Tag Archives: Tai Babilonia

Alonzo Bodden—Comedian, Actor, and “Last Comic Standing” Grand Prize Winner—Guest 09/29/2016

Entertainment, Interview, Talk, , , ,
Alonzo Bodden
Alonzo Bodden

Just about everybody loves comedy. Who doesn’t want to be moved to laughter? When you’re having a great day, comedy makes the day even greater. When you’re having a bad day, it lifts you to where you begin to have a good day. Either way, we all love comedy and appreciate good comedy. Our next Ken Boxer Live guest is a master of comedy—and good comedy at that—Alonzo Bodden.

Bodden, born in Queens, NY, is an American comedian and actor who has risen to fame, at least partially, by his incredible grand prize winning performance during the third season of the reality television series Last Comic Standing. He also looks very much like a comic, whatever that means. If you like the comedy of the late great Patrice O’Neal, you will surely like the comedy of Alonzo Bodden.

Alonzo Bodden

His DVD, Tall, Dark and Funny, is quite clever—well-worth the listen. You can learn more about Alonzo Bodden at his website.

Please join Ken and Tai during their interview with this huge talent for what will surely be a very entertaining (and funny) 30 minutes.

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, September 26th. Audience members generally arrive by 6:30 pm and take their seats at 6:45 pm.

(This episode first airs Thursday, 09/29/2016, 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.)

Dee Wallace—the Mother from E.T.—Guest 07/14/2016

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Dee Wallace
Dee Wallace

Dee Wallace, a former ballet soloist, first became known in both TV and cinema during the mid 1970s. Through her well-received appearances in several horror and science fiction films, Wallace quickly gained a loyal fan following. As we all remember her role as the mom from the 1982 mega hit, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.

In addition to her well-known, extensive list of sci-fi and horror movies, she has appeared often outside this genre, with varied roles within over 90 films.

Ken and Tai welcome Dee Wallace as the next Ken Boxer Live guest.

Dee Wallace
from movie “Cujo”

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, July 11th. Audience members generally arrive by 6:30 pm and take their seats at 6:45 pm.

(This episode first airs Thursday, 07/14/2016, 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.)

Judy Norton—from “The Waltons”—Guest 02/25/2016

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Judy Norton
Judy Norton

During the fall of 1972, CBS television premiered The Waltons, a show about a large, rural American family and its experiences living through the twin crises of the Depression and World War II.  America quickly grew quite fond of this family, especially its demonstrated strong moral values, values which many Americans at the time agreed were rapidly vanishing from the American landscape.

In this light, many found The Waltons therapeutic, a weekly, salutary dosage of scrupulous principles far removed from their own spun-out-of-control world of Watergate, Vietnam, and counter-culture protests.

What many found most striking about the series was how the family always stuck together, through both good and bad times—supporting one another, palpably acknowledging each family member’s innate worth. Understandably many of the series’ most devoted fans wistfully wished that they themselves had been raised in a Waltons environment, one so very different from the “Me Generation” ethos then spoiling down upon American culture.

Judy Norton
“The Waltons”

Which brings us to our special guest. One of the Waltons’ main characters is Mary Ellen, the eldest of the Walton daughters, played by Judy Norton. Whiny and rebellious as a teenager, increasingly wise and sophisticated as she matures into adulthood, Mary Ellen ends the series as a successful doctor.

We are delighted to have Judy Norton with us as our guest on our next episode of Ken Boxer Live. Ken and Tai invite you to join them during this sure-to-be exciting interview.

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, February 22nd.  Audience members generally arrive by 6:30 pm and take their seats at 6:45 pm.

(This episode first airs Thursday, 02/25/2016, 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.)

Anson Williams—”Potsie” from “Happy Days”—Guest 01/28/2016

Entertainment, Interview, Talk, , , , ,
Anson Williams
Anson Williams

Ken Boxer Live is honored to have as its next guest the multi-talented Anson Williams. (Complimentary audience tickets to this event are available.)

Most of us remember Williams as the gullible, but lovable, Potsie Weber from the paradigmatic 1970’s television series Happy Days. Originating during a time of 1950’s nostalgia—American Graffiti, a movie with a similar theme, was a top-grossing film in 1973—Happy Days‘ eleven seasons (each of which roughly tracks one of the eleven years from 1955-1965) sits among those few series we deem as our all-time favorites, reminding us of a much simpler time not that long ago. Today the series resides in that wonderful television universe granted only to the very few: perpetual syndication.

Unlike most of the cast, Williams remained throughout the entire eleven seasons, although his appearances became less frequent during later episodes. Decades later Williams would return retrospectively to Happy Days, playing in various Happy Days-themed productions. Also, he and cast member Al Molinaro opened a now defunct chain of Happy Days-related diners called Big Al’s (mimicking its namesake from the series).

Anson Williams
“Happy Days”

After Happy Days, Williams began a very prolific career as a television director. Some of the series he directed include Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Melrose Place, and Charmed.

In 2011 Williams was party to a breach-of-contract lawsuit that he and three other Happy Days cast members filed against CBS, the owner of the show, claiming they had not been paid for revenue derived from show-related sales items, such as dolls, greeting cards, t-shirts, and the like. This was finally settled with each cast member receiving $65,000 along with a CBS promise to adhere more strictly to paying the actors the residuals due them.

It truly is an incredible honor to have Anson Willams as our guest. Please join Ken and Tai for what will surely be a lively and exciting interview.

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, January 25th. Audience members generally arrive by 6:30 pm and take their seats at 6:45 pm.

(This episode first airs Thursday, 01/28/2016, 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 Petersen—From the 1950s “Donna Reed Show”—Guest 01/14/2016

Entertainment, Interview, Talk, , , , , ,
Paul Petersen
Paul Petersen

Ken Boxer Live presents Paul Petersen as its next guest. An actor, singer, novelist, activist—and former Mouseketeer— Petersen is widely remembered for his character Jeff Stone in the 1958 through 1966 television series The Donna Reed Show, a show that resonated well with the mores of late 50’s-early ’60’s American culture.

It, along with similarly themed shows like Father Knows Best, Ozzie and Harriet, and My Three Sons, solidly depicted what was then viewed as the ideal American family life: a father who worked to support his family, a mother who raised her adorable children, and dutifully obedient kids who knew without question that Father truly does know best. Our national collective memory still views that period—usually nostalgically, but always incorrectly—through that lens.

During various episodes, Petersen had many opportunities to showcase his singing talents, which placed him on the early ’60s pop charts with hits such as “She Can’t Find Her Keys,” “Lollipops and Roses”, and “My Dad,” which you can view with the YouTube link nearby.

After The Donna Reed Show ended in 1966, and finding himself haplessly and indelibly typecast as the all-American, clean-cut teen, Petersen found himself lost and abandoned, a teen-crooning relic out-of-step with the growing influence of the counterculture then taking hold of American youth.  His singing and acting career  waned. Making a wise, albeit forced, choice, he enrolled at college to begin a writing career, ultimately penning 16 very successful books.

Paul Petersen
“The Donna Reed Show”

Later in life, reflecting back on the special troubles child actors, such as he, endured after fame had vanished, Petersen created “A Minor Consideration,” an outreach program to protect the interests (emotional, financial, and legal) of former child stars.

For more biographical information about Paul Petersen, please visit his IMDb page.

Ken and Tai welcome Paul Petersen to the Ken Boxer Live set. Please join us for an exciting interview.

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, January 11th. Audience members generally arrive by 6:30 pm and take their seats at 6:45 pm.

(This episode first airs Thursday, 01/14/2016, 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.)

Tab Hunter—All-American Actor (“Damn Yankees”), Singer, and Author—11/05/2015

Entertainment, Interview, Talk, , ,
Tab Hunter
Tab Hunter

The unforgettable Tab Hunter is our next Ken Boxer Live guest. For a full biography of this great actor, please visit his IMDb page.

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, November 2nd. Audience members generally arrive by 6:30 pm and take their seats at 6:45 pm.

Tab Hunter
“Island of Desire”

(This episode first airs Thursday, 11/05/2015, 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.)

Terri Nunn—Lead Vocalist of New Wave Band Berlin—Guest 12/03/2015

Entertainment, Interview, Talk, , , , , ,
Terri Nunn
Terri Nunn

Terri Nunn, known to millions as the lead singer of the 1980s new wave band Berlin, is an upcoming Ken Boxer Live guest. A vegetarian or vegan since the age of 19, Nunn has enjoyed a career spanning the heights of the performing arts, finding success and fame both as a singer and as an actress.

Born in Los Angeles, Nunn joined Berlin in 1978. Her greatest success with the band was their pantingly erotic 1986 smash hit, “Take My Breath Away,” with these memorable, heart-thumping opening lyrics:

Watchin’ every motion in my foolish lover’s game
On this endless ocean, finally lovers know no shame
Turnin’ and returning to some secret place inside
Watchin’ in slow motion as you turn around and say,
‘Take My Breath Away …’
      (Berlin, “Take My Breath Away,” 1986)

Watching Nunn perform on stage, gyrating to some invisible visceral beat, with her obvious high charisma and raw sex appeal, every teen-aged guy (and older) was transfixed to the edge of his seat!

Terri Nunn
“Take My Breath Away”

In addition Nunn acted in many television shows during the 1970s and ’80s, including T.J. Hooker and Lou Grant. She also auditioned for the role of Princess Leia in Star Wars.

And back in 1977, Nunn, under the pseudonym “Betsy Harris,” memorably posed nude for the February issue of Penthouse. Since she was technically still a minor at the time, she didn’t admit for many years that she was indeed “Betsy.”

Ken and Tai are revved up and set to engage in a very lively interview with the great Terri Nunn. Please join them.

For more biographical information about Terri Nunn, please visit her IMDb page.

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, November 30th. Audience members generally arrive by 6:30 pm and take their seats at 6:45 pm.

(This episode first airs Thursday, 12/03/2015, 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.)

Lee Purcell—American Actress (“Valley Girl”)—Guest 10/08/2015

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Lee Purcell
Lee Purcell

Ken Boxer Live is delighted to have as its guest the talented American actress Lee Purcell, nominated twice for an Emmy Award. Her major films include Mr. Majestyk, Big Wednesday, Stir Crazy, and Valley Girl.

Purcell debuted as a performer when she was only five, appearing on a Memphis, Tennessee, television show. After attending Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, she arrived in California in 1967 to study acting, supporting herself by acting in commercials and by selling clothes.

Her big break came in 1969 when Steve McQueen chose her for a significant part in the movie Adam at Six A.M., co-starring a 20-something Michael Douglas. McQueen later said that he had chosen Purcell from hundreds of other actresses auditioning for the part because “Lee seemed to jump right out of the screen” at him.

Lee Purcell
Video Clips

With a long and full filmography going back decades, Purcell is a genuine American talent. And we are so very happy to have her as our guest.

For more biographical information about Lee Purcell, please visit her website.

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, October 5th. Audience members generally arrive by 6:30 pm and take their seats at 6:45 pm.

(This episode first airs Thursday, 10/08/2015, 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.)

Frank Stallone—Actor, Singer/Songwriter, Guitarist—Guest 10/01/2015

Entertainment, Interview, Talk, , , , , ,
Frank Stallone
Frank Stallone

We’re very happy to announce that our next Ken Boxer Live guest is the very talented Frank Stallone. The younger brother of Sylvester Stallone (Rocky, Rambo), Frank Stallone started his career while still in high school, singing and playing his guitar on street corners.

In a vocal style reminiscent of Frank Sinatra, Stallone sings in the tradition of American big band jazz and popular music, touring with his own orchestra. One of his many works includes “Far From Over,” a song he wrote for the 1983 mega hit movie, Staying Alive, starring John Travolta. The song was nominated for a Golden Globe award for Best Original Song and a Grammy Award for Best Album of Original Score.

Frank Stallone Singing
“Far From Over” from
‘Staying Alive’ (1983)

Stallone is also an amateur boxer. Once during an appearance on The Howard Stern Show, Stallone had a boxing match with television correspondent Geraldo Rivera. Stallone won!

With numerous songs and movies to his credit, Stallone is a true American talent. Ken and Tai look forward to sharing an entertaining and informative interview with him.

For further information about Frank Stallone, please visit his website.

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, September 28th. Audience members generally arrive by 6:30 pm and take their seats at 6:45 pm.

(This episode first airs Thursday, 10/01/2015, 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.)

Cherie Currie, Lead Vocalist of The Runaways—Guest 08/27/2015

Entertainment, Interview, Talk, , , , , , ,
Cherie Currie
Cherie Currie

We welcome our next guest Cherie Currie to Ken Boxer Live. An icon from the 70’s punk rock scene, Currie is best remembered as the lead vocalist and songwriter of the Runaways, a band that truly personified that era. Apart from her time with The Runaways, Currie is  known for her critically acclaimed role in the movie Foxes with Jodie Foster.

Joining The Runaways at the young age of 15, Currie was the inspiration behind their rock anthem “Cherry Bomb,” which was written for her. Many at the time saw her struttings across stage in her underwear as a symbol of the then-nascent women’s liberation movement, carving out new territories for female musicians. Others, however, had a more sober assessment, considering it more likely that her influence at that time was more hormonal, as amply demonstrated by her “agitated” and predominately male audience who, no doubt, had things on its collective mind other than music!

The Runaways,
“Cherry Bomb”

As is all too often the case with young celebrities in the various arts, Currie struggled with drug addiction during her younger years, which abruptly paused her career, a subject she covers in her memoir, Neon Angel.

So please join Ken and Tai for what promises to be an exciting and informative interview.

For further  information about Cherie Currie, please visit her website.

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, August 24th. Audience members generally arrive by 6:30 pm and take their seats at 6:45 pm.

(This episode first airs Thursday, 08/27/2015, 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.)