My chat w/Natalie Cole...
In the last three days alone, I've interviewed dozens of stars after three consecutive nights of party coverage. I'd like to think I was calm and cool during all of it.
I'd like to think.
When Natalie Cole walked up to me on the red carpet of last night's Los Angeles Confidential Party at One Sunset in West Hollywood, I greeted her with a big ol' gush.
Me: "It's so great to meet you! I've loved you ever since "This Will Be" came out!"
Natalie was very gracious ("That's so sweet!") and appreciative but I am now cringing a bit at the memory. Still, we had a terrific chat and here are some of the highlights:
Natalie guest-starred on "Grey's Anatomy" last season and would like to do more acting: "I've had some really wonderful experiences with television and I'm really looking forward to making the jump to film and that's whart I'm working on right now. [Music] does take up a lot of my time so I have to put the music thing aside to do the acting like if I want to do a movie, I'm going to have to basically be down for 3-4 months which isn't a problem, it's just a matter of planning."
Her most recent CD, "Leavin" was all cover songs of such artists as Sting, Fionna Apple and others. This is the latest in a career that began with her debut album "Inseparable" which won her the best new artist Grammy followed by the hits "Mr. Melody," "I've Got Love On My Mind," "Miss You Like Crazy," "Someone that I Used to Love." There were some tough times battling drugs in the early 80s but Cole was back in good form by the time of her classic album "Unforgettable" in 1991. It featured a few duets with her late father, Nat King Cole, and won many Grammys including record of the year and album of the year.
"I think God has been really good to me," Natalie said. "I have a great faith and I am very aware that I'm still here for a reason. I work very hard at keeping myself together, giving my best at whatever I do. I still love what I do which is a blessing in itself, and I still get hired! It's really important to stay fresh, stay current, but also to keep your integrity intact. It's really hard to do in a business like this."
For somone who has been a star for more than three decades, Natalie Cole looks sensational and much the same as she did 20 years ago. Looks like doing what you love has paid off for this bright and shining star...
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About Out
in Hollywood
Greg Hernandez authored Out In Hollywood for the Daily News from June 2006 to February 2009. He can now be found at Greg In Hollywood: www.greginhollywood.com
I had the great pleasure of meeting Natalie after a show she did recently in Denver. She is amazing. After working her charm on stage, she proved just as beautiful and fun in person. What a class act. This woman can do it all, so I wouldn't be suprised to see her do more acting. You ROCK, Natalie!