Forgotten Hollywood

It's the end of 2025 and Creator/Producer/Host Doug Hess takes a look back with JLJ Media CEO on the almost 6 year old show. Thank you everyone in making this show a huge hit!

Doug Hess is the host!

In this episode I spoke with author Stephn Rötzsch Thomas about his book "Disney's Animated Classics: A Comprehensive Guide." In Disney's Animated Classics, Stephen Rötzsch Thomas explores the iconic features from the studio's first 100 years, from Snow White to Wish. A love letter to storytelling and collaboration, each chapter takes readers behind the scenes of a different movie, uncovering the hidden secrets, creative geniuses, and surprising connections that will enthrall die-hard Disney fans and casual viewers alike.

Guest Host James Lott Jr picks one of his heros to talk about. 
Flip Wilson: The Groundbreaking King of 1970s Television Clerow “Flip” Wilson Jr.
Born: December 8, 1933
Died: November 25, 1998
Profession: Comedian, Actor, Writer, Producer
Claim to Fame: First Black TV superstar and highest-paid performer of his era Flip Wilson wasn’t just a comedian — he was a cultural shift. He opened doors, redefined representation, and proved a Black entertainer could dominate primetime television on his own terms.

In this episode, I spoke with author Thom Shubilla about his latest book "King Kong vs Godzilla -"The Most Colossal Conflict the Screen Has Ever Known". Popular culture in 1962 experienced many notable firsts. That year, The Beatles released their debut single “Love Me Do” in England, The Beach Boys first LP, Surfin’ Safari, was stocked on record store shelves, The Rolling Stones played their first shows, Dr. No marked the opening James Bond adventure to hit theaters, Marvel Comics’ “The Incredible Hulk” was splashed on the pages of comic books—and two of the greatest movie monsters, King Kong and Godzilla, clashed on the big screen.

In this episode, I spoke with author Scott Eyman regarding his book "Joan Crawford A Women's Face'. Film historian and acclaimed New York Times bestselling biographer Scott Eyman has written the definitive biography of Hollywood icon Joan Crawford, drawing on never-before-seen documents and photos from the Crawford estate.

Guest Host James Lott JR remembers the ground breaking role of Dominque Devereaux on the 80s hit soap Dynasty and the actress who played her.

In this episode I spoke with author Jeffrey Paul Thompson about his latest book "Miracle on 34th Street: The Making of a Christmas Classic ". Despite having been made into three TV movies, a radio drama, a stage play, a Broadway musical, a feature-film remake in color, and a book adaptation, the 1947 black-and-white film of Miracle on 34th Street still remains the favorite version of this modern Christmas classic. 
Forgotten Hollywood Fav Christmas Movies is on Amazon.com

In this episode I spoke with Mark Malkoff about his book "Love Johnny Carson". A wildly entertaining book by one of the world’s most obsessed and informed fans of TV icon Johnny Carson, setting the record straight on Carson's legacy and shining light on the personality behind the legendary comedian and talk show host.
Doug Hess is producer and host
Forgoten Hollywood is on Facebook.
The Books are on Amazon

In this episode I spoke with Richard Kirshenbaum about his latest book " The Hollywood Fix".  This masterful and sweeping novel is based on true stories from the studio system era and PR machines which have not only created legends but exposed the dirty business of keeping the stars shiny and clean.