Morgan Fairchild: Too Sexy for TV, Pee-Wee Herman, and Hollywood's Golden Era

"I said, John, you know, it's a visual art. You don't give me something to do, at least I'm gonna be something to look at." - Morgan Fairchild To celebrate the 100th episode of our podcast 80s TV Ladies, hosts Susan Lambert Hatem and Sharon Johnson welcome actress, activist, and podcaster Morgan Fairchild to discuss her decades-spanning career and how television and auditioning have changed from in-person meetings to self-tapes and fragmented audiences. Fairchild recounts moving from Texas to New York after a young divorce, breaking in through open calls, landing Search for Tomorrow, then relocating to Los Angeles and getting an early role on Rafferty with Patrick McGoohan. She explains shaping layered “bad guy” roles with comedy, including Initiation of Sarah, Flamingo Road (and being labeled “too sexy for TV” by the Moral Majority), and Falcon Crest, where she pushed for a promised incest-repercussions storyline and used fashion as a visual hook. She shares behind-the-scenes stories from Pee-wee’s Big Adventure with Paul Reubens, friendships with classic Hollywood stars, her AIDS activism and COVID education, and her new podcast with sister Catherine Hart, Two Bitches from Texas. 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 02:48 How TV Has Changed 04:46 Texas to New York Breakthrough 07:21 First Hollywood Job Story 11:43 Making Characters Pop 13:21 Becoming the Power Bitch 16:25 Too Sexy for TV 18:03 Falcon Crest Storyline Fight 21:38 Pee Wee Movie Chaos 26:27 Old Hollywood Friendships 31:53 Doubts and Survival 33:25 Career Doubts Persist 34:06 Divas Christmas Set 36:20 Sequel Push Lifetime 36:55 AIDS Activism Costs 39:17 Staying Engaged Today 44:29 Podcast With Sister 48:08 Guests And Format 49:33 Naming The Show 53:14 Bonnie And Clyde Double 55:28 Finding The Set and Meeting Warren Beatty 01:00:15 Podcast Plugs Farewell 01:01:55 Call Your Reps 01:02:23 Next Series Tease AUDIOOGRAPHY Find Morgan Fairchild at Morganfairchild.com Listen to Morgan Fairchild and Catherine Hart at their website Two Bitches from Texas or wherever you find your podcasts. Check out Morgan Fairchild's book, Morgan Fairchild Super Looks, at eBay Find out more about Catherine Hart's acting classes at her website Heart and Soul Connect with 80s TV Ladies at 80sTVLadies.com Take action at 5Calls.org PROMO DEALS Get awesome sheets and pajamas at COZY EARTH. Be sure to use the promo code: 80STVLADIES. Happy Shopping! MARCH DEALS BLOCK 80s TV Ladies deals and discounts: Cozy Earth (21% Off) 🔗 Get them at: https://MyDeals.Page/19wy 🎁 Code: 80STVLADIES NEW DEALS - Just added! Bear Knuckles premium leather work gloves (15% Off) Afuera Coffee sustainable coffee (15% Off) 🔗 Get them at: https://MyDeals.Page/19wy 🎁Code: 80STVLADIES 📻 CONNECT WITH 80s TV LADIES Official Website: 80sTVLadies.com Email Us: [email protected] Support the Show: Get ad-free episodes and bonus content | Support on Patreon 🎭 SUSAN'S NEW VENTURE Arts A La Carte – A non-profit dedicated to helping develop new works in theater. You can help us. Support the Arts! DONATE at ArtsALaCarte.org Instagram: @ArtsALaCarteLA Visit 80sTVLadies.com for more info. Listen to 80s TV Ladies at YouTube. Subscribe and help us grow. Don’t miss out. Sign up for the 80s TV Ladies mailing list! Help us make more episodes and get ad-free episodes, video interviews, and exclusive content on PATREON.