Media Path Podcast Hollywood's Most Elegant Era & A Legacy Of Wildlife Conservation with Stefanie Powers
We’re joined by Stefanie Powers for a layered conversation that spans Hollywood’s golden-era traditions, cultural change, and a life shaped by both stardom and purpose.
For those in the Los Angeles area, Stefanie, with co-star Patrick Wayne, will be performing 'Love Letters' at the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood as a benefit for the William Holden Wildlife Foundation on January 11, 2026!
Stefanie reflects on growing up alongside future screen legends at Hollywood High School, and how her lifelong love of animals began at home, thanks to a stepfather who raised thoroughbreds and kept exotic animals.
Her first professional job came at age 15 when she was cast in the film West Side Story, where the young cast prepared by listening to recordings of real New York street kids to capture authentic rhythms and speech patterns. However, Stefanie’s tender age required too many work time restrictions as the production’s intensity ramped up and her part was re-cast.
She describes old school studio system rigors, where actors “sold their lives” for a seven-year contract. Restrictive, yes, but also an entertainment education that taught singing, dancing, acting, and stage presence, alongside publicity essentials.
Still under contract with Columbia, she was loaned out to United Artists to make McLintock! and Stefanie shares memories of working with John, Michael and Patrick Wayne.
The legendary show biz tales are boundless. Did you know that Natalie Wood, Jill St. John and Stephanie were all in the same childhood dance class? All would, one way or another, be married to Robert Wagner. And, true story: During a painful divorce, Stefanie was offered solace at Roddy McDowell’s house by fellow travelers, Elizabeth Taylor and Ava Gardner.
She also recounts the party at Dean Martin’s home where she danced the night away with Bobby Kennedy Sr. as he encouraged her to use her Spanish language skills to become more civically involved with Latino communities here at home.
She also speaks candidly about her complex romantic relationship with William Holden, whose influence on her life is ongoing. In his name, she has created The William Holden Wildlife Foundation in Kenya where local youth learn biodiversity, species conservation and alternatives to habitat destruction for humans and wildlife.
And of course, we talk Hart To Hart where Stefanie starred with Robert Wagner. She was actually on her way to Broadway when a newspaper strike halted her production of Cyrano, and freed her to take a pilot that would change her life!
In current media --
Fritz: (joined by his daughter Carly!) Nuremberg, in theaters and streaming
Weezy: The documentary Twas The Fight Before Christmas on Apple TV+ and Prime
Path Points of Interest:
William Holden Wildlife Foundation