Hollywood Obsessed

• Episode 144 – Runaway Trains, Fame, and Real Life With Hollywood Legend Eric Roberts – Part 2

  In the thrilling conclusion of this two-part conversation, host Tony Miros continues his deep dive into the extraordinary life and career of Eric Roberts, one of Hollywood’s most enduring and versatile actors. Eric candidly opens up about his journey to sobriety—how one fateful night at a wrap party in New York introduced him to cocaine, sparking years of struggle that he ultimately overcame through the unwavering love and support of his wife. Today, he credits that love as the greatest force in his life, shaping both his personal transformation and his approach to his craft.Reflecting on one of his most deeply personal performances in “It’s My Party,” directed by Randal Kleiser and co-starring Gregory Harrison, Eric recalls delivering a portrayal so raw and truthful it moved the entire crew. The experience, he says, was a defining moment—one that tested his emotional limits and reaffirmed his belief in the healing power of storytelling.From “The Dark Knight” to “Inherent Vice,” Eric shares behind-the-scenes insights into working with visionary filmmakers like Christopher Nolan and Paul Thomas Anderson, his admiration for Heath Ledger’s brilliance, and the heartbreak of losing him too soon. With more than 700 screen credits—including “The Expendables,” “The Righteous Gemstones,” “Babylon,” and a reunion with Brooke Shields in “The Hot Flashes”—Eric reflects on a lifetime of embracing every opportunity, big or small, and finding gratitude in every creative challenge along the way.ERIC ROBERTSEric Roberts is an Academy Award nominee & three-time Golden Globe nominee, celebrated for his unforgettable performances in “Runaway Train”, “Star 80”, and “King of the Gypsies”. Over a career spanning more than four decades, he’s appeared in more than 700 film and television projects — making him one of the most prolific English-speaking actors in the world. His acclaimed work includes “A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints”, “It’s My Party”, “La Cucaracha”, “The Dark Knight”, “Inherent Vice”,” Lovelace”, “The Specialist”, and “The Expendables.”Born in Biloxi, Mississippi, Roberts is the son of Betty Lou Bredemus and Walter Grady Roberts, founders of the Atlanta Actors and Writers Workshop. His sisters, Julia Roberts and Lisa Roberts Gillan, also pursued acting. At 17, Eric moved to New York City to train in theater and soon began appearing on daytime television before earning his breakthrough role in “King of the Gypsies” (1978), which brought him his first Golden Globe nomination. His later roles in “Star 80” and “Runaway Train” earned him further critical acclaim, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.Roberts’ wide-ranging filmography features standout performances in “The Pope of Greenwich Village”, “Best of the Best”, “National Security”, “Inside the Rain”, and “Babylon”. On television, he’s been equally versatile, earning a Satellite Award for “Less Than Perfect” and appearing in “In Cold Blood”, “Law & Order: SVU”, “Heroes”, “The Young and the Restless”, “Suits”, “Empire”, and “The Righteous Gemstones.” He also made franchise history as the only non-UK actor to play the Master in “Doctor Who” (1996).In 2024, Roberts joined Season 33 of Dancing with the Stars, partnered with Britt Stewart, and released his memoir “Runaway Train: Or, The Story of My Life So Far” through St. Martin’s Press, co-written with Vanity Fair contributor Sam Kashner. Runaway Train Memoir Website - https://read.macmillan.com/lp/runaway-train-9781250275325/ 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 143 – Runaway Trains, Fame, and Real Life With Hollywood Legend Eric Roberts – Part 1

  In the first half of this two-part conversation, host Tony Miros dives deep into the extraordinary life and career of Oscar-nominated actor Eric Roberts—a Hollywood legend with over 700 screen credits and five decades in the business. From his early years in Atlanta to chasing his dreams in the wild world of 1970s New York City, Eric’s story is filled with unforgettable moments and colorful characters. Along the way, Eric opens up about his newly released memoir Runaway Train: Or, The Story of My Life So Far, revealing the challenges of writing honestly about his past, his family, and his journey through Hollywood’s highs and lows. How his passion for performance began long before fame, and how his early roles in daytime soaps led to his breakout in “King of the Gypsies.” He reflects on the sudden rush of stardom and the pressures that came with it. He also opens up about the near-fatal car accident that almost ended his career, the haunting experiences that followed, and his recovery while working under the direction of the brilliant Bob Fosse on “Star 80.” The conversation captures both the vulnerability and resilience behind his performances—and the complex reality of living life in the spotlight. From “The Pope of Greenwich Village” to “Runaway Train,” Eric reflects on the intensity, artistry, and endurance that define his legacy. He shares how his bond with co-star Jon Voight pushed him to new creative heights and how it felt to earn an Academy Award nomination so early in his career. ERIC ROBERTSEric Roberts is an Academy Award nominee and three-time Golden Globe nominee, celebrated for his unforgettable performances in Runaway Train, Star 80, and King of the Gypsies. Over a career spanning more than four decades, he’s appeared in more than 700 film and television projects — making him one of the most prolific English-speaking actors in the world. His acclaimed work includes A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints, It’s My Party, La Cucaracha, The Dark Knight, Inherent Vice, Lovelace, The Specialist, and The Expendables.Born in Biloxi, Mississippi, Roberts is the son of Betty Lou Bredemus and Walter Grady Roberts, founders of the Atlanta Actors and Writers Workshop. His sisters, Julia Roberts and Lisa Roberts Gillan, also pursued acting. At 17, Eric moved to New York City to train in theater and soon began appearing on daytime television before earning his breakthrough role in King of the Gypsies (1978), which brought him his first Golden Globe nomination. His later roles in Star 80 and Runaway Train earned him further critical acclaim, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.Roberts’ wide-ranging filmography features standout performances in The Pope of Greenwich Village, Best of the Best, Inside the Rain, and Babylon. On television, he’s been equally versatile, earning a Satellite Award for Less Than Perfect and appearing in In Cold Blood, Law & Order: SVU, Heroes, The Young and the Restless, Suits, Empire, and The Righteous Gemstones. He also made franchise history as the only non-UK actor to play the Master in Doctor Who (1996).In 2024, Roberts joined Season 33 of Dancing with the Stars, partnered with Britt Stewart, and released his memoir Runaway Train: Or, The Story of My Life So Far through St. Martin’s Press, co-written with Vanity Fair contributor Sam Kashner. Still in high demand, Eric Roberts continues to captivate audiences with his signature intensity, versatility, and dedication to his craft.Runaway Train Memoir Website - https://read.macmillan.com/lp/runaway-train-9781250275325/ 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 142 - My Jaw-Dropping Chat With Actor Turned Producer Jeffrey Kramer from JAWS 1 & 2 - Part 2

  In the thrilling conclusion of this two-part conversation, host Tony Miros continues his deep dive with actor-turned-producer Jeffrey Kramer, who shares more incredible stories from his multifaceted Hollywood career. Jeffrey recalls how his friend Rick Rosenthal cast him in Halloween II , and how his role as Deputy Hendricks in JAWS 2 was almost cut—until a change in directors saved it and expanded it. He paints a vivid picture of the challenges of filming on the open water, the freezing temperatures in Pensacola, & the chaos of shooting multiple cameras in rough seas, all while marveling at director Jeannot Szwarc’s calm leadership.Jeffrey also reflects on his time working on Santa Claus: The Movie with John Lithgow, describing their long friendship & the joy of filming at Pinewood Studios in London for six months. He laughs about his blink-and-you’ll-miss-it role in Clue & reminisces about his improv days with Christopher Lloyd. But it was his experience filming Hero and the Terror with Chuck Norris—combined with a terrifying fear of heights—that convinced him to step away from acting for good and take a leap behind the camera instead.That leap led to a whole new chapter in Jeffrey’s career as a television executive and producer at 20th Century Fox, thanks in part to encouragement from Richard Dreyfuss. His creative partnership with David E. Kelley produced hit series such as Chicago Hope, Ally McBeal, and The Practice, earning multiple Emmys, Golden Globes, and even a Peabody Award.But beyond his Hollywood success, Jeffrey is most proud of his extraordinary advocacy for the Tourette Association of America. Having grown up with a tic himself, he’s dedicated his life to raising awareness and compassion for those living with Tourette Syndrome. JEFFREY KRAMERBorn and raised in Teaneck, New Jersey, Jeffrey earned an acting scholarship to Ithaca College. His natural charisma and sharp comedic instincts soon drew him to Hollywood, where he made his television debut in 1975 on Barney Miller in the episode “Snow Job.”That same year, Kramer made movie history as Deputy Lenny Hendricks in Steven Spielberg’s Jaws. His portrayal of the earnest, slightly frazzled deputy made him an instant fan favorite, and he returned to Amity Island to reprise the role in Jaws 2 three years later. Throughout the late 1970s, Kramer became a familiar face on television, appearing in hits like MASH,* Laverne & Shirley, Baretta, Soap, and Chico and the Man. During the 1980s, Kramer continued building an eclectic résumé with appearances in Hollywood Boulevard, You Light Up My Life, Halloween II, Heartbeeps, Clue, and Santa Claus: The Movie, along with memorable guest spots on The Incredible Hulk and Happy Days.The 1990s marked a creative turning point as Kramer transitioned from actor to producer — and began a highly successful partnership with acclaimed writer-producer David E. Kelley. Together, they helped shape some of the most defining television dramas and comedies of the decade, including Chicago Hope, The Practice, and Ally McBeal. Over his producing career, he’s received six Emmy nominations and multiple Golden Globe honors alongside his creative partners.Now retired, Jeffrey has dedicated his energy to a new passion: his meaningful work with the Tourette Association of America. His ongoing advocacy has helped transform public understanding of the condition, continuing a lifelong legacy of empathy, creativity, and impact — both on and off the screen. Tourette Association of America  - https://tourette.org/  The Daily JAWS - https://thedailyjaws.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

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• Episode 141 — My Jaw-Dropping Chat with Jeffrey Kramer from JAWS & JAWS 2 - Part 1

  In this jaw-dropping first half of a two-part conversation, host Tony Miros sits down with actor-turned-producer Jeffrey Kramer, the unforgettable Deputy Hendricks from Steven Spielberg’s legendary classic JAWS and its sequel JAWS 2. Nearly fifty years later, Jeffrey still can’t believe how a little movie about a big shark became a cultural phenomenon that changed Hollywood forever.Jeffrey takes listeners on a fascinating journey from his early life in Teaneck, New Jersey, and Martha’s Vineyard—where his grandparents once sold land—to his theater days in New York City and college years at Ithaca. He shares how a small newspaper blurb about a film shooting on the Vineyard led to an unexpected audition with a young Steven Spielberg—and just ten days later, the role that would define his early career.From the chaos of filming on the open ocean to the infamous “shark that didn’t work,” Jeffrey reveals how production challenges pushed the cast and crew to focus on character, tension, and storytelling. He opens up about his friendships with Richard Dreyfuss and Roy Scheider, Spielberg’s brilliance behind the camera, and the tight-knit community of locals who brought Amity Island to life.Full of humor, heart, and rare behind-the-scenes stories, Jeffrey reflects on the enduring legacy of JAWS—from the film’s groundbreaking wide release to the long lines that wrapped around theaters and the generations of fans who still approach him today. As he celebrates the film’s 50th anniversary, Jeffrey looks back with gratitude, awe, and a few stories that even the biggest JAWS fans have never heard before.JEFFREY KRAMERBorn and raised in Teaneck, New Jersey, Jeffrey Kramer graduated from Teaneck High School in 1963 before earning an acting scholarship to Ithaca College. His natural charisma and sharp comedic instincts soon drew him to Hollywood, where he made his television debut in 1975 on Barney Miller in the episode “Snow Job.”That same year, Kramer made movie history as Deputy Lenny Hendricks in Steven Spielberg’s Jaws. His portrayal of the earnest, slightly frazzled deputy made him an instant fan favorite, and he returned to Amity Island to reprise the role in Jaws 2 three years later. Throughout the late 1970s, Kramer became a familiar face on television, appearing in hits like M*A*S*H, Laverne & Shirley, Baretta, Soap, and Chico and the Man. He even co-starred with Jack Elam in his own cult favorite series, Struck by Lightning.During the 1980s, Kramer continued building an eclectic résumé with appearances in Hollywood Boulevard, You Light Up My Life, Halloween II, Heartbeeps, Clue, and Santa Claus: The Movie, along with memorable guest spots on The Incredible Hulk and Happy Days. The 1990s marked a creative turning point as Kramer transitioned from actor to producer — and began a highly successful partnership with acclaimed writer-producer David E. Kelley. Together, they helped shape some of the most defining television dramas and comedies of the decade, including Chicago Hope, The Practice, and Ally McBeal.  Over his producing career, he’s received six Emmy nominations and multiple Golden Globe honors alongside his creative partners.Now retired from Hollywood, Jeffrey has dedicated his energy to a new passion: his meaningful work with the Tourette Association of America. His ongoing advocacy has helped transform public understanding of the condition, continuing a lifelong legacy of empathy, creativity, and impact — both on and off the screen. Tourette Association of America  - https://tourette.org/ The Daily JAWS - https://thedailyjaws.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/voiceMusic by⁠⁠ ⁠QubeSounds⁠⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠

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• Episode 140 – From Wings to Chicago Med: Steven Weber’s Incredible Hollywood Career – Part 2

  In the second half of their fascinating two-part conversation, host Tony Miros continues his deep dive with acclaimed actor Steven Weber, who recalls his experiences filming the psychological thriller “Single White Female” alongside Bridget Fonda—whom he remains friends with today. He opens up about filming his first nude scene, how nerve-wracking it was, and reflects on how today’s intimacy coordinators have changed the industry.Weber also shares stories from his time filming “Jeffrey,” the groundbreaking romantic comedy based on Paul Rudnick’s play. He affectionately calls it his “gay summer,” remembering how much fun he had shooting in New York City with Bryan Batt, Sir Patrick Stewart, and Nathan Lane—whom he gave his first on-screen kiss. Steven speaks warmly about his co-star Michael T. Weiss and the film’s humor and humanity in handling the AIDS crisis. The conversation turns to his unforgettable experience working with comedy legends Mel Brooks and Harvey Korman in “Dracula: Dead and Loving It.” For him, it was truly a dream come true—though trying to keep a straight face with Korman was nearly impossible. He reminisces about being drenched in fake blood for hours, only to later learn that scene was one of Brooks’ personal favorites. His time on Broadway in “The Producers,” where he took over for Matthew Broderick as Leo Bloom, was another career highlight—performing for ten months and seeing his name in lights marked what he calls a pinnacle moment.Steven also discusses his collaborations with Stephen King, including starring in “The Shining” miniseries—filmed at the Stanley Hotel where King first conceived the story—and narrating the epic audiobook “It.” He touches on his diverse TV career, from “Dallas” to “Indebted” with Fran Drescher, and now as Dr. Dean Archer on NBC’s “Chicago Med.” What began as a brief guest role has turned into a beloved main character, though learning all the medical jargon remains a challenge. STEVEN WEBERActor Steven Weber is best known for his beloved role as Brian Hackett, the charming and mischievous pilot on NBC’s long-running 1990s sitcom “Wings.”He began acting professionally as a child, appearing in TV commercials by the third grade. After college, he joined the Mirror Repertory Company, performing alongside the legendary Geraldine Page. His early television break came in the soap opera “As the World Turns” (1985–86), and soon after, he appeared in films such as “The Flamingo Kid”  & “Hamburger Hill,” and the acclaimed mini-series “The Kennedys of Massachusetts,” where he portrayed a young John F. Kennedy.Following the success of “Wings,” Weber continued to showcase his versatility across genres. He starred as Jack Torrance in Stephen King’s “The Shining” miniseries, appeared in the hit film “Single White Female,” & led the ABC drama “Once and Again” as artist Sam Blue. His TV credits expanded to include roles in “Cursed,” “The D.A.,” “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip,” “Desperate Housewives,” and “Monk” (where he reunited with “Wings” co-star Tony Shalhoub).In recent years, Weber has remained a steady presence on both stage and screen. He’s appeared in “Dallas,” “Chasing Life,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” and starred opposite Fran Drescher in NBC’s “Indebted.” Since 2021, Weber has been a series regular on NBC’s “Chicago Med,” where he portrays the complex and compelling Dr. Dean Archer—a fitting role for an actor whose career has been defined by depth, humor, and an enduring connection with audiences.Steven Weber’s Official Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093207615477The 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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