Hollywood Obsessed

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 
 
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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 
 
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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 
 
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Music by⁠⁠ ⁠QubeSounds⁠⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠

In Part One of this entertaining and nostalgic conversation, Robert Hays takes listeners on a journey through his remarkable life and career — from growing up as a self-described “Marine brat” constantly moving around the world, to becoming one of television and film’s most recognizable stars. Robert opens up about spending his childhood in Turkey, struggling with shyness, becoming a class clown to fit in, and dreaming his way through school while staring out classroom windows imagining something bigger.

Robert also reflects on his unconventional road into acting, including living in an old bus while attending college in California, discovering his passion for performance at Grossmont College, and studying at the legendary Old Globe Theatre. Along the way, he shares hilarious memories of surfing trips to Baja with longtime friend and roommate David Leisure — and how the two eventually reunited onscreen in the comedy classic “Airplane!.”

The conversation also dives deep into Robert’s television career, including memorable appearances on “Laverne & Shirley” and “Wonder Woman” alongside Lynda Carter and Debra Winger. Robert shares wonderful behind-the-scenes stories from his hit sitcom “Angie,” including his close friendship with Donna Pescow, hilarious on-set Popeye impressions that constantly broke her character, and memories of working with legends like Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman.

Finally, Robert recalls the exhausting but thrilling period when he filmed “Airplane!” during the hiatus between seasons of “Angie” — racing back and forth between soundstages while running on almost no sleep. He shares what it felt like watching the film become an unexpected cultural phenomenon despite mixed reviews from critics, and why audiences instantly connected with the movie’s outrageous humor. Packed with warmth, humor, and incredible behind-the-scenes stories, this episode offers a fascinating look at the life and career of one of Hollywood’s most beloved stars.

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/ ⁠⁠ ⁠
 
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Music by⁠⁠ ⁠QubeSounds⁠⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠

In Part Two of my conversation with legendary stuntman Peter Kent, the action—and the laughs—kick into high gear. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s longtime stunt double shares hilarious stories of the practical jokes he, Arnold, and fellow stuntman Sven-Ole Thorsen pulled on one another, including exploding fake cigars that left Arnold roaring in mock outrage. Their friendship was built on trust, laughter, and the kind of brotherly mischief that made life on set unforgettable.
 
Peter takes us behind the scenes of some of Arnold’s biggest blockbusters, including “Total Recall”, “True Lies”, “Predator”, “Commando” and “Terminator 2: Judgement Day”. From intense stunt training to performing the iconic motorcycle sequence in T2, Peter reveals what it really took to bring those legendary action moments to life. He also shares the not-so-glamorous side of stunt work—including spending hours trapped inside the dreaded “Arnold mask.”
 
But it wasn’t all adrenaline and movie magic. Peter recounts the terrifying on-set accident during the filming of “Eraser” when a three-ton shipping container nearly killed him. It’s a gripping story of survival that ultimately changed the course of his life and career, forcing him to rethink everything.
 
From launching a new acting career in Canada to founding a stunt school, creating the hit behind-the-scenes TV series “Stuntdawgs” for Discovery Channel, and being inducted into the Hollywood Stuntmen Hall of Fame, Peter’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. It’s a thrilling, funny, and inspiring conclusion to an extraordinary two-part conversation with one of Hollywood’s true unsung heroes.

PETER KENT 
Peter Kent is a Canadian actor, stuntman, writer, producer, and director whose life and career have been defined by adventure, resilience, and reinvention. Born in North Vancouver, British Columbia, he grew up along the rugged Seymour River, where a fearless childhood filled with rapids, towering trees, and daredevil exploits laid the foundation for his extraordinary path.

After surviving several serious car accidents in the early 1980s—one of which left him bearing a striking resemblance to Arnold Schwarzenegger—Peter’s life took a dramatic turn. In 1983, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue a film career, and within six months landed the opportunity of a lifetime: becoming Schwarzenegger’s stunt double on “THE TERMINATOR.” That role launched a remarkable 13-year partnership.

Peter went on to double Schwarzenegger in 14 films, including “TRUE LIES”, “TOTAL RECALL,” “PREDATOR” and “T2: JUDGEMENT DAY.” Their professional relationship grew into a close friendship, with Peter also serving as Schwarzenegger’s workout partner, ski companion, chef, confidant, and dialogue coach. His deep understanding of action filmmaking later inspired a successful writing career, including multiple screenplays and his acclaimed memoir, “STAND OR FALL: Autobiography of a Stuntman.

After returning to Vancouver, Peter expanded his work as an actor, writer, producer, and director. He created the award-winning television series “STUNTDAWGS”, founded ARK (Actors Reading for Kids), and established Peter Kent’s School of Hard Knocks to mentor aspiring stunt performers. Inducted into the Hollywood Stuntmen’s Hall of Fame in 2009, Peter continues to inspire others while sharing life with his wife, Marcia, and their twin sons, Ryder and Hunter.
 
Peter Kent Website – https://www.peterhkent.com  
 
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