From Muhammad Ali to Carrie Fisher, hear how the lives of the biggest stars were truly lived. With exclusive interviews from the people who knew them in life, journalist Stephanie Okupniak tells the stories of the dead.
S3 Ep42: A Man of Many Faces, Michael Kenneth Williams
Jul 01, 2024
Show notes
Michael Kenneth Williams was known for playing tough characters. He was recognised for the scar across his face. But his nephew, Dominic DuPont, knew the demons he battled, how hard he worked, the good he gave back to the community and the love and empathy he had for everyone. Michael Kenneth WIlliams's memoir Scenes from My Life is available wherever you buy books.
S3 Ep41: The First Lady of Television,Betty White
Jun 24, 2024
Show notes
Author Herbie J Pilato, filmmaker William S Tribell and biographer Ray Richmond walk us through the raunchy euphemisms, the pioneering devotion and the sweet and caring nature that paved the way for Betty White to have the longest career in broadcasting than any woman in the Guinness Book of World Records. To learn more about Betty White you can find copies of Ray Richmond's book here: https://www.quarto.com/books/9780760379462/betty-white-2nd-edition Herbie J Pilato's book - NBC & Me, My life as a Page in a Book: https://www.herbiejpilato.com/books
S3 Ep40: An Origin Story, Chadwick Boseman
Jun 17, 2024
Show notes
In this episode of A Life Lived Stephanie Okupniak speaks with a professor and fellow classmate of Chadwick Boseman when he attended Oxford University for a summer acting course. The origin story of an artist who had never considered acting before - only to become on of the greatest cinematic heroes of all time.
S3 Ep39: The Scottish Spy, Sean Connery
Jun 10, 2024
Show notes
Stephanie Okupniak learns more about the school dropout from Edinburgh who will win the hearts of millions as the rogue spy 007 with journalist Brian Pendreigh, director Alvin Rakoff and biographer Herbie J Pilato. Alvin Rakoff's memoir I'M JUST THE GUY WHO SAYS ACTION can be found here - alvinrakoff.com Herbie J Pilato's biography Connery, Sean Connery can be found here - Connery, Sean Connery: Before, During, and After His Most Famous Role
S3 Ep38: A Life Lived Returns!
Jun 05, 2024
Show notes
After a 4-year hiatus - A Life Lived returns!! Join Stephanie Okupniak from June 10th as she speaks with the people closest to icons who have died and finds out what they were really like behind the spotlight. This season she discovers why the mob stalked Sir Sean Connery, how Betty White got into the Guinness Book of World Records and what Chadwick Boseman learned in Hogwarts dining hall. Follow on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts for new episodes each week.
S2 Ep16: Bruce Lee: Part Two
Feb 22, 2021
Show notes
Look up ‘Hollywood action hero’ in the dictionary and you’ll find one name - Bruce Lee. He overcame racism, stereotypes and challenge after challenge to become the world’s first Asian international film icon. Stephanie Okupniak enters the world of martial arts to tell the story of Bruce’s extraordinary life with the help of friend and co-star Bob Wall and students Patrick Strong and Leo Fong. In part two, we take closer a look at how Bruce fought through chronic pain to become one of the first and most successful independent movie makers.
S2 Ep15: Bruce Lee: Part One
Feb 22, 2021
Show notes
Look up ‘Hollywood action hero’ in the dictionary and you’ll find one name - Bruce Lee. He overcame racism, stereotypes and challenge after challenge to become the world’s first Asian international film icon. Stephanie Okupniak enters the world of martial arts to tell the story of Bruce’s extraordinary life with the help of friend and co-star Bob Wall and students Patrick Strong and Leo Fong. In part one, we find out how a young immigrant would *literally* fight to become a household name.
S2 Ep14: Hubert de Givenchy
Feb 15, 2021
Show notes
Hubert de Givenchy crafted exquisite, haute couture creations that made women feel powerful, beautiful - and one of a kind. One of the founding fathers of high fashion, the designer’s legacy is unwavering almost 70 years after the birth of the Maison de Givenchy. Medical Philanthropist, fashion icon & lifelong friend Deeda Blair takes Stephanie Okupniak back in time to the decadent fashion houses of 1950’s Paris - and inside the life of a visionary that changed the industry, one stitch at a time.
S2 Ep13: Harper Lee
Feb 08, 2021
Show notes
What does it take to write the great American novel? Harper Lee’s defining work - To Kill a Mockingbird - has stood the test of time. Surrounded by racism, segregation and injustice growing up in rural Alabama, Lee’s experiences shaped what would go on to become a literary classic. Stephanie Okupniak goes inside her life - and friendship with Truman Capote - with the help of biographer Charles Shields and author Greg Neri.
S2 Ep12: Margot Kidder
Feb 01, 2021
Show notes
Margot Kidder was an actress, an activist, a daredevil, an outspoken campaigner - but first and foremost - a mother. In her role as Lois Lane she set the benchmark for fierce, feminist leading ladies. Stephanie Okupniak goes inside her tumultuous life with the help of brother John Kidder and close friend Rosie Shuster.
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