Seeing stars is her business
New York-based Julie Alexandria is a self-confessed pop-culture aficionado and science-fiction geek. That much she disclosed to the Inquirer in an e-mail interview.
Alexandria, who currently hosts the US gab fest “OK! TV” (which airs on Cignal’s Colours, Tuesdays to Saturdays, 6 p.m.), is not ashamed to admit that she is a huge “Star Wars” fan.
Do you know of any other TV personality who, at age 4, asked her mother to sew a Darth Vader costume for Halloween?
Alexandria, who cut her teeth as a voice talent and sideline reporter for sporting events, has dodged her fair share of on-air bloopers and pranks—particularly, the infamous Gatorade bath. As a tradition, athletes would douse an icy vat of the beverage on newbies and Alexandria got “baptized” more than once.
Active on Twitter and Instagram, she has a keen understanding of the importance of social media in entertainment reporting. Gossip has gone social and Alexandria considers “OK! TV” (the small-screen version of the glossy mag that chronicles the lives and loves of the rich and famous) the perfect job for a pop-culture connoisseur like her.
What do you enjoy most about hosting “OK! TV?”
Interviewing celebrities and meeting extraordinary people every day is enlightening and educational. It never gets old.
What are the challenges of hosting?
It can be exhausting, so time management is vital. It’s something I haven’t mastered, but I am working hard on it. It’s easy to get overwhelmed…but you have to make time to do research, prepare for each interview and get enough rest as often as possible.
How did your stint as sideline sports reporter enhance your skills as host?
As a sideline reporter, broadcasts are live. So you only have one chance to get it right. You need to know your stuff and make real-time decisions. All this has taught me to think on my feet and have the ability to improve and hone my interview skills.
What was it like getting those “Gatorade” baths?
It happened on my first day on the job. It was the baseball players’ way of “welcoming” me. On my second night, it happened again. But I was able to dodge a bit better. The juice was very sticky, so I learned not to wear light colors. The orange and red beverage would often stain clothes. If the bath was mostly ice, it was freezing!
How does social media affect/alter entertainment reporting?
Social media is one of the best tools in my job on “OK! TV.” I’m constantly checking in to see what’s trending. I love that you can get information real time. I follow celebrities across all platforms. As fans, we can interact with them via social channels. Social media sites give us a glimpse into the everyday lives of the super famous.
How do you make sure your reporting remains cutting-edge, in light of social media?
Our producers are constantly checking in and refreshing feeds to be updated on the latest news.
If you could interview a science-fiction character, who would be your choice?
My dream scenario would be to play a bar trivia game (like “Beer Money,” a show I used to host) and interview the alien patrons at Mos Eisely Cantina from “Star Wars.”
If you could be part of a science-fiction movie, what would it be?
Again, “Star Wars.” It would be a dream come true to be a part of the new installments directed by JJ Abrams. I recently saw Annie Liebowitz’s photos from the set of “Star Wars: Episode VII—The Force Awakens,” with Harrison Ford, Lupita Nyong’o and Adam Driver. They all look amazing.
Who are the celebrities you want to interview? What would you ask them?
In this fleeting business where fame sometimes overshadows talent, the stars with staying power are the ones I find most interesting. Tom Hanks, Cate Blanchett, Ralph Fiennes, Helena Bonham Carter and Meryl Streep come to mind. I would want to know their secrets, work habits … struggles, ups and downs … proudest moment and how they would like to be remembered.
What were some memorable moments on “OK! TV?”
There are so many! One of my favorite interviews was with Deborah Norville when she celebrated her 20th year hosting “Inside Edition.” I had so much fun with Morgan Freeman and Michael Douglas on the red carpet for their movie “Last Vegas.” Same with Daniel Radcliffe during a junket for his movie “What If.”
What were some bloopers you would rather forget?
None. I would like to think they are all gold!
