HOLLYWOOD —Lucky Vanous is a well-known restaurateur in Hollywood and a respected actor as well. For those who say, “I can’t put the face with the name,” try this —in 1994 Lucky’s Diet Coke commercial in which he is ogled by female office workers as he strips to the waist and drinks cola was widely spoofed and even sparked a national debate about the sexual objectification of men. Now you know who I am talking about! The handsome star is a lot more than just a pretty face or the guy from the '90s with the unforgettable chest, which drove women to send their husbands and boyfriends to the gym to get into shape. Still in great shape, but a lot smarter and wiser, Canyon News spoke exclusively with the businessman about his life, his career and the love of his life, Lucky Devils.

Where’d you get that name?, I asked the star, “The name Vanous is of Czech origin. My father was a nightclub owner and a gambler, so he gave me the name Lucky.” Born in Lincoln, Neb., at a young age Vanous knew he was destined for bright lights and the big city. Though immediately after high school, Lucky worked his way up to become a member of the elite First Airborne Ranger Battalion, earning the right to wear the black beret. Serving on the demolition squad, Vanous learned how to seize hostile airstrips and military facilities, specializing in low level parachuting. He even went on to attend Special Forces Underwater Diving school.

Growing up in L.A., Lucky’s father worked on sets as a crewmember. At times his father was an electrician and then later he became a camera operator for such shows as “The Beverly Hillbillies” and “The Addams Family.” A few questions about his childhood led to Lucky joking about being chased around the set by Cousin Itt from the monster series. Lucky, however, began his career in acting in NYC then later returned to L.A. where he found work as an actor in everything from daytime soaps to primetime soaps with the King of prime soaps, Aaron Spelling. Lucky was cast as Matt Dunning in 1997 for the hit series “Pacific Palisades,” which also starred “Y&R” beauty Michelle Stafford and “GH” star Finola Hughes. Though it was in 2001-2002 when Lucky was the lead in “18 Wheels of Justice” as Chance Bowman that many younger viewers know the name and face.

In 2003 Lucky also guest starred on the CBS mega hit “Two and a Half Men” starring Charlie Sheen and Jon Cryer. Fast forward to what the handsome star is up to today and it’s an incredible restaurant which he owns and named “Lucky Devils.” The food is scrumptious and you just never know who may walk in off Hollywood Blvd. to have a power lunch or a romantic dinner for two. When asked what the young star is up to these days, Vanous tells Canyon News, “I've devoted all my time to making Lucky Devils the best restaurant in Hollywood, and building the brand by having the best food and service.” Then asked if he’d be interested in returning to acting and commercials, Lucky said, “not at the present time, I am dedicated to Lucky Devils, but I have been considering the possibly of returning to acting in the next six months.”

I recently became reacquainted with Lucky because a friend at WB’s told me to meet him at Lucky’s establishment. This friend is very conscious as most are in L.A. about his diet. Lucky explained why health conscious residents like his restaurant. “Absolutely, our focus is making things from scratch, barbeque, burgers and pizza. Along with hand-crafted beer. It's a great time to be value-based,” said Vanous.  Opening Lucky Devils has been a long time dream for him. He really is passionate about the business. He takes no short cuts in the ingredients either.  He wants only the best.

In 1995, Lucky did some episodes of the hit daytime drama, “All My Children.” After 39 years on the air and filming in Manhattan, the series makes the move to Pasadena in January 2010. Asked if he had fond memories of his time on the show and what it may mean in the future now that the daytime series is relocating to L.A., Lucky laughed then added, “I was fortunate enough to be on the 40^th anniversary show with Carol Brunette. It was a lot of fun. I have a lot of respect for soap actors. It's a tough job.”

I reminded Lucky the last time I saw him, he was in the Valley where his horses were stabled. Lucky explained, “I still have my horse Gypsie, she's the only one right now.” So why would he be reluctant to get back into acting, when he was so popular and why is one of the most handsome men in Hollywood more dedicated to his incredible restaurant than his career. Lucky concluded, “Tommy, I am getting married next year, and I am looking forward to settling down with a wonderful woman.” Virtually every single female reader of the paper is crestfallen at this news.

Don't assume just because he's the owner and the boss he doesn't work hard. He's not just the owner of Lucky Devils, he actually works there. He enjoys the customers, but he's been known to wash the dishes and bus the tables. One employee said of her boss, "I have never known anyone who works harder. He's a great cook, too."

For those interested in a delicious burger or homemade pizza, and to see where Lucky’s newest inspiration is, try Lucky Devils. It’s at 6613 Hollywood Blvd. Vanous promises to come to Canyon News with wedding news when the time arises.