Hollywood Obsessed

• Episode 110 - Talking Funny With “Empty Nest” Star David Leisure - Part 2

  In the second half of Tony's lively conversation with the hilarious David Leisure, the sitcom star shares unforgettable stories and insights from his time on “Empty Nest”. He discusses the valuable lessons he learned while working with veteran actor Richard Mulligan and explains how the chemistry with his co-stars Kristy McNichol and Dinah Manoff made their on-screen dynamic unforgettable. David also shares his experiences working alongside Dreyfuss, aka “Bear the Dog,” and gives insight into how sassy Park Overall could be off-screen. He reflects on his memorable appearance on “The Golden Girls,” where his character Charley appeared on “Jeopardy” with the ladies, and how he enjoyed flirting with all the Golden Girls on the studio lot. He recalls funny moments, including when Estelle Getty joined the “Empty Nest” cast after “The Golden Girls” ended and the occasional line slip-ups that made everyone laugh. As David looks back, he discusses the legacy of 90s sitcoms like “Empty Nest”, especially as the streaming era took over. He shares the emotional experience of filming the show’s final episode & reminisces about how the show changed after Kristy McNichol left, though it was amazing to have her return for the final two episodes. But it wasn’t just sitcoms that kept David busy! He dives into his iconic Joe Isuzu character, which he reprised for a new series of commercials and talks about his time on “The Goldbergs”, where he did a hilarious homage to “Airplane!”. He also reveals that he stays in touch with actor Robert Hays every month and enjoyed filming “The Brady Bunch Movie.” From his role as the teacher in charge of detention in “10 Things I Hate About You” with Julia Stiles & Heath Ledger to his work on “Days of Our Lives,” he shares the most challenging and funniest aspects of working on a daytime soap. David wraps up the conversation by reflecting on what he's currently working on, and it’s clear that he remains as passionate and full of energy as ever! DAVID LEISUREDavid Leisure is a versatile actor best known for his scene-stealing comedic roles, most notably as Charley Dietz on the beloved sitcom “Empty Nest”. He also gained widespread recognition as the mischievously deceptive “Joe Isuzu,” the fictional, fast-talking pitchman in a series of memorable Isuzu commercials that aired from 1986 to 1990, with a revival from 1999 to 2001.Born in San Diego, Leisure attended Grossmont High School, before continuing his education at San Diego State University. His knack for humor and charismatic presence quickly propelled him into a successful TV career, landing roles in an impressive array of popular shows. His extensive TV credits include “Sabrina, the Teenage Witch”, “Diagnosis: Murder”, “Touched by an Angel”, “The Wayans Bros.”, “Married... with Children”, “The Golden Girls”, “ALF”, “T.J. Hooker”, “Falcon Crest”, & many more.On the big screen, he made his mark early with a small but memorable role as the "First Krishna" in the cult-classic comedy “Airplane!” . He later appeared in “10 Things I Hate About You”  as a no-nonsense high school soccer coach & detention monitor. Leisure has continued to evolve as a performer, taking on roles in daytime television, including “The Young and the Restless”  & “Days of Our Lives” . His voice acting talents have also been put to use in animation, notably as Metus in “BIONICLE: The Legend Reborn”.Most recently, Leisure has appeared in television & film projects such as “The Goldbergs” , “Meet My Valentine” , and “Fame Game” , further solidifying his lasting presence in Hollywood.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 ⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠

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• Episode 109 – Talking Funny With “Empty Nest” Star David Leisure - Part 1

  In the latest episode of “Hollywood Obsessed”, host Tony Miros sits down with actor David Leisure, best known as Charley Dietz on the sitcom “Empty Nest” & the hilariously deceptive pitchman Joe Isuzu in the iconic ’80s & ’90s commercials.   David opens up about how humor became his defense mechanism against childhood bullying. Growing up in suburban San Diego as a “latchkey kid,” he found solace in old movies & Westerns. A dramatic weight loss in high school led him to join the drama club, where he discovered his passion for performing.   At San Diego University, David roomed with Robert Hays, his future “Airplane!” co-star. Though he dabbled in local theater, he never seriously considered Hollywood until after graduation. That changed when he moved to Los Angeles and landed his first big break—playing a Hare Krishna in “Airplane!” He shares behind-the-scenes stories from working with comedy legends like Leslie Nielsen and recalls his unexpected return in “Airplane 2: The Sequel”.   In the ’80s, his career took an unexpected turn with the wildly popular Joe Isuzu commercials. Despite their success, he was shocked by how many people recognized him from the ads and how difficult it was to break out of that character—until “Empty Nest” came along.   The sitcom’s backdoor pilot originally aired as an episode of “The Golden Girls”, starring Rita Moreno and Paul Dooley as a middle-aged couple dealing with empty nest syndrome. David played their annoying neighbor, Oliver, a role that later evolved into Charley. He shares a hilarious story about how Bea Arthur scared him to death on set and his complete shock when “Empty Nest” was picked up—especially since the pilot felt awkward. Initially slated for just a few episodes, Charley quickly became a fan favorite, earning David a regular spot for the show’s entire run.  DAVID LEISUREDavid Leisure is a versatile actor best known for his scene-stealing comedic roles, most notably as Charley Dietz on the beloved sitcom “Empty Nest”. He also gained widespread recognition as the mischievously deceptive “Joe Isuzu,” the fictional, fast-talking pitchman in a series of memorable Isuzu commercials that aired from 1986 to 1990, with a revival from 1999 to 2001.Born in San Diego, Leisure attended Grossmont High School, before continuing his education at San Diego State University. His knack for humor and charismatic presence quickly propelled him into a successful TV career, landing roles in an impressive array of popular shows. His extensive TV credits include “Sabrina, the Teenage Witch”, “Diagnosis: Murder”, “Touched by an Angel”, “The Wayans Bros.”, “Married... with Children”, “The Golden Girls”, “ALF”, “T.J. Hooker”, “Falcon Crest”, & many more.On the big screen, he made his mark early with a small but memorable role as the "First Krishna" in the cult-classic comedy “Airplane!” . He later appeared in “10 Things I Hate About You”  as a no-nonsense high school soccer coach & detention monitor. Leisure has continued to evolve as a performer, taking on roles in daytime television, including “The Young and the Restless”  and “Days of Our Lives” . His voice acting talents have also been put to use in animation, notably as Metus in “BIONICLE: The Legend Reborn”.Most recently, Leisure has appeared in television and film projects such as “The Goldbergs” , “Meet My Valentine” , and “Fame Game” , further solidifying his lasting presence in Hollywood.With a career spanning decades, David remains a beloved & enduring presence in Hollywood, known for his quick wit, comedic timing, and unforgettable characters. 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 ⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠

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• Episode 108 - Sharing Laughs with Emmy-Nominated TV Star Liz Torres - Part 2

  In the second half of Tony's engaging conversation with the vibrant Latina actress Liz Torres, she candidly shares her journey through the entertainment industry, reflecting on her challenging path to landing the role of Mahalia Sanchez on “The John Larroquette Show.”She opens up about the thrill of receiving nominations for two Primetime Emmy Awards, while also reminiscing about her friendship with Freddie Prinze, playfully recalling how he used to pilfer her jokes in his early days.Throughout her illustrious career, Liz has broken through barriers, creating opportunities for countless Latinos in the industry. She describes how she came to embody the beloved character of Miss Patty on "Gilmore Girls" and expresses her deep admiration for Amy Sherman-Palladino, lauding the brilliance of her scripts. She also reveals that the role of Miss Patty was initially intended for another actress! With warmth and nostalgia, Liz recounts her friendship with the legendary Ricardo Montalbán, including the unforgettable evening they first met during a performance at a banquet for his Latino artist organization, “Nosotros.” She also shares her experience working on the "Gilmore Girls: A Year In The Life” reunion, highlighting the camaraderie she built with Alexis Bledel and Lauren Graham.Even now, Liz’s vibrant career flourishes; she continues to sing and perform at benefit events, including a memorable performance at Barbra Streisand’s birthday celebration. Her passion for the arts extends to the gay men’s choir and her advocacy for AIDS organizations, making her a pioneer as the first celebrity to ally herself with the gay community. Liz notes with pride the significant rise in representation of Hispanic actors in television and film today. She imparts invaluable wisdom for aspiring actors eager to make their mark, closing with powerful insights about embracing every opportunity and the importance of never saying no. Liz Torres is not just a seasoned performer; she is an inspiring force in the entertainment world whose legacy continues to empower future generations.LIZ TORRESA native of the Bronx, Torres began her career in the late 1960s as a singer, performing in nightclubs and showcasing her soulful, resonant voice. Her undeniable talent led her to Broadway, where she appeared in notable productions such as "The Magic Show" and "The Ritz." Her breakthrough came when she was invited to appear on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson," marking her transition into TV & film.In addition to her regular appearances on 1970s TV variety shows Liz joined the cast of "Phyllis" (1975), starring Cloris Leachman, Torres made memorable guest appearances in popular TV shows such as "All in the Family," "The Love Boat," & "Hill Street Blues." She gained widespread recognition and earned multiple Emmy & Golden Globe nominations for her portrayal of Mahalia Sanchez in the hit series "The John Larroquette Show." She has continued to make guest appearances on popular series like "Ally McBeal" (1997), "The Nanny" (1993), "Quantum Leap" (1989), & "L.A. Law" (1986).  She is best remembered for her role as "Miss Patty" in the long-running series "Gilmore Girls" (2000). She has made numerous amusing appearances in comedies such as "Ugly Betty," "Desperate Housewives," "Devious Maids," & the Cuban-American sitcom "One Day at a Time."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 ⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠

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• Episode 107 - Sharing Laughs with Emmy-Nominated TV Star Liz Torres - Part 1

  In the latest episode of “Hollywood Obsessed,” host Tony Miros interviews the Emmy Award-nominated actress Liz Torres, who is best known for her role as Mahalia Sanchez in the comedy series “The John Larroquette Show” -- for which she received two Primetime Emmy and Golden Globe Award nominations. She is also known for playing the role of "Miss Patty"in the comedy-drama seriesGilmore Girls.During Tony's entertaining conversation with Liz, they discuss her experience growing up in New York City, including how she eventually received a star on the Walk of Fame in the Bronx. Liz reminisces about when her dad took her to see a Spanish-speaking movie as a child. She recalls attending school in Puerto Rico for a little while. She also shares how her aunt taught her to play the piano and reflects on the period after her father passed away when she was 17. During that year of mourning, her mother did not play any music in their home.During this difficult time Liz fell in love with the drama club at school and decided she wanted a career in theater. She attended NYU and later moved to Las Vegas to pursue her passion for musical theater. In the 1970s, she recorded an album and made an appearance on American Bandstand, where Dick Clark insisted she come on the show.She reveals that the Broadway show "The Ritz" was inspired by her life, although the playwright Terrence McNally initially wanted her to meet the investors. Ultimately, Rita Moreno took on the role of Googie Gomez, but Liz was able to perform it on Broadway when Rita was out sick. Liz also recounts meeting Bette Midler and how she landed a spot on "The Tonight Show," sharing memories of her first interaction with Johnny Carson.She describes how her role on “Phyllis” came to be and what it was like working with Cloris Leachman. Additionally, she reflects on her experience working with Carroll O'Connor on the classic sitcom "All in the Family," noting how the writers struggled to create material for her character. Liz speaks about her lifelong friendship with Sally Struthers and expresses her fondness for working with Marla Gibbs on her spin-off series from "The Jeffersons." To top it off, Liz tells a very funny story about how she became friends with Sherman Helmsley that you won't want to miss.LIZ TORRESA native of the Bronx, Torres began her career in the late 1960s as a singer, performing in nightclubs and showcasing her soulful, resonant voice. Her undeniable talent led her to Broadway, where she appeared in notable productions such as "The Magic Show" and "The Ritz." Her breakthrough came when she was invited to appear on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson," marking her transition into TV & film. In addition to her regular appearances on 1970s TV variety shows Liz joined the cast of "Phyllis" (1975), starring Cloris Leachman, Torres made memorable guest appearances in popular TV shows such as "All in the Family," "The Love Boat," & "Hill Street Blues." She gained widespread recognition and earned multiple Emmy & Golden Globe nominations for her portrayal of Mahalia Sanchez in the hit series "The John Larroquette Show." She has continued to make guest appearances on popular series like "Ally McBeal" (1997), "The Nanny" (1993), "Quantum Leap" (1989), & "L.A. Law" (1986).  She is best remembered for her role as "Miss Patty" in the long-running series "Gilmore Girls" (2000). She has made numerous amusing appearances in comedies such as "Ugly Betty," "Desperate Housewives," "Devious Maids," & the Cuban-American sitcom "One Day at a Time." 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 ⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠

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• Episode 106 – Dancing On The Edge With Legendary “West Side Story” Star Russ Tamblyn - Part 2

  In the second half of Tony's conversation with actor Russ Tamblyn, he reflects on receiving an Academy Award nomination for "Peyton Place." He shares experiences working with Elvis Presley in "Jailhouse Rock," discusses landing a role in "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" without knowing how to dance, and describes filming the iconic number "Goin' Courtin'" with Jane Powell. He shares his experience working with Jerome Robbins on "West Side Story," emphasizing how strict Robbins was with the dancers. He recalls filming the prologue on the streets of New York and mentions that he developed shin splints from dancing on the asphalt. He remembers how hot it was in NYC that summer and recounts how they began to do a rain dance on set, surprising everyone when it actually started to rain. Additionally, he reflects on his astonishment when Robbins was fired from the project. Although he was initially concerned, he later felt relieved because Robbins had stated at the start of the shoot that there would be no tumbling in the film. After Robbins was let go, they allowed him to incorporate some tumbling into his dance numbers. He discusses the tension between Natalie Wood and Richard Beymer on the set of “West Side Story” and shares his joy in playing Riff. He recalls attending the film's premiere, where Fred Astaire praised his dancing, and describes having his hands and footprints enshrined at the Chinese Theater with Rita Moreno and George Chakiris. He also highlights his enduring friendship with Chakiris, which has grown through attending autograph conventions together. Russ discusses his initial hesitation to take on a role in "The Haunting," but he ultimately found it to be one of his favorite performances. He expresses confusion about the unexpected popularity of his film "The War of the Gargantuas," which he initially thought would go unnoticed but has instead become a cult classic. Russ believes"Twin Peaks" was destined to be a major hit on television. He recounts meeting David Lynch at Dennis Hopper's birthday party, and a year later, Lynch contacted him to play the role of Dr. Jacoby in his new TV series. He admits he was shocked when "Twin Peaks" was canceled after just two seasons, but he was thrilled to be asked to reprise his character in the "Twin Peaks" revival, "The Return." He also talks about continuing to work on various projects, such as "The Haunting of Hill House" for Netflix.RUSS TAMBLYNRuss’ career as an actor, dancer, choreographer, director & artist has spanned nearly eight decades. He was born & raised in Los Angeles, he trained as a gymnast in his youth, and began his career as a child actor for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. He appeared in the musical “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” (1954), subsequently portrayed Norman Page in the drama “Peyton Place” (1957), for which he earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor and in “West Side Story” (1961), he portrayed Riff, the leader of the Jets gang.His television credits include dancing on the “Ed Sullivan Show” and guest-starring roles in various shows, including “Gunsmoke”, “Babylon 5”, “Quantum Leap”, and “Nash Bridges”. But he is most remembered for his performance as ‘Dr. Jacoby’ in the landmark TV series “Twin Peaks”. He later reprised his role in David Lynch’s final series – “Twin Peaks The Return”. In 2024, he completed a 24 year writing project – his memoir, “Dancing on the Edge.“. Russ Tamblyn Official Website - ⁠https://russtamblyn.com⁠Russ's Book "Dancing On The Edge" -⁠https://www.blackstonepublishing.com/products/book-gh2i⁠The Official Hollywood Obsessed Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.hollywoodobsessedthepodcast.com/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow the Official Hollywood Obsessed Facebook Page – ⁠⁠⁠⁠HOLLYWOOD OBSESSED PODCAST⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow our Instagram - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/hollywoodobsessedpodcast/⁠⁠Titles VO Talent – Cam Frierson - ⁠⁠⁠http://camfrierson.com/voice⁠Music by⁠⁠ ⁠⁠QubeSounds⁠⁠⁠ ⁠from ⁠⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠⁠

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