Episode 175 – Hollywood Legacy and Pride: A Conversation with James "Duke" Mason - Part 1
What’s it like growing up with a rock star mom, a politically connected father, and Hollywood royalty in your family tree? In Part One of this captivating conversation, writer, commentator, and activist James "Duke" Mason pulls back the curtain on a remarkable life. The son of pop icon Belinda Carlisle and grandson of legendary actor James Mason, Duke shares heartfelt, funny, and inspiring stories about family, identity, politics, and finding his own voice.
Duke opens up about coming out at just 14 years old, the film that changed his life, and the journey his parents took from surprise to unwavering support. He also discusses the meaningful work he and his mother have done with PFLAG and how sharing their story has helped other families navigate similar experiences.
Tony and Duke also dive into his extraordinary upbringing—from living in the French countryside to touring the world with The Go-Go's. Duke recalls growing up backstage with the band members he affectionately called his "aunts," witnessing their recent resurgence, and sharing unforgettable memories from life on the road.
Along the way, you'll hear the incredible story of how a psychic predicted his parents' marriage before they even met, why the "Mad About You" video still moves him, and how a “Black Mirror“ episode introduced a new generation to his mother's music. Funny, touching, and filled with fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, this is a conversation about family, pride, legacy, and forging your own path in the shadow of fame.
JAMES DUKE MASON
James "Duke" Mason is a writer, advocate, political commentator, and podcast host whose life has been shaped by both public service and entertainment history. The only child of singer Belinda Carlisle and film producer/former White House official Morgan Mason, he is also the only grandchild of legendary actor James Mason and media personality Pamela Mason. Born in Los Angeles and raised partly in Europe, Duke came out at age 14 while attending an international school in France, where he became the school's first openly gay student council president. He later returned to the United States to pursue studies in political science before dedicating himself to advocacy and public service.
Recognized as one of the most influential young LGBTQ+ voices in America, Duke was named to The Advocate's "Forty Under 40" list and OUT Magazine's prestigious "Out 100." He has appeared on programs including Dr. Phil, Nancy Grace, and Politicking with Larry King, worked on the presidential campaigns of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, served on the Board of Directors of Outfest, and twice ran for West Hollywood City Council. Throughout his career, he has remained a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ equality and civic engagement.
In addition to his political work, Duke has built a successful career as a writer and commentator, contributing to publications including The Hollywood Reporter, Billboard, The Advocate, OUT Magazine, The Huffington Post, and Mediaite. He also hosts the podcast Duke's Download and recently appeared in MTV's docuseries My Family Legacy, where he celebrated the enduring impact of his mother, Belinda Carlisle. Today, Duke continues to balance writing, advocacy, media appearances, and political consulting while carrying forward one of Hollywood's most fascinating family legacies.
James “Duke” Mason Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/JamesDukeMason/
The Official Hollywood Obsessed Website - https://www.hollywoodobsessedthepodcast.com/
Follow the Official Hollywood Obsessed Facebook Page – HOLLYWOOD OBSESSED PODCAST
Follow our Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hollywoodobsessedpodcast/
Titles VO Talent – Cam Frierson - http://camfrierson.com/voice
Music by QubeSounds from Pixabay
Writer / Advocate / Commentator
James Duke Mason is a writer, advocate and commentator. The only child of singer Belinda Carlisle and film producer/former White House official Morgan Mason, he is also the only grandchild of the late British actor James Mason and his wife, media personality Pamela Mason.
Born in LA, Mason moved to Europe with his parents as a child. Mason is openly gay and came out to his family and friends at the age of 14 in 2006. He served as the first openly gay president of his international high school's student council in France. He served as a Page in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2008.
After graduating high school in 2010, Mason moved back to the U.S. to study political science at Cal Lutheran. After a year he moved to West Hollywood to pursue his passion for grassroots advocacy.
He had an acting role in the film "What Happens Next", which screened as part of the Hollywood Film Festival. In 2010, The Advocate listed Mason as one of the most influential young LGBT Americans in their "Forty Under 40" issue. He was named in OUT magazine's 2011 "Out 100" list as one of the 100 most influential LGBT people in the world.
He has appeared on TV shows such as Dr. Phil, Nancy Grace, and Politicking with Larry King. He served as an official surrogate for the presidential campaigns of Barack Obama in 2012 and Hillary Clinton in 2016. He served on the Board of Directors of Outfest from 2012 to 2015, the youngest Board Member in the organization's history. He was a candidate for the West Hollywood City Coun…Read More
