Hollywood Obsessed

In the second half of Tony Miros’s engaging conversation with actor, artist, and author Leigh McCloskey, Leigh shares captivating stories and insights from his time on “Dallas” and beyond. He reflects on his work with Audrey Landers, who played his on-screen sister Afton, and their memorable trip to Israel. He also mentions how the TNT revival of “Dallas” never contacted him about a possible cameo for Mitch.

Leigh reveals why Mitch was written out of the show, explaining that the producers wanted to keep the character righteous and planned to bring him back only occasionally. He shares that he still reunites with former co-stars from the series at celebrity meet-and-greet events, where “Dallas” fans remain as passionate as ever.

Venturing into his sci-fi roles, Leigh talks about the excitement of portraying villainous aliens in “Babylon 5,” “Star Trek: Voyager,” “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,” and “Buck Rogers in the 25th Century.” He recalls working with Playboy Playmate Dorothy Stratten on “Buck Rogers” and the shock of learning about her tragic murder just months after they filmed together.

Leigh shares a behind-the-scenes moment when he was asked to do a screen test with Mariel Hemingway to assess whether she had the emotional range for a certain film. He reflects on his experiences in daytime soaps, including “General Hospital” and “Santa Barbara,” where he played two different characters.

Now fully immersed in his life as an artist and author, Leigh discusses how his emotional expression has shifted from acting to painting, channeling the same creativity onto canvas. He has transformed his Malibu home into a hub for like-minded creatives, hosting events and discussions on art, philosophy, and creative fulfillment.

Leigh continues to balance acting with art shows and promotes his books, including “Tarot ReVisioned,” which are available on Amazon and on his website. He inspires fans through his YouTube channel, where he shares insightful talks on creativity and self-expression.

LEIGH MCCLOSKY

Leigh McCloskey is a classically trained actor who studied at the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City. He launched his professional career with a standout role in the acclaimed miniseries “Rich Man, Poor Man” alongside Nick Nolte and Peter Strauss. He went on to star in several nighttime television series, including “Executive Suite” and “Married: The First Year”, but is best known for his portrayal of Mitch Cooper, Lucy Ewing’s husband, on the iconic CBS soap opera “Dallas” (1980–1982), with brief returns in 1985 and 1988.  

Throughout his career, McCloskey starred in numerous TV films and miniseries, including “The Bermuda Depths” with Connie Sellecca, “Dawn: Portrait of a Teenage Runaway” and its sequel “Alexander: The Other Side of Dawn”, where he played the title role. On the big screen, his credits include Dario Argento’s cult horror classic “Inferno”, “Fraternity Vacation” with Tim Robbins, “Just One of the Guys”, and “Cameron’s Closet”.   He also made appearances on several daytime soap operas, including “General Hospital”, “One Life to Live”, “The Young and the Restless”, and “Santa Barbara”.  

Beyond acting, McCloskey is a renowned visual artist and author, known for his esoteric, alchemical, and mythological-inspired works.  

McCloskey lives in Malibu, CA, with his wife Carla, where they host workshops, film screenings, and events featuring internationally recognized speakers.

Official Leigh McCloskey Website - https://leighmccloskey.com

The Official Hollywood Obsessed Website - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.hollywoodobsessedthepodcast.com/ ⁠⁠⁠

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Music by⁠⁠ ⁠QubeSounds⁠⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠

In the latest episode of Hollywood Obsessed, host Tony Miros sits down with Leigh McCloskey, the talented actor best known for his role as ‘Mitch Cooper’ on the smash-hit '80s primetime soap “Dallas”.  

Leigh shares fascinating stories from his life and career, starting with his Malibu upbringing in a creative household—his father an artist, his mother a teacher. With his family’s support, he pursued acting from a young age, performing in school plays before attending Juilliard in New York City, where his classmates included Robin Williams, Christopher Reeves and Kelsey Grammer.  

He recounts his early TV roles, including his debut on “Phyllis” alongside Cloris Leachman and his breakout performance in the miniseries “Rich Man, Poor Man” with Peter Strauss and Nick Nolte. Leigh also reflects on his work in bold and memorable TV movies, such as “The Bermuda Depths” with Connie Sellecca in her film debut, “Dawn: Portrait of a Teenage Runaway” with Eve Plumb, and its sequel “Alexander: The Other Side of Dawn” which tackled daring themes for its time.

Leigh reveals how he landed the role of ‘Mitch Cooper’ on “Dallas”. He joined the show during the infamous “Who Shot J.R.?” season, recalling the surreal secrecy surrounding the mystery and the global frenzy it created. He shares behind-the-scenes memories of filming Dallas, enduring the Texas heat, and shooting his very first scene as a car attendant helping ‘Lucy Ewing.’  

Leigh fondly reminisces about working with his on-screen wife, Charlene Tilton, watching her grow as an actress. He also offers fun insights into the hijinks on set, with Larry Hagman and Patrick Duffy constantly keeping everyone in stitches. He reflects on the tremendous impact of veteran actors like Jim Davis (Jock Ewing) and Barbara Bel Geddes (Miss Ellie).  Even decades later, Leigh is still amazed by the enduring global love for “Dallas” and its dedicated fans.  

Don’t miss this fun and revealing conversation with Leigh McCloskey—filled with Hollywood memories, behind-the-scenes stories, and heartfelt reflections—on this episode of “Hollywood Obsessed”! 

LEIGH MCCLOSKY

Leigh McCloskey is a classically trained actor who studied at the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City. He launched his professional career with a standout role in the acclaimed miniseries “Rich Man, Poor Man” alongside Nick Nolte and Peter Strauss. He went on to star in several nighttime television series, including “Executive Suite” and “Married: The First Year”, but is best known for his portrayal of Mitch Cooper, Lucy Ewing’s husband, on the iconic CBS soap opera “Dallas” (1980–1982), with brief returns in 1985 and 1988.  

Throughout his career, McCloskey starred in numerous TV films and miniseries, including “The Bermuda Depths” with Connie Sellecca, “Dawn: Portrait of a Teenage Runaway” and its sequel “Alexander: The Other Side of Dawn”, where he played the title role. On the big screen, his credits include Dario Argento’s cult horror classic “Inferno”, “Fraternity Vacation” with Tim Robbins, “Just One of the Guys”, and “Cameron’s Closet”.   He also made appearances on several daytime soap operas, including “General Hospital”, “One Life to Live”, “The Young and the Restless”, and “Santa Barbara”.  

Beyond acting, McCloskey is a renowned visual artist and author, known for his esoteric, alchemical, and mythological-inspired works.  

McCloskey lives in Malibu, CA, with his wife Carla, where they host workshops, film screenings, and events featuring internationally recognized speakers.

Official Leigh McCloskey Website - https://leighmccloskey.com

The Official Hollywood Obsessed Website - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.hollywoodobsessedthepodcast.com/ ⁠⁠⁠

Follow the Official Hollywood Obsessed Facebook Page – ⁠⁠⁠HOLLYWOOD OBSESSED PODCAST⁠⁠⁠

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Titles VO Talent – Cam Frierson - ⁠⁠http://camfrierson.com/voice

Music by⁠⁠ ⁠QubeSounds⁠⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠

In the second half of Tony's lively conversation with the hilarious David Leisure, the sitcom star shares unforgettable stories and insights from his time on “Empty Nest”. He discusses the valuable lessons he learned while working with veteran actor Richard Mulligan and explains how the chemistry with his co-stars Kristy McNichol and Dinah Manoff made their on-screen dynamic unforgettable. 

David also shares his experiences working alongside Dreyfuss, aka “Bear the Dog,” and gives insight into how sassy Park Overall could be off-screen. He reflects on his memorable appearance on “The Golden Girls,” where his character Charley appeared on “Jeopardy” with the ladies, and how he enjoyed flirting with all the Golden Girls on the studio lot. He recalls funny moments, including when Estelle Getty joined the “Empty Nest” cast after “The Golden Girls” ended and the occasional line slip-ups that made everyone laugh. 

As David looks back, he discusses the legacy of 90s sitcoms like “Empty Nest”, especially as the streaming era took over. He shares the emotional experience of filming the show’s final episode & reminisces about how the show changed after Kristy McNichol left, though it was amazing to have her return for the final two episodes. 

But it wasn’t just sitcoms that kept David busy! He dives into his iconic Joe Isuzu character, which he reprised for a new series of commercials and talks about his time on “The Goldbergs”, where he did a hilarious homage to “Airplane!”. He also reveals that he stays in touch with actor Robert Hays every month and enjoyed filming “The Brady Bunch Movie.” 

From his role as the teacher in charge of detention in “10 Things I Hate About You” with Julia Stiles & Heath Ledger to his work on “Days of Our Lives,” he shares the most challenging and funniest aspects of working on a daytime soap. 

David wraps up the conversation by reflecting on what he's currently working on, and it’s clear that he remains as passionate and full of energy as ever!

DAVID LEISURE
David Leisure is a versatile actor best known for his scene-stealing comedic roles, most notably as Charley Dietz on the beloved sitcom “Empty Nest”. He also gained widespread recognition as the mischievously deceptive “Joe Isuzu,” the fictional, fast-talking pitchman in a series of memorable Isuzu commercials that aired from 1986 to 1990, with a revival from 1999 to 2001.

Born in San Diego, Leisure attended Grossmont High School, before continuing his education at San Diego State University. His knack for humor and charismatic presence quickly propelled him into a successful TV career, landing roles in an impressive array of popular shows. His extensive TV credits include “Sabrina, the Teenage Witch”, “Diagnosis: Murder”, “Touched by an Angel”, “The Wayans Bros.”, “Married... with Children”, “The Golden Girls”, “ALF”, “T.J. Hooker”, “Falcon Crest”, & many more.

On the big screen, he made his mark early with a small but memorable role as the "First Krishna" in the cult-classic comedy “Airplane!” . He later appeared in “10 Things I Hate About You”  as a no-nonsense high school soccer coach & detention monitor. 

Leisure has continued to evolve as a performer, taking on roles in daytime television, including “The Young and the Restless”  & “Days of Our Lives” . His voice acting talents have also been put to use in animation, notably as Metus in “BIONICLE: The Legend Reborn”.

Most recently, Leisure has appeared in television & film projects such as “The Goldbergs” , “Meet My Valentine” , and “Fame Game” , further solidifying his lasting presence in Hollywood.

The Official Hollywood Obsessed Website - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.hollywoodobsessedthepodcast.com/ ⁠⁠⁠

Follow the Official Hollywood Obsessed Facebook Page – ⁠⁠⁠HOLLYWOOD OBSESSED PODCAST⁠⁠⁠

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Titles VO Talent – Cam Frierson - ⁠⁠http://camfrierson.com/voice

Music by⁠⁠ ⁠QubeSounds⁠⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠

In the latest episode of “Hollywood Obsessed”, host Tony Miros sits down with actor David Leisure, best known as Charley Dietz on the sitcom “Empty Nest” & the hilariously deceptive pitchman Joe Isuzu in the iconic ’80s & ’90s commercials.  

David opens up about how humor became his defense mechanism against childhood bullying. Growing up in suburban San Diego as a “latchkey kid,” he found solace in old movies & Westerns. A dramatic weight loss in high school led him to join the drama club, where he discovered his passion for performing.  

At San Diego University, David roomed with Robert Hays, his future “Airplane!” co-star. Though he dabbled in local theater, he never seriously considered Hollywood until after graduation. That changed when he moved to Los Angeles and landed his first big break—playing a Hare Krishna in “Airplane!” He shares behind-the-scenes stories from working with comedy legends like Leslie Nielsen and recalls his unexpected return in “Airplane 2: The Sequel”.  

In the ’80s, his career took an unexpected turn with the wildly popular Joe Isuzu commercials. Despite their success, he was shocked by how many people recognized him from the ads and how difficult it was to break out of that character—until “Empty Nest” came along.  

The sitcom’s backdoor pilot originally aired as an episode of “The Golden Girls”, starring Rita Moreno and Paul Dooley as a middle-aged couple dealing with empty nest syndrome. David played their annoying neighbor, Oliver, a role that later evolved into Charley. He shares a hilarious story about how Bea Arthur scared him to death on set and his complete shock when “Empty Nest” was picked up—especially since the pilot felt awkward. Initially slated for just a few episodes, Charley quickly became a fan favorite, earning David a regular spot for the show’s entire run.  

DAVID LEISURE

David Leisure is a versatile actor best known for his scene-stealing comedic roles, most notably as Charley Dietz on the beloved sitcom “Empty Nest”. He also gained widespread recognition as the mischievously deceptive “Joe Isuzu,” the fictional, fast-talking pitchman in a series of memorable Isuzu commercials that aired from 1986 to 1990, with a revival from 1999 to 2001.

Born in San Diego, Leisure attended Grossmont High School, before continuing his education at San Diego State University. His knack for humor and charismatic presence quickly propelled him into a successful TV career, landing roles in an impressive array of popular shows. His extensive TV credits include “Sabrina, the Teenage Witch”, “Diagnosis: Murder”, “Touched by an Angel”, “The Wayans Bros.”, “Married... with Children”, “The Golden Girls”, “ALF”, “T.J. Hooker”, “Falcon Crest”, & many more.

On the big screen, he made his mark early with a small but memorable role as the "First Krishna" in the cult-classic comedy “Airplane!” . He later appeared in “10 Things I Hate About You”  as a no-nonsense high school soccer coach & detention monitor.

Leisure has continued to evolve as a performer, taking on roles in daytime television, including “The Young and the Restless”  and “Days of Our Lives” . His voice acting talents have also been put to use in animation, notably as Metus in “BIONICLE: The Legend Reborn”.

Most recently, Leisure has appeared in television and film projects such as “The Goldbergs” , “Meet My Valentine” , and “Fame Game” , further solidifying his lasting presence in Hollywood.

With a career spanning decades, David remains a beloved & enduring presence in Hollywood, known for his quick wit, comedic timing, and unforgettable characters.

The Official Hollywood Obsessed Website - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.hollywoodobsessedthepodcast.com/ ⁠⁠⁠

Follow the Official Hollywood Obsessed Facebook Page – ⁠⁠⁠HOLLYWOOD OBSESSED PODCAST⁠⁠⁠

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Titles VO Talent – Cam Frierson - ⁠⁠http://camfrierson.com/voice

Music by⁠⁠ ⁠QubeSounds⁠⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠

In the second half of Tony's engaging conversation with the vibrant Latina actress Liz Torres, she candidly shares her journey through the entertainment industry, reflecting on her challenging path to landing the role of Mahalia Sanchez on “The John Larroquette Show.”She opens up about the thrill of receiving nominations for two Primetime Emmy Awards, while also reminiscing about her friendship with Freddie Prinze, playfully recalling how he used to pilfer her jokes in his early days.

Throughout her illustrious career, Liz has broken through barriers, creating opportunities for countless Latinos in the industry. She describes how she came to embody the beloved character of Miss Patty on "Gilmore Girls" and expresses her deep admiration for Amy Sherman-Palladino, lauding the brilliance of her scripts. She also reveals that the role of Miss Patty was initially intended for another actress! With warmth and nostalgia, Liz recounts her friendship with the legendary Ricardo Montalbán, including the unforgettable evening they first met during a performance at a banquet for his Latino artist organization, “Nosotros.” She also shares her experience working on the "Gilmore Girls: A Year In The Life” reunion, highlighting the camaraderie she built with Alexis Bledel and Lauren Graham.

Even now, Liz’s vibrant career flourishes; she continues to sing and perform at benefit events, including a memorable performance at Barbra Streisand’s birthday celebration. Her passion for the arts extends to the gay men’s choir and her advocacy for AIDS organizations, making her a pioneer as the first celebrity to ally herself with the gay community. Liz notes with pride the significant rise in representation of Hispanic actors in television and film today. She imparts invaluable wisdom for aspiring actors eager to make their mark, closing with powerful insights about embracing every opportunity and the importance of never saying no. Liz Torres is not just a seasoned performer; she is an inspiring force in the entertainment world whose legacy continues to empower future generations.

LIZ TORRES

A native of the Bronx, Torres began her career in the late 1960s as a singer, performing in nightclubs and showcasing her soulful, resonant voice. Her undeniable talent led her to Broadway, where she appeared in notable productions such as "The Magic Show" and "The Ritz." Her breakthrough came when she was invited to appear on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson," marking her transition into TV & film.

In addition to her regular appearances on 1970s TV variety shows Liz joined the cast of "Phyllis" (1975), starring Cloris Leachman, Torres made memorable guest appearances in popular TV shows such as "All in the Family," "The Love Boat," & "Hill Street Blues." She gained widespread recognition and earned multiple Emmy & Golden Globe nominations for her portrayal of Mahalia Sanchez in the hit series "The John Larroquette Show." 

She has continued to make guest appearances on popular series like "Ally McBeal" (1997), "The Nanny" (1993), "Quantum Leap" (1989), & "L.A. Law" (1986).  She is best remembered for her role as "Miss Patty" in the long-running series "Gilmore Girls" (2000). She has made numerous amusing appearances in comedies such as "Ugly Betty," "Desperate Housewives," "Devious Maids," & the Cuban-American sitcom "One Day at a Time."

The Official Hollywood Obsessed Website - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.hollywoodobsessedthepodcast.com/ ⁠⁠⁠

Follow the Official Hollywood Obsessed Facebook Page – ⁠⁠⁠HOLLYWOOD OBSESSED PODCAST⁠⁠⁠

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Titles VO Talent – Cam Frierson - ⁠⁠http://camfrierson.com/voice 

Music by⁠⁠ ⁠QubeSounds⁠⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠

In the latest episode of “Hollywood Obsessed,” host Tony Miros interviews the Emmy Award-nominated actress Liz Torres, who is best known for her role as Mahalia Sanchez in the comedy series “The John Larroquette Show” -- for which she received two Primetime Emmy and Golden Globe Award nominations. She is also known for playing the role of "Miss Patty"in the comedy-drama seriesGilmore Girls.

During Tony's entertaining conversation with Liz, they discuss her experience growing up in New York City, including how she eventually received a star on the Walk of Fame in the Bronx. Liz reminisces about when her dad took her to see a Spanish-speaking movie as a child. She recalls attending school in Puerto Rico for a little while. She also shares how her aunt taught her to play the piano and reflects on the period after her father passed away when she was 17. During that year of mourning, her mother did not play any music in their home.

During this difficult time Liz fell in love with the drama club at school and decided she wanted a career in theater. She attended NYU and later moved to Las Vegas to pursue her passion for musical theater. In the 1970s, she recorded an album and made an appearance on American Bandstand, where Dick Clark insisted she come on the show.

She reveals that the Broadway show "The Ritz" was inspired by her life, although the playwright Terrence McNally initially wanted her to meet the investors. Ultimately, Rita Moreno took on the role of Googie Gomez, but Liz was able to perform it on Broadway when Rita was out sick. Liz also recounts meeting Bette Midler and how she landed a spot on "The Tonight Show," sharing memories of her first interaction with Johnny Carson.

She describes how her role on “Phyllis” came to be and what it was like working with Cloris Leachman. Additionally, she reflects on her experience working with Carroll O'Connor on the classic sitcom "All in the Family," noting how the writers struggled to create material for her character. Liz speaks about her lifelong friendship with Sally Struthers and expresses her fondness for working with Marla Gibbs on her spin-off series from "The Jeffersons." To top it off, Liz tells a very funny story about how she became friends with Sherman Helmsley that you won't want to miss.

LIZ TORRES

A native of the Bronx, Torres began her career in the late 1960s as a singer, performing in nightclubs and showcasing her soulful, resonant voice. Her undeniable talent led her to Broadway, where she appeared in notable productions such as "The Magic Show" and "The Ritz." Her breakthrough came when she was invited to appear on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson," marking her transition into TV & film.

In addition to her regular appearances on 1970s TV variety shows Liz joined the cast of "Phyllis" (1975), starring Cloris Leachman, Torres made memorable guest appearances in popular TV shows such as "All in the Family," "The Love Boat," & "Hill Street Blues." She gained widespread recognition and earned multiple Emmy & Golden Globe nominations for her portrayal of Mahalia Sanchez in the hit series "The John Larroquette Show." 

She has continued to make guest appearances on popular series like "Ally McBeal" (1997), "The Nanny" (1993), "Quantum Leap" (1989), & "L.A. Law" (1986).  She is best remembered for her role as "Miss Patty" in the long-running series "Gilmore Girls" (2000). She has made numerous amusing appearances in comedies such as "Ugly Betty," "Desperate Housewives," "Devious Maids," & the Cuban-American sitcom "One Day at a Time."

The Official Hollywood Obsessed Website - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.hollywoodobsessedthepodcast.com/ ⁠⁠⁠

Follow the Official Hollywood Obsessed Facebook Page – ⁠⁠⁠HOLLYWOOD OBSESSED PODCAST⁠⁠⁠

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Titles VO Talent – Cam Frierson - ⁠⁠http://camfrierson.com/voice 

Music by⁠⁠ ⁠QubeSounds⁠⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠

In the second half of Tony's conversation with actor Russ Tamblyn, he reflects on receiving an Academy Award nomination for "Peyton Place." He shares experiences working with Elvis Presley in "Jailhouse Rock," discusses landing a role in "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" without knowing how to dance, and describes filming the iconic number "Goin' Courtin'" with Jane Powell.

He shares his experience working with Jerome Robbins on "West Side Story," emphasizing how strict Robbins was with the dancers. He recalls filming the prologue on the streets of New York and mentions that he developed shin splints from dancing on the asphalt. He remembers how hot it was in NYC that summer and recounts how they began to do a rain dance on set, surprising everyone when it actually started to rain. Additionally, he reflects on his astonishment when Robbins was fired from the project. Although he was initially concerned, he later felt relieved because Robbins had stated at the start of the shoot that there would be no tumbling in the film. After Robbins was let go, they allowed him to incorporate some tumbling into his dance numbers.

He discusses the tension between Natalie Wood and Richard Beymer on the set of “West Side Story” and shares his joy in playing Riff. He recalls attending the film's premiere, where Fred Astaire praised his dancing, and describes having his hands and footprints enshrined at the Chinese Theater with Rita Moreno and George Chakiris. He also highlights his enduring friendship with Chakiris, which has grown through attending autograph conventions together.

Russ discusses his initial hesitation to take on a role in "The Haunting," but he ultimately found it to be one of his favorite performances. He expresses confusion about the unexpected popularity of his film "The War of the Gargantuas," which he initially thought would go unnoticed but has instead become a cult classic. Russ believes"Twin Peaks" was destined to be a major hit on television. He recounts meeting David Lynch at Dennis Hopper's birthday party, and a year later, Lynch contacted him to play the role of Dr. Jacoby in his new TV series. He admits he was shocked when "Twin Peaks" was canceled after just two seasons, but he was thrilled to be asked to reprise his character in the "Twin Peaks" revival, "The Return." He also talks about continuing to work on various projects, such as "The Haunting of Hill House" for Netflix.

RUSS TAMBLYN

Russ’ career as an actor, dancer, choreographer, director & artist has spanned nearly eight decades. He was born & raised in Los Angeles, he trained as a gymnast in his youth, and began his career as a child actor for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. He appeared in the musical “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” (1954), subsequently portrayed Norman Page in the drama “Peyton Place” (1957), for which he earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor and in “West Side Story” (1961), he portrayed Riff, the leader of the Jets gang.

His television credits include dancing on the “Ed Sullivan Show” and guest-starring roles in various shows, including “Gunsmoke”, “Babylon 5”, “Quantum Leap”, and “Nash Bridges”. But he is most remembered for his performance as ‘Dr. Jacoby’ in the landmark TV series “Twin Peaks”. He later reprised his role in David Lynch’s final series – “Twin Peaks The Return”. In 2024, he completed a 24 year writing project – his memoir, “Dancing on the Edge.“.

Russ Tamblyn Official Website - ⁠https://russtamblyn.com⁠

Russ's Book "Dancing On The Edge" -⁠https://www.blackstonepublishing.com/products/book-gh2i⁠

The Official Hollywood Obsessed Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.hollywoodobsessedthepodcast.com/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow the Official Hollywood Obsessed Facebook Page – ⁠⁠⁠⁠HOLLYWOOD OBSESSED PODCAST⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Titles VO Talent – Cam Frierson - ⁠⁠⁠http://camfrierson.com/voice⁠

Music by⁠⁠ ⁠⁠QubeSounds⁠⁠⁠ ⁠from ⁠⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠⁠

In the latest episode of “Hollywood Obsessed,” host Tony Mirosinterviews legendary actor Russ Tamblyn, who is best known for portraying Riff, the leader of the Jets gang in the classic 1961 Academy Award-winning musical “West Side Story.”

During their fascinating conversation, Russ expresses his surprise that people still ask him about “West Side Story” all these decades later.  He reveals that it took him 25 years to write his memoir, “Dancing on the Edge,” and describes the challenging process. Russ shares amusing childhood memories, like how his mother found him doing a handstand on a telephone pole and how growing up in a show business family inspired him to act. He recalls spending Saturday mornings at the theater, entertaining kids between shows, and learning tap dancing from famed tap dancer Willie Covan. Additionally, he mentions that Lloyd Bridges gave him his first acting role and how he became friends with Dean Stockwell while filming “The Boy With Green Hair.”

He shares his experiences working on Cecil B. DeMille's "Samson and Delilah" and recalls having lunch with Hedy Lamarr and seeing Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin film a scene in their first film. He notes that Victor Mature wasn't very muscular in real life and remembers attending school with Elizabeth Taylor on the MGM lot. He also recounts a funny run-in with Gene Kelly, working with Spencer Tracy in "Father of the Bride," meeting Marilyn Monroe, and lending money toHoward Hughes, which was never repaid. And he reflects on being an MGM contract player during Hollywood's golden age.

He shares stories about meeting André Previn on the studio lot and how he was often assigned roles without auditioning. He recalls taking 27 takes for the famous jumping-on-the-board scene in “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” and working with choreographer Michael Kidd. He discusses the unusual reputation of actress Julie Newmar and how the studio dyed his hair red for his roles. How he became a popular dance star at MGM and enjoyed working in the film “Tom Thumb,” the first film to use blue screen technology. Even though Glenn Ford didn’t want him to dance in their western, his favorite dance to do was the "shovel dance" from that film. Additionally, he humorously describes having Paul Newman in the trunk of his car and mentions the perks of working in the industry, like having a publicity department to manage stars' issues.

RUSS TAMBLYN

Russ’ career as an actor, dancer, choreographer, director & artist has spanned nearly eight decades.

He was born & raised in Los Angeles, Tamblyn trained as a gymnast in his youth. He began his career as a child actor for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. He appeared in the musical “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” (1954), subsequently portrayed Norman Page in the drama “Peyton Place” (1957), for which he earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor and in “West Side Story” (1961), he portrayed Riff, the leader of the Jets gang.

Russ started his television credits with dancing on the “Ed Sullivan Show” and had guest-starring roles in various shows, including “Gunsmoke”, “Babylon 5”, “Quantum Leap”, and “Nash Bridges”. But he is most remembered for his performance as ‘Dr. Jacoby’ in the landmark TV series “Twin Peaks”. He later reprised this role as Dr. Amp in David Lynch’s final series – “Twin Peaks The Return”.

In 2024, Russ completed a twenty-four year writing project – his memoir, “Dancing on the Edge.“.

Russ Tamblyn Official Website - https://russtamblyn.com

Russ's Book "Dancing On The Edge" -https://www.blackstonepublishing.com/products/book-gh2i

The Official Hollywood Obsessed Website - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.hollywoodobsessedthepodcast.com/ ⁠⁠⁠

Follow the Official Hollywood Obsessed Facebook Page – ⁠⁠⁠HOLLYWOOD OBSESSED PODCAST⁠⁠⁠

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Titles VO Talent – Cam Frierson - ⁠⁠http://camfrierson.com/voice

Music by⁠⁠ ⁠QubeSounds⁠⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠

In the second half of Tony's conversation with Mackenzie Astin, he recalls working with a young George Clooney on the 1980s sitcom “The Facts of Life.” He remembers Clooney's charm and how everyone at the studio loved him. Astin also notes that Clooney later worked with his father, John Astin, in the film “Invasion of the Killer Tomatoes.”

He shares his experience working with 'Facts' co-stars Lisa Whelchel, Mindy Cohn, Kim Fields, and Nancy McKeon, highlighting their enjoyable collaboration over the years. He reflects on the transition from Charlotte Rae to Cloris Leachman, describing the latter as a master class in acting. He recalls the TV movie where the cast traveled to Australia, how he learned about the show's cancellation, the planned spin-off with Lisa Whelchel as the lead, and his disappointment at not being included in the series finale.

Mack shares his decision to return to school full-time after the conclusion of "The Facts of Life", working with Barbara Eden in “I Dream of Jeannie… 15 Years Later,” his experience filming “Iron Will” with Kevin Spacey, where he learned to drive a dog sled,  collaborating with Shirley MacLaine in “The Evening Star” and his memories of the horrible car accident he experienced while filming 'Star'. 

Additionally, he recalls working with Ione Skye and Jennifer Aniston (just as her fame on "Friends" happened) in the 90s rom-com  “Dream for an Insomniac,” his humorous story about his home video audition for “Scandal", and the faux pas he committed while filming the Showtime series “Homeland.” Now a working character actor, Mack reflects on his legacy and how he will always be remembered as Andy from “The Facts of Life.”

MACKENZIE ASTIN

Mackenzie Astin, the youngest son of actors Patty Duke and John Astin, began his acting career at nine years old in the film "Lois Gibbs and the Love Canal." He later appeared in the TV series "Finder of Lost Loves," "Hail to the Chief," and "Hotel," and starred in "I Dream of Jeannie… 15 Years Later."

Astin rose to fame on the popular '80s show "The Facts of Life," where he played Andy Moffett for four seasons. This role established him as a recognizable teen idol, often featured in magazines like BOP and Tiger Beat. He also reprised his role in the TV film "The Facts of Life Down Under" and appeared in "The Garbage Pail Kids Movie" in 1987. After the series ended, he diversified his career with roles in "Iron Will," alongside Kevin Spacey, and "Wyatt Earp," featuring Kevin Costner.

He also starred alongside Jennifer Aniston in the romantic comedy "Insomniac" and with Sandra Bullock in "In Love and War." During the filming of "The Evening Star" in 1996, he was in a car accident that resulted in the loss of part of his right ear, leading to him wearing an ear prosthetic until filming was completed.

Over the years, his career has evolved to include more complex characters in various series, such as "Safe Space," "The Blacklist," "Scandal," "How to Get Away with Murder," and "The Magicians." He is also actively involved in independent films, with recent roles in "Lonely Boy," "Do You Take This Man," and as Lt. Pratt in "Montford: The Chickasaw Rancher," which is streaming on Netflix. Additionally, he appears in the new medical drama "The Pitt," starring Noah Wyle, available on Max.

Mackenzie Astin Official Facebook Page – 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/officialmackenzieastin/

The Official Hollywood Obsessed Website - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.hollywoodobsessedthepodcast.com/ ⁠⁠⁠

Follow the Official Hollywood Obsessed Facebook Page – ⁠⁠⁠HOLLYWOOD OBSESSED PODCAST⁠⁠⁠

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Titles VO Talent – Cam Frierson - ⁠⁠http://camfrierson.com/voice 

Music by⁠⁠ ⁠QubeSounds⁠⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠

During their engaging conversation, Mackenzie shares with Tony stories about his famous parents, Patty Duke and John Astin, and their views on his and his brother Sean's careers in show business. He explains how watching Sean in an "After School Special" inspired him to pursue acting. Reminiscing about his early career, he mentions working with Buddy Ebsen in "Finder of Lost Loves" and cites classic actors like Humphrey Bogart and Harrison Ford as his idols. Notably, he shares that his parents' success did not pressure him as a child actor to reach the same heights.

He recognizes how fortunate he and Sean were when they first started, especially given the significantly lower competition in Hollywood at that time compared to today. He asserts that the younger generation has a distinct advantage in navigating today’s entertainment landscape, largely due to the wealth of technology available for gaining attention on social media.

He recounts how he landed the role of Andy Moffett on the hit TV series “The Facts of Life” when he was just 11 years old.  Interestingly, his father had appeared in an episode of the series as Charlotte Rae’s love interest just a few months before he won the part of Andy. Joining the show in its sixth season, when it was already a massive success, was a defining experience. He emphasizes how welcoming all of his co-stars were, although the later addition of new cast members posed challenges for the original group.

Overnight, he became an '80s teen idol. While the attention felt special then, he now sees it as empty and unhealthy for society. He credits his mother's experience as a child actor for helping him navigate the challenges of fame without falling into common pitfalls.

MACKENZIE ASTIN

Mackenzie Astin, the youngest son of actors Patty Duke and John Astin, began his acting career at nine years old in the film "Lois Gibbs and the Love Canal." He later appeared in the TV series "Finder of Lost Loves," "Hail to the Chief," and "Hotel," and starred in "I Dream of Jeannie… 15 Years Later."

Astin rose to fame on the popular '80s show "The Facts of Life," where he played Andy Moffett for four seasons. This role established him as a recognizable teen idol, often featured in magazines like BOP and Tiger Beat. He also reprised his role in the TV film "The Facts of Life Down Under" and appeared in "The Garbage Pail Kids Movie" in 1987. After the series ended, he diversified his career with roles in "Iron Will," alongside Kevin Spacey, and "Wyatt Earp," featuring Kevin Costner.

He also starred alongside Jennifer Aniston in the romantic comedy "Insomniac" and with Sandra Bullock in "In Love and War." During the filming of "The Evening Star" in 1996, he was in a car accident that resulted in the loss of part of his right ear, leading to him wearing an ear prosthetic until filming was completed.

Over the years, his career has evolved to include more complex characters in various series, such as "Safe Space," "The Blacklist," "Scandal," "How to Get Away with Murder," and "The Magicians." He is also actively involved in independent films, with recent roles in "Lonely Boy," "Do You Take This Man," and as Lt. Pratt in "Montford: The Chickasaw Rancher," which is streaming on Netflix. Additionally, he appears in the new medical drama "The Pitt," starring Noah Wyle, available on Max.

Mackenzie Astin Official Facebook Page – 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/officialmackenzieastin/

The Official Hollywood Obsessed Website - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.hollywoodobsessedthepodcast.com/ ⁠⁠⁠

Follow the Official Hollywood Obsessed Facebook Page – ⁠⁠⁠HOLLYWOOD OBSESSED PODCAST⁠⁠⁠

Follow our Instagram - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/hollywoodobsessedpodcast/⁠

Titles VO Talent – Cam Frierson - ⁠⁠http://camfrierson.com/voice 

Music by⁠⁠ ⁠QubeSounds⁠⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠