A casting director passed on Tom Cruise because of this, he tells a story about the chemistry of Grease and more.  Author of “Sex, Drugs and Pilot Season” Joel Thurm joins us Beyond the Mic.

Welcome Joel:

We’re joined on the Starline by casting director, producer, photographer and author of “Sex, Drugs and Pilot Season”. The man who got Joaquin and River Phoenix their first agents and is directly to blame for David Hasselhoff, we welcome Joel Thurm.

Joel, let’s go Beyond the Mic, your family life was challenging with a demanding father and a Orthodox-light household. How did those early days influence your work?

How did you go from Pre-med at Hunter to one of the most prolific casting directors in Hollywood?

How did Italy changed the way you looked at yourself and the way you looked at the world?

Joel, you’ve been blessed with luck in your career which you detail in your book. What was the one offer that changed your life?

The Rockin' 8:

It’s time for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions; answer with the first thing that comes to your mind. There is no Pressure.

1. Favorite museum of all time?

2. Show that you wanted to cast but never had the chance?

3. The Rat Pack was the greatest collection of talent in one place. What is the current group of actors that could be considered the New Rat Pack?

4. Show that David Merrick produced that you couldn’t stand?

5. What color was your 65 Mustang and do you wish you still have it?

6. Who are the top 3 greatest performers you’ve ever seen live?

7. What was the tabloid story you read that you got the angriest with?

How would Hollywood would have been if TMZ existed in the 50’s & 60’s?

8. Have you achieved all your things on your bucket list?

The Back Half:

Who designed the cover?

So many people are working on a piece of entertainment and TV will sometimes collapse the credits so they are pretty much unreadable. I know you’ve gotten paid for the work and yet. credits are almost an after thought?

Why was telling this story so important?

What story was too dark to put in because of the hurt memories?

Do you have any regrets after not being able to serve for Vietnam?

Best moment behind the scene with Pearl Bailey?

What’s the biggest truth and misconception about Hollywood?

There are so many movies now that currently could not be made because of the content would not fit today’s vigorous standards. You said “These kinds of moment should be interpreted in the context of their time and not by current standards.” How has society changed for the better and the worse with biases being hyper examined?

How did AIDS change the way Hollywood looked at the way they cast actors and actresses?

You’ve heard the expression “you’ll never work again in this town again” many times. Why did that old phrase make you laugh?

The Casting Book:

Best secret in your casting book?

Favorite memory for TV?

Who was the one star you passed on that turned into a huge star?

Biggest success?

What made Travolta / Oliva Newton John so perfect in your mind?

Which story didn’t make the book because of editors or publishers?

One Big Question:

What you consider your legacy?

The Wrap:

His 65 Mustang was stolen, didn’t want to be cannon fodder, was a long distance bike rider. He would have liked to have cast West Side Story. “Sex, Drugs and Pilot Season” is the book, Joel Thurm is the author, thanks for taking the time to talk with us today.

And that my friends is Beyond the Mic.