I met Jeff Zucker a long time ago and he was really nice to me. It was 1999 and he was running the Today Show in New York, and he let me come to the set for a week. I hung out in the control room, watched how the show was produced, stared at Matt Lauer (wouldn't you?) and stayed out of Katie Couric's way (wouldn't you?).
I never did pursue a career in television programming because I was too old to start from the bottom, and that's what you had to do in Hollywood. But I'll never forget how kind he was to answer a letter I wrote to him and invite me to watch him work.
It's been ages since he and I last spoke; I'm sure he wouldn't remember me now and he has gone on to greatness as the head of NBC (or some such illustrious title). As ridiculous as it sounds, I feel sort of sorry for him right now because he is getting SLAMMED in the media for screwing over Conan O'Brien and frankly he seems to have made a mess of it. Watch:
However, I don't feel sorry for long because he is no doubt richer than God and can retire tomorrow on a sandy beach while Conan and Jay pick up the pieces of their careers. I'll always like him for being nice to me, though. Amazing how the little things are what people remember most.
I think Conan and Jay have more than enough dosh to retire on a sandy beach. So, don't feel sorry for them.
Posted by: kelly lees | January 22, 2010 at 07:22 PM
Hi Gabrielle,
Regina here, for ExpatWomen.com.
I would like to personally invite you to list your blog on our Expat Women Blog Directory (www.expatwomen.com/expatblog/) so that other women can read about and learn from your expat experiences.
Many thanks in advance for your contribution and keep up your great blog!
Regina
Posted by: Regina | January 21, 2010 at 01:23 PM