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Jason Priestley "Beverly Hills 90210"
26 oktober 2026 · 48 min
Jason Priestley, the actor who became a household name playing Brandon Walsh on Beverly Hills, 90210, joins Steve Kmetko for an unforgettable conversation about Hollywood fame, friendship, heartbreak, and a terrifying brush with death. Lees meer
For ten seasons, Jason was at the center of one of television's biggest cultural phenomena. But behind the sideburns, magazine covers, and worldwide fame was a young actor trying to figure out how to survive success.
In this revealing interview, Jason shares intimate memories of his friendships with Luke Perry and Shannen Doherty, including seeing Shannen just one week before her death and the lasting impact of losing Luke, who was also a close family friend.
He also recounts his horrific 2002 race car accident, revealing that he lost so much blood that his heart stopped, twice, and that he had to relearn how to speak during his recovery.
Jason also opens up about:
Why he started staying home when 90210 fame became overwhelming.
The real story behind Gabrielle Carteris hiding her age.
His complicated encounter with Harvey Weinstein.
What surprised him about legendary producer Aaron Spelling.
The Hollywood friends he had to cut out of his life.
The movie role he desperately wanted but never landed.
His return to television in Private Eyes West Coast on The CW.
From the Peach Pit to life behind the camera, Jason Priestley reflects on an extraordinary career and the people and experiences that shaped him.
This is Still Here Hollywood. I'm Steve Kmetko.
Subscribe for candid, revealing conversations with the stars you remember and the stories you've never heard.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction: Jason Priestley
01:29 How Beverly Hills, 90210 changed everything
03:01 When Brandon Walsh became too famous
05:17 Memories of the 90210 years
07:04 How Jason's children discovered his fame
08:11 Gabrielle Carteris and the cast's real ages
09:05 The downside of worldwide fame
11:06 Losing his anonymity
13:39 Remembering Luke Perry and S… -
Kevin Pollak "Usual Suspects" new
19 oktober 2026 · 1 uur 10 min
Kevin Pollak joins Steve Kmetko for one of the funniest and most revealing conversations yet on Still Here Hollywood. Lees meer
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 elseKevin 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.
Chapters
00:00 Kevin Pollak joins Still Here Hollywood
02:12 Starting stand-up comedy at age 10
04:45 The football coach who hated his impression
07:22 How stand-up prepared him for acting
10:42 Dana Carvey's audition advice
12:23 The manager who said he couldn't act
15:09 Quince sponsor break
17:13 Christopher Walken and his famous impression
18:21 Steve's uncomfortable Walken interview
20:31 The impression that almost got Pollak in trouble
24:40 Making Christopher Walken laugh
28:15 The Usual Suspects and its unlikely success
35:14 A Few Good Men changes everything
36:00 Jason Alexander almost gets the role
38:51 Remembering Rob Reiner
42:00 Rob Reiner's kindness to Kathy Bates
44:12 Bruce Willis and his family
46:00 Bruce Willis' unforgettable compliment
48:35 Jack Nicholson makes Tom Cruise laugh
50:27 Steve's encounter with Jack Nicholson
53:03 Hollywood poker games and celebr… -
Denise Nicholas "Room 222"
12 oktober 2026 · 53 min
Before millions of Americans knew Denise Nicholas as Liz McIntyre on the groundbreaking television series Room 222, she was living through history. Lees meer
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 Hollywood
01:18 Acting wasn't remotely part of the plan
02:48 Joining the Civil Rights Movement
03:04 Fearing for her life in Mississippi
04:01 Her mother stops speaking to her
05:13 What America gets wrong about the Civil Rights era
06:09 Bombs, gunfire and Fannie Lou Hamer
07:25 From Civil Rights activist to Room 222
10:42 Racism behind the scenes in Hollywood
13:50 A police officer puts a gun to Denise's head
15:10 The truth about Lloyd Haynes
15:21 Remembering Michael Constantine and Karen Valentine
17:31 Old-school Holl… -
Anson Williams "Happy Days"
5 oktober 2026 · 1 uur 2 min
Anson Williams became a television icon as Potsie Weber on Happy Days, but his Hollywood story goes far beyond Arnold’s Drive-In. Lees meer
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.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Anson Williams joins Still Here Hollywood
01:00 Growing up in Los Angeles and trying to break into show business
04:00 The disastrous audition that launched his career
07:24 His first real break
09:00 How a sit-in at a talent agency changed everything
12:00 His first acting job, directed by Steven Spielberg
14:22 Would social media have changed his career?
17:05 Happy Days becomes his big break
17:26 The real story of the original Happy Days pilot
19:37 Why the Happy Days cast became so close
21:03 What made Garry Marshall special
22:11 How Anson turned Potsie into a second career
25:46 How Happy Days helped spread the Heimlich maneuver
30:34 Who made Anson laugh hardest on Happy Days?
33:23 John Lennon secretly visits the Happy Days set
35:43 What changed after Ron Howard left
37:19 Working with Bette Davis
41:47 Remembering Marion Ross
42:43 Becoming a television director
45:35 Growing up around Hollywood legends
49:38 Working with E… -
Linda Purl "Happy Days" / "Matlock"
28 september 2026 · 1 uur 5 min
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. Lees meer
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 Here
01:02 Growing Up in Japan
07:34 Becoming an Actor
10:42 Auditioning for The Office
12:17 Garry Marshall and the Happy Days Family
14:49 The Truth About Improv on The Office
16:20 The Lasting Bonds of Happy Days
18:26 Returning to Happy Days as a Different Character
20:16 Working With Andy Griffith on Matlock
21:58 Andy Griffith's Wild Elia Kazan Story
24:30 Linda's Advice for Young Actors
27:43 Criticism and Bad Reviews
29:21 Social Media and the New Hollywood
32:37 Aging in Hollywood
34:20 Linda's Other Career as a Singer
38:55 Her New Album, From My Heart
41:33 Reinvention … -
Elisa Donovan "Clueless"
21 september 2026 · 57 min
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. Lees meer
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 H…
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Michael Chiklis "The Shield" / "Commish" / "Fantastic 4"
14 september 2026 · 1 uur 11 min
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. Lees meer
Chiklis opens up about the dramatic changes he's witnessed in Hollywood and why he believes the industry has contracted far more than many people realize. He discusses his concerns about AI, actors losing control of their own likenesses, and what happens when technology companies become some of Hollywood's most powerful players.
Michael also reveals how his wife helped convince him to completely reinvent himself after The Commish, how he developed Vic Mackey for The Shield, and why he still proudly defends his Fantastic Four movies and his portrayal of Ben Grimm, The Thing.
Away from Hollywood, Chiklis gets emotional talking about finally visiting Greece, becoming a grandfather, his family, and what he's learned about failure after decades in show business.
And then there's Elton John.
Michael tells an extraordinary story about randomly encountering Elton John in a Boston Versace store, discovering Elton was a fan of The Commish, and ultimately watching Elton change his concert for Michael's wife and perform "Candle in the Wind" especially for her.
It's Michael Chiklis, candid, funny, thoughtful, occasionally profane, and completely unfiltered.
This is Still Here Hollywood with Steve Kmetko.
00:00 Michael Chiklis Joins Still Here Hollywood
01:02 Growing Up in an Artistic Greek Family
04:32 The Moment Michael Knew He'd Be an Actor
07:01 Surviving Hollywood and a Changing Industry
09:00 Michael Sounds Off on AI and Owning Your Image
11:32 Tech Giants, Mergers and the Future of Hollywood
14:35 Why AI Worries Michael Chiklis
23:30 Finally Visiting Greece
27:17 "A Hard Guy With a Caramel Center"
28:03 Becoming a Grandfather
31:07 The Commish vs. The Shield
33:40 Creating Vic Mackey
39:26 How Michael Reinven… -
Richard Kind "Spin City" Encore
7 september 2026 · 1 uur 4 min
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. Lees meer
And then there is George Clooney.
Kind shares a hilarious prank involving Clooney's Oscar, a TSA agent and a very heavy suitcase, before telling a far more revealing story about the man Clooney was before ER made him a superstar. During the Los Angeles riots, Kind planned to leave town with friends. Clooney had another idea.
It's funny, thoughtful, wonderfully unpredictable and very Richard Kind.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Richard Kind Is Still Here
01:17 The Character Actor Dining Society
03:40 George Clooney's Oscar Prank
06:13 Richard Kind's Second City Years
08:08 "The Harvard of Comedy"
09:19 Chasing the Dream of Acting
11:07 Did His Family Think He'd Make It?
13:20 Why Li'l Abner Should Come Back
14:12 Songs That Have Aged VERY Badly
16:17 Richard's First Television Job
18:38 Learning Television With Mary Tyler Moore
21:40 How Richard Met George Clooney
22:39 "I'm the Luckiest Guy in the World"
24:04 Richard Says He's NOT a Comedic Actor
27:02 Why He Prefers Single-Camera Acting
28:45 Remembering Linda Lavin and Tony Roberts
31:30 Spin City, Michael J. Fox and Charlie Sheen
32:59 What Actors Actually Do
37:20 The Torturous "Drive Home"
39:18 Mid-Century Modern and James Burrows
42:49 Why Fans Still Love Him on Scrubs
43:04 Richard Kind Calls Bill Lawrence a Genius
46:27 Recording Family Guy and American Dad
50:11 The Truth About Working for Disney
52:09 Richard Kind vs. Marvel Movies
57:40 What Richard Really Thinks of Amal Clooney
1:00:30 Ge… -
Gail O'Grady "NYPD Blue" Encore
31 augustus 2026 · 36 min
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. Lees meer
Gail also remembers legendary producer Steven Bochco, reveals the unusual way she created Donna for her NYPD Blue audition, talks about working with Sharon Lawrence, and shares stories from Desperate Housewives, Law & Order: SVU, Boston Legal and more.
She opens up about becoming a mother in her 40s, moving back to Chicago to care for her father, the confidence she wishes she had when she was younger, and the advice she has passed along to her son.
Plus, Gail recalls getting actually slapped while filming Desperate Housewives, being starstruck by Henry Winkler during her first days in Hollywood, meeting one of her acting heroes, Anne Bancroft, and working on J.J. Abrams’ Duster.
00:00 Gail O’Grady on Still Here Hollywood
01:03 Success and Emmy Recognition on NYPD Blue
02:06 Why Gail O’Grady Left NYPD Blue
02:49 The Decision She Now Regrets
03:05 Remembering Steven Bochco
04:10 How Gail Landed NYPD Blue
06:18 Sharon Lawrence and the NYPD Blue Cast
07:03 Leaving Los Angeles
08:34 Advice for Young Actors
11:30 Becoming a Mother in Her 40s
12:56 Behind the Scenes of Desperate Housewives
14:39 Working on Law & Order: SVU
15:32 The Career Gail Might Have Chosen
16:14 Moving Home to Care for Her Father
17:20 Career Highs and Lows
18:56 How NYPD Blue Changed Everything
19:56 Meeting Anne Bancroft
21:13 Gail's Favorite Childhood Memories
22:17 Bad Habits and Belinda Carlisle
23:10 Advice for Her Son
24:18 Getting Robbed in Rome
25:22 Fame and Fan Encounters
27:31 Her Hilarious Henry Winkler Encounter
29:09 Near-Death Experiences
30:15 Her Favorite NYPD Blue Storyline
31:20 The Confidence She Wishes She Had
33:42 Her Father Be… -
Alfred Molina "Spiderman" / "Raiders of the Lost Ark"
24 augustus 2026 · 1 uur 5 min
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. Lees meer
In this revealing conversation with Steve Kmetko, Molina looks back at making his movie debut for Steven Spielberg, and admits he was so inexperienced he didn't even understand the marks on the floor. He shares the story behind becoming Doctor Octopus, explains how Doc Ock's famous mechanical arms really worked, and reveals the nickname he and the puppeteers gave themselves.
Molina also takes us behind the scenes of Boogie Nights, including the line he improvised that Paul Thomas Anderson kept in the film, and talks about Salma Hayek's extraordinary fight to get Frida made with the cast she wanted.
Then the conversation gets personal. Molina discusses the times he considered giving up acting, being told he wasn't leading-man material, therapy, his unusual theory about what drives actors, his feelings about awards and the role he'd still love to play.
After five decades on stage and screen, Alfred Molina is very much still here.
00:00 Alfred Molina: Still Here Hollywood
01:01 His First Movie, Raiders of the Lost Ark
02:17 Alfred Molina Was Completely New to Filmmaking
04:52 Why Spielberg Told Him to Stop Watching Dailies
07:18 Why Raiders Changed Adventure Movies
08:43 Auditioning for Steven Spielberg
10:22 Learning From Hollywood's Greatest Directors
12:20 The One Director He Couldn't Understand
14:33 Regretting Not Paying Attention in School
15:08 Classical Acting Training at Guildhall
17:08 Did Classical Training Help in Hollywood?
19:01 Becoming Doctor Octopus
20:00 The Secrets Behind Doc Ock's Tentacles
23:10 The Movies Alfred Molina Loves
25:34 Why Young Fans Know Him as Doc Ock
27:04 Does He Take His Characters Home?
29:52 Why He Keeps Returning to the Stage
31:31 The Incredible Boogie Nights Firecracker Story
34:40 Actors, Directors and Happy Accidents
38:32 Film vs. Television vs. Theater
… -
Jeff Kober "The Pitt"
17 augustus 2026 · 52 min
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. Lees meer
Today, Kober joins Steve Kmetko with something remarkable to celebrate, Emmy recognition for both The Pitt and General Hospital.
Kober reveals how a last-minute self-tape nearly went completely wrong before helping land him his role on The Pitt, what it is really like working opposite Noah Wyle, and why the acclaimed medical drama feels different from almost anything else he has done.
But this conversation goes far beyond Hollywood.
Kober opens up about the anxiety and darkness he experienced earlier in his life, the unusual path that led him from Montana to acting in Los Angeles, his relationship with his son, the transformative role meditation has played in his life, and why, after decades of pl
00:00 Jeff Kober Has Two Emmy Nominations
01:11 Joining The Pitt
02:09 What Noah Wyle Is Really Like
04:20 The Audition Disaster That Landed The Pitt
05:37 The Truth About Self-Tape Auditions
07:40 Why Jeff Initially Avoided Watching The Pitt
09:40 What Makes The Pitt Different
12:08 Why Jeff Connected With His Pitt Character
16:10 Does Jeff Kober Want to Win the Emmy?
18:12 How Jeff Kober Accidentally Became an Actor
19:40 Finding His Way Out of an Emotional Mess
23:53 China Beach and Dana Delany
25:14 The Walking Dead and Andrew Lincoln
26:30 Bringing Darkness Into the Light
29:51 General Hospital and the Brutal Pace of Daytime TV
33:40 The Most Fulfilling Role of His Career
35:30 What Jeff Kober Still Wants to Play
37:15 Life, Purpose and Finding Meaning
40:02 How Meditation Changed His Life
41:43 Is Jeff Happier Today?
42:40 Why Acting Gave His Darkness Value
44:44 The Fear He Finally Let Go
45:17 Why He Still Loves Walking Onto a Set
47:34 Was Jeff Kober a Good Father?
49:03 Would He Ever Revisit China Beach?
50:12 Jeff Kober Is Writing a Memoiraying dangerou… -
Maria Conchita Alonso "Moscow On The Hudson"
10 augustus 2026 · 56 min
Maria Conchita Alonso has lived one of Hollywood's most fascinating lives. Lees meer
She joins Steve Kmetko to discuss escaping Cuba, growing up in Venezuela, becoming an international music star, starring alongside Robin Williams, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sean Penn, Danny Glover and Nicolas Cage, and why she sacrificed career opportunities to stand up for her beliefs.
She also reflects on aging, fame, animal rescue, Broadway, activism, and what truly matters most after four decades in entertainment.
00:00 Opening
00:37 Cuba, Venezuela and finding home
03:30 Lessons from her parents
06:47 Beauty pageants and Hollywood
10:08 Arriving in Hollywood
11:39 Robin Williams memories
15:29 Arnold Schwarzenegger and The Running Man
18:03 Venezuela today
20:55 Why activism changed her career
23:16 Her animal rescue foundation
27:09 Rescuing Cookie
29:49 Colors, Sean Penn and Danny Glover
35:42 Hollywood memories
38:47 Hollywood then vs. now
40:46 Social media and today's entertainment business
42:10 Acting vs. music
44:49 Her new album Caliéntame
47:50 Politics and career consequences
49:21 Aging and growing wiser
51:00 Regrets and forgiveness
53:02 Legacy and helping others
55:35 Closing
Show Credits
Host/Producer: Steve Kmetko
All things technical: Justin Zangerle
Executive Producer: Jim Lichtenstein
Music by: Brian Sanyshyn
https://stillherehollywood.com
http://patreon.com/stillherehollywood
Suggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.com
Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.com
Publicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Tim Matheson "AnimalHouse"Encore
3 augustus 2026 · 55 min
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. Lees meer
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://patre…
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David Chokachi Returns "Baywatch" and Dog Rescues
27 juli 2026 · 58 min
https://www.wingsofrescue.org/ Lees meer
David Chokachi returns to Still Here Hollywood with Steve Kmetko for an inspiring conversation about purpose, perseverance and second chances.
The Baywatch star discusses returning to the franchise that made him famous, rescuing hundreds of dogs after the Los Angeles fires, working with Wings of Rescue, and why helping animals has become more rewarding than Hollywood itself.
He also shares behind-the-scenes stories from the new Baywatch series, explains how social media has changed casting, and reflects on aging, fitness and finding meaning beyond fame.
00:00 Preview
00:48 Why David Stayed During the LA Fires
03:34 Saving Hundreds of Rescue Dogs
08:32 Life Before Hollywood
10:03 Flying Rescue Missions Across America
15:21 The Heartbreaking Truth About Animal Shelters
18:03 Why Spaying and Neutering Matters
20:05 Celebrity Volunteers Saving Animals
25:13 Patreon
25:56 The Baywatch Reboot
29:55 Fighting His Way Back Onto Baywatch
33:24 When Baywatch Premieres
36:48 Returning Cast Members
39:45 Staying in Incredible Shape
42:21 What Happened to Cody Madison
46:58 Meeting His Wife
49:18 Social Media and Hollywood
52:10 Life Today
53:08 Pamela Anderson
53:31 What Aging Has Taught Him
57:30 Until Next Time
Show Credits
Host/Producer: Steve Kmetko
All things technical: Justin Zangerle
Executive Producer: Jim Lichtenstein
Music by: Brian Sanyshyn
https://stillherehollywood.com
http://patreon.com/stillherehollywood
Suggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.com
Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.com
Publicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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John O'Hurley "Seinfeld" Encore
20 juli 2026 · 47 min
John O'Hurley became television history as the unforgettable J. Peterman on Seinfeld, but his remarkable career goes far beyond one iconic role. Lees meer
He joins Steve Kmetko to reveal how he nearly turned down Seinfeld, explains the secret that made the show's comedy so brilliant, shares stories about Jerry Seinfeld and Julia Louis-Dreyfus, recalls the terrifying night he sang Sinatra to Frank Sinatra, and talks about Broadway, Family Feud, the National Dog Show, voice acting, and even becoming part owner of the real J. Peterman Company.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro
00:38 How John Almost Turned Down Seinfeld
04:24 The Voice That Built His Career
07:50 Animated Characters & Voice Acting
10:59 Working With Jerry Seinfeld
13:43 Julia Louis-Dreyfus Behind the Scenes
16:39 The National Dog Show
19:18 His Rescue Dogs
24:45 Becoming the Real J. Peterman
28:13 Broadway & One Man Show
30:08 Singing Sinatra...To Sinatra
35:38 Did Seinfeld Typecast Him?
38:02 Creating Jay Peterman
41:09 Family Feud Stories
43:38 Gray Hair & Chazz Palminteri
46:50 Closing
Show Credits
Host/Producer: Steve Kmetko
All things technical: Justin Zangerle
Executive Producer: Jim Lichtenstein
Music by: Brian Sanyshyn
https://stillherehollywood.com
http://patreon.com/stillherehollywood
Suggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.com
Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.com
Publicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Erika Eleniak "Baywatch" Encore
13 juli 2026 · 48 min
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. Lees meer
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 To…
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Mykelti Williamson "Forrest Gump" Encore
6 juli 2026 · 1 uur 4 min
From Forrest Gump to The Last Rodeo, actor, director, and musician Michael Tyrone "T" Williamson sits down with Steve Kmetko on Still Here Hollywood for a raw, soulful conversation about the role that changed his life. In this episode, T shares the real story behind landing the role of Bubba Blue opposite Tom Hanks, how he improvised some of the film's most iconic lines, the surprising reason he's never eaten at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., and what it's really like working alongside Denzel Washington, Angela Bassett, Al Pacino, and Gary Sinise. He also opens up about his new Angel Studios film The Last Rodeo, his upcoming role in Dark Matter, his philosophy on faith, family, and staying true to yourself in Hollywood, and heartfelt stories about his daughters, his mother, and the journey from South Los Angeles to the big screen. Lees meer
👍 Like, subscribe, and comment your favorite moment below!
🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts and everywhere you get your podcasts.
💛 Support the show: patreon.com/StillHereHollywood
#MichaelTWilliamson #ForrestGump #BubbaGump #TomHanks #StillHereHollywood #HollywoodInterview #TheLastRodeo #DenzelWashington
YouTube Chapters
00:00 Intro: Bubba From Forrest Gump Joins the Show 01:08 Why You Can Call Him "T" 01:42 The Real Reason He's Never Eaten at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. 04:05 Girlfriend the 1953 Chevy & Staying Grounded in Hollywood 06:00 The Forrest Gump Audition Story: No Callback to Landing the Role 10:18 Tom Hanks Kicking Him Under the Table 10:55 Meeting Tom & Rita Wilson at the Deauville Film Festival 13:25 What He Brought to Bubba That Wasn't on the Page 14:48 The Gary Sinise Line That Was Total Improv 15:33 Sally Field, Rehearsals & the Two Journeys of Every Character 16:44 Announcing New Film "The Last Rodeo" With Neil McDonough 18:27 Why Hollywood Should "Chase Hearts, Not Numbers" 19:30 Is He Happy? Life Philosophy & Southern Family Values 20:07 Getting Typecast After Forrest Gump 22:33 Actors He Admires & His Character Workshop for Studen…
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Heather Thomas "The Fall Guy" Encore / Stalkers, Fame & Walking Away From Hollywood
29 juni 2026 · 34 min
Heather Thomas became one of television's biggest stars as Jody Banks on The Fall Guy alongside Lee Majors. During the height of her fame, her posters covered bedroom walls around the world and she became one of the defining television icons of the 1980s. Lees meer
But behind the scenes, fame came with a darker side.
In this candid conversation with Steve Kmetko, Heather opens up about the terrifying stalking incidents that ultimately pushed her away from Hollywood, her battle with substance abuse, working with Lee Majors, life as an 80s sex symbol, raising a family, activism, writing, and finding happiness beyond fame.
From The Fall Guy to the recent movie reboot, Heather shares stories and perspectives you've probably never heard before.
#HeatherThomas #TheFallGuy #LeeMajors #StillHereHollywood #SteveKmetko #ClassicTV #EightiesTV #HollywoodStories #TVLegends #JodyBanks
Chapter Markers
00:00 Intro
00:36 How Heather Thomas Got Started In Television
01:48 Landing The Fall Guy
03:37 UCLA And Breaking Into Hollywood
05:24 Why Heather Walked Away From Fame
06:18 The Terrifying Reality Of Stalkers
08:16 Raising Chickens And Family Life
10:06 Being Typecast As A Sex Symbol
11:48 Activism And Charity Work
12:29 Keeping In Touch With Lee Majors
12:50 Writing Novels And Screenplays
16:09 Doing Her Own Stunts
16:26 Substance Abuse And Rehab
17:32 Becoming An 80s Sex Symbol
19:03 Being Sexualized In Hollywood
20:00 How Hollywood Has Changed For Women
23:47 Why She Became An Activist
25:31 Working With Ted Lange
26:19 Advice For Today's Stars
27:20 The Fall Guy Movie Cameo
27:58 Her Romantic Paris Wedding
30:25 Did Her Looks Hurt Her Career?
31:20 Family, Grandchildren And Life Today
33:21 Finding Happiness
Show Credits
Host/Producer: Steve Kmetko
All things technical: Justin Zangerle
Executive Producer: Jim Lichtenstein
Music by: Brian Sanyshyn
https://stillherehollywood.com
http://patreon.com/stillherehollywood
Suggest Guests at: stillherehollywood…
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John Ratzenberger "Cheers" Encore
22 juni 2026 · 1 uur 12 min
Before becoming Cliff Clavin on Cheers, John Ratzenberger spent years traveling the world, building houses, performing improvised comedy across Europe, and chasing adventure wherever it led. Lees meer
In this encore episode, John shares the remarkable story behind his famous Cheers audition, his friendships with Hollywood legends, his long-running relationship with Pixar, and why he believes young people should learn practical skills before pursuing fame.
It's a funny, thoughtful conversation filled with stories only John Ratzenberger could tell.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:52 A Lifetime of Travel and Adventure
04:26 Landing the Role of Cliff Clavin
06:28 Leaving Carpentry for England
07:21 Building an Improv Career in Europe
10:02 Learning to Act Without Training
12:53 Star Wars and Early Film Roles
14:27 Why Building Things Matters
16:48 First Impressions of Los Angeles
19:19 Being Recognized in Public
20:24 The Early Struggles of Cheers
22:56 Working with Hollywood Legends
24:12 Remembering Frances Sternhagen
28:07 The Famous Cheers Audition Story
35:39 Memories of Kirstie Alley
37:43 Inventing and Building Products
41:58 The Importance of Trade Skills
45:05 Advice for Young Actors
47:11 His Son's First Fish, A Shark
48:39 Family, Career and Success
50:18 Dancing With The Stars Challenge
53:34 Toy Story 5 and What's Next
57:38 His Hollywood Heroes
01:03:12 Faking a Foreign Language at an Audition
01:04:51 Leaving Cheers for the Last Time
01:06:05 Advice for Surviving Hollywood
01:08:42 A Frightening Fan Encounter
01:11:08 Final Thoughts
Show Credits
Host/Producer: Steve Kmetko
All things technical: Justin Zangerle
Executive Producer: Jim Lichtenstein
Music by: Brian Sanyshyn
https://stillherehollywood.com
http://patreon.com/stillherehollywood
Suggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.com
Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.com
Publicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com
Hosted by Simplecast…
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Kristanna Loken "Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines"
15 juni 2026 · 55 min
Kristanna Loken became a global star when she landed the role of the T-X in Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines, but her story began far from Hollywood on an apple farm in upstate New York. Lees meer
In this episode of Still Here Hollywood, Kristanna joins Steve Kmetko to discuss her unforgettable experience working alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger, the intense physical transformation required for Terminator 3, and how the blockbuster changed her life forever.
She also opens up about growing up with actor and model parents, her journey from modeling to acting, coming out publicly as bisexual, raising her son away from screens, her concerns about AI in Hollywood, and why authenticity matters more now than ever.
Plus, Kristanna shares behind-the-scenes stories from Terminator 3, her friendship with Robert Patrick, advice from Arnold Schwarzenegger, and the surprising reason she still feels her best work is ahead of her.Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:38 Cubs Fan Origins
01:52 Growing Up on an Apple Farm
03:30 Modeling Misconceptions
04:04 First Acting Jobs
05:21 Landing Terminator 3
07:30 Training for the T-X
08:46 Working with Arnold Schwarzenegger
09:09 Arnold's Prediction for Her Career
10:45 How Fame Changed Her Life
12:06 Coming Out as Bisexual
16:49 What Terminator Means Today
18:11 Creating the T-X Character
19:51 AI and Hollywood
22:07 Female Action Stars Then vs. Now
23:40 Hollywood's Authenticity Problem
25:51 Raising Her Son Thor
29:00 A Screen-Free Household
31:04 Sci-Fi Fans and Comic Cons
31:39 Life on Love Apple Farm
34:22 Aging, Authenticity and Growth
36:31 Lessons Learned From Failure
38:04 Advice From Ben Kingsley and Bruce Dern
41:03 Why She Never Walked Away From Acting
42:33 Why Her Best Work Is Still Ahead
46:10 Women She Admires
50:12 The Role She Wanted But Didn't Get
52:01 What Kristanna Does For Fun
54:02 Closing Thoughts
Show Credits
Host/Producer: Steve Kmetko
All things technical: Justin Zangerle
Executive Producer…
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Kent McCord "Adam-12"
8 juni 2026 · 1 uur 12 min
Kent McCord became a television icon as Officer Jim Reed on Adam-12, one of the most influential police dramas in television history. But long before Adam-12, Kent's life was already taking remarkable turns. Lees meer
In this episode of Still Here Hollywood, Kent shares never-before-heard stories about working with Jack Webb, the realism behind Adam-12, how the series became a training tool for police departments across America, and the surprising impact the show had on law enforcement.
Kent also recalls his friendship with Rick Nelson, an unforgettable football game between teams organized by Rick Nelson and Elvis Presley, working on Elvis movies, being publicly recognized by Elvis in Las Vegas, and the heartbreaking days surrounding the deaths of both Elvis and Rick.
It's a fascinating conversation about classic television, Hollywood history, friendship, luck, and a career that continues to resonate with audiences decades later.
#Adam12, #KentMcCord, #JackWebb, #ElvisPresley, #RickNelson, #ClassicTV, #StillHereHollywood, #SteveKmetko, #HollywoodHistory, #Dragnet, #PoliceDrama, #TVLegends
CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro
01:00 Why Everyone Called Him "Bucky"
01:39 Did Kent Know Adam-12 Would Become a Classic?
05:28 The Simple Formula That Made Adam-12 Work
07:04 Jack Webb and the Birth of Adam-12
08:15 Jack Webb's Famous Temper and Directing Style
15:52 Johnny Carson, Jack Webb and Comedy Gold
16:38 The Real Impact Adam-12 Had on Police Officers
18:14 Kent's Real-Life Encounters with Crime
20:13 Making Adam-12 Feel Authentic
23:28 Patreon Break
24:10 Becoming Friends with Rick Nelson
27:50 The Legendary Elvis Presley vs. Rick Nelson Football Game
33:43 What Elvis Presley Was Really Like
35:05 The Night Elvis Introduced Kent McCord in Las Vegas
37:16 Searching for Lost Elvis Footage
38:14 Life with Rick Nelson and Ozzie & Harriet
48:42 Luck, Persistence and Breaking Into Hollywood
50:04 The Day Elvis Presley Died
54:45 The Truth About Rick Nelson's Plane Crash
…
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Rhonda Shear "USA Up All Night"
1 juni 2026 · 55 min
Before streaming, before social media, and before reality TV took over, millions of viewers stayed up late watching USA Up All Night. Lees meer
This week on Still Here Hollywood, Steve Kmetko sits down with television personality, comedian, actress, entrepreneur, and USA Up All Night host Rhonda Shear.
Rhonda shares behind-the-scenes stories from one of cable television's most beloved late-night shows, the challenges of being a woman in Hollywood during the 1980s and 1990s, her experiences with Playboy, Joan Rivers, George Burns, and Johnny Carson, and how she reinvented herself after Hollywood to build the wildly successful Rhonda Shear Intimates brand and the famous Ahh Bra.
She also discusses the reboot of Up All Night, the changing comedy landscape, her thoughts on political correctness, and finding love with her junior high school sweetheart after decades apart.
Subscribe for more conversations with the stars you remember and the stories you've never heard.
#StillHereHollywood #RhondaShear #USAUpAllNight
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction
01:36 The Legacy of USA Up All Night
03:58 Landing the Hosting Job
05:26 Was Rhonda Shear a Trailblazer?
08:21 Why Fans Still Love Her
09:55 Building Rhonda Shear Intimates
12:12 The Story Behind the Ahh Bra
13:52 Returning to Stand-Up Comedy
15:10 Wild HSN Stories
18:36 Creating the Up All Night Character
21:09 Comedy Training and Improv
22:04 Being Told She Could Never Make It
24:19 Becoming an Accidental Feminist
26:09 Creating Opportunities for New Talent
27:29 Female Comics Today
29:20 Finding Material in Real Life
33:06 How Rhonda Sees Herself
34:11 Beauty Queen Beginnings
35:53 Working with Johnny Carson
36:11 Political Correctness and Comedy
37:07 Rebooting Up All Night
39:28 Career Regrets and Reinvention
41:38 Dating Glenn Frey
42:43 What Wouldn't Fly Today
48:24 Advice from Joan Rivers and George Burns
50:07 The Most Important Part of Her Story
52:12 Jewelry, Creativity and Never Retiring
54:23 Up …
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Monica Potter "Patch Adams / "Con Air" / "Parenthood"
25 mei 2026 · 1 uur 2 min
Monica Potter joins Steve Kmetko for one of the most emotional and revealing conversations yet on STILL HERE HOLLYWOOD. Lees meer
From starring alongside Robin Williams in Patch Adams, to unforgettable roles in Parenthood, Along Came a Spider, Con Air, and The Last House on the Left, Monica opens up about her remarkable career, motherhood, growing up poor in Cleveland, and the deeply personal lessons she learned from some of Hollywood’s most iconic actors.
She shares emotional memories of Robin Williams, hilarious stories about Nicolas Cage, heartfelt reflections on Philip Seymour Hoffman, working with Morgan Freeman, and how Hollywood once pressured her to choose career over family.
Monica also discusses:
Why she hated acting classes
Her father’s incredible inventions
Raising empathetic children
Rebuying her childhood home in Cleveland
Why she says she’s “already canceled”
The emotional cost of fame
Her connection to nature, healing, and intuition
This is one of the rawest, funniest, and most unexpectedly touching episodes of STILL HERE HOLLYWOOD.
#StillHereHollywood #MonicaPotter #Parenthood #PatchAdams #RobinWilliams #MorganFreeman #NicolasCage #PhilipSeymourHoffman #SteveKmetko #HollywoodStories #CelebrityInterviews #90sMovies #2000sTV #BehindTheScenes #Cleveland #Hollywood
Transcript source:
00:00 Monica Potter remembers Robin Williams
02:04 Intro
03:39 Working with Robin Williams on Patch Adams
05:52 Nicolas Cage stories and on-set laughs
07:04 Philip Seymour Hoffman memories
09:21 Morgan Freeman and driving stunts
11:26 “I’m already canceled”
14:31 Growing up with an inventor father
17:33 Raising empathetic children
18:59 Her father’s inventions and the Whiptail lure
23:13 The hardest part of Hollywood
25:00 Why Monica shifted from movies to television
27:33 Reflecting on Robin Williams after his death
28:22 Parenthood and playing a character with cancer
29:33 Why she didn’t want her kids acting
32:50 Returning to her Cleveland childhood h…
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Marisol Nichols "24" / "Riverdale"
18 mei 2026 · 55 min
Actress Marisol Nichols joins Steve Kmetko for one of the most intense and emotional episodes of Still Here Hollywood yet. Lees meer
Known for her roles on 24 and Riverdale, Marisol reveals the shocking double life she led off-camera, working undercover alongside law enforcement in operations targeting human traffickers around the world.
She opens up about:
Going undercover in dangerous trafficking operations
The terrifying mission that made her write a goodbye letter to her daughter
Working with ex-CIA and military operatives
How acting helped save lives
The heartbreaking loss of Luke Perry
What it was really like working with Kiefer Sutherland on 24
Growing up in Chicago
Hollywood struggles as a Latina actress
The dark side of social media and online predators
This is one of the most powerful conversations we’ve had on Still Here Hollywood.
Subscribe for more legendary guests and untold Hollywood stories.
#MarisolNichols #Riverdale #24 #LukePerry #KieferSutherland #StillHereHollywood #SteveKmetko #Hollywood #TrueCrime #HumanTrafficking #CW #FoxTV #TVLegends #Podcast
CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro
00:45 Marisol’s Secret Undercover Operations
02:18 Going Undercover For The First Time
04:36 The Most Terrifying Mission Of Her Life
05:50 Why She Got Involved In Fighting Trafficking
08:05 Helping Put Criminals In Prison
10:38 What She Hopes People Learn From Her Work
12:48 The Monsters Behind Trafficking
14:18 Steve Kmetko’s Chilling John Wayne Gacy Story
16:14 How Acting Helped Her Go Undercover
18:15 Discovering Acting In Chicago
20:48 Moving To Hollywood
22:47 Advice To Her Younger Self
23:52 Being Latina In Hollywood
25:02 The Frustration Of Self-Tape Auditions
26:20 Riverdale Becomes A Cultural Phenomenon
27:51 The Role That Challenged Her Most
29:47 What She Learned From Kiefer Sutherland
30:35 Working With Luke Perry
33:31 How Undercover Work Changed Her Acting
35:38 Talking To Her Daughter About Predators
36:44 The Internet And Child Safety
38…
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Mario Cantone "Sex and the City"
11 mei 2026 · 56 min
What happens when one of the funniest and most outspoken stars from Sex and the City sits down with one of television’s original openly gay entertainment journalists? Lees meer
In this deeply funny, brutally honest, and surprisingly emotional episode of STILL HERE HOLLYWOOD, Mario Cantone opens up to Steve Kmetko about fame, fear, gay representation in Hollywood, censorship, aging, Broadway, comedy, family, and the legacy of Anthony Marentino from Sex and the City and And Just Like That....
Mario reveals:
Why Johnny Carson canceled his appearance
The truth about working with the cast of Sex and the City
What really happened after Willie Garson passed away
His thoughts on Kim Cattrall not returning
Why he believes AIDS set gay progress back decades
The line from Sex and the City he still gets recognized for
His emotional meeting with Carol Burnett
Why he thinks comedians can’t say what they want anymore
The conversation also dives into growing up gay in the 70s, Broadway, Liza Minnelli, Barbra Streisand, surviving Hollywood, and the cultural impact of Sex and the City.
Funny, raw, emotional, and wildly entertaining, this is Mario Cantone like you’ve never seen him before.
00:00 Intro
00:47 Mario Cantone joins the show
01:44 Johnny Carson canceled Mario over “gay material”
04:52 Becoming Anthony on Sex and the City
06:45 Why And Just Like That ending hurt
07:01 Mario reads every comment online
08:46 The explosion of Sex and the City fame
10:07 Michael Patrick King directing Mario
11:24 Willie Garson’s death changed everything
12:35 Was Mario typecast?
14:49 Fear of being openly gay in comedy clubs
17:47 Anthony & Stanford’s relationship
19:48 Will & Grace vs Sex and the City representation
21:20 Lines Mario couldn’t believe he got to say
24:14 Most iconic Anthony scenes
25:38 Steve Kmetko opens up about coming out
28:52 Being bullied as a kid
30:08 How AIDS changed gay progress
32:06 Steve reveals his father married him to a woman
34:02 Mario sa…
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Eric Braeden "Young and the Restless" / "Titanic"
4 mei 2026 · 1 uur 2 min
Some actors play powerful men. Others understand what power actually costs. Lees meer
On this episode of Still Here Hollywood, Steve Kmetko sits down with legendary actor Eric Braeden, the man behind Victor Newman on The Young and the Restless, a role he’s defined for more than four decades.
But this conversation goes far beyond daytime television.
From growing up in post-war Germany, to arriving in America and confronting its contradictions, to working with icons like Marlon Brando and James Cameron, Eric shares a deeply personal and unfiltered look at the life experiences that shaped both the man and the character.
He opens up about the brutal demands of soap operas, the psychology behind Victor Newman, the reality of Hollywood, and why acting, at its core, is about truth, discipline, and survival.
This is a powerful, honest conversation about legacy, resilience, and what it really means to endure in this business.
THIS IS STILL HERE HOLLYWOOD, I’M STEVE KMETKO. JOIN ME WITH TODAY’S GUEST, FROM THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS, ACTOR ERIC BRAEDEN.
00:00 Opening Tease
00:01 Intro, Eric Braeden
01:25 Seinfeld, Comedy, and Great Casting
03:07 The Brutal Reality of Daytime TV
05:00 Why Acting Still Excites Him
06:16 Growing Up in Post-War Germany
09:51 Loss, Hardship, and Early Life
13:08 Working with Brando, Duvall, Legends
14:21 Hollywood, Cynicism, and Purpose
16:55 Why Acting Became Meaningful
19:27 Could Brando Handle Soap Operas?
21:07 Inside a 100+ Page Workday
22:36 Sports, Discipline, and Competition
24:48 Why He Didn’t Choose Sports
25:25 Life Outside Acting, Staying Sharp
31:49 What Young Actors Get Wrong
35:25 Almost Turning Down Titanic
41:56 Working with James Cameron
42:16 Thoughts on Streaming vs TV
46:43 Eric vs Victor Newman
47:08 The Evolution of Victor Newman
50:09 Breaking Out of “Bad Guy” Roles
51:08 Discovering the Truth About History
55:48 A Life-Changing Moment in America
59:53 His Autobiography
01:01:18 Closing Thoughts
Show…
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Vanessa Angel "Kingpin" / "Weird Science"
27 april 2026 · 1 uur
She was discovered at 15 in a London coffee shop… and within years, she was starring in major Hollywood films alongside legends. Lees meer
In this episode, Steve Kmetko sits down with actress Vanessa Angel to talk about her unexpected rise from modeling to acting, working with icons like Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray, and Woody Harrelson, and the reality behind building a career in Hollywood.
From Spies Like Us to Weird Science and Kingpin, Vanessa shares the moments that defined her journey, including the role she almost had that changed TV history, the truth about being a young model alone in the industry, and why she spent decades trying to be taken seriously.
She also opens up about imposter syndrome, personal growth, motherhood, and what success really means now after 40 years in the business.
This is a candid, funny, and surprisingly emotional conversation about fame, resilience, and finding yourself when the spotlight fades.
THIS IS STILL HERE HOLLYWOOD, I’M STEVE KMETKO. JOIN ME WITH TODAY’S GUEST, FROM WEIRD SCIENCE, ACTOR VANESSA ANGEL.
00:00 Intro, From modeling to Hollywood
01:04 Landing Spies Like Us and getting hooked on acting
03:30 “I didn’t know what I was doing” early career struggles
05:01 Training at the Actors Studio
07:13 Trauma, reflection, and emotional depth
09:18 Discovered at 15, navigating modeling alone
11:22 Paris, early industry exposure, and vulnerability
12:25 Arriving in New York, a life-changing moment
16:06 Modeling vs acting, finding her voice
17:51 Wanting more than just being “looked at”
19:00 Early acting work and learning on Baywatch
22:24 When she finally felt confident as an actor
24:47 Working fast, learning lines, and set discipline
27:53 Warren Beatty’s advice that changed everything
30:13 Meeting Hollywood legends early in her career
33:00 The role she lost, originally cast as Xena
35:53 How Kingpin happened through perfect timing
36:59 Working with Woody Harrelson
38:30 Bill Murray on set, total unpredictabil…
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Mike Farrell "M*A*S*H"
20 april 2026 · 1 uur 8 min
Mike Farrell joins Still Here Hollywood to talk about his unforgettable role as BJ Hunnicutt on MASH*, one of the most beloved television shows of all time. Lees meer
From the moment he landed the role to the emotional final episode that still holds the record for most-watched scripted television broadcast, Farrell shares what it was really like behind the scenes.
He opens up about his close bond with Alan Alda, the collaborative culture that made the show so special, and the powerful themes that made MASH* more than just a comedy.
Farrell also reflects on his life beyond Hollywood, including the personal experiences that shaped his activism and worldview.
This is a conversation about legacy, purpose, and what it means to do work that truly matters.
00:00 Intro
00:50 Landing MASH*
04:30 Getting the role
08:30 First day on set
10:00 The MASH* finale legacy
11:00 Creative process on the show
12:15 Why he doesn’t watch it now
14:30 Wayne Rogers story
29:00 Alan Alda and on-set chemistry
33:00 Life-changing personal experience
38:00 War and comedy balance
39:30 Challenging the writers
46:30 The controversial BJ storyline
49:00 Favorite episode
52:00 Final goodbye and male friendship
53:30 Ending the series
57:00 Final episode moment
1:03:00 What brings him joy
Show Credits
Host/Producer: Steve Kmetko
All things technical: Justin Zangerle
Executive Producer: Jim Lichtenstein
Music by: Brian Sanyshyn
https://stillherehollywood.com
http://patreon.com/stillherehollywood
Suggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.com
Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.com
Publicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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June Squibb "Nebraska"
13 april 2026 · 40 min
Oscar-nominated actor June Squibb joins Steve Kmetko on Still Here Hollywood for a funny, honest, and deeply inspiring conversation about longevity, craft, and what it really means to keep working at the highest level in your 90s. Lees meer
June looks back on her early days in theater, including working with the legendary Ethel Merman in Gypsy, learning Broadway discipline, and why she always knew, even as a child, that acting was not just something she wanted to do, it was who she was. She also talks about Law & Order, Nebraska, Thelma, Marjorie Prime, Yellowjackets, and what it feels like to still be headlining films when most people have long stepped away from the spotlight.
The conversation also explores aging in Hollywood, how Scarlett Johansson directed her in Eleanor the Great, what made Jack Nicholson such a generous scene partner, why realism matters so much in her work, and how Nebraska changed the way the industry saw her. June also shares her thoughts on inspiration, criticism, ambition, and the simple wisdom she would send back to her 35-year-old self.
If you love great actors, great stories, and proof that a second act can turn into seven acts, this episode is for you.
Support the show and get early access and extras at patreon.com/stillherehollywood
00:01 Intro: June Squibb and a breakout decades in the making
00:37 Why some people still call her Miss Squibb
01:06 Working with Ethel Merman in Gypsy
02:57 Learning to bump and grind on stage
03:37 Knowing she was an actor from the very beginning
04:18 If she had done anything else, it might have been forensics
04:46 Law & Order memories and Jerry Orbach
05:28 Broadway discipline and arriving early to the theater
06:20 Her backstage ritual before curtain
07:17 How June prepares for a role
08:04 Seven decades of acting, and still going strong
08:29 What she looks for in a script now
09:18 Aging in Hollywood and what audiences want to see
10:32 Why older stories matter more than ever
10:53 What h…
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Nicole Eggert "Baywatch" Encore
6 april 2026 · 47 min
She was on the biggest show in the world, but behind the slow motion runs and global fame, Nicole Eggert was dealing with something very different. Lees meer
On this episode of Still Here Hollywood, Nicole opens up about joining Baywatch in her early 20s, why she walked away from the #1 show on the planet, and how the “Baywatch bimbo” label shut down her career. She shares what fame really cost her, from dating struggles to doors suddenly closing in Hollywood.
Then the conversation takes a powerful turn.
Nicole talks candidly about her breast cancer diagnosis, discovering it herself after it was missed in screenings, and what it’s really like to live with cancer long term. From the emotional toll of telling her daughters, to the mindset it takes to fight through treatment, this is an honest, raw look at survival and perspective.
This is Still Here Hollywood. I’m Steve Kmetko. Join me with today’s guest, from Baywatch, actor Nicole Eggert.
00:00 Intro
00:45 How Nicole Eggert landed Baywatch
02:30 Leaving the #1 show in the world at 20
04:10 The downside of fame, dating and perception
05:10 “Baywatch bimbo” label and career fallout
05:40 The truth about slow motion running
07:15 Why Hollywood doors suddenly closed
08:20 Stepping away from acting
09:10 Global fame and being recognized everywhere
09:54 Charles in Charge and early career
11:30 Growing up on set and life decisions
13:20 Real estate passion and life outside acting
15:30 Working with Scott Baio
15:45 Would she let her daughters act?
16:50 Cancer diagnosis and discovering it herself
19:00 The hardest part of cancer, mental vs physical
21:00 Living with cancer and ongoing treatment
22:20 What she’s learned from other cancer patients
24:50 Advice for women facing cancer
26:20 Telling her daughters the diagnosis
28:10 How cancer changed her as a person
29:00 Career today and finding purpose in podcasting
30:45 Chemo side effects and “chemo brain”
31:50 The lowest moment during cancer
32:50 S…
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Melora Hardin "The Office" Encore
30 maart 2026 · 1 uur 4 min
Melora Hardin, best known to millions as Jan Levinson on The Office, joins Steve Kmetko for a funny, revealing, and surprisingly wide-ranging conversation about her life and career in Hollywood. Lees meer
Melora looks back on working with Steve Carell, the improvisational magic behind The Office, and why the legendary “Dinner Party” episode still makes her laugh. She also opens up about her early years as a child actor on Little House on the Prairie, working with Michael Landon and Clint Eastwood, her thoughts on AI and creativity, and what it was like seeing Miley Cyrus at 15 during the Hannah Montana movie.
Beyond acting, Melora talks about dance, directing, cabaret, parenting in Hollywood, Transparent, Dancing with the Stars, and the creative energy that still drives her after more than 50 years in the business.
This is a smart, funny, and honest conversation with one of television’s most memorable performers.
#MeloraHardin, #TheOffice, #JanLevinson, #SteveCarell, #StillHereHollywood, #SteveKmetko, #LittleHouseOnThePrairie, #Transparent, #MileyCyrus, #Hollywood
CHAPTERS
00:00 Cold open, Steve Carell and AI tease
00:49 Intro, Melora Hardin joins the show
02:05 Melora’s colorful outfit and new scarf collection
02:43 More than 50 years in show business
03:23 Little House on the Prairie and first screen kiss
05:48 Working with Michael Landon
06:50 Clint Eastwood stories and singing for him
09:24 Did the cast of The Office get along?
10:01 Greg Daniels, improv, and the collaborative set
12:08 Does Melora watch old episodes of The Office?
13:29 The “Dinner Party” episode and breaking on set
15:37 Melora’s lifestyle brand, wallpaper, and scarves
16:16 What kind of a kisser was Steve Carell?
16:38 How much improv happened on The Office
19:05 Miley Cyrus at 15 and the making of Hannah Montana
19:35 Melora’s thoughts on AI and creativity
23:58 Acting, dancing, singing, directing, and creative energy
25:04 Why ballet didn’t become her career
27:34 Playing Bab…
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Frances Fisher "Titanic"
23 maart 2026 · 57 min
Frances Fisher joins Steve Kmetko for a candid, funny, and deeply thoughtful conversation about acting, ambition, heartbreak, Titanic, Clint Eastwood, Lucille Ball, and what it really means to build a life in Hollywood. Lees meer
Frances talks about growing up around the world, finding acting through community theater in Texas, bartending in New York while chasing work, and the unusual creative choice that transformed her performance in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. She also shares a remarkable story about the phone call that may have led to Titanic, what made James Cameron such an effective director, and why Rose’s mother was one of the easiest characters she ever played.
The conversation goes deeper as Frances reflects on grief, aging, motherhood, social media, ambition, and the one thing she wishes she had told her younger self: aim higher.
This is Still Here Hollywood with Steve Kmetko.
Episode Hashtags:
#FrancesFisher,#Titanic,#ClintEastwood,#JamesCameron,#LucilleBall,#StillHereHollywood,#SteveKmetko,#HollywoodStories,#ClassicHollywood,#Acting,#FilmHistory
00:00 Introduction
00:49 The artist comes before the actor
01:34 Her first big acting paycheck
03:09 The black hair story from Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
06:35 How acting first hooked her
08:45 Growing up around the world
12:21 How being the new kid shaped her
13:27 Why the work mattered more than fame
16:35 The phone call before Titanic
18:26 Why she wanted Titanic so badly
19:43 James Cameron on set
22:04 Working with Leo, Kate, and the costumes
27:27 Playing Lucille Ball
31:36 What acting really is
36:08 What Clint Eastwood was like
42:19 The joy of being a grandmother
45:05 Frances Fisher on grief
48:49 Her thoughts on social media
52:19 Her toilet paper theory of life
54:40 Why she wishes she had aimed higher
Show Credits
Host/Producer: Steve Kmetko
All things technical: Justin Zangerle
Executive Producer: Jim Lichtenstein
Music by: Brian Sanyshyn
https://stillherehollywood.com
http://patreon.…
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Adrienne Barbeau "Maude" / "The Fog"
16 maart 2026 · 57 min
Adrienne Barbeau joins Steve Kmetko for a candid and entertaining conversation about a career that has spanned Broadway, television, cult films, and animation. Lees meer
Long before becoming a horror icon, Adrienne Barbeau first gained national attention playing Carol Traynor on the groundbreaking sitcom Maude opposite the legendary Bea Arthur. From there she built a career that moved effortlessly between stage, television, and film, appearing in classics like The Fog, Escape From New York, Creepshow, and Swamp Thing. She also became the unforgettable voice of Catwoman in Batman: The Animated Series, a role that continues to resonate with fans decades later.
In this episode, Adrienne looks back at her early days performing for U.S. troops overseas for just seven dollars a day, her Broadway run in Fiddler on the Roof alongside Bette Midler, and what she learned working with Bea Arthur on one of television’s most influential sitcoms. She shares behind the scenes stories about working with directors like John Carpenter and George Romero, explains how she accidentally became a horror movie legend, and reveals why she never saw herself as the “bombshell” many fans remember from films like Cannonball Run.
Adrienne also talks about aging in Hollywood, why she has avoided cosmetic procedures, the surprising fan encounters that still happen at conventions, and how her children keep her grounded after decades in the spotlight.
It’s a funny, insightful look at a remarkable career that continues to evolve more than sixty years after her first professional job.
This is Still Here Hollywood. I’m Steve Kmetko. Join me with today’s guest, actor Adrienne Barbeau.
00:00 Introduction – Adrienne Barbeau joins Still Here Hollywood
00:48 A Career That Spans Broadway, Television, and Film
02:07 Entertaining U.S. Troops for $7 a Day
03:10 Broadway Years and Fiddler on the Roof with Bette Midler
04:22 Learning the Difference Between Stage and Film Acting
06:07 Adrienne Barbeau on Fame and…
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Paul Ruddy - Hollywood Casting Director
9 maart 2026 · 1 uur 10 min
What really happens inside the room where casting decisions are made? Lees meer
Casting director Paul Ruddy has spent nearly three decades shaping careers in film, television, and now the emerging world of vertical storytelling. In this revealing conversation, he explains how actors get cast, why self-tapes changed Hollywood forever, and how star power can be felt in the first 20 seconds of an audition.
Paul shares behind-the-scenes stories about discovering talent early, including Sydney Sweeney’s early auditions, the tiny acting choices that win roles, and why memorizing your lines still matters more than anything else.
He also dives deep into:
• The rise of verticals and micro-dramas
• Why pilot season disappeared
• The impact of streaming and the Hollywood strikes
• Why in-person auditions are unlikely to return
• How actors accidentally talk themselves out of roles
• The truth about success, ego, and reputation in HollywoodIf you’re an actor, filmmaker, or simply curious about how Hollywood really works, this episode pulls back the curtain on the casting process and the industry’s evolution.
Subscribe for more insider conversations with the people shaping entertainment.
00:00 Intro: Inside the Room Where Careers Are Decided
01:02 Paul Ruddy’s Origin Story: Scranton, TV Obsession, Law School
03:10 The Leap to Hollywood and the “Lied on My Resume” Move
05:21 The Power of Casting and Changing Lives
05:39 Early Talent Spotting and Sydney Sweeney’s First Jobs
07:42 How Fast Casting Instincts Kick In
07:46 Paul’s Best Advice: Do the Homework, Understand Tone
08:20 The #1 Audition Killer: Not Being Off Book
09:46 Can You Feel Star Power Right Away?
10:10 The Wetsuit Audition Disaster and Growth Over Time
12:39 Estelle Getty and Why Careers Can Start Later
13:20 Casting Directors Have Long Memories
14:05 When Someone Walks In and Wins the Role Instantly
16:20 What Are Verticals and Micro-Dramas?
16:35 TikTok Meets Soap Opera on Red Bull: The Vertical Model
18:40 How Epi… -
Laura Leighton "Melrose Place" Encore
2 maart 2026 · 47 min
Laura Leighton takes us back inside the Melrose Place phenomenon and what it was really like to ride that wave before social media and smartphones changed everything. In this episode of Still Here Hollywood, Laura talks about launching the Melrose Place rewatch podcast Still the Place with Daphne Zuniga and Courtney Thorne Smith, why it feels so freeing to show up without a script, and the surprising emotional impact of revisiting a time that happened more than 30 years ago. Lees meer
Laura opens up about the cast bond that never went away, the real conversations happening around a potential Melrose Place reboot, and why creating your own opportunities matters more as Hollywood changes and roles for women narrow with age. She also shares the best thing that came out of Melrose Place, her 26 year marriage to co star Doug Savant, and what it means to raise a big family and now become a grandmother.
You will also hear Laura on the shift from water cooler television to reality TV and TikTok culture, the strange new normal of being photographed everywhere, and why self tape auditions can feel harder than walking into a room. Plus, Laura tells two unforgettable stories from her career, a fan encounter so intense a nurse thought her villain character was real, and the heartbreak moment she had to drop out of a musical film role that later went to Renee Zellweger. She also reveals a major career decision she still regrets, turning down the chance to play Rizzo on Broadway.
If you love Melrose Place, Aaron Spelling era television, 90s nostalgia, Hollywood behind the scenes stories, and honest conversations about career, fame, aging, and reinvention, this one is for you.
00:00 Reboot Buzz and Grandma Life Tease
00:56 Intro: Aaron Spelling, Nighttime Soaps, and Melrose Mania
02:21 Laura’s Rewatch Podcast: Still the Place
03:04 Why Podcasting Feels Easier Than Acting
03:34 Rewatching Your 20s on Camera and the “Ick Attack”
04:21 Melrose Love Story: Meeting Doug Savant
04:52 26…
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Gabrielle Carteris "Beverly Hills 90210"
23 februari 2026 · 47 min
Gabrielle Carteris helped define a generation as Andrea Zuckerman on Beverly Hills 90210. But the story behind the show is bigger, deeper, and more surprising than you think. In this candid and wide-ranging conversation, Gabrielle opens up about the truth behind landing 90210, including the age secret she kept when she was cast as a 16-year-old. She reflects on overnight fame, Beatles-level chaos, and how the show shaped her adult life in ways she is still unpacking. But this episode goes far beyond nostalgia. Gabrielle reveals the devastating on-set injury that temporarily left her partially paralyzed and unable to speak, the lawsuit that followed, and why she refused to sign an NDA after winning her case. That experience ultimately led her into leadership, where she became President of SAG-AFTRA and helped guide the union through historic negotiations. She also discusses: • The real impact of the Hollywood strikes • Why AI and voice replication are changing the entertainment industry • The merger of SAG and AFTRA • Losing Luke Perry and Shannen Doherty • The isolation of extreme fame • Aging in Hollywood and rejecting shame • Why family matters more than celebrity From 90s television icon to labor leader and activist, Gabrielle Carteris shares what she has learned about power, resilience, identity, and what no longer scares her. This is one of the most revealing Beverly Hills 90210 interviews you’ll see. Subscribe for more conversations with the stars you grew up with. Lees meer
Chapters
00:00 Opening Introduction
01:00 Gabrielle Carteris on Aging and Growth
02:32 Learning to Stop Performing for Approval
04:41 Aging in Hollywood and Saying “I’m 65”
06:55 The 90210 Age Secret Revealed
07:57 Overnight Fame and Losing Anonymity
09:45 The Power and Pressure of Being Known
12:33 Looking Back on the 90210 Era
12:47 How Fox Saved Beverly Hills 90210
14:09 Did Andrea Shape Gabrielle or Vice Versa?
15:21 How the SAG-AFTRA Merger Happened
16:29 “I Am an Activist”
17:49…
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Joanna Cassidy "Blade Runner"
16 februari 2026 · 58 min
Joanna Cassidy has never fit neatly into one lane, and that is exactly why she is unforgettable. In this episode of Still Here Hollywood, Joanna takes us from Syracuse University as an art student to a cross-country leap that landed her in Los Angeles and changed everything. She talks about her first film set experience with Walter Matthau and Bruce Dern, the shock of realizing she could actually act, and how her creative life has always lived in two worlds, performance and painting. We also dive into the legacy roles that keep getting rediscovered. Joanna shares what it was like stepping into Blade Runner as Zhora, working with Ridley Scott’s meticulous vision, and why that film’s impact only grew with time. She opens up about Six Feet Under and her love of dark humor, the craft difference between comedy and drama, the realities of aging in Hollywood, and what she believes keeps a creative person alive. Plus: animals, modernism, bungee fitness in Burbank, and the mindset that keeps her curious and working. Still Here Hollywood with Steve Kmetko. New episodes weekly. Support the show and get early access and extras at patreon.com/stillherehollywood Lees meer
00:00 Intro: The unforgettable Joanna Cassidy
00:56 From Syracuse to San Francisco to Los Angeles
02:35 First steps into acting and a surprising first role
03:35 The Laughing Policeman: Walter Matthau, Bruce Dern, and set nerves
05:19 Joanna the artist: painting, portraits, modernism
06:42 Almost quitting, and the many lives she has lived
07:51 Misconceptions: beauty, comedy, and being underestimated
10:29 Age, image, and America’s obsession with youth
12:29 Early work she is proud of, and Blade Runner’s slow-burn legacy
13:43 Acting vs art: the frustration of not being able to fine-tune
16:52 Roles she wanted but did not get
17:40 Blade Runner: first reaction to the script
18:32 Philip K. Dick, sci-fi love, and “the only actor with the snake”
19:18 Animals, cats, and the deep bond with them
21:22 Ridley Scott’s imprint… -
Paul McCrane "ER" "Robocop"
9 februari 2026 · 59 min
Actor and director Paul McCrane joins Still Here Hollywood with Steve Kmetko for a funny, honest, and surprisingly deep conversation about building a career by leaning into the roles people remember most. Lees meer
Paul talks about intentionally pivoting into “bad guy” parts, his first reaction to reading RoboCop, and the night a massive explosion on set got a little too real. He also looks back on ER and what it was like joining the biggest show on television, plus how the stability of a long-running series can change your life outside the job.
The conversation goes beyond credits and into craft. Paul breaks down why self-tape auditions can feel like sending your work into a void, why in-person collaboration matters, and what directing taught him about managing pressure, people, and performance. He also shares one of the most valuable lessons of his career: how a brutal review early on forced him to learn how to truly do the work, and how Jason Robards showed him real generosity in the process.
If you love behind-the-scenes stories, acting talk that’s actually useful, and Hollywood history with some bite, this one’s for you.
Support the show and get early access and bonus content at Patreon: patreon.com/StillHereHollywood
00:00 Intro, Paul McCrane from ER and RoboCop
00:42 What Paul would be doing if he wasn’t acting today
01:09 Songwriting, music, and creative curiosity
01:19 Becoming “the bad guy” on purpose
02:41 First reaction to the RoboCop script
03:18 The infamous RoboCop explosion story
06:11 Did he expect RoboCop to become iconic
06:28 How RoboCop reshaped his career
07:55 Why he became an actor, his father and backstage magic
08:27 Other careers he could have pursued
09:06 Turning the interview back on Steve
10:10 Fame, the movie, and early terror on set
11:44 Shooting Fame on the streets of New York
12:33 Did he ever consider quitting acting
14:03 Patreon break, then critics and insecurity
16:30 Retirement, insecurity, and why actors do this
18:38 Chevy Chas… -
Joyce Bulifant "Mary Tyler Moore Show"
2 februari 2026 · 1 uur 3 min
Book: My Four Hollywood Husbands Lees meer
https://a.co/d/bTbuNAj
Show Credits
Host/Producer: Steve Kmetko
All things technical: Justin Zangerle
Executive Producer: Jim Lichtenstein
Music by: Brian Sanyshyn
https://stillherehollywood.com
http://patreon.com/stillherehollywood
Suggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.com
Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.com
Publicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Amy Yasbeck "Wings"
26 januari 2026 · 53 min
Amy's Foundation in memory of her husband John Ritter is https://johnritterfoundation.org/ Lees meer
Another favorite charity of Amy's is https://angelfood.org/
Show Credits
Host/Producer: Steve Kmetko
All things technical: Justin Zangerle
Executive Producer: Jim Lichtenstein
Music by: Brian Sanyshyn
https://stillherehollywood.com
http://patreon.com/stillherehollywood
Suggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.com
Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.com
Publicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Ted Lange "The Love Boat" Encore
19 januari 2026 · 1 uur 24 min
In this unforgettable episode of Still Here Hollywood, Ted Lange, forever known as Isaac from The Love Boat, joins Steve Kmetko for a deep, funny, and brutally honest conversation about classic television, Hollywood power dynamics, racial inequality in entertainment, and the long game of creative survival. Lees meer
Ted takes us behind the scenes of one of the most iconic shows in television history, sharing stories about Gene Kelly, Diahann Carroll, Cloris Leachman, Howard Keel, and the revolving door of legendary guest stars that made The Love Boat a cultural phenomenon. He reveals what really went on when the cameras stopped rolling and how respect, chemistry, and mentorship made the cast a family.
But this episode goes far beyond nostalgia. Ted opens up about the realities of being a Black actor in Hollywood, the battles he fought for equal treatment, fair representation, and meaningful storylines, and how he learned to “pivot” rather than become bitter. His stories about pay disparity, industry politics, and subtle discrimination are powerful, eye-opening, and still painfully relevant today.
We also dive into Ted’s remarkable second act as a writer, director, and playwright. From directing television to writing over 27 plays, including historical dramas about forgotten figures like John Hanson and Mary Bowser, Ted explains how storytelling can reclaim lost history and give voice to those erased from textbooks. His passion for uncovering untold stories turns this episode into something far bigger than a Hollywood interview.
Plus, he shares hilarious and unexpected stories about working with Jenna Jameson on the “Ask Isaac” advice column, his Shakespeare adaptations, directing The Fall Guy, and the surprising friendships that shaped his career.
This is a masterclass in resilience, creativity, and navigating Hollywood with intelligence, humor, and integrity. Ted Lange proves he is far more than a TV icon. He is a historian, a playwright, a director, and a truth teller…
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Maxwell Caufield "Grease 2"
12 januari 2026 · 57 min
Relive the wild ride of Grease 2 with actor Maxwell Caulfield, the man behind Michael Carrington, in this full episode of Still Here Hollywood with Steve Kmetko. Maxwell opens up about knowing early he was meant to act, his London roots, and the moment everything changed when he auditioned for Grease 2 and suddenly found himself stepping into a Hollywood spotlight that can make or break you. Lees meer
Maxwell shares what it was like working alongside a young Michelle Pfeiffer, why Grease 2 didn’t hit the way the studio hoped at release, and how the movie later found its true life as a cult classic with a passionate fanbase. He also dives into the behind-the-scenes reality of movie-making, including a hilarious “Bike Heaven” moment that did not go how he wanted.
Beyond Grease 2, Maxwell talks about his love of live theater and what the stage gives an actor that the camera never can, plus what he’s working on now, including a one-man play centered on Pontius Pilate. And yes, we go there on the big career chapters too, from Hollywood momentum to TV fame, including his run on The Colbys and the long view of staying in the game.
WikipediaIf you grew up on 80s movies, movie musicals, backstage stories, and the art of actually lasting in show business, this episode is for you.
Want to get more involved with the show?
Support Still Here Hollywood on Patreon for early access, behind-the-scenes extras, and the chance to submit questions for upcoming guests. Show CreditsHost/Producer: Steve Kmetko
All things technical: Justin Zangerle
Executive Producer: Jim Lichtenstein
Music by: Brian Sanyshyn
https://stillherehollywood.com
http://patreon.com/stillherehollywood
Suggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.com
Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.com
Publicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertis… -
Juliet Mills "Nanny and the Professor"
5 januari 2026 · 51 min
She was born into show business royalty, made her film debut at just 11 weeks old, and grew up surrounded by legends like Noel Coward, Vivien Leigh, Laurence Olivier, and more. On this episode of Still Here Hollywood, Steve Kmetko sits down with the luminous Juliet Mills, the beloved star of Nanny and the Professor, to trace a life and career that spans West End theater, Broadway, classic television, and unforgettable Hollywood collaborators. Lees meer
Juliet shares how her family and upbringing shaped her worldview, why gratitude became one of her guiding principles, and what it was really like stepping into the spotlight as “Nanny” during a time when television was far more “tea and nightgowns” than romance and realism. She also looks back on the global success of the show, her bond with co-star Richard Long, and why she believes the series might have lasted longer if the on-screen relationship had been allowed to evolve.
Plus, Juliet tells behind-the-scenes stories from her career highlights, including working with Billy Wilder and Jack Lemmon on Avanti! (yes, the role that required her to gain 35 pounds, a true acting challenge if spaghetti is involved). She also opens up about love, marriage, and fate, as her husband Maxwell Caulfield joins the conversation for a charming, honest look at how their relationship began during The Elephant Man, with a cameo appearance from Natalie Wood in the origin story.
If you grew up with Nanny and the Professor, love classic Hollywood, or just want to hear a joyful, thoughtful conversation with an icon who’s still full of wonder, this one’s for you.
Support the show and get episodes early, behind-the-scenes extras, and more at patreon.com/stillherehollywood Show Credits
Host/Producer: Steve Kmetko
All things technical: Justin Zangerle
Executive Producer: Jim Lichtenstein
Music by: Brian Sanyshyn
https://stillherehollywood.com
http://patreon.com/stillherehollywood
Suggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.com
Advertise on …
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Spencer Garrett -"That Actor From All Those Things"
29 december 2025 · 1 uur 5 min
For more than 30 years, Spencer Garrett has been one of those actors you instantly recognize, even if you can’t place exactly where you’ve seen him. In this episode of Still Here Hollywood, Spencer opens up about the working actor’s life, aging in the business, finding purpose, and what it really means to be “that guy from that thing.” Lees meer
Spencer shares the origin story of the Character Actors Dining Society (the CADS) and the famous dinners with Alfred Molina, Stephen Weber, Eric McCormack, Titus Welliver, Kevin Pollak, Richard Kind, Jason Alexander, and more. He also talks about career pivots, breaking out of “prick in a suit” casting, lessons learned from Robert Duvall, Dustin Hoffman, and Glenn Close, and why he still gets excited every time he pulls onto a studio lot.
Plus, Spencer tells the story of meeting his partner Dana Bash and how their worlds collide, actor life vs CNN life, with plenty of laughs along the way.
If you like deep, thoughtful conversations with actors who have lived the whole Hollywood ride, this one’s for you.
Support Still Here Hollywood on Patreon (bonus content, early episodes, guest info, and more): patreon.com/stillherehollywood Show Credits
Host/Producer: Steve Kmetko
All things technical: Justin Zangerle
Executive Producer: Jim Lichtenstein
Music by: Brian Sanyshyn
https://stillherehollywood.com
http://patreon.com/stillherehollywood
Suggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.com
Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.com
Publicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising. -
Michael Nouri "Flash Dance" Encore
22 december 2025 · 54 min
Flashdance leading man Michael Nouri sits down with Steve Kmetko for a wide-ranging, funny, and unexpectedly emotional conversation about his decades in Hollywood — from Goodbye, Columbus and Flashdance to Broadway, Victor/Victoria, Yellowstone, and beyond. Lees meer
Michael looks back on the night the acting bug bit him in a high school Gilbert & Sullivan production, his early stage days with legends like Julie Harris, and bombing his very first movie line opposite Ali MacGraw in Goodbye, Columbus. He talks about trying to dodge the Vietnam draft, enlisting, and then being honorably discharged because the Army literally couldn’t find boots big enough for his size-16 feet.
Of course, he dives into Flashdance: the terrible reviews, the electric audience reaction, that rare standing ovation in Westwood, working with director Adrian Lyne, producers Simpson & Bruckheimer, and co-star Jennifer Beals (plus their canine scene partner, Grunt). He explains how the massive success of the film didn’t translate into the career momentum he’d hoped for, the movie with William Friedkin that fell apart, and how he ended up in Bay City Blues alongside a then-unknown Sharon Stone instead.
Michael also shares powerful stories from touring South Pacific right after 9/11 — including emotional nightly renditions of “God Bless America” with audiences arm-in-arm — and the chance encounter with Blake Edwards that led to him starring opposite Julie Andrews in Victor/Victoria, complete with a custom song by Henry Mancini. He reflects on aging in Hollywood, evolving from leading man to dads, granddads, and senators, still auditioning for filmmakers like Bradley Cooper, and staying grateful that the phone keeps ringing.
Along the way, he remembers working with Sean Connery, F. Murray Abraham, Glenn Close, Naomi Watts, Kelly Reilly, and even Anna Nicole Smith, plus the life lesson he learned the hard way trying to approach Luciano Pavarotti backstage. He also opens up about political anxiety, the emo…
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Natasha Henstridge "Species" Encore
15 december 2025 · 41 min
n this encore episode of Still Here Hollywood, Steve Kmetko sits down with actor Natasha Henstridge, who rocketed to fame as the lethal alien Sil in Species, and has been navigating the highs and lows of Hollywood ever since. Lees meer
Natasha opens up about being 19 years old, seeing herself 30 feet tall on a screen for the first time, walking out of the Species screening saying she “hated” the movie, and why she’s now deeply proud of it and the way it changed her life and career. She talks honestly about aging in the business, body image, and what it’s like to still be recognized for a role she did nearly 30 years ago — including by 20-year-olds who weren’t even born when the film came out.
She also reflects on working with Bruce Willis on The Whole Nine Yards, shares emotional memories of Matthew Perry, and talks candidly about her experience with Harvey Weinstein, the MeToo movement, and the complicated decision to speak out — and then try to move on. From Canadian small-town winters to Cannes red carpets, big Hollywood breaks to indie films and producing her own Christmas movie, Natasha is funny, vulnerable, and unfiltered.
Along the way, she and Steve dive into:
The overwhelming pressure of overnight fame after Species
Why she initially hated seeing herself on screen
How Species still gets her hired around the world decades later
Working with Bruce Willis and watching his family rally around him
Her memories of Matthew Perry — the humor, the struggle, and the heartbreak
Her experience with Harvey Weinstein and how MeToo “moved the needle”
Parenting two sons with ADHD/dyslexia and why motherhood is the hardest job she’s ever had
Growing up in freezing northern Alberta, loving winter, and escaping to LA
Body image, beauty standards, social media, and what she tells young women now
Producing her own projects and saying yes to work all over the world
If Species, late-90s/early-2000s Hollywood, or the MeToo era are part of your movie memory bank, this one hits…
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Stefanie Powers "Hart to Hart"
8 december 2025 · 46 min
You can support the William Holden Wildlife Foundation at: https://whwf.org/ Lees meer
Tickets for LOVE LETTERS on January 11, 2026 available at: https://ci.ovationtix.com/371/production/1258472?performanceId=11725822
Show Credits
Host/Producer: Steve Kmetko
All things technical: Justin Zangerle
Executive Producer: Jim Lichtenstein
Music by: Brian Sanyshyn
https://stillherehollywood.com
http://patreon.com/stillherehollywood
Suggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.com
Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.com
Publicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Chad Lowe "Life Goes On" Encore
1 december 2025 · 1 uur 21 min
Actor and director Chad Lowe sits down with Steve for one of the most deeply honest, funny, and unexpectedly emotional conversations we’ve had on Still Here Hollywood. From growing up in the shadow of a wildly famous big brother to discovering his own path through acting, sobriety, fatherhood, and directing, Chad tells the story of a life shaped by love, rivalry, reinvention — and a few surreal Hollywood moments. Lees meer
He opens up about the early days when teenage girls hung posters of Rob but not him… auditioning for roles that went on to define a generation (On Golden Pond, Running on Empty, Goonies, Say Anything)… and the moment River Phoenix’s performance inspired him to become a better actor. Chad shares how Martin Sheen changed the course of his life on one unforgettable car ride, how he overcame paralyzing audition anxiety, and why Life Goes On became the most meaningful work of his career.
For the first time, Chad also walks us through the real story behind Hilary Swank’s Oscar speech, how he actually felt in the car afterward, why he cried at the ceremony, and how the two of them found peace and perspective years later.
We cover the state of Hollywood post-strikes, directing 911: Lone Star alongside Rob, taking his daughters to Taylor Swift (and surviving the ticket wars), his years of sobriety, what scares him most as a “girl dad,” and how a tuna melt changed his life at Elizabeth Taylor’s house.
It's heartfelt, self-deprecating, and full of moments that remind you why Chad Lowe has quietly built one of the most beloved, complicated, fascinating careers in the business.
A must-watch episode for anyone who knows the highs and lows of following your own path — even when the world thinks it already knows who you are. 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: stillhereh…
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Harry Hamlin "LA Law" Encore
24 november 2025 · 54 min
• Clash of the Titans memories & working with legends
• The real story behind Making Love and how it changed his career
• LA Law, sexiest man alive, and the “beige-ing” of an actor
• Cooking shows, tomato sauce, and the open-source food company
• Parenting, marriage, Real Housewives, and staying grounded
• Hiking, aging well, and a 40-year journey into fusion energy Lees meerIf you love smart Hollywood conversations with iconic stars… this is your episode.
Show Credits
Host/Producer: Steve Kmetko
All things technical: Justin Zangerle
Executive Producer: Jim Lichtenstein
Music by: Brian Sanyshyn
https://stillherehollywood.com
http://patreon.com/stillherehollywood
Suggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.com
Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.com
Publicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Morgan Fairchild "Falcon Crest"
17 november 2025 · 58 min
Television icon Morgan Fairchild sits down with Steve Kmetko for an unusually intimate, funny, and deeply revealing conversation. From her Texas childhood and early dreams of becoming a doctor or paleontologist to breaking into New York’s brutal casting world, Morgan shares the hustle, heartbreak, glamor, and grit behind her decades-long career. Lees meer
She opens up about Dallas, Falcon Crest, Search for Tomorrow, Initiation of Sarah, Mork & Mindy, Robin Williams, Vincent Price, Roddy McDowall, and the performers who shaped her. Morgan also dives into surviving Hollywood typecasting, being underestimated for her beauty, crafting her signature look, and the real story behind her “schemer” era.
In one of the most emotional parts of the interview, Morgan reflects on her AIDS advocacy, her years working with Dr. Fauci, educating the public when few dared to, and the work that cost her roles — but defined her purpose. She also discusses the loss of Matthew Perry, reveals the tabloid stories that stunned her, and shares how she’s stayed relevant across generations.
Plus: the Two Bitches from Texas podcast, her love of paleontology, her Halloween obsession, wild Hollywood stories, taking risks, breaking stigmas, and the advice she’d whisper to her 20-year-old self.
If you grew up watching her — or if you only know her as “Matthew Perry’s mom on Friends” — this conversation will surprise you. Morgan Fairchild is funny, brilliant, reflective, and refreshingly real.
👉 Subscribe for more iconic conversations with the stars we miss and the legends still making history. Show Credits
Host/Producer: Steve Kmetko
All things technical: Justin Zangerle
Executive Producer: Jim Lichtenstein
Music by: Brian Sanyshyn
https://stillherehollywood.com
http://patreon.com/stillherehollywood
Suggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.com
Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.com
Publicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWi…