Vanguard of Hollywood

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

Blonde and beautiful, you probably know Marta Kristen best as Judy Robinson in the beloved sci-fi classic television show, Lost in Space (1965-1968). From her early years hiding from Nazis in an underground orphanage in Norway, to her versatile performances on the stage and screen, to her nearly 40-year marriage, and a children’s book Marta is currently writing and illustrating herself, the beauty of Marta Kristen literally radiates from within. Listen to Shannon’s interview with Marta to be inspired by her extraordinary life.

Shannon joins Gene Kelly’s widow, film historian Patricia Ward Kelly, in the Gene Kelly Archives for this special interview. As Gene’s wife and official biographer, Patricia brings a unique perspective to her work: No one knows Gene like Patricia, and she is the definitive source on all things relating to her legendary husband. Listen as Patricia shares about her life with Gene, debunks several Singin’ in the Rain (1952) myths, and highlights Gene’s rich creative legacy in front of, and behind, the camera.

You probably know Paul Petersen best as Donna Reed's son on The Donna Reed Show, but Paul's show business career began as one of the original sixteen Mouseketeers. In addition to working with Hollywood Legends like Cary Grant and Sophia Loren, Paul also enjoyed a successful music career with Motown. But Paul is most proud of his work to better the lives of kid actors. Listen as Paul shares about his Hollywood career and inspiring work with his foundation, A Minor Consideration.

As one of the most featured child actors of the Golden Age, Scott Morrow has more than 95 television credits and 16 feature films to his name. From Peyton Place to An Affair to Remember and The Donna Reed Show, Scott worked with the best of the best. Listen as Scott shares highlights from his remarkable career, and memories of his sweet brother-sister relationship with Marilyn Monroe.

In this interview special, Shannon welcomes back film historian Foster Hirsch to discuss his new book, Hollywood and the Movies of the Fifties. Listen to discover which mogul saved Hollywood, if the blacklist could have been avoided, and what Jimmy Stewart and Marlon Brando have in common.

In this special episode, Shannon interviews Mimi Gibson, one of the most sought-after child actresses of the 1950s and 1960s. Mimi is best known as the voice of Lucky in 101 Dalmatians (1961) and as Cary Grant's daughter in Houseboat (1958). Listen as Mimi shares her stories and experiences from working during the most exciting time in movies and television, and her post-acting work to better the lives of today's working kids in Hollywood.

Classic baseball history and a thank you note written by Jackie Robinson inspire this episode about the importance of giving thanks.

Shannon offers a birthday tribute to comedian and actor Joe E. Brown, Hollywood's nicest guy

Paul Newman ages youthfully, Patricia Neal wins the Oscar, and Paul was not mean to Patricia. From 1963, it's Hud.

Was Paul Newman mean to Patricia Neal? Shannon's research reveals the truth and why a rumor has been accepted as fact for decades.

Paul Newman Almost Fails in Hollywood, Orson Welles Hates the Method, Joanne Wins an Oscar, & the Newmans Put Their Marriage First. It's The Long, Hot Summer (1958).