Towne Square 2000 Palace Welcomes Johnny Whitaker!!!
Alyssa (MissP): From the tender age of three Johnny Whitaker has been performing before audiences. We probably remember him best as 'Jody' from the CBS series 'Family Affair' with Brian Keith and Sebastian Cabot, or as Michael, the 'Littlest Angel' from The Hallmark Hall of Fame Christmas Special. Fans of Saturday Morning TV know Johnny as 'Johnny' from the Krofft Super Show, 'Sigmund & The Sea Monsters'.
One of the 'lucky' child stars of his generation, Johnny continued to work well into his late teens. Johnny was lauded for his role in 'Napoleon & Samantha' with Jodie Foster. He enjoyed Jodie's company so much that he was happy to play opposite her as Tom Sawyer in the Musical version of 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer' ... where he gave Jodie her first on-screen kiss.
dreamer: ohhhh Johnny
BioHazard©: aaaaawwww
Alyssa (MissP): In 1976 Johnny, along with the 'Family Affair' cast and fans, was shocked to hear of the tragic death of his co-star Anissa Jones, 'Buffy'. At that point, Johnny asked his agent to not seek out any roles and took a break from working as hard as he had for 13 years.
John has no regrets for his successful youth. But because of friends' and others' sad situations now joins Jeanne Russell (Margaret from 'Dennis The Menace'), ... Mary McDonnough (The Walton's) and Paul Petersen (Donna Reed's TV son) and others to give a positive yet warning voice to his contemporary peers.
Currently, John is President of his own computer consultation firm, with a list of impressive clientele from the deluxe Beverly Hills Hotel to Spelling Films International and CBS Television.
*Ben©: wow
Alyssa (MissP): He is the CIO for Whitaker Entertainment, owned and operated by his younger sister, Dora Whitaker-Gerzeli and is Vice-President of the Children's Division of LA Kidz Management.
Most recently, Johnny was highly praised for his non-conventional role as 'JUDD' the Red-Necked DeerHunter in an episode of 'Beyond Belief' on Fox.
Best Friend's Arm: busy man
Alyssa (MissP): Overall, John has done much at 38, and with more than 33 years of expertise in show business and the work-force he says, 'I've only just begun!!’ Let's welcome our very special guest, Johnny Whitaker!
*Ben©: )applause
Alyssa (MissP): Please post a ^Q or click on the sign above to ask a question. You will be called in order. Thanks!
*Jem: )applause
Barbara© NC: )applause
Arctic Frost: )applause
Johnny Whitaker: Hello, sorry for the long intro but you know ;-)
BioHazard©: hehe
Alyssa (MissP):hehe
*Ben©: welcome Johnny
Tess: howdy Johnny
Barbara© NC: Hi Johnny!
Arctic Frost: Heeeerrrrreee's Johnny!
Johnny Whitaker: This is really cool, you know. This is my first Palace Chat.
Alyssa (MissP):Go ahead Best Friend's Arm, it's your turn to ask something.
*Jem: welcome to the gang!!
Best Friend's Arm: What was it like working with Uncle Charlie?
dreamer: hi Johnny.... I mean Mr. Whitaker....you’re my most favorite actor in the world. You know i once bought a picture of you mowing your lawn
Johnny Whitaker: Uncle Charlie worked next door. Mine was Mr. French
Arctic Frost: Glad to have you here, Johnny!!
Best Friend's Arm: oh
Alyssa (MissP):hehehee
Tess: lol
lucie: :lol
Alyssa (MissP): It's your turn Foxy, what did you want to ask?
Foxy: How old were you when you played the Littlest Angel?
Johnny Whitaker: If you're under 25 you may not remember me, unless you get the TV LAND Channel
BioHazard©: 14 here
~ºRed Dogº~: lol
*Jem: :*smiles*
Foxy: :what if you ARE 25?
PD¥: :teehee
Arctic Frost: I won't say how old I am, but I definitely remember you Johnny
Johnny Whitaker: I was 9 1/2 when I did the Littlest Angel
Foxy: How did you get the role?
Arctic Frost: You were only the biggest child star of your time and an incredible actor!
Amy: I'm 16 and I remember you through my parents
Johnny Whitaker: Well thank you. You're parents must be really cool!
Amy: they are!
*Jem: I’ve heard stories =)
Johnny Whitaker: As for the Littlest Angel, I guess I was made for the role, or at least that's what my mother said, (when I was little)
*Ben©: hehe
BioHazard©: hehe
Alyssa (MissP): awwwwww
Foxy: lol, sounds like you had a nice mother :)
Alyssa (MissP): Ok, Best Friend's Arm, it's your turn. What is your question?
Arctic Frost: Yes, Johnny, was Family Affair your first TV break?
Arctic Frost: Oops:)
Johnny Whitaker: AF follow instructions!!
Arctic Frost: Hee hee
*Ben©: hehe
BioHazard©: hehe
Arctic Frost: :slap me I'm just too danged excited:)
Johnny Whitaker: Family Affair was my first BIG SERIES role. But I did The Russians Are Coming, The Russians are Coming and I was in a series called "And Baby Makes Three" at Four years old. But Family Affair was my First BIG role, yes.
dreamer: oh Johnny......I have a question
Best Friend's Arm: ok, Johnny, did you ever get to where those cool seamonster costumes to Halloween parties?
Alyssa (MissP): click on the sign above to ask a question and you will be put in the queue
dreamer: what ever happened to Jody? oops Buffy
Alyssa (MissP): Go ahead Arctic Frost, it's your turn to ask something.
Arctic Frost: You seemed so experienced by the time you got to Family Affair. What age were you when things wound down? And why did they? I mean your skill as an actor was so apparent
Johnny Whitaker: Well, after Anissa's (Buffy's) Death I decided to wind it down myself along with my agent.
Arctic Frost: Ahhhhhhhhhh
Johnny Whitaker: Hollywood isn't too forgiving for not accepting roles when you're hot!
Arctic Frost: Are you glad you did?
Johnny Whitaker: I decided to take time off and so I went to College and then to Portugal for 2 years, when I came back well, ... I got my first real meaty role just this year on "Beyond Belief" where I got to play a real Red Neck and it was fun!
Arctic Frost: I think I saw that episode!!
BioHazard©: lol
Alyssa (MissP): I saw that...it was amazing!!! Such a different role to see you in!
BioHazard©: cool
Arctic Frost: )applause
Alyssa (MissP): What did you want to ask our guest, Fat Rolaine ate my?
Fat Rolaine ate my: What's your favorite Hostess snack treat?
Johnny Whitaker: My favorite is Pink Snowballs
Fat Rolaine ate my: mine too!
*Carebear¥: nice and messy =)
Arctic Frost: :gotta love a man who loves Pink Snowballs
Johnny Whitaker: They don't have Blue, but orange at Halloween
Alyssa (MissP): and green for St Patty's day =)
Johnny Whitaker: Your're right I like the green ones
Alyssa (MissP): hehehee
Johnny Whitaker: Thanks for the snowball
Alyssa (MissP): Let's see, Guest 154 is up next.
Guest 154: did u ever play baseball
Johnny Whitaker: Baseball was never an opportunity that I had. I was busy working every day and didn't the chance to play pop warner or Little League etc., but I did get to meet base ball Football and Basketball players.
Alyssa (MissP): Let's see, Amy is up next.
Amy: What type of music do you like?
Johnny Whitaker: The music I'm most fond of is Easy Contemporary Rock...Mostly listen to Smooth Jazz and/or Oldies
BioHazard©: cool
Amy: Jazz and oldies are my fav's
Johnny Whitaker: Can you believe that my music from the 70's is known as Oldies??
Amy: lol
Fat Rolaine ate my: yes
Alyssa (MissP): Oh please, don't depress me
Foxy: :yes :)
BioHazard©: :I'm listening to Scatman
Amy: well all music will some day called oldies
Arctic Frost: I know!!! Make me er you feel ancient, doesn't it, Johnny?
BioHazard©: listening even
*Jem: :I listen to "Oldies" hehe
Johnny Whitaker: My biggest peeve is when people call me SIR
BioHazard©: lol
Alyssa (MissP): OUCH!
*Jem: :haha
Barbara© NC: hehehe
Fat Rolaine ate my: better than ma'am
Foxy: :I take it you've never been knighted :)
BioHazard©: um..sir, I have a question
Alyssa (MissP): :hehehee
BioHazard©: lol
BioHazard©: just kidding
Amy: Johnny I would love to stay and chat but I have some exercises to do! Good night SIR! (just joshing ya) bye
Johnny Whitaker: You go girl thanks for being here
BioHazard©: lol
Amy: my pleasure
Alyssa (MissP): take care Amy
Alyssa (MissP): It's your turn *Tess, what did you want to ask?
*Tess: will you continue acting or do you have other "different" projects you are considering
Johnny Whitaker: Currently I'm working as a manager of children and doing computer work on the side. I've just finished directing a documentary where I will also be the producer and voice. It's about BIGFOOT can you believe it?
Alyssa (MissP): Any sightings?
Alyssa (MissP): :we'll have to get Bigfoot to do a chat
Johnny Whitaker: Well, I did go out at the foot of Mt. Hood at 3:00am and I didn't see a Sasquatch but I did see what my guide described as a foot print. It was very cool
Alyssa (MissP): Oh WOW!
Foxy: :as in cold chills up your spine? :)
BioHazard©: cool
Arctic Frost: Hairs standing on end..
Johnny Whitaker: No, just kind of unbelieveable, you'll have to watch the documentary. Believe me, I was amazed!!
Best Friend's Arm: that's all very interesting Johnny, but did you ever get the chance to beat up Bobby, Peter or Greg Brady?
Arctic Frost: LOL, Arm!!
Johnny Whitaker: I know all three of them, Bobby, Peter and Greg and we've spoken about who could beat up each other…It was determined that all three could definitely beat me up, but I'll take em on one by one…
Alyssa (MissP): hehehee
Arctic Frost: We'd bet on you, Johnny!!
Alyssa (MissP): It's your turn Guest 154, what did you want to ask?
Guest 154: where do u live
Johnny Whitaker: I currently live in North Hollywood, California
Guest 154: wow
Arctic Frost: Are you still near Hollywood?
Alyssa (MissP): Let's see, Foxy is up next.
Foxy: Well, this one is as much for you, miss p, as Johnny- namely, Johnny, how did Miss P track you down and get you here?
Barbara© NC: Way to go Foxy
Alyssa (MissP): :I put sasquatch on his trail
Johnny Whitaker: I'm currently working on a "LIVE ON_LINE SITE" as the Production Manager. The art director is a friend and an avid AVATAR PALACE guy. We met that way. The sight is "ALASKADQ.COM" and will be coming to the Web soon!!
Arctic Frost: LOL, MP
Arctic Frost: Is it in Alaska, Johnny? I live in Alaska now:)
Johnny Whitaker: Currently we're having problems with the site, but you can see it if you're interested now.
Johnny Whitaker: Well, the writers began it to be ALASKA but now it was changed to Alaska, Louisiana for some reason. The Site is: http://www.alaskadq.com
Johnny Whitaker: That is Alaska Dream Quest. It is a kind of Soap Opera on Line that is going to be interactive with of course AVATAR - PALACE chat areas. Coming soon!!
Arctic Frost: !COOL!!
*Ben©: kewl
Alyssa (MissP): Fabulous!
Glide: :wow cool!
Johnny Whitaker: The Executive Producer has asked me to play one of the roles. I'm supposed to be an oversexed Senator
BioHazard©: neato
BioHazard©: HAHAHA
Arctic Frost: LOL!!
*PD¥: :haha
Alyssa (MissP): HAHAHAHAAA
*Jem: *smiles*!
Arctic Frost: I wanna be an intern then!
Johnny Whitaker: That is definately a role I'd have to stretch for
*Ben©: hehe
BioHazard©: lol
Alyssa (MissP): :so that's what happened to Jody, huh?
*PD¥: and I thought this was a G-rated palace...*snicker*
Alyssa (MissP): Ok, Guest 154, it's your turn. What is your question?
Guest 154: will u came back and visit us often
Johnny Whitaker: Well, now that I have Palace and I think that it is really cool I'd be happy to … and then incognito every once in a while for sure
BioHazard©: Yes, I am really David Duchovny...ssshhh
Johnny Whitaker: Well, then get me a role on the X files please David
*Jem: :it makes you wonder if there are really stars among us...just wandering around....you know incognito hehe
Alyssa (MissP): lol
Johnny Whitaker: Well, I got the AOL address of a high ranking movie star who knows my sister and he didn't like it when I sent him Buddy Chat
Johnny Whitaker: Actually, the Internet is the next wave of Production, and Content of Writers and Producers … I guess the only time you can be sure is to attend one of these chats (is it me or not?? you'd never know)
Alyssa (MissP): Ok, Foxy, it's your turn. What is your question?
Foxy: well, ok, a Senator has to be 30. Are you sure you look old enough to play the part? :)
Alyssa (MissP): :good point.....let's see some ID Mr. W
Johnny Whitaker: The part of an oversexed Senator. I'm am currently over 30 and actually I'm 38.
Arctic Frost: Oh he's just the right age for me:)
Alyssa (MissP): Yes Foxy...you left out oversexed
*PD¥: :how ironic ;-)
Johnny Whitaker: But thank you very much for the compliment. This picture was taken a couple of years ago however…
Foxy: I didn't think that was confined as much to age, Alyssa :)
Arctic Frost: Hahahaha
Alyssa (MissP): LOL Foxy!
Johnny Whitaker: Hey Biohazard you're cool!
Alyssa (MissP): Okay AF you want to go ahead next??
Arctic Frost: Yes, I have a serious question. Do you think Hollywood is better to it's child actors now…Or do you still see a lot of problems?
Johnny Whitaker: Well, actually since I've been working on the SAG young performer's committee, we have made some strides. Currently all SAG productions must obey the State of California rules whether or not the production originates from any other state.
Johnny Whitaker: California's Child Labor Laws for Films are the most stringent in the country. We got SAG to make others come up to that level
Arctic Frost: I think that's great, Johnny!!
Arctic Frost: Did you help organize the group?
Johnny Whitaker: If, however, a film is done that is NOT union and NOT in California then it's catcher's catch can.
*Jem: do you still keep in touch with members from the Family Affair cast?
Johnny Whitaker: Well, unfortunately Kathy Garver and I are the only members of the cast left.
*Jem: :oh that is nfortunate
Alyssa (MissP): Kathy was Cissy
Johnny Whitaker: We are all that are left. Kathy and I keep in touch at the Autograph Shows and/or when we get together on talk shows etc.
Guest 173: how does a person like me become an actress?
Johnny Whitaker: Yes, Jody and Cissy are that are left.
Johnny Whitaker: Well, to become an actress it takes taking classes and lots of luck!
Johnny Whitaker: I would say that to get into show business is 10% talent and about 80% who you know
Arctic Frost: I don't doubt that
Guest 173: wow
Foxy: and what they think about you?
*Tess: :i know you now
Johnny Whitaker: And 10% sweat and/or I should say 80% luck and 10% who you know.
*Carebear¥: now we can all say we know Johnny Whitaker =)
BioHazard©: I know you....get me into acting....lol
Arctic Frost: LOL!!
*Tess: but you are already in acting David
BioHazard©: hehe
* Alyssa (MissP) * You have been added to the queue
Johnny Whitaker: Then to stay in the business it would be 80% talent and 20% who you know or 70% who you know 20% luck and 10% talent. It is all a fickle business. Unfortunately it is addicting.
*Carebear¥: I am just gonna get a law degree so I can defend the people in Hollywood...close enough for me =)
*Tess: :in other words "good luck"
BioHazard©: hehe
Alyssa (MissP): :there's a lot of math in show business huh?
Arctic Frost: LOL, CB!
Johnny Whitaker: Hey I need a good Entertainment Lawyer.
Alyssa (MissP): Perfect!
*Carebear¥: give me 4 years =) I'll knock on your door
*Tess: woohooo cb got a job!
Alyssa (MissP): And would you recommend.....say to your own kids..... to get into the business?
Johnny Whitaker: Well, unfortunately I don't have any children of my own (that I know of)
Alyssa (MissP): :we'll do a search on the net
Johnny Whitaker: But if they showed a desire to get into show business like my nephews have then I would let them do it
BioHazard©: you go Johnny
Arctic Frost: Have your nephews had any luck?
BioHazard©: :they have him as an uncle...lucky enough
Johnny Whitaker: Well, my nephews have both done a couple of jobs but nothing too spectacular.
Alyssa (MissP): We'll go with about one more question after this one....it's getting late.....let's hear from Jem
*Jem: when was the first time you knew you wanted to be an actor...I mean did you ask your mother or father one day if you could..or what? how old were you...etc?
Alyssa (MissP): And that will be our last question....sorry gang....
Johnny Whitaker: I started when I was 3 so I didn't really know. However after working on a few jobs
*Jem: so your parents got you into it ... it wasn't a conscious decision on your part?
Johnny Whitaker: And then working in Family Affair and then the Walt Disney movies, I realized that this was what I wanted to do.
*Jem: :but it all worked out good in the end!
Johnny Whitaker: My parents actually always asked me after each thing that I did whether or not I wanted to continue.
*Jem: kewl!
Johnny Whitaker: As long as I said yes, I got another job.
*Jem: sounds like a fair deal
Alyssa (MissP): Aww that's nice ..... and we're glad you kept saying yes! Johnny it's been wonderful having you join us and I know you need to rush off.......thank you so much for being here.
Johnny Whitaker: Thanks for being here hope you all have a great night!
*Ben©: thanks for coming Johnny, was fun
Arctic Frost: !Thank you!
Barbara© NC: Thank you Johnny
BioHazard©: hhmmm....talk to me soon
BioHazard©: hehe
*Jem: )applause thanks, it's been real!!!
Alyssa (MissP): We sure do hope you come again to visit--incognito or not =)
Arctic Frost: It was a real treat meeting you, Johnny
Glide: )applause
Barbara© NC: Hope to see you around Palace soon!
*Ben©: good luck with your company and other projects
Johnny Whitaker: Good night and keep smilin!!
Glide: :thank you : )
Alyssa (MissP): Family Affair is now airing on TVLand. The URL for the schedule is: http://www.nick-at-nite.com/whatson/schedule/index.tin?Station=tvland&gridSize=daily
Alyssa (MissP): Thanks for joining us!!!