Gems & Laughs with Geri Jewell from The Facts of Life
Release Date: 09/16/2024
Confessions of a Tabloid Bad Boy: William Keck Tells All
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William Keck, Emmy-nominated TV producer and self-proclaimed "tabloid bad boy," joins to discuss his latest book, When You Step Upon a Star: Cringe-Worthy Confessions of a Tabloid Bad Boy. In this candid and humor-laden conversation, William shares outrageous behind-the-scenes stories from his time at the National Enquirer and as an entertainment journalist. From his questionable methods of breaking news to surprising friendships with Hollywood icons, William reflects on his career’s ups, downs, and everything in between. With confessions ranging from awkward celebrity...
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Jay Johnson's Adventures on Soap and Broadway
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Jay Johnson, the master ventriloquist and beloved actor from Soap, shares an in-depth look into his extraordinary career, from his early passion for ventriloquism sparked by a childhood Nestlé Quick pamphlet to his Tony Award-winning Broadway show, The Two and Only!. He recounts his time on Soap, discussing the challenges and triumphs of bringing Chuck and Bob Campbell to life, and how ventriloquism impacted his battle with dyslexia. Jay also reveals hilarious behind-the-scenes anecdotes, including the unique experiences of working with a top-tier ensemble cast and the unexpected...
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Marla Pennington's Journey from SOAP to Small Wonder
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Marla Pennington, known for her roles on SOAP and Small Wonder, shares her fascinating journey from her family's mattress business to Hollywood stardom. She reflects on her breakout in acting, the dramatic and comedic nuances of working with icons like Richard Mulligan, and the joy of sitcom performances. Marla offers heartwarming anecdotes about SOAP, including hilarious behind-the-scenes moments and how the show’s humor holds up over time. She also dives into the unforgettable experience of filming Small Wonder, including tales of syndication success and the show's...
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Running in Slow Motion with Baywatch's Nicole Eggert
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Nicole Eggert, star of Baywatch, Charles in Charge, and Who's the Boss, takes a trip down memory lane, sharing stories from her iconic career. From her early days as Little Miss Universe to becoming a global sensation on Baywatch, Nicole reflects on the ups and downs of fame. She dives into the making of her documentary After Baywatch, revealing what it was like working with David Hasselhoff and her thoughts on Pamela Anderson's absence. Nicole also opens up about her personal life, including her health challenges and the importance of self-advocacy. Packed with humor...
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Happy Days at The Office and Matlock with Linda Purl
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Linda Purl takes listeners on a fascinating journey through her career in both acting and singing. From her childhood in Japan, where she trained at the prestigious Toho Gyno Academy, to becoming a Hollywood star, Linda reflects on the experiences that shaped her path. She shares stories about her time on iconic shows like Happy Days, Matlock, and The Office, along with behind-the-scenes moments with Hollywood legends such as Henry Winkler and Andy Griffith. Linda also dives into her passion for live music, explaining how performing on stage has been a constant source of joy throughout her...
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Motown, Love and Legacy with Mickey and Michelle Stevenson
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Motown legend Mickey Stevenson and his wife, Michelle, share personal stories from their careers in music and their creative partnership. Mickey reflects on his groundbreaking work at Motown, including discovering Stevie Wonder and shaping Marvin Gaye’s career. Together, they offer a glimpse into their journey from collaboration to marriage and their current creative ventures. Episode Highlights: Mickey Stevenson’s role in creating the Motown sound and assembling the Funk Brothers Discovering Stevie Wonder and helping Marvin Gaye embrace his soulful voice Michelle’s journey to...
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Grease 2, Bachelor Party, and TJ Hooker: A Cool Ride with Adrian Zmed
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Adrian Zmed takes a nostalgic journey through his career, sharing captivating stories from Grease 2, TJ Hooker, and Bachelor Party. He reveals what it was like to play Danny Zuko on Broadway and how Grease 2 became a cult favorite despite its early challenges. From his dynamic on-set chemistry with Tom Hanks in Bachelor Party to his close friendship with William Shatner on TJ Hooker, Adrian gives a heartfelt glimpse into the unique experiences that shaped his career. His deep love for theater shines through, along with his excitement about honoring Grease 2 director Patricia Birch in New York....
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From Pageants to Planetary Domination: Jane Badler's Sci-Fi Legacy
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Discover Jane Badler’s journey from pageantry to becoming one of television’s most iconic sci-fi villains. Known for her role as Diana on V, Jane shares the challenges of embodying such a memorable character and the impact that single role had on her career. Jane dives into her experiences on V, including the infamous scene where Diana consumes a guinea pig, which still resonates with fans decades later. From her start in the theater world to starring in the Mission Impossible reboot, this discussion covers Jane’s versatile and enduring career in entertainment. Episode Highlights: ...
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My Three Sons: Stanley Livingston’s Life in Classic TV
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Stanley Livingston, known to millions as Chip Douglas from My Three Sons, opens up about his fascinating journey through Hollywood. Livingston shares an insider's perspective on his career spanning over six decades, from growing up on set to working alongside legends like Fred MacMurray and Charles Bronson. This conversation is a nostalgic ride through classic television, Hollywood’s golden era, and the life of a child star who successfully navigated the highs and lows of the entertainment industry. Episode Highlights: Hollywood Beginnings: Stanley shares how he got his start in acting as a...
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The Rebellious Comedy of Married with Children: Richard Gurman Dishes on TV’s Boldest Sitcom
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Richard Gurman, renowned TV producer and author of Married with Children vs. the World, shares the inside scoop on the hit sitcom that redefined TV comedy. Gurman recounts the behind-the-scenes challenges and triumphs that made Married with Children a cultural game-changer, from casting battles with Fox executives to navigating controversy and censorship. He reflects on how the show’s offbeat humor and rebellious spirit captured a generation, ultimately reshaping how TV networks approached comedy. As the showrunner, Gurman also reveals key stories about working with iconic actors like Ed...
info_outlineGeri Jewell shares her trailblazing career as the first actress with cerebral palsy to break into mainstream television. From her early stand-up days at The Comedy Store to her iconic roles on The Facts of Life and HBO’s Deadwood, Geri reflects on the challenges and triumphs of her journey. She opens up about her influential friendship with Carol Burnett, the unforgettable moment she was cast by Norman Lear, and the humorous yet impactful experiences that shaped her career. Her stories offer a mix of inspiration, humor, and behind-the-scenes insights into breaking barriers in Hollywood.
Episode Highlights:
- Comedy Roots: Geri recounts her journey into stand-up comedy, starting at the famous Comedy Store in 1978. From her struggles with early performances to becoming the first comedian with cerebral palsy to appear on national television, Geri’s resilience shines through. Her candid reflection on bombing her second week at the Comedy Store—and what she learned from it—provides both humor and wisdom.
- Carol Burnett’s Influence: One of the highlights of Geri’s youth was becoming pen pals with her idol, Carol Burnett. Carol’s words of encouragement inspired Geri to pursue her dreams in show business, despite the societal expectations placed on her due to her disability. Geri shares heartwarming memories of Carol’s support and how it fueled her ambition.
- Meeting Norman Lear: A pivotal moment in Geri’s career came when Norman Lear spotted her performance and immediately cast her as Cousin Geri on The Facts of Life. Geri recounts the whirlwind experience of joining the cast, humanizing the snobby Blair Warner, and the impact of being one of the first actresses with a visible disability on a major TV show.
- Decapitating Big Bird: In one of the funniest moments of the episode, Geri shares a story about her guest appearance on Sesame Street, where an unexpected accident involving roller skates and Big Bird left children screaming! Geri’s retelling of how she managed to “decapitate” Big Bird during a live taping is guaranteed to leave you laughing.
- From Stand-Up to Deadwood: Geri takes us through her transition from sitcoms to the gritty world of HBO’s Deadwood. A chance encounter with David Milch in a pharmacy led to her role as Jewel, a character created specifically for her. Geri’s reflections on working with Ian McShane and the unique challenges of performing in such a raw, historical setting are captivating.
- New Book – Geri’s Gems and Jewels: Geri discusses the inspiration behind her new book, a collection of essays and stories drawn from her life and career. The book combines humor and poignant reflections, with a special foreword from her dear friend, Norman Lear.
Filled with laugh-out-loud moments, touching memories, and incredible career insights, this episode is a masterclass in resilience, humor, and the power of breaking barriers.
You're going to love my conversation with Geri Jewell
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