Us: Tell us about your new gig on TV Guide taking over for the Rivers girls
LR: It’s certainly big shoes to fill. They started the red carpet, and I’ll never be able to do what Joan Rivers does because she’s a genius comedian. I can’t do that, but I can be Lisa Rinna.
Us: Joan Rivers had her “can we talk?” catch phrase. Have you thought about what yours is going to be?
LR: That is interesting, I need to come up with one.
Us: Do you have your dress picked out?
LR: God no. I said the only way I’m going to [sign on as correspondent] is if I have the best stylist, hair, and makeup so that I’m on that red carpet looking just as good as everybody else!
Us: You are also hosting the channel’s fashion recap shows. What kind of fashion disasters have you had?
LR: I’ve had a few, but [for the Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest premiere], I wore this dress - a Mille black-and-white polka dot dress that I thought was so cute, and I wore it with these thick, suede sandals that completely cut your foot off where your leg is, and it looked like I had two stumps on my feet. It was a horrible, horrible looking outfit. [Laughs]
Us: Who are you most excited to interview on the red carpet?
LR: I’d love to interview Madonna. I’ve never met or spoken to her - that would be an interesting person to interview. There are a lot of people I have never come across. Brad Pitt and Angelina - let’s start there.
Us: Anyone you’re nervous to comment on fashion-wise?
LR: My approach is going to be a much more positive. I like to find the good in people. So, I don’t know if I’m going to go down that route of really picking someone apart - I might suggest what would have been a better choice. I think I’m a secret stylist at heart. That’s what is so exciting about fashion, when you see someone and think “I’d love to change their vibe and put them in this.”
Us: Switching gears for a bit, you recently went back to your Dancing With the Stars roots to perform during a results show.
LR: Not bad, huh? We had not even a week to learn that routine.
Us: Having just appeared this season after touring the country with other DWTS alums, are you finally all danced out?
LR: I will never be danced out. I am addicted to it. It keeps you in such good shape. I don’t want to lose this body - it’s too good.
Us: What do you think of this season’s crop of dancers?
LR: Apolo [Anton Ohno] and Julianne [Hough] are the ones to beat. She was on the tour with us, and I just knew she was a star. When they asked her to do the show I was like, “You’re going to be a huge star, watch.” She just shines. I love Joey Fatone too.
Us: Are you buying into all of this Heather Mills hype?
LR: I have to give it to her, because I know what it takes to get out there and do those dances. For her to be doing it with one leg, I can’t imagine how much it must hurt. I’m impressed by her and I didn’t want to be. She’s got a lot of rhythm and a lot of sass to her, and I like that. We’re already over the leg thing. We’ve gone beyond that now. She’s human, she’s real.
Us: Going from one stage to another, you and Harry are taking on roles in Chicago starting June 19.
LR: [My character Roxie Hart is] one of the great roles of all time on Broadway. I cannot wait to do it. I’ve seen the show more than 10 times. It’s one of my favorites, so to even be doing it - I’m pinching myself.
--Allison Corneau
