#vickiabelson

Today LIVE! Glee’s Josh Sussman and I were supposed to reunite last July when the SAG/AFTRA strike first struck. It was at the very beginning when it was unclear what the “new rules” were. A loyal unionist, Josh opted out to honor the no podcast ban. It turned out there were soon workarounds, but had Josh joined me during the strike we wouldn’t have been able to talk about his work, and… hell, what fun would that have been? Well, knowing Josh a bit - it still woud’ve been fun, because he’s fun about so many things. Josh is impossible to miss with his unique look which oft likens him to a possible Art Garfunkel son or a very young, much hipper, Larry Fine, in hair only. A Gleek, I recognized him immediately at a social soirée, bumping into him a couple more times over the years. Our interactions were brief, friendly, and perhaps a tad awkward. I didn’t anticipate when we sat down for a Game Changers pre-pandemic, that he would prove to be one of the most enjoyable, easy, refreshing, inspiring, thought-provoking, and fun conversations I’d had. I knew there had to be a lot to him to garner the success he’s achieved, working consistently since starting, racking up an impressive list of credits, for a young man. Josh appeared in a number of shows my kids were addicted to, from the Suite Life of Zach and Cody, Drake and Josh (different Josh), Wizards of Waverly Place, Warren the Ape, to the award-winning, mega-hit, Glee, which we watched together all through its run. Since our chat, Josh was a recurring character on the animated Glitch Techs, on most recently, on Mr. Mayor with Ted Danson. 

Josh appeared in the fierce independent feature, Tangerine, in 2 Lava  Lantula, did 4 seasons of Fish Hooks, and innumerable other TV shows, movies & shorts. 

Josh had a dream the last time we talked… has he yet realized it? Is it still his dream? If not, what is? Inquiring mind wants to know. So looking forward to the fun! 

Josh Sussman on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

Wednesday, 8/14/24, 5 pm PT, 8 pm ET

Streaming Live on my Facebook

Today, Live, a Soprano! Can’t get enough. Huge thanks to Vincent Curatola, whom I adore, on and off screen, for connecting me with Federico Castelluccio, aka, Furio Giunta, making this possible. 

It’s easy to see why Carmela fell for Furio. Charming, easy on the eyes, and ears… although the Italian accent was affected for the role. Born in Naples Itlay, Federico grew up in Paterson New Jersey, an Italian American since the age of 3. As much a fine artist as an actor, Federico earned a full scholarship and his BFA from the School of Visual Arts in NYC. He’s got an incredible story to tell about how art has affected his life and changed his fortune. Also, how some hackers set out to make their own at his expense. 

Federico’s appeared in dozens of films, including Made, with Jon Favreau, Fire with Robert Klein, and Diary of a Hitman with Danny Aiello. On TV, he appeared in NYPD Blue, Law & Order Criminal Intent, and Another World, pior to his 3 seasons on The Sopranos.  He’s directed award-winning shorts and features, including, The Brooklyn Banker, starring David Proval and Paul Sorvino, and next appears as Senator Bodio in Alejandro Monteverde's Francesca Cabrini biopic Cabrini, set to drop on March 8th.

Frederico was one of the master painters involved with re-creating many museum Impressionist masterpieces for The Thomas Crown Affair reboot. He’s an avid collector and a gifted craftsman. On so many levels. I can’t wait to “meet” and get to know this talented gent and pick his brain about Italy! 

Federico Castelluccio Live on Game Changers with Vicki Abelson

Wednesday, February 28, 5 PM PT, 8 PM ET 

Streaming Live on my Facebook

Today LIVE! One of the greatest storytellers I've had the joy of spending time with, Peter Onorati. I adore him. As great an actor as he is, bringing truth, depth, and unique flavor to every character he portrays, he’s brought that plus incredible warmth, humanity, and loads of the funny both times we’ve sat down. And, he's brought funny people, too. I feel like I interviewed his whole family.... and Bobby DeNiro!

I first remember Peter from way ahead of its time, completely unique, fabulous, and fun. Cop Rock. From there, Civil Wars, Murder One, Sex and The City, Leap Years, American Dreams, Boston Legal, Everybody Hates Chris, Murder in The First to his starring role on S.W.A.T., his recurring role on This Is Us, and his character named Snuffy (what?!?) on Station 19. I feel like I’ve grown up with Peter. He's the successful one.

I so look forward to diggin' back in with this handsome hunk who’s also the sweetest most devoted husband, father, family man, and friend. He’s blessed. He’s loved. He loves. It’s a beautiful thing to behold!

Peter Onorati on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson Wednesday, 7/15/24, 5 pm PT, 8 pm ET Streaming Live on my Facebook

BAM! Whacked! Gobsmacked! I knew I loved Johnny Sack, the wife-devoted, chain-smoking, cold-blooded killer, I was unprepared to fall in love with Vincent Curatola. It was one thing that on a recent Sopranos re-binge this 38 yr non-smoking woman was jonesing for a cigarette watching Johnny Sack make love to his, it was another witnessing Vince adoring Maureen, his wife of 40 yrs, just as Johnny Sack did Ginny. Lovely! 

Such great fun to do a Soprano’s deep dive, from early casting, (Tony Sirico), to Vince’s audition, James Gandolfini, Vincent Pastore, Michael Imperioli, to David Chase’s on-set style, how characters knew they were getting whacked, onscreen relationships vs off, actual wise guys impressions, Vince’s thoughts on whether Silvio really whacked Adriana, Vince’s shocking role model for Johnny Sack, how the cast, who watched the ending for the first time when we all did, react? 

There are great stories about Jack Nicholson, Kirk Douglas, Maureen O’Hara, and Brad Pitt. This was a spectacular conversation with a fascinating man, an amazing actor, who shared his thoughts on how to succeed in the business of life and show. An international acting coach via Zoom, a naturalist, whose less is so much more, shared some exercises in getting real, which I plan to utilize. You can sign up on his Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/VincentCuratolaActingWorkshop

I’ve long adored Johnny Sack, I now add Vincent Curatola to my adoration. This is one not to be missed.

Vincent Curatola on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

Wednesday, 6/1/22, 5 pm PT, 8 pm ET

Streamed Live on my Facebook

Replay here:

Today LIVE! Synonymous with Eddie Munster, Butch Patrick is all that and a hefty bag of  Cheetos.  We had a great conversation a few years ago, getting real and going deep. From his very early career beginnings, and successes to life’s challenges and his resurrection. 

Butch made his film debut in The Two Little Bears, opposite Eddie Albert and Jane Wyatt. His resume is a time capsule of my youth, having guest starred on Ben Casey, Bonanza My Favorite Martian, Mister Ed Rawhide, The Real McCoys, and General Hospital. 

Post the Munsters, Eddie guest starred on I Dream of Jeannie, Gunsmoke, The Monkees, Adam-12, he appeared in several Disney films, and had the starring role in the children’s series, Lidsville, opposite Charles Nelson Reilly. 

Butch turned to music, and the bass, recording, Whatever Happened to Eddie Munster, and It’s Only Halloween, with his band, Eddie and The Monsters. 

There was an appearance on The Simpsons and in Dickie Roberts Former Child Star. 

Recently Butch appeared in a Munsters reboot, starred in the thriller, River Beauty,  and currently Butch has a number of ghoulish projects in the hopper. We’ll be catching up!

The Munsters played a major role in my daily joy as a kid, always grateful for a chance to say thank you and better know Eddie. Um… Butch! 

Butch Patrick Live on Game Changers with Vicki Abelson

Wednesday, March 20, 5 PM PT, 8 PM ET 

Streaming Live on my Facebook

Rudy Sarzo of Quiet Riot Live on Game Changers with Vicki Abelson

I got to sit down again with bassist extraordinaire, Rudy Sarzo... Quiet Riot, Ozzy Osbourne, Whitesnake, The Guess Who, Blue Oyster Cult -  who's also a modern-day humanist, animal rights activist, author, mentor, CG artist, and an evolved, spiritual, gentle soul. And what a time it was!

Originally from Cuba, we talked Rudy's early days, his family's struggle to get here, and the struggles they continued to face when they arrived. Barely speaking the language, work shortages, the Cuban Missile Crisis,  the Kennedy Assassination,  to the shining light of the Beatles, which shifted almost everything. 

Rudy's foray into music... Kevin Dubrow, the original Quiet Riot, a partial cover band at the time doing some originals, Ozzy Osbourne, the fame, booze, and the crazy, Randy Rhoads, who opened the doors, filled the world with magic and then took the joy when he left way too soon, Frankie Banali, more Quiet Riot, Metal Health, Whitesnake, the girls, more fame, Blue Oyster Cult, The Guess Who, now joyfully back with Quiet Riot with bandmates handpicked by the originals. 

We talked Rudy's marriage, it'll be 40 years this June, a herculean accomplishment for anyone, for a rocker on the road, stunningly amazing! This is a man who honors his commitments. All of them. Sober 26 years, he found program and solutions during the pandemic and finds himself a changed man in so many ways. And this, a changed world. 

Rudy is deep and we went deep about music, healing, the communal experience... I feel richer, calmer, saner, and more centered having spent time in his grounded and assured presence. He's not only a monster bass player of the highest caliber, he's also a highly evolved human of a most admirable order. I feel like I just spent an hour plus with a Zen master and I'm somehow better for it. What a gift he is.

Rudy Sarzo Live on Game Changers with Vicki Abelson

Wednesday, March 13, 5 PM PT, 8 PM ET 

Streamed Live on my Facebook

Replay here:

Today  Live! I can’t wait to sit down again with bassist extraordinaire, Rudy Sarzo, to trace his evolution from a heavy metal hair band rocker - with Whitesnake, Quiet Riot, Ozzy Osbourne, The Guess Who - to modern-day humanist, animal rights activist, author, mentor, CG artist-whilst remaining, a KILLER bassist. I met Rudy at the premiere of the doc Hired Gun and found him to be an evolved, spiritual, gentle soul. 

So looking forward to digging back in, rediscovering Rudy’s history, and seeing what wonders he’s up to now… besides rejoining Quiet Riot!

Rudy Sarzo Live on Game Changers with Vicki Abelson

Wednesday, March 13, 5 PM PT, 8 PM ET 

Streaming Live on my Facebook

Zane Carney​ Live on Game Changers with Vicki Abelson