Robin Williams Tribute Set for OPRAH: WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Tonight

In an all-new episode of the popular series "Oprah: Where Are They Now?," Oprah Winfrey interviews Pat O'Brien; plus, updates with Janice from "Friends," heartthrob Jack Wagner, Chris Burke from "Life Goes On," and Oprah's favorite moments from Robin Williams' 14 appearances on the 'Oprah' show, airing tonight, August 24 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network.

More than 16 years ago, Pat O'Brien was once at the top of the entertainment news world, hosting "Access Hollywood" and "The Insider." In 2005, however, his image and career were tarnished forever when a drunken Pat left a series of sexually explicit voicemails that were released to the media. Now, in a one-on-one interview with Oprah, the newscaster talks openly about his alcoholism and recovery, the downfall and rebuilding of his career, and his new book "I'll Be Back Right After This." Then, Maggie Wheeler landed one of the most notable recurring roles in television when she was cast as the funny, fast-talking New Yorker with a big laugh, Janice, on "Friends." Maggie opens her home to introduce her husband and two daughters, and share whether she feels playing Janice helped or hindered her career. Next, "General Hospital" heartthrob Jack Wagner was part of one of the most iconic daytime television couples of all time, Frisco and Felicia. Today, he opens up about his divorce with on-screen love, Kristina Wagner, meeting his long-lost daughter for the first time, and his music career. Plus, an update from Zach Ferris, the young boy whose violent tantrums had his family afraid for their lives. And, "Life Goes On's" trailblazing actor Chris Burke, now 48 years old, at his home in New York City talks about the potential in everybody and his work giving back through the National Down Syndrome Society. Plus, a sneak peek of the groundbreaking OWN docu-series "The Specials," a fun, honest story about five housemates with intellectual disabilities who share the ups and downs of their daily lives from first love to heartbreak, from leaving college to finding a job. Finally, the episode will feature a tribute to the beloved comic genius Robin Williams with favorite memories from his 14 unforgettable appearances on the "Oprah" show.

To join the conversation on social media, use #WhereAreTheyNow @OWNtv

To watch a sneak peek of the episode, click here

EXCERPT: "Life Goes On's" Chris Burke on Being the First Primetime Television Star with Down Syndrome
Chris: I'm home here in New York City. I'm 48. I turn 49 about this month. It's real great to be known on TV. I had the opportunity to do something that I always want to do and now I have done it. It really shows we all have different talents and stick what you're good at. It's not about performing disabilities. It's about performing abilities that's the message.

Click here for sneak peek

EXCERPT: Pat O'Brien:'That Person No Longer Exists'
Oprah: Do you remember leaving the voice-mail or what you said?
Pat: No. One of the bi-products of alcoholism are blackouts.
Oprah: Yeah.
Pat: I was in New York City full of myself grandiosity and all of that.
Oprah: Yeah, yeah that's why you wrote that whole chapter on the ego you knew what you were talking about right.
Pat: Yes, so you know, you know how that goes. I don't remember I apparently made it on the a Sunday. And I woke up with every boss I had at the edge of my bed in LA.
Oprah: Yeah, so you got from New York to LA and didn't even know.
Pat: Yeah.
Oprah: You write in the book that suddenly you went from hero to zero.
Pat: I did and I didn't even know I was a celebrity.
Oprah: What do you mean you didn't know you were a celebrity.
Pat: Until I got to rehab there was helicopters flying overhead, and a lot of people called I think you called and supported me. And it just took a while to get a hold of myself, but that person no longer exists.
Click here for the link (with embed code): http://www.oprah.com/own-where-are-they-now/Pat-OBrien-I-Dont-Remember-Leaving-Drunken-Voicemails-Video

For more information on "Oprah: Where Are They Now?" visit:
http://www.oprah.com/wherearetheynow

About OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network
OWN: OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK is the first and only network named for, and inspired by, a single iconic leader. Oprah Winfrey's heart and creative instincts inform the brand - and the magnetism of the channel. Winfrey provides leadership in programming and attracts superstar talent to join her in primetime, building a global community of like-minded viewers and leading that community to connect on social media and beyond. OWN is a singular destination on cable. Depth with edge. Heart. Star power. Connection. And endless possibilities. OWN is a joint venture between Harpo, Inc. and Discovery Communications. The network debuted on January 1, 2011 and is available in 85 million homes. The venture also includes the award-winning digital platform Oprah.com. For more information, please visit www.oprah.com/own

Photo Credit: © Harpo Studios, Inc./ George Burns

To post a comment, you must register and login.