Hollywood Obsessed

In Part Two of this fascinating conversation, writer, commentator, and activist James "Duke" Mason takes listeners on a deeply personal journey through one of Hollywood's most remarkable family legacies. Named after his legendary grandfather, screen icon James Mason, Duke reflects on the profound connection he feels to a man he never had the chance to meet and the mission he has embraced to preserve his grandfather's legacy for future generations.

From childhood screenings of “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea,” “A Star Is Born,” & “Julius Caesar” to introducing classic film screenings across Los Angeles, Duke shares how classic cinema helped shape his identity. He also recounts unforgettable encounters with Hollywood royalty, including emotional conversations with Lorna Luft, daughter of Judy Garland, and the treasured family keepsakes that continue to keep his grandfather's memory alive more than 40 years after his passing.

The conversation also shines a spotlight on Duke's colorful grandmother, Pamela Mason—actress, author, television personality, &one of old Hollywood's most unforgettable characters. He shares hilarious and surprising family stories involving glamorous Beverly Hills parties, legendary guests, and recently discovered home movies that capture Pamela's razor-sharp wit and unconventional spirit.

He also discuss the forthcoming James Mason biography, his own career as a writer and political commentator, and his passion for honoring his family's extraordinary history while forging his own path.  This captivating interview is a must-listen for movie lovers and Hollywood history fans alike.

JAMES DUKE MASON
 
James "Duke" Mason is a writer, advocate, political commentator, and podcast host whose life has been shaped by both public service and entertainment history. The only child of singer Belinda Carlisle and film producer/former White House official Morgan Mason, he is also the only grandchild of legendary actor James Mason and media personality Pamela Mason. Born in Los Angeles and raised partly in Europe, Duke came out at age 14 while attending an international school in France, where he became the school's first openly gay student council president. He later returned to the United States to pursue studies in political science before dedicating himself to advocacy and public service.

Recognized as one of the most influential young LGBTQ+ voices in America, Duke was named to The Advocate's "Forty Under 40" list and OUT Magazine's prestigious "Out 100." He has appeared on programs including Dr. Phil, Nancy Grace, and Politicking with Larry King, worked on the presidential campaigns of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, served on the Board of Directors of Outfest, and twice ran for West Hollywood City Council. Throughout his career, he has remained a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ equality and civic engagement.

In addition to his political work, Duke has built a successful career as a writer and commentator, contributing to publications including The Hollywood Reporter, Billboard, The Advocate, OUT Magazine, The Huffington Post, and Mediaite. He also hosts the podcast Duke's Download and recently appeared in MTV's docuseries My Family Legacy, where he celebrated the enduring impact of his mother, Belinda Carlisle. Today, Duke continues to balance writing, advocacy, media appearances, and political consulting while carrying forward one of Hollywood's most fascinating family legacies.
 
James “Duke” Mason Facebook –  https://www.facebook.com/JamesDukeMason/
 
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

What’s it like growing up with a rock star mom, a politically connected father, and Hollywood royalty in your family tree? In Part One of this captivating conversation, writer, commentator, and activist James "Duke" Mason pulls back the curtain on a remarkable life. The son of pop icon Belinda Carlisle and grandson of legendary actor James Mason, Duke shares heartfelt, funny, and inspiring stories about family, identity, politics, and finding his own voice.

Duke opens up about coming out at just 14 years old, the film that changed his life, and the journey his parents took from surprise to unwavering support. He also discusses the meaningful work he and his mother have done with PFLAG and how sharing their story has helped other families navigate similar experiences.

Tony and Duke also dive into his extraordinary upbringing—from living in the French countryside to touring the world with The Go-Go's. Duke recalls growing up backstage with the band members he affectionately called his "aunts," witnessing their recent resurgence, and sharing unforgettable memories from life on the road.

Along the way, you'll hear the incredible story of how a psychic predicted his parents' marriage before they even met, why the "Mad About You" video still moves him, and how a “Black Mirror“ episode introduced a new generation to his mother's music. Funny, touching, and filled with fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, this is a conversation about family, pride, legacy, and forging your own path in the shadow of fame.

JAMES DUKE MASON

James "Duke" Mason is a writer, advocate, political commentator, and podcast host whose life has been shaped by both public service and entertainment history. The only child of singer Belinda Carlisle and film producer/former White House official Morgan Mason, he is also the only grandchild of legendary actor James Mason and media personality Pamela Mason. Born in Los Angeles and raised partly in Europe, Duke came out at age 14 while attending an international school in France, where he became the school's first openly gay student council president. He later returned to the United States to pursue studies in political science before dedicating himself to advocacy and public service.

Recognized as one of the most influential young LGBTQ+ voices in America, Duke was named to The Advocate's "Forty Under 40" list and OUT Magazine's prestigious "Out 100." He has appeared on programs including Dr. Phil, Nancy Grace, and Politicking with Larry King, worked on the presidential campaigns of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, served on the Board of Directors of Outfest, and twice ran for West Hollywood City Council. Throughout his career, he has remained a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ equality and civic engagement.

In addition to his political work, Duke has built a successful career as a writer and commentator, contributing to publications including The Hollywood Reporter, Billboard, The Advocate, OUT Magazine, The Huffington Post, and Mediaite. He also hosts the podcast Duke's Download and recently appeared in MTV's docuseries My Family Legacy, where he celebrated the enduring impact of his mother, Belinda Carlisle. Today, Duke continues to balance writing, advocacy, media appearances, and political consulting while carrying forward one of Hollywood's most fascinating family legacies.
 
James “Duke” Mason Facebook –  https://www.facebook.com/JamesDukeMason/
 
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

In Part Two of my conversation with acclaimed novelist, playwright, essayist, and screenwriter Paul Rudnick, we dive into his remarkable Hollywood career and the surprising chain of events that led him from NYC theater to major motion pictures. Paul shares how legendary producer Scott Rudin gave him his first big break on “The Addams Family”, introducing him to the world of screenwriting and script doctoring. Along the way, he reveals what it really means to rewrite a screenplay, why listening to actors can sometimes produce the best ideas.

Paul also tells the incredible behind-the-scenes story of “Sister Act”, which he originally conceived as a starring vehicle for Bette Midler. From an overnight sale to Disney to years of development chaos, firings, rewrites, convent visits, and creative battles, Paul recounts the long journey that eventually turned the film into a worldwide hit. He explains why he chose the pseudonym "Joseph Howard" for the finished movie and laughs about seeing Broadway marquees that still credit the show's origins to a name he invented on the spot. He also reflects on the enduring popularity of “Addams Family Values”, and why the film has become an unlikely Thanksgiving classic.

The conversation then turns to “Jeffrey”, the groundbreaking comedy that became both an acclaimed play and an independent feature film. Paul shares hilarious and heartfelt stories about working with Patrick Stewart, Nathan Lane, Steven Weber, Sigourney Weaver, and Bryan Batt, as well as the challenges of adapting his own work from stage to screen. He discusses filming across New York City with limited resources, the sense of community that surrounded the project during the AIDS crisis, and why the film remains an important time capsule of a pivotal era in American culture.

Finally, Paul reflects on other notable projects including “The First Wives Club”, “The Devil Wears Prada”, “The Stepford Wives”, HBO's “Coastal Elites”, and “Isn't She Great.” He also introduces his brand-new novel, “The Tuxedo Society”—a thrilling, funny, and stylish gay espionage adventure inspired by everything from James Bond and Jason Bourne to Mission: Impossible.

PAUL RUDNICK

Paul Rudnick is a novelist, playwright, essayist and screenwriter, whom The New York Times has called, “one of our pre-eminent humorists.” His plays have been produced both on and off Broadway and around the world, and include “I Hate Hamlet” “Jeffrey”, “The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told”, “Valhalla”, Regrets Only” and “The New Century”. He has won an Obie Award, two Outer Critics Circle Awards and the John Gassner Playwrighting Award. His novels include “Farrell Covington And The Limits Of Style”, “What Is Wrong With You?”, “I’ll Take It”, “Playing The Palace” and “Social Disease”. He’s a regular contributor to The New Yorker and his articles and essays have appeared in The New York Times, Vogue, Esquire, Spy and Vanity Fair. 

HarperCollins has published both Mr. Rudnick’s “Collected Plays” and a group of essays entitled “I Shudder”. His essays have been included in The New Yorker anthologies ”Fierce Pajamas” and “Disquiet, Please”. Mr. Rudnick’s screenplays include “In & Out”, “Addams Family Values”, “Sister Act”, “Coastal Elites” and the film adaptation of “Jeffrey”. His Young Adult novels, “Gorgeous” and It’s All Your Fault”, have been published by Scholastic. . 

His new espionage thriller entitled “The Tuxedo Society" published in May of 2026 by Simon&Schuster.

Paul Rudnick Website – https://paulrudnick.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 ⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠

In Part One of my fascinating conversation with acclaimed novelist, playwright, essayist, & screenwriter Paul Rudnick, we travel back to his childhood in Piscataway, NJ, his years studying theater at Yale University, and his move to NYC, where he learned the realities of putting on a production while launching his career with “Poor Little Lambs,” featuring future stars Kevin Bacon, Bronson Pinchot, & Blanche Baker.

Paul also takes us inside the creation of some of his most beloved stage works, including “I Hate Hamlet,” inspired by the NY brownstone he moved into where legendary actor John Barrymore once lived. He recounts what really happened during the notoriously turbulent production starring Nicol Williamson. He also shares hilarious & heartfelt stories about working with extraordinary performers such as Christine Baranski, Linda Lavin, Anjelica Huston, Patrick Stewart, & Tom Selleck. Along the way, he offers a fascinating look at the magic, terror, and unpredictability of first script readings, where great actors often transform good material into something unforgettable.

The conversation also explores Paul's enduring admiration for comic actors, whom he considers among the most gifted performers in entertainment. From unforgettable cast read-throughs to star-studded Hollywood moments, Paul shares some fun behind-the-scenes stories.

Finally, Paul reflects on the groundbreaking success of “Jeffrey,” the award-winning comedy he wrote at the height of the AIDS crisis. He discusses the resistance the play initially faced, the courageous actors who took a chance on it, and how its unexpected Off-Broadway triumph changed both his career and his personal life. Filled with laughter, honesty, Hollywood history, & remarkable stories from one of America's sharpest comic writers, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

PAUL RUDNICK

Paul Rudnick is a novelist, playwright, essayist and screenwriter, whom The New York Times has called, “one of our pre-eminent humorists.” His plays have been produced both on and off Broadway and around the world, and include “I Hate Hamlet” “Jeffrey”, “The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told”, “Valhalla”, Regrets Only” and “The New Century”. He has won an Obie Award, two Outer Critics Circle Awards and the John Gassner Playwrighting Award. His novels include “Farrell Covington And The Limits Of Style”, “What Is Wrong With You?”, “I’ll Take It”, “Playing The Palace” and “Social Disease”. He’s a regular contributor to The New Yorker and his articles and essays have appeared in The New York Times, Vogue, Esquire, Spy and Vanity Fair. 

HarperCollins has published both Mr. Rudnick’s “Collected Plays” and a group of essays entitled “I Shudder”. His essays have been included in The New Yorker anthologies ”Fierce Pajamas” and “Disquiet, Please”. Mr Rudnick is rumored to be quite close to Premiere magazine’s film critic Libby Gelman-Waxner, whose collected columns were published by St. Martins under the title If You Ask Me”. Mr. Rudnick’s screenplays include “In & Out”, “Addams Family Values”, “Sister Act”, “Coastal Elites” and the film adaptation of “Jeffrey”. His Young Adult novels, “Gorgeous” and It’s All Your Fault”, have been published by Scholastic. Mr. Rudnick has appeared on the Today Show, Real Time with Bill Maher, Conan O’Brien, A Prairie Home Companion and Fresh Air, along with other programs & podcasts, and he appears in the documentary “The Celluloid Closet”. 

His new espionage thriller entitled “The Tuxedo Society” will be published in May of 2026 by Simon&Schuster.

Paul Rudnick Website – https://paulrudnick.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 ⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠

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 
 
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