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Kevin Pollak joins Steve Kmetko for one of the funniest and most revealing conversations yet on Still Here Hollywood. This episode is sponsored in part by Quince. Shop Quince at https://www.quince.com/stillhere Thanks to Quince for supporting Still Here Hollywood with Steve Kmetko.   From performing stand-up comedy at just 10 years old to starring alongside Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson, Bruce Willis, Gabriel Byrne and Kevin Spacey, Kevin shares unforgettable stories from one of Hollywood's most remarkable careers. He discusses: • The Usual Suspects• A Few Good Men• The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel• Christopher Walken impressions• Jack Nicholson behind the scenes• Bruce Willis and their friendship• Rob Reiner• Aaron Sorkin• Tom Cruise• Martin Scorsese• Barry Levinson• Poker• Podcasting before almost anyone else Kevin also reveals how one casting director told him acting "wasn't for everyone," why he almost passed on The Usual Suspects, and what really happened behind the scenes on some of Hollywood's biggest films. This is one of Kevin Pollak's funniest and most candid interviews. Chapters00:00 Kevin Pollak joins Still Here Hollywood02:12 Starting stand-up comedy at age 1004:45 The football coach who hated his impression07:22 How stand-up prepared him for acting10:42 Dana Carvey's audition advice12:23 The manager who said he couldn't act15:09 Quince sponsor break17:13 Christopher Walken and his famous impression18:21 Steve's uncomfortable Walken interview20:31 The impression that almost got Pollak in trouble24:40 Making Christopher Walken laugh28:15 The Usual Suspects and its unlikely success35:14 A Few Good Men changes everything36:00 Jason Alexander almost gets the role38:51 Remembering Rob Reiner42:00 Rob Reiner's kindness to Kathy Bates44:12 Bruce Willis and his family46:00 Bruce Willis' unforgettable compliment48:35 Jack Nicholson makes Tom Cruise laugh50:27 Steve's encounter with Jack Nicholson53:03 Hollywood poker games and celebrity friends57:45 James L. Brooks and his Emmy Awards01:00:13 Getting older and losing touch with pop culture01:02:39 The benefits of being a character actor01:05:52 Kevin Pollak's pioneering video podcast01:09:50 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: [email protected] Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: [email protected] Publicist: Maggie Perlich: [email protected] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Before millions of Americans knew Denise Nicholas as Liz McIntyre on the groundbreaking television series Room 222, she was living through history. Denise traveled through Mississippi and Louisiana with the Free Southern Theater during the Civil Rights Movement, an experience that put her face-to-face with violence, racism and even death threats. In this remarkably candid conversation with Steve Kmetko, Denise recalls bombs being thrown at the stage, sleeping on the floor of Fannie Lou Hamer's home because of gunfire, and the terrifying moment a police officer put a gun to her head. Then came Hollywood. Denise takes us behind the scenes of Room 222, shares memories of Karen Valentine and Michael Constantine, and reveals how Carol O'Connor helped turn her from an actor into a television writer on In the Heat of the Night. She also opens up about her relationship and marriage to legendary singer-songwriter Bill Withers, the unsolved murder of her younger sister, a deeply personal secret about the father who raised her, her decision to walk away from acting, and the writing career that became her passion. Plus, Denise reveals the current television series that might just convince her to step in front of the cameras again. It's a remarkable life spanning the Civil Rights Movement, groundbreaking television, Hollywood, love, loss and reinvention. This is Still Here Hollywood. I'm Steve Kmetko. CHAPTERS 00:00 Denise Nicholas joins Still Here Hollywood01:18 Acting wasn't remotely part of the plan02:48 Joining the Civil Rights Movement03:04 Fearing for her life in Mississippi04:01 Her mother stops speaking to her05:13 What America gets wrong about the Civil Rights era06:09 Bombs, gunfire and Fannie Lou Hamer07:25 From Civil Rights activist to Room 22210:42 Racism behind the scenes in Hollywood13:50 A police officer puts a gun to Denise's head15:10 The truth about Lloyd Haynes15:21 Remembering Michael Constantine and Karen Valentine17:31 Old-school Hollywood behind the scenes19:31 Carol O'Connor turns Denise into a writer21:25 What happened after Room 22224:17 Turning down demeaning Hollywood roles25:28 Race and opportunity in Hollywood27:49 What Carol O'Connor was really like29:45 The murder of Denise's sister31:33 How Denise met Bill Withers32:35 What Bill Withers was really like35:00 Why marriage was difficult for Denise36:03 Her massive celebrity wedding to Jim Hill37:06 Becoming an author40:19 Why she called her memoir Finding Home40:51 Why Denise walked away from acting42:49 Freshwater Road and owning her words44:17 The family secret she carried for decades47:18 The role that could bring Denise back49:25 What gives her hope49:53 A surprise message from Tai Babilonia51:57 Looking back at race in America 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: [email protected] Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: [email protected] Publicist: Maggie Perlich: [email protected] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Anson Williams became a television icon as Potsie Weber on Happy Days, but his Hollywood story goes far beyond Arnold’s Drive-In. Anson joins Steve Kmetko for a revealing look back at more than five decades in show business, including how he stumbled into his first acting job with a young Steven Spielberg, what Garry Marshall taught the Happy Days cast about surviving Hollywood, and the extraordinary day John Lennon secretly showed up on the Happy Days set with his son Julian. Anson also tells the remarkable story of how his connection to Dr. Henry Heimlich helped bring the Heimlich maneuver to national television, remembers his late Happy Days co-star Erin Moran, talks about working with Bette Davis and Hollywood legends including Milton Berle and Ethel Merman, and explains how Ron Howard helped inspire his second career as a television director. Plus, Anson discusses his newest project, Crazy Mama, starring Linda Purl. It’s an hour of Hollywood history from someone who was there for an astonishing amount of it. CHAPTERS00:00 Anson Williams joins Still Here Hollywood01:00 Growing up in Los Angeles and trying to break into show business04:00 The disastrous audition that launched his career07:24 His first real break09:00 How a sit-in at a talent agency changed everything12:00 His first acting job, directed by Steven Spielberg14:22 Would social media have changed his career?17:05 Happy Days becomes his big break17:26 The real story of the original Happy Days pilot19:37 Why the Happy Days cast became so close21:03 What made Garry Marshall special22:11 How Anson turned Potsie into a second career25:46 How Happy Days helped spread the Heimlich maneuver30:34 Who made Anson laugh hardest on Happy Days?33:23 John Lennon secretly visits the Happy Days set35:43 What changed after Ron Howard left37:19 Working with Bette Davis41:47 Remembering Marion Ross42:43 Becoming a television director45:35 Growing up around Hollywood legends49:38 Working with Ethel Merman50:28 Remembering Erin Moran52:19 The most important lesson he learned as a director53:37 Learning to direct science fiction56:03 Crazy Mama and Linda Purl1:01:07 Anson Williams looks ahead 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: [email protected] Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: [email protected] Publicist: Maggie Perlich: [email protected] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Linda Purl has spent more than five decades building an extraordinary career across television, film, Broadway and music. In this episode of Still Here Hollywood, Linda joins Steve Kmetko for a funny, candid and surprisingly personal conversation about Happy Days, Matlock, The Office, Andy Griffith, Garry Marshall, aging in Hollywood and the unexpected love story that brought her and Dallas star Patrick Duffy together. Linda reveals what The Office was really like behind the scenes, why Happy Days had only one bathroom for the cast and crew, and the remarkable story Andy Griffith told her about fighting for his role in A Face in the Crowd. She also opens up about reconnecting with Patrick Duffy during COVID, their nightly Zoom conversations and the moment he finally drove from Oregon to Colorado to see if their friendship could become something more. Plus, Linda talks about returning to the stage, her lifelong love of music, handling criticism, getting older without “giving up,” and how she and Patrick turned a 70-year-old family sourdough starter into Duffy's Dough and a mission to help fight food insecurity. It's Linda Purl, still working, still laughing, still singing and very much Still Here. #LindaPurl, #PatrickDuffy, #HappyDays, #TheOffice, #Matlock, #AndyGriffith, #GarryMarshall, #RonHoward, #Dallas, #StillHereHollywood, #SteveKmetko   YOUTUBE CHAPTERS 00:00 Linda Purl Is Still Here01:02 Growing Up in Japan07:34 Becoming an Actor10:42 Auditioning for The Office12:17 Garry Marshall and the Happy Days Family14:49 The Truth About Improv on The Office16:20 The Lasting Bonds of Happy Days18:26 Returning to Happy Days as a Different Character20:16 Working With Andy Griffith on Matlock21:58 Andy Griffith's Wild Elia Kazan Story24:30 Linda's Advice for Young Actors27:43 Criticism and Bad Reviews29:21 Social Media and the New Hollywood32:37 Aging in Hollywood34:20 Linda's Other Career as a Singer38:55 Her New Album, From My Heart41:33 Reinvention and Gregory Harrison's Life Lesson44:22 Playing 16 Characters in Crazy Mama47:55 Falling in Love With Patrick Duffy53:05 Patrick's 70-Year-Old Sourdough Starter56:36 Turning Duffy's Dough Into a Business1:03:33 What Linda Hopes People Remember 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: [email protected] Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: [email protected] Publicist: Maggie Perlich: [email protected] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Elisa Donovan became forever recognizable as Amber, Cher Horowitz's fabulously overdressed rival in the 1995 classic Clueless. But behind one of the most memorable characters of the '90s is an actress, writer and mother whose life took turns she never could have imagined. Elisa joins Steve Kmetko for a candid conversation about landing Clueless, creating Amber from the mean girls she knew growing up, working with Alicia Silverstone, and the Clueless joke she didn't even understand when she delivered it. She also opens up about Brittany Murphy, sharing a hilarious memory from the Clueless set and revealing the troubling signs she says she witnessed the last time she saw Brittany before her death. Elisa talks about nearly landing the lead in Showgirls, climbing into bed with Jason Priestley on her first day of Beverly Hills, 90210, her frustration during Sabrina the Teenage Witch, losing her father to cancer, and the extraordinary dreams that changed the way she thinks about grief and death. Plus, Elisa explains why she believes Hollywood is losing the kinds of movies that once gave actors and storytellers room to take chances. This is Still Here Hollywood. I'm Steve Kmetko. Join us with today's guest, from Clueless, actor Elisa Donovan.   00:00 Elisa Donovan joins Still Here Hollywood 01:54 Knowing she wanted to become an actor 04:04 The personality trait that helped her survive Hollywood 05:32 Her first television break on Blossom 07:01 The Showgirls role she desperately wanted 10:14 Learning from rejection in Hollywood 11:41 Did anyone know Clueless would become a classic? 13:19 The intimidating Clueless audition 15:34 Learning how television really works 15:50 Her first day in bed with Jason Priestley on 90210 18:04 Nearly walking away from acting after Sabrina 19:53 Behind the scenes of Clueless 20:00 Remembering Brittany Murphy on set 22:00 Learning Brittany Murphy had died 22:46 The troubling signs Elisa says she witnessed 25:52 Still Here Hollywood 27:12 Breckin Meyer and remembering Brittany 28:25 The real girls who inspired Amber 30:07 Why Amber was so much fun to play 31:13 How Clueless changed Elisa's life 34:22 The improvised moments that made the movie 35:48 The Clueless joke Elisa didn't understand 36:29 Why Clueless still connects 30 years later 38:09 What Hollywood has lost 41:44 Becoming a writer 44:41 What writing gave her that acting couldn't 46:05 Writing Wake Me When You Leave 48:13 Losing her father and losing her way 50:32 The dreams that changed everything 53:18 Writing through grief 56:01 What Elisa would tell Amber today 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: [email protected] Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: [email protected] Publicist: Maggie Perlich: [email protected] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 Hollywood01:02 Growing Up in an Artistic Greek Family04:32 The Moment Michael Knew He'd Be an Actor07:01 Surviving Hollywood and a Changing Industry09:00 Michael Sounds Off on AI and Owning Your Image11:32 Tech Giants, Mergers and the Future of Hollywood14:35 Why AI Worries Michael Chiklis23:30 Finally Visiting Greece27:17 "A Hard Guy With a Caramel Center"28:03 Becoming a Grandfather31:07 The Commish vs. The Shield33:40 Creating Vic Mackey39:26 How Michael Reinvented Himself45:11 Fantastic Four and Becoming The Thing48:13 Michael Chiklis, the Musician53:42 Why Failure Is Necessary55:21 What Makes Michael Happiest58:15 The Incredible Elton John Story1:06:45 What's Still Left on Michael's Bucket List1:08:32 Why Michael Won't Talk Politics1:09:12 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: [email protected] Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: [email protected] Publicist: Maggie Perlich: [email protected] 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 Here01:17 The Character Actor Dining Society03:40 George Clooney's Oscar Prank06:13 Richard Kind's Second City Years08:08 "The Harvard of Comedy"09:19 Chasing the Dream of Acting11:07 Did His Family Think He'd Make It?13:20 Why Li'l Abner Should Come Back14:12 Songs That Have Aged VERY Badly16:17 Richard's First Television Job18:38 Learning Television With Mary Tyler Moore21:40 How Richard Met George Clooney22:39 "I'm the Luckiest Guy in the World"24:04 Richard Says He's NOT a Comedic Actor27:02 Why He Prefers Single-Camera Acting28:45 Remembering Linda Lavin and Tony Roberts31:30 Spin City, Michael J. Fox and Charlie Sheen32:59 What Actors Actually Do37:20 The Torturous "Drive Home"39:18 Mid-Century Modern and James Burrows42:49 Why Fans Still Love Him on Scrubs43:04 Richard Kind Calls Bill Lawrence a Genius46:27 Recording Family Guy and American Dad50:11 The Truth About Working for Disney52:09 Richard Kind vs. Marvel Movies57:40 What Richard Really Thinks of Amal Clooney1:00:30 George Clooney Before He Was Famous1:00:47 The Incredible LA Riots Story1:03:46 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: [email protected] Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: [email protected] Publicist: Maggie Perlich: [email protected] 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 Hollywood01:03 Success and Emmy Recognition on NYPD Blue02:06 Why Gail O’Grady Left NYPD Blue02:49 The Decision She Now Regrets03:05 Remembering Steven Bochco04:10 How Gail Landed NYPD Blue06:18 Sharon Lawrence and the NYPD Blue Cast07:03 Leaving Los Angeles08:34 Advice for Young Actors11:30 Becoming a Mother in Her 40s12:56 Behind the Scenes of Desperate Housewives14:39 Working on Law & Order: SVU15:32 The Career Gail Might Have Chosen16:14 Moving Home to Care for Her Father17:20 Career Highs and Lows18:56 How NYPD Blue Changed Everything19:56 Meeting Anne Bancroft21:13 Gail's Favorite Childhood Memories22:17 Bad Habits and Belinda Carlisle23:10 Advice for Her Son24:18 Getting Robbed in Rome25:22 Fame and Fan Encounters27:31 Her Hilarious Henry Winkler Encounter29:09 Near-Death Experiences30:15 Her Favorite NYPD Blue Storyline31:20 The Confidence She Wishes She Had33:42 Her Father Became Her Scene Partner34:48 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: [email protected] Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: [email protected] Publicist: Maggie Perlich: [email protected] 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 Hollywood01:01 His First Movie, Raiders of the Lost Ark02:17 Alfred Molina Was Completely New to Filmmaking04:52 Why Spielberg Told Him to Stop Watching Dailies07:18 Why Raiders Changed Adventure Movies08:43 Auditioning for Steven Spielberg10:22 Learning From Hollywood's Greatest Directors12:20 The One Director He Couldn't Understand14:33 Regretting Not Paying Attention in School15:08 Classical Acting Training at Guildhall17:08 Did Classical Training Help in Hollywood?19:01 Becoming Doctor Octopus20:00 The Secrets Behind Doc Ock's Tentacles23:10 The Movies Alfred Molina Loves25:34 Why Young Fans Know Him as Doc Ock27:04 Does He Take His Characters Home?29:52 Why He Keeps Returning to the Stage31:31 The Incredible Boogie Nights Firecracker Story34:40 Actors, Directors and Happy Accidents38:32 Film vs. Television vs. Theater40:38 The Roles He Still Wants to Play43:34 Playing Tevye and Diego Rivera44:53 Salma Hayek's Fight to Make Frida47:00 Alfred Molina Gets Candid About Awards50:09 Why He Doesn't Really Watch the Oscars51:24 The Best Acting Advice He Ever Received53:18 He Thought About Quitting Acting, A Lot55:42 Alfred Molina on Therapy56:04 His "Genetic Flaw" Theory About Actors58:00 The Role He Still Dreams About59:59 The Career Moment He'd Love to Relive1:02:06 Inside Hollywood's "CADS" Group1:04:09 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: [email protected] Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: [email protected] Publicist: Maggie Perlich: [email protected] 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 Nominations01:11 Joining The Pitt02:09 What Noah Wyle Is Really Like04:20 The Audition Disaster That Landed The Pitt05:37 The Truth About Self-Tape Auditions07:40 Why Jeff Initially Avoided Watching The Pitt09:40 What Makes The Pitt Different12:08 Why Jeff Connected With His Pitt Character16:10 Does Jeff Kober Want to Win the Emmy?18:12 How Jeff Kober Accidentally Became an Actor19:40 Finding His Way Out of an Emotional Mess23:53 China Beach and Dana Delany25:14 The Walking Dead and Andrew Lincoln26:30 Bringing Darkness Into the Light29:51 General Hospital and the Brutal Pace of Daytime TV33:40 The Most Fulfilling Role of His Career35:30 What Jeff Kober Still Wants to Play37:15 Life, Purpose and Finding Meaning40:02 How Meditation Changed His Life41:43 Is Jeff Happier Today?42:40 Why Acting Gave His Darkness Value44:44 The Fear He Finally Let Go45:17 Why He Still Loves Walking Onto a Set47:34 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: [email protected] Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: [email protected] Publicist: Maggie Perlich: [email protected] 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: [email protected] Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: [email protected] Publicist: Maggie Perlich: [email protected] 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: [email protected] Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: [email protected] Publicist: Maggie Perlich: [email protected] 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: [email protected] Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: [email protected] Publicist: Maggie Perlich: [email protected] 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: [email protected] Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: [email protected] Publicist: Maggie Perlich: [email protected] 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: [email protected] Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: [email protected] Publicist: Maggie Perlich: [email protected] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.