Hollywood Obsessed

On Part Two of Tony Miros’ fascinating conversation with actress Dedee Pfeiffer, Dedee takes Tony behind the scenes of The All-Nighter, the 1987 comedy starring The Bangles’ Susanna Hoffs, and recalls becoming instant friends with Joan Cusack. She also shares some hilarious and outrageous stories from the production and what it was like working with a cast that included some wonderfully colorful personalities. Then there’s Red Surf, where Dedee reunited with her friend and former boyfriend George Clooney—long before he became, well… GEORGE CLOONEY. She reveals how they first met, how they dated on and off, and how George actually helped her prepare for the audition that landed her the role opposite him.

She also gets candid about her approach to acting and why she has always considered herself something of a “wild card” in the casting process. She recalls working with Joel Schumacher and Michael Douglas on Falling Down, where she completely reinvented the character of Sheila. She also takes us inside her unforgettable guest appearances on Friends and Seinfeld. And then there’s Cybill, where she landed the role of Cybill Shepherd’s daughter after going through the intense audition process of 1990s network television. She remembers working with the legendary Christine Baranski and explains why she still suffers from what she calls “imposter disorder.”

But beneath all the fun stories is an incredibly moving story of reinvention. She opens up about why she walked away from acting for nearly ten years, returned to college as a single mother, discovered she had dyslexia and a learning disability, earned her master's degree in social work from UCLA, and ultimately got sober. She explains how playing Denise Brisbane on Big Sky became particularly meaningful because it was the first character she ever played sober.

DEDEE PFEIFFER 
With a career spanning more than three decades, DeDee Pfeiffer has established herself as a versatile actress whose credits include cult classics, hit television series, acclaimed dramas, and working alongside some of Hollywood’s biggest stars. The younger sister of Oscar-nominated actress Michelle Pfeiffer, she began acting at 21 making her feature-film debut in John Landis’ “Into the Night” (1985), alongside Jeff Goldblum and her sister Michelle. She soon landed starring roles in the cult favorite “Vamp “(1986), opposite icon Grace Jones, “The Allnighter” (1987), & “The Horror Show” (1989).

Throughout the 1990s, she continued building an impressive film résumé, appearing opposite George Clooney in “Red Surf,” Michael Douglas in “Falling Down,” and Keanu Reeves in “Tune in Tomorrow.” On TV, she became a familiar face as a series regular on the acclaimed sitcom “Cybill,” starring Cybill Shepherd, and later starred in “For Your Love.”

In 2010, she made the courageous decision to step away from Hollywood and focus on her recovery from alcohol addiction. She returned to school, earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology, and ultimately received her Master of Social Work from UCLA. She then dedicated herself to social services, working with people affected by mental illness, substance abuse, and homelessness.

After nearly a decade away, she made a remarkable return to television in 2020 with ABC’s “Big Sky”, portraying Denise Brisbane, a role created specifically for her by series creator David E. Kelley, who is married to her sister Michelle. A single mother of two sons, DeDee’s Hollywood story is anything but conventional. 

DeDee Pfeiffer Official Facebook – ⁠https://www.facebook.com/dedeepfeifferofficial⁠
 
Hollywood Obsessed Podcast Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.hollywoodobsessedthepodcast.com/ ⁠⁠ ⁠ ⁠ 
 
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Music by⁠⁠ ⁠⁠QubeSounds⁠⁠⁠ ⁠ from ⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠⁠

On this episode of HOLLYWOOD OBSESSED, Tony Miros sits down with the wonderfully candid and entertaining actress DeDee Pfeiffer, best known for playing Cybill Shepherd’s daughter on “Cybill” and, more recently, Denise Brisbane on ABC’s “Big Sky.” In this revealing first part of their conversation, DeDee takes Tony back to her childhood in Orange County, sharing hilarious memories of growing up in a very different Southern California. She also opens up about being the middle Pfeiffer sister and what it was really like having Michelle Pfeiffer as an older sister.

Then comes the Hollywood story! DeDee reveals how she went from dancing in a Disneyland parade and delivering radiators to deciding she wanted to become an actress. With Michelle’s encouragement, she moved to LA, slept on her sister’s couch, and quickly discovered that becoming an actress wasn’t going to be easy. She admits she was initially terrible at acting and struggled to remember her lines—but she refused to quit. Then comes the incredible story of how DeDee got her SAG card, involving a casting Catch-22, a little creative storytelling, John Landis, Michelle, and “Into the Night”.

DeDee also takes Tony behind the scenes of her first starring role in the outrageous 1986 cult classic “Vamp,” starring the legendary Grace Jones. She shares unbelievable stories about the chaotic nighttime production in downtown Los Angeles, production delays, disappearing cast members, wardrobe malfunctions, and so much more! And then there was Grace Jones, arriving on set covered in body paint by artist Keith Haring and delivering a performance that left the cast and extras absolutely stunned.

DEDEE PFEIFFER 
With a career spanning more than three decades, DeDee Pfeiffer has established herself as a versatile actress whose credits include cult classics, hit television series, acclaimed dramas, and working alongside some of Hollywood’s biggest stars. The younger sister of Oscar-nominated actress Michelle Pfeiffer, DeDee began acting at 21 making her feature-film debut in John Landis’ “Into the Night” (1985), alongside Jeff Goldblum and her sister Michelle. She soon landed starring roles in the cult favorite “Vamp “(1986), opposite legendary icon Grace Jones, “The Allnighter” (1987), and “The Horror Show” (1989).

Throughout the 1990s, Pfeiffer continued building an impressive film résumé, appearing opposite George Clooney in “Red Surf,” Michael Douglas in “Falling Down,” and Keanu Reeves in “Tune in Tomorrow.” On television, she became a familiar face as a series regular on the acclaimed sitcom “Cybill,” starring Cybill Shepherd, and later starred in “For Your Love.” Her guest appearances included iconic series such as “Seinfeld,” “Friends,” “Ellen,” “ER,” “CSI,” and “CSI: NY.”

In 2010, Pfeiffer made the courageous decision to step away from Hollywood and focus on her recovery from alcohol addiction. She returned to school, earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology, and ultimately received her Master of Social Work from UCLA. She then dedicated herself to social services, working with people affected by mental illness, substance abuse, and homelessness.

After nearly a decade away, Pfeiffer made a remarkable return to television in 2020 with ABC’s “Big Sky”, portraying Denise Brisbane, a role created specifically for her by series creator David E. Kelley, who is married to her sister Michelle. A single mother of two sons, DeDee’s Hollywood story is anything but conventional. 

DeDee Pfeiffer Official Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/dedeepfeifferofficial
 
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

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/ ⁠⁠ ⁠  
 
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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/ ⁠⁠ ⁠  
 
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Titles VO Talent – Cam Frierson - ⁠⁠http://camfrierson.com/voice
 
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