Access Blogs
Access 3000: Nancy's Memorable Moments
Wow… 3000 episodes of Access Hollywood and I have been here for every one. I am going on my 12th year here at Access! Of course, I started when I was just 15-years-old!!!! And boy what a ride it has been!
I can remember, as if it were yesterday, my very first interview. It was with Keanu Reeves and I was so nervous that I just laughed throughout the entire interview. No matter how he answered, I just let out this big belly laugh like it was the best thing anybody had ever said. He must have thought I was a bit whacky... hopefully, he realized I was just green.
The one question I get asked almost daily - so who are your favorite celebrities? Who do you enjoy interviewing the most? I always answer Richard Gere, because I had a crush on him for so long. I developed the crush when I was a little girl and snuck into the theater to see "American Gigolo" before the age I was allowed and caught a glimpse of his behind. Oh my... how my crush started that day!
I remember one of my first interviews with him. I was so tongue-tied... I could not get my questions out. My face turned bright red because of it and then my producers started yelling, "Get her some water, get her some water!" And that just made things worse! But actually, it all turned out just fine because I had to confess my crush to Richard and we have had the best relationship ever since.
He has given me exclusives on many occasions and we have such a nice rapport. Some of the other people I often talk about, as being my "favorites" to interview are Julia Roberts, Halle Berry, John Mayer, Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, Katherine Heigl, and Robin Williams. They don't take themselves too seriously. They are such pros at doing interviews and will answer any question... knowing how to handle themselves… and they will give you something interesting to use even if they don't want to specifically give the answer.
As we look back at old footage, I remember what fun I have had throughout the years. There are so many great memories. I remember introducing Gwen Stefani to a completely star-struck Julia Roberts. We were at the "America's Sweethearts" premiere and I was in the middle of interviewing Julia Roberts when we both realized Gwen Stefani was walking up the red carpet behind Julia. Julia became visibly shaken and nervous. I asked her what was up and she said that she was Gwen's biggest fan. I said that I would introduce her. Julia said no 'No'… .that she was too nervous. I proceeded to ask her if she realized she was Julia Roberts. Of course, when Gwen walked close, I wasn't about to lose the opportunity. I introduced them and they hugged and hugged. Julia was like a little girl... very cute moment.
I also remember some very special sentimental moments. I remember when Halle won her first big award.. .a Golden Globe for her portrayal in "Introducing Dorothy Dandridge." She was so happy and had not spoken to her mom yet after winning. I handed her a portable phone and said, 'Give your mom a call.' She did and it was one of our sweetest moments ever, seeing something so real. Then, Halle went on to win so many awards including an Oscar and made history in the process.
The 1997 premiere of "Batman & Robin" was one of our first big premieres. It was when George Clooney was Batman... that's how long ago it was. And he had a long-time girlfriend with him... hmmm... odd. And Arnold Schwarzenegger, our California governor, was Mr. Freeze. My, how times have changed!
I also get asked often which interviews took me by surprise. I always answer that one with Madonna. The first time I interviewed her I went in not knowing whether we would click. I pictured her as being entirely different than what she was. I so enjoyed our interview.... intelligent, informative, direct.. and she was so nice and classy to everyone in the room. Then I did a very long exclusive interview with her right after her adoption of David. That's is when I saw even more... the softer, very genuine side of her. She remains one of my favorite people to interview to this day.
I am also often asked about big gets. Jack Nicholson… I mean who is not a fan of his! I remember the first event I was going to where he was in attendance. My producer said we were going to try really hard to get an interview with Jack. I said I didn't think there was any way, as "he just doesn't do interviews." But when we got there, I just went up to him and started talking and we talked for 20 minutes. It was such a fun, great interview. Since then, he has been very kind granting me several interviews at various events.
I could continue about more favorites, but it would take me too long to write. I am honored to have been a part of Access since the very get-go. You know, as often happens, other great opportunities have come along, but I have never chosen to leave because I love what I do and the people with whom I do it!
Hey Nancy,
This post basically sums up why I think Access is the best Entertainment news show out there. There are actual genuine and candid moments on your show. You (usually) guys know when to ask the serious questions, and when to just ask the fun questions. You don't pretend to be a hard news program (like The ET) or a tabloid (like the Insider). Additionally, ET's blogs sound like they were written by publicist and not by the actual host (unlike Access blogs).
Keep up the good work!!!
Nancy
Just saw the piece on your beautiful mom and her diagnosis of ALS I am a physician in Boston, and know the disease well. I have always thought you were one of the more beautiful and honest newscasters on television. I admire the fight you and your family are mounting for your mom, and wish you all the best.
I just lost my mom at age 93. Feel free to email me--If I can be of ANY assistance, it would be an honor.
Also congrats on your new baby
All the best
Dr. Paul
Nancy: I lost my dad 5 years ago to ALS. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. It it a debilitating disease and where we live they didn't know very much about ALS and were not able to offer much help. If you have access to help and assistance to find out all you can about ALS use it. Again my prayers are with you. It is never easy to watch the people we love suffer and for us to feel helpless.
Nancy! Ashby looked soooo cute in that video. (New York Stock Exchange)
Hello Nancy:I think you have the right Topic
and Comments is Access 3000:Nancy's Memorable Moments on Access Hollywood for
This Week in May 2008.
Nancy-
I heard about your mother's diagnosis with ALS. We lost my beloved aunt at the age of 59 two years ago. This is one of the most tragic illnesses that exist, yet unfortunately there is not much attention paid to it.
While your mother's diagnosis is tragic, this is your time to utilize your "celebrity", in order to garner more awareness toward this neurological disease.
Please stay positive and strong during this difficult time.
I read about your committment to the fight against ALS online and I want to say thanks. I lost my dad to ALS a few months ago, and my aunt a year before that. Having someone in the media help bring this disease into the spotlight is an amazing gift. My family's prayers are with you and your family.
Nancy,
Thanks for sharing your story about your mom. I cried so hard when I heard the news because my mother was just diagnosed with ALS at the age of 62. I know it was hard for you to share this personal information but it is great that you are bringing awareness to this disease. I will continue say a prayer for our moms and anyone battling ALS. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Nancy,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your dear Mother.
You have many thinking about you during this sad time.
I know she was thrilled to see you happy & to get to see baby Ashby.
God Bless your family!
Love,
Cat
I made a card for you
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u318/BamaCat/ANS%20COMMENT%20Cards/SorrytoHearofYourLoss.gif
Nancy,
I am sorry to hear about your mom passing. I lost my grandma in the fall of 06 to ALS and it was very hard. I hope you and your family are ok.
Dear Nancy,
I'm very sorry for the loss your mother. I hope that you remember the good and fun memories that you shared with her and remember how much she loved you. May God rest her soul and I'll be praying for you and your family.
Nancy,
I am praying for you and your family during this difficult time. The father of my good friend was diagnosed with ALS a little over a year ago. Through my friend I have seen the struggles ALS has on the patient and family. I pray that God comforts you and your family during this time and that you are comforted by the fact that she is in a much better place. I will remember your mother as my son and I walk this year with our friend to help fight ALS for people like his father and your mother. God bless you.
Jamie
P.S. Here is the link to the Dallas Walk to D'Feet ALS in October and the efforts being made in Texas.
http://web.alsa.org/site/TRC/Walks/NorthTexasWalk?pg=peditor&fr_id=3931&px=1659032
Good Morning,
I know this has nothing to do with what you are talking about but I don't know where else to turn. My best friend's only daughter who is 5 is dying of Leukemia the doctors have told her parents she has about two weeks left. Christina's only wish is to meet Hannah Montana I have tried everything to set this up, but if you are not a star it is nearly impossible. This is her web page on CaringBridge http://www.caringbridge.org/cb/viewJournal.do?method=executeInit
If there is anything you can do to make this wish come true I will be indebted to you forever. If you read her web page and what she has been going through for the past almost 3 years you will know how much she has been suffering but still in her last moments remains spunky. She has over 94,700 posts to her site. PLEASE I AM BEGGING YOU HELP, SHE DOESN'T HAVE MUCH TIME.
I remember one of those Richard Gere interviews,Nancy.You were fanning yourself and laughing,flustered.Completely embarrassed!Richard Gere just looked over his shoulder to the camera like:"God,this girl's got it bad!"I loved it.~peter@slipkid1863.Yeah,myspace as always!
I can't believe that Miley Cirrus' father believes that it is great for his 15 year old to have a 20 year old boyfriend. If you wonder why young girls in Hollywood end up having many issues, just listen to that interview you did with Miley and her dad. My father and many other fathers would not approve of their underage daughters having grown men as boyfriends. Hope they are not sexually involved, that would be against the law. Did daddy think about that? Or did he think about teen pregnancy? Most teen girls who have babies don't get pregnant by teen boys, they get pregnant by adult men. I work with teen girls and its hard enough getting them to not get involved with older men and to have their idol involved with an adult man makes it even more difficult.
Hey Nancy! Congrats on your new book =]
Nancy, your visit back home was the cutest thing. I really enjoyed watching that video.