Lane Davies

Lane Davies has amassed impressive TV and film credits including Chancellor Duncan in TV’s “3rd Rock from the Sun,” Dr. Simon Reid on “Scrubs,” Tempus on “Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman,” (his character told Lois who Clark Kent really was) and Mel Gibson’s “Complete Savages.” From 1984 to 1989, he played Mason Capwell in the TV soap “Santa Barbara.” Additional soaps include “The Bold and the Beautiful,” “General Hospital,” and “Days of Our Lives.” Lane was Artistic Director for the Santa Susana Repertory Company. He'd performed many times as Scrooge in the Rep’s “Christmas Carol” stage productions at Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza.

As our Scrooge radio drama celeb host for 2007, I welcomed Lane’s dry humor and wit. I discovered he knew many of our cast as friends and performers. He took careful notes on pronouncing each of our cast and crew names.

Born July 31, 1950 in Dalton, Georgia, Lane comes from a family of performers. Young Lane built sets for local productions. The acting bug soon bit him. As a high school sophomore, Lane performed a three-page soliloquy that left his audience cheering for more. He pursued Speech and Theatre degrees in Tennessee. Relocating to L.A., Lane’s career began to climb, appearing in TV’s “CHiPs,” the feature film “The Magic of Lassie,” and several movies of the week. These days, Lane splits his time between L.A. and Georgia, where he loves performing in Shakespearean roles and spending time with his two sons.

Lane invites you to visit his website at www.lane-davies.com.

Malcolm McDowell

Malcolm McDowell recorded his celeb host segments for our “Sleepy Hollow—The Lost Diaries” radio drama at his country-style home, secluded among oak trees in Ojai, California. Magnificent, to-scale animal carvings inhabit the private drive that trails up his forested foothill. A canopy of tangled trees with forest floor ever-brush was reminiscent of “Sleepy Hollow.” Knocking on the back screen door, a distant “Yeah,” hailed me inside to a peaceful and unpretentious world. The country kitchen led me to a spacious main room with large windows and huge hearth, where stood the smiling British actor. As we recorded, my co-director Linda Stiegler arrived in time to hear Malcolm struggling with pronouncing her last name. They both laughed. Then Malcolm teased us.

“Now let me understand—you all volunteer to do this, then you make your cast pay for being in the show by selling them CD copies?” We explained all the funds make up our yearly donation to the radio station’s holiday children’s services fund. Malcolm grinned and quipped, “That’s great!” Then Malcolm’s smiling 2-year-old son joined us, sporting a colorful striped robe that his mom had outfitted him with—a reminder that famous actors and their families are just people, too.

Cited as the “finest actor of his generation,” Malcolm was born in Leeds, Yorkshire, England in 1943. He worked for a time in his parents’ pub as a bartender. Malcolm began acting in the early 1960’s in repertory companies. In film, his boyish charisma, coupled with his electrifying portrayal as a blithely amoral anarchist, brought him to the attention of international audiences—most notably in “A Clockwork Orange” and “O Lucky Man!” Malcolm can be chilling or charming, as in his engaging good-guy portrayal as time-traveling H.G. Wells pursuing Jack the Ripper to modern day San Francisco in “Time After Time.” In 1994, Malcolm gained his widest film exposure for knocking off “Star Trek’s” Captain Kirk. He played “Doctor Loomis” in the remake of “Halloween.” Malcolm McDowell remains one of the busiest actors around. To relax, he loves to golf.

Cheryl Ladd

Nestled in the foothills overlooking the Santa Ynez Valley is the ranch-style home of actor-author Cheryl Ladd and her husband, film producer Brian Russell. A barefoot Cheryl greeted me at the door with her hip-high black poodle "Marley." Cheryl breezed through recording her guest host segments and offered up a fun cameo moment for inclusion in our Dickens radio drama.

She was born Cheryl Jean Stoppelmoor in Huron, South Dakota, December 7, 1951. Her first professional break was singing the voice of "Melody" on the cartoon series "Josie and the Pussycats." Cheryl adopted her last name of Ladd from former husband, actor David Ladd, son of film luminary Alan Ladd. She was catapulted to international stardom when Aaron Spelling cast her as "Kris Munroe" on the TV series "Charlie's Angels," replacing Farrah Fawcett. While still on that series, Cheryl developed and starred in a film about child abuse. She became an ambassador for ChildHelp USA, dedicated to child abuse issues and prevention.

Cheryl starred in NBC TV's "Las Vegas," as wife of casino owner James Caan. Along with her crowded schedule of TV and film roles, Cheryl is a tireless, award-winning humanitarian and author. With Scottish-born husband Brian, she penned the children's book, "The Adventures of Little Nettie Windship," teaching values of good citizenship and championship. Recognized as a leading female celeb golfer on the Pro-Am circuit, her book, "Token Chick: A Woman's Guide To Golfing With The Boys," is a best seller.

Cheryl invites you to visit her website at www.cherylladd.com.

Charlene Tilton

Charming Charlene Tilton greeted me graciously at her Studio City townhouse.  Twinkling holiday lights decorated every direction. Voicing her host segments flowed easily for this svelte, bubbly ball of energy. Charlene’s adorable giggle was captured in our production, both in her celeb hosting and performing her cast cameo with KVTA radio talent Dave Ciniero.

Joining us repeatedly was Charlene’s curious cat Angel. With silent stealth, Angel crept up on the dining area table top—smelling the script, pawing the microphone. Although Angel’s volunteered purring, sniffing and licking sounds didn’t make it into our show, his enthusiasm was warmly welcomed. 

Charlene Tilton earned international stardom with her curvaceous character “Lucy Ewing” in the epic TV series “Dallas.” She was born in San Diego, California in 1958. Her family soon moved to Hollywood. Charlene attended Hollywood High. Her first job in the entertainment industry was working concessions in a movie theater. Her good looks and spunk got her quickly noticed.

Jamie Farr

Jamie invited me to his home for the recording of his guest host segments. The Farrs reside high atop a canyon ridge, bordering Ventura and L.A. counties. I found Jamie to be exactly what I had heard of him—gracious and down-to-earth. Setting up the recorder, I was immediately struck by the exquisite beauty of huge holiday wreaths framing the living and dining room windows.

“My wife makes those,” said Jamie. “I want her to make more so I can retire.” Jamie’s voice was in good form, having just returned from the South, performing “An Evening with Ozzie Nelson.” One-take Jamie breezed through our morning recording session.

Born Jameel Farah, he was hired for one day’s work during an early episode of TV’s hit comedy, M*A*S*H. Jamie was so outrageous as Corporal Max Klinger, that his one-day job became an 11-year career. Jamie’s first acting success was winning a local acting contest at age 11. The prize was two dollars. Along with numerous TV and film roles, his stage appearances included portraying “Ebeneezer Scrooge.”

Jamie finds ways to give back to the community, like his annual Jamie Farr Kroger Golf Classic… and helping us tell a tale that must be told. Visit Jamie Farr's own website at www.jamiefarr.com.

Tim Conway

The first time I called Tim’s office, I left a message proclaiming him a “Comedic Gawd.” Two days later, I picked up the phone to hear a soft, low voice proclaim, “James, this is Gawd calling.”

After a quick glance upwards, I realized who it really was. In our conversation, he twisted my straight lines in more directions than a drunken plow horse. Tim Conway was raised in Chagrin Falls. Perhaps that explains it.

Like all in-demand celebrities, Tim’s timetable was tight. He managed to tape our host script sandwiched between returning from his Canadian tour with pal Harvey Korman and flying off to the East for a Carol Burnett tribute. A master of mirth technique, Tim transformed our host script using running gags, exaggerations, mispronunciations, accents and inane inferences—all with impeccable timing.

Tim Conway served in the Eighth Army Assignment Team, where he actually managed to misplace a boatload of 7500 replacement troops. When Tim and the army mutually parted company, Tim secured a job amusingly answering mail for a Cleveland radio DJ. He became an instant hit and eventually landed a spot on the Steve Allen Show. A year later, Tim was signed to play “Ensign Doug Parker” on the hit TV series “McHale’s Navy.” He went on to become a supporting comic on “The Carol Burnett Show” and star in a series of Disney films. The next step up in his career was performing as our celebrity guest host.

Steph Zimbalist

Stephanie stated she would rather be in the show, but commitments collided. In the studio, she carefully studied her host script, making careful notes to correctly pronounce every actor’s name. I found that refreshing. Her serious, dutiful nature was an enticing opportunity to create an impromptu moment.

As Stephanie solemnly voiced the closing credits, she was softly pinched in the posterior for a cue, then suddenly joined by the character of Santa Clause. Without a pause, Stephanie’s voice changed to playful, matching Santa’s as light loving and uplifting. It made for a great upbeat ending to that year’s award winning show.

Over dinner that night, we spoke of her father, Efrem Zimbalist Jr. Her eyes grew soft with an obvious fondness for him. Born in New York, Stephanie began her career on stage. Later, she went on to play a series of problem-of-the-week TV movies. Then came the role of Laura Holt on “Remington Steele,” also starring, oh yes, that James Bond guy. A striking, serious-looking, sought after actress, Stephanie’s stage and TV career keep her very busy. She enjoys performing locally at the Rubicon Theatre.

Barbara Billingsley

Barbara showed up for her celebrity host taping in a bright yellow dress with matching shoes, white pearls about her neck and her sunshine blonde hair in a familiar upswing do. She was, in appearance, manner and voice, her TV character “June Cleaver.” Although decades had passed since TV’s most recognizable mom appeared on the “Leave It To Beaver” series, Barbara seemed not to have aged a bit.

With grace and subtle elegance befitting her TV counterpart, Barbara began to read her lines, then suddenly stopped. She reached in her matching handbag and pulled out reading glasses, the only tip off TV’s mom had aged. She breezed through her lines. Afterwards, she shared a few brief “Beve” stories and admitted she hadn’t heard much from the brown-nosing “Eddy Haskel” played by Ken Osmond. Ken, of course, had gone on to become an L.A. cop. Imagine being pulled over by “Eddy Haskel.” Now there’s a sitcom spinoff!

Prior to becoming “June Cleaver,” Barbara appeared in many lesser-known films. After the “Beve” series, she went into semi retirement, opting to concentrate on raising her two sons and traveling with her husband. Barbara has since done numerous film and TV cameos.

Jerry Dunphy

We rolled tape. “Welcome to Charles Ghickens…wait…let’s start over.” Jerry turned red. Together we laughed. One of the most recognized TV news anchors in Los Angeles for 40 years had just blown his first line as our celebrity host. Later, voicing our show’s final credits, Jerry couldn’t resist slipping in his signature line, “…from the desert to the sea, to all of Southern California.”

Jerry Dunphy started his TV career in 1953 and by 1960 became anchorman at KNXT in Los Angeles. He remained in an anchor chair on L.A. stations until his death in May of 2002. Hollywood frequently called upon Jerry to portray a news anchor in countless films.

The day of our taping, he arrived with his wife and young daughter who watched through the studio window. Waving to his daughter while listening to the playback of his celebrity host segments, Jerry confided that his daughter wasn’t doing well in math.

“That just means she’ll grow up to be more of a creative person than a bean counter,” I said. Jerry thought a moment. “You’re right,” he said. Then he winked.

Mark Metcalf

At this writing, Mark is probably best remembered as the sadistic fraternity leader “Douglas C. Neidermeyer” in the movie “Animal House.” Rehearsing our host script, Mark was meticulously precise with pronunciation and graded our grammar, while dutifully delivering dialogue. At the time, Mark was living in the area with his wife who managed the Whale’s Tail Restaurant. It’s there we discussed acting, Dickens and the radio show. Mark accepted hosting immediately.

At first, Mark seemed hard on himself during taping, then relaxed and had fun with it. On his way out of the studio, he shared where-are-they-now stories about the “Animal House” cast and anecdotes about his upcoming film with Tom Arnold.

Mark has a long list of stage credits and film roles. Many recognize him from a couple of “Twisted Sister” music videos. I found him to be extremely sharp, well read and having a quick, dry wit. Regardless, a stern look from Mark sends one instantly visualizing his R.O.T.C. uniformed “Animal House” character who sadistically bellowed, “Drop and give me 20!”

Dr Demento

Barry Hansen, aka Dr. Demento, and his wife Sue are two of the warmest human beings I’ve ever met. The good Doctor arrived for his taping sporting his customary top hat, tailcoat and red bowtie. His lively larynx energized our host script to new heights. On a brief break, Doctor D related some personal stories: …of owning so many records that the floor of his home buckled under the weight; …of procuring a Bob’s Big Boy restaurant statue for his backyard, so that friends could find his home; …of giving the first air play to Weird Al; …of his early radio days at KPFK, KPPC and KMET; and of being a roadie for the rock groups “Canned Heat” and “Spirit.”

The year of this show, mechanical gremlins struck the recording equipment and the Doctor’s host segments were lost. Facing a tight deadline, he graciously agreed to re-cut the segments in his home studio. Thanks to the good Doctor, his segments arrived in time and, as theatre tradition demands, the show did go on.

These days, the Dr. Demento Radio Show thrives at stations worldwide. His show and fan club attract generations of new listeners. By the way, the Doctor is a doctor of musicology. Along with his show, Dr. Demento keeps busy with music research projects, writing articles and making public appearances. He is truly a radio legend and a great human being. Visit his website at www.drdemento.com.

Kari Michaelsen

Kari rose to national recognition in the 1980’s starring as Katie Kanisky in the TV series “Gimme a Break,” beating out Helen Hunt for the role. We couldn’t reach Helen for comment. Kari appeared in numerous 1980’s TV shows and later in films.

For our taping, Kari teamed with her then morning radio show co-host, Lee Marshall. Together, their impromptu banter created lively energy. That year our radio show ran on three stations almost simultaneously.

Months after this show, Kari left that station to host a weekly TV program interviewing celebs and probing into community issues. At this writing, she lives in Ventura County with her husband David.

Kevin Brooks

A familiar radio personality for decades, Kevin pulled strong ratings with his smiling voice until his untimely death in 2004. Even on days when feeling under the weather, Kevin maintained that rare announcing ability of human warmth and sincerity. He introduced me to and trained me in computerized sound editing.

In 1990, the first year of our show, we cast Kevin as young Peter Cratchit. Another year, we cast him as young Scrooge. “Oh great!’ he snapped. “People will think it’s type casting.”

The first time Kevin was our celeb host, we traveled to a county facility for homeless and abused children. Together we taped their Christmas wishes. They ranged from a teenage girl asking for “a kidney for my mom,” to a young boy pleading “I want my family together again,” to a tiny little girl who could barely pronounce “Barbie.” A masterful sound engineer, Kevin created a rip-your-heart-out collage that aired countless times during the holidays. His piece was highly praised by listeners and his station’s GM.

Kevin’s voice, coupled with his sound mixing wizardry, perked up ears and teased imaginations on endless radio and TV stations.

Lee Marshall

Lee has that deep rich voice that most broadcast professionals can only dream of developing. Former Dodgers Manager Tommy Lasorda said, “If God wanted to give a speech, Lee would get the call.” We would add to that comment that Lee would no doubt edit the copy.

We cast Lee as “Narrator” one year and he also co-hosted over his own station with then morning show side-kick Kari Michaelsen. Lee shared our mission of having fun and being creative on radio.

“I love radio the way it was, but I hate the way radio is today,” Lee said. “Radio used to be reserved for the best, brightest, funniest and most creative people. Now, most of what you hear comes from a satellite broadcasting service. There’s no personality and no relationship with the audience.”

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