Bonus Episode: Stacy Keanan: TV Icon and Golden Girls Superfan!
The Golden Girls Deep Dive Podcast
Deep Dive
Why did Stacy Keanan decide to step away from acting and pursue a law career?
She wasn't getting good work anymore and felt dissatisfied with the projects she was offered. The industry was also brutal, with frequent rejection and harsh comments about her appearance and age. She felt like she failed in the business aspect of acting and couldn't see herself thriving in that environment in her 40s.
What was Stacy Keanan's experience like growing up in the acting industry?
She started acting at four in Pennsylvania, moved to New York for more opportunities, and eventually to Los Angeles for pilot season. She faced high pressure and stress on sets, especially on 'My Two Dads,' but also had positive experiences like on 'Step by Step,' where the environment was loving and warm.
How did Stacy Keanan's early life in New York shape her career?
She lived in a dangerous neighborhood in New York during the peak of the crack era. Her cousin, an activist and artist, introduced her to health food and positive thinking, which influenced her mindset. Her family's move to Los Angeles for pilot season was a pivotal moment that led to her landing roles in 'My Two Dads' and 'Step by Step.'
What is Stacy Keanan's favorite 'Golden Girls' episode and why?
Her favorite episode is 'Clinton Avenue Memories.' She appreciates the sweetness and nostalgia in the episode, particularly the scene where Sophia reconnects with her late husband, Sal, in a vision. The episode resonates with her as it deals with themes of memory and chosen family, which she relates to her own upbringing.
How does Stacy Keanan feel about her law career compared to her acting career?
She loves her law career but acknowledges its intense and dark nature, dealing with felony cases including murder. The camaraderie among colleagues reminds her of the theater, but she sometimes worries about the long-term impact of the darkness she deals with daily.
What advice does Stacy Keanan have for parents considering putting their kids into acting?
She advises caution, emphasizing that the industry will take over the child's life and require a lot of management from parents. The child must genuinely want to act and enjoy it, and parents should consider the potential for rejection and the need for proper training and support.
How did Stacy Keanan's experience on 'My Two Dads' differ from 'Step by Step'?
'My Two Dads' was a high-pressure, high-stress environment, while 'Step by Step' was much more relaxed and loving. The difference stemmed from the producers and the cast, with 'Step by Step' having a more supportive and less cutthroat atmosphere.
What is Stacy Keanan's opinion on transitioning from TV to movies as a child actor?
She believes the key to becoming a movie star as a child is to start in film and never touch television. The child must continue working, grow up to act well, stay beautiful, avoid drugs, and remain stable. She feels it's too late to try to become a movie star when you're 20.
What inspired Stacy Keanan to start the podcast 'Keenan and Lakin Give Us Deja Vu'?
She wanted to revisit 'Step by Step' and share her thoughts on the show, having never watched it during its original run. She approached her co-star Christine Lakin with the idea, and they eventually got Stephen Ray Morris to produce the podcast.
How does Stacy Keanan feel about revisiting her work on 'Step by Step' through the podcast?
She finds it wild and shocking to watch episodes she's never seen before. She's surprised by how raunchy and horny the show is and feels a bit disconnected from her younger self, wondering who that 15-year-old version of her was.
- Started acting at age four in Pennsylvania
- Moved to New York for more opportunities
- Auditioned for and was recast in 'My Two Dads'
- Moved to Los Angeles for pilot season in 1987