Little Known Facts with Ilana Levine

Emily Skeggs, Tony and Grammy nominated actress, shares her life story on this compelling episode of Little Known Facts. At a young age she is already a magnificent talent as well as a voice in the world of political activism. She has taken on difficult acting roles and manages to make it seem effortless. She describes the joy and responsibility she feels when playing real life heroes. Hear her journey from working at kid's birthday parties to landing a role on Broadway and taking the theater community by storm. She is warm and kind and funny and will leave you wishing she was your best friend. Listen to this inspiring actress who is just beginning what promises to be a huge and important career. In December, Emily wrapped one of the lead roles in Desiree Akhavan’s feature film The Miseducation of Cameron Post, based on the popular YA novel. Emily also stars in Dustin Lance Black's eight-part miniseries When We Rise for Gus van Sant, airing on ABC. Emily was nominated for duel Tony and Grammy Awards as the lead in Sam Gold’s hit musical Fun Home on Broadway, all the while shooting a recurring role on Brannan Braga’s series Salem. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

J. Smith-Cameron, star of stage and screen, grew up in the south as Jeannie Smith. How she went from a small town Southern life to taking the New York theater community by storm and her marriage to the Oscar nominated screenwriter and playwright Kenneth Lonergan, is revealed in this very intimate conversation. From the first day of shooting the "Rectify" pilot to the controversial film "Margaret," J. Is candid about her process and both the joys and struggles of the life of an artist. J. Smith-Cameron has appeared in numerous theatre productions Off and On Broadway. Highlights include "Our Country’s Good" (TonyNomination), "Sarah" (Drama Desk nomination), "Fuddy Meers" (Outer Critics and Drama Desk Nominations) and "As Bees in Honey Drown" (Obie award, Drama Desk and Outer Critics nominations). Recent credits include "Sweet and Sad" (Drama Desk and Obie Awards) by Richard Nelson at the Public, as well as "That Hopey Changey Thing" and "Sorry," by the same author. Also "Midsummer Night’s Dream" at La Jolla Playhouse and "The Starry Messenger," by Kenneth Lonergan, at the New Group. J. plays Melinda Mickens in HBO's “True Blood”. J. stars opposite Anna Paquin in Kenneth Lonergan's film "Margaret," which won her the Best Supporting Actress Award for the International Cinephile Society. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Danny Burstein has been a Tony Award nominee multiple times. He is a beloved Broadway star and has played iconic roles that have left an indelible mark on the lives of theater audiences lucky enough to see him on stage. On this episode of Little Known Facts, Mr. Burstein shares stories of his time working with theater legends like Stephen Sondheim, Tony Randall, and Bernadette Peters among others. He opens up with Ilana about a cancer scare that changed him forever and together with his wife Rebecca Luker (another Broadway star) he got through that terrifying time and changed his outlook on life. Be inspired and fall in love with this Broadway legend. Danny is a 6-time Tony Award nominee whose 16 Broadway credits include: Fiddler on the Roof (2016 Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards; Tony & Grammy Award nominations); Cabaret (Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Award nominations); The Snow Geese; Golden Boy (2013 Tony and Outer Critics Circle nominations); Follies (2012 Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards; Tony, Astaire & Grammy Award nominations); Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown; South Pacific (Outer Critics Circle Award; Tony and Drama Desk nominations); The Drowsy Chaperone (Tony and Ovation Award nominations); Saint Joan; The Seagull; Three Men on a Horse; A Little Hotel on the Side; The Flowering Peach; A Class Act; Titanic and Company. Off-Broadway credits include: Talley’s Folly (Lucille Lortel & Drama League nominations); Mrs. Farnsworth; Psych; All in the Timing; Merrily We Roll Along; Weird Romance and I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change. Film/TV includes: Indignation (directed by James Schamus); The Family Fang (directed by Jason Bateman); Blackhat (directed by Michael Mann); Transamerica; Lolly Steinman on “Boardwalk Empire” (directed by Martin Scorsese); “Louie”; “Absolutely Fabulous”; “Elementary”; “Ed”; all the “Law & Order” series; “Hope & Faith;” Deception; Affluenza; American Milkshake; Nor’easter; Construction; The Sounding; etc. In 2014 he made his Metropolitan Opera debut as Frosch in the Jeremy Sams/Douglas Carter Beane production of Die Fledermaus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Edie Falco, the multi award winning actress, takes Ilana through her life and career in exquisite detail. From her early days waitressing to her early indie films. How she got the role of Carmela on "The Sopranos," the script she originally read for "Nurse Jackie." Ilana and Edie talk about sobriety, adoption, fame, single motherhood, pet psychics, and much more on this fascinating episode of "Little Known Facts." Edie Falco is best known for her roles as Diane Whittlesey on the HBO series "Oz," Carmela Soprano on "The Sopranos," and in the title role of Showtime’s "Nurse Jackie." She has also appeared in the films "Trust," "Reversal of Fortune," "Cop Land," "Random Hearts," "Freedomland," "Sunshine State," "Gods Behaving Badly," and most recently, "The Comedian." She has earned several Emmy, Golden Globe, and SAG awards and is the first female actor to receive the Television Critics Association Award for Individual Achievement in Drama. She has appeared on Broadway in "Sideman," "Frankie and Johnny in the Claire de Lune," and "‘night Mother." Falco recently starred in the Manhattan Theatre Club production of "The Madrid," the Web series "Horace and Pete," and will appear in the forthcoming films "Landline" and "Megan Leavey." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Miriam Shor, star of "Hegwig and the Angry Inch" and TV Land's "Younger," describes in hilarious detail the juxtaposition of growing up splitting her time between Detroit, Michigan, and Turin, Italy. Miriam describes the process of creating her role as the gender bending Yitzhak along with the shows creator, John Cameron Mitchell. She goes on to explain the thrill of seeing the rock stars she worshipped  in the audience every night. Also discussed in this episode are the  joys of raising kids in New York City and shooting a tv show with her college boyfriend's sister, Sutton Foster. Be a fly on the wall as Ilana and Miriam share stories about a life in the theater and the power of staying true to your dreams even when others around you encourage you to give up.  Miriam Shor’s Theater Credits include "Sweat," "Scarcity," "Dedication or the Stuff of Dreams," "Maine, Boy," "Book of Days," "Mondo Draama," "Hegwig and the Angry Inch, "Hair,' and "The Wild Party."  On television: "Younger,' "High Maintenance," "GCB," "Mildred Pierce," "The Good Wife," "Jessica Jones," "Bored To Death," "Damages, "Swingtown," "My Name Is Earl," and "The West Wing." On film: "Puerto Ricans in Paris," "5 Flights Up," "The Cake Eaters," "Shortbus," "Bedazzled," and "Hedwig and the Angry Inch." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tony Shalhoub, award-winning star of stage and screen, opens up about the highs and lows of his career, growing up in the Midwest one of ten children, choosing the right material, marriage between actors, fame, and his true love -- the Green Bay Packers. Tony Shalhoub is currently appearing in the Roundabout Theater production of "The Price." He recently completed a successful run in the Atlantic Theater Company production of "The Band's Visit." He was seen in the Lincoln Center productions of "Act One" and "Golden Boy" for which he received Tony nominations.  Most well known as the OCD detective Monk for which he earned three Emmy Awards, a SAG, and a Golden Globe Award. Other television credits include "Nurse Jackie," "Too Big To Fail," and "Brain Dead." He also appears in the Amazon pilot "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel." Some of his many film credits include "Big Night," "The Siege," and "Galaxy Guest." He voiced Luigi in both "Cars" and "Cars II." He will be seen in "The Assignment" out later this month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Judith Light, award-winning actress, takes us through her life story from soap star to sitcom star to Broadway star to "Transparent". Listen as she tells us about her art and her advocacy. Two-time Tony Award and Two-time Emmy Award-winning actress, Judith Light has captivated audiences worldwide since her portrayal as Angela Bower on the popular 80s sitcom "Who's the Boss?".   Currently you can see Judith Light starring with Al Pacino in "God Looked Away" at the Pasadena Play House through the middle of March, 2017. She is also currently playing Shelly Pfefferman in Amazon Prime's Golden Globe and Critics Choice Award winning series, “Transparent” (created by Jill Soloway).  For this role, she was nominated for an Emmy Award and three consecutive Critics Choice Awards. You may also have seen Judith as Claire Meade on “Ugly Betty” and Judge Liz Donnelly on “Law & Order: SVU” as well as appearances on the TV Land comedy series “The Exes” and TNT's “Dallas”.     In 2106, Judith was honored with the Made in New York Award.  In Fall 2015, Judith played the roll of Madame Raquin, in Broadways "Therese Raquin" staring with Keira Knightly.   In 2014, Judith Light was named the National Ambassador for the 19th KIDS NIGHT OUT ON BROADWAY by the Broadway League. She was also honored with the Women Who Care Award at the 13th Annual UPC of NYC Women Who Care Luncheon.  Judith's work doesn't stop there, in addition to acting, she works as a humanitarian and social activist for the LGBT community and the fight against AIDS.  She starred as Marie Lombardi on Broadway in "Lombardi". Her performance earned her a 2011 Tony Nomination. She then won back to back Tony Awards for "Other Desert Cities in 2012 and "The Assembled Parties" in 2013.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Reed Birney & Jayne Houdyshell both won Tony Awards for their performances in the Pulitzer Prize winning play, The Humans. This year at BroadwayCon2017, Ilana had the opportunity to interview these two Broadway stars and hear their first hand accounts of creating unforgettable roles in an astonishing masterpiece of a play. Hear how they learned of their Tony nominations, how they prepared for these intense roles eight shows a week and how they learned to say good-bye to what may be the greatest roles of their careers. Listen as these two talents share deep truths about the highs and lows of a long life in the theater on this special episode of Little Known Facts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lucas Hedges, the Oscar nominated and award winning actor, opens up about the  joys and fears of a career that  takes off at such a young age. As a child, Lucas Hedges made his feature film debut as an extra in his father's film Dan in Real Life. He went on to play major roles in Wes Anderson's Moonrise Kingdom, Jason Reitman's Labor Day, Terry Gilliam's The Zero Theorem, Michael Cuesta's Kill the Messenger, Kenneth Lonergan’s Manchester By The Sea, Greta Gerwig’s Lady Bird, and Martin McDonagh’s Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. His received critical acclaim for his role in the play, Yen. He was nominated for over 20 awards for his role in Manchester By The Sea and won multiple awards for his gorgeous work in the film. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Andrew Rannells, Television and Broadway star, takes listeners behind the scenes of Girls on HBO, Hamilton on Broadway, and how he got from Omaha to New York City. Andrew Rannells plays Elijah on the hit HBO series, Girls. He is also known for his work as Elder Price in the 2011 Broadway musical The Book of Mormon, which earned him a nomination for the Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical. As a featured soloist on the musical's Original Broadway Cast Recording, he won the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album. His other Broadway credits include Jersey Boys, Hairspray, and Hedwig and the Angry Inch and Falsettos. He portrayed King George III in Lin-Manuel Miranda's musical Hamilton on Broadway.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Celebrities share intimate truths about their lives and careers in this special episode of "Little Known Facts." Guests include Griffin Dunne, Dominic Fumusa, Molly RIngwald, Laura Linney, Anthony Rapp, Matthew Broderick, Kristin Chenoweth, Cynthia Nixon, and Kathryn Erbe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Bucatinsky, Emmy Award winner, stars in the new Fox series 24 : Legacy.  Listen as Dan takes Ilana behind the scenes of his hit television show and talks about his friendship with Shonda Rhimes, gay parenting, and how he and pal Lisa Kudrow took reality television to new comedy levels. Dan Bucatinsky is an actor, writer, producer best known for his Emmy-winning role as "James Novak" on Scandal. Most recently, he joined the cast of the Fox reboot, 24: Legacy, and appears in the return of Gilmore Girls for Netflix. With business partner Lisa Kudrow, Dan co-starred and executive produced the Emmy-nominated docuseries, Who Do You Think You Are? – and with Dan Savage the inspirational digital series, IT GOT BETTER for LStudio, which premieres its third season on May 24th. He's the author of the book, "Does This Baby Make Me Look Straight?" about his journey into parenthood with his husband, filmmaker Don Roos. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

BroadwayCon is the biggest convention worldwide for Broadway fans. It is a one of a kind event where Broadway fans and Broadway's biggest stars come together and celebrate all things Broadway. Ilana and her guests Matt Rodin (host of The Red Carpet Challenge) and Robbie Rozelle (Broadway Records graphic designer & Musical Director for Tony award winning singers) break it all down on this special episode of Little Known Facts with Ilana Levine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Back by popular demand! Ben Platt, the award winning star of Dear Evan Hansen, returns to the podcast to chat with Ilana about life as the star of this moving musical that is taking the theater world by storm and quickly turning into the run away hit of the Broadway season. Dear Evan Hansen is written by the Oscar winning team from La La Land and directed by the Tony Award winning director, Michael Greif. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Griffin Dunne, Actor, Director, Producer, takes us through the story his life from growing up as part of the Hollywood elite to making his own way as a scrappy young actor in New York City. Griffin's stories include everyone from Martin Scorcese to President Kennedy during this hilarious and candid interview. The conversation covers fame, family, women, ambition, process and more.  Dunne's recent feature film credits include "Dallas Buyers Club" starring Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto, "Last Night", starring Sam Worthington and Keira Knightley and Allen Hughes' "Broken City" starring Mark Wahlberg and Russell Crowe. This Fall he can be seen in Daryl Wein's "Consumed", which recently premiered at the LA Film Festival.  Dunne's feature film directorial debut was 1997's "Addicted to Love," starring Meg Ryan and Matthew Broderick, which he followed one year later with "Practical Magic" starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman. Most recently Mr. Dunne directed a short film with Emma Stone for Peter Farrelly's comedic anthology  "Movie 43". On television, Dunne has recently recurred on  the Showtime series "House of Lies" playing opposite Don Cheadle and Kristen Bell and the Fox series "Red Band Society" opposite Octavia Spencer. In 2015 he completed a series long arc on the WGN series, MANHATTAN. Currently, he is filming Jill Soloway's new Amazon series I LOVE DICK, starring opposite Kevin Bacon and Kathryn Hahn.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices