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#50 - Actor Lorenzo Lamas

In this informal and highly personal conversation with Bob & Suzanne, Lorenzo Lamas shares intimate stories of his childhood as the son of legendary movie stars Fernando Lamas and Arlene Dahl and as the stepson of MGM super-star Esther Williams. Lorenzo with stepmom Esther Williams & dad Fernando Lamas You’ll hear what life was like as a boy growing up in the shadow of his parents’ showbiz fame…and how he transformed himself from a chubby teen to a genuine Hollywood heartthrob. Lorenzo tells fascinating stories of his years bouncing around between schools in New York and California, and of the day he told his father he wanted to become an actor. An impromptu “audition” for his movie star parents soon had him studying at the famed Tony Barr Film Actors Workshop. It wasn’t long before Lorenzo was cast in small TV roles and found himself playing alongside John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John in Grease. Lorenzo’s rising profile as an actor soon led to a long list of guest roles on hot TV shows like Switch, Fantasy Island, The Love Boat, and Hotel. But it was Lorenzo’s audition for the role of “Lance Cumson” on CBS-TV’s Falcon Crest that shot him to stardom working with family friend Jane Wyman. As the only Falcon Crest cast member to appear in all 227 episodes, Lorenzo shares a unique perspective on the series. During this interview, Lorenzo reveals how he was cast by Stephen J. Cannell as “Reno Raines” in Renegade, a starring role that captured his true persona. Lorenzo also shares details here about his new autobiography, Renegade at Heart, and reveals his feelings about life as a “reality” TV star as well as his love of performing in live theater, where he’s had starring roles in The King and I, The Fantasticks, and A Chorus Line. Lorenzo Lamas—martial arts black belt, professional helicopter pilot (wait until you hear about that!), published author, acclaimed TV-film-stage actor—is today’s definition of a true Hollywood Renaissance Man! 

#49 Actor Gregory Harrison

Gregory Harrison’s commitment to his acting craft runs strong and deep. In this insightful interview, Greg tells a story that takes us from his life as a dinner theatre bar bouncer-actor to acting classes at the Stella Adler Academy, to early roles that took him to the pinnacle of TV, film, and stage stardom. You’ll hear how Greg went from working as an “extra” on The Harrad Experiment—where he and Suzanne first met—and how dedication to learning his craft eventually led to guest starring roles on TV shows like Barnaby Jones, Wonder Woman, and M*A*S*H.   Greg’s lifelong love of surfing was used to great advantage when he played “Chandler” in the iconic North Shore...a role that established him as both an actor and as a true “water man.” But it was his starring role in Universal’s Logan’s Run alongside actress Heather Menzies that truly propelled Greg into the pantheon of leading men. Greg’s enthusiasm for acting is obvious as he recalls his role in Centennial and the experience of co-starring in the landmark series Trapper John, M.D. It’s a wide-ranging conversation as Greg and Bob share “notes” about Greg’s role of “Michael Sharpe” on the last season of Falcon Crest, which leads to Greg’s thoughts about the state of film and television acting today. With hundreds of television, movie, and legitimate theatre performances to his credit (The Gathering, The Women’s Room, Dark Skies, Au Pair, CSI, Rizzoli & Isles, Fair Haven), Greg Harrison’s career is the reflection of a man who is far more than just an actor or a “Hollywood celebrity.” He’s also an award-winning theatrical producer (more than 60 plays) and as the driving force behind his Catalina Productions. A devoted family man—he’s married to Chips star Randi Oakes—Greg Harrison has achieved unparalleled success on every level. In this interview, you’ll learn that it’s all come as the product of intelligence, discipline, creative instincts, and hard work. Greg share’s his insights about the craft, career, and business of acting, revealing a man of many dimensions continuing to carry his talent and celebrity with exceptional grace.

#40 - Greg Evigan

Actor Greg Evigan—best known as the star of the hit TV shows B.J. and the Bear and My Two Dads—has an intimate conversation with Bob & Suzanne that reveals a singular talent and a genuine commitment for all things “showbiz”. B.J. and the Bear: stardom! Greg shares his experiences as a fledgling actor and singer auditioning for Broadway’s Jesus Christ Superstar while still in high school.  He talks about “heading to Hollywood” to make it as an actor, only to find the struggle frustrating and creatively unrewarding.  You’ll hear about the day he had his car packed up, ready to hit the road and head back home, when he got a fateful call from a casting director who pleaded with him to go on just one last audition.  Maybe it was because he had practically given up “caring” about Hollywood, but that off-the-cuff persona of his won him the role of “B.J. McKay” in what would become a major NBC-TV series watched by millions of viewers every week, B.J. and the Bear.  Greg Evigan soon found himself becoming an international “teen idol” and an in-demand actor with all the unpredictable realities faced by anyone seeking a career in Hollywood. A consummate musician and vocalist, Greg wrote and performed the hit TV show theme songs for My Two Dads, P.S. I Luv U, and B.J. and the Bear. Throughout the podcast, you’ll hear cuts of Greg singing You Can Count on Me, Talk to Me, and Slow Down. Greg Evigan remains a genuine “leading man” with an active performing and recording career.  You’ll find inspiration and wisdom as he tells a candid tale of navigating a dynamic Hollywood career landscape.  It's a great story you won’t want to miss!

#36 - Talent Manager Barry Katz

Barry Katz is Hollywood’s premier talent manager, with a client list that reads like The Hollywood Walk of Fame. In this intimate conversation, you’ll hear how Elvis Presley was a factor in developing Barry’s amazing work ethic…and how, even as a child, his creative instincts and empathetic nature made him the “everything’s gonna be okay guy”.     As you listen to Barry talk, you’ll come to know firsthand and intimately the remarkable character of Barry Katz, a thought leader and entertainment industry icon like no other. This is a compelling conversation with a unique, gifted guy and a talent manager like none other in Hollywood. If you're an actor, a comic, a writer, a director, a producer...or just have those "Hollywood Dreams," you don’t want to miss this one.

#48 - Casting Director Lisa London

Lisa London joins Bob & Suzanne and delivers a message every actor needs to hear! Lisa is the daughter of Jerry London, one of Hollywood’s legendary television directors.  She grew up on her dad’s sets surrounded by major Hollywood stars. It was there that she found her show business inspiration. In her teens, Lisa realized she had a unique instinct for spotting talent.  After working as a production assistant, she landed an apprenticeship with Lynn Stalmaster and Toni Howard, two of Hollywood's most legendary casting directors.  In classic work-your-way-up-from-the-bottom Hollywood fashion, Lisa ultimately joined with Catherine Stroud to build London-Stroud Casting, now a respected resource for studios, directors, and producers who are looking for the “special someone.” After more than two decades casting for major studios like Sony Pictures, 20th Century Fox, Adam Sandler’s Happy Madison Productions, as well as for every major broadcast network, London-Stroud has been consistently responsible for discovering young acting talent and putting them on the road to stardom.  It was Lisa’s keen eye for talent that tapped Myley Cyrus for her showbiz debut as Hanna Montana, cast Jennifer Aniston in her first feature film, and brought superstars like Emma Stone, Mark Ruffalo, Jonah Hill, and Selena Gomez to the public’s attention. In this interview, you’ll hear how Lisa came to write From Start to Stardom – The Casting Director’s Guide for Aspiring Actors, a serious step-by-step roadmap to breaking into and thriving in the Hollywood acting scene.  She also talks about the realities of casting sessions and the necessity to “make a choice” as an actor, and shares her tips for a successful professional audition. If you’ve ever dreamed of an acting career…if you truly want that starring role…you’ll want to hear Lisa London as she shares her passion.