Sandy Duncan on life before and after "Peter Pan"
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- Опубліковано 8 лют 2025
- Entertainer Sandy Duncan danced in her first recital at age five in a tiny Texas oil town. She would go on to star in films and on Broadway, earning three Tony nominations (including for the 1979 revival of "Peter Pan") and two Emmy nominations (including for her role in the landmark mini-series "Roots"). Not to mention guest starring with a gaggle of Muppets. Duncan, now 76, talks with correspondent Mo Rocca about achieving her greatest triumph after recovering from a brain tumor behind her left eye.
#sandyduncan #peterpan
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I grew up with Sandy Duncan all over the media, and she was LOVED. I noticed something about her while watching this video. Sandy Duncan has always been famous for quirky, perky, and full of energy, but I never quite got -- until now -- how REAL she is. I think that's what we're seeing when they say she's "quirky". Throughout the interview, she's doing the same thing, even when she jokes about "what strings?" The role of Peter Pan relies on a very believable down-to-earth character in order to pull off all that fairy dust and flying stuff. The honesty is what comes across, and it's another reason why Ms. Duncan is so great. Someone PLEASE write something for her QUICK so we can have her back on film and TV!
I concur wholeheartedly.
Boy she really made the most of her day in the sun! And how beautiful that she and her husband have aged gracefully and are continuing to thrive in private life! She looks amazing!
She’s an adorable, singular, artistic being. The world is a better place because she is here.
I concur👍
She’s so lovely. I love seeing genuine people be successful.
Rare.
She looks like she could still cut a rug.
She was and is wonderful. I know her from $1,000,000 Duck and The Cat from Outer Space. Also "The Return of Bigfoot" on the Six Million Dollar Man and The Bionic Woman. I also remember seeing her on the Muppets.
She's still got the looks.
Mo did a great job as usual, but I wish this interview had been longer. She seems like a kind person and the fact that she's been married for 42 years to the same man says that they both chose well. It was nice to find out that she's doing well.
8 minutes not enough to have a conversation with Sandy. But thanks for bring her back to me. Such a delight!
Not at all!! Especially since I haven't seen her since The Hogan Family.
I was a kid in the 70’s and for some reason just hearing her voice brings on nostalgia and comfort. She was everywhere in my childhood.
She looks so good. She was everywhere back then and was so fun to watch. So glad to see her.
I'm 78 and I still love her.....She is Peter Pan and will always be. I wish some of today's stars would have her genuine attitude.
I saw her as Peter Pan in Chicago as a child. It was absolutely amazing! She flew out above the audience, and it was just so magical!
I feel so fortunate that I was able to see her in Peter Pan on Broadway. What a joy!
Me too
So did I. She was magical !!
John, that must have been a truly wonderful experience!
😂🤣😂🤣 I love her final statement "What wires?". What an amazing, strong, and joyful person she still is! I loved her in anything she did. We could use a lot more Sandy Duncan's on TV and on Broadway these days. ❤
Still as humorous, perky, & genuine personality. Wonderfully the real deal.
Saw her at the Saenger Theatre in New Orleans in the autumn of 1981. Had a balcony seat, and when she flew toward us, I thought she'd land right in our faces. What a brave, beautiful lady she was and still IS!
I am 57. To me, one of my favorite memories of 1970s tv are Sandy Duncan, everywhere, Mary Tyler Moore Show and the Brady Bunch. I smile with tears of joy when I think of the great memories watching those things with my "Greatest Generation" grand parents and other relatives who are have been gone for almost two decades now.
Sandy, thank you for decades of your "quirky, perky" style of entertaining.
How could you do that to me you don't even know me I have tears in my eyes now. I am 86 years old and I saw her in several shows and she was wonderful and I don't think there were any wires in Peter Pan. Have a grand day and thanks for the memories.corny ha?
@@RoderickFernandez-ps5ci
I am honored to have bought a bit of joy to you. I should edit my post. I am 57. I have no idea how I typed 55 last year. I will be 58 in September.
Anyway, I so dearly miss all my relatives, neighbors and teachers from the "Greatest Generation." I miss not only the well spent time but the love and lessons that they gave me.
I hope you are well in these crazy times of the last four years.
Compared to me you're only a kid😊
I was fortunate to see Sandy Duncan on Broadway in Peter Pan back in 1979 and her portrayal was sheer joy; I still smile thinking of it. I have my Teeshirt from the run, and I wear it occasionally.
Sandy Duncan is a name I haven't heard in years..I had forgotten about this amazing entertainer. So good to find this interview. She looks wonderful and is fit and funny🥰💫✨
I remember loving Sandy Duncan when I was a kid -- my whole family did as she was on tv all the time. Glad she is well.
What a great program on Sandy.
Good to hear from her.
She’s great, but Mo pieces are always so fun and generous in personality. He’s a gift!
I love Mo! No matter the subject he will make it entertaining - not that he needed help with this one. She is funny!
Good to see her again. She’s as adorable as ever!
My parents took me to see her in Peter Pan. I still have my playbill and it was signed by Pat Boone who was in the audience! I will tell you that She will always be in my top 10 of favorite entertainers. After seeing this interview I have a newfound appreciation for her as an incredibly strong person. Amazing!
Sandy was part of my childhood, especially as a young dancer then. She is still fabulous!
Gosh. Just great seeing Sandy Duncan again! Still cute & full of life. She's also earthy & concentrated beyond the light wonderful freeflying nature of Peter Pan. I recall her in ROOTS & she blew me away...she was really a talented actress. Many folks who were in ROOTS are still here...I wish the story was revisited if possible, like 50 years later. Sandy Duncan could so seriously reprise her acclaimed role.
Sandy did play Missy Ann in episode 4 of Roots as an elderly woman who does not remember Kizzy when they meet nearly 50 years later. Kizzy gets back at her for her betrayal by spitting in her water cup before Missy Ann drinks it.
Years ago I was on a cruise ship. Two men followed me around. Eventually they told me I look EXACTLY like Sandy Duncan. I was shy and baffled how to react (but relieved it was a good thing not a bad reason). So they stared, they talked at a distance from me. I see this today & finally “get it”. We even looked alike as children! I also danced too. But on that cruise I was still busy working and it was my only 3 day vacation in many years. I wasn’t up on what Sandy Duncan was doing at all. God bless her beautiful energy she’s brought to the world. Wish I’d lived a life more “plugged in” to the arts. Dancing was my favorite thing (15 yrs of lessons).
She’s such a champion & what talent! So happy to hear she’s still her “perky” self! ❤️
Sandy Duncan has always been a favorite performer of mine. I hold a great deal of respect for her professionalism and style. Keep flying, Sandy!
My sister went to college outside NYC, and when I was little she took me to my first Broadway show - Peter Pan, starring Sandy Duncan. We were in the front row of the mezzanine at the Lunt Fontane Theater, and I can remember her "flying" out over the audience and, to my mind, almost coming right to us. I was probably 11 at the time. I also recall watching the first episode of the Muppet Show with her - I was bitterly disappointed, though. Not with her, but with the fact there was no Ernie, Bert, Oscar, etc. Who the heck is this Ms. Piggy??? Well, it grew on me.
From the Peter Pan performance - Christopher Hewitt, of Mr. Belvedere fame, was playing Captain Hook. At one point, he was angry with Peter and said something like "it isn't fair!". A kid someplace in the theater yelled back "yes it is!!". Without missing a beat, Hewitt yelled back at him "No it isn't it! Now, you stay out of this!".
I saw this on Broadway. I'd seen a little of her other work on TV, and wasn't excited. I realize now, I hadn't seen enough. In Peter Pan she totally floored me!! I'd seen the TV version with Mary Martin when I was younger, loved it, but was always aware it was Mary Martin being Mary Martin playing Peter Pan. I was a young adult when I saw Sandy Duncan, I didn't see an actress playing a part, I saw a little boy named Peter Pan !! And for me, she will always be the only Peter Pan. It was pure magic! She really flew and made Neverland real for all of us who were so blessed to see this magical production and there will always be a part of my heart that will never have to grow up. Thank you Sandy!
Made me smile all the way through it!
You cannot help but love her and her artistry..I am glad that she still around..
Excellent. Made me smile. Glad to see she is doing so well. Loved it.
I was living in New York and working for St. James Kitchens & Baths on E. 19th Avenue. It was 1997 (?) and one day Sandy walks in. She wanted to remodel her kitchen. She knew what kind of style she wanted. I showed her a door style I thought she would like and she did. I got the job! 😀 When the project was completed we took a photo, with Don, in the showroom. It’s framed with a copy of the floor plan and elevations. She wrote, “We love what you did for us. The kitchen is gorgeous and you were a dream to work with.” Working with her was one of the highlights of my career! She was a dream to work with! If you read this Sandy, “Thanks for memories! 😘
That is a great story. Thanks for sharing!
Sandy Duncan is and has always been the best!
I've always been a fan. Great to see that she's doing well.
Sandy was a huge part of the fabric of my childhood and beyond. And I fell for the glass eye story. Great to see her thriving in New England. Thanks, Mo! 🥳🥳🥳
I remember her so well and so happy to see this interview. One of a kind, she is, and so funny, so cleverly funny.
Mo-You and I would have been BFF’s growing up in the 70’s. All of your profiles take me back to the people and places I loved in my childhood, Sandy Duncan included. Thank you for this story.
Sandy had a part in "The Hogan Family" after Valerie Harper left the show originally called "Valerie." Jason Bateman became the breakout star.
@@JillWhitcomb1966 yes, another one of those sad Hollywood stories. We never know what goes on behind the scenes. I remember coming across an old article about tensions developing and then Jason Bateman's popularity with the viewers overtaking hers. In many instances, no one is really to blame... just work-related problems.
@@rr7firefly You are right. I read about that too. Valerie Harper wanted a pay raise and she didn't get it, so she sued the producers while Jason Bateman's star started to rise. Well anyway, Noe, thank you for mentioning "Valerie", later on "Valerie's Family" and "The Hogan Family". It's one of my favorite TV sitcoms from the producers of "Perfect Strangers", "Full House", "Family Matters", and "Step By Step" among TV sitcoms.
@@unknown-kh7dg I just looked at my earlier comments ("no one being to blame") and I need to correct that. The show's producers WERE likely much to blame. Their primary concern was (and still is) the money they make on every show they produce. Actors have limited leverage in any negotiation. Even when the show is named after them. // You mentioned "Perfect Strangers" -- it always came off to me as the male version of "Laverne and Shirley." Neither one had any appeal to me. I was a nerdy kid who wanted to watch science programs on PBS.
That and peanut butter are where my memories begin. I gotta tell my brother she does not have a glass eye.
She can really make an audience be thrilled to see her perform on stage. Really am hoping she takes good care of herself, as she keeps living, after her surgery. ❤️
…and he never mentioned that in her performance as Peter Pan on Broadway, Sandy Duncan never missed a performance and I know because I worked there at the Lunt Fontanne theater and I seriously doubt that any understudy could have performed that show as well as she did…she truly WAS Peter Pan 😊
Yes, she WAS !!
🙂 She was huge in the 70's. This is the first time in decades i seen her. Glad she survived and doing well.
She’s beyond lovely, as she always has been. Sandy is American 🇺🇸 theatre royalty. I love 💕 her very much.
I always considered Sandy to be highly underrated as a singer. Maybe her singing voice isn't conventionally beautiful, but her singing does have a great deal of character, which in musical theatre can often be more important than sheer beauty of tone.
What a segment! 👏 Didn’t know much about Sandy except that she played Peter Pan. And any of Mo’s segments I’ll watch - he’s doing high-kicks with Sandy Duncan! Way to go!
I saw her as Peter Pan on Broadway as a little girl. I even got her autograph on the Playbill and still have it today. ❤️
Oh man, so good to see an interview with her again -- I had to go find the UCB commercial to listen to her try to pronounce Janopoporopulus ("Can I just call you Nick?") one more time. Priceless. :)
Thank you. She was a heartthrob for me as a young teen. Such a wonderful, joyous woman.
I have not thought about this wonderful actress in years what a great surprise she is still the same delightful perky optimistic and alive kudos to her
perfect: "what wires?"! About 40 yrs ago I took a public tour of Radio City Music Hall and what a gorgeous venue! The best of the best, Sandy was onstage discussing something. The tour was great
Man, I love seeing this. I was a kid watching "Funny Face" and loved it but never knew why it was so short lived until today. Sandy Duncan is an icon of the 1970s and of my whole life. Never forgotten.
Oh this brings back memories!! My mom and dad took my sister and myself to see Sandy Duncan in Peter Pan at the Arie Crown Theater in Chicago way back when!!! If I dig deep enough I'll bet I can still come up with the souvenir program we got at the time.
One of my favorite actresses! Good to see her doing well!
I loved Sandy Duncan. Still do. I remember when she did Peter Pan. My Aunt, when she was still with us (family), took me to see the play/musical. It was so much fun to watch her. I'm beyond happy Sandy is still going and is well.
The only things I ever knew Sandy Duncan for were "Scooby Doo" and "The Swan Princess". None of her shows were ever on reruns where I am, so I never got the chance to see any of them growing up. But she seems like a very down to earth person. Glad that she's been able to live a peaceful life.
Although I never met her, her dad, Mancil Ray was a good friend of mine. He ran a gas station in Tyler when I was a young radio personality there. We spent a lot of time chewing the fat, but he never mentioned the fact that he had a 'famous daughter" (although I knew, but never brought it up). He was as modest as she is. The only time he ever mention her was when told me about the time he and his wife, "took our daughters to the Grand Canyon one year." He was a great guy and I miss him.
She'll always be our "Star Spangled Girl." That was my childhood. Loved her then, love her now.
I saw Peter Pan with Sandy Duncan live on stage in New Orleans! She was wonderful.
I enjoy watching Sandy Duncan in any performance medium. She is such a versatile actress.
So enjoyed this!
Great! Sandy Duncan is so great!
Oh my god she’s so cute and lovely I will always cherish her.❤😊🎶
The chemistry is this interview is so wonderful
Yeh, thanks, Mo, I can't believe it's been 40 yrs. ! ! ! since I saw her on B'way as Pan. It was magical. She is even more charming now.
What a joy to see Sandy Duncan again! You look great! Such a pleasure for me to watch this interview.
Oh what a burst of sunshine and glitter in gray world.
Wonderful interview!
I've always loved Sandy. I saw her perform at a live taping of the Flip Wilson Show around 1972 and she was right on the mark. Glad to know she's still healthy and happy.
You say the name Sandy Duncan to me and it brings a great big smile to my face. I remember seeing her in her show. She was such a breath of fresh air. Those bank commercials come to mind too. Especially the one where she keeps trying to say the name of her customer, Mr. Nicholas J Yanarapalopolus ( Or something like that). She was wonderful and so cute trying to say that name. She finally got it in the end. She will always be a family favorite in our home. We'll always love you, Sandy.
It was so nice to see her again. I was a big fan of hers. I’m so glad she’s well.
Brought a little tear to my eyes…. That’s sandy duncan !!!!! American icon. Love you
You can’t help but love her! Always joyful!
Love you Sandy...always did and still do. You are a treasure. A beautiful soul. God Bless you and your family. Your talent brought such joy to my life. I knew all the Peter Pan songs by heart. I'll have to get the album again to see if I still do. 😊
Sandy Duncan is a real gem! 💎
I was dragged to that show and I’m so grateful for it. It was a great production and she was perfect in it. One can only hope they find another vehicle for her soon.
i love her. i saw her do peter pan. no one can touch her. what a surviver. what a talent!!!!
Sandy is one of the great ladies of American musical theatre!!!
Saw her twice as Peter Pan. Will never forget her performance.
Terrific. So glad this was posted.
Wonderful interview spotlighting the humor, wit, intellect, talent and resilience of a fellow Texan. Thank you, from Egypt, Texas!
So interesting. I love stories like this.
Wonderful woman, never heard of her before but now I have to go look her up!
Glad to see ya Sandy!!!
Delightful, upbeat smile and voice. Delightful and talented.
I remember her very well when I was young. It’s so good to see her today! She looks great! 😊
I am so old that I remember Mary Martin in "Peter Pan".
So do I, but don't figure out my age. LOLOLOL. Yes, Miss Duncan was effective in the part, too. Coincidence--both Miss Martin and MIss Duncan came from Texas.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Well done!
Loved seeing this … sandy duncan and mo Rocca 🙌🏼🙌🏼
Wonderful seeing she still so vibrant and presumably healthy and happy ... perky personified.
I saw this and still have the program from Peter Pan..It was one of the first stage shows I saw..She Was Great!
Glad to see she's doing well and looking great!
She looks amazing!!!!
Great Interview
I was OBSESSED with this version of Peter Pan!
That was an excellent interview. I never saw the show peter pan when she was doing it. But I saw on reviews she was fantastic. Maybe ytube can present it as a treat for the public. I did enjoy Sandy Duncan in any piece of work she did on TV otherwise. She looks good.
Sandy and Mo kitchen kicking is my new favorite thing!
She is such a lovely and down to earth person. I had the pleasure of working with her. ❤️
240th...I always liked SAndy Duncan, she was def. part of my formative teen yrs 70's ....glad she's still with us
I always loved her! So Awesome to see your doing so well.
Loved her on everything she was on back then & was so sad about the tumor.
I loved Marcia Brady and Sandy Duncan the most as a grade school boy back in the 1970's.