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Hollywood Obsessed

Hollywood Obsessed

Tony Miros

Hosted by Hollywood casting director, journalist, and former studio tour guide, Tony Miros, HOLLYWOOD OBSESSED is an illuminating podcast featuring insightful interviews with entertainment professionals and insiders who share their personal stories about Hollywood and its colorful history. In each episode, listeners will take a captivating journey, discovering fun movie & TV facts and trivia that will enlighten and delight. If you’re as obsessed with Hollywood as Tony is (or would like to be), join him and his latest guest every other Monday for an exciting, new episode of HOLLYWOOD OBSESSED.
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Top 10 Hollywood Obsessed Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Hollywood Obsessed episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Hollywood Obsessed for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Hollywood Obsessed episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

On this episode of Hollywood Obsessed, host Tony Miros speaks with authors David Fantle and Tom Johnson -- whose best-selling book C’Mon, Get Happy: The Making of Summer tells the backstory of how the 1950 MGM musical "Summer Stock" starring Gene Kelly and Judy Garland was brought to the screen!

During their fascinating conversation, David and Tom tell Tony all about where their love for movie musicals came from, how they were able to interview over 250 legendary stars from the Golden Age of Hollywood including Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly when they were teenagers, why they decided to write a book about the MGM musical Summer Stock, what the relationship was like between legendary movie stars Judy Garland and Gene Kelly, what was going on at MGM and the movie industry during the time Summer Stock was being filmed, how emotionally troubled Judy was at the time, how she discovered Gene when he was starring in "Pal Joey" on Broadway, how much he loved her and tried to help her get through the shooting of the film and what Judy’s daughter Lorna Luft contributed to their research for the book.

DAVID FANTLE & TOM JOHNSON

David Fantle has interviewed more than 250 show business personalities over the past 40 years, including such legendary names as Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, James Cagney, Lucille Ball, Bob Hope, George Burns, Milton Berle, Charlton Heston, Rod Steiger and Gregory Peck. In 2004, a compilation of his interviews were published in the book, Reel to Real: 25 years of Celebrity Profiles from Vaudeville to Movies to TV. The book was recognized by Turner Classic Movies as its May 2004 “Book of the Month.” His latest book, written with his longtime collaborator Tom Johnson, titled C'mon, Get Happy: The Making of Summer Stock will be published in October 2023 by the University Press of Mississippi. Their second book of celebrity interviews, Hollywood Heyday: 75 Interviews with Golden Age Legends was published by McFarland and Company in 2018. Fantle is an adjunct professor at Marquette University in Milwaukee where he teaches courses in film, television and popular culture. He is also the former Deputy Secretary of Tourism for Wisconsin and a popular speaker on the cruise ship circuit.

Tom Johnson began his collaboration with David Fantle in 1978 as a student journalist at the University of Minnesota by co-writing an award-winning arts and entertainment column for the Minnesota Daily called “Entertainment Ltd.” Johnson was a senior editor at Netflix and has written movie reviews and features for E! Online, Moviefone and People magazine, among other publications. Johnson’s entertainment writing has been recognized with a Minnesota Newspaper Association achievement award and a National Hearst Foundation award for news writing.

To Find Out More About The Book - https://www.upress.state.ms.us/Books/C/C-mon-Get-Happy

To Purchase A Copy Go to Amazon -

https://www.amazon.com/Cmon-Get-Happy-Making-Summer/dp/1496838394

Tom Johnson’s Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/tom.johnson.543908

David Fantle’s Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/dfantle

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

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During the second half of Tony’s fascinating conversation with actor Dean Butler they discuss how welcomed he felt his first day on the set of “Little House on the Prairie”, how obviously awkward the 8-year age difference between him and Melissa Gilbert was especially for her since Michael Landon never asked her to give any input on the casting of the actor that would eventually be her husband on the show, the dramatic real story behind Laura and Almanzo’s famous first on-screen kiss, what it was like becoming an instant star, what happened the first time he was recognized in public, his memories of playing Hank Summers on the hit show “Buffy The Vampire Slayer”, his work as a produced on a number of 'Little House' related documentaries as well as how much he enjoyed co-executive producing “Pa's Fiddle: The Music of America in Nashville for PBS, his thoughts about being remembered for his work on 'Little House' for the rest of his life, and how he hopes fans of the show enjoy reading his newly published memoir PRAIRIE MAN: My Little House Life & Beyond.

DEAN BUTLER

Dean Butler is an actor, producer, and director best known for his portrayal of Almanzo Wilder on the NBC family drama Little House on the Prairie, which was based on the classic Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. He appeared in the final four seasons of the show, the spin-off show Little House: A New Beginning, and the three post-series TV movies. After Little House ended, he played Jeff "Moondoggie" Griffin in the TV series The New Gidget and Buffy’s dad, Hank Summers, on Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

During the 1980s and 1990s, Butler was a guest star on various television series, including Murder, She Wrote; Who's the Boss?; The Love Boat; and JAG.He co-starred with the late Gary Coleman in The Kid with the 200 I.Q.. He appeared in the movies Desert Hearts and The Final Goal.

He was a producer for NBC Golf’s Emmy-nominated series Feherty for over ten seasons. He has directed, produced, written, and narrated bonus features for Little House on the Prairie DVD collections. He narrated a six-part documentary, The Little House Phenomenon. And he produced two documentaries, Little House on the Prairie: The Legacy of Laura Ingalls Wilder and Almanzo Wilder: Life Before Laura, which drew their inspiration from the Little House books of Laura Ingalls Wilder. Additionally, in 2012, Butler co-executive produced Pa's Fiddle: The Music of America for PBS. Dean lives in California with his family.

Dean’s new memoir PRAIRIE MAN: My Little House Life & Beyond was recently published (Pub date: June 25, 2024; HC, $28.00). In it, Dean shares the behind- the-scenes of Little House on the Prairie on a heartfelt journey of “good luck, good television, and the very good if gloriously imperfect—people who made it so.” With a foreword from Melissa Gilbert (Laura) and Alison Arngrim (Nellie), this uplifting memoir follows Butler’s journey from childhood to the Prairie and beyond.

Dean Butler Official Website

https://deanbutler.com/

Little House on the Prairie Website

https://littlehouseontheprairie.com/

Prairie Man: My Little House Life & Beyond Book

https://www.kensingtonbooks.com/9780806543314/prairie-man/

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 ⁠

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On this episode of Hollywood Obsessed, host Tony Miros speaks with actor Dean Butler who is best known for playing Almanzo Wilder on the classic TV series “Little House On The Prairie”!

During the first part of their candid two-part conversation Dean tells podcast host Tony Miros how he and the cast of ‘Little House’ feel about hitting the 50th anniversary of the series this year, how the show is still watched and new audiences are still discovering it, how wise Michael Landon was using the ‘Little House’ books as the source material for this beloved series but expanding those stories to entertain audiences week after week, the reason why he decided to write his memoir “PRAIRIE MAN: My Little House Life & Beyond” now, his anxiety about how some people might feel with some of the things he decided to include in his book, how his love for performing in front of an audience came to his life, how he felt when he got his first major role in the made for TV movie “Forever” with Stephanie Zimbalist, how fearless he was when he came to Los Angeles to pursue a career in acting, how people in the industry thought his real life naivete and innocence was all an act when he walked into a room, how he got the audition for Almanzo Wilder on “Little House”, and his thoughts on working a room when you have an audition in Hollywood.

DEAN BUTLER

Dean Butler is an actor, producer, and director best known for his portrayal of Almanzo Wilder on the NBC family drama Little House on the Prairie, which was based on the classic Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. He appeared in the final four seasons of the show, the spin-off show Little House: A New Beginning, and the three post-series TV movies. After Little House ended, he played Jeff "Moondoggie" Griffin in the TV series The New Gidget and Buffy’s dad, Hank Summers, on Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

During the 1980s and 1990s, Butler was a guest star on various television series, including Murder, She Wrote; Who's the Boss?; The Love Boat; and JAG.He co-starred with the late Gary Coleman in The Kid with the 200 I.Q.. He appeared in the movies Desert Hearts and The Final Goal.

He was a producer for NBC Golf’s Emmy-nominated series Feherty for over ten seasons. He has directed, produced, written, and narrated bonus features for Little House on the Prairie DVD collections. He narrated a six-part documentary, The Little House Phenomenon. And he produced two documentaries, Little House on the Prairie: The Legacy of Laura Ingalls Wilder and Almanzo Wilder: Life Before Laura, which drew their inspiration from the Little House books of Laura Ingalls Wilder. Additionally, in 2012, Butler co-executive produced Pa's Fiddle: The Music of America for PBS. Dean lives in California with his family.

Dean’s new memoir PRAIRIE MAN: My Little House Life & Beyond was recently published (Pub date: June 25, 2024; HC, $28.00). In it, Dean shares the behind- the-scenes of Little House on the Prairie on a heartfelt journey of “good luck, good television, and the very good if gloriously imperfect—people who made it so.” With a foreword from Melissa Gilbert (Laura) and Alison Arngrim (Nellie), this uplifting memoir follows Butler’s journey from childhood to the Prairie and beyond.

Dean Butler Official Website

https://deanbutler.com/

Little House on the Prairie Website

https://littlehouseontheprairie.com/

Prairie Man: My Little House Life & Beyond Book

https://www.kensingtonbooks.com/9780806543314/prairie-man/

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 -

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Episode 72 – Getting Personal With “NYPD Blue” Star Bill Brochtrup - Part 2

During the second half of Tony’s riveting conversation with actor Bill Brochtrup they discuss what the realities of being an gay actor in Hollywood is, his fear of being type cast or losing parts because of it, the relief he felt when he finally came out publicly, how much he now likes playing gay characters, his appreciation to Steven Bochco for changing his life with the role of ‘John’, how he’s still in touch with his former “NYPD Blue” co-stars, how much fun he had working on the 2009 feature film “He’s Just Not That Into You”, as well as working with Melissa McCarthy in the 2010 comedy “Life As We Know It”, what it was like working on five-seasons of the hit TNT series “Major Crimes” as the recurring role of police psychologist ‘Dr Joe’ co-starring with actress Mary McDonnell, why the reboot series of “NYPD Blue” wasn’t picked up by the network after he and Kim Delaney filmed the pilot episode in 2019, how in retrospect how lucky he was being openly gay in Hollywood during the 1990s and early 2000s and how happy is being the Artistic Director of the Antaeus Theatre Company, a classical theatre ensemble in Los Angeles.

BILL BROCHTRUP

Bill Brochtrup is a television, film, & stage actor, best known for playing ‘John Irvin’ the cheerful administrative aide, on the Emmy Award-winning police drama, “NYPD Blue”. Along with the rest of the cast, he was nominated for a SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble. In 2019 he reprised his role in ABC's rebooted NYPD Blue pilot.

In addition to series regular roles on two other Steven Bochco dramas (“Public Morals” & “Total Security”) he has had recurring roles on Jon Avnet’s web-series “Kendra” & Showtime’s “Shameless”, as well as a 5-season run as savvy police psychologist ‘Dr. Joe Bowman’ on TNT’s “Major Crimes”. He is currently appearing in the Emmy Award-winning digital drama “After Forever” on Amazon.

His movie credits include roles in “Rockula” (1990); “Terror in the Shadows” (1995); “Betrayed: A Story of Three Women” (1995); “Space Marines” (1996); “Not Again!”(1996); “Kinjite: Forbidden Subjects” (1996); “Man of the Year” (1996); “The Arrival” (1996); “Two Voices” (1997); “Ravenous” (1999); “Role of a Lifetime” (2002); “Hypnotized” (2004); “Duck” (2005); “He's Just Not That Into You” (2009); “Life as We Know It” (2010); and “No Boundaries” (2012 Short).

Onstage he has appeared in NYC, LA, and in regional theaters throughout the country. He is the Artistic Director of the Antaeus Theatre Company, Los Angeles’ acclaimed classical theater ensemble, where he also produced the Ambie-nominated fiction podcast series The Zip Code Plays.

He has told his original comic stories at numerous Spoken Word events, & has written for Out magazine & the bestselling collection of essays I Love You, Mom!

He has hosted AIDS Walks across the country, is an SPCA “Friend for Life,” & has spent numerous holidays abroad w the USO & Armed Forces Entertainment, visiting Troops in the Persian Gulf, Atlantic, Mediterranean, Germany, Japan, Bosnia, & Kosovo.

He was born in Inglewood, CA, raised in Tacoma, WA, & studied at New York University. After NYU, he moved to Los Angeles, California, to pursue an acting career. He currently resides in Los Angeles. Brochtrup came out to People magazine as gay in 1997.

Bill Brochtrup Website - https://www.billbrochtrup.com

Antaeus Theater Company - https://antaeus.org

“The Inheritance” on Audible with Bill Brochtrup - https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Inheritance-Audiobook/B0BXQTDCY5

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 - ⁠⁠⁠

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On this episode of Hollywood Obsessed, host Tony Miros speaks with Bill Brochtrup, who is best known for playing public administrative assistant ‘John Irvin’ on the Emmy award-winning series "NYPD Blue”.

During their revealing conversation, Bill tells Tony about his early days of being a struggling actor in Hollywood, what it was like working with Angela Landsbury on the classic TV series “Murder She Wrote”, how his appearance in the L.A. stage production of "The Raft of the Medusa" won him the role of out gay public administrative assistant John Irvin on the hit ABC police drama "NYPD Blue”, his memories of playing the only openly gay character on the show for 6 seasons - including his thoughts on how his character was an integral part of the show, not a throwaway one, how his onscreen storyline with the gruff, homophobic Det. Andy Sipowicz (Dennis Franz) changed throughout the years, and how this groundbreaking role opened doors for more significant gay characters and stories to be told on television.

BILL BROCHTRUP

Bill Brochtrup is a television, film, and stage actor, best known for playing ‘John Irvin’ the cheerful administrative aide, on ABC’s Emmy Award-winning police drama, “NYPD Blue”. Along with the rest of the cast, he was nominated for a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble. In 2019 he reprised his role in ABC's rebooted NYPD Blue pilot.

In addition to series regular roles on two other Steven Bochco dramas (“Public Morals” and “Total Security”) he has had recurring roles on Jon Avnet’s web-series “Kendra” and Showtime’s “Shameless”, as well as a five-season run as savvy police psychologist ‘Dr. Joe Bowman’ on TNT’s “Major Crimes”. He is currently appearing in the Emmy Award-winning digital drama “After Forever” on Amazon. Guest appearances include “Dexter”; “Without a Trace”; “Murder, She Wrote”; “Dragnet”; and “ALF”.

His movie credits include roles in “Rockula” (1990); “Terror in the Shadows” (1995); “Betrayed: A Story of Three Women” (1995); “Space Marines” (1996); “Not Again!”(1996); “Kinjite: Forbidden Subjects” (1996); “Man of the Year” (1996); “The Arrival” (1996); “Two Voices” (1997); “Ravenous” (1999); “Role of a Lifetime” (2002); “Hypnotized” (2004); “Duck” (2005); “Man of the Year” (2006); “He's Just Not That Into You” (2009); “Life as We Know It” (2010); and “No Boundaries” (2012 Short).

Onstage he has appeared in New York, Los Angeles, and in regional theaters throughout the country. He is the Artistic Director of the Antaeus Theatre Company, Los Angeles’ acclaimed classical theater ensemble, where he also produced the Ambie-nominated fiction podcast series The Zip Code Plays.

He has told his original comic stories at numerous Spoken Word events, and has written for Out magazine and the bestselling collection of essays I Love You, Mom!

He has hosted AIDS Walks across the country, is an SPCA “Friend for Life,” and has spent numerous holidays abroad with the USO and Armed Forces Entertainment, visiting Troops in the Persian Gulf, Atlantic, Mediterranean, Germany, Japan, Bosnia, and Kosovo.

He was born in Inglewood, CA, raised in Tacoma, WA, and studied at New York University. After NYU, he moved to Los Angeles, California, to pursue an acting career. He currently resides in Los Angeles. Brochtrup came out to People magazine as gay in 1997.

Bill Brochtrup Website - https://www.billbrochtrup.com

Antaeus Theater Company - https://antaeus.org

“The Inheritance” on Audible with Bill Brochtrup - https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Inheritance-Audiobook/B0BXQTDCY5

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

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During the second half of Tony’s fascinating conversation with former child actor KEITH THIBODEAUX, he tells him all about touring the country at the age of five to promote the “Little Ricky” clothing line, how easy it was for him to learn how to play the bongos for an episode of the show, what his favorite episode of the classic TV series “I LOVE LUCY” is, how he was treated like an adult by the other cast members on the set, his lifelong friendship with the Arnaz children, Lucie and Desi Jr, his experience working with other child actors like Ron Howard on "The Andy Griffith Show”, how sad he was when the show and his job as “Little Ricky” came to an end, the hard times he had after leaving the show, how he found his religion later in life, what it was like writing his bestselling autobiography "Life After Lucy", what he’s doing today, and his thoughts on the enduring legacy of “I Love Lucy” and how much the show is still loved around the world.

KEITH THIBODEAUX

Keith Thibodeaux, first came to national attention as the drum-playing son of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz on the now classic I Love Lucy show. Hailed as a child prodigy, Keith started drumming at the age of two in Lafayette, LA. His abilities led him to a national tour, a starring role as "Little Ricky Ricardo," and various acting stints on television, including on The Andy Griffith Show, Route 66, The Shirley Temple Playhouse, Hazel, and many more. While attending the University of Louisiana in Lafayette, Keith joined and recorded with the then mainstream rock band, "David and the Giants."

Keith left the group after several years, but following his (and fellow band members) Christian conversion, the band regrouped under the same name and went on to become one of the nation’s top contemporary Christian music groups. As a drummer, singer, and songwriter for the Dove nominated "David and the Giants," Keith toured extensively for 10 years in the United States, Canada, Jamaica, and England, recording 9 albums before leaving the group in 1989 to pursue other interests. Since 2016 David and the Giants has produced 3 additional albums: 40th Anniversary, Still Rockin’, and What Are You Waiting For? Keith has been featured in such publications as Newsweek, People, Saturday Evening Post, Modern Drummer, CCM, and Classic Drummer Magazine. He has also been a guest on NBC's The Today Show, Entertainment Tonight, CBS's Good Morning America, and The O'Reilly Show.

In January of 1991, he joined his wife Kathy on the road with Ballet Magnificat! and in 1993, Keith became Executive Director. In addition to his current responsibilities at Ballet Magnificat!, Keith still finds time for drums and recording. Keith's book, Life After Lucy, tells the story of his life as Little Ricky on the I Love Lucy show, and subsequent encounter with Jesus Christ as Savior.

Keith and Kathy have one daughter, Tara, who is a dancer and choreographer and is married to Bryce Drew, former player in the NBA and former head basketball coach at Valparaiso and Vanderbilt University.

Ballet Magnificat! - https://www.balletmagnificat.com

To Purchase Keith’s “Life After Lucy” Book - https://www.amazon.com/Life-After-Lucy-Story-Little/dp/089221256X

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

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On this episode of Hollywood Obsessed, host Tony Miros speaks with former child actor KEITH THIBODEAUX who is best known for playing “Little Ricky” Ricardo on the classic TV series “I LOVE LUCY”!

During his revealing conversation with Tony, Keith talks about how his love for playing the drums started at the age of 2 when he was found banging on his mom's pots and pans, how his natural drumming abilities led him to a national tour at the age of 3 with the Horace Heidt Orchestra, his recollections of when his father took him to audition for Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball for the part of Little Ricky on their hit TV series “I Love Lucy”, why Desi gave him the stage name “Richard Keith,” how fans of the show often confused him for Desi Arnaz Jr and vice versa, what Lucy, Desi, William Frawley, and Vivian Vance were like off camera, and how playing “Little Ricky” on the beloved comedy 1950’s sitcom not only changed his life but also how it made him the primary breadwinner of his family at 5 years old!

KEITH THIBODEAUX

Keith Thibodeaux, first came to national attention as the drum-playing son of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz on the now classic I Love Lucy show. Hailed as a child prodigy, Keith started drumming at the age of two in Lafayette, LA. His abilities led him to a national tour, a starring role as "Little Ricky Ricardo," and various acting stints on television, including on The Andy Griffith Show, Route 66, The Shirley Temple Playhouse, Hazel, and many more. While attending the University of Louisiana in Lafayette, Keith joined and recorded with the then mainstream rock band, "David and the Giants."

Keith left the group after several years, but following his (and fellow band members) Christian conversion, the band regrouped under the same name and went on to become one of the nation’s top contemporary Christian music groups. As a drummer, singer, and songwriter for the Dove nominated "David and the Giants," Keith toured extensively for 10 years in the United States, Canada, Jamaica, and England, recording 9 albums before leaving the group in 1989 to pursue other interests. Since 2016 David and the Giants has produced 3 additional albums: 40th Anniversary, Still Rockin’, and What Are You Waiting For? Keith has been featured in such publications as Newsweek, People, Saturday Evening Post, Modern Drummer, CCM, and Classic Drummer Magazine. He has also been a guest on NBC's The Today Show, Entertainment Tonight, CBS's Good Morning America, and The O'Reilly Show.

In January of 1991, he joined his wife Kathy on the road with Ballet Magnificat! and in 1993, Keith became Executive Director. In addition to his current responsibilities at Ballet Magnificat!, Keith still finds time for drums and recording. Keith's book, Life After Lucy, tells the story of his life as Little Ricky on the I Love Lucy show, and subsequent encounter with Jesus Christ as Savior.

Keith and Kathy have one daughter, Tara, who is a dancer and choreographer and is married to Bryce Drew, former player in the NBA and former head basketball coach at Valparaiso and Vanderbilt University.

Ballet Magnificat! - https://www.balletmagnificat.com

To Purchase Keith’s “Life After Lucy” Book - https://www.amazon.com/Life-After-Lucy-Story-Little/dp/089221256X

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 ...

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During the second part of Tony’s fascinating conversation with director John Badham they discuss what it was like filming “Saturday Night Fever” on the streets of Brooklyn surrounded by thousands of John Travolta fans, what it was like filming at the 2001 Odyssey discotheque in Bay Ridge, the real story behind Travolta’s famous “You Should Be Dancing” solo dance scene, actress Donna Pescow’s flawless performance during the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge scene, Fran Drescher’s standout three-line part in the film, his surprise that ‘Fever’ is still loved by audiences after 40 years, his memories of working on the 80’s blockbuster action movie WarGames, how the film relates to what’s going on with A.I. today, how it affected U.S. policy when it came out and how the books he’s written about directing “I’ll Be In My Trailer, the Creative Wars Between Directors and Actors”, and "John Badham on Directing" are used as text books in film schools worldwide!

JOHN BADHAM

John Badham, BA, MFA Yale University, PHD (hon) Columbia College, is a Director and Producer of Theatrical Films and Television.

Badham worked in television for years, on Universal TV series like “Cannon” and “The Bold Ones”. He then directed several acclaimed TV movies, including “Isn't It Shocking?” (1973) and “The Law” (1974). His first feature film was “The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings” in 1976.

His breakthrough came in 1977 when he replaced John G. Avildsen as the director of “Saturday Night Fever”, a massive worldwide hit starring John Travolta. His choices after that film were wildly eclectic, ranging from the action thriller “Blue Thunder” (1983) to the comedy-drama “Whose Life Is It Anyway?” (1981) to the comedy thriller “Stakeout” (1987) & its sequel “Another Stakeout” (1993). “WarGames” (1983), starring Matthew Broderick, is his other signature film, renowned for its take on popular Cold War fears of nuclear terror as well as being one of the first films to deal with the subculture of amateur hacking. Another sizable hit was “Short Circuit” (1986), a comedy about a robot who comes to life.

In addition to his numerous film credits, he has also continued to direct and produce for TV, including credits for Rod Serling's “Night Gallery”, the A&E television series “The Beast”, TV movies like HBO's “The Jack Bull” (1999), and episodes of series including “Crossing Jordan” &Criminal Minds”. He has also contributed commentary to the web series “Trailers from Hell”.

His books “I’ll Be In My Trailer, the Creative Wars Between Directors and Actors”, and "John Badham on Directing" are used as text books in film schools worldwide. His films have been nominated for five Academy awards and two Emmy awards. He has won three Saturn Awards from the Academy of Science fiction and Fantasy and the Grand Prize from the Paris International Science Fiction Festival.

For the past 20 years he has been the Dodge Professor of Film and Media at Chapman University where he teaches beginning, intermediate and advanced directing and production to both undergraduate and graduate students.

John Badham website - ⁠https://www.johnbadham.com⁠

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 ⁠⁠⁠...

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On this episode of Hollywood Obsessed, host Tony Miros speaks with legendary director JOHN BADHAM who is best known for directing the iconic 1977 classic disco film “Saturday Night Fever”!

During their fascinating two-part conversation John tells Tony all about growing up in Birmingham Alabama with his sister, Mary Badham, who was nominated for an Oscar for her role as "Scout" Finch in the film “To Kill a Mockingbird”, working with the larger-than-life director William Castle on his film “Let's Kill Uncle”, starting his own extraordinary career directing episodes of Rod Serling’s “Night Gallery” for television, his memories of interacting with Oscar-winning actress Joan Crawford who was filming the pilot episode of the series with a very young Steven Spielberg, his experience directing his first feature film “The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings” starring Billy Dee Williams and Richard Pryor, how his breakthrough film “Saturday Night Fever” landed in his lap when he replaced John G. Avildsen as the director of the film, his memories of meeting then TV sitcom star John Travolta (“Welcome Back Kotter”) for the first time at the Beverly Hills Hotel, how leading lady Karen Lynn Gorney came to the project and the great chemistry she and Travolta had on screen.

JOHN BADHAM

John Badham, BA, MFA Yale University, PHD (hon) Columbia College, is a Director and Producer of Theatrical Films and Television.

Badham worked in television for years, on Universal TV series like “Cannon” and “The Bold Ones”. He then directed several acclaimed TV movies, including “Isn't It Shocking?” (1973) and “The Law” (1974). His first feature film was “The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings” in 1976.

His breakthrough came in 1977 when he replaced John G. Avildsen as the director of “Saturday Night Fever”, a massive worldwide hit starring John Travolta. His choices after that film were wildly eclectic, ranging from the action thriller “Blue Thunder” (1983) to the comedy-drama “Whose Life Is It Anyway?” (1981) to the comedy thriller “Stakeout” (1987) & its sequel “Another Stakeout” (1993). “WarGames” (1983), starring Matthew Broderick, is his other signature film, renowned for its take on popular Cold War fears of nuclear terror as well as being one of the first films to deal with the subculture of amateur hacking. Another sizable hit was “Short Circuit” (1986), a comedy about a robot who comes to life.

In addition to his numerous film credits, he has also continued to direct and produce for TV, including credits for Rod Serling's “Night Gallery”, the A&E television series “The Beast”, TV movies like HBO's “The Jack Bull” (1999), and episodes of series including “Crossing Jordan” &Criminal Minds”. He has also contributed commentary to the web series “Trailers from Hell”.

His books “I’ll Be In My Trailer, the Creative Wars Between Directors and Actors”, and "John Badham on Directing" are used as text books in film schools worldwide. His films have been nominated for five Academy awards and two Emmy awards. He has won three Saturn Awards from the Academy of Science fiction and Fantasy and the Grand Prize from the Paris International Science Fiction Festival.

For the past 20 years he has been the Dodge Professor of Film and Media at Chapman University where he teaches beginning, intermediate and advanced directing and production to both undergraduate and graduate students.

John Badham website - https://www.johnbadham.com

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During the second half of Tony’s informative conversation with authors David Fantle and Tom Johnson they discuss what has been the reaction they’ve gotten from critics and film lovers since the book came out, which actor - Eddie Bracken or Phil Silvers - was the true comic release in the film, how generous Judy Garland was with her friends, how much she disliked the studio suits like up-and-coming head of production of MGM Dore Shary, the fascinating history of each musical number featured in the film including Gene Kelly’s favorite solo dance routine (the Squeaky Board/Newspaper number) and Garland’s signature number “Get Happy”, why MGM didn’t renew Judy’s contract after the film was released, what happened to Judy and her career after she was released from MGM, the “Taking Stock” chapter that brims with fresh insight on the film, from contemporary artists like Judy Garland’s daughter Lorna Luft, Michael Feinstein, Kerry Kelly Novick (Gene Kelly’s daughter) Marilyn Michaels, Mario Cantone, Ben Vereen and Mikhail Baryshnikov, among others, what were the pros and cons of writing a book like this for the authors, and what their next book will be about.

DAVID FANTLE & TOM JOHNSON

David Fantle has interviewed more than 250 show business personalities over the past 40 years, including such legendary names as Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, James Cagney, Lucille Ball, Bob Hope, George Burns, Milton Berle, Charlton Heston, Rod Steiger and Gregory Peck. In 2004, a compilation of his interviews were published in the book, Reel to Real: 25 years of Celebrity Profiles from Vaudeville to Movies to TV. The book was recognized by Turner Classic Movies as its May 2004 “Book of the Month.” His latest book, written with his longtime collaborator Tom Johnson, titled C'mon, Get Happy: The Making of Summer Stock will be published in October 2023 by the University Press of Mississippi. Their second book of celebrity interviews, Hollywood Heyday: 75 Interviews with Golden Age Legends was published by McFarland and Company in 2018. Fantle is an adjunct professor at Marquette University in Milwaukee where he teaches courses in film, television and popular culture. He is also the former Deputy Secretary of Tourism for Wisconsin and a popular speaker on the cruise ship circuit.

Tom Johnson began his collaboration with David Fantle in 1978 as a student journalist at the University of Minnesota by co-writing an award-winning arts and entertainment column for the Minnesota Daily called “Entertainment Ltd.” Johnson was a senior editor at Netflix and has written movie reviews and features for E! Online, Moviefone and People magazine, among other publications. Johnson’s entertainment writing has been recognized with a Minnesota Newspaper Association achievement award and a National Hearst Foundation award for news writing.

To Find Out More About The Book - ⁠https://www.upress.state.ms.us/Books/C/C-mon-Get-Happy⁠

To Purchase A Copy Go to Amazon -

⁠https://www.amazon.com/Cmon-Get-Happy-Making-Summer/dp/1496838394⁠

Tom Johnson’s Facebook Page - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/tom.johnson.543908⁠

David Fantle’s Facebook Page - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/dfantle⁠

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

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