Part One: Don Simpson: The Producer of Top Gun Also Ruined Hollywood
Summary
This episode of *Behind the Bastards* profiles Don Simpson, the influential producer who co-created the blockbuster era with Jerry Bruckheimer. The hosts discuss Simpson’s fabricated childhood in Alaska, his abusive behavior toward colleagues, and his pivotal role in shaping modern Hollywood’s high-budget, high-risk production model. Guest Soren Bowie joins to provide context on Simpson’s legacy and the cultural impact of films like *Top Gun*.
Topics discussed
Introduction and guest Soren Bowie
Context: Hollywood villains and Don Simpson
Family move to rural Alaska
Life in Spenard and conflicting childhood accounts
Don's fabricated backstory and abuse claims
The 'Greatest Story on Earth' myth
Little League, religion, and sexual urges
Evidence of maternal abuse and teenage crimes
Car theft, high school presidency, and self-mythology
The 'Dirty Harry' cop encounter and tattoo doubts
Childhood friends' accounts vs. Don's narrative
Leaving Alaska for University of Oregon
Discussion of 1980s films and Bloodsport
Joseph Campbell and the Hero's Journey
Don's skiing skills and San Francisco exploits
The cat in the freezer incident
Exploitation movies and early career
Poster design and the auteur era
Friendship with Bonnie Bruckheimer and lifestyle
Fired from Warner and The Harder They Come
Cocaine use and tennis gambling
Early production success and gay sex claims
Networking with Tish and industry connections
Getting the job at Paramount
Hollywood in 1975 and executive learning
The impact of Jaws on the industry
Wide releases and 80s movie familiarity
Michael Eisner and the TV mentality
Don Simpson's alignment with new Hollywood
Jokes about Lakers and Percocet
Promoting Massive Crabs and American Dad
Reflections on the production team
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