Still Here Hollywood

Maria Conchita Alonso has lived one of Hollywood's most fascinating lives.

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: [email protected]

Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: [email protected]

Publicist: Maggie Perlich: [email protected]

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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.

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://patreon.com/stillherehollywood

Suggest Guests at: [email protected]

Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: [email protected]

Publicist: Maggie Perlich: [email protected]

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

https://www.wingsofrescue.org/

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: [email protected]

Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: [email protected]

Publicist: Maggie Perlich: [email protected]

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

John O'Hurley became television history as the unforgettable J. Peterman on Seinfeld, but his remarkable career goes far beyond one iconic role.

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: [email protected]

Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: [email protected]

Publicist: Maggie Perlich: [email protected]

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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.

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

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 Torch to Pamela Anderson 17:41 – Why Baywatch Became a Global Phenomenon 19:06 – Her Proudest Roles: Beverly Hillbillies & The Opponent 20:02 – The Toughest Stretch of Her Career 22:29 – How She Ended Up in Playboy 24:25 – Playboy's Professional Fallout 25:40 – Being Labeled a Sex Symbol 28:38 – Body Image and Eating Disorders 31:04 – Teaching Acting in Rehab 33:33 – What Life Looks Like Now 36:27 – The Spark That Started Her Acting Career 37:41 – Her Superpower: Resilience 39:30 – The One Thing She'd Change 41:47 – A Pep Talk for Hollywood 42:45 – The Day She'd Relive 43:24 – Her Wildest Fan Encounter 44:13 – Advice for Young Actresses 46:59 – Did She Keep the Red Swimsuit? 47:19 – Outro

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: [email protected]

Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: [email protected]

Publicist: Maggie Perlich: [email protected]

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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.

👍 Like, subscribe, and comment your favorite moment below!

#MichaelTWilliamson #ForrestGump #BubbaGump #TomHanks #StillHereHollywood #HollywoodInterview #TheLastRodeo #DenzelWashington

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 Students 27:08 How He Got Into Directing: Mentors Mike Jones & Miguel Velejas 30:08 Favorite Costars: Denzel Washington, Angela Bassett, Al Pacino 31:45 Denzel Washington's Kindness & Interviewing Him Over the Years 32:03 The John David & Olivia Washington Story 34:41 Malcolm Washington's Directorial Debut, "The Piano Lesson" 35:34 Oscar Voting Rule Changes & Academy Membership Shift 36:35 The Last Rodeo Plot Explained: Bull Riders, Family & Redemption 39:59 What He Does for Fun & His Three Daughters 41:14 Why He Calls His Daughter "Coconut" 42:00 An Underrated Role: Truth or Consequences, New Mexico 43:21 Most Creatively Fulfilling Part of the Job 44:16 Backstage Truth About Tom Hanks and Gary Sinise 45:47 Upcoming Role in "Dark Matter" on Streaming 47:46 The Meaning Behind His Beaded Necklace 48:56 Training for Forrest Gump: Military Boot Camp With Dale Dye 50:25 The Funny Stunt Double Story That Kept Him in Shape 51:36 His Daily Workout & Recovery Routine 53:36 The Real Story Behind the Iconic Shrimp Monologue 59:07 How He Reworked the Script to Add Humanity 1:00:14 Marlon Brando Comparison & Working With Michael Mann/Jerry Bruckheimer on Heat and Con Air 1:01:34 Growing Up in South Los Angeles as an Air Force Kid 1:02:16 Why His Family Fled the South & Changed Their Name 1:03:49 Closing Thoughts & Where to Find More

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: [email protected]

Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: [email protected]

Publicist: Maggie Perlich: [email protected]

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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.

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

00:00 Intro

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: [email protected]

Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: [email protected]

Publicist: Maggie Perlich: [email protected]

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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.

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

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: [email protected]

Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: [email protected]

Publicist: Maggie Perlich: [email protected]

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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.

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: Jim Lichtenstein

Music by: Brian Sanyshyn

https://stillherehollywood.com

http://patreon.com/stillherehollywood

Suggest Guests at: [email protected]

Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: [email protected]

Publicist: Maggie Perlich: [email protected]

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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.

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

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

1:00:18 Did Adam-12 Show the Real Reality of Policing?

1:00:55 The Miranda Warning Story

1:02:20 Why Adam-12 Was Different From Every Other Cop Show

1:05:25 Looking Back on a Lifetime in Hollywood

1:06:30 The Day Ozzie Nelson Saved Kent's Life

1:08:55 Martin Milner and the Friendship Behind Adam-12

1:10:51 Why Adam-12 Still Airs Today

1:11:25 Closing Credits

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: [email protected]

Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: [email protected]

Publicist: Maggie Perlich: [email protected]

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.