Is This Your Life ? (1995.02)

This was an in-depth interview by newspaper editor Andrew Neil conducted whilst Olivia was in England promoting Gaia in 1995. Andrew Neil, is noted for his hard-hitting interviewing technique but this interview was more light-hearted and there were many laughs.

Olivia, dressed in casual clothes, was surprised and delighted at many of the family and friends that the producers had found to appear (via satellite onto the studio screen). Olivia's first boyfriend, Ian Turpie, recited the lyrics to a rather rude but amusing song that Olivia used to sing when she was only 15. This produced hysterics from Olivia.

Cliff Richard, spoke about Olivia's sex appeal ("more sex appeal in her little finger than in the whole of Madonna"); and John Travolta was described as a great kisser by Olivia. Michael Beck, from Xanadu, made an appearance describing how Xanadu was the biggest financial loss suffered by Universal as of 1980. He did say how great it was to work with Olivia on the movie.

The interview was not without hitch. Andrew Neil wanted to probe into the details of Olivia's romance with a then married Bruce Welch. Olivia was clearly uncomfortable with his line of questioning - she was only 19 at the time. The interview at this point was edited and a commercial break was taken.

 

The album cover for Soul Kiss was brought up onto the studio screen causing Olivia to choke on her glass of water. Mr Neil questioned why Olivia had done this - it seemed to be where her career was going at that time but Olivia said she wouldn't have done that photo now as "it's so not me". It's to be noted that the scarf was firmly taped down!

Olivia's fight against breast cancer was discussed; Nancy Chuda emotionally describing some of Olivia's experience. This brought  home to the viewer, despite Olivia's brave words, just how difficult this ordeal must have been for Olivia and her close friends.

The interview ended with a moving quote from Olivia's mother saying that, despite initial misgivings, how proud she was of her daughter.

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