Hollywood Obsessed

Now that we’ve heard about Don Stroud’s incredible journey from the beaches of Hawaii to Hollywood, the story continues with one of his most iconic films, “The Amityville Horror.” Don recalls working with Rod Steiger and Margot Kidder —and reveals what it was really like behind the scenes of the horror classic. He also shares stories from “Murder, She Wrote,” “Mrs. Columbo,” “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia,” ”Mike Hammer,” and “Hawaii Five-O,” including his friendship with Jack Lord and the unforgettable experience of working with Stacy Keach.

Don also opens up about returning to Hawaii to film “Gidget,” reconnecting with the legendary surfers who helped shape his life, and the special bond he had with the Hawaiian beach boys who looked out for him when he was young. He talks about his parents—his father a vaudeville performer and his mother a blues singer who toured with Frank Sinatra and Bob Hope—and how his unlikely path from surfing and playing bongos eventually led him to Universal Studios and a career in Hollywood.

Then comes James Bond! Don takes us behind the scenes of “License to Kill,” working with Timothy Dalton and Benicio del Toro, and recalls attending the film’s New York premiere. He also shares the frightening story of being stabbed while trying to help a woman being attacked in Greenwich Village—and how the scar that nearly ended his career ultimately became part of his screen persona.

And finally, Don reflects on the later chapter of his career, including his memorable appearance in Quentin Tarantino’s “Django Unchained.” From nearly thinking Tarantino’s phone call was a prank to walking onto the set and feeling right at home, Don explains why working with Tarantino was such a special experience—and why he considers the legendary director one of the most important people in his career. It’s another wild, unforgettable ride through the life of one of Hollywood’s great character actors.

Don Stroud

Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, Stroud began surfing at age three, earned a black belt in Kajukenbo at 16, and at 17 won the Mākaha Junior Championship and placed fourth in the prestigious Duke Kahanamoku International competition. His path to Hollywood began while working as a lifeguard at the Kahala Hilton, where he was hired to double for Troy Donahue on Hawaiian Eye. Donahue encouraged him to move to Los Angeles, where Stroud worked as his fight double and bodyguard.

A chance meeting with Sidney Poitier at Hollywood’s Whisky a Go-Go led to an introduction to legendary agent Dick Clayton and launched Stroud’s acting career. He made his film debut in Games (1967) and quickly became a familiar face, often portraying tough guys and villains. His extensive film credits include Coogan’s Bluff, Joe Kidd, Bloody Mama, Von Richthofen and Brown, Murph the Surf, Death Weekend, The Killer Inside Me, The Buddy Holly Story, The Amityville Horror, Licence to Kill, and Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained.

Stroud has also enjoyed an equally prolific television career, appearing in more than 200 shows, including Hawaii Five-O, Barnaby Jones, Charlie’s Angels, Starsky & Hutch, The Streets of San Francisco, Mrs. Columbo, Mickey Spillane’s Mike Hammer, Nash Bridges, Pensacola: Wings of Gold, and Magnum P.I. He also showcased his musical talent in The Buddy Holly Story, performing the drums live for the film’s concert sequences.

After decades in Hollywood, Stroud eventually returned to his beloved Hawaii while continuing to work in film and television.

Don Stroud Official Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/don.stroud.136329
 
Hollywood Obsessed Podcast Website - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.hollywoodobsessedthepodcast.com/ ⁠⁠ ⁠  
 
Hollywood Obsessed Facebook Page – ⁠⁠⁠HOLLYWOOD OBSESSED PODCAST⁠⁠⁠ 
 
Hollywood Obsessed Podcast Instagram - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/hollywoodobsessedpodcast/⁠ 
 
Titles VO Talent – Cam Frierson - ⁠⁠http://camfrierson.com/voice
 
Music by⁠⁠ ⁠QubeSounds⁠⁠⁠  from ⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠

On the latest episode of Hollywood Obsessed, Tony Miros sits down with legendary character actor Don Stroud for a fascinating and often jaw-dropping trip through one of Hollywood’s most unconventional careers. Long before he was appearing alongside Clint Eastwood, Robert De Niro and Gary Busey, Don was a young surfer growing up in Hawaii, where the ocean—and a chance encounter on the set of the classic TV series “Hawaiian Eye”—would unexpectedly put him on the path to Hollywood.
 
After moving to Los Angeles, he found himself working as a bouncer at the legendary Whisky a Go Go, rubbing shoulders with some of the biggest names in rock music. Before long, a chance meeting with Sidney Poitier helped open the door to acting, eventually leading to a Universal Studios contract and a seemingly endless string of TV and film roles.
 
Don shares great behind-the-scenes stories about working with Clint Eastwood on “Coogan’s Bluff” & “Joe Kidd,” Shelley Winters and Robert De Niro on “Bloody Mama,” and Gary Busey on “The Buddy Holly Story.” He also talks about working with Robert Conrad, Angie Dickinson, and Robert Duvall—and why some of those relationships turned into lifelong friendships. And yes, there are stories about Hollywood parties, romance, the infamous Playgirl centerfold, and life in Laurel Canyon during one of Hollywood’s wildest eras!
 
But beneath all the Hollywood glamour is a much more personal story. Don opens up with remarkable honesty about his struggles with alcohol and drugs, the impact they had on his career and relationships, getting sober, falling off the wagon, and ultimately finding his way back. He also reflects on being a character actor, the joy of getting fan mail, and why he still answers every single letter he receives.

Don Stroud
Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, Stroud began surfing at age three, earned a black belt in Kajukenbo at 16, and at 17 won the Mākaha Junior Championship and placed fourth in the prestigious Duke Kahanamoku International competition. His path to Hollywood began while working as a lifeguard at the Kahala Hilton, where he was hired to double for Troy Donahue on Hawaiian Eye. Donahue encouraged him to move to Los Angeles, where Stroud worked as his fight double and bodyguard.

A chance meeting with Sidney Poitier at Hollywood’s Whisky a Go-Go led to an introduction to legendary agent Dick Clayton and launched Stroud’s acting career. He made his film debut in Games (1967) and quickly became a familiar face, often portraying tough guys and villains. His extensive film credits include Coogan’s Bluff, Joe Kidd, Bloody Mama, Von Richthofen and Brown, Murph the Surf, Death Weekend, The Killer Inside Me, The Buddy Holly Story, The Amityville Horror, Licence to Kill, and Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained.

Stroud has also enjoyed an equally prolific television career, appearing in more than 200 shows, including Hawaii Five-O, Barnaby Jones, Cannon, Charlie’s Angels, Starsky & Hutch, The Streets of San Francisco, Mrs. Columbo, Mickey Spillane’s Mike Hammer, Nash Bridges, Pensacola: Wings of Gold, Hawaii Five-0, and Magnum P.I. He also showcased his musical talent in The Buddy Holly Story, performing the drums live for the film’s concert sequences.

After decades in Hollywood, Stroud eventually returned to his beloved Hawaii while continuing to work in film and television. From surfing champion and martial artist to stunt performer, musician, and one of Hollywood’s most recognizable character actors.

Don Stroud Official Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/don.stroud.136329
 
Hollywood Obsessed Podcast Website - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.hollywoodobsessedthepodcast.com/ ⁠⁠ ⁠  
 
Hollywood Obsessed Facebook Page – ⁠⁠⁠HOLLYWOOD OBSESSED PODCAST⁠⁠⁠ 
 
Hollywood Obsessed Podcast Instagram - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/hollywoodobsessedpodcast/⁠ 
 
Titles VO Talent – Cam Frierson - ⁠⁠http://camfrierson.com/voice
 
Music by⁠⁠ ⁠QubeSounds⁠⁠⁠  from ⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠

In Part Two of Tony Miros’ unforgettable conversation with actor Christopher Atkins, the journey continues with “The Pirate Movie,” “A Night in Heaven,” and one very unexpected musical career! He takes us behind the scenes of filming “The Pirate Movie” in Australia, where he fell in love with the country and learned singing and fencing for the role. He also reveals the surprising legacy of the film—including his Gold Record for “How Can I Live Without Her,” his unforgettable appearance on “Solid Gold,” and why he still can’t believe he signs more autographs for “The Pirate Movie” than “The Blue Lagoon!”

Atkins then opens up about “A Night in Heaven,” his provocative 1983 film with Leslie Ann Warren, directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker John G. Avildsen. The film earned him the tongue-in-cheek distinction of being the “original Magic Mike.” He shares hilarious stories about filming those famously steamy scenes with Leslie Ann Warren, the constantly changing script, and how the movie ultimately took his character in a very unexpected direction. .

Then it’s off to Southfork for a behind-the-scenes trip down “Dallas” memory lane! He recalls playing Peter Richards during Season Seven, people’s concerns about a movie star doing TV, and the hilarious first time he met the legendary Larry Hagman. He shares stories about Charlene Tilton, Linda Gray, and his unforgettable first onscreen kiss with Gray—including the hilarious prank that she pulled on him!

He also talks about reuniting with Brooke Shields on “Suddenly Susan,” reflects on the deeply personal significance of working with Randal Kleiser again on “It’s My Party,” and pulls back the curtain on his experience with VH1’s “Confessions of a Teen Idol”. Now living in Connecticut, Atkins is looking toward the next chapter of his career—writing and developing his own independent films.

CHRISTOPHER ATKINS
Christopher Atkins is a Golden Globe-nominated actor, director, and producer who became an international teen idol virtually overnight. Before fame, Atkins was a high school student working as a lifeguard and sailing instructor when a friend convinced him to audition for "The Blue Lagoon." With no previous acting experience, the 19-year-old won the role over more than 4,000 other actors. Released in 1980 and starring Atkins opposite Brooke Shields, "The Blue Lagoon" became a major box-office success. The film went on to become a cult classic, while Atkins’ youthful looks, athleticism, and natural screen presence made him one of the most recognizable teen idols of the era.

Atkins followed "The Blue Lagoon" with "The Pirate Movie ," playing Frederic in the musical comedy inspired by "The Pirates of Penzance." He also recorded the song “How Can I Live Without Her?,” which earned him a Gold record. In 1983, he starred opposite Lesley Ann Warren in "A Night in Heaven "and joined the cast of the hit CBS primetime soap "Dallas" as Peter Richards, who became romantically involved with Sue Ellen Ewing.

Over the following decades, Atkins continued working in film and television, appearing in projects including "Mortuary Academy," "It’s My Party," "Angel Flight Down," "Blue Lagoon: The Awakening," and "True Legends of the West." He also reunited with Brooke Shields as a guest star on "Suddenly Susan." In 2009, Atkins appeared on VH1’s reality series "Confessions of a Teen Idol," and in 2023, he reunited with his former Dallas co-star Linda Gray in "Ladies of the ’80s: A Divas Christmas."

Christopher Atkins Official Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/christopher.atkins.509/ 
 
Hollywood Obsessed Podcast Website - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.hollywoodobsessedthepodcast.com/ ⁠⁠ ⁠  
 
Hollywood Obsessed Facebook Page – ⁠⁠⁠HOLLYWOOD OBSESSED PODCAST⁠⁠⁠ 
 
Hollywood Obsessed Podcast Instagram - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/hollywoodobsessedpodcast/⁠ 
 
Titles VO Talent – Cam Frierson - ⁠⁠http://camfrierson.com/voice
 
Music by⁠⁠ ⁠QubeSounds⁠⁠⁠  from ⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠

On this episode of Hollywood Obsessed, host Tony Miros sits down with actor Christopher Atkins, whose extraordinary journey from aspiring baseball player to international teen idol began with one unexpected audition. Best known for his unforgettable film debut opposite Brooke Shields in the 1980 blockbuster “The Blue Lagoon” and his role as Peter Richards on the iconic primetime soap “Dallas,” Atkins looks back on the wild ride that changed his life forever.

Atkins takes us back to the unlikely circumstances that landed him on a deserted island in Fiji. With absolutely no acting experience, he auditioned for “The Blue Lagoon” alongside approximately 4,000 other young actors and eventually won the role of Richard. He shares hilarious and fascinating behind-the-scenes stories about working with a 14-year-old Brooke Shields and director Randal Kleiser, filming for months on a remote island, and why he believes a movie like “The Blue Lagoon” could never be made the same way today.

Then came the part nobody could have prepared him for: global superstardom! Atkins opens up about the exciting ride he had as well as the darker side of teen-idol fame, including frightening encounters with obsessed fans, disturbing letters, and the difficulty of trying to maintain a normal life when you couldn't go anywhere unnoticed.

Atkins talks about taking on more serious roles, including the acclaimed television movie “The Child Bride of Short Creek” with Diane Lane and Helen Hunt, why he caught heat for making the transition from movies to television at a time when film stars were discouraged from doing TV. Its an episode you just HAVE to listen to!

CHRISTOPHER ATKINS
Christopher Atkins is a Golden Globe-nominated actor, director, and producer who became an international teen idol virtually overnight. Before fame, Atkins was a high school student working as a lifeguard and sailing instructor when a friend convinced him to audition for “The Blue Lagoon.” With no previous acting experience, the 19-year-old won the role over more than 4,000 other actors.

Released in 1980, “The Blue Lagoon,” starring Atkins opposite Brooke Shields, became a major box-office success. The romantic adventure has gone on to become a cult classic, while Atkins' youthful looks, athleticism, and natural screen presence made him one of the most recognizable teen idols of the era. His newfound fame was extraordinary, with fans mobbing him wherever he went and teen magazines featuring him on countless covers.

Atkins followed “The Blue Lagoon” with “The Pirate Movie” (1982), playing Frederic in the musical comedy inspired by Gilbert and Sullivan's “The Pirates of Penzance.” He also recorded "How Can I Live Without Her?," which reached No. 71 on the Billboard Hot 100. In 1983, he starred opposite Lesley Ann Warren in “A Night in Heaven” and joined the cast of the hit CBS primetime soap “Dallas” .

Throughout the following decades, Atkins continued working in film and television, appearing in projects including “Mortuary Academy,” “Its My Party,” “Angel Flight Down,” “Strike Force,” “Spiritual Warriors,” “13th Child,” “Tequila Express,” “Quigley,” “Blue Lagoon: The Awakening,” and “True Legends of the West.” He also reunited with Brooke Shields as a guest star on “Suddenly Susan.” In 2009, he appeared on VH1's reality series “Confessions of a Teen Idol” . In 2023, Atkins reunited with his former “Dallas” co-star Linda Gray in “Ladies of the '80s: A Divas Christmas.”

Christopher Atkins Official Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/christopher.atkins.509/ 
 
Hollywood Obsessed Podcast Website - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.hollywoodobsessedthepodcast.com/ ⁠⁠ ⁠  
 
Hollywood Obsessed Facebook Page – ⁠⁠⁠HOLLYWOOD OBSESSED PODCAST⁠⁠⁠ 
 
Hollywood Obsessed Podcast Instagram - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/hollywoodobsessedpodcast/⁠ 
 
Titles VO Talent – Cam Frierson - ⁠⁠http://camfrierson.com/voice
 
Music by⁠⁠ ⁠QubeSounds⁠⁠⁠  from ⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠

In Part Two of Tony Miros' unforgettable conversation with actor, director, and producer Robert Duncan McNeill, the beloved “Star Trek: Voyager” star takes listeners behind the scenes of one of television's most iconic science fiction series. He shares fascinating stories about the pressure of launching ‘Voyager’ and the fledgling UPN network, recalls the brief tenure of Geneviève Bujold as Captain Janeway, and explains how he instantly knew Kate Mulgrew was the perfect person to command the USS Voyager.

He discusses earning his first opportunity behind the camera on ‘Voyager,’ how directing changed the course of his career, and what makes ‘Star Trek’s’ larger-than-life storytelling so rewarding for both actors and audiences.

Fans will love his behind-the-scenes memories of some of ‘Voyager’s’ most memorable episodes. He also recalls the cast's biggest pranksters, and offers his candid thoughts on the arrival of Jeri Ryan as Seven of Nine.

The conversation also explores the enduring legacy of “Star Trek.” He remembers attending his first convention, explains why the “Star Trek” community has kept the ‘Voyager ‘cast connected like family for nearly three decades, and discusses returning as both Tom Paris and Nick Locarno on “Star Trek: Lower Decks.” He also talks about producing acclaimed series including “Resident Alien,” “Chuck,” “The Arrangement,” and “So Help Me Todd".

Finally, he shares the story behind launching The Delta Flyers podcast with Garrett Wang and what's still on his creative bucket list—from directing his first feature film and writing a book to the possibility of one day stepping back into Tom Paris' shoes.

ROBERT DUNCAN MCNEILL

Robert Duncan McNeill is an acclaimed actor, director, producer, and writer whose career spans more than four decades in television, film, and theater. Most recently, he served as Executive Producer, Director, and Writer on all four seasons of the hit sci-fi comedy "Resident Alien," earning an ASTRA Award nomination in 2024 for directing and co-writing the acclaimed Season 3 finale, "Homecoming." The series also received the Hollywood Critics Association Award for Best Cable Comedy Series in 2021.

A highly respected television director, Robert has helmed more than 100 episodes across comedy, drama, action, and science fiction. His producing and directing credits include "Chuck," "Turner & Hooch," "The Gifted," "The Arrangement," "Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce," "666 Park Avenue," and "What About Brian," as well as the pilot episodes for "Samantha Who?" and "Heartbeat."

Before stepping behind the camera, Robert enjoyed a successful acting career after graduating from The Juilliard School. He appeared on Broadway in "Six Degrees of Separation," earned a Daytime Emmy Award nomination for "All My Children," starred in "Masters of the Universe," and became a fan favorite as Lieutenant Tom Paris throughout all seven seasons of "Star Trek: Voyager." It was during 'Voyager' that he launched his directing career, which has since made him one of television's most accomplished filmmakers.

In 2020, Robert reunited with his longtime 'Voyager' co-star Garrett Wang to co-host the hit podcast "The Delta Flyers," where they revisit every episode of "Star Trek: Voyager." Now expanded to include "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine," the podcast remains a favorite among "Star Trek" fans and reflects Robert's enduring connection to one of television's most beloved franchises.
 
The Delta Flyers Podcast - https://www.thedeltaflyers.org/ 
 
The Official Hollywood Obsessed Website - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.hollywoodobsessedthepodcast.com/ ⁠⁠ ⁠  
 
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