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.
S2 Ep11: Gene Wilder
Jan 25, 2021
Show notes
There are some performers that just seem frozen in time. Hold your breath, make a wish, count to three - and let us take you inside the life of one of Hollywood’s most hypnotic stars - Gene Wilder. But he was so much more than Willy Wonka, than Frederick Frankenstein, than Leo Bloom. Gene’s beloved nephew Jordan Walker-Pearlman joins Stephanie Okupniak to honour the legacy of this movie icon.
S2 Ep10: Verne Troyer
Jan 18, 2021
Show notes
He may have been small in stature, but Verne Troyer had a giant personality. In a career that spanned 25 years he starred on the big screen as Mini-Me, Little Santa, Alien Son and Baby Joe - but off it he was a total sweetheart. Actress and co-star Mindy Sterling and director Richard Elfman fondly remember the life of the 2’8”, 35-pound movie icon.
S2 Ep9: Debbie Reynolds
Jan 11, 2021
Show notes
Debbie Reynolds was a force to be reckoned with. A member of Hollywood royalty, she faced scandal after scandal after scandal - yet bounced back bigger and better every time. Debbie’s son Todd Fisher joins Stephanie Okupniak to take us beyond the headlines - and shines a bright light on what life with his iconic mother was really like.
S2 Ep8: Alan Rickman: Part Two
Jan 04, 2021
Show notes
What’s it like being one of Hollywood’s greatest villains - with a heart of gold? Alan Rickman played a professor, a doctor, an angel, a terrorist - but above all - he was a brother, son, husband and friend. Actress and collaborator Juliet Stevenson and brothers David and Michael take us inside the life of the star of the stage and big screen. In part two, we take a look at how Alan used his passion for activism and philanthropy to make his mark - and the simple pleasures that he held dear.
S2 Ep8: Alan Rickman: Part One
Jan 04, 2021
Show notes
What’s it like being one of Hollywood’s greatest villains - with a heart of gold? Alan Rickman played a professor, a doctor, an angel, a terrorist - but above all - he was a brother, son, husband and friend. Actress and collaborator Juliet Stevenson and brothers David and Michael take us inside the life of the star of the stage and big screen. In part one, we find out how Alan’s love of art would eventually lead him to tread the boards - and take Hollywood hostage.
S2 Ep7: Whitney Houston: Part Two
Dec 14, 2020
Show notes
Whitney Houston’s life is a story of victory over adversity. Of love and heartache. Of regeneration after decimation. This gospel queen escaped the ghetto and lived out her dream - but fairytales don’t always have happy endings. Stephanie Okupniak is joined by singer-songwriter Gordon Chambers and backing singer Sy Smith for a journey through Whitney’s life.
In part two, we see what happens when America’s sweetheart goes down the wrong path - and how a soulful diva handles losing her voice.
S2 Ep7: Whitney Houston: Part One
Dec 14, 2020
Show notes
Whitney Houston’s life is a story of victory over adversity. Of love and heartache. Of regeneration after decimation. This gospel queen escaped the ghetto and lived out her dream - but fairytales don’t always have happy endings. Stephanie Okupniak is joined by singer-songwriter Gordon Chambers and backing singer Sy Smith for a journey through Whitney’s life. In part one, we find out how a young girl’s faith led her to fame - and how she united America.
S2 Ep6: Tom Petty
Dec 07, 2020
Show notes
Rambling troubadour. Strumming vagabond. An American treasure. Rock and roll icon Tom Petty is forever Free Fallin’. From rural Florida to the bright lights of Hollywood, Stephanie Okupniak takes us on a journey through Tom’s life alongside his good friend, record promoter Jon Scott.
S2 Ep5: B.B. King
Nov 30, 2020
Show notes
B.B. King is the blues. The musical giant performed with everyone from rockstars to presidents through the decades - and provided the soundtrack to 20th century America - all with his beloved Lucille by his side. Stephanie Okupniak honours the life of this Beale Street icon with the help of his daughter Shirley King, former drummer Tony Coleman and close friend Chris Clouser.
S2 Ep4: George Michael: Part Two
Nov 23, 2020
Show notes
What would you be willing to give up to be famous? George Michael gave his fans songs they will sing for the rest of their lives - but he had to live a lie for decades. Stephanie Okupniak is joined by his friend and manager Rob Kahane and publicist Phil Lobel to shine a spotlight on his life. In part two, we find out how George was inspired by love and loss to create some of his most iconic tracks - but was never far from controversy.
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