Access Hollywood Co-Anchor Billy Bush Makes Movie Magic For Kids
Billy Bush is the co-anchor of Access Hollywood, the daily entertainment newsmagazine now in its twelfth season of providing comprehensive coverage of entertainment news and personalities. In addition to his on-air duties at Access Hollywood, Bush also serves as a contributor for NBC's top-rated morning news program, Today. He is a member of the Board of Directors for Lollipop Theater Network.
Read our blog about Billy Bush...
Recently, you made an appearance on the celebrity edition of "Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader." You played for charity with your winnings going to Lollipop Theater Network. Tell us what happened on the show
I had $175,000 dollars and I stupidly went for $300,000 and got the answer wrong to the question, "What was Civil War general "Stonewall" Jackson's real first name?" I said, 'Andrew.' It's Thomas. Ughh. I walked away with (only) $25,000. Well, right then and there on national TV, I pledged to make back the $150,000 that would put me back where I was before I made the error. Why? Because Lollipop needs money. Since then, the donations (to Lollipop) have picked up. My friends and family gave a lot and CVS Pharmacy gave us $50,000. I'm halfway there. (Comedian) Dane Cook said he'd headline a comedy night for me with all proceeds and his take going to Lollipop. We've picked three potential dates...its happening. Thank you Dane. We're also working on a big benefit.
How did you come to be involved with Lollipop Theater Network?
A friend of mine, Brett Pfeffer, called me after one of his routine visits to Children's National Medical Center in DC (he regularly brings Redskins players and other local celebrities there to visit) and he told me about a woman he'd met named Evelyn Iocolano, who ran a charity called Lollipop Theater Network. He explained what Lollipop was about and then he told me she needed help. Would I meet with her and just chat? I said, "Yes." Evelyn and I had breakfast a few weeks later in New York. I loved what she was trying to do and said I'd help.
Who would you love to interview, living or dead, and why?
I would like to interview Stonewall Jackson. After blanking on his (first) name...Thomas, by the way, a close friend sent me a huge, very long book about his life. I am currently reading it and think I could hold my own against the man. Stonewall raised himself--both his parents died while he was a boy. He was a man with an intense belief in Christ and a great military genius who always believed God was driving him.... but lets face it, Stonewall and I need some closure!
You have three daughters with your wife Sydney. What has being the father of all girls taught you?
It has taught me that I am weak. Without their love and our co-dependence, I am nothing. It makes me humble. It helps me in my job, because in the end, I don't care about celebrity and who's doing what with whom. My life is those three little girls and their amazing mother. It's taught me what's important in life - faith, family and love. It's taught me patience too, although, I am not perfect there.
I know it's not cool to admit but, off the record, do you like to shop?
I love to shop; I hate to spend a ton of money--thus the conflict. I'll buy a great pair of jeans or cords that I can wear for 5 years, but on a whim I'll buy stuff I don't need. Recently, I dropped 500 bucks on (NY) Giants apparel for myself and my family to wear for the Superbowl (My girls will be at home and my wife and I will be at the game.) That's me, an impulse buyer. Designer stuff....nope.
You grew up on the East Coast and spent the first half of your career there. How hard was it to adjust to living in LA?
Big adjustment. LA is a little more about the business. In New York, none of my friends were in this business. Out here, every single one of them is in it one way or another. That's why we spend a lot of time (together) as a family... most of my free time is at home, if not all of it. My house also cost me twice what my home in Chatham, NJ cost me. It was a big move.
Lastly, if you weren't an on-air host, what else do you think you'd be happy doing?
I think I'd be a great sports agent. I still might, if Eli Manning will sign with me!
