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Danna Golden Interviews Regis Philbin

April 7th, 2006 Interview With Regis Philbin at the Titanic Museum, Branson Missouri. (Pictures By Doug Holland)

Introduction: I’m still in a slight state of shock; this is the third interview of my budding journalism career, yes grand total! The subject of this interview is Regis, yes THE Regis; one really doesn’t even have to use his last name. Does anyone even know another Regis? I personally can’t think of one…what the heck am I doing, people??
regis dancing
You faithful readers of my brand-new column, I hope you appreciate this.

As I wait on my turn at the ‘Big Guy’, I am taking in the sounds, sights, and even smells of this brand-new attraction to Branson, the reason for our illustrious visitor’s trip to our fair town. We are sitting in The Veranda Room of The Titanic Museum - Branson’s newest attraction. I can see the Grand Staircase and I am in awe, the attention to detail is unbelievable! Today we will have her inauguration and we will officially welcome the Titanic, and she will forever sail down Highway 76 in Branson MO!

We can never thank the Kelloggs (the Titanic Museum owners) enough for choosing our town to be ‘Port’ to this amazing museum. In the near future I will, hopefully, be visiting at length with Mr. and Mrs. Kellogg and bring you the inside scoop as to how we managed to be chosen for the location of Titanic.

Here to help ‘set sail’ this magnificent attraction is the one and only Regis. After a really rough day of weather just the day before, you couldn’t have custom ordered a more beautiful day.

So here it is folks, my turn to be the interviewer and Regis’ turn to be the interviewee (click small pictures to make them large):

Danna: Hi Regis, I’m Danna Golden with Branson Critic, it’s so nice to meet you.

Regis: UH-OH, Branson Critic…

Danna: Don’t worry it’s not nearly as scary as it sounds, we’re an online magazine that’s ‘Everything Branson.’ We also provide a voice for the fans.

Regis: O.K.

Danna: I’d like to start by asking you how you know the Kelloggs, what your connection is to them?

Regis: The Kellogg’s…Mary Kellogg was instrumental in my show going national; years ago. In fact, we all worked in L.A. I was talking with her and her boss about going over to CBS from ABC…I had a local show in L.A. Then, I came to New York and continued my local show, five years after I started it. She came in and was instrumental in the show going syndicate, and going national; so she means a great deal to me. She guided the show through the years, through all the rough spots.

Danna: I can’t imagine with the success of the show now that there were any rough spots.

Regis: Well yeah, it was tough. So now she left Disney, but she acquired all that knowledge working with Disney and all those imaginers, that’s what blew me away going through this exhibit. She incorporated so many touches of Disney, so much imagination into the presentation.

Danna: Oh I agree, so what do you think of Titanic? It looks like you’re going down the same staircase that we saw in the movies.

Regis: It far exceeded my expectations, it looks just like it; it’s scaled down, but pound-for-pound it’s the same thing. I thought it was just a fabulous exhibit. It’s going to be a big hit here in Branson.

Danna: I thought so, too. Do you think this attraction will draw people to Branson who might not have otherwise come here?

Regis: Well I think so…Titanic is one of the biggest stories of our time. Titanic was one of the most successful movies of our time; it’s huge. The real star of Titanic was the ship. So people are going to want to see that again. The exhibit is one of the best I have ever seen, such attention to detail. I think even Branson Critic.ORG (he stresses the org) will like it.

Danna: You were here several years ago. I know you haven’t been in town long, but how do you compare Branson of today, to the Branson you saw on your first visit here?

Regis: Well, first of all you have more then ONE single highway, thank you! Even Branson Critic.ORG (again HE stresses the .orggggggg) had to wait in traffic. So that helps a lot. The Springfield Airport was very nice, classy, clean. Coming in and seeing all the growth, it’s been phenomenal.

Danna: So when are you and Joy going to give up the ‘boring life of New York City’ and make Branson home?

Regis: Well I tell you one thing, waking up this morning, opening my curtains at “The Château On Lake”, and looking out at that view of Table Rock Lake…

Danna: You don’t have that in N.Y. City do you?

Regis: That’s right. The rolling hills, there’s something in bloom right now, red, really beautiful. Country life is great!

Danna: Red Bud trees; there gorgeous aren’t they? Well Regis are you going to make Branson a regular feature in your travels?

Regis: We’re coming next month, (‘Do you hear me, Kelly?’), next month! We’re coming to Branson.

Danna: I know, I can tell you’ve been sizing me up to replace Kelly when she goes on vacation.

Regis: Honest to god, YOU’RE READING MY MIND!
regis
Danna: (laughing) I know but I’m not saying yes, though, but I will keep it under consideration…(I pass him two of my Stonebridge Real Estate cards). This is for you, and the other one is for Donald Trump, when he actually decides to make some ‘Good’ choices in real estate. Let him know I’m here for him!

Regis: Stonebridge Village, Danna Golden sales agent EXTRAORDINAIRE …Thank you, Danna.

Danna: Thank You, Regis.

Conclusion: I was so impressed with this man. I must say, he visits me in my living room each and every chance that I get to watch his show. I’m not always at my best, in fact there are mornings I’m down right grateful he can’t see me back…he’s familiar to me.

Even though he has never met me, this kind man (who probably sensed I was as green as spring grass) treated me as an equal. He didn’t look down on my inexperience, never once made me feel inferior or inadequate. I can’t thank him enough for his time and kindness, I was already a fan of his show, now that were ‘friends’ I am also a fan of “The Man”.

I would also like to thank Stanley Yerlow (Regis Conductor - picture on right) for his kindness, thanks for inviting us to Regis show, which I might add, there was a striking moment in the show that Stanley ‘stole’ beautifully! He is quite talented and managed according to Regis, to get in nearly every photo taken in Branson. WAY TO GO STANLEY !!

I also would like all of you to know that my husband Richard, Doug and a good friend Debbie (huge Regis fan) all went to his concert that evening. WOW, what a great time we had. It was such a surprise to hear Joy as well; she sings beautifully. The whole day was one I will NEVER forget. Here is a picture of my daughter (Chanda - on right) and I with Regis.

Thanks Regis for Everything! We hope to see you again soon...

On to the Ceremony and launching of the Titanic where Regis stood in front of a crowd of thousands. Also, Regis in concert - Branson, MO.

Here are some pictures that Doug Holland (owner of Branson Critic Magazine) took at the Titanic Museum in Branson while we (Doug, Richard, Chanda and I) toured the facility.

Continue to Doug Holland: Branson Fest/Titanic/54 shows

Send questions that you would like me (Danna) to ask the stars bransoncritic@hotmail.com