Vanguard of Hollywood

A Disney Original: An Interview with Sharon Baird

Sharon Baird is a dancer, singer, and actress.  You may know her best as one of Walt Disney’s original Mouseketeers on the classic television show, The Mickey Mouse Club.  As one of only nine Mouseketeers to appear on all three seasons of the show, Sharon proved herself to be the best dancer in the bunch.  Beginning her dance training at three years old, Sharon has danced with the likes of Mitzi Gaynor, Dean Martin, and Donald O’Connor.  Sharon has also used dance to bring to life countless characters, including the puppets of Sid and Marty Krofft on such television shows as H.R. Pufnstuf, and the title character of the 1986 cult classic, Ratboy.  Listen as Sharon and Shannon discuss Sharon’s remarkable Hollywood career and passion for dance.

Elvis’ Leading Lady: An Interview with Cynthia Pepper

As Private First Class Midge Riley in 1964’s Kissin’ Cousins, Cynthia Pepper holds the distinction of being one of Elvis Presley’s leading ladies.  In the film, Cynthia lived the dream of countless Elvis fans as she was chased by Elvis, sung to by Elvis, and kissed by Elvis.  Even more enviable, behind the scenes, Cynthia formed a true friendship with her legendary leading man.  Listen as Shannon and Cynthia discuss Cynthia’s time with Elvis, as well as her roles on countless classic television shows, including My Three Sons and The Addams Family.

Sweet and Sassy: An Interview with Ann-Margret

Ann-Margret is a living legend.  From Bye Bye Birdie (1963) and Viva Las Vegas (1964) to Tommy (1975) and Grumpy Old Men (1993), from her Billboard charting music career to her show stopping TV specials, Ann-Margret’s multi-dimensional talent and charisma are unrivaled.  
Join Ann-Margret and Shannon as they discuss Ann-Margret’s beautiful relationship with her parents, her incredible career, the wonderful costars and friends she worked with -- Pat Boone, Lucille Ball, Dean Martin, and John Wayne, to name a few -- her continued support of our troops, and the faith and gratitude that form the remarkable foundation of this living legend. 

Seven Decades in Hollywood: An Interview with Tim Matheson

Tim Matheson’s Hollywood career spans nearly seven decades.  From working alongside Lucille Ball and Henry Fonda in 1968’s Yours, Mine and Ours, to his iconic role in the classic 1978 comedy Animal House, to the record-breaking hit Netflix series, Virgin River, Tim Matheson has done it all.  Listen as Shannon and Tim discuss Tim’s new book, Damn Glad to Meet You: My Seven Decades in the Hollywood Trenches, and what inspired Tim to write his book: the Classic Hollywood legends he was privileged to work with, and what he learned from them.

America’s Tap Treasure: An Interview with Reggio “The Hoofer” McLaughlin

Reggio “The Hoofer” McLaughlin is a master tap dancer, teacher, and historian.  Reggio began his career as a musician, playing bass guitar for The Lost Generation and opening for such artists as Gladys Knight and the Pips and James Brown.  Reggio made the successful transition from musician to tap dancer.  He performs and teaches tap around the world, and has worked with countless tap legends, including Gregory Hines, Savion Glover, The Nicholas Brothers, Jimmy Slyde, and his mentor Ernest “Brownie” Brown.  Reggio’s immense contributions to preserving the art and tradition of tap have been richly recognized: In 2021, Reggio received the National Medal of Honor from the United States’ National Endowment of the Arts.  Listen as Reggio and Shannon discuss Reggio’s inspiring career, and what it’s like to be named a National Living Treasure.

Cool Hand Luke’s Natural Born World-Shaker: An Interview with Joy Harmon

Joy Harmon is a baker, actress, author, mother, and grandmother.  From her many television and film roles, you undoubtedly recognize Joy best as the beautiful blue-eyed blonde from the iconic car wash scene in the 1967 Paul Newman classic, Cool Hand Luke.  Joy left her acting career behind in 1973 to focus on raising her family, and along the way began a successful bakery, Aunt Joy’s Cakes, that serves individuals, cafes, and Hollywood studios.  Listen to be inspired by the faith, strength, and sweetness that, to quote the celebrated line from Cool Hand Luke, make Joy Harmon “a natural born world-shaker.”

Hollywood Royalty: An Interview with Cissy Wellman

Cissy Wellman is an actress, director, dancer, and author.  She is the daughter of the revered Classic Hollywood director, William Wellman, who directed such films as Wings (1927) and the original A Star is Born (1937).  Cissy had the rare opportunity to grow up among the biggest names from the Golden Age, and formed personal relationships with such legends as director Howard Hawks and John Wayne.  Cissy’s own career includes television roles on Charlie’s Angels, The Waltons, and Hart to Hart.  Her film credits include roles in Clint Eastwood’s The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976), Made Men (1999), and, most recently, in the 2024 film, Little Death, opposite David Schwimmer.  Listen as Cissy shares behind the scenes stories from her career, invaluable insights on the Classic Hollywood legends she knew, and what makes the Golden Age exceptional.

Old Yeller to Spider Baby: An Interview with Beverly Washburn

You probably know Beverly Washburn best as Lizabeth Searcy in the 1957 Disney classic, Old Yeller, or from the 1967 horror cult classic, Spider Baby, but Beverly’s film and television credits boast countless memorable performances.  This Emmy nominated actress has worked with such Classic Hollywood legends as Bing Crosby, Jimmy Stewart, Alan Ladd, Loretta Young, Lon Chaney, Jr., Jack Benny, Lou Costello, Barbara Stanwyck, and Frank Capra.  Beverly’s rare ability to cry on cue naturally was put to good use from the start of her career, and contributed to her reputation as one of the best kid actors of her generation.  Listen for all about Beverly’s remarkable career, and be inspired by her boundless kindness and gratitude.

Let's Dance: An Interview with Rusty Frank

Rusty Frank is a Lindy Hop (swing) dancer, tap dancer, choreographer, producer, teacher, and dance preservationist.  She is the author of the critically acclaimed book, TAP! The Greatest Tap Dance Stars and Their Stories, for which Rusty interviewed such tap luminaries as Ann Miller, Donald O’Connor, Shirley Temple, Gene Nelson, and The Nicholas Brothers.  Join Shannon and Rusty as they discuss Rusty’s book, dance career, the tap legends she got to know personally, and her remarkable recovery from a near-fatal accident.

Beyond The Dr. Pepper Girl: An Interview with Donna Loren

Donna Loren was the quintessential “It” girl of the 1960’s who caught America’s eye as the one and only Dr. Pepper Girl.  But Donna held America’s interest with her impossibly beautiful singing voice.  From the Mickey Mouse Club to her roles in the beloved Beach Party films, TV’s Batman, The Monkees, and as a cast member of America’s first live rock n’ roll television show, Shindig, Donna Loren proved herself to be one of the most talented singers of her generation.  Listen as Donna shares all about her fascinating life and career.