Marla Pennington, known for her roles on SOAP and Small Wonder, shares her fascinating journey from her family’s mattress business to Hollywood stardom. She reflects on her breakout in acting, the dramatic and comedic nuances of working with icons like Richard Mulligan, and the joy of sitcom performances. Marla offers heartwarming anecdotes about SOAP, including hilarious behind-the-scenes moments and how the show’s humor holds up over time. She also dives into the unforgettable experience of filming Small Wonder, including tales of syndication success and the show’s lasting fan Legacy. The episode concludes with stories of legendary Hollywood dinner parties, her transition from acting, and a spicy Hot Ones experience with her family.

Episode Highlights:

• From Mattresses to Hollywood: How Marla’s escape from a future in her family’s mattress business led to discovering her passion for drama in high school.
• The Spirit of SOAP: Working alongside serious comedic actors, creating unforgettable scenes like the famous pasta face-plant, and the supportive, theater-like set atmosphere.
• Small Wonder Memories: Landing the role of Joan Lawson, meeting future friends on set, and the unique challenges of acting alongside Vicki the robot.
• Guest Stars and Auditions: Auditioning for Charlie’s Angels in front of Jaclyn Smith, meeting Hollywood legends, and the thrill and heartbreak of almost securing big roles.
• Life Beyond Acting: Hosting legendary Sunday dinners with comedic legends, bonding over laughter, and participating in a memorable Hot Ones challenge with her son.

You’re going to love my conversation with Marla Pennington

• IMDB
• Instagram

Follow Jeff Dwoskin (host):

• Jeff Dwoskin on Twitter
• The Jeff Dwoskin Show podcast on Twitter
• Podcast website
• Podcast on Instagram
• Join my mailing list
• Subscribe to my Youtube channel (watch Crossing the Streams!)
• Yes, the show used to be called Live from Detroit: The Jeff Dwoskin Show

Ways to support the show:

• Buy me a coffee (support the show)
• TeePublic Store: Classic Conversations merch and more!
• Love the books I talk about on the show? Here is my Amazon store to shop.

Most Recent Episodes

December 15, 2024

Golden Girls, Disco Divas, and Pop Culture Legends: Jim Colucci and Frank DeCaro Take the Stage

Jim Colucci and Frank DeCaro share a treasure trove of pop culture nostalgia, celebrating timeless television and disco-era legends. Jim offers deep insights into The Golden Girls, The Love Boat, and...

Listen · 1:06:44

December 8, 2024

Cathy Moriarty: From Raging Bull to Beyond the Rush, A Hollywood Legend Reflects

  A captivating conversation with the legendary Cathy Moriarty, reflecting on her iconic Hollywood career. From her unforgettable Academy Award-nominated performance in Raging Bull to her...

Listen · 59:39

December 1, 2024

The Magic Behind Rankin/Bass: A Conversation with Rick Goldschmidt

  Step into the enchanting world of Rankin/Bass, guided by Rick Goldschmidt, the celebrated historian, author, and artist behind preserving the legacy of these timeless productions. From...

Listen · 49:39

Load More Episodes

Jeff Dwoskin Podcast Host

I'm a tech entrepreneur, podcaster, and professional stand-up comedian. I started my journey in the tech industry back in 1997 when I founded my own website development company, which was one of the pioneering companies in the country at the time. While working in technology, my comedic talents couldn't be contained, and I eventually took to the stage as a stand-up comedian.

My passion for comedy led me to create Hashtag Roundup (@hashtagroundup on Twitter), a platform that has contributed to over 8000 top 10 USA trends on Twitter. With the growth of social media, particularly Instagram, I founded Stampede Social, a company aimed at helping creators drive traffic to their content without relying solely on a link in their bio.