Episode 111 – Behind The Scenes With "Dallas" Star Leigh McCloskey - Part 1
In the latest episode of Hollywood Obsessed, host Tony Miros sits down with Leigh McCloskey, the talented actor best known for his role as ‘Mitch Cooper’ on the smash-hit '80s primetime soap “Dallas”.
Leigh shares fascinating stories from his life and career, starting with his Malibu upbringing in a creative household—his father an artist, his mother a teacher. With his family’s support, he pursued acting from a young age, performing in school plays before attending Juilliard in New York City, where his classmates included Robin Williams, Christopher Reeves and Kelsey Grammer.
He recounts his early TV roles, including his debut on “Phyllis” alongside Cloris Leachman and his breakout performance in the miniseries “Rich Man, Poor Man” with Peter Strauss and Nick Nolte. Leigh also reflects on his work in bold and memorable TV movies, such as “The Bermuda Depths” with Connie Sellecca in her film debut, “Dawn: Portrait of a Teenage Runaway” with Eve Plumb, and its sequel “Alexander: The Other Side of Dawn” which tackled daring themes for its time.
Leigh reveals how he landed the role of ‘Mitch Cooper’ on “Dallas”. He joined the show during the infamous “Who Shot J.R.?” season, recalling the surreal secrecy surrounding the mystery and the global frenzy it created. He shares behind-the-scenes memories of filming Dallas, enduring the Texas heat, and shooting his very first scene as a car attendant helping ‘Lucy Ewing.’
Leigh fondly reminisces about working with his on-screen wife, Charlene Tilton, watching her grow as an actress. He also offers fun insights into the hijinks on set, with Larry Hagman and Patrick Duffy constantly keeping everyone in stitches. He reflects on the tremendous impact of veteran actors like Jim Davis (Jock Ewing) and Barbara Bel Geddes (Miss Ellie). Even decades later, Leigh is still amazed by the enduring global love for “Dallas” and its dedicated fans.
Don’t miss this fun and revealing conversation with Leigh McCloskey—filled with Hollywood memories, behind-the-scenes stories, and heartfelt reflections—on this episode of “Hollywood Obsessed”!
LEIGH MCCLOSKY
Leigh McCloskey is a classically trained actor who studied at the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City. He launched his professional career with a standout role in the acclaimed miniseries “Rich Man, Poor Man” alongside Nick Nolte and Peter Strauss. He went on to star in several nighttime television series, including “Executive Suite” and “Married: The First Year”, but is best known for his portrayal of Mitch Cooper, Lucy Ewing’s husband, on the iconic CBS soap opera “Dallas” (1980–1982), with brief returns in 1985 and 1988.
Throughout his career, McCloskey starred in numerous TV films and miniseries, including “The Bermuda Depths” with Connie Sellecca, “Dawn: Portrait of a Teenage Runaway” and its sequel “Alexander: The Other Side of Dawn”, where he played the title role. On the big screen, his credits include Dario Argento’s cult horror classic “Inferno”, “Fraternity Vacation” with Tim Robbins, “Just One of the Guys”, and “Cameron’s Closet”. He also made appearances on several daytime soap operas, including “General Hospital”, “One Life to Live”, “The Young and the Restless”, and “Santa Barbara”.
Beyond acting, McCloskey is a renowned visual artist and author, known for his esoteric, alchemical, and mythological-inspired works.
McCloskey lives in Malibu, CA, with his wife Carla, where they host workshops, film screenings, and events featuring internationally recognized speakers.
Official Leigh McCloskey Website - https://leighmccloskey.com
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Leigh McCloskey
Actor / Artist / Author
Leigh McCloskey is a classically trained actor who studied at the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City. He launched his professional career with a standout role as Billy Abbott in the acclaimed miniseries “Rich Man, Poor Man” alongside Nick Nolte and Peter Strauss. He went on to star in several nighttime television series, including “Executive Suite” and “Married: The First Year”, but is best known for his portrayal of Mitch Cooper, Lucy Ewing’s husband, on the iconic CBS soap opera “Dallas” (1980–1982), with brief returns in 1985 and 1988.
Throughout his career, McCloskey starred in numerous TV films and miniseries, including “The Bermuda Depths” with Connie Sellecca, “Dawn: Portrait of a Teenage Runaway” and its sequel “Alexander: The Other Side of Dawn”, where he played the title role. He also appeared in “Gone But Not Forgotten” with Brooke Shields and Scott Glenn, and reunited with “Dallas” co-star Linda Gray in “Accidental Meeting”. On the big screen, his credits include Dario Argento’s cult horror classic “Inferno”, “Fraternity Vacation” with Tim Robbins, “Just One of the Guys”, and “Cameron’s Closet”.
McCloskey was a sought-after guest star on numerous hit TV shows, including “Medical Center”, “Jake and the Fatman”, “Life Goes On”, “Chicago Hope”, “JAG”, and “Bones”. Sci-fi fans will recognize him from villainous roles on “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine”, “Star Trek: Voyager”, “Babylon 5”, and “Buck Rogers in the 25th Century”. He also made appearances on several daytime soap operas, including “General Hospital”, “One Life to Live”, “The… Read More
