Long before the "Real Housewives" franchises premiered on television, Jackie Collins' "Hollywood Wives" aired as a miniseries on ABC in February 1985. The production was based on Collins' 1983 novel of the same name. In honor of my recent interview with actor Andrew Stevens, who starred as the male lead in the miniseries, I have put together an informative list of trivia filled with interesting facts about this glamorous '80s television event for you to enjoy!
The three-part, four-and-a-half-hour production was produced by Aaron Spelling, whose series “Dynasty” was number one in the ratings at the time.
The over-the-top miniseries, about an elite group of strong and glamorous women who stand beside the rich and famous of Hollywood, featured an all-star cast that included Candice Bergen, Frances Bergen, Joanna Cassidy, Mary Crosby, Angie Dickinson, Steve Forrest, Anthony Hopkins, Roddy McDowall, Stefanie Powers, Suzanne Somers. Stefanie Powers, Suzanne Somers and Andrew Stevens.
Jackie Collins, author of the novel, is the sister of Joan Collins, who played Alexis on Spelling's "Dynasty".
Jackie Collins wrote 32 novels, all of which appeared on The New York Times Best Seller list. Her books have sold more than 500 million copies and have been translated into 40 languages. Eight of her novels have been adapted for the screen, either as films or television miniseries.
While living in the hills above Sunset Boulevard, Collins collected the knowledge and experience to write her most commercially successful novel, “Hollywood Wives” (1983), which hit The New York Times best-seller list at number one. Marketed as a "scandalous exposé", the novel sold over 15 million copies and placed Collins in a powerful position, making her a celebrity of near equal status to her sister Joan.
The part of Neil Grey was originally intended to be played by Richard Burton, but after his untimely death, the role went to Sir Anthony Hopkins. Jane Seymour was offered the role of Montana Grey, Neil's wife, which was played by Stefanie Powers.
Like her character Karen Lancaster, Mary Crosby is the child of a superstar from Hollywood’s Golden Age. She is the only daughter of actor/singer Bing Crosby and his second wife Kathryn Grant.
Pop superstar Laura Branigan performs the movie's main theme. To date, none of Laura Branigan's compilations contains the track.
Although the miniseries basically follows the plot of the novel, one of the more prominent characters - gossipy society hostess Bibi Sutton - was omitted.
Actor Steve Forrest (who plays Ross Conti) worked as a stagehand at the La Jolla Playhouse outside San Diego. There Gregory Peck discovered him, cast him in La Jolla's production of “Goodbye Again”, and then arranged for Forrest's first screen test with MGM, where he was signed to a contract.
Although listed as "Creative Consultant", novelist Jackie Collins stated that she wasn't consulted at all and was unhappy about some of the casting choices, particularly Andrew Stevens as Buddy Hudson. In the novel, Collins described Buddy as somewhere between John Travolta and Richard Gere.
Like “Dynasty”, costume design was by Nolan Miller.
Jackie Collins told Oprah Winfrey in an AM Chicago episode that one of the male actors was playing a fictional character based on himself, but didn't realize that was the case. Collins didn't reveal who it was but it is widely believed to be either Robert Stack or Steve Forrest.
Candice Bergen (who plays Elaine Conti) and Frances Bergen (who plays Pamela Lancaster) are mother and daughter.
Andrew Stevens (who plays Buddy Hudson) is the only son of movie star Stella Stevens and her former husband Noble Herman Stephens. His mother was 16 when he was born. His parents divorced in 1957.
Leaving his acting career behind in the early 1990s, Andrew Stevens has functioned in almost every capacity in the entertainment business and is an accomplished screenwriter, director, and author. He has produced and/or financed over 190 films through his various production and distribution companies.
Angie Dickinson (who plays Sadie LaSalle) had been the first choice to play the character Krystle Carrington on the television series “Dynasty”, but deciding she wanted to spend more time with her daughter, she turned it down; the role instead went to Linda Evans. In the mid-1980s, Dickinson declined the role of Sable Colby on the “Dynasty” spin-off, “The Colbys”.
Collins was disappointed with the depiction of some female characters, telling TV Times magazine that: “The script was written for television by a man, directed by a man, and produced by men – so the strength of women in the story was diminished.”
“Hollywood Wives” was nominated for an Emmy Award for "Outstanding Film Editing in a Limited Series or a Special" in 1985.
In 2001, Collins published “Hollywood Wives: The New Generation”, which was adapted as a 2003 television movie starring Farrah Fawcett, Melissa Gilbert, and Robin Givens. (Collins was credited as an executive producer.)
Some facts are taken from IMDB & Wikipedia.
Don't miss the chance to listen to my fascinating podcast interview with actor Andrew Stevens on the two latest episodes of my podcast HOLLYWOOD OBSESSED! Click the links below to listen now!
Episode 91 - HERE
Episode 92 - HERE
