Carly Steel is the on-air correspondent for CBS' Entertainment Tonight.
Carly Steel's Twitter & Instagram.
Photo by Diana Ragland.
Speaking with Carly Steel of CBS' Entertainment Tonight made me smile because I got to interview someone who interviews people. I'm limited to a word count on here, so I had to narrow my questions down from 22 to 11. (Hey Carly - the 22 is an inside joke for people who read my articles.)
So as you all know, I love that 'inside, get to know people' stuff so that's why I just HAD to ask Carly all these personal questions! Fantastic that she answered all of them!
You're an on-air correspondent for CBS' Entertainment Tonight. What interested you about that job? Did you have to audition?
I grew up in the UK and wasn't exposed to the storied tradition of ET the way people in America are. For me, it was more about the opportunity to work with the incredible people at the show that was of interest. ET has one of the most talented teams in the business and not only do I enjoy working with them, but I also learn from them every day. There was no audition in the traditional sense. I began as a movie correspondent for TV Guide Network, then a live red carpet host for Dick Clark Productions, then a Special Correspondent for The Insider and from there ET. It's been by osmosis, one job leading to the next.
You're a year and three months shy of your 30th birthday. Have you thought about the big 3-0?
I've always had a Peter Pan Complex. In my mind, I'm still a kid so I try not to think about age.
What was your favorite red carpet event EVER? Why?
What I've learned, from walking more red carpets than anyone should, is that you can have the best hair, makeup, clothes and jewelry in the world, but if you aren't happy on the inside, then you will never look truly radiant on the red carpet. In that respect, beauty does come from within. My favorite red carpet picture is from this year at the Golden Globes, probably fueled by several mini-Moets (we partnered with Moet for the event). The Golden Globes is the most fun red carpet and of course a gorgeous J Mendel dress, XIV Karat jewels and makeup by one of my favorite artists Karen Knopp didn't hurt either!
You've interviewed many talented people such as Mariah Carey and Tom Cruise. Do you come up with the interview questions yourself or is there a team that works with you?
It's usually a collaboration, we have an ongoing dialogue between the department heads and the news desk regarding the scope of the interview - which can change up until the very last minute. Often I am given 'must ask' questions which help generate a headline, but the team has been very generous in allowing me to have input, especially regarding creating the more 'fun moments' in the interviews.
What's your favorite Starbucks drink?
I actually don't drink coffee! I don't know how to drive, I don't drink coffee and I don't like strawberries. In Starbucks I have a mint tea. One of the many granny things about me.
You're always publically so well dressed. a) Do you ever get asked by designers to wear their clothes (for free) and then you get to keep them? b) How do you dress when you're home on a lazy day?
There's a dichotomy in terms of what I wear in public, and what I wear privately. My mother is always impeccably dressed, growing up I was more like that but now, the more dressed up I have to be for work, the less dressed up I am in my downtime - it's about comfort first, and fortunately in LA that's acceptable. My mother is constantly disapproving of me in my airport attire. I don't understand how these models get on and off the plane in skintight leather pants and heels! Thankfully, I do get asked to wear clothes by designers - necessary considering I can only wear each outfit once. Sadly, I rarely get to keep anything - it's truly Cinderella, so I try not to get too attached to the pieces.
Alright, Carly -- I want that bed! PS Great outfit, too!
As an actress, what's your favorite performance genre? Why?
I love film and TV. For me, film is why I got into this industry, I love the variety it offers and I especially love doing horror and comedy. But I also love the consistency that comes from TV, and the ability to build an audience and connect to the fan-base on an ongoing basis.
Some people think the entertainment world is all glitz and glamor. What's it REALLY like?
The red carpet is red for a reason...it's a bloodbath out there! It's like the Hunger Games - competitive and cutthroat. You always have to make sure you're getting the best soundbites, the most entertainment bits, asking the most unique questions, wearing the best dresses, and also dealing with a variety of characters and personalities from the talent to the publicists, and unexpected drama that you couldn't even imagine until you experience it.
You were born in Scotland. How long did you live there? Share a horrible childhood story that no one knows.
Despite apparently now sounding American, according to all my British friends (who call me the McYankee), I grew up in Scotland, went to University in England (I graduated with an undergraduate law degree at 19), then moved to the States. I'm an only child of two only children (no siblings, cousins) and was raised in the Scottish countryside. I had a very sheltered, academic upbringing, no craziness, I mostly just studied, traveled during the holidays or spent time alone rambling about the countryside on my bicycle. It's why I have quite a vivid imagination. I think my wild rebellious stage is yet to come!
Do you have a significant other?
At the moment, my work is my significant other. I lead a very transient life - I'm rarely in one place for a period longer than a week and it will take a very patient (or equally busy) chap to put up with that amount of travel. In terms of qualities, I would say first and foremost a gentleman - manners are #1 for me. And also a partner in crime...someone who is adventurous, loyal, driven, international and fun.
Anything else you'd like to say?
I usually say too much so I think I'll quit while I'm ahead (if I even am ahead?!)