Nancy O'Dell: Interview with the Co-Host of 'Entertainment Tonight'

Emmy Award-winning journalist, Nancy O’Dell, is a force to be reckoned with ever since co-hosting one of the top ten highest-rated syndicated shows in the country, Entertainment Tonight. What may have seemed like a daunting task to find the right person to take the place of the legendary host of ET, Mary Hart a couple of years ago, this southern belle has turned out to be a great match for the most respected and longest-running entertainment news program in the world.

With over 20 years of television experience, it comes as no surprise that the 47-year-old was named one of Television Week’s 10 most bankable stars in syndication. But Nancy has garnished respectability as a leading entertainment journalist for other programs too such as Dateline NBC, Today Show, and Access Hollywood, as well as covering several live red carpet pre-shows.

TheCelebrityCafe.com had the chance to speak with this hard working, career mom about her recent degree, her viewpoint on people’s obsession with celebrities, and sharing an important message to parents on how to make sure their teens stay safe on the road while learning to drive this summer.

TheCelebrityCafe.com: Congratulations on your Humanities Doctorate from Clemson University.

Nancy O’Dell: Thank you. I appreciate that. I am really honored that Clemson U contacted me saying that I qualified for such a degree. I could not have been more thrilled. I worked hard for my degree through a lot of sacrifice. But it paid off because I graduated as an honorary student.

TCC: What’s the best advice you got in your career as a journalist?

Nancy: It was actually something I had mentioned during my commencement speech at Clemson. And that advice was, “don’t ever let anybody ever tell you ‘no.’”

I thought that was the best advice I could give to my fellow graduates that was given to me throughout my career by a few people. I remember awhile back when I first started working as a reporter for a local station this news director would tell me, “You don’t want to be a journalist or news reporter. They are all a dime a dozen, you’ll never make it.” I am glad I never listened to him, because I love what I do. Always pursue what you want to pursue and don’t be afraid of failure.

TCC: But what if journalism didn’t work out for you? What other career would you have chosen?

Nancy: There is no question I would have to have been an interior designer. I love decorating. I could spend hours at a furniture store. It’s my other passion, which is why I executive produce and host the show, Celebrities at Home, on HGTV. It’s a show that tours celebrity houses. And the reason why I came up with that show is because I’m so much in love with house designs.

TCC: Going back two years ago, what was going through your mind when first hearing that you would be Mary Hart’s replacement on ET?

Nancy: I was doing Access Hollywood for years before going to ET. When it comes to popularizing entertainment news it was ET that started it all. I could remember sitting at my home in South Carolina and seeing Mary Hart on ET and to me she was so beautiful and smart. I would think to myself, “that would be a cool job to have.” I never thought I would end up having a job co-hosting ET. It’s an honor. If you’re going to end up doing entertainment journalism, which is my profession, this show is where you want to be as far as being the best of the best on network television.

TCC: Earlier in your career you did news anchoring and investigative reporting, but do you find it easier to cover entertainment news instead because it is more lighthearted?

Nancy: I don’t think covering entertainment news is easier it is just different. You are still going out and covering stories and asking questions. I mean, you are a story-teller when you’re a journalist. So whether you are talking about entertainment or covering investigative reports, like what I did during my local news days, no matter what the topic is it’s still a story. So it is the same in a sense but the approach is different.

TCC: People are so interested in entertainment news. Why do you think people have less interest in local/international news, like for example, some don’t have a clue of what’s going on in Syria, but yet they want to know every day what Justin Bieber is doing?

Nancy: I think it’s because of what a celebrity does for a living, whether they are on TV or in movies. There is a part of the public that feels like they know this person. They feel the celebrity is a part of their life. I find that fascinating because for one they think celebrities live such different lives, which is not necessarily true. Also, people want to know if celebrities do what they normally do. There is that side too. In fact, there are both sides to it. They want to know about the fancy world celebrities live in, but they also want to know if they do things that any other regular person would do. But for others being so caught up in entertainment and celebrity news can be a form of escapism for them.

TCC: What would you say is the most memorable celebrity interview you have ever done?

Nancy: Probably one I did with Madonna. It was shortly after she adopted David and I was 8 weeks pregnant with my baby girl. I had interviewed Madonna a couple of times before, but this one was different.

I was journaling my pregnancy during that time by taking pictures with celebrities I had interviewed. All these pictures were going for my scrapbook, which I am a big fan of. So before the interview I revealed to Madonna why I was taking a picture with her and about my pregnancy. It ended up becoming a neat interview because I saw a different side of her; a soft, sweet maternal side of Madonna that you normally don’t see. I honestly believe it was because of my pregnancy. That interview for me was the most memorable and unique experience, because it made me see her in a different light. It’s something I had learned about her.

TCC: I also wanted to ask you about the drive safety program for teens you started with the help of the National Safety Council and Allstate Foundation.

Nancy: Yes. I’m very excited about this program, DriveitHome.org, because this website encourages parents to get more involved in helping their kids learn how to drive. What some don’t realize is that the first year a teenager gets their driver’s license is the most dangerous time ever in their life. Statistics have proven that. Surprisingly the dangers are not because teens are too busy texting or not paying attention to the road. It’s because they have a lack of experience. The Allstate Foundation found out that over 50 percent of teens they talked to wanted more time to practice driving so they can gain more experience. That is why this summer I will be helping my stepson, Tyler, practice driving safely.

The program provides weekly tips such as finding a safe way to drive with your kids like not driving during high risk situations such as when it is raining. It’s the little things that are vitally important. It’s a great resource and wonderful program.



ET’s Nancy O’Dell handing the car keys over to her 17-year-old stepson, Tyler,
for his driving lesson/ Photo courtesy of Bret Hartman.



Go to the www.DriveitHome.org to take the ‘Sign and Drive Pledge’ for new teen drivers to stay safe on the road.

Written by: Bridget Campos

Link: http://thecelebritycafe.com/feature/2013/06/nancy-o-dell-interview-co-host-entertainment-tonight

Brandon Johnson: Video Interview with the Host of TNT's Reality Series '72 Hours'

Actor and TV host Brandon Johnson discusses his latest project, hosting a new reality show competition where contestants endure the most harshest elements and toughest terrain in various exotic locations, with only a GPS device and a bottle of water, in order to locate a briefcase containing $100,000. As if the stakes weren't high enough they have only three days to find the loot.

In an exclusive video interview the day before his new show premiered last night (June 6, at 9/8c), TheCelebrityCafe.com’s, Bridget Campos, spoke with Brandon about his recent marriage to his wife, Ariel Fox, including more behind the scenes info of what viewers can expect watching 72 Hours, and recurring his role as Gary Wilde in Disney’s Shake It Up.

Watch the video below:

Written by: Bridget Campos

Link: http://thecelebritycafe.com/feature/2013/06/brandon-johnson-video-interview-host-tnt-s-reality-series-72-hours

Coco Austin: Interview with the Star of ‘Ice Loves Coco’

Reality star and former Playboy model, Coco Austin, has adored fans with her sweet, down-to-earth personality since debuting on the show, Ice Loves Coco, with her devoted husband, rapper/actor Ice-T, in 2011. With Coco’s charm and playfulness and Ice T’s use of common sense and telling it like it is makes this couple’s every day life seem quite entertaining to watch.

But there is more to this Southern California girl than just wearing over-the-top sexy outfits that hug her voluptuous curves and being arm candy to her man at celebrity events. She is also a business woman and an advocate of full-figured women being comfortable with their bodies.

The 34-year-old, blond bombshell’s latest project is Peepshow at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas. The striptease show has wowed audiences. Coco was even named by Las Vegas Weekly to be one of the top 13 performers to watch in 2013. TheCelebrityCafe.com had the chance to speak with Coco about Peepshow (which has been extended through Sept. 1st) and how she manages to make her marriage work despite the distance.

TheCelebrityCafe.com: What can people expect at Peepshow?

Coco Austin: When people hear the term peepshow they automatically think of it as a sleazy, grimy-type atmosphere. But this show is the opposite of that. It’s a musical love story. Everything you would expect at a Vegas show is in Peepshow such as Cirque du Soleil-like entertainment, comedy, singing, and dancing.

Another thing viewers won’t expect is the character I play, Bo Peep, who is shy and timid, which is the exact opposite of me. A lot of people didn’t think I could pull it off. In fact, after each show I do a meet and greet with the audience and some actually thought I really was shy like my character. So it’s nice to know that I did my performance so well that people really thought I can be timid.

TCC: Do you personally sing, dance, or do any acrobats on the show?

CA: I only dance on the show. When I first got the call to do the Vegas show, I had seen Holly Madison prior to taking her place on Peepshow and she was singing and dancing. So I said, “If I am coming all the way from New York to Las Vegas for the show I want to dance.” The reason why I said this is because I have been dancing my whole entire life. Peepshow gave me the opportunity to show off my skill. There are not too many times that you start something in your childhood that you actually get a chance to show off later on in life. I might tweak it a bit and incorporate singing in my performance. But for right now I’m not too into it. I can hold a tune, but I’m not comfortable doing that just yet. I am not on the level of the talent we have on the show. So I’ll leave the singing to them. (Laughs)

TCC: Since this is a burlesque show there is nudity involved, right?

CA: Um…maybe I shouldn’t give it away, but in the show my character gets some help on how to be more comfortable with her body. So there is nudity involved. I won’t tell you what parts are shown, but it happens suddenly that the audience doesn’t expect it.

TCC: Were you nervous during your debut because of having to bare your body in front of an audience?

CA: I get asked that all the time and what people don’t realize is that you do so many rehearsals before you actually hit the stage. After practicing over and over again when you finally perform on stage it comes off natural. Also, when on stage what the audience doesn’t know is that you can’t see them because of the stage lights that hit you in the face. It’s a trick that stage performers do. So that helps me a lot when I’m doing my thing on stage.

TCC: Is Peepshow something only men will enjoy or could they bring their wives or girlfriends with them?

CA: It is for all audiences. Let me tell you, I have a really big female fan base. So I mostly see more women than men in the audience. And they come in packs because of girls’ night out or celebrating a bachelorette party. Back then I used to have more of a male fan base during my swimsuit modeling days. But now that I do television more women are my fans and so they come to see my show. And I am grateful for that.

Also, women love musicals and love stories, sometimes they bring their husbands with them. After watching Peepshow people always say to me that it was more than what they expected. It is so much more than a musical. It has a lot of energy and is fast-paced. You are entertained the whole time watching it. One guy from Germany watched Peepshow every single day for the whole week he was in Vegas. He found the show to be that interesting. Some have watched the show more than once because there is so much going on that you miss a lot the first time you see it.

TCC: Would you want to do burlesque shows permanently?

CA: This has been a great experience. When you’re on stage, you really feed off the audiences’ energy. There is nothing like it. After Peepshow I really don’t know what my next project will be. But I would like to keep on doing theater. I think I could do that forever.

TCC: How does it feel being a 1,000 miles away from your husband, Ice-T, while doing the show in Las Vegas?

CA: We do a lot of Skyping. That’s like our NO. 1 thing. When I’m not in New York visiting him, he’s out here on the weekends to see me. But now that the season for Law & Order has recently ended, Ice will spend the whole summertime with me. He really likes Peepshow. He said to me, “This show fits you perfectly.” It feels nice getting approval from your man. I want him to be proud.

TCC: Would you like to dispel rumors that you and Ice-T are on the brink of divorce because of an alleged affair you had with rapper AP.9?

CA: The internet is complete rubbish. We never like to read anything off the internet. We hear rumors but we don’t feed into it. Our relationship is very strong. We have been together for 12 years and will continue to be for many years. Simple as that.

TCC: Will there be a fourth season of Ice Loves Coco?

CA: Right now the show is on a break. We just finished season three. Ice has finished Law & Order and I’m doing Peepshow so we are going to figure it from there. It’s a lot of work doing three shows at once. You never really know.

TCC: Now in regards to your clothing line Licious that’s dedicated to curvy women. Why do you think the general public equates curves with being fat?

CA: I believe every woman’s body is beautiful in its own way. I have never understood that just because a woman has thick thighs she is considered fat. For so long I’ve been around in the modeling world and have tried to break that barrier. But I think now it’s turning around. In my opinion, I believe there are more curvy girls out there than skinny girls. To have curves means you are healthier. But when you are super skinny you are not eating correctly probably because you are not eating at all, I mean, let’s be honest here.

The reason why I started the clothing line Licious is because I had trouble finding clothes for my body type. I figured if I’m having trouble finding clothes for me being curvy I know girls with my body type are probably facing the same issue. And so with the help of my designer, I came up with the idea of creating my own clothing line. They are clothes that I like to wear and people like the style. It’s a hobby. I really don’t consider myself to be a designer. But I feel full-figured women deserve to wear clothes that show off their curves in a flattering way. When you have clothes that fit your body type you feel more confident and comfortable with yourself.

Follow Coco Austin on Twitter @Cocosworld.

And for more info on PeepShow and how to purchase tickets, please go to her website at CocosWorld.com  or www.lasvegaspeepshow.com

Photo courtesy of John Ganun

Written by: Bridget Campos

Link: http://thecelebritycafe.com/feature/2013/05/coco-austin-interview-star-ice-loves-coco

The Outsider and Others by H.P. Lovecraft (Book Review)

Considered to be one the greatest horror writers of the 20th century, H.P. Lovecraft, didn’t receive much acclaim until decades later following his death. Eventually when Lovecraft’s literary work started receiving cultural references this made him develop a cult-like status and in turn he had gained respect from horror writers of our time, including Stephen King and Neil Gaiman. After passing away in 1937 from intestinal cancer, two years later his book, The Outsider and Others, had been published.

Lovecraft was labeled by some to be a protégé to renowned author Edgar Allan Poe, since he too wrote science fiction/short horror stories just like his late idol. In fact, most of the short stories in The Outsider and Others were compared by critics to be very similar to Poe’s writing style because of the stories being a psychological thriller that contains elements of horror. The compilation novel has 37 short tales of horror. But there is one story in particular, The Outsider, that became one of Lovecraft‘s best short stories to date, which is why the book was given that title.

The story entails the narrator’s life as being miserable and lonely. He vaguely remembers anything about his life story, or what lead him to the situation that he was in, being alone in a decaying castle that feels like a prison to him. The story focuses more on his dreary environment and how he has never seen light, nor any other humans. He only knew about the outside world from the many books he reads. After being in isolation from society for many years, he one day decides to break free from his rut and explore the outside world. It is through his efforts to search for human contact (by escaping his depressing life to start a new one) that he discovers something about himself that makes him feel even more alone.

When the narrator goes on a journey to discover new surroundings, he comes across another castle where a party is being held. Eager to come into contact with people, he climbs into the castle through a window. However, when people see him they are terrified; some cover their eyes as they frantically try to run away from him. It is not until the narrator views his reflection in a mirror that is when he is finally aware of his “abnormal” appearance. In sorrow, the narrator tries to return back to his castle but is physically unable to go back. He now becomes an outsider, not only from his old way of life but the new way of life he was seeking.

What made this story so memorable is not just the typical elements that you would find in gothic literature, but it covers a social issue that most people subconsciously have to deal with-- having a distorted image of oneself. Some believe that Lovecraft wrote this story based on his own assumption of himself as being ugly. In fact, his own mother told one person that she felt her son had a “hideous face.”

Just like the narrator’s view of seeing himself as hideous to outsiders, many suffer from self-consciousness, which leads them to living an isolated life. But some take drastic steps by altering their body through plastic surgery. It has been reported by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons that in the U.S. alone, more than 14.6 million cosmetic surgeries were performed in 2012, a five percent increase from the year before. Yet, despite so many people undergoing plastic surgery having more than one procedure isn’t enough. Most patients keep returning to have more work done to alter their bodies. Feeling that if they alter one more facial feature or body part they will then be perfect. They chase an illusion of what is socially acceptable but are never satisfied with the results because it is in their mind that the distorted body image is occurring. This disease is best known as body image dissatisfaction. It can ruin a person’s self esteem and, not to mention, their relationship with others. Though some crave for social contact they fear of being shunned by society because their appearance doesn’t fit in with what people consider to be attractive.

Regardless of whether or not The Outsider was considered to be an autobiography of Lovecraft’s personal life; what can be taken away from this story is how people in our days suffering from body image dissatisfaction can learn from the narrator’s example and avoid isolating themselves from others. This can leave them at a standstill; in that they are not moving forward in their life, but rather being trapped in a life of inaction and loneliness. Aside from the various plot holes in the short story, it is still worth reading, as well as the other Gothic tales in The Outsider and Others.

Review Rating: Four out of Five

Link: http://thecelebritycafe.com/reviews/2013/04/outsider-and-others