| Type: | Interview |
|---|---|
| first airdate: | 9 March 2019 |
| broadcaster: | NBC |
| Production country: |
US |
| Duration: | 40 mins |
This is a wonderful interview by Natalie Morales, airing originally in two parts on TV, but available in full on the internet.
Olivia speaks candidly about her cancer diagnosis, saying I had extra time, whatever that is, I'm grateful for it. I'll just enjoy every day, that's all you can do.
Natalie shows Olivia an interview from 1978
with Jane Pauley (actually aired 27 December 1977 but I've only seen snippets from this interview) where Olivia speaks of her fears of over-exposure and people getting tired of her. Olivia watching this laughs and says sarcastically my wonderful self-esteem.
The Grease leather jacket and trousers are fished out as they are to be auctioned later in the year. Natalie tries on the leather jacket saying endearingly I'm not sure I'm going to wear this well enough.
Olivia assures her that she will and of course she does!
Olivia reveals her only real regret was not meeting her maternal grandfather, humanitarian and physicist, Max Born. When she had the opportunity back in the 70s she felt too busy. However, Olivia did fulfil one of her own father's wishes - for him to meet Gene Kelly. Her father was on the Xanadu set during the filming of Gene and Olivia's tap dancing number. Olivia's father was uncommonly shy around Gene.
Towards the end of the interview Olivia speaks about her loyal fans. A group of about 20 came regularly to see her perform during her Las Vegas residency. They, and other fans, organise their own sponsored walks to raise funds for her Cancer & Wellness Centre and as Natalie notes are in (her) corner.
