Exclusive and Unusual Interview with PHIL KAKO

- Buzz on SANTA BARBARA (1986) -

Today I’m presenting to you the interview that Phillip Arthur Kako has granted exclusively to “Santa Barbara Blog”. He began his career as a stage actor. Among his most important works: LOVERS AND OTHER STRANGERS, BARE WITNESS, OPALS HUSBAND, GOOD EVENING and BUS STOP. In 1986 Eileen Kerrigan (SANTA BARBARA’s casting associate) spotted Phil sitting in the audience of that theatrical showcase, and knew he’d make the perfect “Buzz”, the owner of BUZZ’S PLACE. After SB he starred on several TV series: MARRIED WITH CHILDREN, MOONLIGHTING and many others. Among his film work, there are Martin Scorsese’s CASINO, Leo Penn’s HARVEST HOME and LIVING IN L.A.

If I say to you "Santa Barbara", which is the first memory that comes to your mind?

It was my first BIG break into television. I was SO happy to be there. I really felt like I was on my way : ) Yes I did have to audition. I was asked to read for the part after I had gone to a friends play to help her out with being with people. While there the casting director went up to my friend and asked if I was available to audition for a part the next day. Of course I said yes and, that’s how I got the part.

You were the owner of Buzz's Place, the pub where most of the characters used to meet. What do you remember about the character? 

You know ,I don’t recall any anecdotes. Mainly because I think that BUZZ was just a “sounding-board” with which to get things off their shoulders. And, as of the character; I loved him. There could have been so so much to engulf him in some of their  deeds ,if they wanted.

Can you describe a typical day of work on SB? How was the atmosphere on the set?

As far as I am and was concerned  it was wonderful. There were no tribulations between me as BUZZ or as myself Phil. Everybody was so dam nice and made me feel real real good. As most things go maybe if I was more solid  there would have been a change but, from my time  from beginning to my coma and death  was GREAT.

Which is your best SB memory? And your worst?

Well, since this was my  absolute FIRST  big entry into daytime T V . I feel my very first day with lines and make-up and MY OWN ROOM  was probably my best. And, I’ll have to say was my worst was learning after the fact  of my coma that I was going to die and NEVER return. I was so NEW at this movie/television bizz I did not realize that that is how people get shoved off a program L

Did you met Bridget and Jerry Dobson, the creators of the show? What do you remember about them?

I was not privileged to meet them. Had I had my “BIZZ” wits about myself and character; I would have stepped up something for BUZZ.

At that time Robin Wright (Kelly Capwell) starred on the show. Do you remember something about her? Do you think she was happy to be there?

Ms Robin was my absolute joy and delight. She was so nice to me. And, she truly carried the air of Kelly with her in her beauty and sweetness. What a pleasure…!

Then, during an explosion, Amy (Kerry Sherman) was killed, and the Buzz 'place was destroyed. Was Kerry Sherman fired, or she decided to left?

 I again was not allowed or rightfully know of other actors demise. However after many years, rumor had it that she had a 2 film deal  pending if she could get out of SANTA BARBARA. So as is most often the case  the writers find a way to  eliminate a character. This time it happened to take another along with her basically I had not induced a long TV relationship for the audience to ask for me back.

Why you left? 

Apparently there was no place for …A COMA VICTIM  to go other than off. I could have gone several ways but. Not to happen. I do not recall how it was relayed to me how I would be off.

But I remember that Buzz had come out unscathed from the explosion ....

He was put into a coma after the explosion that killed AMY ..The people bought burnt-down Buzz's  and put up a Christmas tree lot for that Christmas.

What about the chemistry about A Martinez (Cruz) & Marcy Walker (Eden)? Was it tangible?

They seem to be very  very correct in their togetherness on set. I liked them both very much.

Did you have a friendship with some actor/actress?

No, No  just maybe some occasional meeting along the way.

Do you gladly remember you SB experience?

OH! Heavens yes. My experience there was a  dynamic joy for me. As I sit her now typing this out to you I wish my carrier would have continued on but, alas it was not to be.

And now can you tell us some gossip, some antipathy, tension or something spicy occurred between the cast members? Pure gossip, but fans go crazy for it.

As I had said before I was so NEW  I did not have a strong off stage fellowship with any of the  cast. My stay there on set was GREAT!.

You starred on movies (Casino by Martin Scorsese and others), stage and television: which of them you prefer?

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE doing movies; that is what I would like to carry on doing but, I can’t exactly now. I have 2 arthritic knees so can not run or walk that much. Oh sure that have character that sit and even some mean types but, so VERY, VERY , few and far between.

Do you have any regrets?

YES. I WISH I HAD A MENTOR OR SOMEONE to push me in that direction and not lay back on my hopes.

What are you afraid of?

I believe that I have heard so so many negative rumors…AND, listened to them; that now it may be to late for me to believe in myself.

Now in 2012 what are you doing?

Since I travelled a different road for about the last 25 years. I have ended up with little. My biggest hope is that I will be able to sell my personal collection of   “GEMSTONES”  that I have been collecting over the years. And, be able to retire with a little more than a stipend from the Govt.

What would you say to all the fans who still love SB?

First, I would LOVE to thank ALL of them that came out to our “FANFARE” softball game in I believe it was APRIL. During the year some shows or favorite singer or somebody like that have what is called.. FANFARE WEEK  where the fans and the personalities get together for  different ceremonies. One of them was a softball game that we had during  the fanfare week that I was there.. So some of the actors and fans got together for this game That was first and, ONLY get together with the fans. They   A L L   made feel so darn GOOD. I WAS THE LAST ACTOR THERE SIGNING AUTOGRAPHS.  So thank all of the fans that made SANTA BARBARA NUMBER ONE FOR SO LONG, <3

Amy's death

Sept 11, 1986: #Hayley (Stacy Edwards) throws cans at Buzz's and there's an explosion. #Buzz (Phil Kako) is rescued, #Amy (Kerry Sherman) is found dead after the fire.

Pubblicato da Santa Barbara Blog su Martedì 11 settembre 2018