Episode 171 – From Airplane! To Sharknado – Getting To Know Legendary TV & Film Star Robert Hays – Part 1

In Part One of this entertaining and nostalgic conversation, Robert Hays takes listeners on a journey through his remarkable life and career — from growing up as a self-described “Marine brat” constantly moving around the world, to becoming one of television and film’s most recognizable stars. Robert opens up about spending his childhood in Turkey, struggling with shyness, becoming a class clown to fit in, and dreaming his way through school while staring out classroom windows imagining something bigger.

Robert also reflects on his unconventional road into acting, including living in an old bus while attending college in California, discovering his passion for performance at Grossmont College, and studying at the legendary Old Globe Theatre. Along the way, he shares hilarious memories of surfing trips to Baja with longtime friend and roommate David Leisure — and how the two eventually reunited onscreen in the comedy classic “Airplane!.”

The conversation also dives deep into Robert’s television career, including memorable appearances on “Laverne & Shirley” and “Wonder Woman” alongside Lynda Carter and Debra Winger. Robert shares wonderful behind-the-scenes stories from his hit sitcom “Angie,” including his close friendship with Donna Pescow, hilarious on-set Popeye impressions that constantly broke her character, and memories of working with legends like Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman.

Finally, Robert recalls the exhausting but thrilling period when he filmed “Airplane!” during the hiatus between seasons of “Angie” — racing back and forth between soundstages while running on almost no sleep. He shares what it felt like watching the film become an unexpected cultural phenomenon despite mixed reviews from critics, and why audiences instantly connected with the movie’s outrageous humor. Packed with warmth, humor, and incredible behind-the-scenes stories, this episode offers a fascinating look at the life and career of one of Hollywood’s most beloved stars.

ROBERT HAYS

Actor Robert Hays began his career in theatre, performing in plays like Richard III and The Glass Menagerie at the famous Old Globe Theatre in San Diego. After spending several years in the theatre, he moved to Hollywood to pursue his career in film and television. He first appeared on television in series such as Marcus Welby, M.D., Wonder Woman, Laverne & Shirley and Angie. He made his feature-film debut in the landmark comedy AIRPLANE! (1980), starring as Ted Striker, the traumatized former pilot who must land the plane when the flight crew gets struck by food poisoning. He later reprised his role as Ted Striker in Airplane II: The Sequel (1982).

After the massive success of AIRPLANE!, Hays went on to star in many feature films including Take This Job and Shove It (1981), Trenchcoat (1983), Stephen King’s Cat’s Eye (1985), Fifty/Fifty (1992), Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993), Homeward Bound 2: Lost in San Francisco (1996), Robert Altman’s Dr. T and the Women (2000) and Alex in Wonder (2001), which he also produced. He starred in over 20 made-for-TV movies like NBC’s Mister Roberts (1984), CBS’ Murder by the Book (1987) and Lifetime’s The Abduction (1996). He also had a surprise appearance in Sharknado II. Hays also had numerous guest appearances on various television shows including Touched by an Angel, Promised Land and That ‘70s Show, and he starred in the series Starman, FM, Cutters and Kelly Kelly.

Robert Hays Website – https://www.roberthays.me

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