Episode 186– Surf, Stardom & Hollywood Tough Guys: The Don Stroud Story – Part 2
Now that we’ve heard about Don Stroud’s incredible journey from the beaches of Hawaii to Hollywood, the story continues with one of his most iconic films, “The Amityville Horror.” Don recalls working with Rod Steiger and Margot Kidder —and reveals what it was really like behind the scenes of the horror classic. He also shares stories from “Murder, She Wrote,” “Mrs. Columbo,” “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia,” ”Mike Hammer,” and “Hawaii Five-O,” including his friendship with Jack Lord and the unforgettable experience of working with Stacy Keach.
Don also opens up about returning to Hawaii to film “Gidget,” reconnecting with the legendary surfers who helped shape his life, and the special bond he had with the Hawaiian beach boys who looked out for him when he was young. He talks about his parents—his father a vaudeville performer and his mother a blues singer who toured with Frank Sinatra and Bob Hope—and how his unlikely path from surfing and playing bongos eventually led him to Universal Studios and a career in Hollywood.
Then comes James Bond! Don takes us behind the scenes of “License to Kill,” working with Timothy Dalton and Benicio del Toro, and recalls attending the film’s New York premiere. He also shares the frightening story of being stabbed while trying to help a woman being attacked in Greenwich Village—and how the scar that nearly ended his career ultimately became part of his screen persona.
And finally, Don reflects on the later chapter of his career, including his memorable appearance in Quentin Tarantino’s “Django Unchained.” From nearly thinking Tarantino’s phone call was a prank to walking onto the set and feeling right at home, Don explains why working with Tarantino was such a special experience—and why he considers the legendary director one of the most important people in his career. It’s another wild, unforgettable ride through the life of one of Hollywood’s great character actors.
Don Stroud
Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, Stroud began surfing at age three, earned a black belt in Kajukenbo at 16, and at 17 won the Mākaha Junior Championship and placed fourth in the prestigious Duke Kahanamoku International competition. His path to Hollywood began while working as a lifeguard at the Kahala Hilton, where he was hired to double for Troy Donahue on Hawaiian Eye. Donahue encouraged him to move to Los Angeles, where Stroud worked as his fight double and bodyguard.
A chance meeting with Sidney Poitier at Hollywood’s Whisky a Go-Go led to an introduction to legendary agent Dick Clayton and launched Stroud’s acting career. He made his film debut in Games (1967) and quickly became a familiar face, often portraying tough guys and villains. His extensive film credits include Coogan’s Bluff, Joe Kidd, Bloody Mama, Von Richthofen and Brown, Murph the Surf, Death Weekend, The Killer Inside Me, The Buddy Holly Story, The Amityville Horror, Licence to Kill, and Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained.
Stroud has also enjoyed an equally prolific television career, appearing in more than 200 shows, including Hawaii Five-O, Barnaby Jones, Charlie’s Angels, Starsky & Hutch, The Streets of San Francisco, Mrs. Columbo, Mickey Spillane’s Mike Hammer, Nash Bridges, Pensacola: Wings of Gold, and Magnum P.I. He also showcased his musical talent in The Buddy Holly Story, performing the drums live for the film’s concert sequences.
After decades in Hollywood, Stroud eventually returned to his beloved Hawaii while continuing to work in film and television.
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Actor / Musician / Martial Artist / Surfer
Don Stroud is a celebrated character actor, musician, martial artist, and lifelong surfer whose career spans more than five decades. He has appeared in more than 100 films and 200 television shows.
Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, Stroud began surfing at age three and earned a black belt in Kajukenbo at 16. At 17, he won the Mākaha Junior Championship and placed fourth in the prestigious Duke Kahanamoku International competition.
His road to Hollywood began when he was discovered while working as a lifeguard at the Kahala Hilton and hired to double for Troy Donahue on “Hawaiian Eye.” Donahue encouraged him to move to Los Angeles, where Stroud worked as his fight double and bodyguard. A chance meeting with Sidney Poitier led to an introduction to legendary agent Dick Clayton, launching Stroud’s acting career.
Stroud made his film debut in “Games” (1967) and soon became a familiar face in Hollywood, often portraying tough guys and villains. His extensive film credits include “Coogan’s Bluff,” “Joe Kidd,” “Bloody Mama,” “Von Richthofen and Brown,” “Murph the Surf,” “Death Weekend,” “The Buddy Holly Story,” “The Amityville Horror,” “Licence to Kill,” and Quentin Tarantino’s “Django Unchained.”
His television credits are equally impressive, including “Hawaii Five-O,” “Barnaby Jones,” “Cannon,” “Charlie’s Angels,” “Starsky & Hutch,” “The Streets of San Francisco,” “Mrs. Columbo,” “Mickey Spillane’s Mike Hammer,” “Nash Bridges,” “Pensacola: Wings of Gold,” and “Magnum P.I.”
A talented musician, Stroud actually played drums in “Th… Read More
