Terry Gross

Writer F.X. Toole. At age 70, he’s just published his first book. It’s a collection of short stories about boxing called “Rope Burns: Stories from the Corner.” (ECCO/HarperCollins) For twenty years, he’s been a cut man, stopping the bleeding so fighters can go on to the next round. Toole has been writing for 40 years, but it was the publication of his first story last year in a small literary magazine that caught the attention of a book agent.

Israeli poet Yehuda Amichai (ya-HOO-da AH-muh-kye, rhymes with pie) died Friday at the age of 76, and we feature a 1991 interview from the archives. Amichai was a celebrated poet whose subjects were love and loss, and more recently, aging and mortality. The New York Times wrote that he had a “gift for poeticizing the particular: the localized object or image in everyday life.” (originally aired 2/27/91)

Novelist David Leavitt. His new book is “Martin Bauman; or, A Sure Thing.” (Houghton Mifflin) It is a look at the Manhattan publishing scene as viewed through the eyes of 19-year-old Martin Bauman. Leavitt’s own first book, “Family Dancing,” was published when he was just 23. Leavitt’s other books include “The Lost Language of Cranes,” “Equal Affections,” and “While England Sleeps.”

Film critic Henry Sheehan has a review of the re-release of the horror classic “The Exorcist.” Some new scenes have been added. Actress Mercedes McCambridge, who chilled audiences in the 1970's as the voice of the Devil in "The Exorcist". She won an Academy Award for her first film role -- in 1949 for "All the King's Men". She also starred with Joan Crawford in Nicholas Ray's western, "Johnny Guitar.” (3/18/94, originally 1981)

Actress and model Isabella Rossellini talks about her famous parents, actress Ingrid Bergman and filmmaker Roberto Rossellini, and her own career. She stars in the new film “Left Luggage” with Maximillian Schell. It opens this weekend. She has acted in numerous T-V shows, and her film credits include "Blue Velvet," “The Impostors,” and “Big Night.” She is also the spokesmodel for Lancome cosmetics. (THIS INTERVIEW CONTINUES INTO THE SECOND HALF OF THE SHOW.) (6/12/97)

Film critic Henry Sheehan has a review of the re-release of the horror classic “The Exorcist.” Some new scenes have been added.

Gossip columnist Liz Smith. She’s just written a memoir called “Natural Blonde” (Hyperion) about her dealings with the rich and famous throughout her career. Smith boasts that she’s the highest paid print journalist in the world. He bylined column has appeared daily since 1976 and is syndicated to millions of readers in over 70 newspapers. She was recently named a “Living Landmark” by the Landmarks Conservancy of New York.

Comedian Marc Maron. His hit one man show in Manhattan, “Jerusalem Syndrome,” is described as a “poetically paranoid rant on corporate culture and the quest for spiritual fulfillment.” Maron has appeared on David Letterman, Conan O’Brien, and was the host of Comedy Central’s “Short Attention Span Theater.” He appears in Cameron Crowe’s new film, “Almost Famous.”

Actresses Joan Allen (Pat Nixon in “Nixon,” “The Ice Storm,” “Pleasantville” and the upcoming film “The Contender”) and Laurie Metcalf (a regular on TV’s “Norm”, longtime co-star of “Roseanne”).

Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. The actor-driven theatre is known for its ensemble acting, and cutting-edge acting style. It’s members include John Mahoney (Martin Crane on “Frazier”), John Malkovich, Kevin Anderson and four actors whom we’ll hear from: First, founding members Gary Sinise (films: “Mission to Mars,” “Apollo 13,” “Of Mice and Men,”) and Terry Kinney (a regular on HBO’s “Oz”).