Cooking By Heart with Chris Sarandon

In this SEASON 3 FINALE, I sit down with Emmy, Peabody, and Humanitas Award-winning writer and comedy icon John Markus. From memories of his mother's hearty Eastern European cooking to early joke writing for legends like Bob Hope and Joan Rivers. John shares his incredible journey through the world of comedy. Get the inside scoop on his breakout role with the hit sitcom Taxi, and how he rose to become head writer and show-runner on one of the most iconic shows of the 80s that later became controversial because of its star, Bill Cosby. And in a delicious twist, he also lets us in on how he became a member of the Barbecue Hall of Fame and created the hit TV show, BBQ Pitmasters! A hilarious and revealing conversation with this comedy legend, one with an unheard-of surprise ending.

In this episode, SAG Award-winning actress Caroline Aaron shares what it was like growing up Jewish in the South, dining out gratis, thanks to her father’s work as a restaurant supplier before his untimely death, and the subsequent Southern meals lovingly prepared by her family’s African-American housekeeper—including fried chicken and a distinctive red/orange matzoh ball soup at Passover. She reflects on her activist single mother’s influence, dinner table conversations centered on social justice, and the values that shaped her. Caroline also discusses her work with legendary directors like Mike Nichols, Woody Allen, and Tim Burton, and recalls Uta Hagen’s unforgettable advice about food and acting. Join me for a vibrant, funny, and heartfelt conversation with one of the most prolific and versatile actresses of stage, screen, and television.

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Director/Actor Nick Castle remembers growing up in Hollywood with his Italian-American family eating traditional ethnic fare, having his famous movie choreographer father home for dinner after working at a nearby film studio which young Nick would often visit, and meals with his extended family in Queens, NY. He also talks about his writing collaborations with fellow USC Film School director/alum John Carpenter and ...a fortuitous visit to the original 'Halloween' movie set and the unbelievable result. A down-to-earth and sometimes unpredictable conversation with this veteran director.

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In this episode, 5-time James Beard Award Winner Dorie Greenspan remembers her non-cooking parents, learning to love food by going out to dinner and burning down the family kitchen! She discusses cookbook collaborations with Julia Child, Daniel Boulud, and Jean-George, how she cooks differently in New York and Paris, and her love of baking, calling it a generous act because it's always shared. Join my illuminating and often hilarious conversation with this influential food writer and author of 15 cookbooks.

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In this episode, Sachi Parker, the daughter of award-winning actress Shirley MacClain, talks about moving at age 2 from LA to Japan with her father, producer and gourmet cook Steve Parker. She remembers harvesting sea urchin from the sea and eating them alfresco, and always accompanying her father as he cooked. Boarding school food was horrible in England and divine in Switzerland, after which came a shocking ultimatum from her mother.  She then spent five years as a multilingual flight attendant only to return to LA and her mother’s house, where Sachi became an actress herself, a daughter, and a dinner party cook for her mother‘s Hollywood friends. What a life from this extraordinary woman! Join us.

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In this episode, Peter McCrea, the son of Hollywood legends Joel McCrea and Francis Dee, talks about growing up on their ranch with cattle, chickens, an organic vegetable garden, wood stove cooking, and being exposed to the cycle of life. Living there also featured visits from movie stars Gary Cooper, Spencer Tracy, Katherine Hepburn, and Maurice Chevalier! He also discusses his work creating philanthropic funding and micro financing for global sustainable and organic agriculture. A truly fascinating conversation I know you'll enjoy!

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In this episode, TV writer/producer/showrunner Nancey Silvers describes her southern Mom’s grits and fried chicken, eating deli food with her father, the magnificent comedian Phil Silvers, being required to help with the household chores, & eating fresh, at her mom’s insistence, right from the stove. She remembers movie star tour busses stopping for lunch on their Beverly Hills front lawn and being served wine on holidays as a kid. She also talks about why she became a writer, and the joy of grandparenting. A lively and heartfelt visit with this prolific and successful writer.

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In this episode of ‘Cooking By Heart,’ Griffin Dunne described this soup served by his mother’s Mexican family as being the go-to comfort meal choice throughout his life. All the food groups are represented, and the dish has been refined by his grown daughter since he first introduced it to her. Feel free to take a swing at your version of this basic recipe. 

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In this episode, award-winning actress Stockard Channing describes a privileged childhood, with bland food both at home and while eating out; surviving on lots of carbs in boarding school, followed by an early marriage; “competition” cooking as a young housewife, and a gourmand friend mentoring and honing her kitchen skills. Divorce, a decision to become an actress, and a move to New City became the genesis of an award-winning career, as well as her becoming an accomplished cook and discovering the comfort and joy of eating. A candid and witty conversation with this extraordinary woman.

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In this episode, multiple Tony Award-winning actor James Naughton talks about his father’s digestive problems which led to lots of bland Irish food at home, food discoveries as a student and in his burgeoning acting career, being discovered by TV and Film, and our mutual friendship with Roddy McDowell. He also gives an impassioned shout-out to two amazing charities close to his heart and home. A riveting conversation with a great man!

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