What The Cast Of 'Out Of The Box' Is Doing 20 Years Later
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.ย. 2024
- "Out of the Box" was a popular children's show that aired from 1998 to 2004. The hosts, Tony and Vivian, sang and made crafts inside of an imaginary box made entirely out of cardboard. We caught up with them 20 years after the first episode aired. Tony has also announced the "Tony James: Outside the Box" tour, a special set of appearances across the US and Canada that give fans of the show a chance to meet him in person.
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Following is the transcript of the video:
Tony: People always ask me what are some of my strongest memories from the show, what are some of my favorite episodes, and really, they're all wonderful in their own way, but what I really remember if Viv's laughter.
Vivian: I love Tony. (Laughs) And there's my laugh.
Tony: So many times there would be opportunities where it would just be her scene, and we'd go behind and watch the monitors while she was doing her scene and I was just always just in awe of her. She's a magnificent vocalist and person and I love Viv.
Vivian: It was great working with him. I wouldn't trade it for the world. He was so supportive. I always felt like he had my back. We had a great connection. You know, the producers wanted us all to use our real names. So all the kids, it's their real names, and I love it because you can watch. Like, the first season they'll call me Vivian and then all of the sudden second season they'll be like Viv. Being able to call each other by our real names ... Tony and I, the relationship you see on TV is our relationship.
Tony: Viv and I get all the credit because we were the ones in front of the camera. But, what you didn't see is the 75 other people who worked behind the camera to present this show that millions of people actually ended up loving all these years.
Vivian: We shot in Astoria. Actually the same place right next to Bear in the Big Blue House and right above Sesame Street which was mind-blowing, because growing up Sesame Street was my jam. Tony and I went all day, but the kids required by law to go to school for half a day, so we did three hours in the morning and then three hours in the afternoon. Basically, in like in a little over a week we'd have two episodes.
Tony: I've been in the arts my entire life. This actually speaks to, I think, one of the reasons I was cast, because they were looking for someone who is a musician, who was primarily ... who could play percussion and specialized in junk percussion and I've had that experience because I was in the original American cast of Stomp. Even before Stomp I worked as a session and touring musician and I played with Billy Squire and Cyndi Lauper and Mariah Carey. Now of course, to this audience, those names may not mean that much, but you know, that was a while ago. -
One of the biggest reasons for the show's popularity was its diverse cast.
Vivian: I was excited to represent because I didn't realize it, I don't think, at the time. At the time, I was just super, super excited to be doing it. But it was kind of, I think, after the fact that it started airing when I would meet people out in public, they would ask me are you Filipino? It was cool, you know, because it was important to them.
Tony: I think it was very important because it's reflective of our world, and I'm a native New Yorker, so you know, that's what ... diversity is all around us.
I'm putting some finishing touches on some new music that I'll release this year. I'm just going over some artwork and discussing storyboards for videos and all of that stuff, so I'm really excited about that, so stay tuned. There's gonna be some new music coming out really soon.
Vivian: So, I'm a mom and that is my life and I love it, love it, love it, love it. I love my daughter. I love my husband. I love being a teacher because that's mainly what I do now. I'm a voice and piano teacher. I music direct for several colleges, children's theaters, high schools. See, when I was growing up, I always knew I was gonna do something with music and I was gonna do something with children because those are my two loves.
Tony: I've been really touched and honored because a lot of the generation that grew up with Box, the kids, and their parents have reached out and expressed online and in person how much the show has meant to them.
Vivian: ♪ Goodbye for now until we meet again. ♪
I’ve said this before, but it bears repeating…
Viv and I are truly honored to have been a part of your childhood. We are deeply touched by the abundant outpouring of warmth and good wishes you have extended to us, and are grateful to all who hold fond memories of our time together in "The Box”.
Many thanks to @Mannyfidel and everyone at @thisisinsiderentertainment!
Until we meet again… much love,
:)
Tony
Excuse me. Was Vivian ever absent in an episode?
Your show is what inspired my wife to become an artist when she was younger, she now has a degree in art and graphic design
Tony,I thank you from the bottom of my heart for making my childhood one of music,imagination and art! I am so blessed and thankful to have grown up with this show and am fighting tears watching you and Viv again after all this time.I love you both and I hope one day my dream of meeting you both in person will be fufilled!! May God continue to bless you and Viv!
Much love,
“An inner little girl” of a 24 year old from North CA
S.M.
I love you so much Tony! Thank you for making my childhood so wonderful!💓
@@itzelmartinez1894 You've said everything i wanna say. Truly, Tony and Vivian are my childhood heroes too. Thank you so much for all the lovely memories and for highlighting the importance of music, creativity and arts. I wish I can meet you guys and give a big hug 😭
I never noticed that they were “diverse” as a child. It never really crossed my mind that he was black and she was Asian but I guess I always thought she was so beautiful because she looked like me. To this day I can say that this was without a doubt, my favorite show as a child. Totally jump started my love of the arts and my creativity.
I still get the theme song stuck in my head as an adult XD
Many kids view people with this same unbiased view. It really proves that many of the “isms” (racism, sexism, etc) are taught. But that’s great because it means we can teach future generations to see diversity as an inherent part of life, not a box to check off to appeal to a broader base.
I love you
@@sugasweet1239 as a blind person, who has been blind since birth, I love love love what you just said! The world is beautiful to me!
@@oOKitty86Oo 🤣 me; too often actually
Is it me or that these guys haven’t change a bit?
Nurul Adlina nope
Melanin at its best.
Black don't crack y'all
Not one bit-Joker
It's only been 20 years, they were fresh, young talent when Out of the Box was being aired
🎶 “So long, farewell, to you, my friends
Goodbye for now, until we meet again”🎶
😍 My childhood 😍
Alaila Reyes I'm not crying, *You're crying*
Yeah im not crying either :(
Alaila Reyes ❤️
One time they sang this and the show never aired again 😭
It's been great to play and sing together in the box, and now it's time to say goodbye
I turned 23 today. I loved this show so much and when I was a kid.
Okicize 2519 happy birthday 🎂
Okicize 2519 happy bday😄
Omg same june 12 tho remember watching when i was 4 years old
Happy B day!! I turned 24 a month ago haha! Were '95 babies!
The memories of this show are very much alive
If they made a reboot now they could just just rehire Tony and Vivian no problem
Drawsome Drawer Disney would find a way to mess it up
It’s best that it’s on Disney plus and not have a rebooted version on Disney Junior.
But then again you never know because we will see if whether or not they'll renew it like they did with other classic shows and movies
Oh we'll see.
Some shows like this have that magic that rebooting them would take away from that magic
When she sang the at the end, that shit hit me so had.
Katiesha Sheppard I DEFINITELY did not shed a tear 😭
im not crying YOU ARE
Trussstttt me
Katiesha Sheppard dude same. Tears 😂😭
Nostalgia but hey I’m not cryin.... last 20 seconds: well shit
Kids nowadays missed out!!!!! Love this show!!!!❤❤❤❤❤
Absolutely. They missed out bigly.
I was born 05..... thanks to my parents I watch all of the good shows...:: (not 2010 shows)
Yesssss!!
Hell yeah I missed this show
It's on disney plus now. So some kids nowadays will be watching the show.
My childhood, so much nostalgia
Y’all mind if I cry real quick?? 😭
This was my favorite show as a kid. I’ve always been super shy, especially as a kid, and this show made singing, dancing, and acting seem super fun and approachable instead of intimidating. These two have the sweetest souls. 💕
Every kid that watched this in the 90s used to build a cardboard house and think you could really go inside the "out of the box house" don't act like you didn't try it 😂😂😂😂😂 cuz I sure did, I thought that shit was real. Just like I thought I could jump into a book watching Blues Clues😂😂😂😭
I know right. When I was a kid, I found a leftover box after my family bought a washing machine and I used that as a foundation of my town settlement.
Muhammad Nuruddin I’m screaming
Lmaooo I’m in tears did you jump into a book ?????
Lolll quit callin me out!! I actually remember asking my mom for my birthday to get me that picture you could jump into on Blue's Clues as a kid🤣
Yooooo u crazyyyyyyyy 😂😂😂😂💯
Still to this day, I believe this is one of the best children's shows ever!
As a kid I thought Viv and Tony were married and I thinks that's because they have such great chemistry. I loved them so much and I wanted to grow up to have a relationship like theirs. They both had this glow about them that showed it was more than just a job to them.
@caristee Thank you!
Damn my childhood
😂😂😂😂😂 Asian don't raisin that's a first but I love it lhhhhhhhhhhh
Yooooo asian dont raisin 😂😂😂😂😂
This was literally my fav show as a kid
I am Japanese,but my father sometimes went to US for work and sent me this show in VHS,so I know them.
Now I’m 19, but I still sometime listening intro song of this show.
It would be fun to see them do a comeback episode. Like a celebration of 20 years later. Loved this show. So not surprised that Viv is a teacher! So perfect! And I love that Tony is still in music. These people are amazing!!!
To this day I still sing the goodbye song.
Disney should have a DVD collection with each complete season. I wanna rewatch and relive my childhood youth. Enjoyed watching this growing up, even as a teenager. First disney channel education series, I introduced my toddler niece to back then.
Guardian Diancie I agree
Absolutely I agree I grew up with the show too it was awesome especially the Goodbye Song
The shows on disney plus. Started rewatching the show again and felt the nostalgia hit right away when I watched episodes that I hadn't seen for years.
It’s now all on Disney+!
I NEED it on dvd. I would watch it myself AND id show it to my future children.
They did not age omg lol I love that show
Vivian is the music teacher for the children’s theatre company I perform with.
That's so cool! :D
I bet she’s a great teacher! Do you enjoy working with her?
I’m so unbelievably happy this show is going to be on Disney +. I’m going to be 23 on Thursday and I’m binge watching this show when it comes out. One of my all time favorite shows as a kid. So happy to see that they’re doing well these days☺️
The sad feeling when you realize you heard the goodbye song at one point in your childhood, and you didn't know it would be the last time :'(
☹️😦😧
Vivian you singing the goodbye song brought tears to my eyes . Such beautiful memories that I will cherish forever. Love y’all so much 💗💜💗
I remember this show being 36 years old memories. I was 10 years old when this aired wow 26 years 😢
Sooo much nostalgia here! Vivian singing that goodbye song brought me to tears & I haven't cried in nearly 7 years
I am crying, I loved this show growing up and am so happy to hear that they’re still doing awesome things with what they love !!!!
Vivian singing at the end really got me bawling. Such awesome people! Such a great show!
I struggled with the 'clap thingy' in the outro they did when I was little. I loved this show...Thank you so much Insider!!! *cries in 90's nostalgia*
I think we all did fam.
I alwaus mixed it up. I did the hand rub, next the clap and last the snap. I mixed up the snap and the clap.
I don't know myself, but I think that they are all 20 years older
Justin Y. *who are you?*
Do you get paid for commenting
Justin Y. Please for God's sake subscribe me
Who are you? What have you done to Justin Y
Justin Y. OMG I FINALLY FOUND U XD
I love how genuine people Tony and Vivian are. I'm glad they are living happy fulfilling lives!
Tony and Viv are really really great people. I mean the vibe of the show and watching their recaps you can just tell that they are such positive and happy people to be around. Well done!
Damn Tony. Blacc don’t cracc
She aged a bit too but she looks young still
@@daoyang223 Asian don't raisin...
I remember that show. I miss them so much:-)
Kayla Chenault I know right I wish I could watch them again
Lauren Pan it’s on Disney+
I literally just shed tears when Viv started singing the "farewell song" at the end of this video. This show was a very defining moment in my childhood. I truly miss seeing this show 🖤 I wish so many blessings to Viv and Tony. Thank you both so much for helping my inner 9 year old make it to 29 years old without ever losing her imagination!! I love you guys 🙏🏾
I have to say, this show got me thru troubling times when i was a kid. I was an immigrant kid who had trouble learning english so i watched TV to learn and this show really resonated with me. It was very important to me to see the Diverse cast as well.
She still has a great voice I actually teared up
He does too! Check out his music.
Tony literally looks the exact same 25 years later 😂😂😂 I love these two, they made my childhood!!! 🥰❤🥺 They both seem so sweet even to this day!!!
I'm glad they're both doing well. They haven't aged much either! They were part of my childhood.
And some of the kids from the show have went on to do successful things...
Aleisha Allen (All 3 seasons) went on to appear in the film SCHOOL OF ROCK along with ARE WE THERE YET and ARE WE DONE YET
and
Madeleine Martin (Season 3) voiced "Jojo The Clown" on Jojo's Circus (while she was still filming OUT OF THE BOX) and is known today for her role as "Becca" on Showtime's CALIFORNIACATION. In addition to her work on screen, Martin appeared on Broadway in the revival of A DAY IN THE DEATH OF JOE & EGG and the original stage production of Tracy Lett's play August Osage County
I love it when people just turn out nice
I loved how kind and soft their voices were and still are. They just wanted to have fun, make music and do arts and crafts.
I also had a big crush on Tony lol
I’m 30 now, and I remembered this. I wish they did shows like this again!
They didn't age at all
Slightly
They maintained a good weight tho
For real, they look almost exactly the same
I was 9 when this show premiered and I remember loving everything about it and them! To this day, not only do I remember every word and snap of the goodbye song, but it instantly makes me cry happy tears as I’m flooded with memories! Thank you Viv and Tony for the joy you brought into my home!
This was some quality kid television!! Kids these days have nothing like it I’m happy I grew up an era where kid shows were so dope 🔥🔥🔥
preach
I'm crying watching this. I loved this show when I was a kid. So nostalgic. These guys were awesome and very special to me.
Same!
It's awesome to see how people you grew up with are living now, and I'm so happy they are doing well. When she sang the goodbye tune my heart clenched. Ugh I miss that show
VIV, I DIDNT NEED YOU TO SING THE GOODBYE SONG, IM CRYING IN THE CLUB 😭💖
I’m 25 years old and I remember loving this show. If for some reason they would make a reboot with Tony and Viv I would watch it now . No doubt about it. I love them so much. This show, the bear and the big blue house, Blues Clues, And a few others were the reason I learned English growing up . ❤️🤟🏽😭 I love them.
Took both my daughters to see them "live at the local Mall", up in Vallejo, CA...near Viv's hometown...just about 18 years ago...!!! They were such a HIT...seems they both still have maintained their "awesomeness" to this day...!!!
I was a teenager and this was my favorite show to watch when I would get home from school! You both made so many children smile! Happy to see you both are doing well. I thought this was such a neat idea to include boxes! A child can play with a box all day, especially hide. God bless
These two are the most positive and kind people. I miss them 😢
I harmonized at the end with Vivian 🎶 this show was a faaaave of mine, I’ll never forget seeing Tony & Viv at Playhouse Disney Live at the Mall of America when I was a little little kid!
Omg I grew up watching Out of the Box and in love with the cast even more now with how humble they are!!
S/O to them for being one of my favorite childhood memories. I just turned 22 and I never forgot them.
No matter how how old I get I can still go back to shows I watched as a kid and still love it.
I cannot actually describe how much joy I got as a kid, and as an adult hearing that goodbye song. Its just so sweet and heartfelt. Thank you Tony and Vivian for being in my life ❤
So Cardi B is using the farewell song in her shows & I couldn’t place it... the crowd gets so HYPED about it. This show really touched a whole generation. I hope they know that. 😊
Aww that's so sweet that Cardi used the song love that
This show is amazing.
Thank you so much Tony and Vivian! You two have no idea how happy you two use to make me when I watched Out of the Box. You two will always live on through my memories and the memories I'll end up sharing with my kids one day!
It’s so great to see Tony and Vivian again after all these years! I had know idea that they filmed the show in New York! Being next door to Bear in the Big Blue House and Sesame Street must’ve been a cool experience for the kids who worked on the show! Doesn’t Vivian’s daughter look just like her?
I’ve introduced this to my Kindergarten class and they are in LOVE with it just as we all were in the 90s. ❤️💕 They watch it whenever we have to eat lunch in the classroom. :)
26, and everytime i bring this show up. No one knows what im talking about. Glad to know it wasn't a fever dream.
I will always love these two with everything in my heart. 😭😭
I LOVE THIS !!! This made my day. Please catch up with the cast of The Big Comfy Couch next. (Loonette and Molly)
Life goes on❕
Happy growing
Out of the Box was my SHOW growing up!!!
This show took a big part in my nieces life and I have so many great memories from watching it with her. I can’t get the goodbye song out of my head 20years later. Thanks guys for all the memories.
brings childhood memories
I’m 27 and I still feel the deep feeling in my chest every episode I rewatch for my daughter and I hope she gets the feel the same way I felt growing up with viv and tony
DAMN!!!! Tony was hot back then and he still is now!!!! 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍
Hey Tony! It’s amazing to hear from you and Viv! We spoke a while back and now I remember the episode with the disguises. It is called Disguise Surprise! Remember that episode? You, Viv, and the children wore different outfits to change the way you looked on the outside. You also taught the viewers that no matter how different you might look on the outside due to something you put on, you are always the same inside. Mr Rogers taught a similar message on an episode where he came into the studio wearing dark glasses. But yeah, that episode on out of the box was a fun one indeed! Hope you’re doing well and I hope you continue to make music! You are very talented! 😀
SO psyched this show is on Disney Plus now!!! Showing the kiddos I nanny and they're in love ❤
Wow they still look the same. I always liked the farewell song lol. I remember just sitting in a big ol box watching the show & eating froot loops without a care in the world. I'm so glad they are doing well.
I grew up watching “Out of the box” 20yrs later I’m watching it with my Son... 💛
I can't believe it's been all these years already since I watched the show as a little boy! I'm 21 now and full time college student, this video brings back so many happy childhood memories! They barely aged or changed as well! :O
My favorite kids program growing up and that goodbye song has lived in my head all these years.
They legit raised me. I used to be obsessed with this show. I’m 29 now, thank you for an awesome child good.
Wow! The fact that I remember every word to the theme song & it never failed to put a simile on my face makes this a joyful reflection of my childhood.
I have always loved watching the connection that everyone had on the show, especially both Tony & Vivian. As a kid, I felt like I was playing & creating right there with you guys! I didn't realize before but I have come to the realization that this show has been my inspiration for my many years of natural creativity when I engage with the kiddos with special needs who I've worked with for over 10yrs & with my own children.
I can create & imagine things out of anything you can think of... over time have built this sort of natural out of the box instinct of creativity, which in fact has been one of the many reasons I have gotten as far as I have in my career.
This show was wholesome, natural, beautiful, talented & most of all creative.
bro charlie pooth stole they song
Even though I'm still relatively young; When I was 5-7, this was my favorite show out of all the channels! And even looking back all those years, I still think this show is far better than many of the other kid shows pumped out by larger corporations. Thanks for all the memories, I will forever cherish them and I hope you will too.
It always seems like the people behind children's television shows have this youthful energy that makes them seem much younger than they are.
Tony still got the dreadlocks! My dude 👌🏿👌🏿
He was always a stylish guy 😎
The fact that there's still no DVD set released of this show is downright criminal. Come on Disney, you don't want money?
I would watch this at my friends house in the mornings before middle school. We both thought we were too old to watch it, but we wouldn't say a thing or tease each other while we watched. Such a positive and just cool show and to see how positive Tony and Viv still are, brings a smile to my face.
I loved watching Out of the box since I was 6 years old back in 1998 that was the show starts back then. That was the show that I ever loved! Now I’m 27 years old already and I still loves this show today!!!😀❤️
Man Vivian’s voice and laughter is so warming and comforting. They both look great btw. This show captured the imagination of a child so well
Hands down one of my favorite shows when I was a kid. I’m an 80s baby so I grew up watching this show and I still remember doing my crafts at home while watching the show and re-creating things they were creating. Just made me feel like I was there, like I was learning something and you could just feel their amazing energy through the screen.
Ugh! Miss it ❤️
-Cindy
@poshwithcin
Had a sudden urge to revisit shows I saw as a kid, and I'm so glad someone conducted this interview
I remember watching this show before play school time flys 😲
Awww, my heart! The farewell song just popped into my head and I had to look it up, then I saw this. I'm crying over here. *sniffles*
I’m crying too cause my sister died and I use to sing it to her . Now I scream it to the heavens above . 💜🤍 Rest In Peace Destiny .
@@beebeesimmer3010 So sorry for your loss.
I loved this show as a kid in the 90s! Great childhood memories
I use to watch Out of the Box all the time as a kid! My lil ADHD self use to make box forts and I was disappointed when I wasn't in their world. I miss my childhood. I turn 20 this year and I graduate from college with a degree in film. I'm old :( Out of the Box is a small reason why I decided to make films and get ahold of cameras as a kid because I wanted to direct shows and movies. Hopefully, I can do that professionally in the future!
You guys were a huge part of my childhood I remember the episode I would watch after school . You guys are amazing just inspirational . I know it wouldn’t happen but I would love to see another season just to bring back memories . Hard trying to find a dvd sex of this show one of my top 3
Out of the Box was my childhood!
When it came out I was 2 and ended when I was 7 or 8
*It’s weird because I don’t remember this show at all like I usually do with old shows I watched as a little kid.... BUT I REMEMBER THE GOODBYE SONG SO VIVIDLY??????*
the light in them shines out, it's why they look so young
The ending hit me in the heart 😪
Something so beautiful about people who can be kind and nurturing to children , wish I was better at it
Omg they look the same!!! Be still my heart I loved this show
i still remember sitting on an old crappy couch in a messy living room, watching this show on a old box TV. it would be so late but i wouldn’t sleep till i watched this show!! i love it with all my heart❤️and still do!
Late? This show came on early in the morning
i grew up watching you all . your sires out of the box was amazing. i learn a lot when i watching all the series as a child. glad you all are doing good.. I really enjoy yoru shows you all are amazing and awesome you did a great job on the out of the box it was a great show. you all have a blessing day.
I was wondering if we were gonna get the famous goodbye song towards the end. And I was not disappointed:) I love out of the box, and Tony & Vivian are a godsend to my childhood as well as others who grew up with the show. Never stop living life with fun, love, and laughter:)
Ohhhh myy goddd the nostalgia hit me like a ton of bricks
We did meet again, Viv! This show will always have a special place in my heart. It was the first show in which I saw kids and adults of different colors and ethnicities. I didn't realize it at the time, but it really influenced me. Thank you, Viv and Tony, and to all the kids, and cast, and crew. You made my childhood magical.