Podcasts · Reality Life with Kate Casey

Ep. - 1721 - SATURDAY SERIES: MICHAEL SWERDLICK CAN’T BUY ME LOVE SCREENWRITER

19 Sep 2026 · 1 h 03 min · Episode 1721

Michael Swerdlick, writer of the beloved 1987 film Can’t Buy Me Love, shares the remarkable story of how his first screenplay went from a typewritten script sitting on a shelf to a defining teen comedy. He reveals how Patrick Dempsey was cast at the last minute, the real-life inspiration behind the story, Paula Abdul’s role in creating the African Anteater Ritual, Michael Jackson’s connection to the film’s title, and what he remembers about the late Amanda Peterson. Michael also reflects on his unconventional Hollywood career, his instinct to root for the underdog, and why the movie continues to resonate nearly four decades later.

Reality Life with Kate Casey

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• https://www.youtube.com/@realitylifewithkatecasey
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• https://art19.com/privacy
• https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info