Marla Pennington's Journey from SOAP to Small Wonder

Classic Conversations

Marla Pennington, known for her roles on SOAP and Small Wonder, shares her fascinating journey from her family's mattress business to Hollywood stardom. She reflects on her breakout in acting, the dramatic and comedic nuances of working with icons like Richard Mulligan, and the joy of sitcom performances. Marla offers heartwarming anecdotes about SOAP, including hilarious behind-the-scenes moments and how the show’s humor holds up over time. She also dives into the unforgettable experience of filming Small Wonder, including tales of syndication success and the show's lasting fan legacy. The episode concludes with stories of legendary Hollywood dinner parties, her transition from acting, and a spicy Hot Ones experience with her family.

Episode Highlights:

• From Mattresses to Hollywood: How Marla's escape from a future in her family's mattress business led to discovering her passion for drama in high school.
• The Spirit of SOAP: Working alongside serious comedic actors, creating unforgettable scenes like the famous pasta face-plant, and the supportive, theater-like set atmosphere.
• Small Wonder Memories: Landing the role of Joan Lawson, meeting future friends on set, and the unique challenges of acting alongside Vicki the robot.
• Guest Stars and Auditions: Auditioning for Charlie's Angels in front of Jaclyn Smith, meeting Hollywood legends, and the thrill and heartbreak of almost securing big roles.
• Life Beyond Acting: Hosting legendary Sunday dinners with comedic legends, bonding over laughter, and participating in a memorable Hot Ones challenge with her son.

You're going to love my conversation with Marla Pennington

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