Showing posts with label celebrity book signings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label celebrity book signings. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Q&A With Sherri Shepherd

Saturday afternoon, I headed over to Barnes & Noble in Lincoln Square for Sherri Shepherd’s signing of her fabulous new memoir, “Permission Slips.”

Svelte Sherri: The actress/comedienne/author wowed the crowd at Barnes & Noble

During a lively Q&A, the hilarious co-host of “The View” demonstrated why she has become such a force to be reckoned with. Sassy, smart and infectiously upbeat, Shepherd spoke with great candor about her personal and professional ups and downs -- from losing her mother to diabetes to her challenging first year on ABC-TV's morning chatfest.

“If it was all about stability, you wouldn’t need to have faith.”

As she portrays so irresistably in her new Lifetime sitcom, the former legal secretary found creative fulfillment when she turned to acting and stand up comedy.

“Being on stage when you kill,” she quipped “is better than the best orgasm.”

Wordsmiths: Sherri and I chatted about the fact that we’re both journal keepers

Shepherd revealed that she turned down “The View” several times because of her quiet, non-argumentative nature.

Of her now-infamous response to Barbara Walters’ question of whether the earth is flat, she attributed it to first day nerves. The experience, she says, reminded her of how important it is to give yourself permission to make mistakes.

“We try to be perfect for everybody,” she said. “As long as my four year old is looking at me and saying ‘Mommy I love you,’ everything’s good.”

Shepherd spoke with great affection for her beloved son Jeffrey, who was born four months premature and not expected to live. His miraculous recovery, coupled with faith and family, she says, are what keep her smiling and looking at the glass as always being half full.

“As long as you get up and look up, everything’s going to be okay,” she said.

All smiles after the signing

Shepherd’s positive outlook on life also extends to her single status.

“There’s a time for everything -- and that includes being a relationship or not,” she told the crowd. “While you are in the season, find out what’s great about it and why.”

Along with being a true inspiration, Shepherd is a class act. She responded directly to my tweet about the book signing with a very gracious thank you. What a pleasure to know this multi-talented star is as delightful off screen as she is on.

Monday, April 20, 2009

Meeting Tori And Dean

As I mentioned yesterday, I met Tori Spelling and hubby Dean McDermott at a signing for her new book, "Mommywood."

Tori Spelling greets fans at a signing for her new memoir, "Mommywood"

Like everyone else that lined up to meet her, I became a fan of Tori’s during her 90210 days – and again for her hit reality show on Oxygen, Tori & Dean.

I’m happy to report that the couple is as charming and down to earth as they appear on camera. Tori was extremely gracious, happily posing for pictures with each and every fan and genuinely engaged in getting to know those who lingered to make conversation or share their own experiences of motherhood.

And, never mind those tabloid rumors, Tori looked fabulous, wearing an emerald green dress that set off her platinum blonde mane.

"You and Dean have restored my faith in happily ever after," I told her.

"He restored my faith in happily ever after," she said with a smile.

After getting a picture with Tori, I walked over to Dean, who was also mingling and chatting with everyone.

Dean McDermott and Me: He’s even more adorable and gracious in person

"Tori & Dean fans are the best," he said appreciatively before taking two pictures with me.

As for "Mommywood," it’s a quick, entertaining read. Tori writes with wit and honesty about juggling the demands of motherhood and celebrity life. The book is a good balance of hilarious anecdotes and moving moments. Tori does a good job of communicating that celebrities are people too.

I can’t wait to follow her latest adventures in Mommywood when the fourth season of Tori & Dean starts on May 26th.

Coming up…a surprise engagement (no, not mine!) and a big class reunion.

Sunday, April 19, 2009

An Eventful Weekend

This weekend, I had the chance to indulge the celebrity fan in me and meet Tori Spelling.

The brief encounter happened at a book signing for Tori’s new memoir, "Mommywood."

Meeting Donna Martin: Tori Spelling and me at her NYC book signing

In addition to meeting the 90210 star, this eventful weekend also included a big girls night out and flirtatious fun with a firefighter.

More details about all of it -- including a photo op with Tori’s adorable husband Dean McDermott too -- tomorrow.