Actor, Chris Sarandon and his quest with podcast “Cooking By Heart" on Center Stage with Pamela Kuhn

Join host Pamela on Center Stage for an in-depth conversation with legendary actor Chris Sarandon. From his iconic, career-defining roles in beloved cult classics to his passion project, the "Cooking by Heart" podcast, Sarandon shares candid stories about the universal language of food, family, and memory. He reflects on his experience growing up in a Greek immigrant family's restaurant, his personal journey to becoming an inveterate gardener, and the inspiration behind his podcast, which explores the lives of celebrity guests through the recipes that define them. Sarandon also opens up about his relationship with his wife, actress Joanna Gleason, and their life together in Connecticut. Key Takeaways from the Interview: The Power of Cult Classics: Sarandon discusses the enduring legacy of his roles as Prince Humperdinck in The Princess Bride and the seductive vampire Jerry Dandridge in Fright Night, and how the films achieved cult status. Fright Night Revisited: He shares the surprising story of how he almost turned down the role in Fright Night, believing it would "sully" his name, only to be captivated by Tom Holland's script and vision. "Cooking by Heart" Concept: The impetus for the podcast came during the pandemic, evolving into a show that uses food as a "conduit" to share memories and emotional, universal stories from guests. The Surprising Depth of Stories: He reveals that he was unprepared for the variety of emotional stories on the podcast, including those from guests whose family food experiences were not always "culinary triumph," but still "rich" in their own way. Family and Food DNA: Sarandon's connection to food is traced back through three generations of his family, including both grandfathers and his father who owned a restaurant. He also highlights his son's career as a trained chef. Season 3 Guests: He previews the latest season, featuring fascinating conversations with guests like Rosanna Arquette, Michael Urie, Illeana Douglas, Victor Garber, Jill Eikenberry, and former NBC Universal Vice Chairman Bonnie Hammer.