Hollywood Obsessed

Tony Miros

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. 5d ago

    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

  2. 5d ago

    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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. Aug 10

    Episode 184 – Beyond The Blue Lagoon: The Naked Truth With ‘80s Icon Christopher Atkins – Part 2

    In Part Two of Tony Miros’ unforgettable conversation with actor Christopher Atkins, the journey continues with “The Pirate Movie,” “A Night in Heaven,” and one very unexpected musical career! He takes us behind the scenes of filming “The Pirate Movie” in Australia, where he fell in love with the country and learned singing and fencing for the role. He also reveals the surprising legacy of the film—including his Gold Record for “How Can I Live Without Her,” his unforgettable appearance on “Solid Gold,” and why he still can’t believe he signs more autographs for “The Pirate Movie” than “The Blue Lagoon!” Atkins then opens up about “A Night in Heaven,” his provocative 1983 film with Leslie Ann Warren, directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker John G. Avildsen. The film earned him the tongue-in-cheek distinction of being the “original Magic Mike.” He shares hilarious stories about filming those famously steamy scenes with Leslie Ann Warren, the constantly changing script, and how the movie ultimately took his character in a very unexpected direction. . Then it’s off to Southfork for a behind-the-scenes trip down “Dallas” memory lane! He recalls playing Peter Richards during Season Seven, people’s concerns about a movie star doing TV, and the hilarious first time he met the legendary Larry Hagman. He shares stories about Charlene Tilton, Linda Gray, and his unforgettable first onscreen kiss with Gray—including the hilarious prank that she pulled on him! He also talks about reuniting with Brooke Shields on “Suddenly Susan,” reflects on the deeply personal significance of working with Randal Kleiser again on “It’s My Party,” and pulls back the curtain on his experience with VH1’s “Confessions of a Teen Idol”. Now living in Connecticut, Atkins is looking toward the next chapter of his career—writing and developing his own independent films. CHRISTOPHER ATKINS Christopher Atkins is a Golden Globe-nominated actor, director, and producer who became an international teen idol virtually overnight. Before fame, Atkins was a high school student working as a lifeguard and sailing instructor when a friend convinced him to audition for "The Blue Lagoon." With no previous acting experience, the 19-year-old won the role over more than 4,000 other actors. Released in 1980 and starring Atkins opposite Brooke Shields, "The Blue Lagoon" became a major box-office success. The film went on to become a cult classic, while Atkins’ youthful looks, athleticism, and natural screen presence made him one of the most recognizable teen idols of the era. Atkins followed "The Blue Lagoon" with "The Pirate Movie ," playing Frederic in the musical comedy inspired by "The Pirates of Penzance." He also recorded the song “How Can I Live Without Her?,” which earned him a Gold record. In 1983, he starred opposite Lesley Ann Warren in "A Night in Heaven "and joined the cast of the hit CBS primetime soap "Dallas" as Peter Richards, who became romantically involved with Sue Ellen Ewing. Over the following decades, Atkins continued working in film and television, appearing in projects including "Mortuary Academy," "It’s My Party," "Angel Flight Down," "Blue Lagoon: The Awakening," and "True Legends of the West." He also reunited with Brooke Shields as a guest star on "Suddenly Susan." In 2009, Atkins appeared on VH1’s reality series "Confessions of a Teen Idol," and in 2023, he reunited with his former Dallas co-star Linda Gray in "Ladies of the ’80s: A Divas Christmas." Christopher Atkins Official Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/christopher.atkins.509/    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 10

    Episode 183 – Beyond The Blue Lagoon: The Naked Truth With ‘80s Icon Christopher Atkins – Part 1

    On this episode of Hollywood Obsessed, host Tony Miros sits down with actor Christopher Atkins, whose extraordinary journey from aspiring baseball player to international teen idol began with one unexpected audition. Best known for his unforgettable film debut opposite Brooke Shields in the 1980 blockbuster “The Blue Lagoon” and his role as Peter Richards on the iconic primetime soap “Dallas,” Atkins looks back on the wild ride that changed his life forever. Atkins takes us back to the unlikely circumstances that landed him on a deserted island in Fiji. With absolutely no acting experience, he auditioned for “The Blue Lagoon” alongside approximately 4,000 other young actors and eventually won the role of Richard. He shares hilarious and fascinating behind-the-scenes stories about working with a 14-year-old Brooke Shields and director Randal Kleiser, filming for months on a remote island, and why he believes a movie like “The Blue Lagoon” could never be made the same way today. Then came the part nobody could have prepared him for: global superstardom! Atkins opens up about the exciting ride he had as well as the darker side of teen-idol fame, including frightening encounters with obsessed fans, disturbing letters, and the difficulty of trying to maintain a normal life when you couldn't go anywhere unnoticed. Atkins talks about taking on more serious roles, including the acclaimed television movie “The Child Bride of Short Creek” with Diane Lane and Helen Hunt, why he caught heat for making the transition from movies to television at a time when film stars were discouraged from doing TV. Its an episode you just HAVE to listen to! CHRISTOPHER ATKINS Christopher Atkins is a Golden Globe-nominated actor, director, and producer who became an international teen idol virtually overnight. Before fame, Atkins was a high school student working as a lifeguard and sailing instructor when a friend convinced him to audition for “The Blue Lagoon.” With no previous acting experience, the 19-year-old won the role over more than 4,000 other actors. Released in 1980, “The Blue Lagoon,” starring Atkins opposite Brooke Shields, became a major box-office success. The romantic adventure has gone on to become a cult classic, while Atkins' youthful looks, athleticism, and natural screen presence made him one of the most recognizable teen idols of the era. His newfound fame was extraordinary, with fans mobbing him wherever he went and teen magazines featuring him on countless covers. Atkins followed “The Blue Lagoon” with “The Pirate Movie” (1982), playing Frederic in the musical comedy inspired by Gilbert and Sullivan's “The Pirates of Penzance.” He also recorded "How Can I Live Without Her?," which reached No. 71 on the Billboard Hot 100. In 1983, he starred opposite Lesley Ann Warren in “A Night in Heaven” and joined the cast of the hit CBS primetime soap “Dallas” . Throughout the following decades, Atkins continued working in film and television, appearing in projects including “Mortuary Academy,” “Its My Party,” “Angel Flight Down,” “Strike Force,” “Spiritual Warriors,” “13th Child,” “Tequila Express,” “Quigley,” “Blue Lagoon: The Awakening,” and “True Legends of the West.” He also reunited with Brooke Shields as a guest star on “Suddenly Susan.” In 2009, he appeared on VH1's reality series “Confessions of a Teen Idol” . In 2023, Atkins reunited with his former “Dallas” co-star Linda Gray in “Ladies of the '80s: A Divas Christmas.” Christopher Atkins Official Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/christopher.atkins.509/    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

4.5
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.