Still Here Hollywood

Laura Leighton takes us back inside the Melrose Place phenomenon and what it was really like to ride that wave before social media and smartphones changed everything. In this episode of Still Here Hollywood, Laura talks about launching the Melrose Place rewatch podcast Still the Place with Daphne Zuniga and Courtney Thorne Smith, why it feels so freeing to show up without a script, and the surprising emotional impact of revisiting a time that happened more than 30 years ago. Laura opens up about the cast bond that never went away, the real conversations happening around a potential Melrose Place reboot, and why creating your own opportunities matters more as Hollywood changes and roles for women narrow with age. She also shares the best thing that came out of Melrose Place, her 26 year marriage to co star Doug Savant, and what it means to raise a big family and now become a grandmother. You will also hear Laura on the shift from water cooler television to reality TV and TikTok culture, the strange new normal of being photographed everywhere, and why self tape auditions can feel harder than walking into a room. Plus, Laura tells two unforgettable stories from her career, a fan encounter so intense a nurse thought her villain character was real, and the heartbreak moment she had to drop out of a musical film role that later went to Renee Zellweger. She also reveals a major career decision she still regrets, turning down the chance to play Rizzo on Broadway. If you love Melrose Place, Aaron Spelling era television, 90s nostalgia, Hollywood behind the scenes stories, and honest conversations about career, fame, aging, and reinvention, this one is for you. 00:00 Reboot Buzz and Grandma Life Tease 00:56 Intro: Aaron Spelling, Nighttime Soaps, and Melrose Mania 02:21 Laura’s Rewatch Podcast: Still the Place 03:04 Why Podcasting Feels Easier Than Acting 03:34 Rewatching Your 20s on Camera and the “Ick Attack” 04:21 Melrose Love Story: Meeting Doug Savant 04:52 26 Years Married and Raising Four Kids 05:10 Why Melrose Was a Cultural Phenomenon 05:27 Pre-Internet “Water Cooler TV” and Perfect Timing 06:17 Lightning in a Bottle: You Can’t Manufacture It 06:53 The Reboot: Is It Really Happening? 06:59 Who’s In and Why the Cast Still Feels Like Family 07:20 The Group Text, The Podcast Guests, The Real Bond 08:12 Churchill Quote: If You Want History, Write It 08:34 Aging in Hollywood and Steering Your Own Opportunities 09:03 Reality TV Changed Everything 09:19 The Early Reaction: “What Is This Crap?” 10:10 TikTok and Selfie Culture Is Not Going Away 10:28 Being Photographed Everywhere, Even at the Grocery Store 10:59 Social Media as a Tool, But Also Exhausting 11:59 Podcast Learning Curve: Why Rewatch Makes It Easy 12:33 Sets That Feel Good vs Sets That Don’t 13:03 Fondest Melrose Memory: It Felt Like a Family 14:13 You Don’t Fully Appreciate It Until Later 14:34 What’s Next: Producing and Building Projects 15:30 The Joy of Becoming a Grandparent 16:13 Watching Your Kid Become a Parent 17:07 “I Told You So” and Moms Always Being Right 17:28 Holidays With a Grandbaby and the Photos 18:05 Nana Duties: Teaching Piano, LA Traffic Included 18:37 The Weird Fan Encounter: Nurse Thought Sydney Was Real 19:32 Being Too Convincing Can Backfire in Meetings 20:59 Which Show People Recognize You From Now 21:35 Melrose vs 90210 and Why People Mix Them Up 22:05 One-Word Cast Shoutouts: Heather, Rinna, Grant, Marcia 23:19 Cast Friendships That Stayed Warm and Real 23:43 Missing the Weekly “TV Family” Feeling 24:18 Leaving After Five Seasons: The Contract Turning Point 24:42 The Last Day: Fighting Tears 25:02 Rapid Fire: First Crush, Movies, Pizza, Worst Subject 29:09 Fame Before Cell Phones: Honeymoon Recognition 30:14 Fake Names at Hotels During Peak Fame 30:42 The Morning After Leaving: Relief vs Grief 33:34 Being Married to an Actor: Teamwork, Not Competition 34:10 Doug’s Groundbreaking Gay Character and Pride 35:13 Aging in Hollywood and Fewer Opportunities 36:34 Self-Tapes: Why Auditioning Feels Harder Now 37:54 What Self-Tapes Took Away: Feedback and Connection 39:53 Steve’s Acting Dream and the “Pajamas Job” Idea 41:15 The Role She Lost: Torn ACL, Renee Zellweger Replacement 43:12 The Musical Muscle She Wishes She’d Kept 44:36 TV Movies in Hiatus: The 90s Career Strategy 45:30 The Big Regret: Turning Down Rizzo on Broadway 46:14 Closing Thanks     Laura Leighton's Melrose Place rewatch Podcast is: STILL THE PLACE https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/still-the-place/id1754955354 Show CreditsHost/Producer: Steve KmetkoAll things technical: Justin ZangerleExecutive Producer: Jim LichtensteinMusic by: Brian SanyshynTranscription:  Mushtaq Hussain https://stillherehollywood.comhttp://patreon.com/stillherehollywoodSuggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.comAdvertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.comPublicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Gabrielle Carteris helped define a generation as Andrea Zuckerman on Beverly Hills 90210. But the story behind the show is bigger, deeper, and more surprising than you think. In this candid and wide-ranging conversation, Gabrielle opens up about the truth behind landing 90210, including the age secret she kept when she was cast as a 16-year-old. She reflects on overnight fame, Beatles-level chaos, and how the show shaped her adult life in ways she is still unpacking. But this episode goes far beyond nostalgia. Gabrielle reveals the devastating on-set injury that temporarily left her partially paralyzed and unable to speak, the lawsuit that followed, and why she refused to sign an NDA after winning her case. That experience ultimately led her into leadership, where she became President of SAG-AFTRA and helped guide the union through historic negotiations. She also discusses: • The real impact of the Hollywood strikes • Why AI and voice replication are changing the entertainment industry • The merger of SAG and AFTRA • Losing Luke Perry and Shannen Doherty • The isolation of extreme fame • Aging in Hollywood and rejecting shame • Why family matters more than celebrity From 90s television icon to labor leader and activist, Gabrielle Carteris shares what she has learned about power, resilience, identity, and what no longer scares her. This is one of the most revealing Beverly Hills 90210 interviews you’ll see. Subscribe for more conversations with the stars you grew up with.      Chapters 00:00 Opening Introduction 01:00 Gabrielle Carteris on Aging and Growth 02:32 Learning to Stop Performing for Approval 04:41 Aging in Hollywood and Saying “I’m 65” 06:55 The 90210 Age Secret Revealed 07:57 Overnight Fame and Losing Anonymity 09:45 The Power and Pressure of Being Known 12:33 Looking Back on the 90210 Era 12:47 How Fox Saved Beverly Hills 90210 14:09 Did Andrea Shape Gabrielle or Vice Versa? 15:21 How the SAG-AFTRA Merger Happened 16:29 “I Am an Activist” 17:49 The On-Set Injury That Changed Her Life 20:05 Relearning Speech and Movement 21:35 Refusing to Sign an NDA 22:50 Why Safety Became Her Mission 24:04 Patty Duke, Sean Astin, and Hollywood Legacy 25:14 The Hollywood Strike and the Rise of AI 29:25 Remembering Luke Perry and Shannen Doherty 31:14 Still Close with the 90210 Cast 35:40 Beatles-Level Fame and Fan Chaos 36:25 What Matters Most Now: Family 37:53 Becoming President of SAG-AFTRA 39:25 Leadership and Unsung Heroes 40:02 “I’m Okay” — Owning Her Legacy 41:03 Dubbing for Netflix and Amazon 42:05 Fear of Returning to the Stage 43:25 What No Longer Scares Her 45:22 What She’d Tell Her Younger Self 45:50 “The Girl I Was Is the Woman I Am” 46:23 Closing Show CreditsHost/Producer: Steve KmetkoAll things technical: Justin ZangerleExecutive Producer: Jim LichtensteinMusic by: Brian SanyshynTranscription:  Mushtaq Hussain https://stillherehollywood.comhttp://patreon.com/stillherehollywoodSuggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.comAdvertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.comPublicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Joanna Cassidy has never fit neatly into one lane, and that is exactly why she is unforgettable. In this episode of Still Here Hollywood, Joanna takes us from Syracuse University as an art student to a cross-country leap that landed her in Los Angeles and changed everything. She talks about her first film set experience with Walter Matthau and Bruce Dern, the shock of realizing she could actually act, and how her creative life has always lived in two worlds, performance and painting. We also dive into the legacy roles that keep getting rediscovered. Joanna shares what it was like stepping into Blade Runner as Zhora, working with Ridley Scott’s meticulous vision, and why that film’s impact only grew with time. She opens up about Six Feet Under and her love of dark humor, the craft difference between comedy and drama, the realities of aging in Hollywood, and what she believes keeps a creative person alive. Plus: animals, modernism, bungee fitness in Burbank, and the mindset that keeps her curious and working. Still Here Hollywood with Steve Kmetko. New episodes weekly. Support the show and get early access and extras at patreon.com/stillherehollywood00:00 Intro: The unforgettable Joanna Cassidy00:56 From Syracuse to San Francisco to Los Angeles02:35 First steps into acting and a surprising first role03:35 The Laughing Policeman: Walter Matthau, Bruce Dern, and set nerves05:19 Joanna the artist: painting, portraits, modernism06:42 Almost quitting, and the many lives she has lived07:51 Misconceptions: beauty, comedy, and being underestimated10:29 Age, image, and America’s obsession with youth12:29 Early work she is proud of, and Blade Runner’s slow-burn legacy13:43 Acting vs art: the frustration of not being able to fine-tune16:52 Roles she wanted but did not get17:40 Blade Runner: first reaction to the script18:32 Philip K. Dick, sci-fi love, and “the only actor with the snake”19:18 Animals, cats, and the deep bond with them21:22 Ridley Scott’s imprint and artistic vision22:22 Six Feet Under and the joy of dark humor23:36 Blade Runner stunts, revisiting Zhora, and the snake dance25:10 New generations discovering Zhora26:17 Cult status and Comic Con moments28:54 Comedy vs drama: timing, speed, and stillness30:57 Who she watches now: Emma Stone, Jessica Lange32:07 TV’s best lesson: be on time, know your lines, hit your marks33:17 Actors who made an impact: Gene Hackman, Nick Nolte, Bob Hoskins35:42 Taking risks and going all-in37:40 Dabney Coleman memories39:58 Staying creatively alive: health, grounding, flow41:05 Mentors, independence, and asking for a hand44:01 Confidence, her father, and being an observer of Hollywood45:45 Film talk and character-study movies47:13 What brings her joy now49:43 Directing notes and the on-set process50:42 Roles she wants now, plus recent and upcoming projects52:40 Worries that shifted with time53:27 Dating, privacy, and a new chapter56:16 Bungee fitness in Burbank and loving the feeling of flight57:28 Closing  Show CreditsHost/Producer: Steve KmetkoAll things technical: Justin ZangerleExecutive Producer: Jim LichtensteinMusic by: Brian SanyshynTranscription:  Mushtaq Hussain https://stillherehollywood.comhttp://patreon.com/stillherehollywoodSuggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.comAdvertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.comPublicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Actor and director Paul McCrane joins Still Here Hollywood with Steve Kmetko for a funny, honest, and surprisingly deep conversation about building a career by leaning into the roles people remember most. Paul talks about intentionally pivoting into “bad guy” parts, his first reaction to reading RoboCop, and the night a massive explosion on set got a little too real. He also looks back on ER and what it was like joining the biggest show on television, plus how the stability of a long-running series can change your life outside the job. The conversation goes beyond credits and into craft. Paul breaks down why self-tape auditions can feel like sending your work into a void, why in-person collaboration matters, and what directing taught him about managing pressure, people, and performance. He also shares one of the most valuable lessons of his career: how a brutal review early on forced him to learn how to truly do the work, and how Jason Robards showed him real generosity in the process. If you love behind-the-scenes stories, acting talk that’s actually useful, and Hollywood history with some bite, this one’s for you. Support the show and get early access and bonus content at Patreon: patreon.com/StillHereHollywood 00:00 Intro, Paul McCrane from ER and RoboCop 00:42 What Paul would be doing if he wasn’t acting today 01:09 Songwriting, music, and creative curiosity 01:19 Becoming “the bad guy” on purpose 02:41 First reaction to the RoboCop script 03:18 The infamous RoboCop explosion story 06:11 Did he expect RoboCop to become iconic 06:28 How RoboCop reshaped his career 07:55 Why he became an actor, his father and backstage magic 08:27 Other careers he could have pursued 09:06 Turning the interview back on Steve 10:10 Fame, the movie, and early terror on set 11:44 Shooting Fame on the streets of New York 12:33 Did he ever consider quitting acting 14:03 Patreon break, then critics and insecurity 16:30 Retirement, insecurity, and why actors do this 18:38 Chevy Chase, SNL, and success myths 19:03 ER and staying close with the cast 20:43 Why Paul hates self-tape auditions 22:07 The danger of isolation in modern acting 28:33 How ER changed his life and stability 29:29 Fame, perspective, and avoiding distortion 31:20 Philadelphia roots and football fandom 31:37 “Paul McCrane dies at the end” reel 32:15 What the ER set was really like 34:33 Is he happy with his career 36:11 What fans recognize him for most 37:27 Directing vs acting, what he loves more 43:04 Overthinking, directing pressure, and communication 44:06 The role that taught him the most 46:38 The New York Times review that crushed him 50:00 Jason Robards’ advice and generosity 55:21 Learning to survive criticism 56:50 Memorizing ER medical dialogue 57:01 The origin of the famous RoboCop line 58:25 Final thoughts and wrap Paul McCrane interview Paul McCrane podcast Paul McCrane Still Here Hollywood Paul McCrane Steve Kmetko Paul McCrane actor interview Paul McCrane RoboCop RoboCop behind the scenes Paul McCrane RoboCop explosion scene story Paul McCrane villain RoboCop Paul Verhoeven RoboCop cast stories Paul McCrane ER Dr Robert Romano ER Paul McCrane ER helicopter scene ER behind the scenes Paul McCrane ER cast reflections Paul McCrane Fame movie Fame 1980 behind the scenes Paul McCrane Fame audition story Fame movie cast interview Paul McCrane acting advice Paul McCrane directing career Actors on self tape auditions Why actors hate self tapes Directing vs acting Paul McCrane Career longevity themes Character actor Hollywood career Villain roles in Hollywood How actors survive bad reviews Jason Robards acting advice Broadway failure lessons Culture + philosophy hooks Why actors feel insecure Human connection vs technology acting Why collaboration matters in film Modern acting industry problems Show Credits Host/Producer: Steve Kmetko All things technical: Justin Zangerle Executive Producer: Jim Lichtenstein Music by: Brian Sanyshyn Transcription:  Mushtaq Hussain   https://stillherehollywood.com http://patreon.com/stillherehollywood Suggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.com Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.com Publicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Book: My Four Hollywood Husbandshttps://a.co/d/bTbuNAj   Show CreditsHost/Producer: Steve KmetkoAll things technical: Justin ZangerleExecutive Producer: Jim LichtensteinMusic by: Brian SanyshynTranscription:  Mushtaq Hussain https://stillherehollywood.comhttp://patreon.com/stillherehollywoodSuggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.comAdvertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.comPublicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Amy's Foundation in memory of her husband John Ritter is https://johnritterfoundation.org/Another favorite charity of Amy's is https://angelfood.org/ Show CreditsHost/Producer: Steve KmetkoAll things technical: Justin ZangerleExecutive Producer: Jim LichtensteinMusic by: Brian SanyshynTranscription:  Mushtaq Hussain https://stillherehollywood.comhttp://patreon.com/stillherehollywoodSuggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.comAdvertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.comPublicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this unforgettable episode of Still Here Hollywood, Ted Lange, forever known as Isaac from The Love Boat, joins Steve Kmetko for a deep, funny, and brutally honest conversation about classic television, Hollywood power dynamics, racial inequality in entertainment, and the long game of creative survival. Ted takes us behind the scenes of one of the most iconic shows in television history, sharing stories about Gene Kelly, Diahann Carroll, Cloris Leachman, Howard Keel, and the revolving door of legendary guest stars that made The Love Boat a cultural phenomenon. He reveals what really went on when the cameras stopped rolling and how respect, chemistry, and mentorship made the cast a family. But this episode goes far beyond nostalgia. Ted opens up about the realities of being a Black actor in Hollywood, the battles he fought for equal treatment, fair representation, and meaningful storylines, and how he learned to “pivot” rather than become bitter. His stories about pay disparity, industry politics, and subtle discrimination are powerful, eye-opening, and still painfully relevant today. We also dive into Ted’s remarkable second act as a writer, director, and playwright. From directing television to writing over 27 plays, including historical dramas about forgotten figures like John Hanson and Mary Bowser, Ted explains how storytelling can reclaim lost history and give voice to those erased from textbooks. His passion for uncovering untold stories turns this episode into something far bigger than a Hollywood interview. Plus, he shares hilarious and unexpected stories about working with Jenna Jameson on the “Ask Isaac” advice column, his Shakespeare adaptations, directing The Fall Guy, and the surprising friendships that shaped his career. This is a masterclass in resilience, creativity, and navigating Hollywood with intelligence, humor, and integrity. Ted Lange proves he is far more than a TV icon. He is a historian, a playwright, a director, and a truth teller who is very much still here. Show Credits Host/Producer: Steve Kmetko All things technical: Justin Zangerle Executive Producer: Jim Lichtenstein Music by: Brian Sanyshyn Transcription:  Mushtaq Hussain   https://stillherehollywood.com http://patreon.com/stillherehollywood Suggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.com Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.com Publicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Relive the wild ride of Grease 2 with actor Maxwell Caulfield, the man behind Michael Carrington, in this full episode of Still Here Hollywood with Steve Kmetko. Maxwell opens up about knowing early he was meant to act, his London roots, and the moment everything changed when he auditioned for Grease 2 and suddenly found himself stepping into a Hollywood spotlight that can make or break you. Maxwell shares what it was like working alongside a young Michelle Pfeiffer, why Grease 2 didn’t hit the way the studio hoped at release, and how the movie later found its true life as a cult classic with a passionate fanbase. He also dives into the behind-the-scenes reality of movie-making, including a hilarious “Bike Heaven” moment that did not go how he wanted. Beyond Grease 2, Maxwell talks about his love of live theater and what the stage gives an actor that the camera never can, plus what he’s working on now, including a one-man play centered on Pontius Pilate. And yes, we go there on the big career chapters too, from Hollywood momentum to TV fame, including his run on The Colbys and the long view of staying in the game. Wikipedia If you grew up on 80s movies, movie musicals, backstage stories, and the art of actually lasting in show business, this episode is for you. Want to get more involved with the show? Support Still Here Hollywood on Patreon for early access, behind-the-scenes extras, and the chance to submit questions for upcoming guests. Show Credits Host/Producer: Steve Kmetko All things technical: Justin Zangerle Executive Producer: Jim Lichtenstein Music by: Brian Sanyshyn Transcription:  Mushtaq Hussain   https://stillherehollywood.com http://patreon.com/stillherehollywood Suggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.com Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.com Publicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

She was born into show business royalty, made her film debut at just 11 weeks old, and grew up surrounded by legends like Noel Coward, Vivien Leigh, Laurence Olivier, and more. On this episode of Still Here Hollywood, Steve Kmetko sits down with the luminous Juliet Mills, the beloved star of Nanny and the Professor, to trace a life and career that spans West End theater, Broadway, classic television, and unforgettable Hollywood collaborators. Juliet shares how her family and upbringing shaped her worldview, why gratitude became one of her guiding principles, and what it was really like stepping into the spotlight as “Nanny” during a time when television was far more “tea and nightgowns” than romance and realism. She also looks back on the global success of the show, her bond with co-star Richard Long, and why she believes the series might have lasted longer if the on-screen relationship had been allowed to evolve. Plus, Juliet tells behind-the-scenes stories from her career highlights, including working with Billy Wilder and Jack Lemmon on Avanti! (yes, the role that required her to gain 35 pounds, a true acting challenge if spaghetti is involved). She also opens up about love, marriage, and fate, as her husband Maxwell Caulfield joins the conversation for a charming, honest look at how their relationship began during The Elephant Man, with a cameo appearance from Natalie Wood in the origin story. If you grew up with Nanny and the Professor, love classic Hollywood, or just want to hear a joyful, thoughtful conversation with an icon who’s still full of wonder, this one’s for you. Support the show and get episodes early, behind-the-scenes extras, and more at patreon.com/stillherehollywood Show Credits Host/Producer: Steve Kmetko All things technical: Justin Zangerle Executive Producer: Jim Lichtenstein Music by: Brian Sanyshyn Transcription:  Mushtaq Hussain   https://stillherehollywood.com http://patreon.com/stillherehollywood Suggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.com Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.com Publicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

For more than 30 years, Spencer Garrett has been one of those actors you instantly recognize, even if you can’t place exactly where you’ve seen him. In this episode of Still Here Hollywood, Spencer opens up about the working actor’s life, aging in the business, finding purpose, and what it really means to be “that guy from that thing.” Spencer shares the origin story of the Character Actors Dining Society (the CADS) and the famous dinners with Alfred Molina, Stephen Weber, Eric McCormack, Titus Welliver, Kevin Pollak, Richard Kind, Jason Alexander, and more. He also talks about career pivots, breaking out of “prick in a suit” casting, lessons learned from Robert Duvall, Dustin Hoffman, and Glenn Close, and why he still gets excited every time he pulls onto a studio lot. Plus, Spencer tells the story of meeting his partner Dana Bash and how their worlds collide, actor life vs CNN life, with plenty of laughs along the way. If you like deep, thoughtful conversations with actors who have lived the whole Hollywood ride, this one’s for you. Support Still Here Hollywood on Patreon (bonus content, early episodes, guest info, and more): patreon.com/stillherehollywood Show Credits Host/Producer: Steve Kmetko All things technical: Justin Zangerle Executive Producer: Jim Lichtenstein Music by: Brian Sanyshyn Transcription:  Mushtaq Hussain   https://stillherehollywood.com http://patreon.com/stillherehollywood Suggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.com Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.com Publicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Flashdance leading man Michael Nouri sits down with Steve Kmetko for a wide-ranging, funny, and unexpectedly emotional conversation about his decades in Hollywood — from Goodbye, Columbus and Flashdance to Broadway, Victor/Victoria, Yellowstone, and beyond. Michael looks back on the night the acting bug bit him in a high school Gilbert & Sullivan production, his early stage days with legends like Julie Harris, and bombing his very first movie line opposite Ali MacGraw in Goodbye, Columbus. He talks about trying to dodge the Vietnam draft, enlisting, and then being honorably discharged because the Army literally couldn’t find boots big enough for his size-16 feet. Of course, he dives into Flashdance: the terrible reviews, the electric audience reaction, that rare standing ovation in Westwood, working with director Adrian Lyne, producers Simpson & Bruckheimer, and co-star Jennifer Beals (plus their canine scene partner, Grunt). He explains how the massive success of the film didn’t translate into the career momentum he’d hoped for, the movie with William Friedkin that fell apart, and how he ended up in Bay City Blues alongside a then-unknown Sharon Stone instead. Michael also shares powerful stories from touring South Pacific right after 9/11 — including emotional nightly renditions of “God Bless America” with audiences arm-in-arm — and the chance encounter with Blake Edwards that led to him starring opposite Julie Andrews in Victor/Victoria, complete with a custom song by Henry Mancini. He reflects on aging in Hollywood, evolving from leading man to dads, granddads, and senators, still auditioning for filmmakers like Bradley Cooper, and staying grateful that the phone keeps ringing. Along the way, he remembers working with Sean Connery, F. Murray Abraham, Glenn Close, Naomi Watts, Kelly Reilly, and even Anna Nicole Smith, plus the life lesson he learned the hard way trying to approach Luciano Pavarotti backstage. He also opens up about political anxiety, the emotional toll of the news cycle, the importance of community, and why he now protects his peace by switching from cable news to TCM. And yes, we meet Charlie, his “heart on four legs,” and hear how daily meditation keeps him grounded after more than five decades in the business. If you love Flashdance, classic Hollywood stories, Broadway memories, and honest talk about surviving and adapting in this business, this episode is a gem. Show Credits Host/Producer: Steve Kmetko All things technical: Justin Zangerle Executive Producer: Jim Lichtenstein Music by: Brian Sanyshyn Transcription:  Mushtaq Hussain   https://stillherehollywood.com http://patreon.com/stillherehollywood Suggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.com Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.com Publicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

n this encore episode of Still Here Hollywood, Steve Kmetko sits down with actor Natasha Henstridge, who rocketed to fame as the lethal alien Sil in Species, and has been navigating the highs and lows of Hollywood ever since. Natasha opens up about being 19 years old, seeing herself 30 feet tall on a screen for the first time, walking out of the Species screening saying she “hated” the movie, and why she’s now deeply proud of it and the way it changed her life and career. She talks honestly about aging in the business, body image, and what it’s like to still be recognized for a role she did nearly 30 years ago — including by 20-year-olds who weren’t even born when the film came out. She also reflects on working with Bruce Willis on The Whole Nine Yards, shares emotional memories of Matthew Perry, and talks candidly about her experience with Harvey Weinstein, the MeToo movement, and the complicated decision to speak out — and then try to move on. From Canadian small-town winters to Cannes red carpets, big Hollywood breaks to indie films and producing her own Christmas movie, Natasha is funny, vulnerable, and unfiltered. Along the way, she and Steve dive into: The overwhelming pressure of overnight fame after Species Why she initially hated seeing herself on screen How Species still gets her hired around the world decades later Working with Bruce Willis and watching his family rally around him Her memories of Matthew Perry — the humor, the struggle, and the heartbreak Her experience with Harvey Weinstein and how MeToo “moved the needle” Parenting two sons with ADHD/dyslexia and why motherhood is the hardest job she’s ever had Growing up in freezing northern Alberta, loving winter, and escaping to LA Body image, beauty standards, social media, and what she tells young women now Producing her own projects and saying yes to work all over the world If Species, late-90s/early-2000s Hollywood, or the MeToo era are part of your movie memory bank, this one hits on all fronts — nostalgia, honesty, and a woman who’s very much… still here. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with the icons, survivors, and scene-stealers of Hollywood. 👍 Like, comment, and tell us your favorite Natasha Henstridge role. Show Credits Host/Producer: Steve Kmetko All things technical: Justin Zangerle Executive Producer: Jim Lichtenstein Music by: Brian Sanyshyn Transcription:  Mushtaq Hussain   https://stillherehollywood.com http://patreon.com/stillherehollywood Suggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.com Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.com Publicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

You can support the William Holden Wildlife Foundation at: https://whwf.org/  Tickets for LOVE LETTERS on January 11, 2026 available at: https://ci.ovationtix.com/371/production/1258472?performanceId=11725822   Show CreditsHost/Producer: Steve KmetkoAll things technical: Justin ZangerleExecutive Producer: Jim LichtensteinMusic by: Brian SanyshynTranscription:  Mushtaq Hussain https://stillherehollywood.comhttp://patreon.com/stillherehollywoodSuggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.comAdvertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.comPublicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Actor and director Chad Lowe sits down with Steve for one of the most deeply honest, funny, and unexpectedly emotional conversations we’ve had on Still Here Hollywood. From growing up in the shadow of a wildly famous big brother to discovering his own path through acting, sobriety, fatherhood, and directing, Chad tells the story of a life shaped by love, rivalry, reinvention — and a few surreal Hollywood moments. He opens up about the early days when teenage girls hung posters of Rob but not him… auditioning for roles that went on to define a generation (On Golden Pond, Running on Empty, Goonies, Say Anything)… and the moment River Phoenix’s performance inspired him to become a better actor. Chad shares how Martin Sheen changed the course of his life on one unforgettable car ride, how he overcame paralyzing audition anxiety, and why Life Goes On became the most meaningful work of his career. For the first time, Chad also walks us through the real story behind Hilary Swank’s Oscar speech, how he actually felt in the car afterward, why he cried at the ceremony, and how the two of them found peace and perspective years later. We cover the state of Hollywood post-strikes, directing 911: Lone Star alongside Rob, taking his daughters to Taylor Swift (and surviving the ticket wars), his years of sobriety, what scares him most as a “girl dad,” and how a tuna melt changed his life at Elizabeth Taylor’s house. It's heartfelt, self-deprecating, and full of moments that remind you why Chad Lowe has quietly built one of the most beloved, complicated, fascinating careers in the business. A must-watch episode for anyone who knows the highs and lows of following your own path — even when the world thinks it already knows who you are. Show Credits Host/Producer: Steve Kmetko All things technical: Justin Zangerle Executive Producer: Jim Lichtenstein Music by: Brian Sanyshyn Transcription:  Mushtaq Hussain   https://stillherehollywood.com http://patreon.com/stillherehollywood Suggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.com Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.com Publicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

• Clash of the Titans memories & working with legends• The real story behind Making Love and how it changed his career• LA Law, sexiest man alive, and the “beige-ing” of an actor• Cooking shows, tomato sauce, and the open-source food company• Parenting, marriage, Real Housewives, and staying grounded• Hiking, aging well, and a 40-year journey into fusion energyIf you love smart Hollywood conversations with iconic stars… this is your episode. Show CreditsHost/Producer: Steve KmetkoAll things technical: Justin ZangerleExecutive Producer: Jim LichtensteinMusic by: Brian SanyshynTranscription:  Mushtaq Hussain https://stillherehollywood.comhttp://patreon.com/stillherehollywoodSuggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.comAdvertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.comPublicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Television icon Morgan Fairchild sits down with Steve Kmetko for an unusually intimate, funny, and deeply revealing conversation. From her Texas childhood and early dreams of becoming a doctor or paleontologist to breaking into New York’s brutal casting world, Morgan shares the hustle, heartbreak, glamor, and grit behind her decades-long career. She opens up about Dallas, Falcon Crest, Search for Tomorrow, Initiation of Sarah, Mork & Mindy, Robin Williams, Vincent Price, Roddy McDowall, and the performers who shaped her. Morgan also dives into surviving Hollywood typecasting, being underestimated for her beauty, crafting her signature look, and the real story behind her “schemer” era. In one of the most emotional parts of the interview, Morgan reflects on her AIDS advocacy, her years working with Dr. Fauci, educating the public when few dared to, and the work that cost her roles — but defined her purpose. She also discusses the loss of Matthew Perry, reveals the tabloid stories that stunned her, and shares how she’s stayed relevant across generations. Plus: the Two Bitches from Texas podcast, her love of paleontology, her Halloween obsession, wild Hollywood stories, taking risks, breaking stigmas, and the advice she’d whisper to her 20-year-old self. If you grew up watching her — or if you only know her as “Matthew Perry’s mom on Friends” — this conversation will surprise you. Morgan Fairchild is funny, brilliant, reflective, and refreshingly real. 👉 Subscribe for more iconic conversations with the stars we miss and the legends still making history. Show Credits Host/Producer: Steve Kmetko All things technical: Justin Zangerle Executive Producer: Jim Lichtenstein Music by: Brian Sanyshyn Transcription:  Mushtaq Hussain   https://stillherehollywood.com http://patreon.com/stillherehollywood Suggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.com Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.com Publicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

#EvaLaRue #CSIMiami #AllMyChildren #TrueCrime #ForensicGenealogy #ParamountPlus #MyNightmareStalker #LatinaInHollywood #SoapOperas #HollywoodStories #SteveKmetko #StillHereHollywood Show CreditsHost/Producer: Steve KmetkoAll things technical: Justin ZangerleExecutive Producer: Jim LichtensteinMusic by: Brian SanyshynTranscription:  Mushtaq Hussain https://stillherehollywood.comhttp://patreon.com/stillherehollywoodSuggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.comAdvertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.comPublicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Grant Show—the leather-jacket legend from Melrose Place—joins Steve Kmetko to talk fame, craft, and longevity: Detroit-to-SoCal roots, UCLA → LAMDA, the grind of daytime soaps, becoming Jake Hanson via 90210, and the Heather Locklear rocket-boost. He opens up about the dehumanizing side of fame, pivoting into character work, the near-miss of Brad Pitt’s role in Thelma & Louise, faith and family, and his wife Katherine’s recent Emmy win—plus why social media still gives him the ick. Stage epiphanies, TMZ takes, tennis joy, and a smart, humane look at staying power in Hollywood. Show Credits Host/Producer: Steve Kmetko All things technical: Justin Zangerle Executive Producer: Jim Lichtenstein Music by: Brian Sanyshyn Transcription:  Mushtaq Hussain   https://stillherehollywood.com http://patreon.com/stillherehollywood Suggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.com Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.com Publicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From Trapper John, M.D. to Falcon Crest to modern fan favorites, Gregory Harrison has stayed on our screens for 40+ years — with stories to match. In this candid conversation on Still Here Hollywood, Gregory tells Steve Kmetko about growing up on Catalina Island, the day a Doris Day F-bomb on his dad’s boat made him realize movies weren’t “magic” — just craft — and how that moment set his career in motion. He walks through his first indie feature turning into a Universal film, landing Gonzo Gates opposite Pernell Roberts, and discovering how playing charming men with a dark edge reshaped his career on Falcon Crest and beyond. Gregory also opens up about serving as a helicopter medic, winning a landmark case as a non-religious conscientious objector, addiction and recovery, long marriage with Randi Oakes, raising a creative family, and what longevity really looks like in Hollywood. It’s nostalgic, generous, and packed with hard-earned wisdom. #GregoryHarrison #SteveKmetko #StillHereHollywood #TrapperJohnMD #FalconCrest #CatalinaIsland #DorisDay #PernellRoberts #ClassicTelevision #80sTV #TVLegends #HollywoodStories #BehindTheScenes #ActingCareer #LongevityInHollywood #AddictionRecovery #HelicopterMedic #Podcast #VideoPodcast #PodcastClips #YouTubePodcasts #HollywoodHistory #PopCultureIcons Show Credits Host/Producer: Steve Kmetko All things technical: Justin Zangerle Executive Producer: Jim Lichtenstein Music by: Brian Sanyshyn Transcription:  Mushtaq Hussain   https://stillherehollywood.com http://patreon.com/stillherehollywood Suggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.com Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.com Publicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

She was the woman America loved to hate. From Clint Eastwood’s Play Misty for Me to nine unforgettable years as Abby Ewing on Knots Landing, Donna Mills turned elegance, ambition, and icy stares into television gold. In this exclusive conversation with Steve Kmetko, Donna opens up about her Hollywood journey—from her first soap operas in New York to becoming a primetime icon. She shares behind-the-scenes stories about working with Clint Eastwood on his directorial debut, why Abby was more than just a villain, her thoughts on a possible Knots Landing reboot, and the powerful ways the show touched fans’ lives. Donna also talks about motherhood, her new podcast We Are KNOT Done Yet with Michele Lee and Joan Van Ark, and what legacy she hopes to leave behind. If you grew up in the era of 1980s TV dramas, or you’re discovering Knots Landing for the first time on streaming, this episode is a must-watch.  Donna Mills interview, Knots Landing Abby Ewing, Donna Mills Clint Eastwood Play Misty for Me, Still Here Hollywood podcast, Steve Kmetko interview, 80s TV icons, Donna Mills podcast, We Are KNOT Done Yet, classic soap opera stars, Knots Landing reboot.  #DonnaMills #KnotsLanding #PlayMistyForMe #AbbyEwing #StillHereHollywood #SteveKmetko #80sTV #ClassicTV #SoapOperaIcons #HollywoodLegends Show CreditsHost/Producer: Steve KmetkoAll things technical: Justin ZangerleExecutive Producer: Jim LichtensteinMusic by: Brian SanyshynTranscription:  Mushtaq Hussain https://stillherehollywood.comhttp://patreon.com/stillherehollywoodSuggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.comAdvertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.comPublicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.