Playing with Jeff
Jeff Rago approaches the table at Aroma Café with the stature of a linebacker (literally, he’s 6’4”) wearing dark wash jeans, leather flip-flops and a grey vintage t-shirt with the words “This Too Shall Pass” scrolling across his chest. A pale brown messenger bag gently bounces on his left hip with each turned-out step. “I walk like a duck”, he confesses as he smiles and extends his right hand. “Hi, I’m Jeff”. His left thumb slides under the bag’s strap and lifts it around and over his organic-dark-chocolate-bar colored Caesar cut as he sits down.
With a degree in Theater from Northwestern and a certificate in Broadcast Production from NYU, Jeff has established a solid foundation for his career in entertainment news. His work at Extra and ComingSoon.net as well as his live appearances on CNN International have put him face to face with some of the biggest names in show business.
Editor: You’ve interviewed hundreds of celebrities. Who is your favorite?
Jeff Rago: I get asked that question all the time and honestly it’s more about the moments. I had a blast on the red carpet with Kristin Davis because she gave me great moments. We started talking about the film, which lead to her thoughts on motherhood. Cut to her joking about dating and sperm donation. She is warm and charming and knows how to play on the carpet.
Bradley Cooper and Jenny McCarthy are also masters at playing.
What do you mean by “playing”?
“Playing” simply means taking down the walls and engaging in the conversation. Have fun. Join the party. Let’s talk.
Interviews are an opportunity for celebrities to promote their projects as well as themselves. Audiences want to feel like they know the person. There is nothing more uneventful than a one-word answer.
Speaking of one-word answers, let’s play a game. I’ll name a celebrity you’ve interviewed and you give me one word that describes them. I promise it won’t be uneventful.
Tom Hanks.
Down to Earth. Oops that’s three. You threw me with that one-word answer rule. I’ll do better on the next one.
That’s fine. Helen Mirren.
Witty. Did it. One word.
Johnny Depp.
Cerebral.
Beyonce.
Gentle.
Sigourney Weaver.
Elegant.
Why do you love entertainment news?
I am a talent junkie. I come from a performing arts background so I have the utmost respect for artists living their passion. Nothing excites me like a performer honestly connecting with character, music or movement. It still blows me away that I get to meet these people and help tell their story.
What do you think of “reality” stars?
At first I didn’t quite get the appeal but to be honest some of them can be pretty entertaining. The success of “reality” stars just proves the point that audiences really do want to feel like they know the person. Sometimes we root for them. Sometimes we judge them. It’s like Shakespeare said: “All the world’s a stage”. I just don’t think he knew there’d be so many camera crews filming it.
Is there any celebrity out there that you still want to interview?
Absolutely. At the top of my list is Shirley MacLaine. She is an icon. A true star. I find her incredibly fascinating.
What’s next for you?
Right now? Lunch. They have the best Cobb Salad here.
