Ilene Graff Talks About Mr. Belvedere, Bob Uecker & More!

[TMC]

Ilene Graff reflects with John on her career, starting with her time on Mr. Belvedere, sharing how she first met Bob Uecker and their on-screen chemistry, how she knew Christopher Hewett before Mr. Belvedere as well as funny pranks and behind-the-scenes moments with the cast, including Rob Stone, Tracy Wells, and Bryce Beckham. She discusses her role in supporting child actors through the "Looking Ahead" organization and what landing the role of Marsha Owens meant for her at that point in her life.

Ilene recalls her Broadway experience in Grease, working on iconic shows like Laverne & Shirley, being directed by Penny Marshall, Mork & Mindy and working with Robin Williams, Three’s Company with John Ritter, and St. Elsewhere with Denzel Washington. She also shares memories of appearing on Touched by an Angel, starring with Rodney Dangerfield in Ladybugs, and filming South Pacific alongside Glenn Close and Harry Connick Jr.

She touches on her personal life, including meeting her husband, Ben Lanzarone, and her Broadway album, while also reflecting on her charitable work and the passing of Jonathan Brandis. Additionally, Ilene shares stories about Gabe Kaplan, Monty Hall and more! Enjoy and thank you Ilene!

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
• 00:02:37 Ilene talks about the first time she met Bob Uecker
• 00:05:49 Ilene chats about how Bob Uecker was surrounded by accomplished actors on Mr. Belvedere
• 00:07:05 Ilene talks about how she had worked with Christopher Hewett before Mr. Belvedere
• 00:07:44 Ilene talks about the connection between Christopher Hewett and Bob Uecker
• 00:09:05 Bob Uecker's improv through his looks in scenes
• 00:10:26 Ilene talks about the kids of Mr. Belvedere, Rob Stone, Tracy Wells, Bryce Beckham
• 00:12:10 Ilene chats about helping child actors through the organization "Looking Ahead"
• 00:15:07 Funny moments behind the scenes on Mr. Belvedere
• 00:17:50 Ilene talks about when she first heard about the audition for Mr. Belvedere and what it meant to get the role at that point in her life
• 00:22:20 Ilene tells how she became an actor
• 00:26:12 Ilene on her Broadway experience and Grease
• 00:31:07 Ilene talks about meeting her husband, Ben Lanzarone
• 00:34:42 Ilene talks about her acting job in LA, Barnaby Jones with Buddy Ebsen
• 00:37:05 Ilene talks about her great experience working on Laverne and Shirley
• 00:38:24 Ilene tells a Penny Marshall story
• 00:39:31 Ilene talks working on Mork and Mindy and Robin Williams
• 00:43:10 Ilene on working on Three's Company and John Ritter
• 00:46:18 Working on St. Elsewhere with Denzel Washington
• 00:47:54 Ilene on her Touched By An Angel appearance
• 00:51:20 Working with Gabe Kaplan starring in Lewis and Clark
• 00:54:55 Working with Rodney Dangerfiled on the film "Ladybugs"
• 00:57:33 Ilene talks about the passing of Jonathan Brandis
• 00:59:14 Ilene talks about shooting South Pacific with Glenn Close and Harry Connick, Jr.
• 01:06:01 Ilene talks about her Broadway album
• 01:08:48 Ilene talks about the charities she works with
• 01:13:03 Ilene talks about Monty Hall

[TMC]

Join former child actor Drier, and author Jonathan Rosen, as the chat with Ilene Graff from Mr. Belvedere!

Ilene discusses working on the classic sitcom with Bob Uecker, performing on Broadway in Grease and Promises, Promises, appearing with Rodney Dangerfield in Ladybugs, and much more!