John talks with Haywood Nelson, Duane from What's Happening! in this behind the scenes, hysterical and personal interview! Haywood talks about how he influenced the name of the show, What's Happening!, his initial wild audition process for the show, working with Redd Foxx and Richard Pryor as well as audiitoning with Laurence Fishburne and Giancarlo Esposito! Duane discusses his special relationship with Fred Berry "Rerun" and the huge effect Fred had on his life. He also discusses the passing of Shirley Hemphill and Mabel King as well as Fred Berry. So much more including working with Marlo Thomas and how Gene Gene the dancing machine came about on the Gong Show. This is a fun interview and very touching as well, enjoy! Thanks a bunch Haywood!
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Hosted by John Cato, actor, voiceover artist, and moderator for over 20 years for the television and movie industry. John's background brings a unique insight and passion to the podcast.
00:00:00 Introduction
00:01:00 How Haywood influenced the name of the show "Whats Happening"
00:03:25 The initial audition for Whats Happening and Good Times
00:05:56 Working with Redd Foxx and Richard Pryor/working on Grady
00:08:47 Auditioning w/ Laurence Fishburne and Giancarlo Esposito
00:10:56 Numerous commercials Haywood was in
00:11:36 Final audition for (Cooley High) Whats Happening
00:13:46 Blocking rehearsals for Whats Happening at a bank office building
00:14:46 Mark Warren, the director and Sammy Davis Jr.
00:16:35 Cast felt like family
00:17:53 Fred Berry "Rerun", Shirley Hemphill and Mabel King stories
00:28:10 Fred Berry changed Haywood's life/ haywood's secret apartment
00:32:23 Haywood's relationship with Danilelle Spencer
00:35:15 Haywood's experience with the movie "Mixed Company"
00:38:21 Broadway play "Thieves" with Valerie Harper and Marlo Thomas, Charles Grodin
00:47:38 The Gong Show
00:48:09 Haywood's friendship with Freddie Prinze "Chico and the Man"
00:50:27 Haywood's private moment with Johnny Carson
00:52:40 The Gong Show and Gene Gene the Dancing Machine
00:54:38 Cancellation of Whats Happening & Haywood's other jobs in show business
14 ноя 2023
