Episode 99 - From Huck Finn to Superman: A Look at the Wonderful Life of Actor Jeff East - Part 1
In the latest episode of “Hollywood Obsessed,” host Tony Miros interviews actor, writer, and producer Jeff East who is best known for his portrayal of the teenage Clark Kent in Richard Donner's 1978 blockbuster film Superman: The Movie!
During their captivating conversation, Jeff reveals at just 14 years old, he attended an open casting call for the movie musical “Tom Sawyer,” ultimately landing the role of Huckleberry Finn. This opportunity allowed him to work alongside talented actors like Jodie Foster and Johnny Whittaker, experiences that significantly altered the course of his life and shaped his relationships with friends and family. He reflects on his nationwide promotional tour for the film, which paved the way for the sequel, “Huckleberry Finn.” He also shares his unique perspective as the last contract player at Walt Disney Studios, where he starred in three films while adhering to strict guidelines associated with contract players.
After his contract ended, he admits he was excited to film “The Hazing,” a more adult project. He also shares that landing the role in “Superman: The Movie” involved flying to London to film for a year, where he prepared to play the young Clark Kent by spending significant time with Christopher Reeve, whom he deeply admired for his dedication and professionalism.
Additionally, he recalls working with director Richard Donner and noted that much of “Superman 2” was shot simultaneously with the first film. He admits how he cherished working every moment on the impressive Fortress of Solitude set and the strong relationships he built with Terrence Stamp and Gene Hackman. And reminisces about working with Glenn Ford and Phyllis Thaxter, sustaining injuries during stunts, and witnessing the behind-the-scenes magic, like the iconic football-kicking scene. He also expresses pride in being part of the Superman legacy and how touched he is by fans' reactions to Jonathan Kent's death. And reveals how he discovered later that Reeve had dubbed his voice in the final edit of the film and how upset that made him at the time.
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," & HBO's "First and 10." In 1988, he led in Stan Winston's "Pumpkinhead."
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 & lives with his family in Nice, France.
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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.
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