tv Larry King Live CNN November 17, 2010 3:00am-4:00am EST
3:00 am
versus what we've seen on the other side which is a straight didactic approach to teaching. it's really very interesting and the kids like it. they get excited about coming to school. they talk about how excited they are, they get tactile learning. >> that's it for "360." see you tomorrow night. >> larry: tonight the woman behind the show. my senior executive producer. wendy walker is here with 30 years have stories from an extraordinary career in tv will. >> like a history book. >> larry: politics, crime, scandal. she's had a front row seat and we'll go behind the scenes.
3:01 am
witness what it takes to put this show together every night. kathy griffin reveal what you don't see. >> how can you face me? >> larry: and suzanne tells us why guests open up to us. >> if you want to clear thing up, you go on the larry king show. >> larry: meet the person who crafted some of the media's iconic moments. the beatles reunion. the marlon brando kiss. thousands of interviews in between. all next on "larry king live." this is going to be very interesting tonight. wendy walker is the senior executive producer of this program. and the author of what i admit myself is a terrific new book, producer. lessons shared from 30 years in television.
3:02 am
you hardly ever see her on this show and now you'll meet the person whose influence is all over this show every night. 30 years in the business. what was it like to write this? >> it was like going to the shrink, i think. it was much harder than i thoughtful so many people, every time i would talk about our show, your show, people would say you've got to write this down. so eventually i decided to do it. and it took a lot more work than i thought it would take. >> you write about the years before this show. a white house producer. what took you to this sfwhiz. >> i needed a job. when i graduated from college, my father gave me $40. and i was in a school in virginia. and we drove washington. 2 a girls' school, the closest city. and they said if you don't have a job, in a week, you have to come home. so i walked into brooks brothers and got -- >> larry: the men's store. >> the men's store. got my first job right away. and one have my customers was
3:03 am
ethel kennedy. and this was right when i was out of college. and i would wait on her and waited on a lot of interesting people. she was the most interesting. one of the friends of hers was the producer at abc and he was a white house producer. and i thought i'm never going to be able to do that. that's so neat and cool. but i really liked the producing angle of i. and i thought, there's organize, it is interesting, and i just got the bug. and i walked into abc and applied for a job and that was it. >> larry: the rest is history. after our 25th anniversary a week earlier this year, i mid a very difficult decision to not do a nightly show nil. a bitter sweet day for both wendy and me. let's look at how we started off that show. june 29th, 2010. i talked to the guys here at cnn and i told them, i would lick to end "larry king live." the nightly show this fall, and cnn has graciously accepted to agreed to.
3:04 am
giving me more time for my wife and i to get to the kids' little league games. with that chapter closing, i'm looking forward to the future. what my next chapter will bring. for now, for here, it's time to hang up the nightly suspenders. what was that like for you? you were here. >> well, i still, it still hard to even put that in words. i was so proud of you and i am so proud of you. and i considered it such an honor to be part of the show. and i think you were right. i think there is a time and i after that week, the 25th anniversary week when you had lady gaga and bill gates and lebron james. it was just publicly time. i think it is always better to leave them wanting more and i wnt more still. so that's probably the best way
3:05 am
to go. >> larry: one of the thing we do a lot of is helping people through the death of a public figure. which is a fascinating concept. often it is thrown together. >> yes. >> larry: the person is not expected to die and dies that day. let's take a look at some memorable moments of people. . wendy produced, talking about losing loved ones. is it hard to look at your dad? >> sometimes it is. sometime i have good days and bad days. sometimes it brings back memories and it is really nice and some days i just cry straight off. >> i think i had a harsh introduction to death early on. and i kind, it sort of started a whole sequence at that point. >> larry: what was special about him that maybe we don't know that. >> i don't know. i think that his personality really came through. in a way, they're not maybe particulars that you don't know. >> larry: what you saw was what he was. >> i think so.
3:06 am
that was special, too. >> larry: that had to be the worst morning of your life? >> probably. >> a lot of families when they have -- >> larry: loss. >> they go apart. and ours, i think, was closer together. >> some people say you and camille are very strong. i don't see us being any stronger than anyone else. >> i think we didn't really know about it. they really didn't know how sick jay was and how serious his cancer was. and how difficult it was. >> i got to see him a short time before he died. and it was just the best. we sat like the, if you don't mind. we sat and just stroking hands like this. >> for us, every day, every week was a supreme victory so it wasn't like, oh, my gosh cork we make it to six months. yeah, we made it. >> i was able to tell him i
3:07 am
loved him. and i asked him to breathe. breathe. keep breathing, jess. his first name was jesse. he never like that name but he let me know at one time and i always called him jesse. >> when you finally went to bed on tuesday night, the end of this hair overing day, you find a note saying -- >> i love you. when you read this, i will be thinking of you and i will be back friday. >> some people have said to me do you feel like you got to say goodbye? i feel like for nine and a half years, we had, you know, that was the conversation. that was the death bed conversation. i think you have to live the conversation. and i think we did. >> there are people who told me that it gets much easier.
3:08 am
well, minute for them. but not for me. i miss him more now than i ever did. >> larry: the hardest to do, we have to take a break. are they the hardest to produce? >> no. they're really not. when somebody, when these people want to come on and share that, those memories, it is just what they're saying. there is not much to produce. >> larry: touching to relive it now. >> my gosh. >> larry: you read a lot about it in this book. the book is producer, lessons shared 30 years in television. a number of very high profile guests have shared revelations about themselves and their careers on this show. we'll share it. but suzanne somers coming up.
3:11 am
3:12 am
interviews on this show over the past 25 years and many of them had to do with someone revealing a private or a personal detail about their life. example, watch. let's get right to the nitty greaty. what's wrong with the kidney? >> gee, 12 of us. it was a very rough time for me. probably say like hang in there. >> a rough time. 12, 14, very rough time. >> larry: family rough? >> yeah. family rough. i was being sexually abused at the time. >> i was married at 18 but nick kind of got a kick out of beating the [ bleep ] out of me. >> larry: nicky hilton. >> yeah. and i didn't. >> i look at the police reports and i hear about the police reports, i don't know what to think. i don't know what to think. wow. >> larry: do you remember doing it? >> no. >> larry: rep tights c when were
3:13 am
you diagnosed? how do you deal with it? >> when i was first diagnosed i thought i was dying. actually my doctor will me, you know, this little glitch in your blood work. you have hepatitis c. i said how do you get rid of it? he said you cannot. >> i'm prepared to accept some of the thing that people have offer me like stress or president bush you are or loneliness. that would be lovely to say that was the reason. but i think that would also be a bit false. i think in the end, you have to come clean and say it was a disloyal and shabby and goatish. >> on the set of serving sarah is when i kind of had a little, kind of, the best way i can describe it, a spiritual moment. where for a split second, you see everything clearly. why really describe it because it is about stuff that's bigger than i can really put into words.
3:14 am
but it got to the point where i was wondering if i was going to survive. >> i'm here to say that my contract is up for my radio show at the end of the year and i've made the decision not to do radio anymore. >> i walk over to her and that this is how it feels when someone rub you up and down and maybe i shouldn't have. >> larry: what did you do? >> i'm sorry? >> larry: what did you do when you said this is how it feel? >> i did the same thing to her that she had done to me. >> i've never will anyone. in the at year you've been battling and surviving breast cancer. and i was in that clinic and it all has to do with my breast cancer. but i think the most shocking word i ever thought, i never thought i would ever in my life hear someone say to me, that you have breast cancer. >> larry: when you make this call, or try to get her original is that hard? >> yes, it is. but in this instance, suzanne was the one who made the call to me. >> larry: she call you.
3:15 am
>> yes. that afternoon, we had another show. we were ready to go with another show and someone said suzanne somers is on the phone. picked it up, she will me what was going to and we canceled the show. >> larry: why did you want to come on? >> because the tabloids had come out with this story that i had had liposuction. at that time i had written all the sommer size books. and i said, i kept it quiet. i said to my husband, i have this connection with my constituency and now it seems like i'm cheating and i they need to know truth. that we had taken some fat from one breast and moved it to the other. so that's when i came on. if you want to clear thing up, you go on the larry king show. >> larry: why? >> because it is a global experience because there is credibility. if you tell your story on the larry king show, it gets a different kind of play than if you went on one of the nightly kind of shows. this show.
3:16 am
this show. it has been an incredible, for me as an author. i wrote you a letter when you decided to step down, to tell you. i'm going to cry. it has been so valuable having this friendship with you and with you and how we've become friends over the years. being friend with wenty, end up doing a lot of benefits. i'm sure you know. that she is always getting you to sing or show up somewhere. somewhere for somebody. >> larry: three words you don't want to hear from wendy. by the way. >> exactly. or -- breaking news, sorry. its usually when you're in there all made up. they go, sorry. have to cancel. >> larry: that's hard to bump a guest. >> it is the worst. >> larry: we almost bumped you tonight. >> we almost did. >> larry: isn't that hard? >> it was great having it happen
3:17 am
to me so i know how it feels. >> i remember maybe 15 years or so ago when you were in washington, d.c. i was doing a john waters flil, years yl mom in baltimore. >> larry: a funny movie. >> i was in the car on the by with my make-up on and i get a call from you. susie! >> larry: okay. >> stay in the car. >> larry: the book is producer. the author is wendy way. one of the reasons people relate to the guests on the show is because they've overcome obstacles like many of you. we'll talk about our most inspiring hours after this.
3:20 am
>> larry: we're back with our senior executive producer, wendy walker, author of "producer. "with us, suzanne somers. over the past 25 years, we've been inspired and awed by people who not only encountered adversity but thrived. >> larry: you never thought you would be sitting on world wide television saying i am a gay man. >> trust me, larry, if i knew, i've said this many times. if i knew how good it would feel, i would have done it ten years ago. >> larry: what was it like when you were diagnosed? >> i was so young.
3:21 am
29 years old. parkinson's is not what you expected to hear. >> it makes your arm do that. your legs. stuff like that. >> larry: motor control. >> that's all i know. >> larry: is there pain involved? >> no. just embarrassing. you get very angry. >> when i was first diagnosed with a.l.s., i was given two years to live. now 45 years later, i am doing pretty well. >> not to be dramatic -- it ends just below the knee. this is to show people the quality of the leg that you can actually get. >> it feels like a leg. >> unless i hit rock bottom, i wasn't going to stop production. what i saycy wasn't going to stop until it stopped me. that i had determination. it had been something that i wanted to do my whole life. i wasn't about to pull off the
3:22 am
side of the road when thing had been going so well because of my health. >> i don't believe in having a disability. i think everybody goes through life and everybody has challenges they face. mine are physically apparent. >> sometime i say why me? why have i had such a hard life? my siblings died. why does it not go away? and then i think again. why not me? >> larry: christopher reeve, i'm your director here tonight. move your finger. >> say go. >> larry: go! >> there you go. >> say stop. >> larry: stop! you've amounts been so upbeat. the feeling of god being with you. does that remain -- >> that remains consistent. i talk to god every single day and i say, god, my life is in your hands and i trust you with me. >> she died the next day. that was unbelievable. >> that was a memorable show.
3:23 am
>> i got a caught about that show, actually. because when it was on, i got a call from somebody at cnn and they said, why is she on? she looks horrible. and i said that's what cancer looks like. >> exactly. >> but i think it was so hard to see her like that. that is the first reaction you get. >> but i think that is so much of what your talent is. you know what the public is interested in seeing, listening to. that was all of us saw ourselves in tammy faye. that is a bullet. nobody know if it is coming at you. >> larry: that's the key to the producer. >> finger on the pulse. >> larry: why do people come on and talk about illnesses? >> you talk about things on television so that others can relate. so that -- usually, i talk about something, i like to be on the other side of it.
3:24 am
i like to have figured it out so that i have a solution. it is not just here's my problem. i like to have a solution. then i have a book. >> larry: by the way, a book. this is a terrific book. >> a terrific book. >> larry: you took him. >> that's just heart breaking. >> nothing like matti. >> he was a prophet. a little child. such an old soul. we were up for an emmy. we took him to knocking. he was my date. and i wanted him to win so badly. we were holding hands and we did not win but he was so happy to be there. what, you think you have a bad day and then you look at christopher christopher reeve, matti. >> maybe that's why. maybe that's why you tell the story. >> larry, would you go on to talk about something like this? >> larry: i don't know. part of me says yes and part of me says -- i've talked about my heart. i went on phil donahue with
3:25 am
arthur and mike ditka to talk about heart disease. that i did. >> that's because you knew you could talk sports in the green room. >> larry: suzanne, you've went a great friend on the show. you've guested 23 times on the show. and she'll be back later with another guest. by the way, marlon brando's kiss. the mick jagger interview, a few of the big moments we've experienced on this show, written about in the book producer. we'll give you some behind the scenes scoops next. let me tell you about a very important phone call i made. when i got my medicare card, i realized i needed an aarp...
3:26 am
medicare supplement insurance card, too. medicare is one of the great things about turning 65, but it doesn't cover everything. in fact, it only pays up to 80% of your part b expenses. if you're already on or eligible for medicare, call now to find out how an aarp... medicare supplement insurance plan, insured by unitedhealthcare insurance company, helps cover some of the medical expenses... not paid by medicare part b. that can save you from paying up to thousands of dollars... out of your own pocket. these are the only medicare supplement insurance plans... exclusively endorsed by aarp. when you call now, you'll get this free information kit... with all you need to enroll. put their trust in aarp medicare supplement insurance. plus you'll get this free guide to understanding medicare. the prices are competitive. i can keep my own doctor. and i don't need a referral to see a specialist. call now to get a free information kit. plus you'll get this free guide to understanding medicare. and the advantages don't end there.
3:27 am
choose from a range of medicare supplement plans... that are all competitively priced. we have a plan for almost everyone, so you can find one that fits your needs and budget. with all medicare supplement plans, there are virtually no claim forms to fill out. plus you can keep your own doctor and hospital that accepts medicare. and best of all, these plans are... the only medicare supplement plans endorsed by aarp. when they told me these plans were endorsed by aarp... i had only one thing to say... sign me up. call the number on your screen now... and find out about an aarp medicare supplement insurance plan. you'll get this free information kit... and guide to understanding medicare, to help you choose the plan that's right for you. as with all medicare supplement plans, you can keep your own doctor and hospital that accepts medicare, get help paying for what medicare doesn't... and save up to thousands of dollars. call this toll-free number now.
3:28 am
we're back with wendy walker, the senior executive of "larry king live" and the author of "producer, lessons learn or shared from 30 years in television." we've had so many great moments on this show. not only following history. sometime making history, too. let watch a few along with our senior executive producer wendy walker who as in, this new book producer is something you will not put down. watch. i'm going to have to interrupt this call. we'll go to a live picture in los angeles. police believe that -- o.j. simpson is in that car. >> i've been through a lot. that was a pretty traumatic experience. something i really have grown from. and when i mattered you asked me to be on the show, i was excited. >> larry: what have the last two
3:29 am
days been like? >> it's been pretty overwhelming. >> auctioning your us is penners is part of the bidding. >> 250. >> 400. >> larry: remember, bureaucracy is slow. you can hear about billions being donated. it don't get there tomorrow. we'll do our best to get 30th pronto. >> you must have could not injured something in your head to come out and call me a murderer. i want to hear one through ten. when did i twli ransom note? before or after i kill -- >> you tell me. >> you're the one theorizing. >> you were in the house that night. >> my opinion, his human qualities are very high. he was a great president. he was a wonderful man. he was an extraordinary person. >> we're here because this is
3:30 am
the most incredible human being there will ever be. >> the world will never, ever forget michael jack. >> at time very lucky. you always need a lot of luck. and i think that they were in the right place at the right time. >> and begin again the work of remaking america. >> there is a real opportunity that we have with the obamas in the white house. >> larry: that's what got you mad to sort of fight back. >> well, i stand by my ads. >> do you ever do anything but propaganda? would you even know the truth if you saw it? >> oh, yes. >> i don't believe you would. you've been up there too long. please let me finishful this is not crossfire, is it? ♪ got a date with an angel and i'm on my way to heaven got an angel beside me ♪ ♪ got a date with an angel and
3:31 am
i'm on my way to heaven when the chapel bells ring out ♪ ♪ going to make him an offer he can't refuse ♪ >> goodbye. goodbye. >> that's the other big time i got in trouble. because after that was on, the president of cnn, tom johnson, call me and that, why did you let them do it? and i said, what? he said why did you let them kiss on the lips? and in, you know, i'm so sorry. i just forgot to tell them, if you're having fun and you guys feel like kissing, just don't kiss on the lips. >> larry: when the entire crew had sipped champagne it was our turn. he walk over to larry and me to toast with us. that was quite a kiss, larry said to marlon. kissed my producer like you just kissed me. i stared at him for a moment. closed my eyes as marlon branno took me in his arm. as he placed his lip on mine,
3:32 am
gone were bare feet, dirty tows, overweight bellies and perspiration. it was stanley, terry, fletcher christian, you name it. it was that man kissing me like i had never kissed before. for week afterward, larry walk around the set saying after i kissed marlon brando, i can't stop thinking about him. i silently nodded my head. he wasn't the only one. what was that really like? >> it was like that. i had to close my eyes. when i closed my eyes, he was back on the waterfront. >> larry: when you were there, when the kiss occurred, do you remember your reaction? >> i was -- it was disbelief. i thought that is a moment. that is a television moment. i didn't think i was going to get a call about it. but yes. it was shocking. if you look at that again, where did you come up with that? give me an offer you can't refuse. >> larry: from the godfather. >> it sounded like you had rehearsed that. >> larry: our guest is wendy walker. our good friend kathy griffin is here. she'll help us through some very funny moments.
3:33 am
we think it probably helps teachers be their best too. quaker instant oatmeal. does your breakfast make you amazing? s who need quaker instant oatmeal. assistance getting around their homes. there is a medicare benefit that may qualify you for a new power chair or scooter at little or no cost to you. imagine... one scooter or power chair that could improve your mobility and your life. one medicare benefit that, with private insurance, may entitle you to pay little to nothing to own it. one company that can make it all happen ... your power chair will be paid in full. the scooter store. hi i'm doug harrison. we're experts at getting you the power chair or scooter you need. in fact, if we qualify you for medicare reimbursement and medicare denies your claim, we'll give you your new power chair or scooter free. i didn't pay a penny out of pocket for my power chair. with help from the scooter store, medicare and my insurance covered it all. call the scooter store for free information today.
3:35 am
3:36 am
>> i tell you what. i'll walk the street. you tried car. >> like that. >> get out there. >> lets tell them about this movie. >> bee movie now replying. bee movie now replying. >> larry: kathy griffin is a comedian. we don't have to tell that you. and an emmy winner. 50 years old. >> a double emmy. >> larry: she'll be appearing at caesar's palace on november and at the gibson amphitheatre in look on december 16th and 17th. i might come see you on november 17th. >> do you have the nerve? i might mention you in the act. first, i've never met her so i don't even know what's going on here. i don't know where she lives or if she is an intern. >> larry: why are you here then? >> it's a mystery.
3:37 am
i thought suzanne somers fell out. let's talk about the first time that i was booked and then bumped. >> why? >> how can you face me? two words. kato kaelin. i will never forget that call. you did not make it. your people made it. your minions. he was crying. it was hard to see him so emotional. kato kaelin is a bigger name than i am and that's what makes the show special. after you get bumped several tirnlg you gt unbumped and then you're on the map. >> larry: did we help make your career? >> you made me and you can break me. like you're like the gays. and you've tried. god know you've tried on this show. >> larry: why is she a good guest? >> duh sclm. >> thank you. exactly. >> larry: there's no one like her. >> no. she's special. >> and considering it is her first week, i think she's doing a terrific job. see dressed properly. appropriately. she handles --
3:38 am
>> larry: do you like the look? >> i do. and the. a screaming you must have heard from him in the commercial break is jarring. it is really -- >> larry: when are you doing? >> i'm trying to ruin your career. your image and your career. >> larry: we've had some of the funniest moments on the planet thanks to kathy and others. let's watch. bill, do you want to throw to it susan? >> this is the funniest show on tv. >> come original larry. just read the copy for god's sakes. >> larry: you read this part. >> that's what we could. >> on and on and on. i rule the world so i can sleep with you? no. i truly world so i can sleep with you, you, you, you. >> larry: what's under it? the difficult? on a good day? >> larry: are you thinking about running for the big one? >> for god? >> larry: do you think god has a sense of humor. >>? he'd better. our and i are screwed. you know that. please tell me that's not the
3:39 am
capsule they keep you in. >> kiss me. just do it now. don't be afraid. hold me. your nipples are hard. it is a cold room. we'll be right back. >> you're funniful what's next? >> larry: is it tough to, when you're in a situation where you're expected to be funny? unlike coming on a stage. when you're on a show like this? is that harder? >> it is a little anybody racking because it is live will you're great at setting up comedians so i want to thank you. a lot of host there's ask but something and then for me, it might be like an eight-minute chunk in my act and i can't do it in a couple seconds. but you'll actually lead me into something and then you move on. now i realize that's because i bore you. and let's talk about how she's trying to produce the show and
3:40 am
the guy in your ear is also doing it. so there is a lot of infighting that happen at this show which i enjoy the most. >> larry: i don't hear her talk to the guy in my ear. >> i don't think you've listened to her for years. >> he really doesn't. >> larry: does a producer have to be a control freak? >> she is almost trying to get me. shut my mouth. >> a control -- >> larry: not freak. that's a bad word. have to be a controlling personality? >> i think they have to be, it they have to be able to handle a lot of thing at once and try not to -- >> like ding dong. it's kato kaelin. >> a lot of comedians aren't like. this they are not good guests. >> you know i'm a super fan of the show. i've watched literally every show. so it is fascinating to me when you get a comedian and they're very, very serious. because i can see your face going, okay, here we go.
3:41 am
i love to watch you switch gears. so we see him switching it. now we'll goof around. we'll rif. oh, they're being very serious and that's part of the fun. >> there are a lot of comedian who's aren't funny in real life. >> or this pretty. or this rack, am i right? >> larry: we've been to some incredible places. here are some of the incredible and powerful people we've interviewed on this show. >> old politicians sometimes die but they seldom fade away. >> i don't want to hear anyone tell me what the political ramifications are. >> you should never give in, never give up. >> the time is in our hands. >> racism is a characteristic feature of south africa. we must fight it.
3:44 am
"larry king live" has gone around the world for some special shows. and the book "producer" takes you to a lot of them. let's look at some favorite locations the past 25 years. check it out. let's go! >> hello, larry king. >> hello, priscilla dear. thank you for having us. >> welcome to graceland. >> larry: the show is aier old tonight.
3:45 am
>> looking at some of the people getting ready to come across in the evening. >> larry: they're coming across for the evening? >> could be just for the evening. might probably stay here a while. >> larry: we're back in the most famous box. two guys from brooklyn in a box. except he stayed in here for 44 days without food. what house are we in? >> my mother's. my late mother's house. >> larry: what was it like to grow up near here in much less circumstances than here and then have this. >> first, this is humbling. i know where i come from. >> the houses were once there. i would imagine. that we're walking on. >> you can't call this an act of god. this was manmade failures. this should not have happened. >> larry: what is that thing behind us? >> that's condemned row. >> larry: who is in there? >> people that's condemned.
3:46 am
death row. >> larry: there is a window here. you're not allowed to be with a prisoner. that's any prisoner. it has turn into a. but early evening here in normandy on this incredible end of an incredible day. >> it looks like a construction site. no big deal. there are 6,000 people. that's the horror. >> larry: this says if tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, i would walk up to heaven and bring you home again. i lost it on that show at the fire station. do you like when we go places? >> it's so cool. >> reporter: harder though. >> it is harder but also, this set, this set is so recognizable. and people feel so comfortable here. i think it has been nice to go out and go to these places but it is great to do people here. >> did you want to bring this to will he be-on james' house? that was almost your sengd male kiss. you really looked like you had a
3:47 am
crush on hill. i mean more than a crush. you know what i'm saying. >> larry: the first time you were on this show, were you nervous? >> first of all this is in my act. clearly you've never watched my emmy nominated specials. what i talk about, what i'm fascinated by, let's use the word temperament. the first time -- >> larry: what are you talking about? >> you know what i'm talking about. i'm tired of keeping it inside. >> larry: it's not in the book. >> yes, it is. >> larry: i read the book. >> he fired the whole staff during the commercial. i was sitting here shaking am i next. then i thought -- >> you do that in your act. >> yes! i'm really rather famous and do quite a few television specials. this is like the first night with kato. i swear to god. is he really nervous? i'm really nervous. >> larry: do you still have a crush on ryan seakret? >> i don't talk about her publicly. >> larry: fire that guy! do you have a favorite place
3:48 am
we've gone? >> i would have to say graceland. that was just so fun. because it was supposed to be a manning and it is kind of like a center colonial with shag carpet. but we were allowed to actually -- >> was there coke in the carpet? like leftovers? >> but there was a can opener in the kitchen. they kept it the same way it was. it was really funny. >> with pill inside? or doll? >> larry: were you an elvis fan. >> of course. i'm setting him up for when i put him in my action nextism adore you and sometimes you come up in your act. >> larry: can i bring children to your action? >> no. you can barely come yourself. barely. >> larry: okay. we'll take you behind the scenes of "larry king live." how decisions are made. what people think about being on the show. and advice for upcoming guests. stick around. medicare is one of the great things about turning 65, but it doesn't cover everything. in fact, it only pays up to 80% of your part b expenses. if you're already on or eligible for medicare,
3:49 am
call now to find out how an aarp... medicare supplement insurance plan, insured by unitedhealthcare insurance company, helps cover some of the medical expenses... not paid by medicare part b. that can save you from paying up to thousands of dollars... out of your own pocket. these are the only medicare supplement insurance plans... exclusively endorsed by aarp. when you call now, you'll get this free information kit... with all you need to enroll. put their trust in aarp medicare supplement insurance. plus you'll get this free guide to understanding medicare. the prices are competitive. i can keep my own doctor. and i don't need a referral to see a specialist. call now to get a free information kit. plus you'll get this free guide to understanding medicare. and the advantages don't end there. choose from a range of medicare supplement plans... that are all competitively priced. we have a plan for almost everyone, so you can find one that fits your needs and budget. with all medicare supplement plans, there are virtually no claim forms to fill out.
3:50 am
plus you can keep your own doctor and hospital that accepts medicare. and best of all, these plans are... the only medicare supplement plans endorsed by aarp. when they told me these plans were endorsed by aarp... i had only one thing to say... sign me up. call the number on your screen now... and find out about an aarp medicare supplement insurance plan. you'll get this free information kit... and guide to understanding medicare, to help you choose the plan that's right for you. as with all medicare supplement plans, you can keep your own doctor and hospital that accepts medicare, get help paying for what medicare doesn't... and save up to thousands of dollars. call this toll-free number now.
3:52 am
>> larry: we're back with the dolly sisters. wendy walker, author and producer, lessons shared from 30 years in television. suzanne somers returns and kathy griffin. do you remember the first time on the show? >> it was a long time ago. >> larry: 23 times you've been on. >> you were in washington, d.c. >> larry: your first time you were nervous. >> i was very nervous. absolutely. and i demanded the whole hour. >> but when i first went on -- >> i still do. get off, girl. i know the necklace is $19.95. i get it, somers. i got it. >> $39.95. >> i'll take four if i can just get there in time. i'll call. sorry. go ahead. >> larry: you were in washington. >> you were in washington and you were cable and it wasn't at that time as prestigious to guest on cable shows. do you recall that moment in time? >> this isn't really going your way. >> yes, it is. >> larry: i'm a little hurt.
3:53 am
>> the most prestigious of all. >> larry: here are some of the incredible musicians we've had on this show. watch. ♪ see the water lie on the ground ♪ and where the heavens open you are only sweet 16 ♪ ♪ everybody going to dance everybody going to feel all right dancing ♪ ♪ there's nothing i fear and i know that my heart will go on ♪
3:56 am
3:57 am
going to miss the most are the people. i mean, it's definitely not me and not just you. we have an amazing, amazing staff. >> larry: we have staff all over the country. washington, new york, los angeles. >> atlanta. >> larry: and they've all gotten close to you. >> we're very close. >> larry: you kind of marry them in a sense, they're your family. >> you go through their ups and downs and, you know, because you have to. if you're close, and who isn't when they're working in a group like that? >> larry: so what's the worst part of the job? >> i don't have -- i love my -- >> larry: what about letting someone go? >> well, that's hard, but, no, that's always hard. but it's been amazing. i can't believe it's been 17 years. it does not seem like -- >> larry: doesn't seem like it at all. do you pinch yourselves sometimes? have you ever -- this is
3:58 am
history. >> yeah. i do. when i think of the 30 years at cnn, and it has been -- it's like a history book. the show is like a history book. >> what's it like to get a show ready and on? you say we promote that. can you briefly say what happens? what do you do in the morning? you have a staff meeting, right? >> we talk all day long. i mean, you would be surprised because it would drive you crazy. but we start early. 5:30 on the west coast, 8:30 on the east, and we're just looking at everything that's going on in the world. looking at the other morning shows, deciding if we need to change what we've already decided to do. usually we have something decided the night before. so we decide if we have to change it, but then that goes on all day long. we can be ready for a show, as you know, ready five minutes in and then we have to change it
3:59 am
for breaking news. >> larry: breaking news always holds -- >> absolutely. >> larry: because we're first a news network. >> as you know, that's kind of the easy part. because then people are coming in, calling on the phone and you're just trying to get the information and there's just an energy that goes with that. >> larry: by the way, wendy is going to exec produce specials, right? that's different. when you say something's special. >> it better be a special. >> larry: better be special. wendy, you've got a great book. you're a doll. love working with you. >> thank you so much. >> larry: and continue working. "producer," wendy walker, senior executive producer of this program, tonight and every night. i tell people every night it's the best staff in the business. they know what they mean to me and now i want you to know. for one of the few times on "larry king live" we're showing you the names of my friends who put it all together. thank you, everyone, we will now roll the credits. ♪ good evening. ♪ ♪
168 Views
IN COLLECTIONS
CNN Television Archive Television Archive News Search ServiceUploaded by TV Archive on