From Wyoming cowboy to Marine, from Vietnam veteran to Hollywood star—Larry Wilcox has lived a dozen lives in one. Best known as Officer Jon Baker on CHiPs, Wilcox joins Steve Kmetko for a revealing conversation about his childhood, his military service, the pop culture explosion of CHiPs, and what really went on behind the scenes with co-star Erik Estrada.
In this wide-ranging interview, Wilcox reflects on the culture shock of leaving small-town Wyoming for Beverly Hills, the highs and lows of Hollywood stardom, and the reality of keeping a hit show alive in the late ’70s and early ’80s. He opens up about performing stunts, surviving near-death moments, navigating on-set tension, and even being forced off the show at the height of its success. Beyond CHiPs, Wilcox shares candid stories about his service in Vietnam, losing his sister to tragedy, living with PTSD, and why he ultimately found peace in business, aviation, and new creative ventures.
In this episode:
Growing up in Wyoming and chasing Hollywood dreams
Becoming a Marine, Vietnam memories, and life-changing loss
How he landed CHiPs—and why it was the hardest role of his career
Behind-the-scenes with Erik Estrada: chemistry, conflict, and reconciliation
Hair-raising stunt stories and near-death experiences
The pop culture phenomenon of CHiPs—and what happened when he left
Reflections on fame, humility, and building a life after television
It’s more than just a nostalgic trip down TV memory lane—it’s the unflinching life story of a Marine turned pop culture icon who’s still here to tell it all.
Larry Wilcox, CHiPs TV show, Jon Baker, Erik Estrada, Ponch and Jon, California Highway Patrol, 1970s TV, NBC television, classic cop shows, Steve Kmetko, Still Here Hollywood, celebrity interviews, Vietnam veterans, PTSD in Hollywood, classic TV stunts, Hollywood stories
#LarryWilcox #CHiPs #StillHereHollywood #SteveKmetko #ClassicTV #HollywoodStories #ErikEstrada #VietnamVeteran Show Credits
Host/Producer: Steve Kmetko
All things technical: Justin Zangerle
Executive Producer: Jim Lichtenstein
Music by: Brian Sanyshyn
Transcription: Mushtaq Hussain
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