Podcasts by Roy Leonard
Interviews from the archives of broadcast legend Roy Leonard from WGN Radio 720
Further podcasts by wgnradio.com
Podcast on the topic TV und Film
All episodes
From the archives: Roy Leonard talks with Pat Summerall and John Madden from 2021-12-29T00:32:02
On January 8, 1986, at the height of the Bears Super Bowl run, the then-CBS NFL lead broadcast team of Pat Summerall and John Madden were in Chicago and made time to stop by the WGN Radio studios t...
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From the archives: Roy Leonard talks with Clint Eastwood about his directorial debut from 2021-10-14T15:04:17
Fifty years ago, Clint Eastwood was already an established Hollywood star, having appeared in a number of movies and TV series. But in 1971, he would begin a new phase of his legendary career when ...
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From the archives: Roy Leonard visits with Ginger Rogers from 2021-07-15T16:00:27
Ginger Rogers, one of the iconic stars of Hollywood’s “Golden Age,” was born 110 years ago this week, on July 16, 1911. The career of the actress, dancer and singer spanned decade...
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From the archives: Roy Leonard visits with Donny and Marie Osmond from 2021-06-03T19:35:09
This week from the WGN Radio archives, we go back 35 years to June 4, 1986, a Wednesday morning on The Roy Leonard Show when he was visited in-studio by Donny and Marie Osmond. They were already ve...
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From the archives: Roy Leonard visits with Carol Channing from 2019-01-15T17:14:07
In this Roy Leonard segment from the early 1970s, Carol Channing is surprised to learn that Roy saw her in 1948, before she was a star. Channing died today at age 97.
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Remembering Roy Clark from 2018-11-15T21:24:14
Roy Clark, the country music legend and star of the long-running TV series “Hee Haw,” died today at age 85. In 1994, he visited with WGN Radio’s Roy Leonard to discuss the publica...
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‘I’ve done just about everything in this business’ – Remembering Burt Reynolds from 2018-09-06T19:23:43
Actor Burt Reynolds appeared a number of times on WGN Radio over the years, from the peak of his 1970s stardom to more recent appearances as he reflected on his career. Reynolds died today at age 8...
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Remembering Barbara Bush from 2018-04-18T00:00:49
America is remembering former First Lady Barbara Bush, the wife of the 41st President George H. W. Bush and mother of the 43rd President George W. Bush. Mrs. Bush died April 17, 2018 at age 92. On ...
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From the archives: Roy Leonard talks with Jerry Lewis – ‘I think that so few people anymore open up and give some love and care and concern’ from 2017-08-20T19:28:10
In this 1982 interview, Roy Leonard talks with comedy legend Jerry Lewis. Roy called it, “An amazing, serious interview about the art of comedy with one of the funniest men alive.” Lewi...
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From the archives: Roy Leonard talks with Debbie Reynolds from 2016-12-29T02:14:38
Roy Leonard visits with Hollywood legend Debbie Reynolds, November 4, 1988. Reynolds died December 28, 2016, at the age of 84.
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Remembering Muhammad Ali: ‘A lifetime is not sufficient to learn how to live in this world’ from 2016-06-04T04:33:30
On the day after Thanksgiving, 1977, boxing legend Muhammad Ali visited the WGN Radio studios for an extended interview with Roy Leonard. Ali died Friday, June 3, 2016, at age 74. Click to download...
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Remembering Roy Leonard from 2015-09-04T12:40:49
Friday, September 4th marks the one year anniversary of Roy Leonard’s passing. In this podcast, Nick Digilio shares memories about his mentor and plays back some of the classic interviews Ro...
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Kelly Leonard On His Father Roy: ‘He Was Kind to His Core’ from 2015-09-03T11:50:49
Friday marks the one year anniversary of Roy Leonard’s passing. As part of a two day tribute, Nick Digilio welcomes Roy’s son Kelly to discuss his father’s legacy.
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Harry Connick Jr.: Roy was an old friend from 2014-09-08T15:01:58
Dean talks shares memories of Roy Leonard with one of Roy’s favorite musical artists, Harry Conick Jr. [audio http://tribwgnfm.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/harry.mp3]
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Tim Kazurinsky: Roy Leonard was kind and levelheaded from 2014-09-08T14:54:30
Dean chat’s with SNL’s Tim Kazurinksy, about his interactions with Roy Leonard. [audio http://tribwgnfm.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/kazurinsky.mp3]
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Brian Dennehy: Memories of Roy from 2014-09-08T14:42:18
Dean talks with Actor, Brian Dennehy, about his memories of Roy Leonard. [audio http://tribwgnfm.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/dennehy.mp3]
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Andy Perez: Roy Leonard’s former producer from 2014-09-08T14:39:35
Dean talks about Roy behind the scenes with someone who knows best: his former producer, Andy Perez. [audio http://tribwgnfm.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/andyperez.mp3]
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Remembering Roy Leonard with John Williams, Kathy O’Malley, Lou Manfredini, Nick Digilio, Todd Manley from 2014-09-05T21:51:54
John Williams remembers WGN Radio Walk of Fame inductee, former host, and friend of the station, Roy Leonard along with WGN Radio Vice President of Content and Programming, Todd Manley, and fellow ...
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Burt Reynolds from 2014-07-24T05:29:39
More than forty years ago, Burt Reynolds made his first live appearances on the stage and on the Roy Leonard Show in Chicago. Here are some very entertaining memories. (March 15 & 29, 1972) Cl...
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Nick Digilio Full Show: 6/28/14 from 2014-06-29T12:54:20
WGN Radio Walk of Famer Roy Leonard joins Nick to talk about Sting’s musical, “The Last Ship”, and more. George Karzas of the Gale Street Inn, Steve O’ Brien of Leadbelly B...
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Pearl Bailey from 2014-06-20T05:24:10
The Tony Award-winning singer and actress in theatre, film and TV visited Roy several times, including this conversation from September 8, 1989. She was also an ambassador to the U.N. and prolific ...
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Roy Leonard: 5/17/14 from 2014-05-18T06:08:15
Newly minted WGN Radio Walk of Famer Roy Leonard makes his bi-weekly visit to the show to talk about the latest films and plays on his radar. For more from Roy, check out his blog.
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Roy Leonard: 4/19/14 from 2014-05-01T02:05:01
The legendary Roy Leonard makes his bi-weekly visit to the Nick Digilio Show! He gives his thoughts on “The Railway Man”, “Under the Skin”, “Heaven is for Real”...
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Roy Leonard: 4/5/14 from 2014-04-07T09:11:08
The legendary Roy Leonard is back for his bi-weekly visit to the Nick Digilio Show. He and Nick discuss the Cadillac Palace Theater’s production of “Peter and the Starcatcher”, G...
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Jacques Cousteau from 2014-03-28T23:59:22
Jacques Cousteau was the most famous undersea explorer of the 20th Century. He visited Roy in 1978. Click here to return to the Roy Leonard Audio Archive. For more about Roy Leonard, visit Roy on C...
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Roy Leonard 3/8/14 from 2014-03-09T06:49:44
The legendary Roy Leonard calls in and tells us about “Shoot Me” with Elaine Stritch, “All the Way” with Bryan Cranston as Lyndon Johnson, and more.
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Saturday Show: Roy Leonard and More from 2014-02-23T07:09:40
Roy Leonard joins the show to share his thoughts on “The Lego Movie”, and the recent happenings in Chicago theatre. Then we take a look at the regular features, “Drunks in the Ne...
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Ella Fitzgerald from 2014-02-10T15:36:43
Roy visits with Ella Fitzgerald (1917-1996), the most popular jazz singer in the world for more than half a century. (February, 1977) Click here to return to the Roy Leonard Audio Archive. For more...
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Saturday Show 2/8/14 Hour 1 from 2014-02-09T06:39:22
We kick off a full Saturday night by catching up with Roy Leonard. Public relations guru Richard Laermer checks in to give his take on Phillip Seymour Hoffman’s death, the upcoming Oscars, a...
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Larry Gelbart from 2014-01-07T04:11:08
One of America’s great comedy writers, Larry Gelbart (TV’s M*A*S*H, the movie Tootsie and Broadway’s A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum) talks about growing up in Chic...
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Saturday Show 1/4/14 Hour 1 from 2014-01-05T07:04:56
Nick kicks off a full Saturday night show with Roy Leonard, who shares his favorite films of the year. Then, we hit Drunks in the News, Straight Outta Context and Nick D Spies.
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Cleveland Amory from 2013-12-12T04:58:46
Animal rights advocate, social rights historian, novelist and television critic, Cleveland Amory dropped by on October 10, 1975, and even if you’ve never heard of him, you’ll laugh at h...
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Bill Murray from 2013-11-20T04:07:09
Northshore native Bill Murray talks about his early years at Second City and Saturday Night Live in this 1981 conversation with Roy. (June 19, 1981) Click here to return to the Roy Leonard Audio Ar...
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Jean Stapleton from 2013-10-28T22:50:22
Most Americans know her as Archie Bunker’s wife on TV’s “All In the Family.” But in this 1982 interview she tells Roy about her early career on Broadway and in movies and he...
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Bill Cosby from 2013-10-14T23:10:11
In this 1978 interview, the man who makes so many people laugh shows a serious side and talks to Roy about his own family and how he’s bringing up his kids. He also talks to listeners and see...
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Ray Rayner from 2013-09-26T15:40:59
From about 1953 until 1980, Ray Rayner was one Chicago’s most popular television personalities starting at WBBM-TV as the host of a morning show called Rayner Shine. Rayner moved to WGN-TV in...
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Leo Durocher from 2013-09-20T22:06:25
Did he really say “Nice guys finish last”? In this 1975 interview, Leo answers the question and offers some insights into the game of baseball and a lot about the Cubs. Click here to re...
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Dick Clark from 2013-08-30T21:14:25
In one of many appearances on the Roy Leonard Show, Dick talks about the origins of “American Bandstand” and why Elvis never appeared on the show. (November 8, 1985) Click here to retur...
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Wilt Chamberlain from 2013-08-16T05:09:06
The great NBA star came by in 1991 to talk about his book, “A View from Above,” and proved to be a fascinating guest. Click here to return to the Roy Leonard Audio Archive. For more abo...
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Harry Connick, Jr. from 2013-08-02T03:13:44
Harry Connick, Jr. tells how he got hired to record the “When Harry Met Sally” songs, talks about the influence of growing up in New Orleans, and reveals how he quit smoking. (1990)
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Ginger Rogers from 2013-07-25T20:47:49
The great movie star Ginger Rogers talks about dancing with Fred Astaire and her many Hollywood relationships. (1991) Click here to return to the Roy Leonard Audio Archive. For more about Roy Leona...
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James Taylor from 2013-07-11T21:31:20
James Taylor introduces his new album and talks about how he gets his ideas and writes his songs. (November 19, 1985) Click here to return to the Roy Leonard Audio Archive. For more about Roy Leona...
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Sid Caesar from 2013-07-05T01:52:30
Sid Caesar talks about his drug problems and shares great stories about Mel Brooks, Larry Gelbart and Carl Reiner. (November 16, 1983) Click here to return to the Roy Leonard Audio Archive. For mor...
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Debbie Reynolds from 2013-06-27T22:05:34
Debbie Reynolds tells how she lost $21 million and took ten years to pay it off, plus highlights from her singing and acting career. (November 4, 1988) Click here to return to the Roy Leonard Audio...
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Jackie Mason from 2013-06-21T03:58:33
Jackie Mason, a man whose made a career out of insulting people. Do people ever get mad at him? Listen to this 1992 interview Click here to return to the Roy Leonard Audio Archive. For more about R...
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Garson Kanin and Ruth Gordon from 2013-06-14T03:56:55
One of the great screenwriting teams of all time talk about the old Hollywood with stories about Bogart and Bacall, Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney, Irene Dunne and Cary Grant, and Katharine Hepburn...
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Jerry Lewis from 2013-06-06T20:45:57
An amazing, serious interview about the art of comedy with one of the funniest men alive. (1982) Click here to return to the Roy Leonard Audio Archive. For more about Roy Leonard, visit royleonard....
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Jack Hemingway from 2013-05-30T23:57:36
In 1986 we talked about the difficulties of being Ernest Hemingway’s son and his service with our OSS in WWII and parachuting behind enemy lines. Click here to return to the Roy Leonard Audio...
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New Orleans ‘Bronco Billy’ All-Star Special with Clint Eastwood from 2013-05-16T21:36:45
We traveled to New Orleans back in 1980 to talk to Clint Eastwood, Ronnie Milsap, Merle Haggard, Scatman Crothers and other stars of Clint’s movie Bronco Billy. Here’s a one-hour versio...
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David Brenner from 2013-05-09T21:29:20
Comic David Brenner examined his career in a book back in 1983 and also released his first album. He talks with Roy about both. Click here to return to the Roy Leonard Audio Archive. For more about...
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Lily Tomlin from 2013-05-02T21:27:23
Lily Tomlin told us where the character “Edith Ann” came from and shared more from her show biz career back in an early 1970’s visit. Click here to return to the Roy Leonard Audio...
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Johnny Mercer from 2013-04-18T23:05:16
One of the great lyricists of all time, Johnny Mercer (On the Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe, Moon River, Days of Wine and Roses, Laura, One For My Baby), in a classic show. (June 2, 1971) Click...
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John Cleese from 2013-04-11T22:19:53
Founding member of Monty Python and the “Ministry of Silly Walks,” John Cleese joined Roy back in 1986 and talked about Faulty Towers as well Click here to return to the Roy Leonard Aud...
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Blue Man Group from 2013-04-04T22:39:04
“Blue Man Group” has been playing at the Brian Street Theatre for 16 years. Back in 1997, the three founders joined Roy to explain how it all started. Click here to return to the Roy L...
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Steve Martin from 2013-03-28T20:39:53
Funny man Steve Martin wrote a play, Picasso at the Lapin Agile, and brought it to our Steppenwolf Theatre in October of 1991. Naturally we wanted to talk with him about it. (October 16, 1991) Cli...
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Marcel Marceau from 2013-03-21T22:51:44
Marcel Marceau, the world’s greatest mime, visited with us many times in the 1980’s and we’ve combined all his interviews into one great hour and eighteen minutes. Click here to r...
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Clint Eastwood from 2013-03-14T21:10:11
Clint Eastwood talked about the making of “Play Misty for Me” on October 18, 1971. Click here to return to the Roy Leonard Audio Archive. For more about Roy Leonard, visit royleonard.com.
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Art Garfunkel from 2013-03-08T00:02:07
In October, 1975, Art Garfunkel introduced his new album “Breakaway” on The Roy Leonard Show. Click here to return to the Roy Leonard Audio Archive. For more about Roy Leonard, visit ro...
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James Michener from 2013-02-28T23:40:48
James Michener, the Pulitzer Prize winning author of sweeping sagas like Hawaii and Centennial, talked about his new novel, Poland, in this 1983 interview. (September 15, 1983) Click here to return...
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Bette Midler from 2013-02-22T00:01:45
Bette Midler joined us on October 31, 1979 to plug her new movie and song, The Rose, as well as the problems of become a blonde. Click here to return to the Roy Leonard Audio Archive. For more abou...
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Billy Crystal from 2013-02-14T23:34:54
In May, 1985, Billy talks about his family owning the Commodore Jazz Record label, Billie Holiday being one of his babysitters, and how Roone Arledge gave him his start in showbiz. Click here to r...
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John Chancellor from 2013-01-31T23:37:29
For over a decade, John Chancellor occupied the anchor chair on NBC Nightly News. He’s also credited with inventing the concept of the red state/blue state map that would come to dominate pre...
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Michael Feinstein from 2013-01-24T22:45:53
The top interpreter of The Great American Song Book from two visits in ’89 and ’90. (January 16, 1989 and March 13, 1990) Click here to return to the Roy Leonard Audio Archive. For more...
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Lauren Bacall from 2013-01-18T01:37:11
The great film and stage actress was here in Woman of the Year. She was one of the best guests of year 1984. (February 23, 1984) Click here to return to the Roy Leonard Audio Archive. For more abou...
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Stan Freberg from 2013-01-11T00:58:40
The most respected humorist of his generation with examples of why he made us laugh (1991). Click here to return to the Roy Leonard Audio Archive. For more about Roy Leonard, visit royleonard.com.
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John Huston from 2013-01-03T23:41:51
Director John Huston (The Maltese Falcon, Treasure of the Sierra Madre, The African Queen) talks about his life and times. (1980) Click here to return to the Roy Leonard Audio Archive. For more abo...
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Victor Borge from 2012-12-27T21:00:36
The humorist sat at the piano in our studio and told us how it all started. And, he performed as well! (September 27, 1979) Click here to return to the Roy Leonard Audio Archive. For more about Ro...
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Michael Caine from 2012-12-20T22:30:36
Michael Caine talks about his role as Scrooge in the 1992 film “The Muppet Christmas Carol” Click here to return to the Roy Leonard Audio Archive. For more about Roy Leonard, visit royl...
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Woody Allen from 2012-12-07T00:23:49
Woody Allen talks about “Bananas,” his clarinet playing, and God, in two visits in 1971 and 1982. Click here to return to the Roy Leonard Audio Archive. For more about Roy Leonard, visi...
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Mike Royko from 2012-12-06T21:43:21
One of Chicago’s all-time great columnists talks about taverns, the Cubs and politics. Click here to return to the Roy Leonard Audio Archive. For more about Roy Leonard, visit royleonard.com....
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Allen Ginsburg from 2012-12-06T21:40:20
Roy talks with fine poet and member of the original “beat generation,” Allen Ginsburg. Click here to return to the Roy Leonard Audio Archive. For more about Roy Leonard, visit royleonar...
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Clayton Moore from 2012-12-06T21:24:34
The “original” Lone Ranger reminisces about growing up in Chicago and going to Lane Tech. Click here to return to the Roy Leonard Audio Archive. For more about Roy Leonard, visit royleo...
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Erma Bombeck from 2012-12-06T21:20:57
The famous writer tells us about the inspiration for all those great columns. Click here to return to the Roy Leonard Audio Archive. For more about Roy Leonard, visit royleonard.com. September 10, ...
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Mr.&Mrs. Charlton Heston from 2012-12-06T21:16:48
Mr. & Mrs. Charlton Heston talk about their dual careers of actor and artist. (March, 1993) Click here to return to the Roy Leonard Audio Archive. For more about Roy Leonard, visit royleonard....
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The Smothers Brothers from 2012-12-06T21:12:06
Tommy and Dick Smothers tell how they survived after being kicked off TV by CBS for being too political. Click here to return to the Roy Leonard Audio Archive. For more about Roy Leonard, visit roy...
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Arthur Hailey from 2012-12-06T20:53:51
The author of “Airport,” Hotel,” and “Wheels,” Arthur Hailey tells us how he takes on the banking business in “The Moneychangers.” Click here to return to ...
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Steve Allen from 2012-12-06T20:50:04
A conversation with one of the most talented men in the world brings Steve Allen to the microphone for more than an hour. Click here to return to the Roy Leonard Audio Archive. For more about Roy L...
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Cameron Mackintosh from 2012-12-06T20:46:33
The producer of “Phantom of the Opera,” “Les Miserables” and “Miss Saigon,” Cameron Mackintosh, with fascinating stories on all these shows. Click here to return...
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Peter Benchley from 2012-12-06T20:41:50
The author of “Jaws” celebrates the publication of the paperback of his best seller and tells how it all came about. (January, 1975) Click here to return to the Roy Leonard Audio Archiv...
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Barbara Bush from 2012-12-06T20:33:01
The former First Lady Barbara Bush gives the background to her book “C. Fred’s Story.” This charming lady who loves dogs appeared on April 12, 1984. Click here to return to the Ro...
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Pat Summerall and John Madden from 2012-12-06T20:28:04
With the NFL season getting underway this weekend, the great broadcasting team of Madden and Summerall tel how they did it in the midst of the excitement of the Super Bowl Bears playoff run. Click ...
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Werner Klemperer from 2012-12-06T20:22:58
The man who played Col. Klink on TV’s “Hogan’s Heroes” played Ravinia in August of 1993 and you’ll hear another side of this great talent. Click here to return to the ...
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Donnie and Marie Osmond from 2012-12-06T20:12:40
Find out what radio used to be like when Donny and Marie Osmond join Roy Leonard and news anchor Kathy Worthington. Click here to return to the Roy Leonard Audio Archive. For more about Roy Leonard...
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Pat Conroy from 2012-12-06T20:08:50
In July of 1995, the author of “The Great Santini,” Pat Conroy, talks about his new novel, “Beach Music,” and explains his father’s reaction on finding out that his so...
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Rich Little from 2012-12-06T20:05:51
While appearing in the Empire Room at the Palmer House in the mid 70’s, the famed impressionist told Roy “how he does it.” (1975-1977) Click here to return to the Roy Leonard Audi...
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David Niven from 2012-12-06T19:56:17
David Niven, the fine actor, surprises everyone as the author of a book about the Polish Air Force. Click here to return to the Roy Leonard Audio Archive. For more about Roy Leonard, visit royleona...
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Carol Channing from 2012-12-06T19:54:18
Carol Channing is surprised to learn that Roy saw her in 1948, before she was a star. (Early 1970s) Click here to return to the Roy Leonard Audio Archive. For more about Roy Leonard, visit royleona...
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James Mason from 2012-12-06T19:48:47
James Mason talks about the movie ‘The Boys from Brazil.’ Click here to return to the Roy Leonard Audio Archive. For more about Roy Leonard, visit royleonard.com. September 28, 1978
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Muhammad Ali from 2012-12-06T19:44:07
Muhammad Ali tells Roy what it’s like being a Muslim and all about the fight game, November 25, 1977. Click here to return to the Roy Leonard Audio Archive. For more about Roy Leonard, visit ...
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Muhammad Ali from 2012-12-06T19:44:07
Muhammad Ali tells Roy what it’s like being a Muslim and all about the fight game, November 25, 1977. Click here to return to the Roy Leonard Audio Archive. For more about Roy Leonard, visit ...
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Gloria Swanson from 2012-12-06T19:34:04
Roy talks with Gloria Swanson, the actress who said “I am big, it’s the pictures that got small” in “Sunset Boulevard.” Click here to return to the Roy Leonard Audio A...
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Gloria Swanson from 2012-12-06T19:34:04
Roy talks with Gloria Swanson, the actress who said “I am big, it’s the pictures that got small” in “Sunset Boulevard.” Click here to return to the Roy Leonard Audio A...
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