Episode 185 – Surf, Stardom & Hollywood Tough Guys: The Don Stroud Story – Part 1
Hollywood ObsessedShow Notes
On the latest episode of Hollywood Obsessed, Tony Miros sits down with legendary character actor Don Stroud for a fascinating and often jaw-dropping trip through one of Hollywood’s most unconventional careers. Long before he was appearing alongside Clint Eastwood, Robert De Niro and Gary Busey, Don was a young surfer growing up in Hawaii, where the ocean—and a chance encounter on the set of the classic TV series “Hawaiian Eye”—would unexpectedly put him on the path to Hollywood.
After moving to Los Angeles, he found himself working as a bouncer at the legendary Whisky a Go Go, rubbing shoulders with some of the biggest names in rock music. Before long, a chance meeting with Sidney Poitier helped open the door to acting, eventually leading to a Universal Studios contract and a seemingly endless string of TV and film roles.
Don shares great behind-the-scenes stories about working with Clint Eastwood on “Coogan’s Bluff” & “Joe Kidd,” Shelley Winters and Robert De Niro on “Bloody Mama,” and Gary Busey on “The Buddy Holly Story.” He also talks about working with Robert Conrad, Angie Dickinson, and Robert Duvall—and why some of those relationships turned into lifelong friendships. And yes, there are stories about Hollywood parties, romance, the infamous Playgirl centerfold, and life in Laurel Canyon during one of Hollywood’s wildest eras!
But beneath all the Hollywood glamour is a much more personal story. Don opens up with remarkable honesty about his struggles with alcohol and drugs, the impact they had on his career and relationships, getting sober, falling off the wagon, and ultimately finding his way back. He also reflects on being a character actor, the joy of getting fan mail, and why he still answers every single letter he receives.
Don Stroud Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, Stroud began surfing at age three, earned a black belt in Kajukenbo at 16, and at 17 won the Mākaha Junior Championship and placed fourth in the prestigious Duke Kahanamoku International competition. His path to Hollywood began while working as a lifeguard at the Kahala Hilton, where he was hired to double for Troy Donahue on Hawaiian Eye. Donahue encouraged him to move to Los Angeles, where Stroud worked as his fight double and bodyguard.
A chance meeting with Sidney Poitier at Hollywood’s Whisky a Go-Go led to an introduction to legendary agent Dick Clayton and launched Stroud’s acting career. He made his film debut in Games (1967) and quickly became a familiar face, often portraying tough guys and villains. His extensive film credits include Coogan’s Bluff, Joe Kidd, Bloody Mama, Von Richthofen and Brown, Murph the Surf, Death Weekend, The Killer Inside Me, The Buddy Holly Story, The Amityville Horror, Licence to Kill, and Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained.
Stroud has also enjoyed an equally prolific television career, appearing in more than 200 shows, including Hawaii Five-O, Barnaby Jones, Cannon, Charlie’s Angels, Starsky & Hutch, The Streets of San Francisco, Mrs. Columbo, Mickey Spillane’s Mike Hammer, Nash Bridges, Pensacola: Wings of Gold, Hawaii Five-0, and Magnum P.I. He also showcased his musical talent in The Buddy Holly Story, performing the drums live for the film’s concert sequences.
After decades in Hollywood, Stroud eventually returned to his beloved Hawaii while continuing to work in film and television. From surfing champion and martial artist to stunt performer, musician, and one of Hollywood’s most recognizable character actors.
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