Beyond Leave It to Beaver: Stephen Talbot’s Journey Acting and Journalism

Classic Conversations

Stephen Talbot’s career spans decades, beginning as a child actor best known for playing Gilbert on Leave It to Beaver. His journey includes memorable roles on classic shows like The Twilight Zone, Perry Mason, and Lassie, where he worked alongside Hollywood legends such as Rod Serling and Lucille Ball.

Beyond acting, Talbot made a bold transition into journalism and documentary filmmaking, becoming an award-winning producer for Frontline and American Experience. His work has explored politics, history, and social justice, earning multiple Emmys, Peabody Awards, and recognition for investigative storytelling.

Talbot shares insights on growing up in a Hollywood family, why he walked away from acting, and how his passion for journalism led to films like The Movement and the Madman, a documentary exploring the impact of the anti-Vietnam War movement. From behind-the-scenes Hollywood memories to powerful journalistic storytelling, this conversation offers an inspiring look at a career shaped by curiosity and conviction.

Episode Highlights:

• Working with Rod Serling on The Twilight Zone and meeting Hollywood legends
• Behind-the-scenes stories from Leave It to Beaver, Lassie, and classic TV shows
• Transitioning from acting to award-winning investigative journalism
• The impact of the anti-Vietnam War movement and the making of The Movement and the Madman
• Reflections on a career in storytelling—both on screen and in the newsroom

You're going to love my conversation with Stephen Talbot

• IMDB
• The Movement and the Madman

Follow Jeff Dwoskin (host):

• Jeff Dwoskin on Twitter
• The Jeff Dwoskin Show podcast on Twitter
• Podcast website
• Podcast on Instagram
• Join my mailing list
• Subscribe to my Youtube channel (watch Crossing the Streams!)
• Yes, the show used to be called Live from Detroit: The Jeff Dwoskin Show

Ways to support the show:

• Buy me a coffee (support the show)
• TeePublic Store: Classic Conversations merch and more!
• Love the books I talk about on the show? Here is my Amazon store to shop.