Episode 176 – Hollywood Legacy and Pride: A Conversation with James "Duke" Mason - Part 2
In Part Two of this fascinating conversation, writer, commentator, and activist James "Duke" Mason takes listeners on a deeply personal journey through one of Hollywood's most remarkable family legacies. Named after his legendary grandfather, screen icon James Mason, Duke reflects on the profound connection he feels to a man he never had the chance to meet and the mission he has embraced to preserve his grandfather's legacy for future generations.
From childhood screenings of “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea,” “A Star Is Born,” & “Julius Caesar” to introducing classic film screenings across Los Angeles, Duke shares how classic cinema helped shape his identity. He also recounts unforgettable encounters with Hollywood royalty, including emotional conversations with Lorna Luft, daughter of Judy Garland, and the treasured family keepsakes that continue to keep his grandfather's memory alive more than 40 years after his passing.
The conversation also shines a spotlight on Duke's colorful grandmother, Pamela Mason—actress, author, television personality, &one of old Hollywood's most unforgettable characters. He shares hilarious and surprising family stories involving glamorous Beverly Hills parties, legendary guests, and recently discovered home movies that capture Pamela's razor-sharp wit and unconventional spirit.
He also discuss the forthcoming James Mason biography, his own career as a writer and political commentator, and his passion for honoring his family's extraordinary history while forging his own path. This captivating interview is a must-listen for movie lovers and Hollywood history fans alike.
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.
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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
