Episode 177 – From Knots Landing to Counseling Others: A Revealing Conversation with Constance McCashin – Part 1
Hollywood ObsessedShow Notes
In Part One of this fascinating conversation, former actress turned psychotherapist Constance McCashin looks back on the remarkable journey that took her from a carefree childhood to becoming one of television's most beloved stars as Laura Avery Sumner on the hit primetime drama “Knots Landing.” She shares how her career began at just five years old with an appearance alongside Clarabell the Clown from “The Howdy Doody Show”, why her parents chose a normal childhood for her, and how a lifelong love of dance eventually led her to New York City after college.
Constance recalls supporting herself by selling belts at Saks Fifth Avenue while praying for her big break, hilariously recounting how she sold a belt to future “Knots Landing” co-star Donna Mills years before they worked together. She also discusses her early stage career in New York and Boston, working with future stars like Daniel Stern, winning enough money on a game show to move to Los Angeles, and slowly building a successful television career.
She fondly remembers making “The Two Worlds of Jennie Logan” with Lindsay Wagner and Linda Gray, and tells the incredible story of how legendary producer David Jacobs created the role of Laura Avery Sumner specifically for her.
Constance also shares behind-the-scenes stories from the early years of “Knots Landing”, including why Don Murray left after the first season, how the series found its footing, and what it was like working alongside legendary performers Julie Harris and Ava Gardner.
CONSTANCE MCCASHIN Constance McCashin is an American psychotherapist & former actress best known to millions of television viewers as Laura Avery Sumner on the iconic CBS primetime drama “Knots Landing”, where she starred from the series' premiere in 1979 until 1987. Her character's heartbreaking battle with a brain tumor culminated in one of the show's most unforgettable storylines and its landmark 200th episode.
Born in Chicago and raised in Connecticut, Constance's introduction to show business came at the age of five when she appeared alongside Clarabell the Clown on the children's program “The Howdy Doody Show.” Although her parents chose to give her a normal childhood instead of pursuing a career as a child actress, her love of performing never faded. After earning a degree in English, she moved to New York City just five days after graduating, supporting herself with jobs while pursuing an acting career.
An acting teacher's suggestion that she begin psychotherapy not only transformed her craft but also changed her life. As she became more emotionally open through therapy, her acting career flourished, leading to a successful move to Hollywood where she appeared in numerous TV series, movies, pilots, and commercials. Along the way, she starred opposite Lindsay Wagner in “The Two Worlds of Jennie Logan”, became a familiar face on television game shows including “The $25,000 Pyramid”, “Super Password”, and “Battle of the Network Stars”, and later co-starred in the Golden Globe-winning comedy “Brooklyn Bridge.”
Following her successful acting career, Constance embraced a remarkable second act. Inspired by the life-changing impact psychotherapy had on her own life, she earned a Master's degree in Social Work from Simmons College and became a licensed psychotherapist specializing in eating disorders and body image. She worked at the counseling center at Brandeis University while also teaching in its theater department, bringing together her passions for performance and healing.
Constance McCashin’s Official Website – https://constancemccashin.com
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