals what Belushi was really like before fame changed everything, how Spielberg personally tracked him down in Las Vegas, the acting lessons he learned from Henry Fonda, directing Meghan Markle on Suits, working opposite Mel Brooks, starring in Animal House, The West Wing, Fletch, Van Wilder and Johnny Quest, and why he finally decided to write his memoir.

If you love classic Hollywood, behind-the-scenes stories and the golden age of film and television, this episode is packed with incredible moments.

Subscribe for new celebrity interviews every Monday.

 

00:00 Intro, Tim Matheson arrives

00:46 Knee replacement and getting older

01:46 Leave It to Beaver and becoming a child actor

04:02 Working with Steven Spielberg

07:18 The Hollywood legend who influenced him most, Lucille Ball

11:03 Henry Fonda's unforgettable acting lesson

13:48 John Belushi and making Animal House

16:50 Belushi's death and Hollywood's cocaine culture

20:30 Directing Meghan Markle on Suits

21:47 Why Tim finally wrote his memoir

24:11 Ivan Reitman, Animal House and comedy history

27:18 Growing up in broken home and finding Hollywood

36:33 Becoming Johnny Quest

41:22 The West Wing and Aaron Sorkin

44:29 Buying National Lampoon

46:52 Clint Eastwood's advice about aging

47:52 Ryan Reynolds before superstardom

50:32 Mel Brooks and Anne Bancroft stories

54:25 Final thoughts

Show Credits

Host/Producer: Steve Kmetko

All things technical: Justin Zangerle

Executive Producer: Jim Lichtenstein

Music by: Brian Sanyshyn

https://stillherehollywood.com

http://patreon.com/stillherehollywood

Suggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.com

Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.com

Publicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

https://www.wingsofrescue.org/

 

David Chokachi returns to Still Here Hollywood with Steve Kmetko for an inspiring conversation about purpose, perseverance and second chances.

The Baywatch star discusses returning to the franchise that made him famous, rescuing hundreds of dogs after the Los Angeles fires, working with Wings of Rescue, and why helping animals has become more rewarding than Hollywood itself.

He also shares behind-the-scenes stories from the new Baywatch series, explains how social media has changed casting, and reflects on aging, fitness and finding meaning beyond fame.

 

00:00 Preview

00:48 Why David Stayed During the LA Fires

03:34 Saving Hundreds of Rescue Dogs

08:32 Life Before Hollywood

10:03 Flying Rescue Missions Across America

15:21 The Heartbreaking Truth About Animal Shelters

18:03 Why Spaying and Neutering Matters

20:05 Celebrity Volunteers Saving Animals

25:13 Patreon

25:56 The Baywatch Reboot

29:55 Fighting His Way Back Onto Baywatch

33:24 When Baywatch Premieres

36:48 Returning Cast Members

39:45 Staying in Incredible Shape

42:21 What Happened to Cody Madison

46:58 Meeting His Wife

49:18 Social Media and Hollywood

52:10 Life Today

53:08 Pamela Anderson

53:31 What Aging Has Taught Him

57:30 Until Next Time

Show Credits

Host/Producer: Steve Kmetko

All things technical: Justin Zangerle

Executive Producer: Jim Lichtenstein

Music by: Brian Sanyshyn

https://stillherehollywood.com

http://patreon.com/stillherehollywood

Suggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.com

Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.com

Publicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

John O'Hurley became television history as the unforgettable J. Peterman on Seinfeld, but his remarkable career goes far beyond one iconic role.

He joins Steve Kmetko to reveal how he nearly turned down Seinfeld, explains the secret that made the show's comedy so brilliant, shares stories about Jerry Seinfeld and Julia Louis-Dreyfus, recalls the terrifying night he sang Sinatra to Frank Sinatra, and talks about Broadway, Family Feud, the National Dog Show, voice acting, and even becoming part owner of the real J. Peterman Company.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Intro

00:38 How John Almost Turned Down Seinfeld

04:24 The Voice That Built His Career

07:50 Animated Characters & Voice Acting

10:59 Working With Jerry Seinfeld

13:43 Julia Louis-Dreyfus Behind the Scenes

16:39 The National Dog Show

19:18 His Rescue Dogs

24:45 Becoming the Real J. Peterman

28:13 Broadway & One Man Show

30:08 Singing Sinatra...To Sinatra

35:38 Did Seinfeld Typecast Him?

38:02 Creating Jay Peterman

41:09 Family Feud Stories

43:38 Gray Hair & Chazz Palminteri

46:50 Closing

Show Credits

Host/Producer: Steve Kmetko

All things technical: Justin Zangerle

Executive Producer: Jim Lichtenstein

Music by: Brian Sanyshyn

https://stillherehollywood.com

http://patreon.com/stillherehollywood

Suggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.com

Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.com

Publicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Baywatch icon Erika Eleniak joins Steve Kmetko on Still Here, Hollywood for a raw, honest conversation about fame, body image, and reinvention. Before she became one of the most recognizable faces of 90s television as lifeguard Shauni McClain on Baywatch, Erika stole hearts as the babysitter in Steven Spielberg's E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. In this episode, she opens up about being personally cast by Spielberg at age 12, the real story behind that iconic E.T. kiss scene, and what it was actually like filming Baywatch's famous slow-motion beach runs in freezing January water.

Erika also gets candid about her Playboy pictorial and the career obstacles it created, her decision to walk away from Baywatch after just two seasons, working alongside Tommy Lee Jones and Gary Busey on Under Siege, her ongoing struggle with body image, and how becoming a single mother reshaped everything she thought she knew about resilience, fame, and what she wants next.

Whether you grew up watching Baywatch reruns or you're discovering Erika Eleniak's career for the first time, this episode is a candid, unfiltered look behind the red swimsuit and the Hollywood machine.

🔔 Subscribe to Still Here, Hollywood for more candid conversations with the stars who shaped pop culture. ❤️ Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/stillherehollywood

#ErikaEleniak #Baywatch #StillHereHollywood

Chapters

00:00 – Intro 00:47 – Saturday Plans With Her Daughter 01:13 – The Meaning Behind Her Tattoos 02:05 – Getting Cast in E.T. by Steven Spielberg 03:25 – Crying Over the Kiss Scene 04:22 – The Improvised E.T. Kiss 04:56 – Not Knowing What E.T. Was About 06:00 – Growing Up in the San Fernando Valley 06:41 – Landing Baywatch 07:49 – The Camaraderie on the Baywatch Set 08:13 – Freezing Cold Beach Shoots 09:41 – The Truth About the Slow-Mo Run 10:36 – Handling Sudden Fame 13:07 – Feeling Boxed In After Baywatch 13:56 – Filming Under Siege 15:38 – Why She Left Baywatch After Two Seasons 16:44 – Passing the Torch to Pamela Anderson 17:41 – Why Baywatch Became a Global Phenomenon 19:06 – Her Proudest Roles: Beverly Hillbillies & The Opponent 20:02 – The Toughest Stretch of Her Career 22:29 – How She Ended Up in Playboy 24:25 – Playboy's Professional Fallout 25:40 – Being Labeled a Sex Symbol 28:38 – Body Image and Eating Disorders 31:04 – Teaching Acting in Rehab 33:33 – What Life Looks Like Now 36:27 – The Spark That Started Her Acting Career 37:41 – Her Superpower: Resilience 39:30 – The One Thing She'd Change 41:47 – A Pep Talk for Hollywood 42:45 – The Day She'd Relive 43:24 – Her Wildest Fan Encounter 44:13 – Advice for Young Actresses 46:59 – Did She Keep the Red Swimsuit? 47:19 – Outro

Show Credits

Host/Producer: Steve Kmetko

All things technical: Justin Zangerle

Executive Producer: Jim Lichtenstein

Music by: Brian Sanyshyn

https://stillherehollywood.com

http://patreon.com/stillherehollywood

Suggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.com

Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.com

Publicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From Forrest Gump to The Last Rodeo, actor, director, and musician Michael Tyrone "T" Williamson sits down with Steve Kmetko on Still Here Hollywood for a raw, soulful conversation about the role that changed his life. In this episode, T shares the real story behind landing the role of Bubba Blue opposite Tom Hanks, how he improvised some of the film's most iconic lines, the surprising reason he's never eaten at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., and what it's really like working alongside Denzel Washington, Angela Bassett, Al Pacino, and Gary Sinise. He also opens up about his new Angel Studios film The Last Rodeo, his upcoming role in Dark Matter, his philosophy on faith, family, and staying true to yourself in Hollywood, and heartfelt stories about his daughters, his mother, and the journey from South Los Angeles to the big screen.

👍 Like, subscribe, and comment your favorite moment below!
🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts and everywhere you get your podcasts.
💛 Support the show: patreon.com/StillHereHollywood

#MichaelTWilliamson #ForrestGump #BubbaGump #TomHanks #StillHereHollywood #HollywoodInterview #TheLastRodeo #DenzelWashington

 

YouTube Chapters

 

00:00 Intro: Bubba From Forrest Gump Joins the Show 01:08 Why You Can Call Him "T" 01:42 The Real Reason He's Never Eaten at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. 04:05 Girlfriend the 1953 Chevy & Staying Grounded in Hollywood 06:00 The Forrest Gump Audition Story: No Callback to Landing the Role 10:18 Tom Hanks Kicking Him Under the Table 10:55 Meeting Tom & Rita Wilson at the Deauville Film Festival 13:25 What He Brought to Bubba That Wasn't on the Page 14:48 The Gary Sinise Line That Was Total Improv 15:33 Sally Field, Rehearsals & the Two Journeys of Every Character 16:44 Announcing New Film "The Last Rodeo" With Neil McDonough 18:27 Why Hollywood Should "Chase Hearts, Not Numbers" 19:30 Is He Happy? Life Philosophy & Southern Family Values 20:07 Getting Typecast After Forrest Gump 22:33 Actors He Admires & His Character Workshop for Students 27:08 How He Got Into Directing: Mentors Mike Jones & Miguel Velejas 30:08 Favorite Costars: Denzel Washington, Angela Bassett, Al Pacino 31:45 Denzel Washington's Kindness & Interviewing Him Over the Years 32:03 The John David & Olivia Washington Story 34:41 Malcolm Washington's Directorial Debut, "The Piano Lesson" 35:34 Oscar Voting Rule Changes & Academy Membership Shift 36:35 The Last Rodeo Plot Explained: Bull Riders, Family & Redemption 39:59 What He Does for Fun & His Three Daughters 41:14 Why He Calls His Daughter "Coconut" 42:00 An Underrated Role: Truth or Consequences, New Mexico 43:21 Most Creatively Fulfilling Part of the Job 44:16 Backstage Truth About Tom Hanks and Gary Sinise 45:47 Upcoming Role in "Dark Matter" on Streaming 47:46 The Meaning Behind His Beaded Necklace 48:56 Training for Forrest Gump: Military Boot Camp With Dale Dye 50:25 The Funny Stunt Double Story That Kept Him in Shape 51:36 His Daily Workout & Recovery Routine 53:36 The Real Story Behind the Iconic Shrimp Monologue 59:07 How He Reworked the Script to Add Humanity 1:00:14 Marlon Brando Comparison & Working With Michael Mann/Jerry Bruckheimer on Heat and Con Air 1:01:34 Growing Up in South Los Angeles as an Air Force Kid 1:02:16 Why His Family Fled the South & Changed Their Name 1:03:49 Closing Thoughts & Where to Find More

Show Credits

Host/Producer: Steve Kmetko

All things technical: Justin Zangerle

Executive Producer: Jim Lichtenstein

Music by: Brian Sanyshyn

https://stillherehollywood.com

http://patreon.com/stillherehollywood

Suggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.com

Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.com

Publicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Heather Thomas became one of television's biggest stars as Jody Banks on The Fall Guy alongside Lee Majors. During the height of her fame, her posters covered bedroom walls around the world and she became one of the defining television icons of the 1980s.

But behind the scenes, fame came with a darker side.

In this candid conversation with Steve Kmetko, Heather opens up about the terrifying stalking incidents that ultimately pushed her away from Hollywood, her battle with substance abuse, working with Lee Majors, life as an 80s sex symbol, raising a family, activism, writing, and finding happiness beyond fame.

From The Fall Guy to the recent movie reboot, Heather shares stories and perspectives you've probably never heard before.

#HeatherThomas #TheFallGuy #LeeMajors #StillHereHollywood #SteveKmetko #ClassicTV #EightiesTV #HollywoodStories #TVLegends #JodyBanks

Chapter Markers

00:00 Intro
00:36 How Heather Thomas Got Started In Television
01:48 Landing The Fall Guy
03:37 UCLA And Breaking Into Hollywood
05:24 Why Heather Walked Away From Fame
06:18 The Terrifying Reality Of Stalkers
08:16 Raising Chickens And Family Life
10:06 Being Typecast As A Sex Symbol
11:48 Activism And Charity Work
12:29 Keeping In Touch With Lee Majors
12:50 Writing Novels And Screenplays
16:09 Doing Her Own Stunts
16:26 Substance Abuse And Rehab
17:32 Becoming An 80s Sex Symbol
19:03 Being Sexualized In Hollywood
20:00 How Hollywood Has Changed For Women
23:47 Why She Became An Activist
25:31 Working With Ted Lange
26:19 Advice For Today's Stars
27:20 The Fall Guy Movie Cameo
27:58 Her Romantic Paris Wedding
30:25 Did Her Looks Hurt Her Career?
31:20 Family, Grandchildren And Life Today
33:21 Finding Happiness

Show Credits

Host/Producer: Steve Kmetko

All things technical: Justin Zangerle

Executive Producer: Jim Lichtenstein

Music by: Brian Sanyshyn

https://stillherehollywood.com

http://patreon.com/stillherehollywood

Suggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.com

Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.com

Publicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Before becoming Cliff Clavin on Cheers, John Ratzenberger spent years traveling the world, building houses, performing improvised comedy across Europe, and chasing adventure wherever it led.

In this encore episode, John shares the remarkable story behind his famous Cheers audition, his friendships with Hollywood legends, his long-running relationship with Pixar, and why he believes young people should learn practical skills before pursuing fame.

It's a funny, thoughtful conversation filled with stories only John Ratzenberger could tell.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
00:52 A Lifetime of Travel and Adventure
04:26 Landing the Role of Cliff Clavin
06:28 Leaving Carpentry for England
07:21 Building an Improv Career in Europe
10:02 Learning to Act Without Training
12:53 Star Wars and Early Film Roles
14:27 Why Building Things Matters
16:48 First Impressions of Los Angeles
19:19 Being Recognized in Public
20:24 The Early Struggles of Cheers
22:56 Working with Hollywood Legends
24:12 Remembering Frances Sternhagen
28:07 The Famous Cheers Audition Story
35:39 Memories of Kirstie Alley
37:43 Inventing and Building Products
41:58 The Importance of Trade Skills
45:05 Advice for Young Actors
47:11 His Son's First Fish, A Shark
48:39 Family, Career and Success
50:18 Dancing With The Stars Challenge
53:34 Toy Story 5 and What's Next
57:38 His Hollywood Heroes
01:03:12 Faking a Foreign Language at an Audition
01:04:51 Leaving Cheers for the Last Time
01:06:05 Advice for Surviving Hollywood
01:08:42 A Frightening Fan Encounter
01:11:08 Final Thoughts

Show Credits

Host/Producer: Steve Kmetko

All things technical: Justin Zangerle

Executive Producer: Jim Lichtenstein

Music by: Brian Sanyshyn

https://stillherehollywood.com

http://patreon.com/stillherehollywood

Suggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.com

Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.com

Publicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Kristanna Loken became a global star when she landed the role of the T-X in Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines, but her story began far from Hollywood on an apple farm in upstate New York.

In this episode of Still Here Hollywood, Kristanna joins Steve Kmetko to discuss her unforgettable experience working alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger, the intense physical transformation required for Terminator 3, and how the blockbuster changed her life forever.

She also opens up about growing up with actor and model parents, her journey from modeling to acting, coming out publicly as bisexual, raising her son away from screens, her concerns about AI in Hollywood, and why authenticity matters more now than ever.

Plus, Kristanna shares behind-the-scenes stories from Terminator 3, her friendship with Robert Patrick, advice from Arnold Schwarzenegger, and the surprising reason she still feels her best work is ahead of her.Chapters

00:00 Introduction

00:38 Cubs Fan Origins

01:52 Growing Up on an Apple Farm

03:30 Modeling Misconceptions

04:04 First Acting Jobs

05:21 Landing Terminator 3

07:30 Training for the T-X

08:46 Working with Arnold Schwarzenegger

09:09 Arnold's Prediction for Her Career

10:45 How Fame Changed Her Life

12:06 Coming Out as Bisexual

16:49 What Terminator Means Today

18:11 Creating the T-X Character

19:51 AI and Hollywood

22:07 Female Action Stars Then vs. Now

23:40 Hollywood's Authenticity Problem

25:51 Raising Her Son Thor

29:00 A Screen-Free Household

31:04 Sci-Fi Fans and Comic Cons

31:39 Life on Love Apple Farm

34:22 Aging, Authenticity and Growth

36:31 Lessons Learned From Failure

38:04 Advice From Ben Kingsley and Bruce Dern

41:03 Why She Never Walked Away From Acting

42:33 Why Her Best Work Is Still Ahead

46:10 Women She Admires

50:12 The Role She Wanted But Didn't Get

52:01 What Kristanna Does For Fun

54:02 Closing Thoughts

Show Credits

Host/Producer: Steve Kmetko

All things technical: Justin Zangerle

Executive Producer: Jim Lichtenstein

Music by: Brian Sanyshyn

https://stillherehollywood.com

http://patreon.com/stillherehollywood

Suggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.com

Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.com

Publicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Kent McCord became a television icon as Officer Jim Reed on Adam-12, one of the most influential police dramas in television history. But long before Adam-12, Kent's life was already taking remarkable turns.

In this episode of Still Here Hollywood, Kent shares never-before-heard stories about working with Jack Webb, the realism behind Adam-12, how the series became a training tool for police departments across America, and the surprising impact the show had on law enforcement.

Kent also recalls his friendship with Rick Nelson, an unforgettable football game between teams organized by Rick Nelson and Elvis Presley, working on Elvis movies, being publicly recognized by Elvis in Las Vegas, and the heartbreaking days surrounding the deaths of both Elvis and Rick.

It's a fascinating conversation about classic television, Hollywood history, friendship, luck, and a career that continues to resonate with audiences decades later.

#Adam12, #KentMcCord, #JackWebb, #ElvisPresley, #RickNelson, #ClassicTV, #StillHereHollywood, #SteveKmetko, #HollywoodHistory, #Dragnet, #PoliceDrama, #TVLegends

 

CHAPTERS

00:00 Intro

01:00 Why Everyone Called Him "Bucky"

01:39 Did Kent Know Adam-12 Would Become a Classic?

05:28 The Simple Formula That Made Adam-12 Work

07:04 Jack Webb and the Birth of Adam-12

08:15 Jack Webb's Famous Temper and Directing Style

15:52 Johnny Carson, Jack Webb and Comedy Gold

16:38 The Real Impact Adam-12 Had on Police Officers

18:14 Kent's Real-Life Encounters with Crime

20:13 Making Adam-12 Feel Authentic

23:28 Patreon Break

24:10 Becoming Friends with Rick Nelson

27:50 The Legendary Elvis Presley vs. Rick Nelson Football Game

33:43 What Elvis Presley Was Really Like

35:05 The Night Elvis Introduced Kent McCord in Las Vegas

37:16 Searching for Lost Elvis Footage

38:14 Life with Rick Nelson and Ozzie & Harriet

48:42 Luck, Persistence and Breaking Into Hollywood

50:04 The Day Elvis Presley Died

54:45 The Truth About Rick Nelson's Plane Crash

1:00:18 Did Adam-12 Show the Real Reality of Policing?

1:00:55 The Miranda Warning Story

1:02:20 Why Adam-12 Was Different From Every Other Cop Show

1:05:25 Looking Back on a Lifetime in Hollywood

1:06:30 The Day Ozzie Nelson Saved Kent's Life

1:08:55 Martin Milner and the Friendship Behind Adam-12

1:10:51 Why Adam-12 Still Airs Today

1:11:25 Closing Credits

 

Show Credits

Host/Producer: Steve Kmetko

All things technical: Justin Zangerle

Executive Producer: Jim Lichtenstein

Music by: Brian Sanyshyn

https://stillherehollywood.com

http://patreon.com/stillherehollywood

Suggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.com

Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.com

Publicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Before streaming, before social media, and before reality TV took over, millions of viewers stayed up late watching USA Up All Night.

This week on Still Here Hollywood, Steve Kmetko sits down with television personality, comedian, actress, entrepreneur, and USA Up All Night host Rhonda Shear.

Rhonda shares behind-the-scenes stories from one of cable television's most beloved late-night shows, the challenges of being a woman in Hollywood during the 1980s and 1990s, her experiences with Playboy, Joan Rivers, George Burns, and Johnny Carson, and how she reinvented herself after Hollywood to build the wildly successful Rhonda Shear Intimates brand and the famous Ahh Bra.

She also discusses the reboot of Up All Night, the changing comedy landscape, her thoughts on political correctness, and finding love with her junior high school sweetheart after decades apart.

Subscribe for more conversations with the stars you remember and the stories you've never heard.

#StillHereHollywood #RhondaShear #USAUpAllNight

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction
01:36 The Legacy of USA Up All Night
03:58 Landing the Hosting Job
05:26 Was Rhonda Shear a Trailblazer?
08:21 Why Fans Still Love Her
09:55 Building Rhonda Shear Intimates
12:12 The Story Behind the Ahh Bra
13:52 Returning to Stand-Up Comedy
15:10 Wild HSN Stories
18:36 Creating the Up All Night Character
21:09 Comedy Training and Improv
22:04 Being Told She Could Never Make It
24:19 Becoming an Accidental Feminist
26:09 Creating Opportunities for New Talent
27:29 Female Comics Today
29:20 Finding Material in Real Life
33:06 How Rhonda Sees Herself
34:11 Beauty Queen Beginnings
35:53 Working with Johnny Carson
36:11 Political Correctness and Comedy
37:07 Rebooting Up All Night
39:28 Career Regrets and Reinvention
41:38 Dating Glenn Frey
42:43 What Wouldn't Fly Today
48:24 Advice from Joan Rivers and George Burns
50:07 The Most Important Part of Her Story
52:12 Jewelry, Creativity and Never Retiring
54:23 Up All Night Returns

Show Credits

Host/Producer: Steve Kmetko

All things technical: Justin Zangerle

Executive Producer: Jim Lichtenstein

Music by: Brian Sanyshyn

https://stillherehollywood.com

http://patreon.com/stillherehollywood

Suggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.com

Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.com

Publicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Monica Potter joins Steve Kmetko for one of the most emotional and revealing conversations yet on STILL HERE HOLLYWOOD.

From starring alongside Robin Williams in Patch Adams, to unforgettable roles in Parenthood, Along Came a Spider, Con Air, and The Last House on the Left, Monica opens up about her remarkable career, motherhood, growing up poor in Cleveland, and the deeply personal lessons she learned from some of Hollywood’s most iconic actors.

She shares emotional memories of Robin Williams, hilarious stories about Nicolas Cage, heartfelt reflections on Philip Seymour Hoffman, working with Morgan Freeman, and how Hollywood once pressured her to choose career over family.

Monica also discusses:

• Why she hated acting classes
• Her father’s incredible inventions
• Raising empathetic children
• Rebuying her childhood home in Cleveland
• Why she says she’s “already canceled”
• The emotional cost of fame
• Her connection to nature, healing, and intuition

This is one of the rawest, funniest, and most unexpectedly touching episodes of STILL HERE HOLLYWOOD.

#StillHereHollywood #MonicaPotter #Parenthood #PatchAdams #RobinWilliams #MorganFreeman #NicolasCage #PhilipSeymourHoffman #SteveKmetko #HollywoodStories #CelebrityInterviews #90sMovies #2000sTV #BehindTheScenes #Cleveland #Hollywood

Transcript source:

 

00:00 Monica Potter remembers Robin Williams
02:04 Intro
03:39 Working with Robin Williams on Patch Adams
05:52 Nicolas Cage stories and on-set laughs
07:04 Philip Seymour Hoffman memories
09:21 Morgan Freeman and driving stunts
11:26 “I’m already canceled”
14:31 Growing up with an inventor father
17:33 Raising empathetic children
18:59 Her father’s inventions and the Whiptail lure
23:13 The hardest part of Hollywood
25:00 Why Monica shifted from movies to television
27:33 Reflecting on Robin Williams after his death
28:22 Parenthood and playing a character with cancer
29:33 Why she didn’t want her kids acting
32:50 Returning to her Cleveland childhood home
36:33 Buying back the family house
40:00 Renovating her childhood home
41:34 Advice for aspiring actors
45:00 Hollywood pressure and motherhood
47:58 Monica’s “secret talents”
50:11 Why acting classes felt wrong to her
53:42 Beauty, modeling, and self-image
55:40 Why soap operas weren’t for her
57:48 Her home decor and wellness line
1:00:09 Archaeology, crystals, and camping
1:00:40 Final thoughts and emotional goodbye

Show Credits

Host/Producer: Steve Kmetko

All things technical: Justin Zangerle

Executive Producer: Jim Lichtenstein

Music by: Brian Sanyshyn

https://stillherehollywood.com

http://patreon.com/stillherehollywood

Suggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.com

Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.com

Publicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Actress Marisol Nichols joins Steve Kmetko for one of the most intense and emotional episodes of Still Here Hollywood yet.

Known for her roles on 24 and Riverdale, Marisol reveals the shocking double life she led off-camera, working undercover alongside law enforcement in operations targeting human traffickers around the world.

She opens up about:

• Going undercover in dangerous trafficking operations
• The terrifying mission that made her write a goodbye letter to her daughter
• Working with ex-CIA and military operatives
• How acting helped save lives
• The heartbreaking loss of Luke Perry
• What it was really like working with Kiefer Sutherland on 24
• Growing up in Chicago
• Hollywood struggles as a Latina actress
• The dark side of social media and online predators

This is one of the most powerful conversations we’ve had on Still Here Hollywood.

Subscribe for more legendary guests and untold Hollywood stories.

#MarisolNichols #Riverdale #24 #LukePerry #KieferSutherland #StillHereHollywood #SteveKmetko #Hollywood #TrueCrime #HumanTrafficking #CW #FoxTV #TVLegends #Podcast

CHAPTERS

00:00 Intro
00:45 Marisol’s Secret Undercover Operations
02:18 Going Undercover For The First Time
04:36 The Most Terrifying Mission Of Her Life
05:50 Why She Got Involved In Fighting Trafficking
08:05 Helping Put Criminals In Prison
10:38 What She Hopes People Learn From Her Work
12:48 The Monsters Behind Trafficking
14:18 Steve Kmetko’s Chilling John Wayne Gacy Story
16:14 How Acting Helped Her Go Undercover
18:15 Discovering Acting In Chicago
20:48 Moving To Hollywood
22:47 Advice To Her Younger Self
23:52 Being Latina In Hollywood
25:02 The Frustration Of Self-Tape Auditions
26:20 Riverdale Becomes A Cultural Phenomenon
27:51 The Role That Challenged Her Most
29:47 What She Learned From Kiefer Sutherland
30:35 Working With Luke Perry
33:31 How Undercover Work Changed Her Acting
35:38 Talking To Her Daughter About Predators
36:44 The Internet And Child Safety
38:51 The Project She Wants To Make Next
39:39 Growing Up In Chicago
41:32 Her Daughter’s Creative Talent
43:01 Dream Actors & Directors To Work With
44:34 Turning Down A Major Movie Role
47:17 The Dark Side Of Hollywood
49:04 Why She Could Never Move Back To Chicago
52:08 Social Media Pressure & Mental Health
53:24 Fashion, Makeup & Being “A Girl”
54:26 Final Thoughts

Show Credits

Host/Producer: Steve Kmetko

All things technical: Justin Zangerle

Executive Producer: Jim Lichtenstein

Music by: Brian Sanyshyn

https://stillherehollywood.com

http://patreon.com/stillherehollywood

Suggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.com

Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.com

Publicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What happens when one of the funniest and most outspoken stars from Sex and the City sits down with one of television’s original openly gay entertainment journalists?

 

In this deeply funny, brutally honest, and surprisingly emotional episode of STILL HERE HOLLYWOOD, Mario Cantone opens up to Steve Kmetko about fame, fear, gay representation in Hollywood, censorship, aging, Broadway, comedy, family, and the legacy of Anthony Marentino from Sex and the City and And Just Like That....

 

Mario reveals:

 

Why Johnny Carson canceled his appearance

The truth about working with the cast of Sex and the City

What really happened after Willie Garson passed away

His thoughts on Kim Cattrall not returning

Why he believes AIDS set gay progress back decades

The line from Sex and the City he still gets recognized for

His emotional meeting with Carol Burnett

Why he thinks comedians can’t say what they want anymore

 

The conversation also dives into growing up gay in the 70s, Broadway, Liza Minnelli, Barbra Streisand, surviving Hollywood, and the cultural impact of Sex and the City.

 

Funny, raw, emotional, and wildly entertaining, this is Mario Cantone like you’ve never seen him before.

 

00:00 Intro

00:47 Mario Cantone joins the show

01:44 Johnny Carson canceled Mario over “gay material”

04:52 Becoming Anthony on Sex and the City

06:45 Why And Just Like That ending hurt

07:01 Mario reads every comment online

08:46 The explosion of Sex and the City fame

10:07 Michael Patrick King directing Mario

11:24 Willie Garson’s death changed everything

12:35 Was Mario typecast?

14:49 Fear of being openly gay in comedy clubs

17:47 Anthony & Stanford’s relationship

19:48 Will & Grace vs Sex and the City representation

21:20 Lines Mario couldn’t believe he got to say

24:14 Most iconic Anthony scenes

25:38 Steve Kmetko opens up about coming out

28:52 Being bullied as a kid

30:08 How AIDS changed gay progress

32:06 Steve reveals his father married him to a woman

34:02 Mario says he never hid who he was

35:32 George Clooney reaction to People magazine article

36:40 Straight actors playing gay characters

39:40 Chris Noth controversy

40:38 Kim Cattrall not returning

41:50 Getting in shape for nude scenes

42:35 Willie Garson storyline discussion

45:12 Mario loves cooking and baking bread

47:29 Celebrity Autobiography on Broadway

49:20 Discovering Judy Garland at age 2

50:45 Steve’s Barbra Streisand story

52:54 Mario cries meeting Carol Burnett

54:11 Mario reflects on his cultural impact

55:27 Will Sex and the City ever return?

Show Credits

Host/Producer: Steve Kmetko

All things technical: Justin Zangerle

Executive Producer: Jim Lichtenstein

Music by: Brian Sanyshyn

https://stillherehollywood.com

http://patreon.com/stillherehollywood

Suggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.com

Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.com

Publicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Some actors play powerful men. Others understand what power actually costs.

On this episode of Still Here Hollywood, Steve Kmetko sits down with legendary actor Eric Braeden, the man behind Victor Newman on The Young and the Restless, a role he’s defined for more than four decades.

But this conversation goes far beyond daytime television.

From growing up in post-war Germany, to arriving in America and confronting its contradictions, to working with icons like Marlon Brando and James Cameron, Eric shares a deeply personal and unfiltered look at the life experiences that shaped both the man and the character.

He opens up about the brutal demands of soap operas, the psychology behind Victor Newman, the reality of Hollywood, and why acting, at its core, is about truth, discipline, and survival.

This is a powerful, honest conversation about legacy, resilience, and what it really means to endure in this business.

THIS IS STILL HERE HOLLYWOOD, I’M STEVE KMETKO. JOIN ME WITH TODAY’S GUEST, FROM THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS, ACTOR ERIC BRAEDEN.

 

00:00 Opening Tease
00:01 Intro, Eric Braeden 
01:25 Seinfeld, Comedy, and Great Casting
03:07 The Brutal Reality of Daytime TV
05:00 Why Acting Still Excites Him
06:16 Growing Up in Post-War Germany
09:51 Loss, Hardship, and Early Life
13:08 Working with Brando, Duvall, Legends
14:21 Hollywood, Cynicism, and Purpose
16:55 Why Acting Became Meaningful
19:27 Could Brando Handle Soap Operas?
21:07 Inside a 100+ Page Workday
22:36 Sports, Discipline, and Competition
24:48 Why He Didn’t Choose Sports
25:25 Life Outside Acting, Staying Sharp
31:49 What Young Actors Get Wrong
35:25 Almost Turning Down Titanic
41:56 Working with James Cameron
42:16 Thoughts on Streaming vs TV
46:43 Eric vs Victor Newman
47:08 The Evolution of Victor Newman
50:09 Breaking Out of “Bad Guy” Roles
51:08 Discovering the Truth About History
55:48 A Life-Changing Moment in America
59:53 His Autobiography
01:01:18 Closing Thoughts

Show Credits

Host/Producer: Steve Kmetko

All things technical: Justin Zangerle

Executive Producer: Jim Lichtenstein

Music by: Brian Sanyshyn

https://stillherehollywood.com

http://patreon.com/stillherehollywood

Suggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.com

Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.com

Publicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

She was discovered at 15 in a London coffee shop… and within years, she was starring in major Hollywood films alongside legends.

In this episode, Steve Kmetko sits down with actress Vanessa Angel to talk about her unexpected rise from modeling to acting, working with icons like Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray, and Woody Harrelson, and the reality behind building a career in Hollywood.

From Spies Like Us to Weird Science and Kingpin, Vanessa shares the moments that defined her journey, including the role she almost had that changed TV history, the truth about being a young model alone in the industry, and why she spent decades trying to be taken seriously.

She also opens up about imposter syndrome, personal growth, motherhood, and what success really means now after 40 years in the business.

This is a candid, funny, and surprisingly emotional conversation about fame, resilience, and finding yourself when the spotlight fades.

THIS IS STILL HERE HOLLYWOOD, I’M STEVE KMETKO. JOIN ME WITH TODAY’S GUEST, FROM WEIRD SCIENCE, ACTOR VANESSA ANGEL.

00:00 Intro, From modeling to Hollywood
01:04 Landing Spies Like Us and getting hooked on acting
03:30 “I didn’t know what I was doing” early career struggles
05:01 Training at the Actors Studio
07:13 Trauma, reflection, and emotional depth
09:18 Discovered at 15, navigating modeling alone
11:22 Paris, early industry exposure, and vulnerability
12:25 Arriving in New York, a life-changing moment
16:06 Modeling vs acting, finding her voice
17:51 Wanting more than just being “looked at”
19:00 Early acting work and learning on Baywatch
22:24 When she finally felt confident as an actor
24:47 Working fast, learning lines, and set discipline
27:53 Warren Beatty’s advice that changed everything
30:13 Meeting Hollywood legends early in her career
33:00 The role she lost, originally cast as Xena
35:53 How Kingpin happened through perfect timing
36:59 Working with Woody Harrelson
38:30 Bill Murray on set, total unpredictability
39:38 Learning comedy and finding her rhythm
41:37 Being typecast and not taken seriously
43:50 Advice to young actors and models
46:02 Comic Cons and connecting with fans
47:53 Full circle, life today and finding peace
49:32 Divorce, independence, and rediscovering herself
51:27 Life now, priorities and fulfillment
54:35 Travel, gratitude, and perspective
56:49 What she’s most proud of
59:45 Outro

Show Credits

Host/Producer: Steve Kmetko

All things technical: Justin Zangerle

Executive Producer: Jim Lichtenstein

Music by: Brian Sanyshyn

https://stillherehollywood.com

http://patreon.com/stillherehollywood

Suggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.com

Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.com

Publicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mike Farrell joins Still Here Hollywood to talk about his unforgettable role as BJ Hunnicutt on MASH*, one of the most beloved television shows of all time.

From the moment he landed the role to the emotional final episode that still holds the record for most-watched scripted television broadcast, Farrell shares what it was really like behind the scenes.

He opens up about his close bond with Alan Alda, the collaborative culture that made the show so special, and the powerful themes that made MASH* more than just a comedy.

Farrell also reflects on his life beyond Hollywood, including the personal experiences that shaped his activism and worldview.

This is a conversation about legacy, purpose, and what it means to do work that truly matters.

 

00:00 Intro
00:50 Landing MASH*
04:30 Getting the role
08:30 First day on set
10:00 The MASH* finale legacy
11:00 Creative process on the show
12:15 Why he doesn’t watch it now
14:30 Wayne Rogers story
29:00 Alan Alda and on-set chemistry
33:00 Life-changing personal experience
38:00 War and comedy balance
39:30 Challenging the writers
46:30 The controversial BJ storyline
49:00 Favorite episode
52:00 Final goodbye and male friendship
53:30 Ending the series
57:00 Final episode moment
1:03:00 What brings him joy

 

 

 

 

Show Credits

Host/Producer: Steve Kmetko

All things technical: Justin Zangerle

Executive Producer: Jim Lichtenstein

Music by: Brian Sanyshyn

https://stillherehollywood.com

http://patreon.com/stillherehollywood

Suggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.com

Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.com

Publicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Oscar-nominated actor June Squibb joins Steve Kmetko on Still Here Hollywood for a funny, honest, and deeply inspiring conversation about longevity, craft, and what it really means to keep working at the highest level in your 90s.

 

June looks back on her early days in theater, including working with the legendary Ethel Merman in Gypsy, learning Broadway discipline, and why she always knew, even as a child, that acting was not just something she wanted to do, it was who she was. She also talks about Law & Order, Nebraska, Thelma, Marjorie Prime, Yellowjackets, and what it feels like to still be headlining films when most people have long stepped away from the spotlight.

 

The conversation also explores aging in Hollywood, how Scarlett Johansson directed her in Eleanor the Great, what made Jack Nicholson such a generous scene partner, why realism matters so much in her work, and how Nebraska changed the way the industry saw her. June also shares her thoughts on inspiration, criticism, ambition, and the simple wisdom she would send back to her 35-year-old self.

 

If you love great actors, great stories, and proof that a second act can turn into seven acts, this episode is for you.

 

Support the show and get early access and extras at patreon.com/stillherehollywood

 

 

00:01 Intro: June Squibb and a breakout decades in the making

00:37 Why some people still call her Miss Squibb

01:06 Working with Ethel Merman in Gypsy

02:57 Learning to bump and grind on stage

03:37 Knowing she was an actor from the very beginning

04:18 If she had done anything else, it might have been forensics

04:46 Law & Order memories and Jerry Orbach

05:28 Broadway discipline and arriving early to the theater

06:20 Her backstage ritual before curtain

07:17 How June prepares for a role

08:04 Seven decades of acting, and still going strong

08:29 What she looks for in a script now

09:18 Aging in Hollywood and what audiences want to see

10:32 Why older stories matter more than ever

10:53 What has not changed in Hollywood

11:45 How age changes the roles she gets

12:37 Scarlett Johansson, Eleanor the Great, and using the cane

13:19 Working with Scarlett as a director

14:19 Oscar night for Nebraska and sharing it with her son

16:22 Patreon break

17:20 Nebraska cemetery scene and that unforgettable moment

18:16 Why she never thought “why did this take so long?”

18:57 How Nebraska changed the way she saw herself

20:00 Thelma, action comedy, and strength at any age

21:11 The best thing about her life right now

21:48 What roles she still wants to play

22:51 What quality makes people want to work with her

23:56 What performance of hers she recommends people watch

24:49 In & Out, comedy, and Frank Oz

25:19 Working with Woody Allen on Alice

26:15 Can you separate art from artist?

27:25 Who made a big impression on her, Jack Nicholson

28:20 Fame, recognition, and being known for the work

28:31 Marrying her acting teacher

29:07 What makes a director great for actors

30:17 Was she ever typecast? Yes, as a bimbo

31:17 Roles that felt too familiar

31:47 Supporting player vs leading lady

32:26 Seeing her younger self on screen

32:48 How old she feels now, 35

33:16 Does she watch her own performances?

33:44 The one truth that shaped her whole life

34:09 Her secret to looking good and feeling healthy

35:13 Being called inspiring, and that word “icon”

36:09 A June Squibb documentary may be coming

36:44 What she hopes people say about her work

36:59 Still hoping to work with Robert De Niro

37:30 At 96, does she think about mortality?

38:05 What she would tell her 35-year-old self

39:17 Closing thoughts and wrap-up

Show Credits

Host/Producer: Steve Kmetko

All things technical: Justin Zangerle

Executive Producer: Jim Lichtenstein

Music by: Brian Sanyshyn

https://stillherehollywood.com

http://patreon.com/stillherehollywood

Suggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.com

Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.com

Publicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

She was on the biggest show in the world, but behind the slow motion runs and global fame, Nicole Eggert was dealing with something very different.

 

On this episode of Still Here Hollywood, Nicole opens up about joining Baywatch in her early 20s, why she walked away from the #1 show on the planet, and how the “Baywatch bimbo” label shut down her career. She shares what fame really cost her, from dating struggles to doors suddenly closing in Hollywood.

 

Then the conversation takes a powerful turn.

 

Nicole talks candidly about her breast cancer diagnosis, discovering it herself after it was missed in screenings, and what it’s really like to live with cancer long term. From the emotional toll of telling her daughters, to the mindset it takes to fight through treatment, this is an honest, raw look at survival and perspective.

 

This is Still Here Hollywood. I’m Steve Kmetko. Join me with today’s guest, from Baywatch, actor Nicole Eggert.

 

00:00 Intro

00:45 How Nicole Eggert landed Baywatch

02:30 Leaving the #1 show in the world at 20

04:10 The downside of fame, dating and perception

05:10 “Baywatch bimbo” label and career fallout

05:40 The truth about slow motion running

07:15 Why Hollywood doors suddenly closed

08:20 Stepping away from acting

09:10 Global fame and being recognized everywhere

09:54 Charles in Charge and early career

11:30 Growing up on set and life decisions

13:20 Real estate passion and life outside acting

15:30 Working with Scott Baio

15:45 Would she let her daughters act?

16:50 Cancer diagnosis and discovering it herself

19:00 The hardest part of cancer, mental vs physical

21:00 Living with cancer and ongoing treatment

22:20 What she’s learned from other cancer patients

24:50 Advice for women facing cancer

26:20 Telling her daughters the diagnosis

28:10 How cancer changed her as a person

29:00 Career today and finding purpose in podcasting

30:45 Chemo side effects and “chemo brain”

31:50 The lowest moment during cancer

32:50 Scary fan encounters and real threats

35:20 Does she regret Baywatch?

36:05 Producing the Baywatch documentary

37:15 Bringing Baywatch full circle

 

Show Credits

Host/Producer: Steve Kmetko

All things technical: Justin Zangerle

Executive Producer: Jim Lichtenstein

Music by: Brian Sanyshyn

https://stillherehollywood.com

http://patreon.com/stillherehollywood

Suggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.com

Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.com

Publicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Melora Hardin, best known to millions as Jan Levinson on The Office, joins Steve Kmetko for a funny, revealing, and surprisingly wide-ranging conversation about her life and career in Hollywood.

Melora looks back on working with Steve Carell, the improvisational magic behind The Office, and why the legendary “Dinner Party” episode still makes her laugh. She also opens up about her early years as a child actor on Little House on the Prairie, working with Michael Landon and Clint Eastwood, her thoughts on AI and creativity, and what it was like seeing Miley Cyrus at 15 during the Hannah Montana movie.

Beyond acting, Melora talks about dance, directing, cabaret, parenting in Hollywood, Transparent, Dancing with the Stars, and the creative energy that still drives her after more than 50 years in the business.

This is a smart, funny, and honest conversation with one of television’s most memorable performers.

#MeloraHardin, #TheOffice, #JanLevinson, #SteveCarell, #StillHereHollywood, #SteveKmetko, #LittleHouseOnThePrairie, #Transparent, #MileyCyrus, #Hollywood

CHAPTERS

00:00 Cold open, Steve Carell and AI tease
00:49 Intro, Melora Hardin joins the show
02:05 Melora’s colorful outfit and new scarf collection
02:43 More than 50 years in show business
03:23 Little House on the Prairie and first screen kiss
05:48 Working with Michael Landon
06:50 Clint Eastwood stories and singing for him
09:24 Did the cast of The Office get along?
10:01 Greg Daniels, improv, and the collaborative set
12:08 Does Melora watch old episodes of The Office?
13:29 The “Dinner Party” episode and breaking on set
15:37 Melora’s lifestyle brand, wallpaper, and scarves
16:16 What kind of a kisser was Steve Carell?
16:38 How much improv happened on The Office
19:05 Miley Cyrus at 15 and the making of Hannah Montana
19:35 Melora’s thoughts on AI and creativity
23:58 Acting, dancing, singing, directing, and creative energy
25:04 Why ballet didn’t become her career
27:34 Playing Baby in Dirty Dancing
29:41 Biggest influences, her parents, and growing up in Hollywood
32:04 What she still wants to do next
34:17 More on Miley Cyrus and child stardom
36:32 Cabaret, singing, and getting through Covid
38:37 Social media, parenting, and raising kids without phones
42:18 Raising grounded children in Hollywood
44:54 Emmy nomination for Transparent
48:14 Why film and TV is the ultimate team sport
50:07 Directing, editing, and her documentary Hunter’s Thunder
54:11 Melora on going to the movies
55:30 Dancing with the Stars and loving dance
55:50 From Jan on The Office to Tammy on Transparent
57:03 What she wants next in her career
57:50 Where the name Melora comes from
58:31 Jan’s breakup on The Office
59:32 What still “flaps” Melora
1:00:46 Gratitude, family, and staying grounded
1:02:30 Final moments and ruby slippers story

Show Credits

Host/Producer: Steve Kmetko

All things technical: Justin Zangerle

Executive Producer: Jim Lichtenstein

Music by: Brian Sanyshyn

https://stillherehollywood.com

http://patreon.com/stillherehollywood

Suggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.com

Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.com

Publicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Frances Fisher joins Steve Kmetko for a candid, funny, and deeply thoughtful conversation about acting, ambition, heartbreak, Titanic, Clint Eastwood, Lucille Ball, and what it really means to build a life in Hollywood.

Frances talks about growing up around the world, finding acting through community theater in Texas, bartending in New York while chasing work, and the unusual creative choice that transformed her performance in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. She also shares a remarkable story about the phone call that may have led to Titanic, what made James Cameron such an effective director, and why Rose’s mother was one of the easiest characters she ever played.

The conversation goes deeper as Frances reflects on grief, aging, motherhood, social media, ambition, and the one thing she wishes she had told her younger self: aim higher.

This is Still Here Hollywood with Steve Kmetko.

Episode Hashtags:
#FrancesFisher,#Titanic,#ClintEastwood,#JamesCameron,#LucilleBall,#StillHereHollywood,#SteveKmetko,#HollywoodStories,#ClassicHollywood,#Acting,#FilmHistory

 

00:00 Introduction
00:49 The artist comes before the actor
01:34 Her first big acting paycheck
03:09 The black hair story from Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
06:35 How acting first hooked her
08:45 Growing up around the world
12:21 How being the new kid shaped her
13:27 Why the work mattered more than fame
16:35 The phone call before Titanic
18:26 Why she wanted Titanic so badly
19:43 James Cameron on set
22:04 Working with Leo, Kate, and the costumes
27:27 Playing Lucille Ball
31:36 What acting really is
36:08 What Clint Eastwood was like
42:19 The joy of being a grandmother
45:05 Frances Fisher on grief
48:49 Her thoughts on social media
52:19 Her toilet paper theory of life
54:40 Why she wishes she had aimed higher

Show Credits

Host/Producer: Steve Kmetko

All things technical: Justin Zangerle

Executive Producer: Jim Lichtenstein

Music by: Brian Sanyshyn

https://stillherehollywood.com

http://patreon.com/stillherehollywood

Suggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.com

Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.com

Publicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Adrienne Barbeau joins Steve Kmetko for a candid and entertaining conversation about a career that has spanned Broadway, television, cult films, and animation.

 

Long before becoming a horror icon, Adrienne Barbeau first gained national attention playing Carol Traynor on the groundbreaking sitcom Maude opposite the legendary Bea Arthur. From there she built a career that moved effortlessly between stage, television, and film, appearing in classics like The Fog, Escape From New York, Creepshow, and Swamp Thing. She also became the unforgettable voice of Catwoman in Batman: The Animated Series, a role that continues to resonate with fans decades later.

 

In this episode, Adrienne looks back at her early days performing for U.S. troops overseas for just seven dollars a day, her Broadway run in Fiddler on the Roof alongside Bette Midler, and what she learned working with Bea Arthur on one of television’s most influential sitcoms. She shares behind the scenes stories about working with directors like John Carpenter and George Romero, explains how she accidentally became a horror movie legend, and reveals why she never saw herself as the “bombshell” many fans remember from films like Cannonball Run.

 

Adrienne also talks about aging in Hollywood, why she has avoided cosmetic procedures, the surprising fan encounters that still happen at conventions, and how her children keep her grounded after decades in the spotlight.

 

It’s a funny, insightful look at a remarkable career that continues to evolve more than sixty years after her first professional job.

 

This is Still Here Hollywood. I’m Steve Kmetko. Join me with today’s guest, actor Adrienne Barbeau.

 

 

00:00 Introduction – Adrienne Barbeau joins Still Here Hollywood

00:48 A Career That Spans Broadway, Television, and Film

02:07 Entertaining U.S. Troops for $7 a Day

03:10 Broadway Years and Fiddler on the Roof with Bette Midler

04:22 Learning the Difference Between Stage and Film Acting

06:07 Adrienne Barbeau on Fame and Success

09:19 A Wild Story About Burt Reynolds and Celebrity Life

10:35 How Maude Impacted Fans in Real Life

13:12 What Adrienne Learned from Bea Arthur

14:53 Life on the Set of Maude

17:30 When Adrienne Realized Maude Was Groundbreaking

19:03 The Behind the Scenes Rhythm of Filming Maude

22:22 Finding Confidence as Carol on Maude

24:04 The Controversial Maude Abortion Episode

27:27 How Adrienne Became a Horror Movie Icon

29:30 Almost Turning Down George Romero’s Creepshow

31:08 When Horror Fans Started Recognizing Her Work

33:04 Adrienne’s New Film Oddities

35:37 Voicing Catwoman in Batman: The Animated Series

37:23 The Acting Advice That Changed Her Career

40:05 The “Bombshell” Label in Hollywood

41:15 The Famous Cannonball Run Costume Story

43:00 Do Actors Have More Freedom Today?

44:47 What Keeps Adrienne Barbeau Grounded

45:11 Adrienne Barbeau on Turning 80

49:30 Her Early Days Working in a New York Nightclub

51:23 Advice Adrienne Would Give Her Younger Self

53:35 Playing Catwoman and Voice Acting Work

54:40 HBO’s Carnivàle and Her Favorite Role

56:30 Closing Thoughts

Show Credits

Host/Producer: Steve Kmetko

All things technical: Justin Zangerle

Executive Producer: Jim Lichtenstein

Music by: Brian Sanyshyn

https://stillherehollywood.com

http://patreon.com/stillherehollywood

Suggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.com

Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.com

Publicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What really happens inside the room where casting decisions are made? Casting director Paul Ruddy has spent nearly three decades shaping careers in film, television, and now the emerging world of vertical storytelling. In this revealing conversation, he explains how actors get cast, why self-tapes changed Hollywood forever, and how star power can be felt in the first 20 seconds of an audition. Paul shares behind-the-scenes stories about discovering talent early, including Sydney Sweeney’s early auditions, the tiny acting choices that win roles, and why memorizing your lines still matters more than anything else. He also dives deep into: • The rise of verticals and micro-dramas • Why pilot season disappeared • The impact of streaming and the Hollywood strikes • Why in-person auditions are unlikely to return • How actors accidentally talk themselves out of roles • The truth about success, ego, and reputation in Hollywood If you’re an actor, filmmaker, or simply curious about how Hollywood really works, this episode pulls back the curtain on the casting process and the industry’s evolution. Subscribe for more insider conversations with the people shaping entertainment. 00:00 Intro: Inside the Room Where Careers Are Decided 01:02 Paul Ruddy’s Origin Story: Scranton, TV Obsession, Law School 03:10 The Leap to Hollywood and the “Lied on My Resume” Move 05:21 The Power of Casting and Changing Lives 05:39 Early Talent Spotting and Sydney Sweeney’s First Jobs 07:42 How Fast Casting Instincts Kick In 07:46 Paul’s Best Advice: Do the Homework, Understand Tone 08:20 The #1 Audition Killer: Not Being Off Book 09:46 Can You Feel Star Power Right Away? 10:10 The Wetsuit Audition Disaster and Growth Over Time 12:39 Estelle Getty and Why Careers Can Start Later 13:20 Casting Directors Have Long Memories 14:05 When Someone Walks In and Wins the Role Instantly 16:20 What Are Verticals and Micro-Dramas? 16:35 TikTok Meets Soap Opera on Red Bull: The Vertical Model 18:40 How Episodes Work: 1–3 Minutes and Constant Cliffhangers 20:10 The Paywall Funnel and Why It’s Exploding 21:20 Why Verticals Are a New Frontier for Hollywood 22:08 Patreon Break 22:57 How Casting Works: Breakdowns, Submissions, Narrowing Down 25:15 Will In-Person Auditions Ever Return? 25:25 Why Self-Tapes Took Over Permanently 27:49 The Reality of Nerves and “Pilot Season” Chaos 31:24 Self-Tapes vs Live Auditions and the 47th Take Problem 32:19 How the Pandemic Accelerated the Industry 10 Years 33:20 How Actors Talk Themselves Out of Roles 33:30 “You Sold It. Don’t Buy It Back.” 38:58 Small Choices That Instantly Elevate an Actor 39:08 The Peephole Choice That Got Attention 40:15 The Orange Slice Prop That Won the Role 42:27 Break 42:43 Calling an Actor With Life-Changing News 44:11 Does Success Change an Actor’s Energy? 44:30 Reputation Matters and Word Travels Fast 46:54 Watching Movies as a Casting Director 47:03 Why Every Role Must Be Cast at a High Level 48:49 Why He Didn’t Become a Full-Time Producer or Director 50:00 Why Verticals Are an Incubator for Future Stars 52:10 “Nothing Is New” and Why People Always Dismiss New Formats 54:00 Verticals, Short Attention Spans, and the Real Competition 56:08 What He’s Proudest Of After 27 Years 57:15 Advice for Actors: Tenacity and Knowing the Business 59:43 Is Hollywood Becoming a Dinosaur? Production Slowdown Explained 1:05:01 Fewer Risks, Fewer Sitcom Hits, and Why Shows Need Time 1:07:13 The Loss of Shared TV Culture and Knowing What Came Before 1:09:20 Closing and Thanks

Laura Leighton takes us back inside the Melrose Place phenomenon and what it was really like to ride that wave before social media and smartphones changed everything. In this episode of Still Here Hollywood, Laura talks about launching the Melrose Place rewatch podcast Still the Place with Daphne Zuniga and Courtney Thorne Smith, why it feels so freeing to show up without a script, and the surprising emotional impact of revisiting a time that happened more than 30 years ago.

Laura opens up about the cast bond that never went away, the real conversations happening around a potential Melrose Place reboot, and why creating your own opportunities matters more as Hollywood changes and roles for women narrow with age. She also shares the best thing that came out of Melrose Place, her 26 year marriage to co star Doug Savant, and what it means to raise a big family and now become a grandmother.

You will also hear Laura on the shift from water cooler television to reality TV and TikTok culture, the strange new normal of being photographed everywhere, and why self tape auditions can feel harder than walking into a room. Plus, Laura tells two unforgettable stories from her career, a fan encounter so intense a nurse thought her villain character was real, and the heartbreak moment she had to drop out of a musical film role that later went to Renee Zellweger. She also reveals a major career decision she still regrets, turning down the chance to play Rizzo on Broadway.

If you love Melrose Place, Aaron Spelling era television, 90s nostalgia, Hollywood behind the scenes stories, and honest conversations about career, fame, aging, and reinvention, this one is for you.

00:00 Reboot Buzz and Grandma Life Tease
00:56 Intro: Aaron Spelling, Nighttime Soaps, and Melrose Mania
02:21 Laura’s Rewatch Podcast: Still the Place
03:04 Why Podcasting Feels Easier Than Acting
03:34 Rewatching Your 20s on Camera and the “Ick Attack”
04:21 Melrose Love Story: Meeting Doug Savant
04:52 26 Years Married and Raising Four Kids
05:10 Why Melrose Was a Cultural Phenomenon
05:27 Pre-Internet “Water Cooler TV” and Perfect Timing
06:17 Lightning in a Bottle: You Can’t Manufacture It
06:53 The Reboot: Is It Really Happening?
06:59 Who’s In and Why the Cast Still Feels Like Family
07:20 The Group Text, The Podcast Guests, The Real Bond
08:12 Churchill Quote: If You Want History, Write It
08:34 Aging in Hollywood and Steering Your Own Opportunities
09:03 Reality TV Changed Everything
09:19 The Early Reaction: “What Is This Crap?”
10:10 TikTok and Selfie Culture Is Not Going Away
10:28 Being Photographed Everywhere, Even at the Grocery Store
10:59 Social Media as a Tool, But Also Exhausting
11:59 Podcast Learning Curve: Why Rewatch Makes It Easy
12:33 Sets That Feel Good vs Sets That Don’t
13:03 Fondest Melrose Memory: It Felt Like a Family
14:13 You Don’t Fully Appreciate It Until Later
14:34 What’s Next: Producing and Building Projects
15:30 The Joy of Becoming a Grandparent
16:13 Watching Your Kid Become a Parent
17:07 “I Told You So” and Moms Always Being Right
17:28 Holidays With a Grandbaby and the Photos
18:05 Nana Duties: Teaching Piano, LA Traffic Included
18:37 The Weird Fan Encounter: Nurse Thought Sydney Was Real
19:32 Being Too Convincing Can Backfire in Meetings
20:59 Which Show People Recognize You From Now
21:35 Melrose vs 90210 and Why People Mix Them Up
22:05 One-Word Cast Shoutouts: Heather, Rinna, Grant, Marcia
23:19 Cast Friendships That Stayed Warm and Real
23:43 Missing the Weekly “TV Family” Feeling
24:18 Leaving After Five Seasons: The Contract Turning Point
24:42 The Last Day: Fighting Tears
25:02 Rapid Fire: First Crush, Movies, Pizza, Worst Subject
29:09 Fame Before Cell Phones: Honeymoon Recognition
30:14 Fake Names at Hotels During Peak Fame
30:42 The Morning After Leaving: Relief vs Grief
33:34 Being Married to an Actor: Teamwork, Not Competition
34:10 Doug’s Groundbreaking Gay Character and Pride
35:13 Aging in Hollywood and Fewer Opportunities
36:34 Self-Tapes: Why Auditioning Feels Harder Now
37:54 What Self-Tapes Took Away: Feedback and Connection
39:53 Steve’s Acting Dream and the “Pajamas Job” Idea
41:15 The Role She Lost: Torn ACL, Renee Zellweger Replacement
43:12 The Musical Muscle She Wishes She’d Kept
44:36 TV Movies in Hiatus: The 90s Career Strategy
45:30 The Big Regret: Turning Down Rizzo on Broadway
46:14 Closing Thanks

 

 

Laura Leighton's Melrose Place rewatch Podcast is:

STILL THE PLACE

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/still-the-place/id1754955354

Show Credits

Host/Producer: Steve Kmetko

All things technical: Justin Zangerle

Executive Producer: Jim Lichtenstein

Music by: Brian Sanyshyn

https://stillherehollywood.com

http://patreon.com/stillherehollywood

Suggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.com

Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.com

Publicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Gabrielle Carteris helped define a generation as Andrea Zuckerman on Beverly Hills 90210. But the story behind the show is bigger, deeper, and more surprising than you think. In this candid and wide-ranging conversation, Gabrielle opens up about the truth behind landing 90210, including the age secret she kept when she was cast as a 16-year-old. She reflects on overnight fame, Beatles-level chaos, and how the show shaped her adult life in ways she is still unpacking. But this episode goes far beyond nostalgia. Gabrielle reveals the devastating on-set injury that temporarily left her partially paralyzed and unable to speak, the lawsuit that followed, and why she refused to sign an NDA after winning her case. That experience ultimately led her into leadership, where she became President of SAG-AFTRA and helped guide the union through historic negotiations. She also discusses: • The real impact of the Hollywood strikes • Why AI and voice replication are changing the entertainment industry • The merger of SAG and AFTRA • Losing Luke Perry and Shannen Doherty • The isolation of extreme fame • Aging in Hollywood and rejecting shame • Why family matters more than celebrity From 90s television icon to labor leader and activist, Gabrielle Carteris shares what she has learned about power, resilience, identity, and what no longer scares her. This is one of the most revealing Beverly Hills 90210 interviews you’ll see. Subscribe for more conversations with the stars you grew up with. 
 

 

Chapters

00:00 Opening Introduction
01:00 Gabrielle Carteris on Aging and Growth
02:32 Learning to Stop Performing for Approval
04:41 Aging in Hollywood and Saying “I’m 65”
06:55 The 90210 Age Secret Revealed
07:57 Overnight Fame and Losing Anonymity
09:45 The Power and Pressure of Being Known
12:33 Looking Back on the 90210 Era
12:47 How Fox Saved Beverly Hills 90210
14:09 Did Andrea Shape Gabrielle or Vice Versa?
15:21 How the SAG-AFTRA Merger Happened
16:29 “I Am an Activist”
17:49 The On-Set Injury That Changed Her Life
20:05 Relearning Speech and Movement
21:35 Refusing to Sign an NDA
22:50 Why Safety Became Her Mission
24:04 Patty Duke, Sean Astin, and Hollywood Legacy
25:14 The Hollywood Strike and the Rise of AI
29:25 Remembering Luke Perry and Shannen Doherty
31:14 Still Close with the 90210 Cast
35:40 Beatles-Level Fame and Fan Chaos
36:25 What Matters Most Now: Family
37:53 Becoming President of SAG-AFTRA
39:25 Leadership and Unsung Heroes
40:02 “I’m Okay” — Owning Her Legacy
41:03 Dubbing for Netflix and Amazon
42:05 Fear of Returning to the Stage
43:25 What No Longer Scares Her
45:22 What She’d Tell Her Younger Self
45:50 “The Girl I Was Is the Woman I Am”
46:23 Closing

Show Credits

Host/Producer: Steve Kmetko

All things technical: Justin Zangerle

Executive Producer: Jim Lichtenstein

Music by: Brian Sanyshyn

https://stillherehollywood.com

http://patreon.com/stillherehollywood

Suggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.com

Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.com

Publicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Joanna Cassidy has never fit neatly into one lane, and that is exactly why she is unforgettable. In this episode of Still Here Hollywood, Joanna takes us from Syracuse University as an art student to a cross-country leap that landed her in Los Angeles and changed everything. She talks about her first film set experience with Walter Matthau and Bruce Dern, the shock of realizing she could actually act, and how her creative life has always lived in two worlds, performance and painting. We also dive into the legacy roles that keep getting rediscovered. Joanna shares what it was like stepping into Blade Runner as Zhora, working with Ridley Scott’s meticulous vision, and why that film’s impact only grew with time. She opens up about Six Feet Under and her love of dark humor, the craft difference between comedy and drama, the realities of aging in Hollywood, and what she believes keeps a creative person alive. Plus: animals, modernism, bungee fitness in Burbank, and the mindset that keeps her curious and working. Still Here Hollywood with Steve Kmetko. New episodes weekly. Support the show and get early access and extras at patreon.com/stillherehollywood

00:00 Intro: The unforgettable Joanna Cassidy
00:56 From Syracuse to San Francisco to Los Angeles
02:35 First steps into acting and a surprising first role
03:35 The Laughing Policeman: Walter Matthau, Bruce Dern, and set nerves
05:19 Joanna the artist: painting, portraits, modernism
06:42 Almost quitting, and the many lives she has lived
07:51 Misconceptions: beauty, comedy, and being underestimated
10:29 Age, image, and America’s obsession with youth
12:29 Early work she is proud of, and Blade Runner’s slow-burn legacy
13:43 Acting vs art: the frustration of not being able to fine-tune
16:52 Roles she wanted but did not get
17:40 Blade Runner: first reaction to the script
18:32 Philip K. Dick, sci-fi love, and “the only actor with the snake”
19:18 Animals, cats, and the deep bond with them
21:22 Ridley Scott’s imprint and artistic vision
22:22 Six Feet Under and the joy of dark humor
23:36 Blade Runner stunts, revisiting Zhora, and the snake dance
25:10 New generations discovering Zhora
26:17 Cult status and Comic Con moments
28:54 Comedy vs drama: timing, speed, and stillness
30:57 Who she watches now: Emma Stone, Jessica Lange
32:07 TV’s best lesson: be on time, know your lines, hit your marks
33:17 Actors who made an impact: Gene Hackman, Nick Nolte, Bob Hoskins
35:42 Taking risks and going all-in
37:40 Dabney Coleman memories
39:58 Staying creatively alive: health, grounding, flow
41:05 Mentors, independence, and asking for a hand
44:01 Confidence, her father, and being an observer of Hollywood
45:45 Film talk and character-study movies
47:13 What brings her joy now
49:43 Directing notes and the on-set process
50:42 Roles she wants now, plus recent and upcoming projects
52:40 Worries that shifted with time
53:27 Dating, privacy, and a new chapter
56:16 Bungee fitness in Burbank and loving the feeling of flight
57:28 Closing

 

Show Credits

Host/Producer: Steve Kmetko

All things technical: Justin Zangerle

Executive Producer: Jim Lichtenstein

Music by: Brian Sanyshyn

https://stillherehollywood.com

http://patreon.com/stillherehollywood

Suggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.com

Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.com

Publicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Actor and director Paul McCrane joins Still Here Hollywood with Steve Kmetko for a funny, honest, and surprisingly deep conversation about building a career by leaning into the roles people remember most. Paul talks about intentionally pivoting into “bad guy” parts, his first reaction to reading RoboCop, and the night a massive explosion on set got a little too real. He also looks back on ER and what it was like joining the biggest show on television, plus how the stability of a long-running series can change your life outside the job. The conversation goes beyond credits and into craft. Paul breaks down why self-tape auditions can feel like sending your work into a void, why in-person collaboration matters, and what directing taught him about managing pressure, people, and performance. He also shares one of the most valuable lessons of his career: how a brutal review early on forced him to learn how to truly do the work, and how Jason Robards showed him real generosity in the process. If you love behind-the-scenes stories, acting talk that’s actually useful, and Hollywood history with some bite, this one’s for you. Support the show and get early access and bonus content at Patreon: patreon.com/StillHereHollywood 00:00 Intro, Paul McCrane from ER and RoboCop 00:42 What Paul would be doing if he wasn’t acting today 01:09 Songwriting, music, and creative curiosity 01:19 Becoming “the bad guy” on purpose 02:41 First reaction to the RoboCop script 03:18 The infamous RoboCop explosion story 06:11 Did he expect RoboCop to become iconic 06:28 How RoboCop reshaped his career 07:55 Why he became an actor, his father and backstage magic 08:27 Other careers he could have pursued 09:06 Turning the interview back on Steve 10:10 Fame, the movie, and early terror on set 11:44 Shooting Fame on the streets of New York 12:33 Did he ever consider quitting acting 14:03 Patreon break, then critics and insecurity 16:30 Retirement, insecurity, and why actors do this 18:38 Chevy Chase, SNL, and success myths 19:03 ER and staying close with the cast 20:43 Why Paul hates self-tape auditions 22:07 The danger of isolation in modern acting 28:33 How ER changed his life and stability 29:29 Fame, perspective, and avoiding distortion 31:20 Philadelphia roots and football fandom 31:37 “Paul McCrane dies at the end” reel 32:15 What the ER set was really like 34:33 Is he happy with his career 36:11 What fans recognize him for most 37:27 Directing vs acting, what he loves more 43:04 Overthinking, directing pressure, and communication 44:06 The role that taught him the most 46:38 The New York Times review that crushed him 50:00 Jason Robards’ advice and generosity 55:21 Learning to survive criticism 56:50 Memorizing ER medical dialogue 57:01 The origin of the famous RoboCop line 58:25 Final thoughts and wrap Paul McCrane interview Paul McCrane podcast Paul McCrane Still Here Hollywood Paul McCrane Steve Kmetko Paul McCrane actor interview Paul McCrane RoboCop RoboCop behind the scenes Paul McCrane RoboCop explosion scene story Paul McCrane villain RoboCop Paul Verhoeven RoboCop cast stories Paul McCrane ER Dr Robert Romano ER Paul McCrane ER helicopter scene ER behind the scenes Paul McCrane ER cast reflections Paul McCrane Fame movie Fame 1980 behind the scenes Paul McCrane Fame audition story Fame movie cast interview Paul McCrane acting advice Paul McCrane directing career Actors on self tape auditions Why actors hate self tapes Directing vs acting Paul McCrane Career longevity themes Character actor Hollywood career Villain roles in Hollywood How actors survive bad reviews Jason Robards acting advice Broadway failure lessons Culture + philosophy hooks Why actors feel insecure Human connection vs technology acting Why collaboration matters in film Modern acting industry problems

Book: My Four Hollywood Husbands

https://a.co/d/bTbuNAj

 

 

Show Credits

Host/Producer: Steve Kmetko

All things technical: Justin Zangerle

Executive Producer: Jim Lichtenstein

Music by: Brian Sanyshyn

https://stillherehollywood.com

http://patreon.com/stillherehollywood

Suggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.com

Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.com

Publicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Amy's Foundation in memory of her husband John Ritter is https://johnritterfoundation.org/

Another favorite charity of Amy's is https://angelfood.org/

Show Credits

Host/Producer: Steve Kmetko

All things technical: Justin Zangerle

Executive Producer: Jim Lichtenstein

Music by: Brian Sanyshyn

https://stillherehollywood.com

http://patreon.com/stillherehollywood

Suggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.com

Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.com

Publicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this unforgettable episode of Still Here Hollywood, Ted Lange, forever known as Isaac from The Love Boat, joins Steve Kmetko for a deep, funny, and brutally honest conversation about classic television, Hollywood power dynamics, racial inequality in entertainment, and the long game of creative survival. Ted takes us behind the scenes of one of the most iconic shows in television history, sharing stories about Gene Kelly, Diahann Carroll, Cloris Leachman, Howard Keel, and the revolving door of legendary guest stars that made The Love Boat a cultural phenomenon. He reveals what really went on when the cameras stopped rolling and how respect, chemistry, and mentorship made the cast a family. But this episode goes far beyond nostalgia. Ted opens up about the realities of being a Black actor in Hollywood, the battles he fought for equal treatment, fair representation, and meaningful storylines, and how he learned to “pivot” rather than become bitter. His stories about pay disparity, industry politics, and subtle discrimination are powerful, eye-opening, and still painfully relevant today. We also dive into Ted’s remarkable second act as a writer, director, and playwright. From directing television to writing over 27 plays, including historical dramas about forgotten figures like John Hanson and Mary Bowser, Ted explains how storytelling can reclaim lost history and give voice to those erased from textbooks. His passion for uncovering untold stories turns this episode into something far bigger than a Hollywood interview. Plus, he shares hilarious and unexpected stories about working with Jenna Jameson on the “Ask Isaac” advice column, his Shakespeare adaptations, directing The Fall Guy, and the surprising friendships that shaped his career. This is a masterclass in resilience, creativity, and navigating Hollywood with intelligence, humor, and integrity. Ted Lange proves he is far more than a TV icon. He is a historian, a playwright, a director, and a truth teller who is very much still here.

Relive the wild ride of Grease 2 with actor Maxwell Caulfield, the man behind Michael Carrington, in this full episode of Still Here Hollywood with Steve Kmetko. Maxwell opens up about knowing early he was meant to act, his London roots, and the moment everything changed when he auditioned for Grease 2 and suddenly found himself stepping into a Hollywood spotlight that can make or break you. Maxwell shares what it was like working alongside a young Michelle Pfeiffer, why Grease 2 didn’t hit the way the studio hoped at release, and how the movie later found its true life as a cult classic with a passionate fanbase. He also dives into the behind-the-scenes reality of movie-making, including a hilarious “Bike Heaven” moment that did not go how he wanted. Beyond Grease 2, Maxwell talks about his love of live theater and what the stage gives an actor that the camera never can, plus what he’s working on now, including a one-man play centered on Pontius Pilate. And yes, we go there on the big career chapters too, from Hollywood momentum to TV fame, including his run on The Colbys and the long view of staying in the game. Wikipedia If you grew up on 80s movies, movie musicals, backstage stories, and the art of actually lasting in show business, this episode is for you. Want to get more involved with the show? Support Still Here Hollywood on Patreon for early access, behind-the-scenes extras, and the chance to submit questions for upcoming guests.

She was born into show business royalty, made her film debut at just 11 weeks old, and grew up surrounded by legends like Noel Coward, Vivien Leigh, Laurence Olivier, and more. On this episode of Still Here Hollywood, Steve Kmetko sits down with the luminous Juliet Mills, the beloved star of Nanny and the Professor, to trace a life and career that spans West End theater, Broadway, classic television, and unforgettable Hollywood collaborators. Juliet shares how her family and upbringing shaped her worldview, why gratitude became one of her guiding principles, and what it was really like stepping into the spotlight as “Nanny” during a time when television was far more “tea and nightgowns” than romance and realism. She also looks back on the global success of the show, her bond with co-star Richard Long, and why she believes the series might have lasted longer if the on-screen relationship had been allowed to evolve. Plus, Juliet tells behind-the-scenes stories from her career highlights, including working with Billy Wilder and Jack Lemmon on Avanti! (yes, the role that required her to gain 35 pounds, a true acting challenge if spaghetti is involved). She also opens up about love, marriage, and fate, as her husband Maxwell Caulfield joins the conversation for a charming, honest look at how their relationship began during The Elephant Man, with a cameo appearance from Natalie Wood in the origin story. If you grew up with Nanny and the Professor, love classic Hollywood, or just want to hear a joyful, thoughtful conversation with an icon who’s still full of wonder, this one’s for you. Support the show and get episodes early, behind-the-scenes extras, and more at patreon.com/stillherehollywood

For more than 30 years, Spencer Garrett has been one of those actors you instantly recognize, even if you can’t place exactly where you’ve seen him. In this episode of Still Here Hollywood, Spencer opens up about the working actor’s life, aging in the business, finding purpose, and what it really means to be “that guy from that thing.” Spencer shares the origin story of the Character Actors Dining Society (the CADS) and the famous dinners with Alfred Molina, Stephen Weber, Eric McCormack, Titus Welliver, Kevin Pollak, Richard Kind, Jason Alexander, and more. He also talks about career pivots, breaking out of “prick in a suit” casting, lessons learned from Robert Duvall, Dustin Hoffman, and Glenn Close, and why he still gets excited every time he pulls onto a studio lot. Plus, Spencer tells the story of meeting his partner Dana Bash and how their worlds collide, actor life vs CNN life, with plenty of laughs along the way. If you like deep, thoughtful conversations with actors who have lived the whole Hollywood ride, this one’s for you. Support Still Here Hollywood on Patreon (bonus content, early episodes, guest info, and more): patreon.com/stillherehollywood

Flashdance leading man Michael Nouri sits down with Steve Kmetko for a wide-ranging, funny, and unexpectedly emotional conversation about his decades in Hollywood — from Goodbye, Columbus and Flashdance to Broadway, Victor/Victoria, Yellowstone, and beyond. Michael looks back on the night the acting bug bit him in a high school Gilbert & Sullivan production, his early stage days with legends like Julie Harris, and bombing his very first movie line opposite Ali MacGraw in Goodbye, Columbus. He talks about trying to dodge the Vietnam draft, enlisting, and then being honorably discharged because the Army literally couldn’t find boots big enough for his size-16 feet. Of course, he dives into Flashdance: the terrible reviews, the electric audience reaction, that rare standing ovation in Westwood, working with director Adrian Lyne, producers Simpson & Bruckheimer, and co-star Jennifer Beals (plus their canine scene partner, Grunt). He explains how the massive success of the film didn’t translate into the career momentum he’d hoped for, the movie with William Friedkin that fell apart, and how he ended up in Bay City Blues alongside a then-unknown Sharon Stone instead. Michael also shares powerful stories from touring South Pacific right after 9/11 — including emotional nightly renditions of “God Bless America” with audiences arm-in-arm — and the chance encounter with Blake Edwards that led to him starring opposite Julie Andrews in Victor/Victoria, complete with a custom song by Henry Mancini. He reflects on aging in Hollywood, evolving from leading man to dads, granddads, and senators, still auditioning for filmmakers like Bradley Cooper, and staying grateful that the phone keeps ringing. Along the way, he remembers working with Sean Connery, F. Murray Abraham, Glenn Close, Naomi Watts, Kelly Reilly, and even Anna Nicole Smith, plus the life lesson he learned the hard way trying to approach Luciano Pavarotti backstage. He also opens up about political anxiety, the emotional toll of the news cycle, the importance of community, and why he now protects his peace by switching from cable news to TCM. And yes, we meet Charlie, his “heart on four legs,” and hear how daily meditation keeps him grounded after more than five decades in the business. If you love Flashdance, classic Hollywood stories, Broadway memories, and honest talk about surviving and adapting in this business, this episode is a gem.

n this encore episode of Still Here Hollywood, Steve Kmetko sits down with actor Natasha Henstridge, who rocketed to fame as the lethal alien Sil in Species, and has been navigating the highs and lows of Hollywood ever since. Natasha opens up about being 19 years old, seeing herself 30 feet tall on a screen for the first time, walking out of the Species screening saying she “hated” the movie, and why she’s now deeply proud of it and the way it changed her life and career. She talks honestly about aging in the business, body image, and what it’s like to still be recognized for a role she did nearly 30 years ago — including by 20-year-olds who weren’t even born when the film came out. She also reflects on working with Bruce Willis on The Whole Nine Yards, shares emotional memories of Matthew Perry, and talks candidly about her experience with Harvey Weinstein, the MeToo movement, and the complicated decision to speak out — and then try to move on. From Canadian small-town winters to Cannes red carpets, big Hollywood breaks to indie films and producing her own Christmas movie, Natasha is funny, vulnerable, and unfiltered. Along the way, she and Steve dive into: The overwhelming pressure of overnight fame after Species Why she initially hated seeing herself on screen How Species still gets her hired around the world decades later Working with Bruce Willis and watching his family rally around him Her memories of Matthew Perry — the humor, the struggle, and the heartbreak Her experience with Harvey Weinstein and how MeToo “moved the needle” Parenting two sons with ADHD/dyslexia and why motherhood is the hardest job she’s ever had Growing up in freezing northern Alberta, loving winter, and escaping to LA Body image, beauty standards, social media, and what she tells young women now Producing her own projects and saying yes to work all over the world If Species, late-90s/early-2000s Hollywood, or the MeToo era are part of your movie memory bank, this one hits on all fronts — nostalgia, honesty, and a woman who’s very much… still here. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with the icons, survivors, and scene-stealers of Hollywood. 👍 Like, comment, and tell us your favorite Natasha Henstridge role.

You can support the William Holden Wildlife Foundation at: https://whwf.org/ 

 

Tickets for LOVE LETTERS on January 11, 2026 available at: https://ci.ovationtix.com/371/production/1258472?performanceId=11725822 
 

Show Credits

Host/Producer: Steve Kmetko

All things technical: Justin Zangerle

Executive Producer: Jim Lichtenstein

Music by: Brian Sanyshyn

https://stillherehollywood.com

http://patreon.com/stillherehollywood

Suggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.com

Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.com

Publicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Actor and director Chad Lowe sits down with Steve for one of the most deeply honest, funny, and unexpectedly emotional conversations we’ve had on Still Here Hollywood. From growing up in the shadow of a wildly famous big brother to discovering his own path through acting, sobriety, fatherhood, and directing, Chad tells the story of a life shaped by love, rivalry, reinvention — and a few surreal Hollywood moments. He opens up about the early days when teenage girls hung posters of Rob but not him… auditioning for roles that went on to define a generation (On Golden Pond, Running on Empty, Goonies, Say Anything)… and the moment River Phoenix’s performance inspired him to become a better actor. Chad shares how Martin Sheen changed the course of his life on one unforgettable car ride, how he overcame paralyzing audition anxiety, and why Life Goes On became the most meaningful work of his career. For the first time, Chad also walks us through the real story behind Hilary Swank’s Oscar speech, how he actually felt in the car afterward, why he cried at the ceremony, and how the two of them found peace and perspective years later. We cover the state of Hollywood post-strikes, directing 911: Lone Star alongside Rob, taking his daughters to Taylor Swift (and surviving the ticket wars), his years of sobriety, what scares him most as a “girl dad,” and how a tuna melt changed his life at Elizabeth Taylor’s house. It's heartfelt, self-deprecating, and full of moments that remind you why Chad Lowe has quietly built one of the most beloved, complicated, fascinating careers in the business. A must-watch episode for anyone who knows the highs and lows of following your own path — even when the world thinks it already knows who you are.

• Clash of the Titans memories & working with legends
• The real story behind Making Love and how it changed his career
• LA Law, sexiest man alive, and the “beige-ing” of an actor
• Cooking shows, tomato sauce, and the open-source food company
• Parenting, marriage, Real Housewives, and staying grounded
• Hiking, aging well, and a 40-year journey into fusion energy

If you love smart Hollywood conversations with iconic stars… this is your episode.

Show Credits

Host/Producer: Steve Kmetko

All things technical: Justin Zangerle

Executive Producer: Jim Lichtenstein

Music by: Brian Sanyshyn

https://stillherehollywood.com

http://patreon.com/stillherehollywood

Suggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.com

Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.com

Publicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Television icon Morgan Fairchild sits down with Steve Kmetko for an unusually intimate, funny, and deeply revealing conversation. From her Texas childhood and early dreams of becoming a doctor or paleontologist to breaking into New York’s brutal casting world, Morgan shares the hustle, heartbreak, glamor, and grit behind her decades-long career. She opens up about Dallas, Falcon Crest, Search for Tomorrow, Initiation of Sarah, Mork & Mindy, Robin Williams, Vincent Price, Roddy McDowall, and the performers who shaped her. Morgan also dives into surviving Hollywood typecasting, being underestimated for her beauty, crafting her signature look, and the real story behind her “schemer” era. In one of the most emotional parts of the interview, Morgan reflects on her AIDS advocacy, her years working with Dr. Fauci, educating the public when few dared to, and the work that cost her roles — but defined her purpose. She also discusses the loss of Matthew Perry, reveals the tabloid stories that stunned her, and shares how she’s stayed relevant across generations. Plus: the Two Bitches from Texas podcast, her love of paleontology, her Halloween obsession, wild Hollywood stories, taking risks, breaking stigmas, and the advice she’d whisper to her 20-year-old self. If you grew up watching her — or if you only know her as “Matthew Perry’s mom on Friends” — this conversation will surprise you. Morgan Fairchild is funny, brilliant, reflective, and refreshingly real. 👉 Subscribe for more iconic conversations with the stars we miss and the legends still making history.

#EvaLaRue #CSIMiami #AllMyChildren #TrueCrime #ForensicGenealogy #ParamountPlus #MyNightmareStalker #LatinaInHollywood #SoapOperas #HollywoodStories #SteveKmetko #StillHereHollywood

Show Credits

Host/Producer: Steve Kmetko

All things technical: Justin Zangerle

Executive Producer: Jim Lichtenstein

Music by: Brian Sanyshyn

https://stillherehollywood.com

http://patreon.com/stillherehollywood

Suggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.com

Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.com

Publicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Grant Show—the leather-jacket legend from Melrose Place—joins Steve Kmetko to talk fame, craft, and longevity: Detroit-to-SoCal roots, UCLA → LAMDA, the grind of daytime soaps, becoming Jake Hanson via 90210, and the Heather Locklear rocket-boost. He opens up about the dehumanizing side of fame, pivoting into character work, the near-miss of Brad Pitt’s role in Thelma & Louise, faith and family, and his wife Katherine’s recent Emmy win—plus why social media still gives him the ick. Stage epiphanies, TMZ takes, tennis joy, and a smart, humane look at staying power in Hollywood.

From Trapper John, M.D. to Falcon Crest to modern fan favorites, Gregory Harrison has stayed on our screens for 40+ years — with stories to match. In this candid conversation on Still Here Hollywood, Gregory tells Steve Kmetko about growing up on Catalina Island, the day a Doris Day F-bomb on his dad’s boat made him realize movies weren’t “magic” — just craft — and how that moment set his career in motion. He walks through his first indie feature turning into a Universal film, landing Gonzo Gates opposite Pernell Roberts, and discovering how playing charming men with a dark edge reshaped his career on Falcon Crest and beyond. Gregory also opens up about serving as a helicopter medic, winning a landmark case as a non-religious conscientious objector, addiction and recovery, long marriage with Randi Oakes, raising a creative family, and what longevity really looks like in Hollywood. It’s nostalgic, generous, and packed with hard-earned wisdom. #GregoryHarrison #SteveKmetko #StillHereHollywood #TrapperJohnMD #FalconCrest #CatalinaIsland #DorisDay #PernellRoberts #ClassicTelevision #80sTV #TVLegends #HollywoodStories #BehindTheScenes #ActingCareer #LongevityInHollywood #AddictionRecovery #HelicopterMedic #Podcast #VideoPodcast #PodcastClips #YouTubePodcasts #HollywoodHistory #PopCultureIcons

She was the woman America loved to hate. From Clint Eastwood’s Play Misty for Me to nine unforgettable years as Abby Ewing on Knots Landing, Donna Mills turned elegance, ambition, and icy stares into television gold. In this exclusive conversation with Steve Kmetko, Donna opens up about her Hollywood journey—from her first soap operas in New York to becoming a primetime icon. She shares behind-the-scenes stories about working with Clint Eastwood on his directorial debut, why Abby was more than just a villain, her thoughts on a possible Knots Landing reboot, and the powerful ways the show touched fans’ lives. Donna also talks about motherhood, her new podcast We Are KNOT Done Yet with Michele Lee and Joan Van Ark, and what legacy she hopes to leave behind. If you grew up in the era of 1980s TV dramas, or you’re discovering Knots Landing for the first time on streaming, this episode is a must-watch. 

 

Donna Mills interview, Knots Landing Abby Ewing, Donna Mills Clint Eastwood Play Misty for Me, Still Here Hollywood podcast, Steve Kmetko interview, 80s TV icons, Donna Mills podcast, We Are KNOT Done Yet, classic soap opera stars, Knots Landing reboot. 

 

#DonnaMills #KnotsLanding #PlayMistyForMe #AbbyEwing #StillHereHollywood #SteveKmetko #80sTV #ClassicTV #SoapOperaIcons #HollywoodLegends

Show Credits

Host/Producer: Steve Kmetko

All things technical: Justin Zangerle

Executive Producer: Jim Lichtenstein

Music by: Brian Sanyshyn

https://stillherehollywood.com

http://patreon.com/stillherehollywood

Suggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.com

Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.com

Publicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dorothy Lucey on Good Day LA, Surviving Live TV, and Life After the Morning News She woke up Los Angeles for nearly two decades with wit, warmth, and fearless honesty. Dorothy Lucey, the longtime co-host of Good Day LA, joins Steve Kmetko for a surprise-filled episode of Still Here Hollywood that’s equal parts laughter, nostalgia, and truth-telling. From newsroom chaos to red carpet interviews, Dorothy shares candid stories about her career in television—what it was really like working alongside Steve Edwards and Jillian Barberie, the behind-the-scenes tensions that made great TV, and the morning her boss told her she “made his eyes bleed.” She opens up about the gift and heartbreak of being fired, teaching the next generation of broadcasters, and the surprising turns life takes when you let go of control. Along the way, Dorothy and Steve revisit their early newsroom days together, Madonna’s big break, boozy lunches, and even a baby shower that featured a real Oscar on the beach. In this episode: Behind-the-scenes of Good Day LA—friendships, fights, and live TV chaos Why George Clooney is everyone’s favorite interview The Madonna story Dorothy swears proves she “launched” her Getting fired live on Oscar morning—and why she calls it a gift wrapped in trouble Teaching, charity work, motherhood, and life after the spotlight Memories with Steve Kmetko: Emmy wins, newsroom scandals, and surviving the grind of morning TV Why watch: It’s not just a trip down memory lane—it’s a smart, hilarious, and heartfelt conversation with one of LA’s most iconic broadcasters. Keywords / tags: Dorothy Lucey, Good Day LA, KTTV Fox 11, Steve Edwards, Jillian Barberie, Los Angeles TV, morning shows, entertainment reporting, Steve Kmetko, Still Here Hollywood, celebrity interviews, Julia Roberts, George Clooney, Madonna, Sophia Loren, Jane Fonda, classic TV journalism, women in broadcasting Hashtags: #DorothyLucey #GoodDayLA #StillHereHollywood #SteveKmetko #HollywoodStories #ClassicTV #EntertainmentNews

Show Credits Host/Producer: Steve Kmetko All things technical: Justin Zangerle Executive Producer: Jim Lichtenstein Music by: Brian Sanyshyn https://stillherehollywood.com http://patreon.com/stillherehollywood Suggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.com Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.com Publicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.