Show Notes
Now that we’ve heard about Don Stroud’s incredible journey from the beaches of Hawaii to Hollywood, the story continues with one of his most iconic films, “The Amityville Horror.” Don recalls working with Rod Steiger and Margot Kidder —and reveals what it was really like behind the scenes of the horror classic. He also shares stories from “Murder, She Wrote,” “Mrs. Columbo,” “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia,” ”Mike Hammer,” and “Hawaii Five-O,” including his friendship with Jack Lord and the unforgettable experience of working with Stacy Keach.
Don also opens up about returning to Hawaii to film “Gidget,” reconnecting with the legendary surfers who helped shape his life, and the special bond he had with the Hawaiian beach boys who looked out for him when he was young. He talks about his parents—his father a vaudeville performer and his mother a blues singer who toured with Frank Sinatra and Bob Hope—and how his unlikely path from surfing and playing bongos eventually led him to Universal Studios and a career in Hollywood.
Then comes James Bond! Don takes us behind the scenes of “License to Kill,” working with Timothy Dalton and Benicio del Toro, and recalls attending the film’s New York premiere. He also shares the frightening story of being stabbed while trying to help a woman being attacked in Greenwich Village—and how the scar that nearly ended his career ultimately became part of his screen persona.
And finally, Don reflects on the later chapter of his career, including his memorable appearance in Quentin Tarantino’s “Django Unchained.” From nearly thinking Tarantino’s phone call was a prank to walking onto the set and feeling right at home, Don explains why working with Tarantino was such a special experience—and why he considers the legendary director one of the most important people in his career. It’s another wild, unforgettable ride through the life of one of Hollywood’s great character actors.
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, Charlie’s Angels, Starsky & Hutch, The Streets of San Francisco, Mrs. Columbo, Mickey Spillane’s Mike Hammer, Nash Bridges, Pensacola: Wings of Gold, 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.
Don Stroud Official Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/don.stroud.136329
Hollywood Obsessed Podcast Website - https://www.hollywoodobsessedthepodcast.com/
Hollywood Obsessed Facebook Page – HOLLYWOOD OBSESSED PODCAST
Hollywood Obsessed Podcast Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hollywoodobsessedpodcast/
Titles VO Talent – Cam Frierson - http://camfrierson.com/voice
Music by QubeSounds from Pixabay
More from Hollywood Obsessed
In PART TWO of my fascinating conversation with the extraordinary DOUG JONES, we dive deeper into his remarkable collaborations with visionary filmmaker Guillermo del Toro and the unforgettable characters they’ve brought to life together! Doug reveals how a chance encounter on the set of “Mimic” led to their longtime creative partnership and how del Toro specifically chose him to play Abe Sapien in “Hellboy.” He takes us behind the scenes of “Pan’s Labyrinth,” sharing the incredible challenges of portraying both the Fawn and the terrifying Pale Man, including five-hour makeup applications, towering stilts, and a mechanically operated head. Doug also reflects on the magic of “The Shape of Water,” predicting its Oscar success two years before filming began and describing the unforgettable, emotional moment he stood onstage as the film won Best Picture!
In PART ONE of my conversation with the extraordinary DOUG JONES — the acclaimed actor, contortionist, and mime artist behind some of Hollywood’s most unforgettable characters — we go behind the makeup for a fascinating look at his remarkable career, from the Oscar-winning “The Shape of Water“ and “Star Trek: Discovery” to the beloved Halloween classic “Hocus Pocus!” Doug reveals why he’s flattered by comparisons to legendary horror icon Lon Chaney, and how childhood idols Don Knotts, Bob Denver, and Dick Van Dyke inspired his dreams. He even shares the magical story of finally meeting Dick Van Dyke and telling him he wouldn’t have a career without him!
The conversation with Marc Singer continues on Hollywood Obsessed! In Part 2, Tony Miros goes deeper behind the scenes of the films and television shows that made Singer a beloved action, fantasy, and sci-fi star. And if you thought making “The Beastmaster” was an adventure, wait until you hear what happened when Marc had to share the screen with a very unpredictable—and very large—co-star!
On the latest episode of Hollywood Obsessed, Tony Miros sits down with the talented Marc Singer, best known for his iconic roles as heroic Dar in “The Beastmaster” and Mike Donovan in the groundbreaking 1980s sci-fi series “V”. But there’s much more to Singer’s Hollywood story than these unforgettable roles. In this fascinating first part of our conversation, Marc takes us back to the creative family and early experiences that inspired him to pursue acting—and ultimately led him to a remarkable career on stage, television, and film.
My conversation continues with filmmaker David Kittredge about his extraordinary documentary “BOORMAN AND THE DEVIL” and the troubled, fascinating history behind “Exorcist II: The Heretic.”