Sonny Starr

Sonny Starr (Born 1961) is head of Sun Starr Studios. He is a film historian, celebrity talk show host, public speaker, and columnist.  He became know to the public during his 17 year run as host of the popular radio program Bookreview.  Starr currently hosts the nations #1 Classic Hollywood Talk show Starr Talk with Sonny Starr. Over the years he has had the pleasure of speaking with some of the biggest names in the entertainment business.  Starr has won the Crystal Globe Award and the Golden Microphone Award for his work. Sonny's daughter Jen Starr is an actress in Hollywood.

Early History

Sonny is a direct descendent of one of this country’s most historic figures. Comfort Starr arrived in Boston Harbor in 1634 aboard The Good ship Hercules on its historic voyage to the new land. Those aboard who became part of the settlement of Scituate CT. became known as “The Men of Kent”. The voyage to New England sailed from Sandwich to Boston. The "Hercules" landed on May 14, 1634. Comfort was the Hercules co-owner.

Comfort became Boston's first surgeon along with his son Thomas. Comfort settled in New Towne (Cambridge). Comfort founded Harvard College in his home and later donated his land to have the college expanded. Today, Harvard’s historic (Harvard Yard) was originally the front yard of the Starr Estate. His son was one of the original signers of Harvard's letter of incorporation in 1650.

Sonny was born in Tacoma Washington and raised in Sumner. His father was an inspector with Boeing Aircraft. In 1965 the family moved to Winston Oregon were his father managed a store.

Sonny graduated from Douglas High School in 1980. He played football, studied drama, and was a member of the Acapella Choir. A short time after graduation Starr joined the Army reserves then later attended college at Lane College in Eugene Oregon. He graduated in 1987 with a degree in Communications.

Career/Personal Life

In 1984 Sonny began working at KGRV, a new radio station in Winston. He later worked at the top 40 station KRSB in Roseburg OR. During this time he would travel back and forth to Eugene to attend school.

In 1987, Sonny joined K-Oregon, founded in 1927. He was hired at first for his background in basketball. He had worked as the play by play announcer for the local high school at his previous position. Sonny began working a board shift. Later he became the announcer for NCU basketball.

In 1988 he began hosting a radio program called, Bookreview. He interviewed author's all across the nation and around the world. It became a very popular show and remained on the air for 17 years.

 

That same year (1988) Sonny married the girl of his affections. Michele had just moved up from California the year before . The two were a perfect fit. In 1989 they had their first child, Jennifer . In 1992 their 2nd daughter came along, Little Laurie. Two years later Stephanie was added. Finally in 1999 Shawn was born.
 
In 1999 Sonny's name was suggested to network executives with the national, FSI Network. The position of Operations Manager at KQFE, Part of the national network was available. They sent a representative up from California and signed Sonny on the spot. His agreement with FSI included hosting a Radio program (For the Record) on the network. Sonny is currently manages a string of radio stations in the North West and serves as Vice-President on the Board of Directors at SC Broadcasting.

In 1998 Starr formed Sun Star Studios. 'Starr Talk' is his latest project. It was launched in October of 2007. The Classic Hollywood talk show has become the nations top show of it's kind and is heard around the world. Each week he plays host to the biggest names in Film, Television and the Music industry.