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A Conversation With Jamie Lee Curtis
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by Sandra Siepak
More than 20 years of TV/Print experience covering news and entertainment. Coverage of celebrity interviews, feature films stage productions in Los Angeles, CA.
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When actress and best-selling author Jamie Lee Curtis talks, people really enjoy listening. The engaging Ms. Curtis has been busy touring as a guest lecturer in “Love Wisely, Love Well” across the country. Her inspirational and engaging conversation along with connecting with the audience is what counts says Curtis. “ In “Love Wisely, Love Well” it’s not a show or performance, I’m not breaking out my tap shoes, although I may have a few interesting impressions. It’s really more about relating to one another. I welcome questions from the audience and will talk about how we all live our lives. I feel the world has seemed to separate us all. Competition has separated us. So the more we can relate to one another the better off we will all be.”
At 52, Jamie Lee is undeniably one busy and accomplished woman. She is witty yet focused as she talks about her life and the numerous endeavors that have made her one of the most relatable and motivating women of our time. From movie and television roles, being the commercial spokesperson for “Activia,” to writing numerous popular children’s books as well as speaking to women’s groups across the country, Jamie Lee Curtis juggles everyday life like the rest of us and really understands what is important. Growing up in Hollywood with famous parents acclaimed actors Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh, she saw first-hand how image can affect life. Today, she and her husband, actor-filmmaker Christopher Guest are parents to Annie 24 and Thomas 14.
“I fought off the silver-spoon persona all my life. It dogged me when I was younger that I was perceived as growing up privileged. Today, the biggest thing I do is try to relate to others on every level. It’s a goal of mine. As a working mother juggling is a constant. But I wear the badge of juggling well and with great pride. I’ve earned my membership. I’ve taken my self-worth, life, my family, home and charity work very seriously. It’s all very important to me.”
Jamie Lee has enjoyed both a multifaceted acting and writing career. With starring roles in such popular films as; Halloween, True Lies, Trading Places, A Fish Called Wanda, My Girl and the recent release, You Again, she has also broadened her career path as a children’s author as well. Her latest of ten children’s books to date is MY Mommy Hung The Moon: A Love Story. Her television credits include the sitcom Anything But Love, the CBS telefilm Nicholas’ Gift and TNT’s The Heidi Chronicles. Curtis is also an AIDS activist and devotes time to many children’s charities including Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and Children’s Hospital here in Los Angeles. She also serves as the spokesperson for the Children Affected By AIDS Foundation.
Even with her demanding schedule, her friends are a priority as well. Jamie Lee was there to support and cheer on good friend actress Jennifer Grey from the audience every week when she recently competed on ABC’s Dancing with The Stars. Fans quickly noticed Jamie Lee and began commenting that maybe she too was considering dancing on the top rated show.
“Jennifer is a great friend and I was happy to be there supporting her. She worked very hard and I’m so happy she won. Dancing WithThe Stars is great, but no, I’m not going to do the show any time soon. It’s fun to think about, but it’s a long rigorous schedule which would take me away from other commitments. Frankly, at this point in my life I just don’t want to be in a position to be judged like that.”
To keep her life running calm and smooth, Jamie Lee prides herself on being notoriously organized and she works best when things are in order. She’s so creative at cutting the clutter when asked if she plans to share her ideas and organizing strategies for television she agreed. “Yes, I should do a TV show on the concept, but not just yet, I’m considering it, maybe soon.”
Currently Curtis has signed on to appear in several episodes of the popular TV show, “NCIS.” She also has several projects in the works including a new book due out later this year. For now, along with her acting career Jamie Lee Curtis is also busy preparing the final touches on her lecture series.
“Love Wisely, Love Well,” is ultimately a little of the Jamie Lee Curtis connect the dots picture. It’s what you see now that comes from years of experience. Shared experiences and relating to people. It’s a discussion of look at me, look at yourself. I try to relate some of my experience and weave in some of my story too. Ultimately it’s what has led me to get to where I am going, which is something people can relate to.”
Published: Mar 11,2012 16:43
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Andy Cowan
Andy Cowan, an award-winning writer, whose credits include Cheers and Seinfeld, regularly contributes humor pieces to the Los Angeles Times and the CBS Jack FM Radio Network.
Paul M. J. Suchecki
Paul M. J. Suchecki has more than 30 years of experience as an award winning writer, producer, and cameraman. He's written numerous newspaper and magazine articles. Currently he writes, produces and shoots for LA CityView Channel 35 and his more than 250 articles for Ehow.com are approaching half a million readers.
Coby Kindles
Coby Kindles is a freelance journalist, screenplay writer and essayist. She has been a staff writer at Knight Ridder and a regular contributor to The Associated Press.
Debbie Milam
Debbie Milam is a syndicated columnist for United Press International, an occupational therapist, family success consultant, and motivational speaker with more than 20 years experience. Her work on stress management, spirituality, parenting, and special-needs children has been featured in over 300 media outlets including First for Women, The Miami Herald, Elle, Ladies Home Journal, The Hallmark Channel, PBS and WebMD.
Dan Rafter
Dan Rafter has covered the residential real estate industry for more than 15 years. He has contributed real estate stories to the Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, Business 2.0 Magazine, Home Magazine, Smart HomeOwner Magazine and many others.
Jack Nargundkar
Jack Nargundkar has been repeatedly published in Business Week, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and The New York Times. He is also an author of "The Bush Diaries" published in July 2005.
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