Hollywood Obsessed

In Part Two of this unforgettable conversation, Robert Hays takes listeners deep inside the making of the comedy masterpiece “Airplane!” and its sequel “Airplane II: The Sequel.” Robert discusses the acclaimed book “Surely You Can't Be Serious: The True Story of Airplane!” and shares fascinating stories about landing the role of Ted Striker. He explains why the filmmakers intentionally cast dramatic actors instead of comedians, leading to unforgettable performances from legends like Leslie Nielsen, Robert Stack, Lloyd Bridges, and Peter Graves.

Robert also reveals incredible behind-the-scenes details about some of the film’s most iconic moments, including the famous jive-talk scenes with Barbara Billingsley, the elaborate dance parody inspired by “Saturday Night Fever,” and the chaos of filming the legendary cockpit sequences while trying not to break character laughing. He shares hilarious memories of working with Leslie Nielsen and his infamous fart machine, meeting Ethel Merman on set, and the exhausting practical effects used during the film’s outrageous spoof of “From Here to Eternity.”

The episode also explores the overnight success of “Airplane!” and how Robert’s life changed almost instantly after the film became a massive hit. He recalls seeing the movie with a packed audience at the legendary Westwood Village Theatre, realizing audiences were embracing the film in a way no one expected, and even being recognized by Shirley MacLaine shortly after its release. Robert opens up about navigating sudden movie stardom, the cancellation of “Angie,” and choosing projects simply because they sounded fun — including “Take This Job and Shove It”.

Finally, Robert reflects on later chapters of his career, including making “Airplane II: The Sequel,” working with William Shatner, and starring in the beloved sci-fi series “Starman”. He also shares stories from filming “Sharknado 2: The Second One,” revisiting the original “Airplane” cockpit set decades later, and why he remains deeply grateful that audiences still cherish “Airplane” all these years later.

ROBERT HAYS
Actor Robert Hays began his career in theatre, performing in plays like Richard III and The Glass Menagerie at the famous Old Globe Theatre in San Diego. After spending several years in the theatre, he moved to Hollywood to pursue his career in film and television. He first appeared on television in series such as Marcus Welby, M.D., Wonder Woman, Laverne & Shirley and Angie. He made his feature-film debut in the landmark comedy AIRPLANE! (1980), starring as Ted Striker, the traumatized former pilot who must land the plane when the flight crew gets struck by food poisoning. He later reprised his role as Ted Striker in Airplane II: The Sequel (1982). 
 
After the massive success of AIRPLANE!, Hays went on to star in many feature films including Take This Job and Shove It (1981), Trenchcoat (1983), Stephen King’s Cat’s Eye (1985), Fifty/Fifty (1992), Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993), Homeward Bound 2: Lost in San Francisco (1996), Robert Altman’s Dr. T and the Women (2000) and Alex in Wonder (2001), which he also produced.    He starred in over 20 made-for-TV movies like NBC’s Mister Roberts (1984), CBS’ Murder by the Book (1987) and Lifetime’s The Abduction (1996). He also had a surprise appearance in Sharknado II. Hays also had numerous guest appearances on various television shows including Touched by an Angel, Promised Land and That ‘70s Show, and he starred in the series Starman, FM, Cutters and Kelly Kelly.
 
Robert Hays Website – https://www.roberthays.me 
 
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Music by⁠⁠ ⁠QubeSounds⁠⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠

In Part One of this entertaining and nostalgic conversation, Robert Hays takes listeners on a journey through his remarkable life and career — from growing up as a self-described “Marine brat” constantly moving around the world, to becoming one of television and film’s most recognizable stars. Robert opens up about spending his childhood in Turkey, struggling with shyness, becoming a class clown to fit in, and dreaming his way through school while staring out classroom windows imagining something bigger.

Robert also reflects on his unconventional road into acting, including living in an old bus while attending college in California, discovering his passion for performance at Grossmont College, and studying at the legendary Old Globe Theatre. Along the way, he shares hilarious memories of surfing trips to Baja with longtime friend and roommate David Leisure — and how the two eventually reunited onscreen in the comedy classic “Airplane!.”

The conversation also dives deep into Robert’s television career, including memorable appearances on “Laverne & Shirley” and “Wonder Woman” alongside Lynda Carter and Debra Winger. Robert shares wonderful behind-the-scenes stories from his hit sitcom “Angie,” including his close friendship with Donna Pescow, hilarious on-set Popeye impressions that constantly broke her character, and memories of working with legends like Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman.

Finally, Robert recalls the exhausting but thrilling period when he filmed “Airplane!” during the hiatus between seasons of “Angie” — racing back and forth between soundstages while running on almost no sleep. He shares what it felt like watching the film become an unexpected cultural phenomenon despite mixed reviews from critics, and why audiences instantly connected with the movie’s outrageous humor. Packed with warmth, humor, and incredible behind-the-scenes stories, this episode offers a fascinating look at the life and career of one of Hollywood’s most beloved stars.

ROBERT HAYS
Actor Robert Hays began his career in theatre, performing in plays like Richard III and The Glass Menagerie at the famous Old Globe Theatre in San Diego. After spending several years in the theatre, he moved to Hollywood to pursue his career in film and television. He first appeared on television in series such as Marcus Welby, M.D., Wonder Woman, Laverne & Shirley and Angie. He made his feature-film debut in the landmark comedy AIRPLANE! (1980), starring as Ted Striker, the traumatized former pilot who must land the plane when the flight crew gets struck by food poisoning. He later reprised his role as Ted Striker in Airplane II: The Sequel (1982). 
 
After the massive success of AIRPLANE!, Hays went on to star in many feature films including Take This Job and Shove It (1981), Trenchcoat (1983), Stephen King’s Cat’s Eye (1985), Fifty/Fifty (1992), Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993), Homeward Bound 2: Lost in San Francisco (1996), Robert Altman’s Dr. T and the Women (2000) and Alex in Wonder (2001), which he also produced.    He starred in over 20 made-for-TV movies like NBC’s Mister Roberts (1984), CBS’ Murder by the Book (1987) and Lifetime’s The Abduction (1996). He also had a surprise appearance in Sharknado II. Hays also had numerous guest appearances on various television shows including Touched by an Angel, Promised Land and That ‘70s Show, and he starred in the series Starman, FM, Cutters and Kelly Kelly.
 
Robert Hays Website – https://www.roberthays.me 
 
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In Part Two of my conversation with legendary stuntman Peter Kent, the action—and the laughs—kick into high gear. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s longtime stunt double shares hilarious stories of the practical jokes he, Arnold, and fellow stuntman Sven-Ole Thorsen pulled on one another, including exploding fake cigars that left Arnold roaring in mock outrage. Their friendship was built on trust, laughter, and the kind of brotherly mischief that made life on set unforgettable.
 
Peter takes us behind the scenes of some of Arnold’s biggest blockbusters, including “Total Recall”, “True Lies”, “Predator”, “Commando” and “Terminator 2: Judgement Day”. From intense stunt training to performing the iconic motorcycle sequence in T2, Peter reveals what it really took to bring those legendary action moments to life. He also shares the not-so-glamorous side of stunt work—including spending hours trapped inside the dreaded “Arnold mask.”
 
But it wasn’t all adrenaline and movie magic. Peter recounts the terrifying on-set accident during the filming of “Eraser” when a three-ton shipping container nearly killed him. It’s a gripping story of survival that ultimately changed the course of his life and career, forcing him to rethink everything.
 
From launching a new acting career in Canada to founding a stunt school, creating the hit behind-the-scenes TV series “Stuntdawgs” for Discovery Channel, and being inducted into the Hollywood Stuntmen Hall of Fame, Peter’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. It’s a thrilling, funny, and inspiring conclusion to an extraordinary two-part conversation with one of Hollywood’s true unsung heroes.

PETER KENT 
Peter Kent is a Canadian actor, stuntman, writer, producer, and director whose life and career have been defined by adventure, resilience, and reinvention. Born in North Vancouver, British Columbia, he grew up along the rugged Seymour River, where a fearless childhood filled with rapids, towering trees, and daredevil exploits laid the foundation for his extraordinary path.

After surviving several serious car accidents in the early 1980s—one of which left him bearing a striking resemblance to Arnold Schwarzenegger—Peter’s life took a dramatic turn. In 1983, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue a film career, and within six months landed the opportunity of a lifetime: becoming Schwarzenegger’s stunt double on “THE TERMINATOR.” That role launched a remarkable 13-year partnership.

Peter went on to double Schwarzenegger in 14 films, including “TRUE LIES”, “TOTAL RECALL,” “PREDATOR” and “T2: JUDGEMENT DAY.” Their professional relationship grew into a close friendship, with Peter also serving as Schwarzenegger’s workout partner, ski companion, chef, confidant, and dialogue coach. His deep understanding of action filmmaking later inspired a successful writing career, including multiple screenplays and his acclaimed memoir, “STAND OR FALL: Autobiography of a Stuntman.

After returning to Vancouver, Peter expanded his work as an actor, writer, producer, and director. He created the award-winning television series “STUNTDAWGS”, founded ARK (Actors Reading for Kids), and established Peter Kent’s School of Hard Knocks to mentor aspiring stunt performers. Inducted into the Hollywood Stuntmen’s Hall of Fame in 2009, Peter continues to inspire others while sharing life with his wife, Marcia, and their twin sons, Ryder and Hunter.
 
Peter Kent Website – https://www.peterhkent.com  
 
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Music by⁠⁠ ⁠QubeSounds⁠⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠

In Part One of my captivating conversation with legendary stuntman and actor Peter Kent, you’ll hear how a small-town kid from Vancouver somehow found himself in the middle of Hollywood history. Best known as Arnold Schwarzenegger’s longtime stunt double and stand-in, Peter looks back on a career so unbelievable, even he admits he never would have believed it himself. One minute he was chasing a dream in Los Angeles, and the next, he was on the set of “The Terminator”, launching an extraordinary adventure.
 
Peter shares the wild journey that brought him there—from working as a salmon fisherman, sawmill laborer, and nightclub bouncer to surviving a devastating car accident that nearly took his life. After being rebuilt—quite literally—he found himself looking a little more like Arnold than ever before. It’s a story of resilience, reinvention, and a few astonishing twists of fate that seem almost too cinematic to be true.
 
You’ll also hear the unforgettable story of how Peter met Arnold for the very first time on the dark, late-night set of “The Terminator”. What began with Arnold joking that Peter was “too tall” quickly turned into one of Hollywood’s most enduring friendships. Their bond grew into far more than a professional partnership—Arnold would eventually call Peter his “idiot brother,” a nickname that perfectly captures their hilarious and heartfelt connection.
 
From grueling overnight shoots with visionary director James Cameron to practical jokes, on-set adventures, and behind-the-scenes stories that are simply priceless, this episode is packed with unforgettable moments. It’s a fascinating, funny, and inspiring look at the making of movie magic—and the remarkable friendship at the heart of it all.

PETER KENT 

Peter Kent is a Canadian actor, stuntman, writer, producer, and director whose life and career have been defined by adventure, resilience, and reinvention. Born in North Vancouver, British Columbia, he grew up along the rugged Seymour River, where a fearless childhood filled with rapids, towering trees, and daredevil exploits laid the foundation for his extraordinary path.

After surviving several serious car accidents in the early 1980s—one of which left him bearing a striking resemblance to Arnold Schwarzenegger—Peter’s life took a dramatic turn. In 1983, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue a film career, and within six months landed the opportunity of a lifetime: becoming Schwarzenegger’s stunt double on “THE TERMINATOR.” That role launched a remarkable 13-year partnership.

Peter went on to double Schwarzenegger in 14 films, including “TRUE LIES”, “TOTAL RECALL,” “PREDATOR” and “T2: JUDGEMENT DAY.” Their professional relationship grew into a close friendship, with Peter also serving as Schwarzenegger’s workout partner, ski companion, chef, confidant, and dialogue coach. His deep understanding of action filmmaking later inspired a successful writing career, including multiple screenplays and his acclaimed memoir, “STAND OR FALL: Autobiography of a Stuntman.

After returning to Vancouver, Peter expanded his work as an actor, writer, producer, and director. He created the award-winning television series “STUNTDAWGS”, founded ARK (Actors Reading for Kids), and established Peter Kent’s School of Hard Knocks to mentor aspiring stunt performers. Inducted into the Hollywood Stuntmen’s Hall of Fame in 2009, Peter continues to inspire others while sharing life with his wife, Marcia, and their twin sons, Ryder and Hunter.
 
Peter Kent Website – https://www.peterhkent.com  
 
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Music by⁠⁠ ⁠QubeSounds⁠⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠

In Part Two of my conversation with Sarah Douglas—the unforgettable Ursa from “Superman: The Movie” and “Superman II”—we dive deeper into the legacy of the film and the people behind it. Sarah reflects on Christopher Reeve, both as Superman and as a real-life hero, sharing thoughtful insights into his dedication and intensity, along with the surprising realization that she never truly knew him off-camera. She also opens up about working with legends like Marlon Brando and Gene Hackman, offering candid, often funny memories that reveal the very different dynamics she had with each.

She takes listeners behind the scenes of the “Superman” films—from long hours in the makeup chair to the physical demands of those iconic flying sequences, and the toll they sometimes took. The conversation then shifts to her move into American television, where she made a memorable splash on “Falcon Crest,” fully embracing her “bad girl” persona during the golden age of primetime soaps. Along the way, she shares great stories from that era, including a fun Hollywood moment with Kathleen Turner, and how it led to more fan-favorite roles like “V: The Final Battle.”

From there, Sarah reflects on her film work in “Conan the Destroyer” with Arnold Schwarzenegger and “The Return of Swamp Thing” with Louis Jourdan, sharing entertaining behind-the-scenes stories while also discussing the realities of typecasting and her desire to expand beyond villain roles. She closes with thoughts on her later career, including “A Christmas Prince,” and reflects on legacy, gratitude, and her lasting connection with fans. It’s a candid, funny, and heartfelt conversation that delivers even more than you expect—and a perfect follow-up to Part One.

SARAH DOUGLAS

When you hear the name Sarah Douglas, most people immediately think of her unforgettable turn as Ursa in Superman: The Movie and Superman II—a role that launched her onto the international stage. From Stratford-upon-Avon to Hollywood, she built a dynamic career across film and television, with standout appearances in Conan the Destroyer alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger, The Return of Swamp Thing, and hit series like V: The Final Battle, Stargate SG-1, Babylon 5, Remington Steele, and Magnum, P.I.. Her voice work further showcases her range, with credits in Batman, Green Lantern, and Doctor Who.

Raised in a theatrical environment, Douglas trained at the prestigious Rose Bruford College and performed with the National Youth Theatre before making her film debut in The Final Programme. She quickly gained recognition on British television, earning a leading role in The Brute, before breaking into cult cinema with The People That Time Forgot. That performance led to her casting as Ursa after an intense audition process, beginning a three-year journey on the Superman films that included global promotion and cemented her place in cinematic history.

After Superman II, Douglas relocated to the United States—what was meant to be a short stay turned into a thriving Hollywood career. She became a familiar face during the golden age of primetime soaps with Falcon Crest, alongside contemporaries like Dallas and Dynasty, and continued to build a strong presence in film and sci-fi television. In the years since, she has expanded into character-driven roles and voice acting, while continuing to connect with new audiences through projects like A Christmas Prince and appearances in Supergirl—proving her enduring appeal across generations.

Sarah Douglas Website – https://sarah-douglas.com 
 
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Music by⁠⁠ ⁠QubeSounds⁠⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠