In this heartwarming episode of FAMOUS with Jacy Dawn Valeras, Jacy sits down with beloved children’s entertainer Laurie Berkner for a joyful and meaningful conversation about a career that has touched millions of families around the world.

With over 2 billion streams and a catalog of songs that have become staples of childhood - including fan favorites like “We Are the Dinosaurs,” “The Goldfish (Let’s Go Swimming),” and “Victor Vito” - Laurie reflects on her early days, how she built her career, and the moments that shaped her journey. From performing at Madonna’s child’s birthday party to selling out shows for generations of fans, her story is filled with both unexpected highlights and deeply personal insights.

Together, they explore what success truly means, the powerful lessons children have taught her, and how those experiences continue to influence her music today. Laurie also shares what she’s working on now, including new projects and her current tour, bringing the same joy and connection to audiences everywhere.

This conversation is a beautiful reminder that music has the power to shape childhoods, and that sometimes, the greatest success is measured in the lives you impact.

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In this unforgettable episode of FAMOUS with Jacy Dawn Valeras, Jacy sits down with Golden Globe-winning actress and Hollywood icon Ann Jillian for a deeply personal and inspiring conversation that spans a lifetime in entertainment - and all of the moments that shaped it.

From the very beginning, this interview carries a special kind of meaning. Like so many, Jacy first fell in love with Ann’s work as a child - watching her unforgettable performance as the Red Queen in Alice in Wonderland. That admiration never faded, and somehow, years later, led to this conversation.

Together, they explore:
Ann’s early career - from Gypsy to Babes in Toyland and her time working with Walt Disney

The story behind how she got the name “Ann Jillian”

Her incredible love story and creative partnership with her husband, who also became her manager

Behind-the-scenes memories from Battle of the Network Stars

What it was like working alongside legends like Bob Hope and meeting Lucille Ball

Her courageous breast cancer journey - and the powerful decision to portray her own story in The Ann Jillian Story, a role that earned her a Golden Globe

What it truly means to touch another person’s life through your work

And so much more.

This is more than a conversation about fame. It’s about resilience, legacy, faith, love, and the ripple effect of a life lived with purpose.

From childhood inspiration to sitting across from her, this is the kind of moment that reminds you why dreams matter.

Mentioned in this episode:
Ann Jillian interview, Alice in Wonderland Red Queen, Gypsy, Babes In Toyland, Sammy The Way Out Seal, Scooby Doo, Lucille Ball, It’s a Living cast, Battle of the Network Stars, Bob Hope, classic Hollywood actresses, 1980s television stars, celebrity love stories, Ann Jillian husband, Hollywood career stories, inspirational celebrity interviews

Videography: Rod Hefezi
Filmed at The Lazy Pickle studios in Burbank, CA

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Learn more by visiting jacydawnvaleras.com and by following the show on social media at @famouswithjdv. Follow Jacy Dawn Valeras @jacydawnvaleras. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!

In this episode of Famous with Jacy Dawn Valeras, Jacy sits down with legendary Hollywood actress Ruta Lee for a candid conversation about her life and career in entertainment.

Known for her roles in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and appearances on The Lucy Show, The Twilight Zone, Match Game and hundreds of other TV shows, Ruta reflects on coming of age during Hollywood’s golden era, including her time alongside Milton Berle and the Rat Pack. Joining Jacy via Zoom, she also shares the full-circle meaning behind her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Ruta opens up about her longtime friendship with Ann Jillian and their shared involvement with The Thalians, supporting mental health awareness, while also reflecting on how her Lithuanian heritage shaped her life and career.

A warm, nostalgic, and heartfelt conversation filled with classic Hollywood stories and life behind the spotlight. 🎙️

Learn more about The Thalians by visiting: http://www.thalians.org/

Mentioned in this episode:
Ruta Lee • Seven Brides for Seven Brothers • The Lucy Show • The Twilight Zone • Match Game • Milton Berle • Rat Pack • Hollywood Walk of Fame • Ann Jillian • The Thalians • Lithuanian heritage • classic Hollywood • celebrity interview

Support the show

Learn more by visiting jacydawnvaleras.com and by following the show on social media at @famouswithjdv. Follow Jacy Dawn Valeras @jacydawnvaleras. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!

In the season two opener of Famous with Jacy Dawn Valeras, Jacy chats with legendary Hollywood actress Morgan Fairchild for a candid conversation about her life and career in entertainment. Known for her iconic roles in Friends, Falcon Crest, and Flamingo Road, Morgan reflects on the realities of fame, longevity in Hollywood, and the personal challenges that can come with a life in the spotlight.

She also shares behind-the-scenes memories from her memorable guest role on Friends as Matthew Perry’s mother, offers heartfelt advice for aspiring performers, and talks about her new podcast, 2 Bitches from Texas, which she co-hosts with her sister, Cathryn Hartt.

A thoughtful and entertaining look at fame, resilience, and life behind the scenes in Hollywood. Listen now to this candid conversation with Hollywood legend Morgan Fairchild.

Mentioned in this episode:
Morgan Fairchild • Matthew Perry • Friends • Falcon Crest • Flamingo Road • 2 Bitches from Texas • Cathryn Hartt

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Famous with Jacy Dawn Valeras features candid conversations with some of the most recognizable names in film, television, music, and entertainment.

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Learn more by visiting jacydawnvaleras.com and by following the show on social media at @famouswithjdv. Follow Jacy Dawn Valeras @jacydawnvaleras. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Jacy chats with rising star, Gracee Shriver who came to America's attention when she landed on Team Kelly & Team Blake on The Voice. Her honest lyrics are at the center of her songs and in this episode Gracee shares who her dream duet partner would be, what it's really like getting to be on National television every week and what song she thinks truly captures her artistry the most. 

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Support the show

Learn more by visiting jacydawnvaleras.com and by following the show on social media at @famouswithjdv. Follow Jacy Dawn Valeras @jacydawnvaleras. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!

In this episode, Jacy chats with actress, best selling author and mathematician, Danica McKellar. You might remember her as Winnie Cooper on The Wonder Years or the dozes of other tv shows and movies she has been in like The West Wing, How I Met Your Mother, Dancing With The Stars and more. Danica shares stories from behind the scenes of her latest film, Grounded In Love, streaming now on Great American Family / Pure Flix, what inspired her to write several best selling math books and what she believes Winnie Cooper would be doing today.

Learn more about Danica by visiting: danicamckellar.com and by following her on Instagram @danicamckellar.

Support the show

Learn more by visiting jacydawnvaleras.com and by following the show on social media at @famouswithjdv. Follow Jacy Dawn Valeras @jacydawnvaleras. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!

In this episode, Jacy chats with Flat River Band to talk about their latest duet with the legendary Oak Ridge Boys, the power of staying authentic on social media, and what it’s really like working side by side as brothers in music. They share the lessons they’ve learned along the way, and the musical influences that shaped their sound. This conversation is filled with heart, harmony, and honesty.

Support the show

Learn more by visiting jacydawnvaleras.com and by following the show on social media at @famouswithjdv. Follow Jacy Dawn Valeras @jacydawnvaleras. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!

In this episode Jacy talks with star of the hit tv series, Whose Line is it Anyway?, comedian, actor and award-winning entertainer, Colin Mochrie. Colin shares stories from his early days in Canada as an improviser at The Second City, his start in the theatre and how he manages peoples expectations of him. Currently on tour with Brad Sherwood, Colin shares a behind the scenes look at what really happens when you have to think on your feet in front of a live audience and what advice he'd pass along to his younger self.

Visit https://www.colinandbradshow.com/ for tickets to see Colin live.

Support the show

Learn more by visiting jacydawnvaleras.com and by following the show on social media at @famouswithjdv. Follow Jacy Dawn Valeras @jacydawnvaleras. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!

In this interview, Jacy chats with award winning music biographer, Jake Brown who has written 60 published books since 2001, published in 11 countries around the world, including best-sellers and collaborations co-written with music rock’s biggest legends, including 2013 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees Heart (with Ann and Nancy Wilson), living guitar legend Joe Satriani, country music legend Merle Haggard/Freddy Powers, late Hip Hop legend Tupac Shakur (via the estate), and late metal pioneers Motorhead (w Lemmy Kilmister), Smashing Pumpkins frontman/founder Billy Corgan, the critically-acclaimed Nashville Songwriter and In The Studio (Dr. Dre, Rick Rubin, Tori Amos, Iron Maiden, etc) series.

Jake's latest book, Songs Of Nashville: The Real Stories Behind Country Music’s Greatest Hits, is available now!

Support the show

Learn more by visiting jacydawnvaleras.com and by following the show on social media at @famouswithjdv. Follow Jacy Dawn Valeras @jacydawnvaleras. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Jacy sits down with music icon, Grammy award-winner and one of People Magazine's most beautiful, Crystal Gayle at her recording studio on music row, for an intimate conversation. Jacy & Crystal's relationship began when Jacy was only 15 years old. In this interview, the two discuss their serendipitous meeting, Crystal's 25 number one hit songs, working with Miss Piggy, Sesame Street, her favorite foods and more. Crystal discusses her life in the spotlight and how becoming FAMOUS has affected her family, her music and the attention on her iconic hair. She shares stories about her early beginnings and sister, Loretta Lynn's influence, how she balances work and a personal life with her husband, Bill Gatzimos and how she would like to be remembered. 

Visit crystalgayle.com for tour dates, news & more.

Support the show

Learn more by visiting jacydawnvaleras.com and by following the show on social media at @famouswithjdv. Follow Jacy Dawn Valeras @jacydawnvaleras. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!