Don Stroud, the younger son of vaudeville great Clarence Stroud and singer Ann McCormack, who toured the world with the legendary Frank Sinatra, had a childhood that was as unique as it was fascinating. Growing up on the sun-kissed beaches of Honolulu, Hawaii, Don was surrounded by the rhythms of the ocean and the vibrant energy of his parents' popular Embers steakhouse/nightclub, where his mother performed nightly.
As a young boy, Don thrived under the watchful eyes of his mentors, a group of local characters who included Blackout, Mud, Buckshot, Rabbit, and Steamboat. These men, who were part of the Waikiki Beach community, took Don under their wing and taught him the ways of the surf. In fact, Don's surfing skills were so impressive that he even placed fourth in the "Duke Kahanamoku World Surfing Championship" at the tender age of 17.
But it was on the waves of Waikiki Beach that Don was discovered by none other than actor Troy Donahue, who was filming the popular television series "Hawaiian Eye" in 1959. Donahue needed a stunt double for his surfing scenes, and at 18 years old, 6' 2" and 175 pounds, Don stepped up and was hired on the spot.
This chance encounter set Don on a path that would take him to the bright lights of Hollywood. Upon arriving in Los Angeles, he landed a variety of jobs, including parking cars, bouncer, and even manager of the world-famous "Whiskey A Go-Go" nightclub on the Sunset Strip. It was at the "Whiskey" that Don met actor Sidney Poitier, who turned him on to his acting career.
Since then, Don has appeared in more than 100 movies and 175 television shows, starring in four television series, including "The New Mike Hammer" and "The New Gidget." Despite his success, Don remains humble and grateful for the opportunities that have come his way. And though he has traveled the world and achieved great things, he will always cherish the memories of his childhood on the beaches of Honolulu, where his love of surfing and his passion for the performing arts first took root.
