Off the Cuff with Ed & Murph: Roker and Ditka
On this episode of Off the Cuff, Ed Wilson and Keith Murphy dive into two very different celebrity encounters — one filled with warmth and admiration, the other with gruff resistance. Ed shares his experience meeting Al Roker at the Rally Against Cancer, where he and the WHO 13 weather team had the chance to spend meaningful time with the legendary Today Show personality. Ed describes Roker as down-to-earth, kind, and effortlessly charismatic — just as viewers would expect. They discussed everything from Roker's decades-long career with NBC to his surprising side projects, including Broadway performances and murder mystery novels. Beyond his on-air charm, Roker's generosity stood out, as he spent time visiting cancer patients and making a lasting impact on the event. Ed recalls how Roker even gave him a shoutout on national TV the next day, a moment of unexpected recognition that capped off an unforgettable meeting.
In stark contrast, Keith recounts his less-than-pleasant dinner with an NFL legend at a past Rally Against Cancer. From the moment this celebrity sat down, his mood was unmistakably sour—so much so that event organizers warned Keith and his wife, Jenny, to brace themselves. Determined to break through the former gridiron star's gruff exterior, Jenny finally got him to smile by refusing to share her appetizer. Ed adds his own tale, recalling a brief, unpleasant encounter years ago when the football coach flatly refused an interview. The contrast between Roker's graciousness and one star's grumpiness makes for an amusing reflection on how public figures handle the spotlight.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Gayle King Reveals Her 2 Picks to Be Named PEOPLE's Sexiest Man Alive: ‘They're Really Good Human Beings' (Exclusive)
Gayle King revealed her two picks to be named PEOPLE's Sexiest Man Alive in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE at the opening night of Call Me Izzy on Broadway in New York City on Thursday, June 12 She described both of her picks as "really good human beings" The CBS News journalists also said "there are lots [of worthy men] to choose from" for the annual titleGayle King is singling out two actors she believes deserve to wear the PEOPLE's Sexiest Man Alive crown. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE at the opening night of Call Me Izzy on Broadway in New York City on Thursday, June 12, the CBS News journalist said that while "there are lots [of worthy men] to choose from," she'd love to see a certain Bridgerton leading man tapped for the honor. "I wouldn't be mad if Regé-Jean Page got it. I wouldn't be mad," she says, referring to the 37-year-old British actor, who rose to fame playing love interest Simon, the Duke of Hastings, in season 1 of the Netflix period drama. King also tossed out another name: Brandon Sklenar, star of It Ends with Us, 1923 and more. "Brandon Sklenar, also nice," she says of the 34-year-old actor. "Because I've met them, and in addition to looking good, I think they're really good human beings," she continues of both actors. "That to me matters more than anything, does more than anything. Because good looks come and go, but your character and a big heart doesn't go." King isn't the first celebrity to share her votes for the SMA title. In January, Today co-host Savannah Guthrie asked Will Ferrell and his You're Cordially Invited costar Reese Witherspoon about the Elf star potentially campaigning for the annual honor. "Again. I mean, I missed out last year," Ferrell, 57, joked. Asked why she believes Ferrell would make a good cover star, Witherspoon, 49, replied, " 'Cause I mean, who else would it be? I can't think of anybody!" Also in January, Matthew McConaughey put in a little plug for fellow actor Anthony Hopkins. At the time, the Interstellar star shared a carousel of photos on Instagram of himself posing with various celebrity friends at the 2025 Joy Awards in Saudi Arabia. He captioned a shot of himself and Hopkins, 87: "It's past time this Sir is Peoples Sexiest Man Alive." Last year's SMA title was bestowed on John Krasinski. As the Office alum prepares to pass the torch to the 2025 honoree later this year, he recently shared some advice for his successor. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. "Buckle up. It is a hard crown to wear, but you'll be all right. Just stay focused. Take a deep breath, you'll get through it," Krasinski, 45, told PEOPLE at the May 19 premiere of Apple TV+'s Fountain of Youth in New York City. Read the original article on People
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Familiar 'Friends' star first auditioned to play Monica but thinks she lost the role for being 'bigger size than the rest'
Could you imagine heading up to apartment 20 at 485 Grove St., or maybe popping by at Central Perk, and seeing someone other than Courteney Cox in the role of Monica Geller? Hello, are you there? Quick, huff on these smelling salts. We're sorry to have sent you into a catatonic state. But the truth is that the cast of Friends did not just happen. It came about through a lengthy process that included some trial and error. And as actress Jessica Hecht, who later played Susan on the NBC sitcom, recently revealed to the good people at Parade, she was nearly cast in the primary role. Though Hecht added that she now thinks she was "a total backup," she then explained that she and the casting director, Ellie Kanner, were chums since high school, having grown up in a small town in Connecticut. When Hecht's agent heard they were still reading people for the parts, she suggested that Hecht head over. "I went in, mostly excited to see Ellie Kanner, and then they started to read me for Monica," she recalled. Obviously, she didn't land the part, and as Hecht told it, "I think looking at me back then, I'm tall and I just had a bigger size than the rest. Now I look at it, and I think how perfect Courteney was, I would have been more of a Lisa [Kudrow], just physically and energetically." As is frequently the case, performers who do well in auditions often make their way into a series in supporting roles. Hecht made 13 appearances as Susan Bunch, the new partner of Ross' (David Schwimmer) ex-wife Carol. But Hecht had some criticism for the way the character developed. "They just wanted a lesbian that didn't look exactly like lesbians had previously, let's be honest," she said. "Use your imagination!' she joked. "They're wonderful. They come in all sizes.' In another recent interview, Hecht admitted some relief that her character never grew into one of the lead roles. "The responsibility of that is more than most people could manage," she said. "That show affecting so many people's lives," she added, "and the actors on that show affecting so many people's lives ... I watch it with awe, and I understand the need for that." Post-Friends, Hecht has worked in films directed by Clint Eastwood, Woody Allen, and David Gordon Green, and had key roles on shows like Breaking Bad and Red Oaks. She's also been nominated for three Tony Awards, including one just this year for her turn in the vaccination drama Eureka Day. For 30 years, she has been married to Adam Bernstein, a director of film, television, and several legendary music videos like the iconic "Baby Got Back" by Sir Mix-a-Lot, one of the 20th century's most lasting works of art. Read the original article on Entertainment Weekly
USA Today
3 hours ago
- USA Today
Prince William's kids share cute 'before and after' photos for Father's Day
Prince William's kids share cute 'before and after' photos for Father's Day Show Caption Hide Caption Prince of Wales throws pigskin at NFL charity training event Prince William participated in an NFL charity event, where he stepped in as a quarterback and threw football with participants. Prince William has lots of love in his life this Father's Day. The official Instagram account for Prince William and Princess Kate shared a Father's Day message to William, 42, from the couple's three children on Sunday, June 15. The post also included two photos of William with Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7. The first picture showed the four standing and posing together, casually coordinated in jeans and sweaters, while the second showed them all lying on the ground and laughing. "Happy Father's Day, Papa (before and after!) We love you!" the caption read. The Instagram post was signed "G, C & L" with a heart emoji. King Charles also sent a Father's Day message on Instagram. The official account for the royal family shared two photos, the first a picture of Charles, 76, and his sister Princess Anne, 74, as children on a swing being pushed by their late father, Prince Philip. The second photo showed Queen Camilla, 77, with her late father, Bruce Shand. "To all Dads everywhere, we wish you a happy Father's Day today," the caption read. Princess Kate and Charlotte twin: The mother and daughter wore coordinated looks for Trooping the Colour The messages came one day after Trooping the Colour, the royal birthday celebration for King Charles. William, Kate and their children all attended, with Kate and Charlotte both dressed in aqua. For Kate, it was her first Trooping the Colour since she announced in January that she was in remission from cancer, which she battled throughout 2024. Kate, William and their kids posed for a photo together at Trooping the Colour and in an Instagram post thanked "everybody who came, and to all those who took part." See the photos: Prince William, Princess Kate get dolled up for annual Royal Garden Party William's brother Prince Harry, who moved to the U.S. with his wife Duchess Meghan in 2020, was not present for Trooping the Colour and hasn't attended since 2022. They notably did not join the rest of the family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during Trooping the Colour that year, as they are not working royals. Harry and Meghan live in California with their two kids: Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4. Contributing: Jay Stahl
