Still Here Hollywood

Gail O’Grady became one of television’s most recognizable faces as Donna Abandando on the groundbreaking ABC drama NYPD Blue. In this encore episode of Still Here Hollywood, Gail joins Steve Kmetko for a candid conversation about the role that changed her career, why she decided to leave the hit series, and why she now wishes she had stayed longer. Gail also remembers legendary producer Steven Bochco, reveals the unusual way she created Donna for her NYPD Blue audition, talks about working with Sharon Lawrence, and shares stories from Desperate Housewives, Law & Order: SVU, Boston Legal and more. She opens up about becoming a mother in her 40s, moving back to Chicago to care for her father, the confidence she wishes she had when she was younger, and the advice she has passed along to her son. Plus, Gail recalls getting actually slapped while filming Desperate Housewives, being starstruck by Henry Winkler during her first days in Hollywood, meeting one of her acting heroes, Anne Bancroft, and working on J.J. Abrams’ Duster. 00:00 Gail O’Grady on Still Here Hollywood 01:03 Success and Emmy Recognition on NYPD Blue 02:06 Why Gail O’Grady Left NYPD Blue 02:49 The Decision She Now Regrets 03:05 Remembering Steven Bochco 04:10 How Gail Landed NYPD Blue 06:18 Sharon Lawrence and the NYPD Blue Cast 07:03 Leaving Los Angeles 08:34 Advice for Young Actors 11:30 Becoming a Mother in Her 40s 12:56 Behind the Scenes of Desperate Housewives 14:39 Working on Law & Order: SVU 15:32 The Career Gail Might Have Chosen 16:14 Moving Home to Care for Her Father 17:20 Career Highs and Lows 18:56 How NYPD Blue Changed Everything 19:56 Meeting Anne Bancroft 21:13 Gail's Favorite Childhood Memories 22:17 Bad Habits and Belinda Carlisle 23:10 Advice for Her Son 24:18 Getting Robbed in Rome 25:22 Fame and Fan Encounters 27:31 Her Hilarious Henry Winkler Encounter 29:09 Near-Death Experiences 30:15 Her Favorite NYPD Blue Storyline 31:20 The Confidence She Wishes She Had 33:42 Her Father Became Her Scene Partner 34:48 Gail Talks About Duster

Jeff Kober has spent more than four decades disappearing into some of television’s most unforgettable characters, from China Beach and The Walking Dead to Sons of Anarchy, General Hospital and now The Pitt. Today, Kober joins Steve Kmetko with something remarkable to celebrate, Emmy recognition for both The Pitt and General Hospital. Kober reveals how a last-minute self-tape nearly went completely wrong before helping land him his role on The Pitt, what it is really like working opposite Noah Wyle, and why the acclaimed medical drama feels different from almost anything else he has done. But this conversation goes far beyond Hollywood. Kober opens up about the anxiety and darkness he experienced earlier in his life, the unusual path that led him from Montana to acting in Los Angeles, his relationship with his son, the transformative role meditation has played in his life, and why, after decades of playing dangerous and troubled men, he finally feels comfortable being himself. Plus, memories of China Beach, Dana Delany, Andrew Lincoln and The Walking Dead, the brutal pace of General Hospital, and why The Pitt allowed Kober to let himself be seen in a way he never had before. CHAPTERS 00:00 Jeff Kober Has Two Emmy Nominations 01:11 Joining The Pitt 02:09 What Noah Wyle Is Really Like 04:20 The Audition Disaster That Landed The Pitt 05:37 The Truth About Self-Tape Auditions 07:40 Why Jeff Initially Avoided Watching The Pitt 09:40 What Makes The Pitt Different 12:08 Why Jeff Connected With His Pitt Character 16:10 Does Jeff Kober Want to Win the Emmy? 18:12 How Jeff Kober Accidentally Became an Actor 19:40 Finding His Way Out of an Emotional Mess 23:53 China Beach and Dana Delany 25:14 The Walking Dead and Andrew Lincoln 26:30 Bringing Darkness Into the Light 29:51 General Hospital and the Brutal Pace of Daytime TV 33:40 The Most Fulfilling Role of His Career 35:30 What Jeff Kober Still Wants to Play 37:15 Life, Purpose and Finding Meaning 40:02 How Meditation Changed His Life 41:43 Is Jeff Happier Today? 42:40 Why Acting Gave His Darkness Value 44:44 The Fear He Finally Let Go 45:17 Why He Still Loves Walking Onto a Set 47:34 Was Jeff Kober a Good Father? 49:03 Would He Ever Revisit China Beach? 50:12 Jeff Kober Is Writing a Memoir

Before Animal House became one of the greatest comedies ever made, Tim Matheson was already building one of the longest and most fascinating careers in Hollywood. In this episode of Still Here Hollywood with Steve Kmetko, Tim shares unforgettable stories about John Belushi, Lucille Ball, Steven Spielberg, Henry Fonda, Ryan Reynolds, Mel Brooks, Anne Bancroft, Meghan Markle, Aaron Sorkin, Clint Eastwood and many more. He reveals what Belushi was really like before fame changed everything, how Spielberg personally tracked him down in Las Vegas, the acting lessons he learned from Henry Fonda, directing Meghan Markle on Suits, working opposite Mel Brooks, starring in Animal House, The West Wing, Fletch, Van Wilder and Johnny Quest, and why he finally decided to write his memoir. If you love classic Hollywood, behind-the-scenes stories and the golden age of film and television, this episode is packed with incredible moments. Subscribe for new celebrity interviews every Monday. 00:00 Intro, Tim Matheson arrives 00:46 Knee replacement and getting older 01:46 Leave It to Beaver and becoming a child actor 04:02 Working with Steven Spielberg 07:18 The Hollywood legend who influenced him most, Lucille Ball 11:03 Henry Fonda's unforgettable acting lesson 13:48 John Belushi and making Animal House 16:50 Belushi's death and Hollywood's cocaine culture 20:30 Directing Meghan Markle on Suits 21:47 Why Tim finally wrote his memoir 24:11 Ivan Reitman, Animal House and comedy history 27:18 Growing up in broken home and finding Hollywood 36:33 Becoming Johnny Quest 41:22 The West Wing and Aaron Sorkin 44:29 Buying National Lampoon 46:52 Clint Eastwood's advice about aging 47:52 Ryan Reynolds before superstardom 50:32 Mel Brooks and Anne Bancroft stories 54:25 Final thoughts

John O'Hurley became television history as the unforgettable J. Peterman on Seinfeld, but his remarkable career goes far beyond one iconic role. He joins Steve Kmetko to reveal how he nearly turned down Seinfeld, explains the secret that made the show's comedy so brilliant, shares stories about Jerry Seinfeld and Julia Louis-Dreyfus, recalls the terrifying night he sang Sinatra to Frank Sinatra, and talks about Broadway, Family Feud, the National Dog Show, voice acting, and even becoming part owner of the real J. Peterman Company. CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 00:38 How John Almost Turned Down Seinfeld 04:24 The Voice That Built His Career 07:50 Animated Characters & Voice Acting 10:59 Working With Jerry Seinfeld 13:43 Julia Louis-Dreyfus Behind the Scenes 16:39 The National Dog Show 19:18 His Rescue Dogs 24:45 Becoming the Real J. Peterman 28:13 Broadway & One Man Show 30:08 Singing Sinatra...To Sinatra 35:38 Did Seinfeld Typecast Him? 38:02 Creating Jay Peterman 41:09 Family Feud Stories 43:38 Gray Hair & Chazz Palminteri 46:50 Closing

From Forrest Gump to The Last Rodeo, actor, director, and musician Michael Tyrone "T" Williamson sits down with Steve Kmetko on Still Here Hollywood for a raw, soulful conversation about the role that changed his life. In this episode, T shares the real story behind landing the role of Bubba Blue opposite Tom Hanks, how he improvised some of the film's most iconic lines, the surprising reason he's never eaten at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., and what it's really like working alongside Denzel Washington, Angela Bassett, Al Pacino, and Gary Sinise. He also opens up about his new Angel Studios film The Last Rodeo, his upcoming role in Dark Matter, his philosophy on faith, family, and staying true to yourself in Hollywood, and heartfelt stories about his daughters, his mother, and the journey from South Los Angeles to the big screen. 👍 Like, subscribe, and comment your favorite moment below! 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts and everywhere you get your podcasts. 💛 Support the show: patreon.com/StillHereHollywood #MichaelTWilliamson #ForrestGump #BubbaGump #TomHanks #StillHereHollywood #HollywoodInterview #TheLastRodeo #DenzelWashington YouTube Chapters 00:00 Intro: Bubba From Forrest Gump Joins the Show 01:08 Why You Can Call Him "T" 01:42 The Real Reason He's Never Eaten at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. 04:05 Girlfriend the 1953 Chevy & Staying Grounded in Hollywood 06:00 The Forrest Gump Audition Story: No Callback to Landing the Role 10:18 Tom Hanks Kicking Him Under the Table 10:55 Meeting Tom & Rita Wilson at the Deauville Film Festival 13:25 What He Brought to Bubba That Wasn't on the Page 14:48 The Gary Sinise Line That Was Total Improv 15:33 Sally Field, Rehearsals & the Two Journeys of Every Character 16:44 Announcing New Film "The Last Rodeo" With Neil McDonough 18:27 Why Hollywood Should "Chase Hearts, Not Numbers" 19:30 Is He Happy? Life Philosophy & Southern Family Values 20:07 Getting Typecast After Forrest Gump 22:33 Actors He Admires & His Character Workshop for Students 27:08 How He Got Into Directing: Mentors Mike Jones & Miguel Velejas 30:08 Favorite Costars: Denzel Washington, Angela Bassett, Al Pacino 31:45 Denzel Washington's Kindness & Interviewing Him Over the Years 32:03 The John David & Olivia Washington Story 34:41 Malcolm Washington's Directorial Debut, "The Piano Lesson" 35:34 Oscar Voting Rule Changes & Academy Membership Shift 36:35 The Last Rodeo Plot Explained: Bull Riders, Family & Redemption 39:59 What He Does for Fun & His Three Daughters 41:14 Why He Calls His Daughter "Coconut" 42:00 An Underrated Role: Truth or Consequences, New Mexico 43:21 Most Creatively Fulfilling Part of the Job 44:16 Backstage Truth About Tom Hanks and Gary Sinise 45:47 Upcoming Role in "Dark Matter" on Streaming 47:46 The Meaning Behind His Beaded Necklace 48:56 Training for Forrest Gump: Military Boot Camp With Dale Dye 50:25 The Funny Stunt Double Story That Kept Him in Shape 51:36 His Daily Workout & Recovery Routine 53:36 The Real Story Behind the Iconic Shrimp Monologue 59:07 How He Reworked the Script to Add Humanity 1:00:14 Marlon Brando Comparison & Working With Michael Mann/Jerry Bruckheimer on Heat and Con Air 1:01:34 Growing Up in South Los Angeles as an Air Force Kid 1:02:16 Why His Family Fled the South & Changed Their Name 1:03:49 Closing Thoughts & Where to Find More

Before becoming Cliff Clavin on Cheers, John Ratzenberger spent years traveling the world, building houses, performing improvised comedy across Europe, and chasing adventure wherever it led. In this encore episode, John shares the remarkable story behind his famous Cheers audition, his friendships with Hollywood legends, his long-running relationship with Pixar, and why he believes young people should learn practical skills before pursuing fame. It's a funny, thoughtful conversation filled with stories only John Ratzenberger could tell. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:52 A Lifetime of Travel and Adventure 04:26 Landing the Role of Cliff Clavin 06:28 Leaving Carpentry for England 07:21 Building an Improv Career in Europe 10:02 Learning to Act Without Training 12:53 Star Wars and Early Film Roles 14:27 Why Building Things Matters 16:48 First Impressions of Los Angeles 19:19 Being Recognized in Public 20:24 The Early Struggles of Cheers 22:56 Working with Hollywood Legends 24:12 Remembering Frances Sternhagen 28:07 The Famous Cheers Audition Story 35:39 Memories of Kirstie Alley 37:43 Inventing and Building Products 41:58 The Importance of Trade Skills 45:05 Advice for Young Actors 47:11 His Son's First Fish, A Shark 48:39 Family, Career and Success 50:18 Dancing With The Stars Challenge 53:34 Toy Story 5 and What's Next 57:38 His Hollywood Heroes 01:03:12 Faking a Foreign Language at an Audition 01:04:51 Leaving Cheers for the Last Time 01:06:05 Advice for Surviving Hollywood 01:08:42 A Frightening Fan Encounter 01:11:08 Final Thoughts

Kent McCord became a television icon as Officer Jim Reed on Adam-12, one of the most influential police dramas in television history. But long before Adam-12, Kent's life was already taking remarkable turns. In this episode of Still Here Hollywood, Kent shares never-before-heard stories about working with Jack Webb, the realism behind Adam-12, how the series became a training tool for police departments across America, and the surprising impact the show had on law enforcement. Kent also recalls his friendship with Rick Nelson, an unforgettable football game between teams organized by Rick Nelson and Elvis Presley, working on Elvis movies, being publicly recognized by Elvis in Las Vegas, and the heartbreaking days surrounding the deaths of both Elvis and Rick. It's a fascinating conversation about classic television, Hollywood history, friendship, luck, and a career that continues to resonate with audiences decades later. #Adam12, #KentMcCord, #JackWebb, #ElvisPresley, #RickNelson, #ClassicTV, #StillHereHollywood, #SteveKmetko, #HollywoodHistory, #Dragnet, #PoliceDrama, #TVLegends CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 01:00 Why Everyone Called Him "Bucky" 01:39 Did Kent Know Adam-12 Would Become a Classic? 05:28 The Simple Formula That Made Adam-12 Work 07:04 Jack Webb and the Birth of Adam-12 08:15 Jack Webb's Famous Temper and Directing Style 15:52 Johnny Carson, Jack Webb and Comedy Gold 16:38 The Real Impact Adam-12 Had on Police Officers 18:14 Kent's Real-Life Encounters with Crime 20:13 Making Adam-12 Feel Authentic 23:28 Patreon Break 24:10 Becoming Friends with Rick Nelson 27:50 The Legendary Elvis Presley vs. Rick Nelson Football Game 33:43 What Elvis Presley Was Really Like 35:05 The Night Elvis Introduced Kent McCord in Las Vegas 37:16 Searching for Lost Elvis Footage 38:14 Life with Rick Nelson and Ozzie & Harriet 48:42 Luck, Persistence and Breaking Into Hollywood 50:04 The Day Elvis Presley Died 54:45 The Truth About Rick Nelson's Plane Crash 1:00:18 Did Adam-12 Show the Real Reality of Policing? 1:00:55 The Miranda Warning Story 1:02:20 Why Adam-12 Was Different From Every Other Cop Show 1:05:25 Looking Back on a Lifetime in Hollywood 1:06:30 The Day Ozzie Nelson Saved Kent's Life 1:08:55 Martin Milner and the Friendship Behind Adam-12 1:10:51 Why Adam-12 Still Airs Today 1:11:25 Closing Credits

Monica Potter joins Steve Kmetko for one of the most emotional and revealing conversations yet on STILL HERE HOLLYWOOD. From starring alongside Robin Williams in Patch Adams, to unforgettable roles in Parenthood, Along Came a Spider, Con Air, and The Last House on the Left, Monica opens up about her remarkable career, motherhood, growing up poor in Cleveland, and the deeply personal lessons she learned from some of Hollywood’s most iconic actors. She shares emotional memories of Robin Williams, hilarious stories about Nicolas Cage, heartfelt reflections on Philip Seymour Hoffman, working with Morgan Freeman, and how Hollywood once pressured her to choose career over family. Monica also discusses: Why she hated acting classes Her father’s incredible inventions Raising empathetic children Rebuying her childhood home in Cleveland Why she says she’s “already canceled” The emotional cost of fame Her connection to nature, healing, and intuition This is one of the rawest, funniest, and most unexpectedly touching episodes of STILL HERE HOLLYWOOD. #StillHereHollywood #MonicaPotter #Parenthood #PatchAdams #RobinWilliams #MorganFreeman #NicolasCage #PhilipSeymourHoffman #SteveKmetko #HollywoodStories #CelebrityInterviews #90sMovies #2000sTV #BehindTheScenes #Cleveland #Hollywood Chapters 00:00 Monica Potter remembers Robin Williams 02:04 Intro 03:39 Working with Robin Williams on Patch Adams 05:52 Nicolas Cage stories and on-set laughs 07:04 Philip Seymour Hoffman memories 09:21 Morgan Freeman and driving stunts 11:26 “I’m already canceled” 14:31 Growing up with an inventor father 17:33 Raising empathetic children 18:59 Her father’s inventions and the Whiptail lure 23:13 The hardest part of Hollywood 25:00 Why Monica shifted from movies to television 27:33 Reflecting on Robin Williams after his death 28:22 Parenthood and playing a character with cancer 29:33 Why she didn’t want her kids acting 32:50 Returning to her Cleveland childhood home 36:33 Buying back the family house 40:00 Renovating her childhood home 41:34 Advice for aspiring actors 45:00 Hollywood pressure and motherhood 47:58 Monica’s “secret talents” 50:11 Why acting classes felt wrong to her 53:42 Beauty, modeling, and self-image 55:40 Why soap operas weren’t for her 57:48 Her home decor and wellness line 1:00:09 Archaeology, crystals, and camping 1:00:40 Final thoughts and emotional goodbye

What happens when one of the funniest and most outspoken stars from Sex and the City sits down with one of television’s original openly gay entertainment journalists? In this deeply funny, brutally honest, and surprisingly emotional episode of STILL HERE HOLLYWOOD, Mario Cantone opens up to Steve Kmetko about fame, fear, gay representation in Hollywood, censorship, aging, Broadway, comedy, family, and the legacy of Anthony Marentino from Sex and the City and And Just Like That.... Mario reveals: Why Johnny Carson canceled his appearance The truth about working with the cast of Sex and the City What really happened after Willie Garson passed away His thoughts on Kim Cattrall not returning Why he believes AIDS set gay progress back decades The line from Sex and the City he still gets recognized for His emotional meeting with Carol Burnett Why he thinks comedians can’t say what they want anymore The conversation also dives into growing up gay in the 70s, Broadway, Liza Minnelli, Barbra Streisand, surviving Hollywood, and the cultural impact of Sex and the City. Funny, raw, emotional, and wildly entertaining, this is Mario Cantone like you’ve never seen him before. 00:00 Intro 00:47 Mario Cantone joins the show 01:44 Johnny Carson canceled Mario over “gay material” 04:52 Becoming Anthony on Sex and the City 06:45 Why And Just Like That ending hurt 07:01 Mario reads every comment online 08:46 The explosion of Sex and the City fame 10:07 Michael Patrick King directing Mario 11:24 Willie Garson’s death changed everything 12:35 Was Mario typecast? 14:49 Fear of being openly gay in comedy clubs 17:47 Anthony & Stanford’s relationship 19:48 Will & Grace vs Sex and the City representation 21:20 Lines Mario couldn’t believe he got to say 24:14 Most iconic Anthony scenes 25:38 Steve Kmetko opens up about coming out 28:52 Being bullied as a kid 30:08 How AIDS changed gay progress 32:06 Steve reveals his father married him to a woman 34:02 Mario says he never hid who he was 35:32 George Clooney reaction to People magazine article 36:40 Straight actors playing gay characters 39:40 Chris Noth controversy 40:38 Kim Cattrall not returning 41:50 Getting in shape for nude scenes 42:35 Willie Garson storyline discussion 45:12 Mario loves cooking and baking bread 47:29 Celebrity Autobiography on Broadway 49:20 Discovering Judy Garland at age 2 50:45 Steve’s Barbra Streisand story 52:54 Mario cries meeting Carol Burnett 54:11 Mario reflects on his cultural impact 55:27 Will Sex and the City ever return?

She was discovered at 15 in a London coffee shop… and within years, she was starring in major Hollywood films alongside legends. In this episode, Steve Kmetko sits down with actress Vanessa Angel to talk about her unexpected rise from modeling to acting, working with icons like Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray, and Woody Harrelson, and the reality behind building a career in Hollywood. From Spies Like Us to Weird Science and Kingpin, Vanessa shares the moments that defined her journey, including the role she almost had that changed TV history, the truth about being a young model alone in the industry, and why she spent decades trying to be taken seriously. She also opens up about imposter syndrome, personal growth, motherhood, and what success really means now after 40 years in the business. This is a candid, funny, and surprisingly emotional conversation about fame, resilience, and finding yourself when the spotlight fades. THIS IS STILL HERE HOLLYWOOD, I’M STEVE KMETKO. JOIN ME WITH TODAY’S GUEST, FROM WEIRD SCIENCE, ACTOR VANESSA ANGEL. 00:00 Intro, From modeling to Hollywood 01:04 Landing Spies Like Us and getting hooked on acting 03:30 “I didn’t know what I was doing” early career struggles 05:01 Training at the Actors Studio 07:13 Trauma, reflection, and emotional depth 09:18 Discovered at 15, navigating modeling alone 11:22 Paris, early industry exposure, and vulnerability 12:25 Arriving in New York, a life-changing moment 16:06 Modeling vs acting, finding her voice 17:51 Wanting more than just being “looked at” 19:00 Early acting work and learning on Baywatch 22:24 When she finally felt confident as an actor 24:47 Working fast, learning lines, and set discipline 27:53 Warren Beatty’s advice that changed everything 30:13 Meeting Hollywood legends early in her career 33:00 The role she lost, originally cast as Xena 35:53 How Kingpin happened through perfect timing 36:59 Working with Woody Harrelson 38:30 Bill Murray on set, total unpredictability 39:38 Learning comedy and finding her rhythm 41:37 Being typecast and not taken seriously 43:50 Advice to young actors and models 46:02 Comic Cons and connecting with fans 47:53 Full circle, life today and finding peace 49:32 Divorce, independence, and rediscovering herself 51:27 Life now, priorities and fulfillment 54:35 Travel, gratitude, and perspective 56:49 What she’s most proud of 59:45 Outro

Oscar-nominated actor June Squibb joins Steve Kmetko on Still Here Hollywood for a funny, honest, and deeply inspiring conversation about longevity, craft, and what it really means to keep working at the highest level in your 90s. June looks back on her early days in theater, including working with the legendary Ethel Merman in Gypsy, learning Broadway discipline, and why she always knew, even as a child, that acting was not just something she wanted to do, it was who she was. She also talks about Law & Order, Nebraska, Thelma, Marjorie Prime, Yellowjackets, and what it feels like to still be headlining films when most people have long stepped away from the spotlight. The conversation also explores aging in Hollywood, how Scarlett Johansson directed her in Eleanor the Great, what made Jack Nicholson such a generous scene partner, why realism matters so much in her work, and how Nebraska changed the way the industry saw her. June also shares her thoughts on inspiration, criticism, ambition, and the simple wisdom she would send back to her 35-year-old self. If you love great actors, great stories, and proof that a second act can turn into seven acts, this episode is for you. Support the show and get early access and extras at patreon.com/stillherehollywood 00:01 Intro: June Squibb and a breakout decades in the making 00:37 Why some people still call her Miss Squibb 01:06 Working with Ethel Merman in Gypsy 02:57 Learning to bump and grind on stage 03:37 Knowing she was an actor from the very beginning 04:18 If she had done anything else, it might have been forensics 04:46 Law & Order memories and Jerry Orbach 05:28 Broadway discipline and arriving early to the theater 06:20 Her backstage ritual before curtain 07:17 How June prepares for a role 08:04 Seven decades of acting, and still going strong 08:29 What she looks for in a script now 09:18 Aging in Hollywood and what audiences want to see 10:32 Why older stories matter more than ever 10:53 What has not changed in Hollywood 11:45 How age changes the roles she gets 12:37 Scarlett Johansson, Eleanor the Great, and using the cane 13:19 Working with Scarlett as a director 14:19 Oscar night for Nebraska and sharing it with her son 16:22 Patreon break 17:20 Nebraska cemetery scene and that unforgettable moment 18:16 Why she never thought “why did this take so long?” 18:57 How Nebraska changed the way she saw herself 20:00 Thelma, action comedy, and strength at any age 21:11 The best thing about her life right now 21:48 What roles she still wants to play 22:51 What quality makes people want to work with her 23:56 What performance of hers she recommends people watch 24:49 In & Out, comedy, and Frank Oz 25:19 Working with Woody Allen on Alice 26:15 Can you separate art from artist? 27:25 Who made a big impression on her, Jack Nicholson 28:20 Fame, recognition, and being known for the work 28:31 Marrying her acting teacher 29:07 What makes a director great for actors 30:17 Was she ever typecast? Yes, as a bimbo 31:17 Roles that felt too familiar 31:47 Supporting player vs leading lady 32:26 Seeing her younger self on screen 32:48 How old she feels now, 35 33:16 Does she watch her own performances? 33:44 The one truth that shaped her whole life 34:09 Her secret to looking good and feeling healthy 35:13 Being called inspiring, and that word “icon” 36:09 A June Squibb documentary may be coming 36:44 What she hopes people say about her work 36:59 Still hoping to work with Robert De Niro 37:30 At 96, does she think about mortality? 38:05 What she would tell her 35-year-old self 39:17 Closing thoughts and wrap-up

Melora Hardin, best known to millions as Jan Levinson on The Office, joins Steve Kmetko for a funny, revealing, and surprisingly wide-ranging conversation about her life and career in Hollywood. Melora looks back on working with Steve Carell, the improvisational magic behind The Office, and why the legendary “Dinner Party” episode still makes her laugh. She also opens up about her early years as a child actor on Little House on the Prairie, working with Michael Landon and Clint Eastwood, her thoughts on AI and creativity, and what it was like seeing Miley Cyrus at 15 during the Hannah Montana movie. Beyond acting, Melora talks about dance, directing, cabaret, parenting in Hollywood, Transparent, Dancing with the Stars, and the creative energy that still drives her after more than 50 years in the business. This is a smart, funny, and honest conversation with one of television’s most memorable performers. #MeloraHardin, #TheOffice, #JanLevinson, #SteveCarell, #StillHereHollywood, #SteveKmetko, #LittleHouseOnThePrairie, #Transparent, #MileyCyrus, #Hollywood CHAPTERS 00:00 Cold open, Steve Carell and AI tease 00:49 Intro, Melora Hardin joins the show 02:05 Melora’s colorful outfit and new scarf collection 02:43 More than 50 years in show business 03:23 Little House on the Prairie and first screen kiss 05:48 Working with Michael Landon 06:50 Clint Eastwood stories and singing for him 09:24 Did the cast of The Office get along? 10:01 Greg Daniels, improv, and the collaborative set 12:08 Does Melora watch old episodes of The Office? 13:29 The “Dinner Party” episode and breaking on set 15:37 Melora’s lifestyle brand, wallpaper, and scarves 16:16 What kind of a kisser was Steve Carell? 16:38 How much improv happened on The Office 19:05 Miley Cyrus at 15 and the making of Hannah Montana 19:35 Melora’s thoughts on AI and creativity 23:58 Acting, dancing, singing, directing, and creative energy 25:04 Why ballet didn’t become her career 27:34 Playing Baby in Dirty Dancing 29:41 Biggest influences, her parents, and growing up in Hollywood 32:04 What she still wants to do next 34:17 More on Miley Cyrus and child stardom 36:32 Cabaret, singing, and getting through Covid 38:37 Social media, parenting, and raising kids without phones 42:18 Raising grounded children in Hollywood 44:54 Emmy nomination for Transparent 48:14 Why film and TV is the ultimate team sport 50:07 Directing, editing, and her documentary Hunter’s Thunder 54:11 Melora on going to the movies 55:30 Dancing with the Stars and loving dance 55:50 From Jan on The Office to Tammy on Transparent 57:03 What she wants next in her career 57:50 Where the name Melora comes from 58:31 Jan’s breakup on The Office 59:32 What still “flaps” Melora 1:00:46 Gratitude, family, and staying grounded 1:02:30 Final moments and ruby slippers story

Adrienne Barbeau joins Steve Kmetko for a candid and entertaining conversation about a career that has spanned Broadway, television, cult films, and animation. Long before becoming a horror icon, Adrienne Barbeau first gained national attention playing Carol Traynor on the groundbreaking sitcom Maude opposite the legendary Bea Arthur. From there she built a career that moved effortlessly between stage, television, and film, appearing in classics like The Fog, Escape From New York, Creepshow, and Swamp Thing. She also became the unforgettable voice of Catwoman in Batman: The Animated Series, a role that continues to resonate with fans decades later. In this episode, Adrienne looks back at her early days performing for U.S. troops overseas for just seven dollars a day, her Broadway run in Fiddler on the Roof alongside Bette Midler, and what she learned working with Bea Arthur on one of television’s most influential sitcoms. She shares behind the scenes stories about working with directors like John Carpenter and George Romero, explains how she accidentally became a horror movie legend, and reveals why she never saw herself as the “bombshell” many fans remember from films like Cannonball Run. Adrienne also talks about aging in Hollywood, why she has avoided cosmetic procedures, the surprising fan encounters that still happen at conventions, and how her children keep her grounded after decades in the spotlight. It’s a funny, insightful look at a remarkable career that continues to evolve more than sixty years after her first professional job. This is Still Here Hollywood. I’m Steve Kmetko. Join me with today’s guest, actor Adrienne Barbeau. 00:00 Introduction – Adrienne Barbeau joins Still Here Hollywood 00:48 A Career That Spans Broadway, Television, and Film 02:07 Entertaining U.S. Troops for $7 a Day 03:10 Broadway Years and Fiddler on the Roof with Bette Midler 04:22 Learning the Difference Between Stage and Film Acting 06:07 Adrienne Barbeau on Fame and Success 09:19 A Wild Story About Burt Reynolds and Celebrity Life 10:35 How Maude Impacted Fans in Real Life 13:12 What Adrienne Learned from Bea Arthur 14:53 Life on the Set of Maude 17:30 When Adrienne Realized Maude Was Groundbreaking 19:03 The Behind the Scenes Rhythm of Filming Maude 22:22 Finding Confidence as Carol on Maude 24:04 The Controversial Maude Abortion Episode 27:27 How Adrienne Became a Horror Movie Icon 29:30 Almost Turning Down George Romero’s Creepshow 31:08 When Horror Fans Started Recognizing Her Work 33:04 Adrienne’s New Film Oddities 35:37 Voicing Catwoman in Batman: The Animated Series 37:23 The Acting Advice That Changed Her Career 40:05 The “Bombshell” Label in Hollywood 41:15 The Famous Cannonball Run Costume Story 43:00 Do Actors Have More Freedom Today? 44:47 What Keeps Adrienne Barbeau Grounded 45:11 Adrienne Barbeau on Turning 80 49:30 Her Early Days Working in a New York Nightclub 51:23 Advice Adrienne Would Give Her Younger Self 53:35 Playing Catwoman and Voice Acting Work 54:40 HBO’s Carnivàle and Her Favorite Role 56:30 Closing Thoughts