The Oprah Winfrey Show Season 1 Episode 2 TV's New Leading Men
- October 19, 1986
In The Oprah Winfrey Show season 1 episode 2, titled "TV's New Leading Men," Oprah invited four up-and-coming male actors to her show to discuss their recent successes and the challenges of breaking into a notoriously difficult industry.
The episode began with Oprah introducing each of the guests: Tom Hanks, Judd Nelson, Chris Atkins, and Rick Schroder. She asked each of them to share their personal stories about how they started their acting careers and any failures or setbacks they encountered along the way.
Tom Hanks discussed his early days in community theater and how he worked his way up the ranks to eventually star in TV shows and movies. Judd Nelson talked about his struggles with addiction and how he overcame it to land a role in the iconic film The Breakfast Club. Chris Atkins shared how he got his start as a child actor and what it was like to transition into more adult roles. Rick Schroder talked about his experiences on the hit TV show Silver Spoons and the pressure to live up to expectations as a child star.
Throughout the episode, Oprah asked thoughtful questions that allowed the actors to share their unique perspectives on the entertainment industry. They talked about the importance of perseverance, the challenges of auditioning, and the role of luck and timing in their success. They also addressed common misconceptions about actors and the industry as a whole.
As the episode came to a close, Oprah asked each of the actors to share their advice for young people trying to break into show business. They all agreed on the importance of hard work, talent, and a positive attitude. They also stressed the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance and taking care of oneself both physically and mentally.
Overall, TV's New Leading Men was an inspiring and informative episode that gave viewers a glimpse into the world of acting and the struggles and triumphs that come along with it. Oprah's skilled interviewing and the candid responses from the guests made for a fascinating watch that left viewers feeling uplifted and motivated.