On today's show we highlight a few celebrities that Adrian has interviewed for past shows...Cary Elwes, Thomas Ian Nicholas, Elizabeth Gracen, Sean Patrick Flanery, Ricco Ross and Danielle Panabaker.
Many celebrities have lent their name to one type of charitable cause or another. It is wonderful that stars have the power to make us aware of causes that need our support. Leveraging their status can be a powerful force in raising awareness for crucial or overlooked domestic and international social issues.
There are also many celebrities who have started foundations, organizations and charities of their own. This radio show exists as an initiative of The Peace Fund, a nonprofit founded by Adrian Paul in 1997 with his mandate of "helping children everywhere", starting with the Fund's initial program "School Makes a Difference". After the tsunami of 2004, Adrian's personal connection with Koh Phi Phi in Thailand helped create the Fund's "Peace in Paradise" project. In 2006, Adrian joined people of the stature of Mikhail Gorbachev as a recipient of the WorldWide Charitable Alliances' Peacemaker Award.
British actor Cary Elwes is probably best known for his role in the beloved film as farm boy-turned-pirate Westley in The Princess Bride. We've also seen him in Robin Hood: Men in Tights, Kiss the Girls, Saw, The Art of More and TV Series Life in Pieces. He has recently joined the cast of Netflix series Stranger Things for the show's third season where he will play a character named Mayor Kline, described by Netflix promotional materials as “handsome, slick, and sleazy.”
Carey joins Adrian and Ethan to talk about working with Mercy Corps...a nonprofit that works to protect and aid children who are harmed -- and those forced to inflict harm as child soldiers -- in places afflicted with constant armed conflict.
From his earliest role as a young Tony Danza in an episode of Who's the Boss to childhood film roles in Rookie of the Year and A Kid in King Arthur's Court to his later appearances in the wildly popular American Pie movies, Walt Before Mickey, Stealing Sinatra, Thomas Ian Nicholas has been entertaining audiences for most of his life.
His newest endeavor is music and the Thomas Nicholas Band recently launched their #FratParty World Tour which toured across the USA, UK, Europe and Australia. Over the last 8 years they’ve released 5 original albums.
Adrian and Ethan welcomed him to the studio back in July of 2013 to talk about his charity work with Musicians On Call and other causes that bring comfort, education, and aid to children via music.
Actress Elizabeth Gracen has proven the old adage "the pen is mightier than the sword" as she has launched a new career as an author. She played sword wielding temptress Amanda in the Highlander series. In 2016 she published her debut novel, Shalilly, a piece of young adult fiction. For those of you who aren't familiar with LIzzie, she's got many accomplishments; former Miss America, author, actress and film-maker.
She has now established her own publishing and film production company, Flapper Films LLC, dedicated to producing inspirational content that encourages people to grow and live authentic lives. Elizabeth has written and directed films with women, teens and kids, including the series The Perfection of Anna.
Elizabeth has team up with Kate Canada in a new documentary, The Future Speaks.
The Future Speaks explores kids and families who are passionate about what is going on in our country and/or who have participated or will participate in public demonstrations and marches. Kate Canada Obregon, PhD and Elizabeth Gracen will interview kids between 10 -18 years old and their families around the United States. The documentary will focus on how these future citizens hope to shape their country and politics when they are adults.
Back in July of 2015, Adrian Paul and Ethan Dettenmaier welcomed Sean Patrick Flanery to the studio to share the lessons of confidence, discipline, and physical fitness he teaches to his students at Hollywood Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Sean is known for his work on The Boondock Saints, The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles, Simply Irresistible, Powder, Dexter and The Dead Zone. His most recent work is on the upcoming Hallmark movie, A Crush on You.
Sean Patrick Flanery is also a well-respected black belt, holding the rank of second degree. HE won the 1997 Toyota Pro-Celebrity Race at the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach as the celebrity driver and later went on to ‘defend’ his title as an official driver, winning the same race in 1998.
Actor, Producer and Writer Ricco Ross volunteered his time to support The Peace Fund's Interactive Storytelling Program where he entertained students at Celerity Octavia Charter School in Los Angeles with his telling of the Disney book, Toy Story. The Peace Fund has found this Storytelling platform to be active and in-the-moment. It engages children's full imagination and full creativity - hopefully instilling in them a passion for reading. The celebrities who participate have all enjoyed the experience.
Ricco is known for his work in A Husband for Christmas, The Wishmaster, Mission: Impossible, Highlander, Dr. Who, Babylon 5, Aliens and many others. He is best known for his role as Private Frost in Aliens...a character James Cameron wrote specifically for him. One of his latest roles is playing Ray Watson (Uncle Ray), Whitney Houston's bodyguard/uncle in the biopic "Bobbi Kristina".
Adrian talked with Ricco after the Storytelling event last year.
Adrian met our next guest, Danielle Panabaker, while in Calgary last year. Many of you know Danielle for her work as Caitlin Snow in the TV series, The Flash. Some of her other credits include Legends of Tomorrow, Arrow, Justified, Necessary Roughness, Friday the 13th and many others. You can also catch Danielle in the role of Joy in the upcoming Hallmark movie, Christmas Joy.
Danielle was born in Augusta, Georgia. She started acting at a summer camp, before joining community theater productions when she was 10-years-old. She began acting as a teenager and first came to prominence for her roles in the Disney films Stuck in the Suburbs, Sky High and Read It and Weep.
Danielle is focused, driven, and caring. She completed high school at the age of fourteen and graduated as valedictorian. In 2007, she completed her English degree at UCLA.When she isn’t acting, Danielle spends her time volunteering at the Art of Elysium. Their mission is to enrich the lives of artists and critically ill children. And, it’s a program she passionately supports. @DaniellePanabaker
