The Man Who Replaced Kathie Lee (For a Week!)

By Rob Shuter Posted Jul 15th 2010 05:04PM

With Kathie Lee on vacation, the 'Today' show's Hoda Kotb welcomed a special guest host, MSNBC's 'Way Too Early' Willie Geist. He's caught everyone's attention this week. So who is Kotb's new buddy?

I had the opportunity to chat with Geist this week and find out more about morning TV's newest star and why he's grateful that Kathie Lee lent him her bar stool for a week.

What's it like being on 'The Today Show'?
This week we've had champagne, margaritas and a wine tasting on the show, so mostly I'm just hungover. Hoda is a great drinking buddy. I'm grateful that Kathie Lee lent me her bar stool for a week.

How did you get your start?
In keeping with the booze theme, I drove a liquor delivery truck for six months out of college before taking a job at CNN editing sports highlights. I eventually became a producer and later, through a series of egregious clerical errors, ended up on television at MSNBC.

Does your family watch you on TV?
My show 'Way Too Early' is on MSNBC at 5:30AM, so my family members, like most people who are not clinically insane, do not watch live. That's what DVR is for. My three-year-old daughter actually screams to get me off the screen when I come on. She prefers the Wonder Pets to her own father. Sad, I know.

You are surprising tall. What else about you is a surprise?
I'm a student of rap music. I came up the hard way in suburban New Jersey. The other kids were all about Bon Jovi and The Boss, while I was rushing home to watch Big Daddy Kane on Video Music Box with DJ Ralph McDaniels. Also, I rode Secretariat to the Triple Crown in 1973. That always surprises people.

Who would you rather kiss: Hoda or KLG?
Al Roker.

Who is your fave celeb?
Jay-Z. I went to his show recently and hyperventilated like a 10-year-old girl at a Justin Bieber concert. I've spent some time around Bradley Cooper lately and he's an all-time great dude.

Do Mika and Joe argue off camera too?
Your question implies that they argue on camera. We call it healthy political debate – debate that's followed by long, expensive therapy sessions for all three of us. We work together to move past the pain.

What is it like knowing millions of people have woken up with you this week?
It feels promiscuous. I'm gonna go have some blood work done.

You are borrowing KLG's dressing room this week. What is it like?
Surprisingly understated for a star of her stature. Kathie Lee is a woman of the people. I probably shouldn't admit this in print, but I closed the door to her dressing room, popped in one of her CDs, and tried on every one of the dresses on her wardrobe rack, one by one.

Boxers or briefs?
Long johns. Year round.

If you, Matt and Al were on 'Dancing with the Stars' who would win?
Probably Mario Lopez.

Willie Geist is the host of 'Way Too Early' (weekdays on MSNBC 5:30AM ET) and co-host of 'Morning Joe' (weekdays on MSNBC 6-9AM ET).

Tags: hoda kotb, willie geist

Comments

(57)

Saturday 17 July

By Rene

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MSNBC will never 'dump' Mika Brzezinski.

Her father, Zbigniew Brzezinksi (political scientist and statesman) is too just too powerful. (Just google his name to learn more.)

By david

What ever is wrong with yodaa looks like a bad tina turner plastic surgery went really wrong.Scared the hell out of my dogs,

It is possible that Willie's dad could have helped 'open doors' for him; but, bottom line, if you don't have what it takes (the right stuff to produce results for the network's bottom line) - those same doors can slam shut just as quickly!!!

By sergio

Its great Kathy is gone but now if they would just get rid of that butt ugly egyptian skank that calls herself Hoda.

By Belinda Belweather

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we are begging you- GET RID OF KATHY GIFFORD. She was dreadful the first time around pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee. That voice is so irritating and she is dumb. Loved WIllie and Hoda what a great show OMG!

By ken brown

Why is there not a poll on keeping this guy and getting rid of kathy lee gifford. This is the kind of flowing talk show that should go on. kathy lee needs to hang it up. Sign him up before he gets another gig and you all question what the heck, we missed the bus:)

By belinda belweather

please dont bring in CODY or the other knucklehead LUKE russert- enough with these empty heads- return them to the frat houses where they can party on the family money- we dont need to be exposed to their stupidity on TV. The haircut and new clothes didnt help either of them!

By santos

I cant stand the show because of that dumb azzed loudmouth hoda.

By ddm

Why is Kathie Lee Gifford still on TV ?

By Willis

Willie was awesome when I first found him on Tucker Carlson's show - stopped watching MSNBC until I accidentally saw him on Morning Joe - if Willie's not on I change the channel.
Go Willie!

By Renee Fonville

He's the son of CBS' Bill Geist who I think is so funny! Love his bits on Sunday Morning!

By Nancy Armitstead

Love both Hoda and Kathie Lee, but Willie Geist would be great as a standing substitute for vacations. He's a blast and he and Hoda had great chemistry this week!

By lynnette burnett

He's such a light weight: tries too hard to be funny and never interjects anything of substance on MSNBC. Plus, he's arrogant and smug.

Monday 19 July

By Jan

Can Kathie Lee, she's horrible! I quit watching the show because of her, but when I found out they were replacing her for a week I had to watch and I loved every minute of the show finally! Hoda & Willie are a great match. I hope they make them a permanent team.

By Jay Herman

glad to not have to here that woman. she is terrible.why is her son on show.she was no good on the other show with mr R

Sunday 18 July

By rob shuter

what host show i interview next? tweet me your suggestions @naughtynicerob

Saturday 23 April

By EdwardJones

Willy is by far the best part of the Morning Joe show.

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