Interviewing guests on the exclusive red carpet was a dream of mine since I watched my first Oscar pre-show at age 10. Joan Rivers would ask celebrities questions that we would all think in our head but never dream of asking out loud. Before the Botox injections and facial remold, Joan was natural and attractive but it was the in-your-face, New Yorker interview style that made her a household name. I often envisioned myself as her sidekick, using my hairbrush as a microphone, asking questions to the mirror, bantering back and forth with her. When I graduated from college and entered the Hollywood scene, the red carpet became my obsession. Working at the Leeza Show catapulted me into a whole new realm where I rubbed elbows with the likes of Jamie Lee Curtis, Patty Labelle and Jennifer Lopez. As I facilitated their appearances on the show, I envisioned all of the questions Joan and I would ask and how we would comment on their style and appearance while relaying the latest gossip. Little did I know that my dream would unravel on the length of a blue carpet where I would join a Joan replica in interviewing guests who were coming to honor a phenomenal woman celebrating 25 years in business: my boss, Hilary Kaye.
On August 21st, I was transformed into a bold brunette with long eyelashes and an East Coast accent. Not only was I Joan’s sidekick, I was her daughter, Melissa Rivers. As I looked at the people lined up to be interviewed I recognized many movers and shakers in Orange County. As Joan and I pushed the microphone into each of their faces they were beaming, not because they were on camera but because they were excited to recognize Hilary as someone who epitomized humility, character and integrity in the corporate arena. These traits are a far cry from the qualities found in the heart of Hollywood. It was then I realized the significance of this milestone and how Hilary had impacted so many lives. All the glitz and glamour of the paparazzi taking pictures paled in comparison to the snapshots provided by those who wanted to share their heart about who she is and what she meant to them. Susan Belknapp, assistant editor of OC Metro and OC Family said, “Hilary sets the bar so high that it is hard to rise to it.” “Without Hilary Kaye where would any of us be?” shared Karen Gifford, president of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO). Stepping into the role of Melissa Rivers was more profound than I had originally envisioned, and the cast of figures I got to interview alongside Joan surpassed my expectations. The HKA 25-year anniversary was more than a celebration; it was a reflection of 25 years of hard work, dedication and consistency. It was through the lens of Melissa Rivers that I caught a true glimpse of the woman who I know as my boss.
Tags: Hilary Kaye, HKA 25th Anniversary, Joan Rivers, Melissa Rivers, public relations
September 18, 2009 at 4:01 pm |
Robyn — you make me blush! When you said you wanted to write a blog from the eyes of Melissa Rivers, I had no idea! Thank you for your too-kind sentiments.
AS far as the blue carpet, all I know is that you — in your brunette wig and quick wit — knocked everyone’s socks off as Joan’s sidekick. People are STILL talking about it. We now know what to call your alter ego here in the office — Melissa.
September 25, 2009 at 1:20 pm |
This Joan and Melissa Rivers idea was hilarious! I loved watching the videos of you two interviewing on the blue carpet. Adam totally thought Joan was the real thing! (And I’m sure he would’ve thought you, Melissa, were the real deal, too, but he doesn’t know who she is!) Congratulations, HKA! Hilary, you ARE the real deal. Great job on the party, but especially great job on keeping an incredible business going all these years. I miss you guys!