Hollywood Obsessed

Tony Miros
  • 4.5 (16)
  • TV & Film
  • Updated Bimonthly

Hosted by Hollywood casting director, journalist, and former studio tour guide, Tony Miros, HOLLYWOOD OBSESSED is an illuminating podcast featuring insightful interviews with entertainment professionals and insiders who share their personal stories about Hollywood and its colorful history. In each episode, listeners will take a captivating journey, discovering fun movie & TV facts and trivia that will enlighten and delight. If you’re as obsessed with Hollywood as Tony is (or would like to be), join him and his latest guest every other Monday for an exciting, new episode of HOLLYWOOD OBSESSED.

  1. 1d ago

    Episode 192 - Uncovering Marc Singer: His Hollywood Journey, From The Beastmaster to V and Beyond - Part 2

    The conversation with Marc Singer continues on Hollywood Obsessed! In Part 2, Tony Miros goes deeper behind the scenes of the films and television shows that made Singer a beloved action, fantasy, and sci-fi star. And if you thought making “The Beastmaster” was an adventure, wait until you hear what happened when Marc had to share the screen with a very unpredictable—and very large—co-star! Marc takes us back to the making of “The Beastmaster,” revealing what it was really like working with the film's animals, including the magnificent tiger who became one of his most memorable scene partners. He also reflects on the extreme conditions of filming, his friendships with Tanya Roberts, Rip Torn, John Amos, and stunt legend Chuck Bail, and why he believes the movie connected so strongly with audiences and has remained a cult favorite decades later. Then it's on to “V” and the iconic role of Mike Donovan. Marc explains how his experience on “The Beastmaster” helped prepare him for the role, shares the surprising story of how he actually landed the part, and reflects on the deeper themes that gave the original “V” such extraordinary impact. He also looks back at working with Faye Grant, Jane Badler, Robert Englund and the rest of the unforgettable cast—and the lasting connection he developed with “V” fans around the world. And there’s much more! Marc discusses his memorable season of “Dallas,” including working with Larry Hagman, his experience on “The Young and the Restless,” the demands of performing action on screen, and what it was like watching “The Beastmaster” and “V” return in new forms years later. He also reveals what it meant to return to those worlds—and why meeting fans at conventions has become such a meaningful experience. It’s another candid, fascinating journey through Marc Singer’s extraordinary Hollywood career—and one you won't want to miss! MARC SINGER  Marc Singer began his television career in 1974 on the short-lived “Planet of the Apes” series. He went on to make guest appearances on shows including “Barnaby Jones,” “Hawaii Five-O,” and “The Rookies,” before landing prominent roles in television movies such as “The Taming of the Shrew,” “Something for Joey,” and “Roots: The Next Generations.” His first feature film was 1978’s “Go Tell the Spartans,” followed by “If You Could See What I Hear” in 1982. Singer’s breakthrough came that same year when he starred as Dar in the action-adventure fantasy “The Beastmaster.” He became even more widely known as journalist Mike Donovan in the groundbreaking 1983 miniseries “V,” its sequel “V: The Final Battle,” and the subsequent television series. Throughout the 1980s and beyond, he continued working steadily in film and television, with appearances on “Dallas,” “The Twilight Zone,” “The Hitchhiker,” “Murder, She Wrote,” and “Simon & Simon.” He also voiced Man-Bat in “Batman: The Animated Series” and returned to the Beastmaster role in “Beastmaster 2: Through the Portal of Time.” Beyond his screen work, Singer has maintained a connection to classical theater, performing with the American Conservatory Theater in productions including “The Taming of the Shrew” and “Cyrano de Bergerac.” He later appeared as Lars Tremont in the 2011 “V” reboot and had a recurring role as General Matthew Shrieve on “Arrow.” More recent credits include the Netflix series “AJ and the Queen,” demonstrating that after decades in the business, Marc Singer continues to bring his talent and versatility to audiences across film and television. Official Marc Singer Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheRealMarcSinger/   Hollywood Obsessed Podcast Website - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.hollywoodobsessedthepodcast.com/ ⁠⁠ ⁠     Hollywood Obsessed Facebook Page – ⁠⁠⁠HOLLYWOOD OBSESSED PODCAST⁠⁠⁠    Hollywood Obsessed Podcast Instagram - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/hollywoodobsessedpodcast/⁠    Titles VO Talent – Cam Frierson - ⁠⁠http://camfrierson.com/voice   Music by⁠⁠ ⁠QubeSounds⁠⁠⁠  from ⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠

  2. 1d ago

    Episode 191 - Uncovering Marc Singer: His Hollywood Journey, From The Beastmaster to V and Beyond - Part 1

    On the latest episode of Hollywood Obsessed, Tony Miros sits down with the talented Marc Singer, best known for his iconic roles as heroic Dar in “The Beastmaster” and Mike Donovan in the groundbreaking 1980s sci-fi series “V”. But there’s much more to Singer’s Hollywood story than these unforgettable roles. In this fascinating first part of our conversation, Marc takes us back to the creative family and early experiences that inspired him to pursue acting—and ultimately led him to a remarkable career on stage, television, and film. Singer opens up about discovering his love of acting through Shakespeare and theater, his early years performing alongside some of Hollywood’s legendary stars, and the invaluable lessons he learned from working with actors including Burt Lancaster, Geraldine Page, Henry Fonda, Olivia de Havilland, and Maureen O’Sullivan. He also shares some wonderful behind-the-scenes stories from those early days, including an unforgettable first encounter with Lancaster. We also explore some of the fascinating stops along his journey, from “The Twilight Zone” and “Planet of the Apes” to the cult favorite “For Ladies Only” and the television movie “Paper Dolls,” where he worked with Joan Collins and Daryl Hannah. Marc reflects on what he learned from each experience, why theater remains his first love, and the advice he gives aspiring actors about truly mastering their craft. And, of course, we get into “The Beastmaster”—the film that transformed Marc Singer into an action and fantasy icon. He reveals what it was like stepping into that legendary role, the challenging conditions of filming, and how the very first day of shooting began with one particularly unforgettable scene in quicksand! It’s a candid, entertaining, and deeply personal conversation with an actor who has spent decades embracing the magic of performing. And this is only Part 1! MARC SINGER  Singer began his television career in 1974 as Dalton on the short-lived “Planet of the Apes” series. He went on to make guest appearances on shows including “Barnaby Jones,” “Hawaii Five-O,” and “The Rookies,” before landing prominent roles in television movies such as “The Taming of the Shrew,” “Something for Joey,” and “Roots: The Next Generations.” His first feature film was 1978’s “Go Tell the Spartans,” followed by “If You Could See What I Hear” in 1982. Singer’s breakthrough came that same year when he starred as Dar in the action-adventure fantasy “The Beastmaster.” He became even more widely known as journalist Mike Donovan in the groundbreaking 1983 miniseries “V,” its sequel “V: The Final Battle,” and the subsequent television series. Throughout the 1980s and beyond, he continued working steadily in film and television, with appearances on “Dallas,” “The Twilight Zone,” “The Hitchhiker,” “Murder, She Wrote,” and “Simon & Simon.” He also voiced Man-Bat in “Batman: The Animated Series” and returned to the Beastmaster role in “Beastmaster 2: Through the Portal of Time.” Beyond his screen work, Singer has maintained a connection to classical theater, performing with the American Conservatory Theater in productions including “The Taming of the Shrew” and “Cyrano de Bergerac.” He later appeared as Lars Tremont in the 2011 “V” reboot and had a recurring role as General Matthew Shrieve on “Arrow.” More recent credits include the Netflix series “AJ and the Queen,” demonstrating that after decades in the business, he continues to bring his talent and versatility to audiences across film and television. Official Marc Singer Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheRealMarcSinger/   Hollywood Obsessed Podcast Website - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.hollywoodobsessedthepodcast.com/ ⁠⁠ ⁠     Hollywood Obsessed Facebook Page – ⁠⁠⁠HOLLYWOOD OBSESSED PODCAST⁠⁠⁠    Hollywood Obsessed Podcast Instagram - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/hollywoodobsessedpodcast/⁠    Titles VO Talent – Cam Frierson - ⁠⁠http://camfrierson.com/voice   Music by⁠⁠ ⁠QubeSounds⁠⁠⁠  from ⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠

  3. Sep 21

    Episode 190 — Chatting With Filmmaker David Kittredge About His Documentary "Boorman and the Devil" — Part 2

    My conversation continues with filmmaker David Kittredge about his extraordinary documentary “BOORMAN AND THE DEVIL” and the troubled, fascinating history behind “Exorcist II: The Heretic.” David takes me deep behind the scenes of his five-year labor of love, from discovering an incredible treasure trove of John Boorman’s production papers at Indiana University’s Lilly Library to recreating lost moments of the film through animation and motion graphics. He also reveals how the documentary made its way to the Venice Film Festival, why getting it ready for its premiere became a race against the clock, and the extraordinary technical achievements behind “Exorcist II”—including its groundbreaking early use of the Steadicam. We also talk about David’s unforgettable interviews with Louise Fletcher and Linda Blair, and why revisiting such a painful chapter in their careers produced some of the documentary’s most moving moments. David opens up about Linda’s experience making the film at just 17 years old, the constantly changing screenplay, the infamous “void” ending that was ultimately abandoned, and the many things that went wrong during the production—fueling decades of talk that the movie was somehow cursed. And then there’s the future! David reveals how filmmaker Mike Flanagan became part of the documentary, shares his enthusiasm for Flanagan’s upcoming “Exorcist” film, and talks about what he hopes to make next. Most importantly, David reflects on the lesson he learned from spending five years obsessed with a movie he simply believed needed to exist: sometimes you have to make the film you desperately want to see and trust that, if you’re passionate enough, audiences will find it. It’s a wonderful, candid conversation about filmmaking, obsession, perseverance, and the enduring legacy of “Exorcist II: The Heretic.” DAVID KITTREDGE  David Kittredge is a director, editor, writer, producer, and all-around cinema geek living and working in Los Angeles, with occasional time spent in New York. He spends way too much time reading about HDR cinematography and post-production workflows, waxing poetic about “Lost Highway”, “Dressed to Kill”, “The Red Shoes”, “Lawrence of Arabia”, and “Exorcist II: The Heretic”—and explaining why Sensurround was actually pretty cool. In 2025, David’s latest documentary, “Boorman and the Devil”, had its world premiere at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival. The film is now receiving its national theatrical release, in theaters across the United States. In 2015, David edited “54: The Director’s Cut”, which premiered at the Berlin Film Festival. This new and vastly different version of the 1998 film features 44 minutes of footage not seen in the original theatrical release. The project took six months to recut, restore, and reconstruct. David also produced and edited the behind-the-scenes documentary “If You Could Read My Mind”, which appears on the Blu-ray and explores the process of creating the director’s cut. In 2009, David wrote, directed, and co-edited the award-winning feature film “Pornography: A Thriller”. The film screened at more than 25 film festivals, winning multiple awards before its U.S. theatrical release. David has also written and directed two award-winning short films that screened at dozens of film festivals: “Fairy Tale” and “Target Audience”, the latter of which was a Teddy Award nominee at the Berlin Film Festival. Boorman and The Devil Official Website - https://yellowveilpictures.com/boorman-and-the-devil/ Hollywood Obsessed Podcast Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.hollywoodobsessedthepodcast.com/ ⁠⁠ ⁠ ⁠    Hollywood Obsessed Facebook Page – ⁠⁠⁠⁠HOLLYWOOD OBSESSED PODCAST⁠⁠⁠⁠    Hollywood Obsessed Podcast Instagram - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/hollywoodobsessedpodcast/⁠⁠  ⁠ ⁠ Titles VO Talent – Cam Frierson - ⁠⁠⁠http://camfrierson.com/voice⁠ ⁠ ⁠ Music by⁠⁠ ⁠⁠QubeSounds⁠⁠⁠ ⁠ from ⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠⁠

  4. Sep 21

    Episode 189 — Chatting With Filmmaker David Kittredge About His Documentary "Boorman and the Devil" — Part 1

    On the latest episode of Hollywood Obsessed, Tony Miros sits down with acclaimed filmmaker David Kittredge, whose fascinating documentary “Boorman and the Devil” explores the troubled production and enduring legacy of John Boorman’s controversial film “Exorcist II: The Heretic.” Now playing in theaters nationwide, the documentary takes a thoughtful, deeply researched look at one of Hollywood’s most misunderstood cinematic experiments. David shares his lifelong love of movies, his journey toward becoming a filmmaker, and his fascination with “The Exorcist” and its ambitious, unconventional sequel. He discusses why he believes “The Heretic” deserves more than the ridicule it received, the extraordinary risks John Boorman took, and the devastating audience backlash that followed the film’s release—including one of the most infamous preview screenings in movie history. Tony and David also explore the inspiration behind “Boorman and the Devil”, including the encouragement of fellow documentarian Jeffrey Schwarz and David’s determination to preserve the stories of the filmmakers and crew who brought “The Heretic” to life. He reveals the challenges of making the documentary over nearly a decade, conducting interviews with John Boorman, Linda Blair, Louise Fletcher, and others, and shaping hours of fascinating material into a feature-length film. From Richard Burton’s complicated involvement to the documentary’s original 196-minute rough cut, David offers an entertaining and revealing behind-the-scenes look at the making of “Boorman and the Devil.” He also discusses the film’s unexpected audience reactions, his love of physical media, and the importance of celebrating filmmakers who dared to swing for the fences. Cinephiles and fans of Hollywood history won’t want to miss this fascinating conversation!   DAVID KITTREDGE  David Kittredge is a director, editor, writer, producer, and all-around cinema geek living and working in Los Angeles, with occasional time spent in New York. He spends way too much time reading about HDR cinematography and post-production workflows, waxing poetic about “Lost Highway”, “Dressed to Kill”, “The Red Shoes”, “Lawrence of Arabia”, and “Exorcist II: The Heretic”—and explaining why Sensurround was actually pretty cool. In 2025, David’s latest documentary, “Boorman and the Devil”, had its world premiere at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival. The film is now receiving its national theatrical release, in theaters across the United States. In 2015, David edited “54: The Director’s Cut”, which premiered at the Berlin Film Festival. This new and vastly different version of the 1998 film features 44 minutes of footage not seen in the original theatrical release. The project took six months to recut, restore, and reconstruct. David also produced and edited the behind-the-scenes documentary “If You Could Read My Mind”, which appears on the Blu-ray and explores the process of creating the director’s cut. In 2009, David wrote, directed, and co-edited the award-winning feature film “Pornography: A Thriller”. The film screened at more than 25 film festivals, winning multiple awards before its U.S. theatrical release. David has also written and directed two award-winning short films that screened at dozens of film festivals: “Fairy Tale” and “Target Audience”, the latter of which was a Teddy Award nominee at the Berlin Film Festival. Boorman and The Devil Official Website - https://yellowveilpictures.com/boorman-and-the-devil/ Hollywood Obsessed Podcast Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.hollywoodobsessedthepodcast.com/ ⁠⁠ ⁠ ⁠    Hollywood Obsessed Facebook Page – ⁠⁠⁠⁠HOLLYWOOD OBSESSED PODCAST⁠⁠⁠⁠    Hollywood Obsessed Podcast Instagram - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/hollywoodobsessedpodcast/⁠⁠  ⁠ ⁠ Titles VO Talent – Cam Frierson - ⁠⁠⁠http://camfrierson.com/voice⁠ ⁠ ⁠ Music by⁠⁠ ⁠⁠QubeSounds⁠⁠⁠ ⁠ from ⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠⁠

  5. Sep 7

    Episode 188 - Chatting With DeDee Pfeiffer About Cult Classics, Cybill & Coming Back to Hollywood – Part 2

    On Part Two of Tony Miros’ fascinating conversation with actress Dedee Pfeiffer, Dedee takes Tony behind the scenes of The All-Nighter, the 1987 comedy starring The Bangles’ Susanna Hoffs, and recalls becoming instant friends with Joan Cusack. She also shares some hilarious and outrageous stories from the production and what it was like working with a cast that included some wonderfully colorful personalities. Then there’s Red Surf, where Dedee reunited with her friend and former boyfriend George Clooney—long before he became, well… GEORGE CLOONEY. She reveals how they first met, how they dated on and off, and how George actually helped her prepare for the audition that landed her the role opposite him. She also gets candid about her approach to acting and why she has always considered herself something of a “wild card” in the casting process. She recalls working with Joel Schumacher and Michael Douglas on Falling Down, where she completely reinvented the character of Sheila. She also takes us inside her unforgettable guest appearances on Friends and Seinfeld. And then there’s Cybill, where she landed the role of Cybill Shepherd’s daughter after going through the intense audition process of 1990s network television. She remembers working with the legendary Christine Baranski and explains why she still suffers from what she calls “imposter disorder.” But beneath all the fun stories is an incredibly moving story of reinvention. She opens up about why she walked away from acting for nearly ten years, returned to college as a single mother, discovered she had dyslexia and a learning disability, earned her master's degree in social work from UCLA, and ultimately got sober. She explains how playing Denise Brisbane on Big Sky became particularly meaningful because it was the first character she ever played sober. DEDEE PFEIFFER  With a career spanning more than three decades, DeDee Pfeiffer has established herself as a versatile actress whose credits include cult classics, hit television series, acclaimed dramas, and working alongside some of Hollywood’s biggest stars. The younger sister of Oscar-nominated actress Michelle Pfeiffer, she began acting at 21 making her feature-film debut in John Landis’ “Into the Night” (1985), alongside Jeff Goldblum and her sister Michelle. She soon landed starring roles in the cult favorite “Vamp “(1986), opposite icon Grace Jones, “The Allnighter” (1987), & “The Horror Show” (1989). Throughout the 1990s, she continued building an impressive film résumé, appearing opposite George Clooney in “Red Surf,” Michael Douglas in “Falling Down,” and Keanu Reeves in “Tune in Tomorrow.” On TV, she became a familiar face as a series regular on the acclaimed sitcom “Cybill,” starring Cybill Shepherd, and later starred in “For Your Love.” In 2010, she made the courageous decision to step away from Hollywood and focus on her recovery from alcohol addiction. She returned to school, earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology, and ultimately received her Master of Social Work from UCLA. She then dedicated herself to social services, working with people affected by mental illness, substance abuse, and homelessness. After nearly a decade away, she made a remarkable return to television in 2020 with ABC’s “Big Sky”, portraying Denise Brisbane, a role created specifically for her by series creator David E. Kelley, who is married to her sister Michelle. A single mother of two sons, DeDee’s Hollywood story is anything but conventional.  DeDee Pfeiffer Official Facebook – ⁠https://www.facebook.com/dedeepfeifferofficial⁠   Hollywood Obsessed Podcast Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.hollywoodobsessedthepodcast.com/ ⁠⁠ ⁠ ⁠    Hollywood Obsessed Facebook Page – ⁠⁠⁠⁠HOLLYWOOD OBSESSED PODCAST⁠⁠⁠⁠    Hollywood Obsessed Podcast Instagram - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/hollywoodobsessedpodcast/⁠⁠  ⁠ ⁠ Titles VO Talent – Cam Frierson - ⁠⁠⁠http://camfrierson.com/voice⁠ ⁠ ⁠ Music by⁠⁠ ⁠⁠QubeSounds⁠⁠⁠ ⁠ from ⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠⁠

  6. Sep 7

    Episode 187 - Chatting With DeDee Pfeiffer About Cult Classics, Cybill & Coming Back to Hollywood – Part 1

    On this episode of HOLLYWOOD OBSESSED, Tony Miros sits down with the wonderfully candid and entertaining actress DeDee Pfeiffer, best known for playing Cybill Shepherd’s daughter on “Cybill” and, more recently, Denise Brisbane on ABC’s “Big Sky.” In this revealing first part of their conversation, DeDee takes Tony back to her childhood in Orange County, sharing hilarious memories of growing up in a very different Southern California. She also opens up about being the middle Pfeiffer sister and what it was really like having Michelle Pfeiffer as an older sister. Then comes the Hollywood story! DeDee reveals how she went from dancing in a Disneyland parade and delivering radiators to deciding she wanted to become an actress. With Michelle’s encouragement, she moved to LA, slept on her sister’s couch, and quickly discovered that becoming an actress wasn’t going to be easy. She admits she was initially terrible at acting and struggled to remember her lines—but she refused to quit. Then comes the incredible story of how DeDee got her SAG card, involving a casting Catch-22, a little creative storytelling, John Landis, Michelle, and “Into the Night”. DeDee also takes Tony behind the scenes of her first starring role in the outrageous 1986 cult classic “Vamp,” starring the legendary Grace Jones. She shares unbelievable stories about the chaotic nighttime production in downtown Los Angeles, production delays, disappearing cast members, wardrobe malfunctions, and so much more! And then there was Grace Jones, arriving on set covered in body paint by artist Keith Haring and delivering a performance that left the cast and extras absolutely stunned. DEDEE PFEIFFER  With a career spanning more than three decades, DeDee Pfeiffer has established herself as a versatile actress whose credits include cult classics, hit television series, acclaimed dramas, and working alongside some of Hollywood’s biggest stars. The younger sister of Oscar-nominated actress Michelle Pfeiffer, DeDee began acting at 21 making her feature-film debut in John Landis’ “Into the Night” (1985), alongside Jeff Goldblum and her sister Michelle. She soon landed starring roles in the cult favorite “Vamp “(1986), opposite legendary icon Grace Jones, “The Allnighter” (1987), and “The Horror Show” (1989). Throughout the 1990s, Pfeiffer continued building an impressive film résumé, appearing opposite George Clooney in “Red Surf,” Michael Douglas in “Falling Down,” and Keanu Reeves in “Tune in Tomorrow.” On television, she became a familiar face as a series regular on the acclaimed sitcom “Cybill,” starring Cybill Shepherd, and later starred in “For Your Love.” Her guest appearances included iconic series such as “Seinfeld,” “Friends,” “Ellen,” “ER,” “CSI,” and “CSI: NY.” In 2010, Pfeiffer made the courageous decision to step away from Hollywood and focus on her recovery from alcohol addiction. She returned to school, earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology, and ultimately received her Master of Social Work from UCLA. She then dedicated herself to social services, working with people affected by mental illness, substance abuse, and homelessness. After nearly a decade away, Pfeiffer made a remarkable return to television in 2020 with ABC’s “Big Sky”, portraying Denise Brisbane, a role created specifically for her by series creator David E. Kelley, who is married to her sister Michelle. A single mother of two sons, DeDee’s Hollywood story is anything but conventional.  DeDee Pfeiffer Official Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/dedeepfeifferofficial   Hollywood Obsessed Podcast Website - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.hollywoodobsessedthepodcast.com/ ⁠⁠ ⁠     Hollywood Obsessed Facebook Page – ⁠⁠⁠HOLLYWOOD OBSESSED PODCAST⁠⁠⁠    Hollywood Obsessed Podcast Instagram - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/hollywoodobsessedpodcast/⁠    Titles VO Talent – Cam Frierson - ⁠⁠http://camfrierson.com/voice   Music by⁠⁠ ⁠QubeSounds⁠⁠⁠  from ⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠

  7. Aug 24

    Episode 186– Surf, Stardom & Hollywood Tough Guys: The Don Stroud Story – Part 2

    Now that we’ve heard about Don Stroud’s incredible journey from the beaches of Hawaii to Hollywood, the story continues with one of his most iconic films, “The Amityville Horror.” Don recalls working with Rod Steiger and Margot Kidder —and reveals what it was really like behind the scenes of the horror classic. He also shares stories from “Murder, She Wrote,” “Mrs. Columbo,” “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia,” ”Mike Hammer,” and “Hawaii Five-O,” including his friendship with Jack Lord and the unforgettable experience of working with Stacy Keach. Don also opens up about returning to Hawaii to film “Gidget,” reconnecting with the legendary surfers who helped shape his life, and the special bond he had with the Hawaiian beach boys who looked out for him when he was young. He talks about his parents—his father a vaudeville performer and his mother a blues singer who toured with Frank Sinatra and Bob Hope—and how his unlikely path from surfing and playing bongos eventually led him to Universal Studios and a career in Hollywood. Then comes James Bond! Don takes us behind the scenes of “License to Kill,” working with Timothy Dalton and Benicio del Toro, and recalls attending the film’s New York premiere. He also shares the frightening story of being stabbed while trying to help a woman being attacked in Greenwich Village—and how the scar that nearly ended his career ultimately became part of his screen persona. And finally, Don reflects on the later chapter of his career, including his memorable appearance in Quentin Tarantino’s “Django Unchained.” From nearly thinking Tarantino’s phone call was a prank to walking onto the set and feeling right at home, Don explains why working with Tarantino was such a special experience—and why he considers the legendary director one of the most important people in his career. It’s another wild, unforgettable ride through the life of one of Hollywood’s great character actors. Don Stroud Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, Stroud began surfing at age three, earned a black belt in Kajukenbo at 16, and at 17 won the Mākaha Junior Championship and placed fourth in the prestigious Duke Kahanamoku International competition. His path to Hollywood began while working as a lifeguard at the Kahala Hilton, where he was hired to double for Troy Donahue on Hawaiian Eye. Donahue encouraged him to move to Los Angeles, where Stroud worked as his fight double and bodyguard. A chance meeting with Sidney Poitier at Hollywood’s Whisky a Go-Go led to an introduction to legendary agent Dick Clayton and launched Stroud’s acting career. He made his film debut in Games (1967) and quickly became a familiar face, often portraying tough guys and villains. His extensive film credits include Coogan’s Bluff, Joe Kidd, Bloody Mama, Von Richthofen and Brown, Murph the Surf, Death Weekend, The Killer Inside Me, The Buddy Holly Story, The Amityville Horror, Licence to Kill, and Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained. Stroud has also enjoyed an equally prolific television career, appearing in more than 200 shows, including Hawaii Five-O, Barnaby Jones, Charlie’s Angels, Starsky & Hutch, The Streets of San Francisco, Mrs. Columbo, Mickey Spillane’s Mike Hammer, Nash Bridges, Pensacola: Wings of Gold, and Magnum P.I. He also showcased his musical talent in The Buddy Holly Story, performing the drums live for the film’s concert sequences. After decades in Hollywood, Stroud eventually returned to his beloved Hawaii while continuing to work in film and television. Don Stroud Official Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/don.stroud.136329   Hollywood Obsessed Podcast Website - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.hollywoodobsessedthepodcast.com/ ⁠⁠ ⁠     Hollywood Obsessed Facebook Page – ⁠⁠⁠HOLLYWOOD OBSESSED PODCAST⁠⁠⁠    Hollywood Obsessed Podcast Instagram - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/hollywoodobsessedpodcast/⁠    Titles VO Talent – Cam Frierson - ⁠⁠http://camfrierson.com/voice   Music by⁠⁠ ⁠QubeSounds⁠⁠⁠  from ⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠

  8. Aug 24

    Episode 185 – Surf, Stardom & Hollywood Tough Guys: The Don Stroud Story – Part 1

    On the latest episode of Hollywood Obsessed, Tony Miros sits down with legendary character actor Don Stroud for a fascinating and often jaw-dropping trip through one of Hollywood’s most unconventional careers. Long before he was appearing alongside Clint Eastwood, Robert De Niro and Gary Busey, Don was a young surfer growing up in Hawaii, where the ocean—and a chance encounter on the set of the classic TV series “Hawaiian Eye”—would unexpectedly put him on the path to Hollywood.   After moving to Los Angeles, he found himself working as a bouncer at the legendary Whisky a Go Go, rubbing shoulders with some of the biggest names in rock music. Before long, a chance meeting with Sidney Poitier helped open the door to acting, eventually leading to a Universal Studios contract and a seemingly endless string of TV and film roles.   Don shares great behind-the-scenes stories about working with Clint Eastwood on “Coogan’s Bluff” & “Joe Kidd,” Shelley Winters and Robert De Niro on “Bloody Mama,” and Gary Busey on “The Buddy Holly Story.” He also talks about working with Robert Conrad, Angie Dickinson, and Robert Duvall—and why some of those relationships turned into lifelong friendships. And yes, there are stories about Hollywood parties, romance, the infamous Playgirl centerfold, and life in Laurel Canyon during one of Hollywood’s wildest eras!   But beneath all the Hollywood glamour is a much more personal story. Don opens up with remarkable honesty about his struggles with alcohol and drugs, the impact they had on his career and relationships, getting sober, falling off the wagon, and ultimately finding his way back. He also reflects on being a character actor, the joy of getting fan mail, and why he still answers every single letter he receives. Don Stroud Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, Stroud began surfing at age three, earned a black belt in Kajukenbo at 16, and at 17 won the Mākaha Junior Championship and placed fourth in the prestigious Duke Kahanamoku International competition. His path to Hollywood began while working as a lifeguard at the Kahala Hilton, where he was hired to double for Troy Donahue on Hawaiian Eye. Donahue encouraged him to move to Los Angeles, where Stroud worked as his fight double and bodyguard. A chance meeting with Sidney Poitier at Hollywood’s Whisky a Go-Go led to an introduction to legendary agent Dick Clayton and launched Stroud’s acting career. He made his film debut in Games (1967) and quickly became a familiar face, often portraying tough guys and villains. His extensive film credits include Coogan’s Bluff, Joe Kidd, Bloody Mama, Von Richthofen and Brown, Murph the Surf, Death Weekend, The Killer Inside Me, The Buddy Holly Story, The Amityville Horror, Licence to Kill, and Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained. Stroud has also enjoyed an equally prolific television career, appearing in more than 200 shows, including Hawaii Five-O, Barnaby Jones, Cannon, Charlie’s Angels, Starsky & Hutch, The Streets of San Francisco, Mrs. Columbo, Mickey Spillane’s Mike Hammer, Nash Bridges, Pensacola: Wings of Gold, Hawaii Five-0, and Magnum P.I. He also showcased his musical talent in The Buddy Holly Story, performing the drums live for the film’s concert sequences. After decades in Hollywood, Stroud eventually returned to his beloved Hawaii while continuing to work in film and television. From surfing champion and martial artist to stunt performer, musician, and one of Hollywood’s most recognizable character actors. Don Stroud Official Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/don.stroud.136329   Hollywood Obsessed Podcast Website - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.hollywoodobsessedthepodcast.com/ ⁠⁠ ⁠     Hollywood Obsessed Facebook Page – ⁠⁠⁠HOLLYWOOD OBSESSED PODCAST⁠⁠⁠    Hollywood Obsessed Podcast Instagram - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/hollywoodobsessedpodcast/⁠    Titles VO Talent – Cam Frierson - ⁠⁠http://camfrierson.com/voice   Music by⁠⁠ ⁠QubeSounds⁠⁠⁠  from ⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠

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4.5
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

Hosted by Hollywood casting director, journalist, and former studio tour guide, Tony Miros, HOLLYWOOD OBSESSED is an illuminating podcast featuring insightful interviews with entertainment professionals and insiders who share their personal stories about Hollywood and its colorful history. In each episode, listeners will take a captivating journey, discovering fun movie & TV facts and trivia that will enlighten and delight. If you’re as obsessed with Hollywood as Tony is (or would like to be), join him and his latest guest every other Monday for an exciting, new episode of HOLLYWOOD OBSESSED.

Information

  • Creator
    Tony Miros
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    192
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Tony Miros
  • Show Website
    Hollywood Obsessed

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