Family TV Cast Reunites: Rare Interview with Original Stars including Gary Frank...

[TMC]

...& John Rubenstein

Family TV Cast Reunites: Rare Interview with Original Stars including Gary Frank, John Rubenstein. Elayne Heilveil. Louise Foley and FAMILY producer, Carroll Newman!

In this in-depth conversation John delves into the experiences of key cast members and the producer from FAMILY, exploring their relationships, challenges, and behind-the-scenes stories. Gary Frank and Elayne Heilveil recall their daily post-filming phone calls, while John Rubenstein reflects on his character's unpredictable arc and his role in composing the show's theme. Carroll Newman shares her concerns over character decisions, while Louise Foley reminisces about working alongside Kristy McNichol and heartthrob guest stars. The discussion touches on the careers of Meredith Baxter Birney, Michael J. Fox, and Tommy Lee Jones, along with fond memories, conflicts, and reflections on life after FAMILY. Thank you to all the FAMILY cast members, it was pure joy to interview you!

Hosted by John Cato, actor, voiceover artist, and moderator for over 20 years for the television and movie industry. John's background brings a unique insight and passion to the podcast.

• 00:00:00 Introduction
• 00:00:59 Gary Frank on the telephone conversations he and Elayne Heilveil had after each day of filming
• 00:05:36 Elayne talks about doing the audition for FAMILY because of Mike Nichols
• 00:09:44 John Rubenstein on the crazy direction his character went over the run of FAMILY and not wanting to sign a long term contract
• 00:13:03 John Rubenstein talks about how he wrote the theme for FAMILY
• 00:15:02 Carroll Newman talks about her dismay as the producer with having John Rubenstein's character play a drug dealer
• 00:16:02 Carroll Newman on working with Mike Nichols, Aaron Spelling and Leonard Goldberg
• 00:18:11 Carroll talks about any conflict between her and her husband, Gary Frank on set
• 00:23:13 Louise talks about what she and Kristy McNichol got into off set
• 00:25:58 Louise Foley on the heartthrobs who guest starred on FAMILY like Leif Garrett
• 00:27:20 Elayne Heilveil on her special relationship with Sada Thompson
• 00:29:54 Elayne Heilveil talks about a very uncomfortable moment with a director on FAMILY
• 00:39:49 Gary Frank on his very close relationship to this day with Kristy McNichol
• 00:42:44 Carroll Newman on why Gary and Kristy formed such a bond
• 00:45:31 Louise Foley on Kristy McNichol
• 00:46:13 Louise Foley talks about the FAMILY episode; The Competition
• 00:48:26 John on growing up with his famous pianist father, Arthur Rubenstein and his opinion of John's music
• 00:53:15 John Rubenstein breaks down how the instruments in the music for FAMILY are based on each character in the cast
• 00:56:09 Gary looks back at the FAMILY episode "Willie's 21st Birthday"
• 01:01:34 Gary and John talk about working with Shelley Long
• 01:02:11 Different of girlfriends of Willie on FAMILY
• 01:03:53 Michael J. Fox on FAMILY
• 01:07:17 Tommy Lee Jones appearance on FAMILY
• 01:09:20 Elayne Heilveil on how she left FAMILY
• 01:12:00 Louise Foley talks about her audition for Audrey on FAMILY
• 01:14:38 Louise tells the story of how she was the original "Joanie" in the pilot of HAPPY DAYS
• 01:16:18 John Rubenstein on what it was like to come back on and off through different years of FAMILY
• 01:19:49 John Rubenstein tells a funny story about a difficult casting conflict between FAMILY and a film he had to fly out to be in
• 01:22:49 Elayne relates a story about how John Rubenstien met her at the Apple Pan restaurant by the TV studio after they shot the pilot
• 01:25:16 Gary Frank and Carroll Newman on why Quinn Cummings was brought on FAMILY
• 01:29:07 John Rubenstein talks about Meredith Baxter Birney
• 01:32:54 Elayne Heilveil and Carroll Newman on how the character of Nancy was written so the audience didn't like her
• 01:36:16 Funny story about the first time James Broderick met Meredith Baxter Birney on the FAMILY set
• 01:37:40 Gary Frank talks about his friendship with the other Nancy, Jane Actman
• 01:39:05 Carroll Newman talks about Meredith Baxter Birney not auditioning for Nancy
• 01:40:41 Difficult relationship between Meredith and her real life husband, David Birney
• 01:41:36 John Rubenstein on a difficult moment when he had to slap Meredith Baxter Birney in a scene and actually diid
• 01:44:22 Gary Frank specific fond memories he has of FAMILY
• 01:51:18 Gary Frank on what he is up to in the present time
• 01:52:10 Carroll Newman on what she is up to in the present time
• 01:52:55 Elayne Heilveil on what she is up to in the present time
• 01:54:39 John Rubenstein on what he is up to in the present time
• 01:57:31 Louise Foley on what she is up to in the present time
• 02:00:54 Favorite memories from each Family member