By Jan Wahl—
I realized recently that, while I’ve spent my career telling stories, nobody ever interviews me. To remedy that, I sat down with my good friend and colleague, Adam Kent, to get down to the nitty-gritty.
On Origins and Hollywood Icons
Adam Kent: When did you realize that you wanted to focus professionally on movies?
Jan Wahl: I grew up in the middle of the film industry in West Los Angeles. I would go to the doctor and there would be Natalie Wood in the waiting room, or Norma Shearer leaving the office after a facelift. Buddy Ebsen and Gene Barry lived on either side of us. Ricky Nelson would be at Hamburger Hamlet, Danny Kaye at Madame Wu’s, and Roz Russell at Scandia.
But the real reason was that my parents loved classic Hollywood. We would sit as a family and watch the classics. It resonated with me because I wanted to be strong like Bette Davis, sensual like Errol Flynn, and dance like Fred Astaire, at least in my dreams.
On the Art of the Interview
Adam Kent: How many actors and industry professionals did you interview?
Jan Wahl: Too many! Some were amazing—like Bette Midler, Paul Newman, Quentin Crisp, and Mel Brooks—while others were real jerks.
On the State of Modern Cinema
Adam Kent: How do you see Hollywood and the industry evolving? What is it that you dislike about modern films?
Jan Wahl: For an optimistic person, this is a pessimistic answer. I’m afraid movie theaters will be a thing of the past. Movies will be directed at kids and teens, and we will have to fight very hard for smart, fun, powerful films.
I don’t like multi-narratives that don’t have a throughline to the plot. I also dislike fast editing and the refusal to let a scene breathe.
Adam Kent: So, how did the movies of 2025 stack up?
Jan Wahl: I hated almost everything I saw last year, but I would recommend one: Song Sung Blue.
On Community and Activism
Adam Kent: You have been a longtime champion of the LGBTQ community. Where does that passion come from?
Jan Wahl: My mother used to drop me off at Larry Edmunds Bookshop while she ran errands. I would hang out with character actors, writers, and
designers—many of them gay. My parents were also very forward-thinking and had gay friends; I was very lucky.
But nothing is quite like our LGBTQ community here in the Bay Area. Having good friends like Donna Sachet, Sister Roma, and so many others has been a blessing in my life. I like what Elizabeth Taylor said: “Without gays and lesbians, there would be no Hollywood.”
Recommendations and Final Thoughts
Adam Kent: Which directors would you suggest people study and enjoy?
Jan Wahl: Even Mel Brooks’ worst films were better than some of the crap I see today! But I would also include Frank Capra, Billy Wilder, Alfred Hitchcock, Rob Epstein/Jeffrey Friedman, and George Cukor. Check them out, then we’ll talk!
Adam Kent: To pay homage to the “Stephen Colbert Questionnaire”: What’s your favorite sandwich?
Jan Wahl: A fresh BLT.
Jan Wahl is a Hollywood historian and film critic on various broadcast outlets. She has two Emmys and many awards for her longtime work on behalf of film buffs and the LGBTQ community. Learn more at www.janwahl.com
Off the Wahl
Published on February 12, 2026
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