#MoversandShakers #KarenBaldwin President and Partner KEMB Productions, Entertainment Producer
KAREN BALDWIN has been successfully involved in many different aspects of the sports and entertainment businesses over the years. Ms. Baldwin began her career in professional sports working for the National Hockey League where she produced, wrote and co-hosted her own sports show, AHEAD OF THE GAME, breaking new ground as one of the first females to host a show about hockey. She is married to Mover and Shaker Howard Baldwin, founder and owner of the Hartford Whalers. Of course we are proponents of hockey, and going to Hartford Whalers games with her family starting at age five, Peachy Deegan was highly influenced by the amazing experience during her formative years at The Hartford Civic Center where we shopped, ate dinner, and went to hockey games. Along with Mover and Shaker Andre Lacroix and Howard, Karen is among those featured whom we have known the longest.
Born and raised in New England, Ms. Baldwin moved to Los Angeles in 1987 with her husband, Howard and pursued an acting, writing and producing career in the entertainment world. Ms. Baldwin has produced over 40 films and been nominated for an Academy Award, Golden Globe and countless other prestigious awards. At the same time, Ms. Baldwin worked with her husband Howard in the NHL transactions he made for the San Jose Sharks, Minnesota North Stars and ultimately the Pittsburgh Penguins. Ms. Baldwin was the first female to be part owner of the famed Russian CCCP Red Army Team.
After moving to Los Angeles with her husband Howard Baldwin in the 90’s, Ms. Baldwin enjoyed success as a working actress in both film and television and is still a member of the Screen Actors Guild and AFTRA and the PGA. Ms. Baldwin soon became interested in comedy writing. Several of her scripts were optioned and produced including REDLINE, HOT, INDIAN NECK, EYEWITNESS TO MURDER, BATTLE OF THE X’S, SEEING RED, and SUDDEN DEATH. Ms. Baldwin and her husband formed Baldwin/Cohen Productions with partner Richard Cohen. During this time, Ms. Baldwin facilitated and oversaw the development and production of projects such as SUDDEN DEATH, RESURRECTION, GIDEON, and MYSTERY, ALASKA. Ms. Baldwin and Howard moved on to form a partnership with Philip Anschutz and Crusader Entertainment was created. As Executive VP of Creative Affairs for the company, Ms. Baldwin was involved in the development and production of eight films in three years. These projects included: RAY; SAHARA; SWIMMING UPSTREAM; DANNY DECKCHAIR, SOUND OF THUNDER; GAME OF THEIR LIVES/MIRACLE MATCH, CHILDREN ON THEIR BIRTHDAYS, and JOSHUA.
After their time at Crusader, the Baldwins formed their own independent film company with an emphasis on development and packaging projects for production. As the President of Creative Affairs of their own company, some of Ms. Baldwin’s producing credits include DEATH SENTENCE, ATLAS SHRUGGED, OTHER SIDE OF THE TRACKS, BEFORE WE GO, MR. HOCKEY and HURRICANE HEIST. Under the banner of KEMB Productions there are many projects Ms. Baldwin oversees that are currently in various stages of development and packaging. The film ODD MAN RUSH is the first film released under the KEMB banner.
She is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate with a B.A. in Psychology having attended The College of the Holy Cross and Wellesley College. Ms. Baldwin remains active in film and professional sports. She has a great passion for the various aspects of the entertainment business and is able to use her combined skill set on a daily basis for the company. We are absolutely thrilled to present her as our latest Mover and Shaker! Peachy Deegan interviewed Karen Baldwin for Whom You Know.
FILM/TELEVISION CREDITS FOR PRODUCERS HOWARD AND KAREN BALDWIN:
ODD MAN RUSH
DISCUSSION MATERIALS
HURRICANE HEIST
BEFORE WE GO
MR. HOCKEY –GORDIE HOWE
RAY
SAHARA
MYSTERY ALASKA
SUDDEN DEATH
DEATH SENTENCE
SWIMMING UPSTREAM
DANNY DECKCHAIR
OTHER SIDE OF THE TRACKS
SOUND OF THUNDER
ATLAS SHRUGGED
GAME OF THEIR LIVES/MIRACLE MATCH
JOSHUA
GIDEON
WHERE THE RED FERN GROWS
CHILDREN ON THEIR BIRTHDAYS
RESURRECTION
THE PATRIOT
LONG KILL
LAST CALL
NIGHT EYES
NIGHT EYES II
NIGHT EYES III
EYEWITNESS TO MURDER
SPELLBINDER
POPCORN
FROM THE HIP
THE CELLAR
BILLY GALVIN
HOOSIERS
FLIGHT OFF THE NAVIGATOR
MARY GREY
THE UPTON BELL SHOW
AHEAD OF THE GAME
RAY –BROADWAY
THE STAN LEE GUARDIANS PROJECT
Peachy Deegan: What makes hockey the best sport in the world?
Karen Baldwin: The beauty and speed of the game and the comradery. Stop and think about it – to be a gifted hockey player you have to be able not only play the sport but you need to be a gifted skater on the ice. It is the only pro sport that requires that kind of skill level. It is fast and it is visceral. To really grow to love the sport takes going to see a game live – but once you go, you are hooked!
What did you love most about the NHL when your career began and what do you love most about it now?
To me it was always exciting to work with the NHL and there was a wonderful sense of family. Gary Bettman is a great commissioner. Look at the yearly events they now do from the All-Star Game to The Winter Classic Games, The Draft, The Awards shows….The NHL is made up of an incredible group of people who are passionate about hockey and want to see it grow in popularity across all demographics.
We agree that being a sports personality translates well into the acting, producing and directing aspects of show business. How would you compare and contrast the two disciplines?
They are actually very similar – the players are like the actors, the coach is like the director and management/ownership are like the producers. You have fans and every game is an event. The biggest difference is that with a film you have one weekend to hit or miss – with a team at least you can tinker during a whole season!
How did you and Howard meet?
We met through the Whalers. Hence - the Whalers are a mutual passion!
Who are your favorite all time hockey players in history and why?
There are many outstanding players from various generations. I am old enough to have known the Gordie Howe generation and now the Sidney Crosby generation. I hate to single out – but Gordie Howe was very special – and so key to Whaler history. Andre Lacroix is a class act and wonderful friend. Ron Francis and Kevin Dineen were stellar Whalers. Mario Lemieux was a phenomenal player and good friend– and subsequently I have the pleasure of being close with his family – in particular his daughter, Alexa. Jaromir Jagr had a love for playing the game that was infectious. I have had the honor of meeting Bobby Orr – who was an icon. Wayne Gretzky I got to know via our days in Los Angeles – he turned LA on to hockey – and have since become close to his son Trevor. Phil Esposito was always a fun guy - he had an great spirit. Really there are too many to single out. I treasured everyone of the players for our Whalers and Penguins teams --- and not mention the Russians who played for us for our CCCP team in Moscow. It is a disservice not to mention one and all – but if I did that this article would be like the phone book.
Please share your favorite memories of Gordie Howe and what would surprise most people about Gordie?
Gordie Howe and his whole family are quality people. I adored Gordie’s wife Colleen – she was such an inspiration – the first female agent in hockey. To this day Mark and Marty are friends. There will never another time in history in which a father can play with his two sons on a professional team – it was amazing. Gordie was very kind and soft spoken off the ice – but he was a fierce competitor on the ice. Even in the Whaler Alumni games – well into his later years – just an amazing athlete with ad incredible work ethic. Gordie was also so kind to all the fans. The strength and power of his physique was staggering – check out pictures of him back in the day –before weight lifting was the thing – he was strong from hard work.
Please share your favorite memories of Andre Lacroix and what would surprise most people about Andre?
My favorite memory of Andre Lacroix was watching him teach my brother Jason how to skate at his camp. Andre was such a patient and cheerful person. It was so special to have him teach Jason. I don’t think this would surprise anyone --- as Andre to me is a person that exudes his enthusiasm and warmth. That makes him very special.
Tell us about your experience with the podcast Slim and None and its upcoming second season.
When Covid hit suddenly we had the time to try out doing this new thing called a PODCAST. Essentially it is the old radio show – so everything old is new again. It was so much fun to do the research and hear all the stories and put the WHA into a context for this generation who may not know much about it. That was the focus of season one and it is told via the true Story of my husband Howard starting the NEW ENGLAND WHALERS at 28 and after the first season winning everything! It is a real life DAVID AND GOLIATH story. The second season we are doing now and will focus on the Whaler years in Hartford up through the merger into the NHL.
What were your favorite stores at or near to The Hartford Civic Center in the 1980s and early 1990s and why?
The Whalers Gift Store of course!! For all the obvious reasons. Luettgen's Limited was a department store right in the Civic Center. Also Century City Optometry and Arthur's drug store on the second floor!
What were your favorite places to eat at or near to The Hartford Civic Center in the 1980s and early 1990s and why?
Chucks, Margaritaville, Frank's Restaurant, Brown Thompson--- fun restaurants we all hung out in before and after the games. Wendy’s for the chocolate Frosty!
What were your most favorite hockey games ever and why?
For the Whalers it was making it into the second round of the playoffs 85/86. Obviously the most memorable for the Penguins was winning the Stanley Cup in Chicago. It was surreal. In Russia it was the game in which a young Moscow citizen without a license won a JEEP and proceeded to put it in gear on the ice!
Were you at the Hartford Whalers game when they beat the Edmonton Oilers 11-0 with hat tricks by Ron Francis and Greg Malone?
YES – I was. That was am amazing game – thanks for reminding me! (Don’t forget I have seen a LOT of games!)
What have been your best experiences as an actor and why?
I always had fun with the acting – but it was hard work too and very competitive. For females back in my day you did a few things and then the next younger and prettier gal took over! I loved doing soap opera work - it was good training. I loved my GROUNDLING improv classes. I also had a blast doing DIVORCE COURT. I got a big kick out of opening the film SUDDEN DEATH because it was a story Howard and I came up with and I wrote the treatment for.
What have been your best experiences as a producer and why?
Being nominated for every award under the sun for our film RAY. Honestly – every film we have made I have been very proud of as it is super difficult to get a film made. It is a great feeling of pride when you see the film on the big screen for the first time after YEARS of working to get it made.
What makes a successful comedy writer and why?
A natural voice. Fact is usually funnier than fiction as well!
What would surprise most people about the profession of entertainment?
Just how unglamorous and heart breaking it can be. Also –Nobody wants to take the time to read -- frustrating in that it all begins with the script.
Who do you think are the greatest actors of all time and why?
Of all time – yikes – I’d be here forever…..
Who do you think are the best actors today and why?
Again – I think that the cool thing is that there are so many gifted actors -especially today as there are so many new venues for talent to be highlighted. Each actor brings something unique to the table. A personal favorite of mine is Russell Crowe. I am also a big fan of Denzel Washington, Helen Mirren, Hugh Jackman, oh boy --- I better stop or I’ll go on and on.
What are you working on now that we should look forward to?
Several series: SLIM AND NONE, BARCELONA, CCCPENGUINS, GUNTHER, BLACK IS THE NEW WHITE.
Movies: HARLEM SAINTS, ONE FOR THE ROAD, DISCUSSION MATERIALS
What or who has had the most influence on your pursuit of excellence?
Not to sound corny but God, my husband Howard and my parents and family.
What are you proudest of and why?
That I have worked hard and always tried to do my best and do it with dignity and grace—- and humor!... and hung in there even when the going was tough.
What would you like to do professionally that you have not yet had the opportunity to do?
Professionally I’ve done what I had hoped to do. I’ve had the opportunities I dreamt of having. Might be fun to win and Emmy for a TV series in the future.
What honors and awards have you received in your profession?
Nominated and have won several - most special being the Academy Award and The Golden Globe.
What one word best describes you and why?
KIND – I try to treat everyone like I would like to be treated.
What do you take your sense of identity from?
My family and upbringing and those I admire. I also am blessed with a relationship with God and wonderful spouse.
What is your favorite place to be in Manhattan? And California?
My sister Kristen’s apartment in NYC – because she and her husband and my two nieces live there!
Californna – my home in Palm Springs with Howard.
What is your favorite shop in Manhattan? And California?
I love seeing the window at SAKS this time of year in NYC. In California I am a DOLLAR STORE fan!
If you could hire anybody who would it be and why?
Ha! Myself because I know I’ll get it done – as awful as that sounds – I expect a lot so better to not inflict that on anyone else!
What is the best advice you’ve received in your career and what mentors have influenced you the most?
Don’t take yourself too seriously. Family and close friends have influenced me the most.
What is your favorite drink?
Merlot.
What is the funniest thing that has ever happened to you at a cocktail party?
Not enough time or space to answer this one!! I always look for funny – so too many to recount!
But the most incredible was talking with Frank Sinatra for the evening and Howard not realizing it was Frank Sinatra because he had a beard!
What is your favorite restaurant in Manhattan? And California?
Both places: THE PALM – in Palm Springs - TROPICALE
What is your favorite Manhattan book or favorite character in Manhattan literature? And California?
I love Steve Martin’s work. I read a book a week so again – have many favorites!
What is your favorite tv show and why?
We are obsessed right now with HOW TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER
What is your favorite movie and why?
My favorite film list is easier: GLADIATOR, MAN ON FIRE, SILENCE OF THE LAMBS, DREAM TEAM, WHAT ABOUT BOB, PHILADELPHIA. I can watch these over and over again.
What do you know now that you wish you knew at the beginning of your career?
Things are harder than they seem – but I’m glad I didn’t know it – because there is also something to be said for ignorance being bliss – if you don’t know its impossible somehow you do it!
Who would you like to be for a day and why?
Hummm.. happy being myself actually.
What would you like to be asked in an interview that you never have been asked, and how would you answer it?
I can honestly say after this interview there isn’t anything I haven’t been asked!
If you could have anything in Manhattan named after you what would it be and why? And California?
It would be great to be able to have a charity center that does good –that would be cool.
What has been your best Manhattan athletic experience? And California?
I like going to Ranger games in NYC – and in Palm Springs we have a new team the FIREBIRDS that I look forward to seeing play.
What is your favorite thing to do in Manhattan that you can do nowhere else? And California?
In Manhattan I get to spend time with my sister and nieces - that is my favorite thing.
And in California – hanging by the pool with Howard.
If you could have dinner with any person living or passed, who would it be and why?
I would love to be able to see family members who have passed away – because I miss them!
What has been your best Manhattan art or music experience? And California?
I love all the museums in NYC and in California I loved seeing Prince perform.
What do you personally do or what have you done to give back to the world?
I try to be charitable as much as my bank account allows but mostly I try to be nice and treat people with dignity and respect. Be a good positive example.
What do you think is most underrated and overrated in Manhattan? And California?
TRAFFIC is underrated in both – terrible! Maybe public transportation is overrated.
Other than Movers and Shakers of course, what is your favorite WhomYouKnow.com column and what do you like about it?
NHL Peachy! Your columns are always fun and informative
What else should Whom You Know readers know about you?
I think you covered it – and then some!
How would you like to be contacted by Whom You Know readers?
