A Life Lived

Look up ‘Hollywood action hero’ in the dictionary and you’ll find one name - Bruce Lee. He overcame racism, stereotypes and challenge after challenge to become the world’s first Asian international film icon. Stephanie Okupniak enters the world of martial arts to tell the story of Bruce’s extraordinary life with the help of friend and co-star Bob Wall and students Patrick Strong and Leo Fong. In part one, we find out how a young immigrant would *literally* fight to become a household name.

Look up ‘Hollywood action hero’ in the dictionary and you’ll find one name - Bruce Lee. He overcame racism, stereotypes and challenge after challenge to become the world’s first Asian international film icon. Stephanie Okupniak enters the world of martial arts to tell the story of Bruce’s extraordinary life with the help of friend and co-star Bob Wall and students Patrick Strong and Leo Fong. In part two, we take closer a look at how Bruce fought through chronic pain to become one of the first and most successful independent movie makers.

Hubert de Givenchy crafted exquisite, haute couture creations that made women feel powerful, beautiful - and one of a kind. One of the founding fathers of high fashion, the designer’s legacy is unwavering almost 70 years after the birth of the Maison de Givenchy. Medical Philanthropist, fashion icon & lifelong friend Deeda Blair takes Stephanie Okupniak back in time to the decadent fashion houses of 1950’s Paris - and inside the life of a visionary that changed the industry, one stitch at a time.

What does it take to write the great American novel? Harper Lee’s defining work - To Kill a Mockingbird - has stood the test of time. Surrounded by racism, segregation and injustice growing up in rural Alabama, Lee’s experiences shaped what would go on to become a literary classic. Stephanie Okupniak goes inside her life - and friendship with Truman Capote - with the help of biographer Charles Shields and author Greg Neri.

Margot Kidder was an actress, an activist, a daredevil, an outspoken campaigner - but first and foremost - a mother. In her role as Lois Lane she set the benchmark for fierce, feminist leading ladies. Stephanie Okupniak goes inside her tumultuous life with the help of brother John Kidder and close friend Rosie Shuster.

There are some performers that just seem frozen in time. Hold your breath, make a wish, count to three - and let us take you inside the life of one of Hollywood’s most hypnotic stars - Gene Wilder. But he was so much more than Willy Wonka, than Frederick Frankenstein, than Leo Bloom. Gene’s beloved nephew Jordan Walker-Pearlman joins Stephanie Okupniak to honour the legacy of this movie icon.

He may have been small in stature, but Verne Troyer had a giant personality. In a career that spanned 25 years he starred on the big screen as Mini-Me, Little Santa, Alien Son and Baby Joe - but off it he was a total sweetheart. Actress and co-star Mindy Sterling and director Richard Elfman fondly remember the life of the 2’8”, 35-pound movie icon.

Debbie Reynolds was a force to be reckoned with. A member of Hollywood royalty, she faced scandal after scandal after scandal - yet bounced back bigger and better every time. Debbie’s son Todd Fisher joins Stephanie Okupniak to take us beyond the headlines - and shines a bright light on what life with his iconic mother was really like.

What’s it like being one of Hollywood’s greatest villains - with a heart of gold? Alan Rickman played a professor, a doctor, an angel, a terrorist - but above all - he was a brother, son, husband and friend. Actress and collaborator Juliet Stevenson and brothers David and Michael take us inside the life of the star of the stage and big screen. In part one, we find out how Alan’s love of art would eventually lead him to tread the boards - and take Hollywood hostage.

What’s it like being one of Hollywood’s greatest villains - with a heart of gold? Alan Rickman played a professor, a doctor, an angel, a terrorist - but above all - he was a brother, son, husband and friend. Actress and collaborator Juliet Stevenson and brothers David and Michael take us inside the life of the star of the stage and big screen. In part two, we take a look at how Alan used his passion for activism and philanthropy to make his mark - and the simple pleasures that he held dear.

Whitney Houston’s life is a story of victory over adversity. Of love and heartache. Of regeneration after decimation. This gospel queen escaped the ghetto and lived out her dream - but fairytales don’t always have happy endings. Stephanie Okupniak is joined by singer-songwriter Gordon Chambers and backing singer Sy Smith for a journey through Whitney’s life. In part one, we find out how a young girl’s faith led her to fame - and how she united America.

Whitney Houston’s life is a story of victory over adversity. Of love and heartache. Of regeneration after decimation. This gospel queen escaped the ghetto and lived out her dream - but fairytales don’t always have happy endings. Stephanie Okupniak is joined by singer-songwriter Gordon Chambers and backing singer Sy Smith for a journey through Whitney’s life. In part two, we see what happens when America’s sweetheart goes down the wrong path - and how a soulful diva handles losing her voice.

Rambling troubadour. Strumming vagabond. An American treasure. Rock and roll icon Tom Petty is forever Free Fallin’. From rural Florida to the bright lights of Hollywood, Stephanie Okupniak takes us on a journey through Tom’s life alongside his good friend, record promoter Jon Scott.

B.B. King is the blues. The musical giant performed with everyone from rockstars to presidents through the decades - and provided the soundtrack to 20th century America - all with his beloved Lucille by his side. Stephanie Okupniak honours the life of this Beale Street icon with the help of his daughter Shirley King, former drummer Tony Coleman and close friend Chris Clouser.

What would you be willing to give up to be famous? George Michael gave his fans songs they will sing for the rest of their lives - but he had to live a lie for decades. Stephanie Okupniak is joined by his friend and manager Rob Kahane and publicist Phil Lobel to shine a spotlight on his life. In part two, we find out how George was inspired by love and loss to create some of his most iconic tracks - but was never far from controversy.

What would you be willing to give up to be famous? George Michael gave his fans songs they will sing for the rest of their lives - but he had to live a lie for decades. Stephanie Okupniak is joined by his friend and manager Rob Kahane and publicist Phil Lobel to shine a spotlight on his life. In part one, we explore how George transitioned from boyband heartthrob to a chart-topping solo phenom - all while struggling with his sexuality.

Lemmy lived life in the fast lane. The heavy metal pioneer rewrote the history books - fueled by speed, cigarettes and a bottle of Jack. Stephanie Okupinak takes a deep dive into the rock god's life with the help of journalist Morat and writer Steffan Chirazi.

Prince was more than pop royalty - he was an artist, a trailblazer, a pioneer and a symbol - literally. Stephanie Okupniak talks to his studio engineer Susan Rogers and mega fan and biographer Matt Thorne to see what it’s like to work and play with a legend.

Imagine fleeing a cult at four to become a movie star by 14. River Phoenix was more than an 80’s heartthrob. He was a musician, a vegan, an environmental activist and an Oscar nominee. Stephanie Okupniak is joined by director William Richert and family friend Josh Greenbaum to talk about the echo River left behind.

A Life Lived is back Monday November 2nd. Stephanie Okupniak talks to friends and family members of icons to find out what their lives were like behind the curtain. Find out how Prince supported the Black Lives matter movement and why Margot Kidder was arrested outside the White House in Series 2. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify - or wherever you get your podcasts.