Interviews

Since launching the site in 2005, Sam Tweedle has had the opportunity to interview many people on the pop culture journey – from stars whose names, faces, or signature roles are instantly recognizable, to those whose contributions haven’t made them into household names but still have fascinating stories and points of view.  Read on below for some close encounters of the pop culture kind!

Victor Newman – The Eric Braeden Project: A Conversation with Eric Braeden

One of the soap opera industry’s most iconic performers, German born actor Eric Braeden has been portraying anti-hero Victor Newoman for thirty years on The Young and the Restless, and is fondly remembered as fan favorite Captain Hans Dietrich on The Rat Patrol.  One of episodic televisions most legendary villains, Eric Braeden talks about his acting career as well as topics ranging from politics, history, the Middle East, the World Cup and his latest film The Man Who Came Back.

Happening ’10: A Conversation with Mark Lindsay

With a combination of good looks, unique style and raw talent, Paul Revere and the Raider’s lead singer, saxophonist and front man Mark Lindsay became one of the most respected and revered rock performers of the 1960’s and one of the era’s biggest heart throbs.  Mark Lindsay talks about life as a rock star in the 1960′s and today.

Pop Culture Renaissance Man: A Conversation with Brett Halsey

Starting his career in the mid 1950′s in “beefcake” roles, actor/novelist Brett Halsey has delved in all aspects of the entertainment industry.  Best remembered for his roles in film favorites such as Return of the Fly, Twice Told Tales, Today We Live, Tomorrow We Die, Return to Peyton Place and The Godfather Part III, Brett Halsey has done everything from soap operas to spaghetti westerns making him a virtual pop culture renaissance man.

Hollywood Everyman:  A Conversation with William Schallert

With a career spanning over sixty years in film and television, character actor William Schallert has made a career out of playing “straight” or “everyman” characters in some of television’s most beloved programs such as The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis, Get Smart and The Nancy Drew Mysteries.  However, he is probably best remembered as TV Dad Martin Lane on The Patty Duke Show.

Vampires and Bunnies: A Conversation with Kathryn Leigh Scott

Long before Buffy or Bella, Kathryn Leigh Scott played Maggie Evans, the obsession of original vampire anti-hero Barnabas Collins, on Dark Shadows.  With new interest in the gothic romance genre, Kathryn Leigh Scott shares her memories of the original gothic soap opera, as well as her earlier career as a Playboy Club bunny.

Grand Master D: A Conversation with David Faustino

As Bud Bundy on TV’s cult sit-com Married with Children, David Faustino was unlike most TV sit-com sons – sleazy, sarcastic and horny.  From striking out with girls to his adventures as Grand Master B, David Faustino maintains a strong fan following today.

Mane Behind the Mask: A Conversation with Tyler Mane

Making his first film breakthrough in the role of Sabertooth in Bryan Singer’s X-Men, Tyler Mane has become a cult film icon by donning the mask of Michael Myers in Rob Zombie’s relaunch of the Halloween franchise.

Eight Arms to Hold You: A Conversation with Maud Adams

One of the most beautiful women of the 1970′s, Swedish model/actress Maud Adams made her mark in film history as being the only woman to play two different Bond girls in two different films – Andrea Anders in The Man with the Golden Gun and the title character in Octopussy.  Maud Adams remains to be one of the most popular Bond girls from the cult film series.

The George Lazenby of 007s: A Conversation with George Lazenby

In 1968 the world was shocked when Australian model George Lazenby replaced Sean Connery as James Bond in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.  A year later he shocked the world once again when he turned his back on the franchise after one film making him one of the most notorious and mysterious of the actors to play secret agent 007.

Bad Seed: A conversation with Alison Arngrim

Nastier than Darth Vadar, bitchier than Nurse Ratchet and more vicious than Hannibal Lecter, Nellie Olson pushed the buttons of TV audiences world wide, becoming one of the most iconic characters from the beloved series, Little House on the Prairie.

“Wherever I go, Terrible Things Happen”: A Conversation With Robbie Rist

Sam’s interview with the loathed ‘Cousin Oliver’ from the later years of TV’s beloved The Brady Bunch.  Robbie Rist went on to have a fascinating acting career spanning decades, and is best known today for his voice over work and his music.

Little Shop of Corman: A Conversation with Roger Corman

Sam sits down with legendary B film director Roger Corman.  Over a career spanning more than 50 years and almost 400 films, Corman has created drive-in staples and captured the imaginations of movie-goers.    Sam spoke to Mr. Corman from his home in Los Angeles.

Plenty O’Lana: A Conversation with Lana Wood

Little sister of Hollywood Icon Natalie Wood, Lana grew up in the limelight, starting her own acting career at age 8.  Years later, the little girl now a voluptuous bombshell, she starred opposite Sean Connery in Diamonds Are Forever, creating the unforgettable Plenty O’Toole. 

Reluctant Scream Queen: A Conversation with Barbara Steele

Strong, mysterious and powerful, Barbara Steele was a refreshing change from the damsels in distress of earlier horror films.   One of the first goth queens of pop culture, she appeared in dozens of horror films in the 60s.  Unable to escape typecasting, she still yearns for new roles.

C’mon, boys: A conversation with R. Kelly Clipperton

Mixing together an eclectic selection of musical styles and genres, Kelly and the Kellygirls’ high energy stage show has been entertaining clubs, festivals and Pride Parades all over Canada, in one form or another, since Kelly first formed the group in 2003.

Salame: A morning with David Liebe Hart

Over the last two decades Hart has become a mainstay in the streets of Los Angeles where he can be seen nightly outside of the Hollywood Bowl and the Santa Monica Pier performing his unique original compositions with his puppet companion Doug the Dog.  Easily one of the strangest interviews ever conducted for PCA.

Running for the drum: A conversation with Buffy Sainte-Marie

Over her five decades in the music business, Buffy Sainte-Marie has continued to be courageous, hard hitting and beautiful in both mind and soul.  Through her music and message, Buffy Sainte-Marie continues to be a music, feminist and Native American icon.  Sam sat down with her during a visit to Peterborough, ON.

The man who made Billy Jack go berserk: A conversation with David Roya

Out of the public spotlight for decades, and having not talkedto the media for years, this is the first time that David Roya has had a chance to tell about his career, his mistakes and the challenges of working on Billy Jack.

Hey Baby, they’re playing our song: Reaching back with The Buckingham’s Carl Giammarese

As current lead singer and front man to Chicago based rock band The Buckingham’s, Carl Giammarese helped shape the sound of the 1960′s with such Billboard hits such as Kind of a Drag, Don’t You Care, Mercy, Mercy, Mercy and Hey Baby, They’re Playing Our Song.

Lost Artz: A Conversation with Daniel Roebuck

One of Hollywood’s busiest character actors, Daniel Roebuck has appeared in hundreds of films and television programs over the last three decades, but is probably best remembered by fans as Andy Griffith’s sidekick Cliff Lewis on Matlock and Dr. Leslie Artz on the cult hit Lost.  Daniel Roebuck talks about his career, and the state of pop culture today.

Heartbeats, Lovebeats and Tiger Beats: A Conversation with Tony DeFranco

At age fourteen Tony DeFranco hit teen stardom when he and his brothers and sisters formed the pop group The DeFranco Family and hit bubblegum gold with Heartbeat (It’s a Lovebeat).  Now a successful real estate mogul, Tony DeFranco shares the highs and lows of being a teen idol and a one hit wonder.

Beyond Boba Fett:  A Conversation with Jeremy Bulloch

While he may always be remembered best for his unique contribution to the Star Wars franchise,  many fans may be surprised to know that Jeremy Bulloch also worked in a number of other popular sci-fi/fantasy franchises, including Doctor Who, James Bond and Robin of Sherwood.

Jungle Madness: A conversation with Cannibal Holocaust’s Ruggero Deodato

Still banned in a number of countries today, Cannibal Holocaust  is still the record holder of the most banned film in movie history. Deodato’s  demeanor  is not as intimidating as his reputation.  However, deep in his eyes is a kind of certain intensity and fire that is unmistakable.  There is no doubt that he is the kind of man who can lead a film crew into the deepest darkest jungles, look madness in the face, and come back to tell the tale.

Drive my soul: A conversation with Lights

Lights has a “no fear” sense of confidence without the sense of ego that goes along with it, and  combined with her beauty and talent, she is currently laying down the groundwork on her own unique path as a pop culture icon.

The deadliest pussycat of them all: A conversation with Tura Satana

One of the legends of exploitation film, Tura Satana’s personal story is more gripping than any script.  She has been many things in her lifetime, but to her fans worldwide she’ll always be the deadliest pussycat of them all.

The Man Behind the Fonz: A Conversation with Henry Winkler

A man who needs absolutely no introduction, Henry Winkler became  one of the most legendary pop culture icons of all time for his portrayal of Arthur Fonzerelli, aka The Fonze, on the classic hit sit-com Happy Days.  Sam conducted a breif interview with Henry Winkler while promoting his Hank Zipzer: The World’s Greatest Underachiever series of books.

The Happy Days of Joanie Cunningham: A Conversation with Erin Moran

Happy Days kid sister Erin Moran answers some of the questions that fans really want to know!  Did Joanie “really” love Chachi?  Does “Chachi” really translate into “penis” in Korean?  When did Happy Daysjump the shark?  Whatever happened to Chuck?  Erin Moran shares her stories of growing up on one of television’s most beloved sit-coms.

Abacadabra: A Conversation with Misty Lee

Alluring, beautiful and whimsical, Los Angeles based magician Misty Lee has been casting her own magic spell on audiences and fan boys alike.  Developing a fan following of her own, the multi-talented voice actress, singer and comedian also provides the voice for the mischievous Little Rashy the sock monkey in a series of videos developed by Misty and her husband Paul Dini.

Everybody Has Something to Hide Except For Me and My Monkey: A Conversation with Paul Dini and RaSHy

Stars of the Monkey Talk internet video series, popular comic/TV writer Paul Dini and his sock monkey “son” Little Rashy create mirth and mayhem while interviewing some of pop culture’s biggest stars.

What’s The Matter Kid? Don’t Ya Like Clowns?: A Convresation with Sid Haig

One of the legendary icons of Grindhouse cinema, Sid Haig appeared in dozens of films throughout the 60′s and 70′s, most notably for director Jack Hill.  However, he would find his defining role in decades later when he played Captain Spaulding in Rob Zombie’s House of 1000 Corpses and The Devil’s Rejects endearing himself to a new generation of film fans.

Memoirs of a Hermit: Setting the Record Straight with Herman’s Hermits’ Barry Whitwam

As head of  a Hermanless Herman’s Hermits in Europe, drummer Barry Whitwam reveals the secret history of the legendary 60′s pop band full of backstabbing, legal battles and the rivalry between the Hermits and front man Peter Noone.  Barry’s story will shock you in one of PCA’s most controversial interviews.

Dandy:  Peter Noone Strikes Back!

Unhappy with PCA’s interview with former band mate Barry Whitwam, Peter Noone, frontman for classic 60′s super group Herman’s Hermits, provides a rebutal to Barry’s interview and an alternative version of Herman’s Hermits often stormy history.  Blunt, honest and unedited, this is Peter Noone like you’ve never seen him before.

The Real Life of Fake Jan: A Covenversation with Brady Bunch Alumnist Geri Reischl

One of pop culture’s strangest oddities, Geri Reischl, better known to her fans as “Fake Jan,” made the pop culture radar by replacing Eve Plumb in the role of Jan Brady on the ill fatedBrady Bunch Variey Hour.  Although she only kept the role for a breif time, she remains to have a cult following and be a fan favorite today.

Beauty and the Sock: A Conversation with Ed the Sock and Liana K

Loud, abbrasive, angry and blunt, Canadian late night oddity Ed the Sock has been entertaining audiences with his “no hold barred” interviews and commentary since 1987.  Joined by his smart and beautiful co-host Liana K, the pair talked to PCA about the entertainment stories of summer 2007

Hey Hey It’s Davy Jones: A Conversation with Davy Jones

Former Monkee Davy Jones takes his place on his soap box in our epic interview.  Conducted over two days, Davy Jones takes on subjects such as sex, women, American Idol, superstardom, The Beatles, The Rock n’ Roll hall of Fame, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, laundry and what he really thinks of the rest of the Monkees.  This is Davy Jones, unedited and unleashed.  His opinons will shock and delight you.

The Cat Lady of Shambala: A Conversation with Tippi Hedren

Although she will always be best known for the role of Melanie Daniels in Alfred Hitchcock’s 1963 thriller The Birds, Tippi Hedren made her mark in the film industry as one of the most beautiful leading ladies of the 1960′s.  However, today Tippi devotes her life to saving lions, tigers and other large cats via the Shambala Wildlife Preserve. 

Raw, Rare, Well Done: The rock’n'roll journey of Reed Kailing

As a member of rock n’ roll groups such as The Destinations, The Hardy Boys, The Grass Roots and Badfinger, Reed Kailing’s stories straddle both sides of the industry. It can often be a magical place full of highs and joys, but also can be cold and cruel, full of backstabbing and death. Reed Kailing is the real deal, and through his journey the true face of the rock and roll is revealed.

The Hardy Boys and the Secret of the Lost Drummer: A conversation with Bob Crowder

Believed to be dead by his former bandmates, The Hardy Boys drummer Bob Crowder proves to be alive and well and comes out of the woodwork to share his sstory.  Although the world may not know his name,  for thirty years Bob Crowder worked as a session drummer, putting the beat behind some of the biggest musical legends of our time including Marvin Gaye, Howlin’ Wolf and The Bee Gees.

Cracking the Mystery of the Hardy Boys: A Conversation with Jeff Taylor

As lead singer to Miluakee based group The Messangers and short lived 60′s bubblegum band The Hardy Boys, Jeff Taylor was the voice behind some of the best pop music of the era that you have never heard.  Now working as a goldsmith in Fish Creek WI, Jeff Taylor provides some of the missing links to PCA’s search for The Hardy Boys.

Love and Let Love: A Conversation with Norbert “Nibs” Solystiak

Prior to his gig as saxaphone player for the obscure pop band The Hardy Boys, Norbert “Nibs” Solystiak was a part of the 1960′s Chicago music scene where played with the noteable garage band The Delights.  Nibs gives us a history lesson of the Chicago music scene and shares his rock n’ roll stories in the first ever PCA interview!

He Wrote the Mash!  He Wrote the Monster Mash!: A Conversation with Bobby “Boris” Pickett

When PCA conducted an interview with Bobby “Boris” Pickett in 2006, little did we know that it’d be the last interview he would ever give.  One of the more difficult interviews conducted by PCA, our interview with Bobby Pickett was featured at CNN.com upon his death in 2007 

Hangin’ Tough: A Conversation with Jordan Knight

As one of The New Kids on the Block, singer Jordan Knight helped redefine the face of bubblegum music in the 1980′s, and relaunched the boy band phenomena to brand new heights.  Still performing both as a solo artist, as well with the reformed New Kids on the Block, Jordan sat down with Sam Tweedle and Candace Shaw in PCA’s very first face to face celebrity interview.