Top 10 Interviews Of 2008
Chris Yandek reveals his ten favorite interviews of the year and what stood out. Choosing the list this year was rather difficult. I thought about what got to me personally, professionally, and what stood out to my audience. It was an amazing year that I will never forget.
10. Shontelle: She is one of the most real people I’ve come across in a business where perception is not always reality. Shontelle isn’t afraid to say how she feels and what is important to her. 2009 is going to be her year with the right moves. I am glad that I was introduced to her work this year. She just wants to make people happy.
9. Eva Longoria: She started off my year with a bang. Everyone loves hearing the Eva Longoria story. Did I mention it was also a cover story for a magazine?
8. Russell Simmons: He might be worth more than 300 million dollars, but he isn’t afraid to say what he feels. He admits that he thinks every day about the music he’s putting out there and whether it is having a positive or negative effect.
7. Jesse Ventura: I wish for the day that I could vote for this guy for any political position. He is full of ideas and looking out for the citizen’s best interest. That is what every person in public office should aspire to do.
6. Diahann Carroll: I learned a lot from Ms. Carroll in the time we spoke. She told me that listening and learning were two of the most important things as I continue to grow and live my life. I also appreciated the inquisitive compliment. She thought we did quite well even though we had a few small scuffles.
5. Robert Wagner. Robert Wagner is a gentleman. He cares about the journalist’s perspective. He has a way of making you feel like you’re the most important person. His memoirs are one of the most candid views of Hollywood I’ve ever read.
4. Whoopi Goldberg: It was one of the shortest but most memorable interviews of my entire career. The discussion of politics and The View feuds was more than enough to get people talking about this interview. I hope I can have a longer interview with her in the future. Whoopi is always on the ball.
3. Kate Beckinsale: What a delight she is! She is very candid, doesn’t take herself too seriously, and has so much to say. Beckinsale is one of the most talented and beautiful actresses of our lifetime. Hopefully an Oscar is in her future for this mother. Her career will only continue to flourish.
2. Angela Bassett: This interview during the spring was a career changing moment for me. Ms. Bassett was so genuinely nice to yours truly a day after getting her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. One of the most real and humble people I’ve ever come across. You can tell she appreciates every opportunity.
1. Ernest Borgnine: Nothing can top interviewing the oldest living Oscar winner at 91-years-old. Ernest Borgnine has been through all the major events of America. He believes we haven’t come as far as we should’ve. He feels that Hollywood has become too much about special effects over the acting product. At 91, Borgnine still loves every minute of life. Though it might’ve been a 69 year difference, Ernie treated me with class beyond what you could give a man. I don’t think I’ve ever been treated better by a talent’s management team. Hopefully he lives past 100.