LIVE with The Famous Dr AL with Actress Stefanie Powers

Stefanie Powers – A Life in Hollywood and Conservation

Introduction

Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes legendary actress and conservationist Stefanie Powers, best known for her roles in The Girl from U.N.C.L.E. and Hart to Hart. Beyond acting, Stefanie is the founder of the William Holden Wildlife Foundation, dedicated to wildlife education and habitat preservation in Africa.

From Hollywood Starlet to Leading Lady

Early Career and Studio Contracts

Stefanie was just 16 when she signed a contract with Columbia Pictures during the twilight of the studio system. She made 16 films before her contract was sold to MGM, leading to her starring role in The Girl from U.N.C.L.E..

Breaking Barriers in Television

Without realizing it at the time, Stefanie became the first woman to lead an hour-long action TV series. She worked tirelessly, filming 29 episodes per season over seven days per episode, setting a precedent for future female leads in television.

The Reality of an Acting Career

A Word of Caution for Aspiring Actors

When Dr. Lycka mentions his granddaughter’s interest in acting, Stefanie offers blunt advice:

• The industry isn’t what it used to be.
• Acting requires serious training and dedication, not just social media stardom.
• If she loves performance, music school may be a better path.

Her Own Beginnings

Stefanie’s first acting opportunity came through a chance meeting with Tom Laughlin, later famous for Billy Jack. From there, producer Jerry Wald took notice of her talent, opening doors to elite acting schools at MGM, 20th Century Fox, and Columbia—where she studied under legends like Sanford Meisner.

Hollywood’s Golden Era vs. Today

The Intimate Film Industry of the Past

Stefanie reminisces about how the industry was once a tight-knit community, where everyone knew each other. She recalls an amusing encounter with Blake Edwards, who offered her a role after a random conversation about their matching European sunglasses.

Modern Hollywood’s Lack of Industry Knowledge

Unlike past generations, today’s aspiring actors often lack knowledge of film history. Stefanie expresses concern that young talents don’t know or respect the legends that built the industry.

Her Passion for Conservation

The William Holden Wildlife Foundation

Beyond acting, Stefanie is deeply involved in wildlife conservation. Her foundation, named after her late partner William Holden, has been operating since 1982 with a mission of:

• Wildlife education and biodiversity awareness
• Habitat regeneration and conservation

Reaching Thousands Through Education

Her foundation educates over 17,000 students annually, both at its main center and through outreach programs. She emphasizes the importance of biodiversity and explains how every species, no matter how small, contributes to the survival of our planet.

How to Get Involved

Listeners can learn more or support the foundation by visiting whwf.org.

Personal Insights

On Passion and Perseverance

Stefanie acknowledges that acting has its highs and lows, but the exhilarating moments keep her coming back. She jokes that if not for acting, she would have pursued a career in archaeology.

Favorite Author

She admires Simon Winchester, an author known for his ability to make history engaging and accessible.

What Makes Her Laugh?

A good joke—and often, herself!