Sneaking Into The Stadium With Alyssa Milano
Politickin' with Gavin Newsom, Marshawn Lynch, and Doug Hendrickson
Deep Dive
How did Alyssa Milano's father influence her love for baseball?
Alyssa Milano's father was a big baseball fan and used to sneak into Ebbets Field from under the bleachers. He rebelled against the National League after the Dodgers moved, which led Alyssa to become a Yankees fan initially. When they moved to California, her father became a Dodgers fan, and Alyssa followed suit. Baseball became a way for her to connect with her father, and she even wrote a book about it called 'Safe at Home.'
What role did hockey play in Alyssa Milano's life?
Alyssa Milano's first boyfriend was a hockey player who played for the Kings and was traded for Kelly Rudy. She is also part owner of the Seattle Kraken, showing her deep connection to the sport. Her brother attended Shattuck St. Mary's on an ice hockey scholarship, and her family has a strong hockey background, though her son gravitated more toward baseball.
Why does Alyssa Milano have a deep respect for hockey players?
Alyssa Milano respects hockey players for their incredible athleticism, toughness, and ability to skate at full speed, stop on a dime, and handle the puck while dealing with defenders. She admires their resilience and the physical demands of the sport, which she experienced firsthand when she tried skating and realized how challenging it is.
How did Alyssa Milano's acting career begin?
Alyssa Milano's acting career began when her babysitter took her to an open audition for 'Annie' without telling her parents. Out of 1,500 kids, she was one of four selected for the National Touring Company. This led to her role in 'Who's the Boss?' at age 11, which she starred in until she was 19.
What was Alyssa Milano's experience with fame as a child star?
Alyssa Milano found fame as a child star isolating and uncomfortable. She struggled with the sudden attention and the pressure of being in the public eye. Her parents provided stability, and her mother hired a guardian to accompany her on set, ensuring her brother also received attention. Despite the challenges, she credits her family for helping her navigate the complexities of fame.
What is the Jackie Coogan Law, and how does it protect child actors?
The Jackie Coogan Law protects child actors by ensuring they receive a portion of their earnings, which must be set aside in a trust until they reach adulthood. This law prevents parents or managers from taking all of a child actor's money. Alyssa Milano mentioned that pop stars do not have similar protections, leaving them vulnerable to financial exploitation.
How did Alyssa Milano's activism begin?
Alyssa Milano's activism began at age 15 during the AIDS epidemic when she appeared on 'The Phil Donahue Show' with Ryan White, a teenager who contracted HIV through a blood transfusion. She kissed him on the show to prove that HIV/AIDS could not be spread through casual contact, which was a controversial act at the time. This experience inspired her to use her platform for advocacy.
What challenges do celebrities face when speaking out on political issues?
Celebrities often face backlash and criticism when speaking out on political issues, with some being labeled as out of touch or elite. Alyssa Milano noted that many artists and athletes come from humble beginnings and understand struggle, but they are often misrepresented. She also mentioned that some celebrities fear alienating half their audience or losing income, which can deter them from being vocal.
How did Alyssa Milano's dyslexia affect her career?
Alyssa Milano's dyslexia made reading and auditioning challenging, but she turned it into a strength by memorizing scripts instead of reading them. She credits her on-set tutors for helping her learn at her own pace and fostering a love of learning. She views dyslexia as her 'superpower' because it allows her to approach problem-solving and creativity differently.
What is Alyssa Milano's perspective on her children pursuing careers in entertainment?
Alyssa Milano initially wanted her children to focus on education and avoid the entertainment industry. However, she realized that her daughter is a natural performer and enjoys musical theater. Milano now supports her daughter's passion, acknowledging that children come into the world with their own identities and interests.
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