Press Releases
The Last Word - Jimmy Osmond
Daily Express, Kate Smith
Saturday, January 14, 2006
Special thank you to Gerry Ferry for transcribing this article and to Joan Williams for scanning the article for the photo.
As part of the Osmonds, Jimmy enjoyed huge success in the 70s with his elder siblings Donny, Marie, Wayne, Merrill, Jay and Alan. At nine, he became the youngest artist ever to have a number one with Long Haired Lover from Liverpool. Now 42, he runs TV production companies and a chain of theatres and is still recording. After appearing in the last series of I'm A Celebrity... Gete Me Out of Here!. he begins a UK tour with the Osmonds next month. He lives in Branson, Missouri with his wife Michelle, and their children Sophia 11, Zachary eight, Wyatt, five and Bella, three.
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Why did you go on I'm A Celebrity...?
I have no idea! Everyone warned me not to as I get scared easily, but that made me want to do it more. It was hard, but I came out appreciating everything a little bit more. I needed to remind myself what makes me happy and I felt my self-esteem got much better.
What was your most embarrassing moment?
There are lots of them! I didn't see that Lily Pad Bushtucker Trial until I was on Richard and Judy. I was mortified! They put me in that liquorice outfit. Man, I looked like I should have been in Willy Wonka's factory. But it was a matter of survival, so I had to do it.
Who did you bond with on the show?
I really hit it off with Sid. He was just a cool dude. Sheree was fun and I got on well with Jenny and Carol. I hope I've made some lasting friendships in there. They said they would come see me on tour, so that would be fantastic.
What can fans expect?
With a nostalgic act like us, people want to hear the hits. It's going to be good fun as we haven't done an all-Osmond tour in the UK since the late 80s. This might be our last together as Merrill is retiring.
Why aren't Donny and Marie joining you?
Marie primarily stays home with her family but every now and again she'll do a play. And Donny's doing really well on his own with tours and new projects in the States. We're all still really supportive of each other. When I was doing my show last year, he hopped on stage with me, which was cool.
Are there any songs you are sick of singing?
I used to hate Long Haired Love from Liverpool, so I didn't include it in the set on the last tour, but people kept calling out for it. So I went ahead and did it. The place went nuts - that was pretty awesome.
Do you have any regrets?
I have no regrets about being a child star. I used to, but looking back I've had dolls made of me, and I'm in the Guinnes Book of Records, which is cool.
What's the strangest thing a fan has sent you?
Themselves! Two girls got in a crate and sent themselves to us. You can imagine our reaction when we opened it up. They were from England and we were touring here at the time, so they didn't have to stay in there too long.
What's the biggest misconception about you?
That I'm still nine years old, especially over here. I am quite childlike though. I've sat in on so many board meetings for my business ventures and I'm always the one doodling. I'd rather look at my life in a fun way.
What's the weirdest thing you've ever read about yourself?
I try to avoid reading anything about myself but people told me a lot of weird stories. Like I was dating Brooke Shields, even though I'd never met her.
Who's the most fanciable woman on TV?
When we were doing the Osmond Show in the 70s, I would always have huge crushes on female guests, like Raquel Welch. Because I was so young and she knew who I was, she really teased me! It was kinda neat.
What is your greatest fear?
Drowning. I have a couple of bad accidents when I was 22 doing deep sea diving.
Do you believe in love at first sight?
I do. I met my wife when she was babysitting for my brother Wayne's kids, and I liked her from day one. She's a Mormon too, so I'd see her in church. After four years, we went on a date. It was worth the wait! When was the last time you cried?
When I saw my wife and kids on the other side of that bridge in the jungle. I was so pleased to get as far as I did, but I had missed them so much. Michelle's first words were, 'I love you and I'm so proud of you for hanging in there.'
What's the most money you've blown in one go?
I spent $150,000 on an oversized diamond warch and matching ring. I have no idea why I bought them. I looked like a rapper without a rap!!
Do you have any ambitions left to fulfill?
I used to do a lot of acting as a kid and now that I'm older, I would love to get back into that and maybe do musicals.
If you could be anyone for a day, who would you be and why?
I would be Bill Gates, because I think he has the ability to do so much good for so many people. I know he already does, but it would be cool to have that kind of power to make a difference in so many lives.
Who would play you in the film of your life?
I produced a movie about our lives for TV a couple of years ago called Inside the Osmonds, and I cast the kid who played me. As a grown up me, I would pick someone funny like Will Ferrell.
The Osmonds UK Tour starts on February 23 at Portsmouth Guildhall. For further details, call 0871 220 0260n or visit www.tdpromo.com
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