Episode 156 – The Incredible Life of Legendary Hollywood Casting Director Joel Thurm - Part 2
In Part Two of this wildly entertaining conversation, host Tony Miros continues his deep dive with legendary casting director Joel Thurm, pulling back the curtain on the chaos, creativity, and pure magic behind some of Hollywood’s most iconic projects. From producing The Boy in the Plastic Bubble under impossible time constraints to stepping in behind the scenes on Grease—without ever getting official credit—Joel shares jaw-dropping stories that prove how much really happens off camera.
The heart of the episode belongs to Grease. Joel reveals how the film nearly fell apart, how John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John bonded on set, why casting “older” actors was exactly the right choice, and how a last-minute carnival saved the movie’s legendary finale. He also spills the real stories behind casting Stockard Channing, Sha Na Na, and the brilliant decision to lean into the film’s fairy-tale tone rather than realism. It’s a masterclass in trusting instincts—and knowing when to fight for them.
Joel also dives into the genius casting of Airplane!, explaining how ignoring studio demands for comedians and instead casting serious dramatic actors made the movie a comedy classic. From Lloyd Bridges and Robert Stack to Barbara Billingsley’s unforgettable jive-talking cameo, Joel shares how bold casting choices changed film comedy forever—and how close the movie came to being something very different.
The episode wraps with Joel’s powerful years at NBC, where he helped shape shows like Cheers, The Golden Girls, The Facts of Life, and The Love Boat. He tells behind-the-scenes stories about casting battles, network politics, missed opportunities, and why he still has zero filter well into his 80s—think Sophia Petrillo with a casting résumé. Funny, candid, and packed with insider revelations, this is an episode every classic TV and movie fan needs to hear.
JOEL THURM
Joel Thurm is a legendary & highly influential Hollywood casting director whose instincts, wit, and fearless advocacy for actors have helped shape decades of TV and film history. Born on one of the last remaining dairy farms in Brooklyn, NY, he grew up surrounded by cows, Broadway cast albums, and a love of movies. A graduate of Hunter College, he briefly worked as a substitute teacher before realizing his creative instincts were better suited for the entertainment world.
His path into show business began in theater, including formative work with legendary Broadway producer David Merrick, where he learned the business from the ground up. He soon transitioned into casting and made his mark in Hollywood with an extraordinary run of film credits, including Grease, Airplane!, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Early on, he recognized that John Travolta was far more than a teen idol, casting him in The Boy in the Plastic Bubble and helping launch one of the most iconic careers in film history.
From 1980 to 1990, he served as Senior Vice President of Talent and Casting for NBC and Paramount Television. He played a pivotal role in discovering and guiding River & Joaquin Phoenix as children and helping set them on their paths to stardom. Overseeing casting for groundbreaking series like Cheers, Taxi, The Golden Girls, Hill Street Blues, and many more, he became known for casting against type, championing authenticity, and respecting actors’ craft—later chronicling his remarkable journey in his candid memoir, Sex, Drugs & Pilot Season: Confessions of a Casting Director.
Joel Thurm Website - https://www.joelthurm.com
To Purchase Joel’s Book on Amazon - https://tinyurl.com/453capve
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Casting Director / Producer / Author
Joel Thurm is a legendary and highly influential Hollywood casting director whose instincts, wit, and fearless advocacy for actors have helped shape decades of television and film history.
Born and raised on one of the last remaining dairy farms in Brooklyn, New York, Thurm grew up surrounded by cows, Broadway cast albums, and a growing love for movies. He graduated from Hunter College, majoring in theater and psychology, and briefly worked as a substitute teacher—an experience he famously describes as becoming “the worst substitute teacher in modern times.” Unable to follow rigid lesson plans, he brought art supplies into the classroom and immersed his students in creative projects, an early sign of the unconventional thinking that would define his career.
Thurm’s path into show business began in theater, including working for legendary Broadway producer David Merrick, where he learned the business from the ground up and developed a sharp eye for talent. His career soon expanded into casting, eventually leading him to Hollywood, where he became one of the most respected and powerful figures in the industry. His film credits include three iconic classics: Grease, Airplane!, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Early in his career, Thurm recognized that John Travolta was far more than a teen idol, casting him in The Boy in the Plastic Bubble and helping set the stage for his meteoric rise.
From 1980 to 1990, Thurm served as Senior Vice President of Talent and Casting for NBC, following earlier work with Paramount Television. During this time, he pla… Read More
