Episodes

  • Episode 156 – The Incredible Life of Legendary Hollywood Casting Director Joel Thurm - Part 2
    Jan 26 2026
    In Part Two of this wildly entertaining conversation, host Tony Miros continues his deep dive with legendary casting director Joel Thurm, pulling back the curtain on the chaos, creativity, and pure magic behind some of Hollywood’s most iconic projects. From producing The Boy in the Plastic Bubble under impossible time constraints to stepping in behind the scenes on Grease—without ever getting official credit—Joel shares jaw-dropping stories that prove how much really happens off camera.The heart of the episode belongs to Grease. Joel reveals how the film nearly fell apart, how John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John bonded on set, why casting “older” actors was exactly the right choice, and how a last-minute carnival saved the movie’s legendary finale. He also spills the real stories behind casting Stockard Channing, Sha Na Na, and the brilliant decision to lean into the film’s fairy-tale tone rather than realism. It’s a masterclass in trusting instincts—and knowing when to fight for them.Joel also dives into the genius casting of Airplane!, explaining how ignoring studio demands for comedians and instead casting serious dramatic actors made the movie a comedy classic. From Lloyd Bridges and Robert Stack to Barbara Billingsley’s unforgettable jive-talking cameo, Joel shares how bold casting choices changed film comedy forever—and how close the movie came to being something very different.The episode wraps with Joel’s powerful years at NBC, where he helped shape shows like Cheers, The Golden Girls, The Facts of Life, and The Love Boat. He tells behind-the-scenes stories about casting battles, network politics, missed opportunities, and why he still has zero filter well into his 80s—think Sophia Petrillo with a casting résumé. Funny, candid, and packed with insider revelations, this is an episode every classic TV and movie fan needs to hear. JOEL THURM Joel Thurm is a legendary & highly influential Hollywood casting director whose instincts, wit, and fearless advocacy for actors have helped shape decades of TV and film history. Born on one of the last remaining dairy farms in Brooklyn, NY, he grew up surrounded by cows, Broadway cast albums, and a love of movies. A graduate of Hunter College, he briefly worked as a substitute teacher before realizing his creative instincts were better suited for the entertainment world.His path into show business began in theater, including formative work with legendary Broadway producer David Merrick, where he learned the business from the ground up. He soon transitioned into casting and made his mark in Hollywood with an extraordinary run of film credits, including Grease, Airplane!, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Early on, he recognized that John Travolta was far more than a teen idol, casting him in The Boy in the Plastic Bubble and helping launch one of the most iconic careers in film history.From 1980 to 1990, he served as Senior Vice President of Talent and Casting for NBC and Paramount Television. He played a pivotal role in discovering and guiding River & Joaquin Phoenix as children and helping set them on their paths to stardom. Overseeing casting for groundbreaking series like Cheers, Taxi, The Golden Girls, Hill Street Blues, and many more, he became known for casting against type, championing authenticity, and respecting actors’ craft—later chronicling his remarkable journey in his candid memoir, Sex, Drugs & Pilot Season: Confessions of a Casting Director.Joel Thurm Website - ⁠https://www.joelthurm.com⁠ To Purchase Joel’s Book on Amazon - ⁠https://tinyurl.com/453capve⁠The 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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    48 mins
  • Episode 155 – The Incredible Life of Legendary Hollywood Casting Director Joel Thurm - Part 1
    Jan 26 2026
    In Part One of this must-listen, two-part conversation, host Tony Miros sits down with legendary casting director Joel Thurm to explore his extraordinary Hollywood journey & the stories behind his new memoir, Sex, Drugs & Pilot Season: Confessions of a Casting Director. From humble beginnings to shaping TV and film history, Joel shares how a kid who grew up on his grandfather’s dairy farm in Brooklyn—with cows and a love for The Wizard of Oz and Some Like It Hot—found his way into the heart of show business.He opens up about his path to Hollywood: flunking out of Hunter College, becoming a truly terrible substitute teacher, and stumbling into theater through summer stock. Along the way, he shares unforgettable early encounters, including a rain-soaked meeting with Judy Garland that forever shaped his expectations of artists—and artistry. His big break came working for legendary Broadway producer David Merrick, where he was thrown into the fire, learned the business from the ground up, and discovered his instincts for casting.The conversation also dives into Joel’s eye for talent and storytelling, including how he discovered River and Joaquin Phoenix when they were just kids, his close relationship with their family, and how Joaquin later encouraged him to finally write his memoir. Joel reveals why it took years—and a global pandemic—for him to finish the book, and why he famously opens it by apologizing for “discovering” David Hasselhoff.We also hear how Pearl Bailey brought him to Hollywood, leading him to CBS TV Studios and the start of an iconic career casting shows like The Bob Newhart Show. Joel shares behind-the-scenes stories like casting Georgia Engel on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, championing diverse & against-type casting, and his early involvement with The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Grease. JOEL THURM Joel Thurm is a legendary & highly influential Hollywood casting director whose instincts, wit, and fearless advocacy for actors have helped shape decades of TV and film history. Born on one of the last remaining dairy farms in Brooklyn, NY, he grew up surrounded by cows, Broadway cast albums, and a love of movies. A graduate of Hunter College, he briefly worked as a substitute teacher before realizing his creative instincts were better suited for the entertainment world.His path into show business began in theater, including formative work with legendary Broadway producer David Merrick, where he learned the business from the ground up. He soon transitioned into casting and made his mark in Hollywood with an extraordinary run of film credits, including Grease, Airplane!, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Early on, he recognized that John Travolta was far more than a teen idol, casting him in The Boy in the Plastic Bubble and helping launch one of the most iconic careers in film history.From 1980 to 1990, he served as Senior Vice President of Talent and Casting for NBC and Paramount Television. He played a pivotal role in discovering and guiding River & Joaquin Phoenix as children and helping set them on their paths to stardom. Overseeing casting for groundbreaking series like Cheers, Taxi, The Golden Girls, Hill Street Blues, and many more, he became known for casting against type, championing authenticity, and respecting actors’ craft—later chronicling his remarkable journey in his candid memoir, Sex, Drugs & Pilot Season: Confessions of a Casting Director.Joel Thurm Website - https://www.joelthurm.com To Purchase Joel’s Book on Amazon - https://tinyurl.com/453capveThe 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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    37 mins
  • Episode 154 - Shining The Spotlight On "Dallas" & "Walker Texas Ranger" Star Sheree J Wilson - Part 2
    Jan 12 2026
    In the conclusion of this revealing two-part conversation, host Tony Miros continues his chat with the fabulous Sheree J. Wilson, diving deep into her unforgettable years on “Dallas.” Sheree recalls shooting her very first scene with Dack Rambo—nervous, starstruck, & instantly put at ease by his warmth. A lifelong fan of the show herself, she admits to full-on fangirling on set, shares a hilarious story about being greeted by Barbara Bel Geddes, & fondly remembers her early encounters with Larry Hagman—whose legendary pranks kept the cast laughing nonstop.Sheree pulls back the curtain on life behind the scenes at one of television’s biggest hits. She paints a vivid picture of a cast that truly felt like family. She reflects on the challenges of filming interiors in Hollywood & exteriors in Dallas, the demanding continuity of soap storytelling, & the genuine bonds she formed with castmates like Kimberly Foster, Cathy Podewell, Ken Kercheval, and Linda Gray—relationships that have endured for decades.The conversation also explores the sheer magnitude of “Dallas” fame. Sheree shares stories of filming overseas, jogging through Salzburg only to be chased by schoolkids, and realizing she was part of something truly global. She also opens up about April’s unexpected romance with Bobby Ewing, the fan-favorite love story, and the shocking Paris demise that rocked viewers—revealing why she asked for her character to be killed off and how heartbreaking it was to say goodbye.Finally, she reflects on the lasting legacy of the show, and her cherished memories of Larry in his final weeks. The episode closes with her transition to “Walker, Texas Ranger,” her instant chemistry with Chuck Norris, and why the series’ strong moral compass continues to resonate decades later. SHEREE J WILSONSheree J. Wilson is a globally recognized television star best known for her roles on two of the most successful long-running series in TV history. She starred for 5 seasons as April Stevens on the iconic primetime soap Dallas and went on to headline the entire 8-season run of Walker, Texas Ranger opposite Chuck Norris. Today, she is also a successful producer & serves as president of Sandalphon Entertainment, a production company with a diverse slate that includes award-season dramas, action thrillers, comedies, & faith-based projects.Sheree caught a lucky break in 1981 during a fashion shoot in Denver when she was mistaken for a model. That moment led to her being signed on the spot by legendary New York agency Wilhelmina. She soon moved to NYC and, within 18 months, appeared in more than 30 national commercial campaigns for brands such as Clairol & Maybelline, while also appearing in top fashion magazines & studying acting.After three successful years in modeling, Sheree transitioned to acting and relocated to Los Angeles, landing her feature-film debut in Sam Raimi’s cult classic Crimewave. Her momentum continued with prominent film & television roles including Velvet, Fraternity Vacation, Kane & Abel, and Our Family Honor. In 1986, producer Leonard Katzman cast her as April Stevens on Dallas, a role that evolved from J.R. Ewing’s sharp-tongued nemesis to Bobby Ewing’s beloved wife. Her dramatic on-screen death earned her a Soap Opera Digest Award and remains one of the show’s most memorable moments.Following Dallas, Sheree starred as ADA Alex Cahill on Walker, Texas Ranger from 1993 to 2001. Off-screen, she built an impressive career as a producer, overseeing projects from development through distribution.Sheree J Wilson Website – http://www.shereejwilson.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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    48 mins
  • Episode 153 - Shining The Spotlight On "Dallas" & "Walker Texas Ranger" Star Sheree J Wilson - Part 1
    Jan 12 2026
    This fun episode kicks off a must-listen, two-part conversation as host Tony Miros shines the spotlight on TV icon Sheree J. Wilson, beloved for her five-season run as April Stevens on “Dallas” & her eight-year starring role on “Walker, Texas Ranger.” From primetime soap royalty to action TV legend, Sheree’s career is pure television history.In Part 1, Tony & Sheree reminisce about their first meeting through mutual friend Charlene Tilton & dive deep into the enduring “Dallas” family bond—one that still brings the cast together decades later, including reunions at Southfork Ranch. Sheree shares what it was like stepping onto the legendary set for the first time as a lifelong fan, her memories of watching the iconic “Who Shot J.R.?” episode, and her playful reaction to telling Larry Hagman she’d been watching him since high school.Sheree also opens up about her Colorado upbringing filled with horses, freedom, & adventure and the winding road that led her from college to modeling—and ultimately to acting. From becoming the “JCPenney girl” in Denver to being discovered by the legendary Wilhelmina, Sheree reveals how discipline, determination, & skipping the party scene helped her book an astonishing 30 commercials in just 18 months!The episode then follows her leap to Hollywood—early film roles, working with future legends, & starring in ambitious TV projects that paved the way to “Dallas.” Sheree shares how April Stevens was written specifically for her, why she was only supposed to appear in 10 episodes, & how that role ultimately turned into a five-year run. Most revealing of all, Sheree candidly tells Tony why she ultimately asked for her character to be killed off—and why, looking back, she admits she now somewhat regrets that decision. SHEREE J WILSONSheree J. Wilson is a globally recognized television star best known for her roles on two of the most successful long-running series in TV history. She starred for five seasons as April Stevens on the iconic primetime soap Dallas and went on to headline the entire eight-season run of Walker, Texas Ranger opposite Chuck Norris. Today, she is also a successful producer & serves as president of Sandalphon Entertainment, a production company with a diverse slate that includes award-season dramas, action thrillers, comedies, & faith-based projects.Sheree caught a lucky break in 1981 during a fashion shoot in Denver when she was mistaken for a model. That moment led to her being signed on the spot by legendary New York agency Wilhelmina. She soon moved to NYC and, within eighteen months, appeared in more than thirty national commercial campaigns for brands such as Clairol & Maybelline, while also appearing in top fashion magazines & studying acting.After three successful years in modeling, Sheree transitioned to acting and relocated to Los Angeles, landing her feature-film debut in Sam Raimi’s cult classic Crimewave. Her momentum continued with prominent film & television roles including Velvet, Fraternity Vacation, Kane & Abel, and Our Family Honor. In 1986, producer Leonard Katzman cast her as April Stevens on Dallas, a role that evolved from J.R. Ewing’s sharp-tongued nemesis to Bobby Ewing’s beloved wife. Her dramatic on-screen death earned her a Soap Opera Digest Award and remains one of the show’s most memorable moments.Following Dallas, Sheree starred as ADA Alex Cahill on Walker, Texas Ranger from 1993 to 2001. Off-screen, she built an impressive career as a producer, overseeing projects from development through distribution. Sheree J Wilson Website – http://www.shereejwilson.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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    34 mins
  • Episode 152 – Douglas Barr Unscripted: “The Fall Guy,” “Designing Women” & Reinventing Life – Part 2
    Dec 29 2025
    In the conclusion of this revealing two-part conversation, host Tony Miros continues his candid & wide-ranging chat with former ’80s TV heartthrob Douglas Barr, diving deeper into his most beloved roles & his evolution from actor to writer & director. Doug shares the story behind landing the role of Colonel Bill Stillfield, Charlene Frazier’s charming boyfriend (and later husband) on “Designing Women,” thanks in part to his connection with producer Larry Thompson that he met while he was working on “The Fall Guy.” He reflects on how much fun the show was, how quickly he adjusted from single-camera action series to a multi-camera sitcom, and what a dream it was to work with Jean Smart, along with Dixie Carter, Annie Potts, Delta Burke, & the rest of the iconic cast. Doug also offers behind-the-scenes gems, including a fun story involving a luncheon with then-unknown Bill and Hillary Clinton, flying through the air as a trapeze artist on “Circus of the Stars” , and why he was more than ready to fully embrace comedy after years of being told to “tone it down” on “The Fall Guy.” He fondly recalls working with legendary guest stars like Dolly Parton, Alice Ghostley, and Hal Holbrook, and shares why he believes “Designing Women” continues to resonate with audiences decades later. The conversation then turns to Doug’s successful transition behind the camera. He explains how writing an episode of “The Wizard” helped him join the WGA, open doors as a screenwriter, & ultimately convince producers to trust him as a director. From directing Olympia Dukakis in “Dead Badge” & Patty Duke in “Love Lessons,” and helming multiple Hallmark hits including “The Note,” Doug reflects on the lessons he learned—and the importance of leadership on set. He also shares how life eventually led him away from Hollywood & into Napa Valley, where he spent 22 years running a winery before serving on the board of the Saint Helena Forum, supporting creativity & innovation in his community.DOUGLAS BARRBorn in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Douglas Barr began his collegiate studies at the University of N Colorado during the turbulent 1960s before transferring to George Washington University, where he experienced the Vietnam War protests firsthand. He graduated in 1972 with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and soon found himself in New York and London working as a model—an industry he says he “accidentally fell into.” It was during this time that he met his future wife, Clare Kirkconnell.That modeling career led Barr to acting, and in the early 1980s he relocated to Los Angeles, quickly landing high-profile television roles. He is best known for his five-season run as Howie Munson on the hit action series “The Fall Guy,” alongside Lee Majors, and for his popular recurring role as Colonel Bill Stillfield on “Designing Women,” where he played Charlene Frazier’s boyfriend and later husband. He also starred as Alex Jagger on CBS’s “The Wizard” and made numerous guest appearances on iconic series including “The Love Boat,” “Fantasy Island,” “Hotel,” and “Murder, She Wrote.”As his career evolved, Barr shifted his focus to writing & directing, helming more than 30 films since the mid-1990s. His move behind the camera coincided with a move to Napa Valley, where he and his wife founded Hollywood and Vine Cellars, a boutique winery they ran for many years. Now retired from both filmmaking & winemaking, Doug serves on the board of the Saint Helena Forum, an educational nonprofit dedicated to fostering creativity and innovation throughout Napa Valley.Saint Helena Forum - https://www.shforum.orgThe Official Hollywood Obsessed Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.hollywoodobsessedthepodcast.com/ ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ 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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    41 mins
  • Episode 151 – Douglas Barr Unscripted: "The Fall Guy", "Designing Women" & Reinventing Life – Part 1
    Dec 29 2025
    In Part 1 of this lively two-part conversation, host Tony Miros sits down with former ’80s TV heartthrob Douglas Barr for a fascinating look at a life defined by reinvention. From athlete to model, television star to writer, director, and winemaker, Barr reflects on the many chapters that shaped his extraordinary journey. He shares stories from growing up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he was a competitive swimmer and sports enthusiast, as well as his early creative interests, globe-trotting adventures, philosophical studies at The George Washington University, and how a spontaneous trip to Europe unexpectedly launched an international modeling career.That modeling success ultimately led Barr to acting—despite never having the “acting bug”—inspired by idols like Cary Grant and Roy Rogers, both of whom he later met. After early TV roles, his big break came in 1981 as Howie Munson, the charming, comedic sidekick on ABC’s hit series “The Fall Guy.” Barr opens up about working alongside Lee Majors, who became both mentor and friend, teaching him the unspoken rules of life on set. He fondly recalls the show’s tongue-in-cheek tone, the real stunts (and real injuries), the near-misses, and unforgettable moments working with legendary guests like James Coburn, Eddie Albert, and even astronaut Buzz Aldrin.Barr also reflects honestly on fame—the pressure, the self-absorption required to survive it, and the thick skin needed to last. He shares his gratitude for the fans who have followed his career for decades, his enduring friendships with Lee Majors and Heather Thomas, and even offers thoughts on the recent “Fall Guy” movie starring Ryan Gosling. It’s a revealing, funny, and thoughtful conversation about success, survival, and knowing when it’s time to move on—and you’ll want to hear every minute.DOUGLAS BARRBorn in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Douglas Barr began his collegiate studies at the University of Northern Colorado during the turbulent 1960s before transferring to The George Washington University, where he experienced the Vietnam War protests firsthand. He graduated in 1972 with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and soon found himself in New York and London working as a model—an industry he says he “accidentally fell into.” It was during this time that he met his future wife, Clare Kirkconnell.That modeling career led Barr to acting, and in the early 1980s he relocated to Los Angeles, quickly landing high-profile television roles. He is best known for his five-season run as Howie Munson on the hit action series “The Fall Guy,” alongside Lee Majors, and for his popular recurring role as Colonel Bill Stillfield on “Designing Women,” where he played Charlene Frazier’s boyfriend and later husband. He also starred as Alex Jagger on CBS’s “The Wizard” and made numerous guest appearances on iconic series including “The Love Boat,” “Fantasy Island,” “Hotel,” and “Murder, She Wrote.”As his career evolved, Barr shifted his focus to writing and directing, helming more than 30 films since the mid-1990s and working with acclaimed actors such as Louis Gossett Jr., Rosanna Arquette, Bradley Whitford, and Olympia Dukakis. His move behind the camera coincided with a move to Napa Valley, where he and his wife founded Hollywood and Vine Cellars, a boutique winery they ran for many years. Now retired from both filmmaking and winemaking, Doug serves on the board of the Saint Helena Forum, an educational nonprofit dedicated to fostering creativity and innovation throughout Napa Valley.Saint Helena Forum - https://www.shforum.orgThe Official Hollywood Obsessed Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.hollywoodobsessedthepodcast.com/ ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ 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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    32 mins
  • Episode 150 – What a Feeling: Getting to Know “Flashdance” Leading Man Michael Nouri – Part 2
    Dec 15 2025
    In the conclusion of their two-part conversation, host Tony Miros continues the ride with Michael Nouri as they explore the fascinating chapters of his career after Flashdance. Michael reflects on projects like The Image Maker and working with legends like Jerry Orbach, Farley Granger, Colleen Dewhurst, and Farrah Fawcett, sharing heartfelt admiration and a few laugh-out-loud behind-the-scenes stories (including one involving a jealous boyfriend hiding in the bushes!).From sci-fi cult favorite The Hidden—where he bonded with Kyle MacLachlan during endless night shoots and later celebrated a surprise French award—to sitcom territory on Diane English’s Love & War, Michael opens up about embracing new genres, steady work, and the cast camaraderie he deeply missed when the show ended. He also talks about romantic leading-man roles, why fans still approach him decades later, and how the idea of writing a memoir keeps calling his name.Michael’s stories only get better as he recalls working with screen icons like Sean Connery (Finding Forrester), Steven Spielberg, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Tom Hanks (The Terminal), and Queen Latifah (Last Holiday). From an unforgettable (and slightly mortifying) Sean Connery impersonation gone wrong to sipping absinthe in Prague’s legendary Hotel Pupp, these tales are packed with humor, heart, and Hollywood magic.The episode also dives into Michael’s love of playing villains, working on dark TV series (Damages, Manhunt: Unabomber, American Crime Story, The Watcher), his admiration for creators like Ryan Murphy, and the powerful sense of family that forms on set. He shares advice for aspiring actors—commit fully, do theater, build discipline, and have fun—before closing on one of the most meaningful moments of his life: starring opposite Julie Andrews in Victor/Victoria on Broadway, a career highlight that finally made his father say he was proud. MICHAEL NOURIMichael Nouri is now in his fifth decade as a celebrated actor in film, television, and theater, with a career defined by range, longevity, and reinvention. In recent years, he has co-produced & starred in The Squeeze, appeared in NBC’s acclaimed miniseries The Slap, & guest-starred on hit series including Blue Bloods, Heartbeat, and Yellowstone. His notable recent screen work also includes Manhunt: Unabomber, Woman Walks Ahead, and The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story, sharing the screen with some of today’s most respected talent.His professional journey began with the box-office hit Goodbye Columbus (1969), followed quickly by a major Broadway debut in 40 Carats opposite Julie Harris. Over the years, he has become a familiar & trusted presence in Hollywood, balancing leading roles with memorable character performances.On film, he is perhaps best known to audiences worldwide as the leading man in the iconic hit Flashdance. His film credits also include The Proposal with Sandra Bullock, Last Holiday with Queen Latifah, Steven Spielberg’s The Terminal with Catherine Zeta-Jones, & Finding Forrester opposite Sean Connery. He received the Best Actor Award at the Avoriaz Film Festival for his performance in the cult classic The Hidden.Television has been another cornerstone of Nouri’s career, with appearances on acclaimed series such as Damages, The West Wing, Law & Order: SVU, NCIS, CSI: NY, Criminal Intent, & The Practice. He held major recurring roles on Bay City Blues, Love and War, The O.C., All My Children, The Young and the Restless, and Brothers and Sisters. Michael Nouri’s Website – ⁠https://www.michaelnouri.com/⁠ The Official Hollywood Obsessed Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.hollywoodobsessedthepodcast.com/ ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ 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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    50 mins
  • Episode 149 – What a Feeling: Getting to Know “Flashdance” Leading Man Michael Nouri – Part 1
    Dec 15 2025
    In Part 1 of this lively two-part conversation, host Tony Miros sits down with the endlessly charming Michael Nouri, forever etched in pop culture history as Nick Hurley in the smash 1980s hit Flashdance. Michael laughs about how—more than 40 years later—fans still stop him to talk about the film (those once-swooning teenagers are now grandmothers!), and he fondly recalls working with director Adrian Lyne on what became a global phenomenon. None of them could have predicted just how big the movie would become.Michael traces his journey back to Washington, D.C., where early trips to the theater sparked the acting bug. A high school production of Gilbert & Sullivan’s Trial by Jury revealed his love for singing and musical theater. After college, he headed to NYC. With no formal acting training, he landed Forty Carats on Broadway opposite Julie Harris —launching a whirlwind career that included a Daytime Emmy Nom for Search for Tomorrow .From playing Dracula on Cliffhangers to portraying Lucky Luciano in The Gangster Chronicles, Michael’s career surged through TV & film, fueled by deep research & a Universal Studios contract that kept him busy (& paid). After projects like The Last Convertible & an Off-Broadway return to NYC, he found himself at a crossroads—choosing between Sam Peckinpah’s The Osterman Weekend and a little movie called Flashdance. He followed his instincts, and the rest is movie history.Michael shares unforgettable memories from filming Flashdance with a nervous but excited 17-year-old Jennifer Beals, the electric premiere with cheering audiences & standing ovations, and watching fans line up to buy the iconic soundtrack. Overnight stardom followed—first-class travel, autograph lines, and major directors like William Friedkin & Stephen Bochco knocking at his door. This episode is packed with fun behind-the-scenes stories, career-defining moments, and pure Hollywood nostalgia. MICHAEL NOURIMichael Nouri is now in his fifth decade as a celebrated actor in film, television, and theater, with a career defined by range, longevity, and reinvention. In recent years, he has co-produced & starred in The Squeeze, appeared in NBC’s acclaimed miniseries The Slap, & guest-starred on hit series including Blue Bloods, Heartbeat, and Yellowstone. His notable recent screen work also includes Manhunt: Unabomber, Woman Walks Ahead, and The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story, sharing the screen with some of today’s most respected talent.His professional journey began with the box-office hit Goodbye Columbus (1969), followed quickly by a major Broadway debut in 40 Carats opposite Julie Harris. Over the years, he has become a familiar & trusted presence in Hollywood, balancing leading roles with memorable character performances.On film, he is perhaps best known to audiences worldwide as the leading man in the iconic hit Flashdance. His film credits also include The Proposal with Sandra Bullock, Last Holiday with Queen Latifah, Steven Spielberg’s The Terminal with Catherine Zeta-Jones, & Finding Forrester opposite Sean Connery. He received the Best Actor Award at the Avoriaz Film Festival for his performance in the cult classic The Hidden.Television has been another cornerstone of Nouri’s career, with appearances on acclaimed series such as Damages, The West Wing, Law & Order: SVU, NCIS, CSI: NY, Criminal Intent, & The Practice. He held major recurring roles on Bay City Blues, Love and War, The O.C., All My Children, The Young and the Restless, and Brothers and Sisters. Michael Nouri’s Website – https://www.michaelnouri.com/ The Official Hollywood Obsessed Website - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.hollywoodobsessedthepodcast.com/ ⁠⁠ ⁠ 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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    32 mins