Category Archives: Talk

Dawn Wells, best known as Mary Ann on “Gilligan’s Island”—Guest 05/07/2015

Entertainment, Interview, Talk, ,
Dawn Wells
Dawn Wells

We are so very honored to have the lovely and talented Dawn Wells with us as our upcoming guest. Although her acting career is broad and deep, most of us remember her best from her delightful role as the hot pants-wearing, adorable vixen Mary Ann from the 1960s television series Gilligan’s Island. To this day men (and no doubt many women) still debate the age-old metaphysical question: “Who is hotter? Mary Ann or Ginger?”

Dawn Wells, who was crowned Miss Nevada in 1960 and represented her state in that year’s Miss America pageant, made her acting debut on ABC’s The Roaring 20s. Afterwards she was cast in many other early-1960s popular series, such as 77 Sunset Strip, The Cheyenne Show, Maverick, and Bonanza. These ultimately led to her role on Gilligan’s Island.

Dawn Wells on
Gilligan’s Island

After her universally loved role in Gilligan’s Island, Wells turned her attention to theatre acting, appearing in nearly 100 theatrical productions over the succeeding years, including recent years. Most of her time during the ’70s and ’80s were spent touring in musical theatre productions, including a one-woman show at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas.

For more biographical and other information about Dawn Wells, please visit her website and her Wikipedia page.

Ken and Tai look forward to an engaging and memorable interview with this most beloved star.

We have limited seating available for audience members. If you would like complimentary tickets to our in-studio broadcast at the TVSB studios in Santa Barbara, please click here. This show tapes on Monday, May 4th. Audience members generally arrive by 6:30 pm and take their seats at 6:45 pm.

(This episode first airs Thursday, 05/07/2015, 10:00 PM, on TVSB-17, and is replayed numerous times throughout the following 14 days. You will find a complete schedule of times here. Additionally, a YouTube link to this episode, available about 24 hours before original airtime, will display immediately below.)

Peter Noone, from 1960s Pop Group Herman’s Hermits—Guest 04/30/2015

Entertainment, Interview, Talk, ,
Peter Noone
Peter Noone

The legendary and renowned Peter Noone, lead singer and songwriter of the 1960s pop group Herman’s Hermits, is our upcoming guest. Ken and Tai, along with the rest of the Ken Boxer Live crew, are thrilled he will be with us.

Herman’s Hermits was not just any band; they were an integral part of the British Invasion, a period during the mid-’60s when numerous across-the-Atlantic bands, such as the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, the Animals, and the Who, “invaded” America with their unique music. It’s hard to think of Herman’s Hermits without also mentally revisiting that time.

Those who remember this period easily recall the constant stream of new music continually advancing up the charts in an endless parade. Herman’s Hermits, as part of this invasion,  produced—in a dizzying short number of years—hit after hit, many of which today are classics. These include such remembrances as, “Mrs. Brown, You’ve Got a Lovely Daughter,” “I’m Henry the Eighth, I Am,” “Silhouettes,” and “There’s a Kind of Hush.”

Peter Noone (1966)

During and after his Herman’s Hermits period, Noone appeared often on television—literally hundreds of programs—such as Ed Sullivan and Jackie Gleason. Additionally, during the 1970s, Noone as a solo act recorded numerous singles. And a decade beyond that, Noone showed his considerable acting skills, appearing as Frederic in the New York Shakespeare Festivals’ Broadway production of Pirates of Penzance. You may read more of Peter Noone’s biography at his Wikipedia page.

This promises to be a very exciting show. Please join us on TVSB-17 or YouTube.

We have limited seating available for audience members. If you would like free tickets to our in-studio broadcast at the TVSB studios in Santa Barbara, please click here. This show tapes on Monday, April 27th. Audience members generally arrive by 6:30 pm and take their seats at 6:45 pm.

(This episode first airs Thursday, 04/30/2015, 10:00 PM, on TVSB-17, and is replayed numerous times throughout the following 14 days. You will find a complete schedule of times here. Additionally, a YouTube link to this episode, available about 24 hours before original airtime, will display immediately below.)

Alan Parsons, Rock Legend—Guest 04/09/2015

Entertainment, Interview, Talk, , , ,
Alan Parsons
Alan Parsons

Ken and Tai welcome to Ken Boxer Live a true rock legend, Alan Parsons—an audio engineer, songwriter, musician, and record producer.

As an engineer, Parsons was involved with many important albums, including The Beatles’ Abbey Road and Let It Be. His production credits also include albums by Ambrosia, Pilot, and Al Stewart, and, of course, Parsons’ own group, The Alan Parsons Project.

It all began for Parsons at the age of 19 when he went to work as an assistant engineer at Abbey Road Studios, where he earned his initial credit on the album Abbey Road. Becoming a regular there, he went on to engineer projects with Paul McCartney, The Hollies, Pink Floyd, and others, receiving Grammy Award nominations along the way.

Alan Parsons
Alan Parsons (Early Years)

In 1975 he declined Pink Floyd’s invitation to return to work on a follow-up album. Instead he spent that time launching his own band, The Alan Parsons Project, where he demonstrated to the world his calling as a creative musician, releasing during this period nearly a dozen successful albums. For more biographical information, please visit Parsons’ Wikipedia page.

This KBL episode will surely be an exciting and informative one so please join us.

We have limited seating available for audience members. If you would like free tickets to our in-studio broadcast at the TVSB studios in Santa Barbara, please click here. This show tapes on Monday, April 6th. Audience members generally arrive by 6:30 pm and take their seats at 6:45 pm.

(This episode first airs Thursday, 04/09/2015, 10:00 PM, on TVSB-17, and is replayed numerous times throughout the following 14 days. You will find a complete schedule of times here. Additionally, a YouTube link to this episode, available about 24 hours before original airtime, will display immediately below.)

Rex Smith, Legendary Singer and Actor—Guest 03/26/2015

Entertainment, Interview, Talk, , , , , ,
Rex Smith
Rex Smith

We have an incredible show in store for you.  We are proud to have as our guest the legendary Rex Smith—the hugely talented singer and actor (both on screen and on stage).

Many remember Smith from his huge 1979 hit single, “You Take My Breath Away.” (Perhaps we could coax him into performing it live for us!) Also, Smith is well remembered for his role as Jesse Mach in the 1985 television series Street Hawk.

Rex Smith
Rex Smith (1970s)

Always busy and active entertaining, Smith regularly creates new music albums and performs in new acting roles, many on Broadway. For more Rex Smith biographical information, please visit his official website.

Ken and Tai have loads of questions to ask this most talented performer and look forward to a personal and in-depth interview. Please join the fun with us.

We have limited seating available for audience members. If you would like free tickets to our in-studio broadcast at the TVSB studios in Santa Barbara, please click here. This show tapes on Monday, March 23rd. Audience members generally arrive by 6:30 pm and take their seats at 6:45 pm.

(This episode first airs Thursday, 03/26/2015, 10:00 PM, on TVSB-17, and is replayed numerous times throughout the following 14 days. You will find a complete schedule of times here. Additionally, a YouTube link to this episode, available about 24 hours before original airtime, will display immediately below.)

Denise Nicholas from “Room 222″—Guest 03/12/2015

Entertainment, Interview, Talk, , , ,
Denise Nicholas
Denise Nicholas

Ken and Tai welcome veteran actress, writer, and civil rights activist Denise Nicholas to Ken Boxer Live as their next guest.

Nicholas is best known for her role as high school guidance counselor Liz McIntyre in the ABC comedy-drama series Room 222, and for her role as Councilwoman Harriet DeLong in the NBC/CBS drama series In the Heat of the Night, for which she wrote six episodes.

After In the Heat of the Night, Nicholas began a second career as a writer, eventually working under her mentor, author Janet Fitch, with whom she worked for five years. Her first novel Freshwater Road was published in 2005 and received a starred review in Publishers Weekly. Additionally, it was selected as of one the best books of 2005, while also accumulating many other notable awards.

Lloyd Haynes & Denise Nicholas from "Room 222"
Lloyd Haynes & Denise Nicholas from “Room 222”

Ken and Tai look forward to interviewing this most talented and versatile personality. So mark your calendar.

We have limited seating available for audience members. If you would like free tickets to our in-studio broadcast at the TVSB studios in Santa Barbara, please click here. This show tapes on Monday, March 9th. Audience members generally arrive by 6:30 pm and take their seats at 6:45 pm.

(This episode first airs Thursday, 03/12/2015, 10:00 PM, on TVSB-17, and is replayed numerous times throughout the following 14 days. You will find a complete schedule of times here. Additionally, a YouTube link to this episode, available about 24 hours before original airtime, will display immediately below.)

Paul Carafotes from “Knots Landing”—Guest 02/26/2015

Entertainment, Interview, Talk, , ,
Paul Carafotes
Paul Carafotes

Ken Boxer Live welcomes its next guest, actor and director Paul Carafotes. Carafotes is best known for playing Harold Dyer in the television drama Knots Landing from 1988 through 1990. Additionally, Carafotes is well known for directing the short film Club Soda, later edited into Stories USA.

Early in his career at age 20 Carafotes portrayed Ralph Morrelli in Headin’ for Broadway, a performance Variety called “amazing.” Later he starred with Tom Cruise in All the Right Moves as Vinnie Salvucci.

Beyond his movie roles, Carafotes has had many notable television parts in addition to Knots Landing, such as Beyond the Ring, a story about a father and son, for which he won an LA Drama Critics award. Recently he has returned to acting, appearing as a series regular in Damages where he played the charming and dark character “Man in overcoat,” aka Ben de Falco.

Ken and Tai look forward to an interesting and lively interview with Carafotes, and you surely will not want to miss this episode.

Paul Carafotes
Paul Carafotes

We have limited seating available for audience members. If you would like free tickets to our in-studio broadcast at the TVSB studios in Santa Barbara, please click here. This show tapes on Monday, February 23rd. Audience members generally arrive by 6:30 pm and take their seats at 6:45 pm.

(This episode first airs Thursday, 02/26/2015, 10:00 PM, on TVSB-17, and is replayed numerous times throughout the following 14 days. You will find a complete schedule of times here. Additionally, a YouTube link to this episode, available about 24 hours before original airtime, will display immediately below.)

Brandon Cruz, Played Eddie Corbett on “The Courtship of Eddie’s Father”—Guest 02/12/2015

Entertainment, Interview, Talk, , , , , ,
Brandon Cruz
Brandon Cruz

Our upcoming guest is actor Brandon Cruz, best known for his role as Eddie Corbett in the early ’70s comedy television series “The Courtship of Eddie’s Father.” In addition to his acting career, Cruz is also a punk rock musician. We’re thrilled to welcome him to Ken Boxer Live.

Cruz won his breakthrough role in The Courtship of Eddie’s Father at age five, bonding with his television father, Bill Bixby, with whom he co-starred.  Later Cruz would say that “Bixby was like my second father.” After Courtship, Cruz made numerous guest appearances in television shows, including The Incredible Hulk, which reunited him with Bixby. Cruz also played the role of Joey Turner, the Yankees pitcher, in the 1976 movie The Bad News Bears.

Bill Bixby & Brandon Cruz
Bill Bixby & Brandon Cruz

During the 1980s Cruz turned his attention to music, performing with a hardcore punk band Dr. Know.  Since April, 2013, Cruz has been working in the drug and alcohol rehabilitation field in Southern California.

Ken and Tai are eagerly looking forward to meeting and interviewing Cruz. Please join us for this most memorable episode.

We have limited seating available for audience members. If you would like free tickets to our in-studio broadcast at the TVSB studios in Santa Barbara, please click here. This show tapes on Monday, February 9th. Audience members generally arrive by 6:30 pm and take their seats at 6:45 pm.

(This episode first airs Thursday, 02/12/2015, 10:00 PM, on TVSB-17, and is replayed numerous times throughout the following 14 days. You will find a complete schedule of times here. Additionally, a YouTube link to this episode, available about 24 hours before original airtime, will display immediately below.)

Tony Dow, Played Wally Cleaver on “Leave it to Beaver from ’57 through ’63–Guest 1/29/2015

Entertainment, Interview, Talk, , , , ,
Tony Dow
Tony Dow

The Cleavers–Beaver, Wally, June, and Ward–a typical late ’50s, early ’60s American family from the Leave it to Beaver television show of that period, with whom many of us grew up, have seemed always a part of us. During Leave it to Beaver’s six-year run, those growing up during that time related fully to the antics and the mischief of the Beaver (played by  recent KBL guest Jerry Mathers) and Wally, the elder brother, played by our current guest, Tony Dow.

And when the boys’ troubles ebbed just to the point of disaster, we knew to expect loving, sagely, parental intervention from Ward and June, the parents, injecting just the right wisdom not only to help save the day but to instill in the lads valuable lessons about life and values.

Yes, those were simpler times! Although the show ended production in 1963, it has never left television. Multiple generations since have grown up with the Cleavers, a result of a never-ending demand for the show’s syndication. But we at Ken Boxer Live will take it to an even more intimate level–no syndication required. We have as our in-studio guest  the legendary Tony Dow himself.

Tony Dow and Jerry Mathers, 1959
Tony Dow and Jerry Mathers, 1959

After Leave it to Beaver Dow appeared on many other television shows, such as My Three Sons, Dr. Kildare, and Mr. Novak.  During the ’70s while continuing acting, he worked in the construction business and studied journalism and filmmaking. Apart from these endeavors Dow has also become a serious and respected sculptor. You can visit Dow’s website to see examples of his work and more biographical information.

Ken and Tai are looking forward to discussing all these subjects, and more, during Tony Dow’s greatly anticipated appearance with us. We look forward to your joining us.

We have limited seating available for audience members. If you would like free tickets to our in-studio broadcast at the TVSB studios in Santa Barbara, please click here. This show tapes on Monday, January 26th. Audience members generally arrive by 6:30 pm and take their seats at 6:45 pm.

(This episode first airs Thursday, 01/29/2015, 10:00 PM, on TVSB-17, and is replayed numerous times throughout the following 14 days. You will find a complete schedule of times here. Additionally, a YouTube link to this episode, available about 24 hours before original airtime, will display immediately below.)

Rafer Johnson, Two-Time Olympic Gold and Silver Decathlon Medalist–Guest 1/15/2015

Entertainment, Interview, Talk, , , , ,
Rafer Johnson
Rafer Johnson

We are proud and honored to have the legendary Rafer Johnson as our guest this week.  As you are likely aware, Johnson is an American former decathlete and occasional actor. He was the 1960 Olympic decathlon gold medalist after receiving the silver medal four years earlier at the 1956 games. Additionally, he was the 1960 Olympics flag bearer, and he lit the Olympic Flame at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.

Many today also remember Johnson’s heroic actions during the moments immediately after Robert F. Kennedy’s 1968 assassination, where he along with Rosey Grier, both who happened to be in the vicinity at that moment, tackled the assailant, Sirhan Sirhan.

Rafer Johnson - 1960
Rafer Johnson – 1960

After the Olympics, Johnson turned his celebrity into acting, sportscasting, and public service. For instance, he was instrumental in helping to create the California Special Olympics. For further biographical information, please see Johnson’s Wikipedia page.

This promises to be an exciting show. Both Ken and Tai look forward to this most special interview.

We have limited seating available for audience members. If you would like free tickets to our in-studio broadcast at the TVSB studios in Santa Barbara, please click here. This show tapes on Monday, January 12th. Audience members generally arrive by 6:30 pm and take their seats at 6:45 pm.

(This episode first airs Thursday, 01/15/2015, 10:00 PM, on TVSB-17, and is replayed numerous times throughout the following 14 days. You will find a complete schedule of times here. Additionally, a YouTube link to this episode, available about 24 hours before original airtime, will  display immediately below.)

Kato Kaelin, O. J. Simpson Houseguest and Witness during the 1995 “Trial of the Century.” — Guest 12/25/2014

Entertainment, Interview, Talk, , , ,
Kato Kaelin
Kato Kaelin

Ken and Tai warmly welcome our next guest, Kato Kaelin, a radio and television personality who gained worldwide fame as a witness during the 1995 O. J. Simpson murder trial. More recently, Kato has entered the men’s clothing business, currently promoting his own men’s clothing line,  Slacker.

Like the recent Oscar Pistorius trial in South Africa, a trial that mixed celebrity, sex, and privilege, the 1995 O. J. Simpson trial was that–and much more. The whole country seemed fixated on every aspect of the unfolding story. Indeed, even President Clinton admitted to changing his presidential schedule on the day of the verdict not to miss its reading.

Kato Kaelin - O.J Simpson Trial Witness
Kato Kaelin – O.J Simpson Trial Witness

From within this cultural petri dish, out stepped Kato. At the time of the murders, Kato was staying in Simpson’s guest house thereby witnessing some of Simpson’s movements before and after the murders. The prosecution called him as one of its witnesses. His goofy, slightly irreverent, almost cartoon-like court appearances added even more surreality to an already beyond-description national spectacle.  Ultimately the prosecution declared him a hostile witness.

All of us at Ken Boxer Live are looking forward to Kato’s appearance, which promises to be quite lively. Make sure you don’t miss it.

We have limited seating available for audience members. If you would like free tickets to our in-studio broadcast at the TVSB studios in Santa Barbara, please click here. This show tapes on Monday, December 15th (and will initially broadcast on December 25th, one week later than usual). Audience members generally arrive by 6:30 pm and take their seats at 6:45 pm.

(This episode first airs Thursday, 12/25/2014, 10:00 PM, on TVSB-17, and is replayed numerous times throughout the following 14 days. You will find a complete schedule of times here. Additionally, a YouTube link to this episode, available about 24 hours before original airtime, will  display immediately below.)