Brian Williams' Biggest Regret

"Rock Center with Brian Williams," NBC's first new primetime newsmagazine in nearly two decades, tackles the challenge of combining serious journalism with lighter fare.

Mixing stories about the Syrian resistance movement and the Penn State scandal with guests such as Jimmy Fallon and Jon Stewart, host Brian Williams, 52, balances the cocktail with characteristic cool. Rock Center airs Mondays at 10pm EST/9pm CST. HP50 asked Williams about his passions, achievements and regrets.

What's the one thing you know now that you wish you knew when you were growing up?
That my life would matter this much.

Now that you're over fifty, what's the one rule you feel you can break with impunity?
Eat well.

What is the riskiest thing you've done in your life since you've turned fifty?
Travel to both Iraq and Afghanistan to be with the infantry and cover their stories.

What ignites your creativity?
Reading about a great idea, hearing a great song, watching someone at the top of their game.

What social or political cause are you most passionate about?
The plight and sacrifice of veterans, and the concurrent and urgent need to rebuild our own country.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
"Tell me a story."

What is your biggest regret?
Dropping out of college.

What is your biggest accomplishment?
Marrying my wife and helping to raise two wonderful children.

If you could say one thing to the next generation, what would it be?
It's not about you.

If you could reincarnate as anyone or anything, what or who would it be?
Golden retriever.

Rock Center With Brian Williams: Rock Solid or Rocky Start?

Comments

[Willie12345]

09:38 AM on 12/14/2011

His biggest regret ?? He didn't marry Obama when he had the chance.

[Willie12345]

10:20 AM on 12/13/2011

Didn't Brian use to date Obama in his younger days ?

[Willie12345]

10:00 AM on 12/13/2011

His biggest regret should be his continual bias in his reporting of the news.

[Sons]

12:40 AM on 12/14/2011

Correct - all the major networks are too conservative. Why? They are run by big corporations who shill for themselves and the rich.

[drekrab180]

01:10 PM on 12/10/2011

When Brian first came upon the scene, I didn't think I would like him. He was too slick. I was wrong and now I'm a fan and watch him nightly.

[FLLOVER]

09:36 AM on 12/09/2011

To Ms.Huffington:

I started leaving comments on AOL from June of this year. I must admit that this is a truly the epitome of Free Press and free speach that we enjoy so much in this country. I've traveled in 35 countries around the wold and nowhere I found free country as America. Now the men and women in service are coming home for good at least from Iraq. I want to salute every one of those because the sacrifice they made to keep this country free. My heart goes out to the families of our servicemen and women who made the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives for our freedom. Ms. Huffington, thank you for providing this free service so we may express our views and opinions. God bless America.

[FLLOVER]

09:28 AM on 12/09/2011

I watched Brian Williams on NBC nightly news with Brian Williams religiously. I think he's one of the finest newscasters in recent history. His demeanor on his nightly news is trustworthy with human passion. He comes off as a humble man and likable. I started to watch his new show Rock Center and I like it. The story on Betty White was extraordinary. His interview with Pres. Obama was good.

I wish Mr. Williams good luck in his new show.

[aphunkyphish]

06:20 AM on 12/09/2011

If you could say one thing to the next generation, what would it be? "It's not about you."

The future of our country, the next generation is about them as it is about us now, taking responsibility to do the things that makes America great for our generation and future generations that follow.

[Marie Jackie]

06:00 AM on 12/09/2011

I watched Brian Williams walk President Obama to his private quarters in the White House and Mr. Brians actually bowed down to Obama before walking away. With a little curiousity, President Obama watch Williams walk away. I find both men missing a chunk of maturity which some people describe as being an empty suit.

[vuduvampirninjawitch]

05:49 AM on 12/09/2011

Is it just me, or has our government as well as our media become the newest form of "Reality T.V." for entertainment in America?

If you've been paying attention, you would know that we are about to lose one of our greatest freedoms in America. But all we care about is who's who among the media gods and what Lindsey Lohan's up to today.

[skosta]

05:39 AM on 12/09/2011

I'll never forget Brian's hard hitting interviews with Obama when he "pelted" the president with such questions as, "What is Bo's favorite dog food"?

[dncmom5]

05:38 AM on 12/09/2011

Thank you! When you were asked, if you could say one thing to the next generation, your response was...It's not about you. This is so true and hopefully they will realize it!!

[straight skinny]

05:19 AM on 12/09/2011

That's good enough for me no matter which party he belongs too!

What social or political cause are you most passionate about?

"The plight and sacrifice of veterans, and the concurrent and urgent need to rebuild our own country."

[dixiebird333]

05:18 AM on 12/09/2011

He has some weird eyebrows lol. I really like Diane Sawyer she has class.

[Willie12345]

10:01 AM on 12/13/2011

But, Brian has his pet monkey, Chuck Todd.

[rjean]

05:07 AM on 12/09/2011

i could care less what brian williams thinks about anything...i have zero respect for people who show their political bias when reporting the news and this creep does it every day of his life........

[FLLOVER]

09:51 AM on 12/09/2011

"People live in glass houses do not throw stones at others". Talk about biased opinions on news. What about Bill O'Reilly and Sean Hannity shows on Fox news. I think we can safely say that Fox news is completely biased towards conservative opinions disguised as “news”. I think Rupert Murdoch should be ashamed of having news channel like Fox.

[Willie12345]

10:02 AM on 12/13/2011

But, Brian has Chuck Todd do all the real dirty work.

[rosewood614]

03:17 AM on 12/09/2011

Dear Brian: Do not fret about dropping out of college, I went back to nursing school at age 46. The oldest guy in our graduating class was 61. Take 1 or 2 subjects online whre you won't have to go to class, Read the assignments, listen to the lectures, study and take the tests. Simple, unless you are in a big hurry. P.S. They also give credit for life experience to older students. I hope you find the fortitude to do it. You will be most satisfied.