The Coogan Chronicles
By Chris Marquette and AJ Trauth
Hosted by former child actors Chris Marquette and AJ Trauth, who met on a set as kids and have been best buds ever since.
The Coogan ChroniclesJan 26, 2021
Rivkah Reyes
Co-Hosts Chris Marquette and AJ Trauth talk with ANOTHER host of a podcast interviewing former child actors named RIVKAH REYES. You may remember her from her work in Jack Black's SCHOOL OF ROCK. Her podcast is titled Where Are We Now? Rivkah opens up about getting sober, her complicated relationship to her family and what she's learned from her experience podcasting with former kid performers. ENJOY!
Hatty Jones
Your Co-Hosts Chris Marquette and AJ Trauth interview Hatty Jones, who you may remember as the little girl who played Madeline, in the film adaptation Madeline, based on the wildly popular children's book series. She hosts a podcast where she also interviews former child actors from the UK called Are You From That Show? Hear them all swap stories on what they've learned over the last eighteen months talking to so many former child actors! Enjoy!
Kevin Schmidt
Your co-hosts Chris Marquette and AJ Trauth chat with an old friend Kevin Schmidt about his professional life as a former child actor. Kevin worked non-stop throughout his youth. You may remember him from films like Cheaper By The Dozen 1 and 2 and The Butterfly Effect. As well as countless TV shows. He chats about what it's like to be type casted based on your weight and why he transitioned to the other side of the camera. Enjoy!!
Hallee Hirsh
Your hosts Chris and AJ chat with their old pal Hallee Hirsh about her extensive, incredible career that began at the tender age of three and spanned decades. You may remember her from You've Got Mail with Tom Hanks. Or from TV shows like ER and JAG. However, she worked non-stop so if you watched TV in the 90's or 2000's, you've almost certainly watched her amazing talent grace the screen. Hallee lives an incredible life outside of being an actor and she shares all her wisdom, charm and insight in this fun and exciting episode! ENJOY!
Andrew Leeds
Your hosts Chris Marquette and Andrew Trauth chat with the ever charming Andrew Leeds about his time on Broadway and in classic feature films as a child and how that laid the foundation for a successful, multi-facted career as an adult actor, writer and director. You may Remember Andrew from Major Payne with Damon Wayans or have seen him most recently on the TV shows Barry and Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist. Enjoy!!
Kimberly J Brown
You may remember Kimberly from Halloweentown, Bringing Down The House, Tumbleweeds, Guiding Light and literally thousands of other movies, shows, play and commercials. Chris and Kim sang all your childhood favorite jingles for cereals and snacks and your hosts are proud to share all her wisdom, fun stories and wonderful insight into her life as a former child actor.
Season 2 Opener Chris and AJ
Chris and AJ are back! They give you a quick catch up on how the 'hiatus' has been, and what to expect from the podcast moving forward!
Season 1 Finale - Chris Marquette and Aj Trauth
In this episode, Season 1 of The Coogan Chronicles Podcast comes to an end with a conversation between hosts Chris and AJ.
They recapped the amazing conversations they had in the show’s very first seasons, as well as future plans to expand the podcast, welcome new guests, and more.
In this episode
- Wha Chris and AJ have learned from interviewing former child actors
- Reflecting on their own experiences based on the stories shared in past episodes
- The evolution and future conversations to be had on The Coogan Chronicles Podcast
- What life was like on set for Chris and AJ
- Answering your most prominent questions
CONNECT WITH CHRIS & AJ
Lou Taylor Pucci
On this week’s episode, the one and only Lou Taylor Pucci (You, Evil Dead) deconstructs his time spent working as a child actor and how it led him on a full circle path back to having fun. Coogan listeners will learn all about Lou’s upbringing, his road to becoming an indie darling, and most importantly, how to not act.
Lou tells us about his start on Broadway, and about his family background, which influenced a lot of his decision making around money.
He talks about finding the love of acting through an ultimatum, his introduction into community theater and growing up around non-actor kids.
Lou also shares about the inspiring impact of his father on his life, and the many challenges he faced before finally booking a Sundance-winning indie film.
He goes into what it’s like changing agents, riding the wave of independent films, and the fear of not knowing how to act.
Lastly, Lou tells the listeners about his perspective on meeting film legends, what he would say if his kids wanted to be actors, and what he spent his Coogan account money on.
Connect with Lou:
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Jamie-Lynn Sigler
Jamie-Lynn Sigler (The Sopranos, Entourage) of Sopranos fame and a lesser-known stint as a childhood popstar, chats with hosts Chris & AJ regarding all things theatre, perspective, and learning how to live (and thrive) within a diagnosis of MS in this episode of the Coogan Chronicles.
Jamie-Lynn shares with listeners about struggling to fit inside an ethnic box during casting calls, auditioning for The Sopranos, and the way acting shaped her life and career.
She also talks about the mentorship she received from the late James Gandolfini, and how the Sopranos cast was, and still is, like family.
Jamie-Lynn told us about what it was like going to college and filming The Sopranos at the same time, and why she decided to keep quiet about personal life problems while filming.
She shares her perspective on the child acting industry overall, and how younger actors are often seen as older than they are.
Lastly, she talks about taking a break from acting once she was diagnosed with MS, almost quitting acting, how she found her fit in a new opportunity, and taking acting classes at the age of 39.
Jamie-Lynn shares so much about how her family feels about her acting, and what she did with her Coogan Account money.
Connect with Jamie-Lynn on Instagram, or her two podcasts Pajama Pants Podcast and Mama Said Podcast.
Robert Iler
On this episode of The Coogan Chronicles, Robert Iler of The Sopranos sits down with Chris & AJ to discuss the mentorship of James Gandolfini, bullying a young Chris Marquette and what finally led Robert to change his past alcohol and drug abuse for a healthier lifestyle of green juice and yoga.
Robert and Chris reminisce on filming an episode of Saturday Night Live together, and Chris’ eventual bullying by Rob.
He also shared with our hosts how he landed the job of the son of a mafia boss, and how he lived a double life as an actor. He shares with the listeners his struggles with drinking and drugs, and his many club nights out.
Rob recounts the reaction of his friends and family to being on television, and breaks down acting for non-actors.
He then shares with our listeners when his excessive partying began to take a toll, how his onscreen family reacted to his unhealthy lifestyle, getting arrested and his decision to become sober.
Robert shares with us the story of his arrest and how different getting arrested is when you’re famous.
He then tells us why he quit acting and about the decision he made to no longer be in the spotlight.
Our hosts end on the reason as to why Robert is thankful for having worked on an HBO crime-drama over a Disney show, if Robert let his kid become an actor, and how he spent his Coogan Account money?
Charlie Talbert
Hailing all the way from Kenosha, Wisconsin, Charlie Talbert (Angus) chats with Chris and AJ on the parallels of the film to Charlie’s own life, as well as what it was like to be “discovered,” and experiencing the lowest lows of his career.
Charlie recalls the serendipitous moment that brought him to Hollywood, and the audition process and winning the lead role for ‘Angus.’
He also shared with us about his school life and tough upbringing, and how acting became his way out. He transitioned from living in Wisconsin to living out his purpose of entertaining others. He shared with us about what he learned from being on set and how being on set helped him grow up.
Charlie had some really incredible insights on the whole experience of filming Angus and how it changed his life, but also shared about what happened once filming wrapped up.
Charlie shared with our hosts about his lowest point of his life, contemplating suicide, and how he gained a new perspective.
Lastly, Charlie tells our hosts if he would let his future children act, and of course, what he did with his Coogan Account money.
Davida Williams
In this episode, a longtime friend of our Coogan hosts, Davida Williams (Lizzie McGuire, As The World Turns), shares her untold beginnings of performing alongside Michael Jackson and touring with Madonna. She also gives her honest take of the many racial remarks of casting directors, and experimenting with other professions outside the acting world.
Our hosts dive in to Davida’s beginnings in acting and what it was like working on sitcoms such as Professional Children’s School, Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper, The Sinbad Show and Baby Daddy
Davida also told our hosts about her creative family of entertainers and what it was like touring with Michael Jackson, performing at the superbowl with Michael Jackson, and touring with Madonna.
We dive into what it was like attending school in New York as a young actress, and attending the Professional Performing Arts School (PPAS) with Christy Carlson Romano.
Of course, you’ll know Davida from her role on The Lizzie McGuire show. Naturally, Davida tells us about her experience and shares her thoughts about Hilary Duff’s success.
Davida shares about the good and bad memories that stand out to her, briefly quitting acting, and the sacrifices she made for her acting career.
Lastly, Davida talks about racial remarks that often came from casting directors, such as not acting ‘black enough’.
Our hosts end the episode on two questions: What would Davida say if her future child wanted to be an actor? And what did Davida do with her Coogan Account money?
Raviv Ullman
The Coogan Chronicles continue with Raviv Ullman (Phil of the Future, Pixel Perfect) as he talks all things Disney and what specific character trait of his led him to landing a lead role on the channel. Listen in to hear all about the benefits of mentorship post-Disney, the struggles of navigating the industry from a business perspective, and Raviv’s star-studded ‘Acoustic Nights.’
In this episode, you’ll learn about what it was like finding success at a young age, discovering his love for theatre acting, and traveling the world with his grandpa, all while attending public school. Raviv then tells us about his experience booking Phil of the Future and moving to LA. There, he met and became friends with hosts Chris & AJ, and AJ recalls losing the iconic ‘Phil’ role to Raviv.
The hosts and Raviv reminisce on the epic and star-studded Acoustic Nights Raviv used to host, and how it was packed with celebrities like Mark Foster and Katy Perry. They also share stories about their rap groups from the past.
Raviv shares with us why he changed his name to Ricky, and the controversy surrounding using a stage name.
He also dives into his thoughts on using social media as a platform for fan connection and social activism, and the struggles of trying to navigate the industry from a business perspective.
Lastly, the hosts and Raviv end the episode with the purpose and intention of Raviv’s new podcast called “The Study”, and of course, answering the two most pressing questions: would he let his future kids act? And how did he spend his Coogan account money?
You can connect with Raviv on Instagram
Jamie Renée Smith
Actress Jamie Renée Smith (Dante’s Peak, Weeds) chats with our hosts about what it’s like to have the same agent for 20 years, being a part of a summer blockbuster film, and former-kid feelings of regret that ring true for everyone.
In this episode, Jamie remembers her first gig as the young Fran Drescher on ‘The Nanny’ and the audition process for landing that role. She had the same agent for 20 years, building an incredible relationship and many memories that Jamie talks about with our hosts.
Jamie talks about getting her start into acting and what it’s like to work on a sitcom with a live studio audience. Since she was on set from such a young age, she shared with us the ins and outs of on-set schooling, laid-back tutors, and the perks/disadvantages of being a young actress in public school.
When Jamie got older, she landed the role of Dante’s Peak, and talks about the memories she has from working on set.
As the conversation continues, Jamie shares with the listeners the introduction she had to nudity while filming Weeds, as well as her mindset and thoughts around this.
Jamie now teaches acting, and shares how her experience as an actor helps her students today. The hosts and Jamie touched on the regrets of youth that exist in actors and non-actors alike.
And of course, this conversation ended with Jamie sharing what she did with her Coogan Account money.
Connect with Jamie Renée Smith on Instagram
Christy Carlson Romano
Fellow ‘Even Stevens’ cast member, Christy Carlson Romano sits down with AJ & Chris to discuss all things Even Stevens, feeling a pressure to maintain the Disney channel brand, and coming to terms with her past while achieving her sobriety.
You’ll remember Christy from Even Stevens, Kim Possible and Cadet Kelly.
Christy shared so much about her life, family, and experience growing up in the spotlight. We spoke about her relationship with her parents and siblings, her co-stars on set, and how she still feels like an older sister to Shia Labeouf.
We dove deep into her life after Even Stevens, and the years she spent achieving sobriety. We also chatted about the article she wrote for Teen Vogue, and how it so eloquently lays out her life’s experiences.
You can find the article here: https://www.teenvogue.com/story/christy-carlson-romano-my-private-breakdown
Connect with Christy
Mara Wilson - Part Two
Mara Wilson, who you will remember from Matilda, Miracle on 34th Street and Mrs. Doubtfire, joins our hosts this week for the conclusion of this two-part episode!
Chris & AJ dive further into Mara’s book, dating apps, and the relationships between child actors and their on-set nannies/chaperones.
Learn about how Mara and Chris met, as well as the important principles of ‘DFYF’. Mara also shared with us a letter to Matilda, and insights into the self-defining roles experienced by young actors.
They spoke about the illegal goings on of child actor hours, and the good and the bad of set nannies and chaperones - as well as Mara’s personal experiences with her own nannies and chaperones.
Mara discusses the pressures and sexualization of young women and boys in portraying adult content, and about her moving on from film to theatre.
At the end of the episode, Mara shared with listeners if she would ever act again in film, what she spent her Coogan account money on, and if she would let her kid be an actor.
Connect with Mara on Instagram
Get Mara’s book here
Mara Wilson - Part One
Mara Wilson joins our hosts this week for this two-part episode! From the road to becoming an author, to her views on Hollywood, fame, and on-set teachers, Mara does not disappoint.
We delve into nearly every facet of Mara's life. Everything from the genesis of her career, post-fame adolescence, becoming an author, her views on Hollywood, fame and a young actors relationship with their on set school tutor.
Mara was so eloquent, charming, funny and deeply moving in our chat with her. Her perspective on her own experiences working in films we all remember, Mrs. Doubtfire, Matilda, Miracle on 34th Street and her take on child actors in general was so entertaining and profound.
She really lays out the experience of most former kid actors in a clear and beautiful manner that were thrilled to share with you all.
Listen in to hear from one of your childhood favorites, and now present-day adult role model.
Connect with Mara on Instagram
Get Mara’s book here
Devon Werkheiser
This week on The Coogan Chronicles, Chris & AJ have a chat with THE Ned of ‘Ned’s Declassified,’ Devon Werkheiser (Crown Vic, Sundown). In this episode, Devon speaks on topics such as; what it was like on-set of a Nickelodeon show, executives abusing their power with children, and everything that life after Ned’s has taught him.
Andrew McFarlane
Our hosts sit down with close friend, Andrew McFarlane (My Wife and Kids, Any Day Now) to discuss how skateboarding brought them all together, how to steer clear of the dark side of Hollywood, and Andrew’s transition from performer to entrepreneur.
Andrea Bowen
Andrea Bowen (Desperate Housewives, G.B.F.) sits down to chat about herself and her six –count em, six!– theatrically inclined siblings. From performing as Broadway’s youngest Cosette of Les Miserables, to taking us behind the scenes of the gossip-riddled set of Desperate Housewives, Andrea relates all that she has learned along the way.
Lauren Frost
From touring the world with Barbara Streisand, to acting alongside Coogan’s own AJ Trauth, Lauren Frost (Even Stevens) chats with our hosts surrounding the issues of childhood trauma, the Disney channel formula, and starring in a television show pilot.
Madeline Zima - Part Two
In this follow up two-part episode of the Coogan Chronicles, Madeline Zima (The Nanny, Californication) continues the conversation into her childhood acting career. Madeline breaks down her tips into finding joy through difficult times, her thoughts on nudity, and the support of her talented sisters.
Madeline Zima - Part One
In this two-part episode of the Coogan Chronicles, Madeline Zima (The Nanny, Californication) brings all of the insights into her practice of ‘letting go’ of the usual industry frustrations as both a former child actor and successful adult actor. Listen in for her experience on growing up on a major sitcom, dealing with negative treatment, and her venture into directing.
Steven Anthony Lawrence
Josh Zuckerman
Vanessa Chester
On this episode of the Coogan Chronicles we welcome Vanessa Chester and our hosts get an inside look of Jurassic Park auditions with Steven Spielberg, as well as the rivalry between child actors and Vanessa’s insight into the issues with diversity in casting.
Chris Marquette and AJ Trauth
In this premiere episode of The Coogan Chronicles, our hosts - and former child actors themselves - discuss the purpose of the show and what it hopes to accomplish by first shining a light onto their own beginnings in this child-actor on child-actor interview.
The Coogan Chronicles! - Season Trailer
Coming soon, THE COOGAN CHRONICLES! Two former child actors, interview your favorite child stars about growing up in the spotlight.