Episode 100 - From Huck Finn to Superman: A Look at the Wonderful Life of Actor Jeff East - Part 2
In the second half of an engaging conversation with Tony, actor, writer, and producer Jeff East reflects on his remarkable 45-year journey within the Superman legacy, highlighting the enduring bonds he shares with fellow co-stars like Valerie Perrine. He shares his thoughts on Tom Welling's portrayal of young Clark Kent in the TV series “Smallville” and offers his opinion on the new Superman film directed by James Gunn. Additionally, Jeff recalls his experiences working on two Wes Craven horror films: “Summer of Fear,” in which he starred alongside Linda Blair, and “Deadly Blessing,” which featured a very young Sharon Stone. He also shares some entertaining behind-the-scenes stories about working with movie stars like Ernest Borgnine and Angie Dickinson and candidly admits to growing weary of playing the perennial good guy, expressing a desire for more diverse roles.
He also reminisces about his time working on “The Day After,” the most-watched TV movie of all time, reflecting on how the film changed history and expresses amazement at the staggering number of viewers it attracted. He discusses his involvement in the horror film “Pumpkinhead” and his role in HBO’s first TV series, “First and Ten,” where he had a challenging relationship with his co-star O.J. Simpson. Ultimately, Jeff shares the reasons behind his decision to step back from acting, his unexpected move to the South of France, and the exciting new projects he is pursuing. His story is not just a reflection of his past but an inspiring journey that continues to evolve.
Jeff East
Jeff East is an American actor and producer with over 55 years of experience. He began his career at fourteen, portraying Huckleberry Finn in the musical "Tom Sawyer," which featured Jodie Foster and Johnny Whittaker. He later starred in a classic adaptation of "Huckleberry Finn" alongside Paul Winfield and Harvey Korman.
Jeff also showcased his musical talent with his bands, One Way Street and the Planet Band, and had a record deal with Columbia Records. He provided lead vocals for the CBS cartoon "Meatballs and Spaghetti" and worked on three films for "The Wonderful World of Disney" in 1974.
In 1977, he played young Clark Kent in "Superman: The Movie," featuring Marlon Brando, Susannah York, Glenn Ford, and Phyllis Thaxter. The film became the number one box office hit of 1978.
In 1979, Jeff portrayed Jack London in "Klondike Fever" with Rod Steiger and Angie Dickinson, and Joseph the Carpenter in NBC's "Mary and Joseph: A Story of Faith."
After marrying architect Lori Gates in 1980, he starred in Wes Craven's "Summer of Fear" and "Deadly Blessing." In 1983, he appeared in the nuclear disaster film "The Day After," the comedy "Up the Creek," and HBO's "First and 10." In 1988, he led in Stan Winston's "Pumpkinhead."
Throughout his career, Jeff featured in over 100 national commercials and performed in numerous Off-Broadway shows. In 1992, he produced and co-starred with Jack Nicholson in "Blue Champagne."
Today, Jeff has taken a back seat to acting and started his own production company specializing in theatrical and media entertainment. He has several projects in the pipeline and lives with his family on the French Riviera in Nice.
Official Jeff East Facebook -
https://www.facebook.com/JeffEastActor/
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
Jeff East
Actor / Writer / Producer
Jeff East is an American actor and producer who has been in the industry for over 55 years. He began his career at the age of fourteen, playing the iconic character of Huckleberry Finn in the Reader's Digest and United Artists musical "Tom Sawyer," alongside Jodie Foster and Johnny Whittaker. He later starred in the classic adaptation of "Huckleberry Finn" with Paul Winfield and Harvey Korman.
In addition to his acting, Jeff showcased his musical talents by forming the bands One Way Street and the Planet Band, which performed at various venues in Hollywood and San Diego. He also had a record deal with Columbia Records, through which he released several recordings.
Jeff lent his voice to the lead role in the CBS cartoon show "Meatballs and Spaghetti." In 1974, Walt Disney Pictures signed him to a contract for "The Wonderful World of Disney," during which he worked on three films: "The Ghost of Cypress Swamp," "Flight of the Grey Wolf," and "Return of the Big Cat."
In 1977, Jeff was cast as the young Clark Kent in "Superman: The Movie," working alongside Marlon Brando, Susannah York, Glenn Ford, and Phyllis Thaxter. The film went on to become the number one box office hit of 1978.
In 1979, Jeff portrayed Jack London in "Klondike Fever," alongside Rod Steiger and Angie Dickinson. He also played Joseph the Carpenter in the biblical film "Mary and Joseph: A Story of Faith" for NBC, featuring Blanche Baker and Colleen Dewhurst.
After… Read More
Listen On
