Olivia Brown (Det. Trudy Joplin) with the Miami Vice Daytona
You can almost hear that Jan Hammer theme playing and one of the most memorable series openings in television history – a speed boat bobbing over the Atlantic ocean, the skyline of Miami.
Saundra Santiago (Det. Gina Calabrese) and Olivia Brown (Det. Trudy “Big Booty” Joplin).
Forty years ago, “Miami Vice” transformed the image of Miami and Miami Beach in the eyes of the world, essentially creating a brand that recast the area as cool, hip and sizzling with excitement for decades to come.
Now the 40th reunion returns to the place where it happened.
From Thursday, Sept. 12 through Sunday, Sept. 15, “The Cast and Crew Miami Vice 40th Anniversary Reunion (MV40) will celebrate the iconic show with a VIP opening reception feature Lt. Castillo (Edward James Olmos) and others from the show along with multiple events throughout the weekend.
On Thursday, Sept. 12, Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner will present a proclamation declaring Thursday, Sept. 16, 2024 as “Miami Vice Day”.
Oliva Brown starred on "Miami Vice" as Det. Trudy “Big Booty” Joplin.
Cast and crew will attend the ceremony taking place at 4 p.m. at the Hotel Avalon, 700 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach.
The celebration kicks off with a VIP Opening Night Reception, featuring along with Olmos, Michael Madsen (Sally Alvarado), Saundra Santiago (Det. Gina Calabrese), Olivia Brown (Det. Trudy “Big Booty” Joplin), Bobby J. Foxworth (Stunt Coordinator/ Don Johnson Stunt Double), Pepe Serna (Zabado and Oswaldo Guzman) and many more members of the cast and crew.
The reception takes place at WEAM, 1205 Washington Ave., Miami Beach.
While the schedule is packed full of events and opportunities to meet the cast and crew, there are also bus and walking tours of Miami Vice filming locations, career retrospective discussions and the Miami Vice Museum.
Featuring the largest exhibition of Miami Vice memorabilia, the Miami Vice Museum will include a wide range of items never before on display or exhibited together since the show’s conclusion in 1989, including Don Johnson’s Famous Bren Ten, screen worn costumes, behind-the-scenes photos, props, set dressing and much more. The museum is open to the public 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. beginning Friday through Sunday.
Admission is $25.
Other highlights include:
Miami Vice Alumni Meet and Greet - On Friday, Sept. 13 and Saturday, Sept. 14, fans can get up close and personal for autographs and photos at the at the Royal Palm South Beach, with Edward James Olmos, Michael Madsen, Saundra Santiago, Olivia Brown, Bruce McGill, Joaquim De Almeida, Bill Smitrovich, Pepe Serna, and Ismael East Carlo.
Edward James Olmos played Lt. Castillo in "Miami Vice."
At 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 13, Bobby Foxworth, Stunt Coordinator/Don Johnson’s stunt double, discusses his career and five seasons working on Miami Vice. On Saturday, Sept. 14, at 2 p.m., Marty Eli Schwartz, Miami Vice director discusses his time directing Miami Vice and his career in the industry. The meet and greet events take place at The Betsy Hotel, 1440 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach.
Dinner with the Cast and Crew – A gourmet dinner at A Fish Called Avalon, hosted by Edward James Olmos and cast/crew members on Friday, Sept. 13; and hosted by Saundra Santiago and Olivia Brown and cast/crew members on Saturday, September 14. There are two seatings, at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The prix-fixe dinner experience is $185, and reservations are required via www.MiamiViceEvents.com or call the restaurant directly at (305) 532-1727.
Film screening: “American Badass: A Michael Madsen Retrospective.” Directed by Dominique Milano, starring Quentin Tarantino, John Travolta, Virginia Madsen, Charlie Sheen. Followed by Career Retrospective and question and answer session with Actor Michael Madsen. Saturday, Sept. 14 at 3 p.m. at The Betsy Hotel, 1440 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139. Free for VIP ticket holders; $10 general admission as space allows.
Film Screening: “Pepe Serna Life is Art” Directed By Luis Reyes, starring Eva Longoria, Edward James Olmos, Cheech Marin. Followed by career retrospective and question and answer session with actor Pepe Serna. Sunday, Sept. 25 at 2 p.m. at The Betsy Hotel, 1440 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139. Free for VIP ticket holders; $10 general admission as space allows.
Net proceeds from the events benefit the Police Officers Assistance Trust (POAT), providing assistance to police officers and their families in time of need.
For tickets and the full schedule of events, visit www.miamiviceevents.com.
