LINDSAY LOHAN TELLS MATT LAUER, “I WILL NOT LET ANYONE DOWN”

Exclusive Interview to Air on NBC’s “Today” Thursday, March 1, with a Preview Airing Tomorrow, Wednesday, February 29

EW YORK – February 28, 2012 – - Matt Lauer sat down with actress Lindsay Lohan in an exclusive interview to air Thursday, March 1 on NBC’s “Today.” Lohan talked to Lauer about her current plans and projects, what she has learned from her past experiences, and what she’s looking forward to in the future. Lohan tells Lauer that she is “clean and sober” and she wants “to continue to move forward and in the right direction.” The actress, who will host “Saturday Night Live” this Saturday, March 3, also told Lauer, “I still need to go through the process of proving myself.”

Excerpts from the interview follow. If used, mandatory credit, NBC’s “Today” and Matt Lauer with airdate Thursday, March 1. Photos from the interview are available now on nbcumv.com.

Jim Bell is the executive producer of “Today” (Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 11 a.m.).

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MATT LAUER:

There was a time when we talked last time, where I think you didn’t want to talk about a lot of things. Because I think, and correct me if I’m wrong, there was a little denial going on.

LINDSAY LOHAN:

Definitely. And I think it was– it’s a scary thing to have to kind of express to people. I don’t think I was– I wasn’t as comfortable with myself then. And yeah, definitely, though. I think it was a fear factor that I had about what was really going on. And, you know, I had to get that wakeup call.

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MATT LAUER:

Can you go to the night life? Can you go to parties? Can you go to clubs without suffering the temptation that’s going to get you into trouble?

LINDSAY LOHAN:

I don’t. I mean, I prob– I could, but I don’t. That’s not my thing anymore. I went out, actually, a few months ago with a friend. And I was so uncomfortable. Not because I felt tempted, just because it was just the same thing that it always was before. And it just wasn’t fun for me. I’ve become more of a homebody. And I like that.

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MATT LAUER:

Do you think people have gotten back, or can get back to the point where they trust you? In other words, professional people? You know, if they say to you, “Come host Saturday Night Live,” that’s a big commitment. And do you think the producers and directors of movies and television projects are going to get back to the part where they can go, “You know what? Yeah, we can count on Lindsay. We can bank on her?”

LINDSAY LOHAN:

I think that that’s gonna take– I think that takes time. And I think that it’s actions. Because people can say things all they want, but I think I still need to go through the process of proving myself, you know, with SNL, being on time, being, you know, keeping my can’t say the word but stuff together.

*****

MATT LAUER:

There’s some stories going around that your next project is going to be playing Elizabeth Taylor.

LINDSAY LOHAN:

Yes.

MATT LAUER:

Tell me about it.

LINDSAY LOHAN:

…We’re in the middle of casting and figuring– we start production soon. I’ve been doing tons of research. But I’ve always kind of researched her. She’s always been a fascinating woman to me. So I’m really honored. And I will not let anyone down, especially myself.

MATT LAUER:

It’s funny that you felt the need to say that. “I will not let anyone down.”

LINDSAY LOHAN:

Because people– you know, I could see where it could be scary for people to invest in me. And I don’t want people to have that reason to be scared anymore. So being able to have this opportunity with SNL and the film, I’m gonna do what I’m supposed to do, and enjoy doing it, and do it as best as I can.

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COMING UP ON “TODAY” (JANUARY 9-20, 2012)

Monday, January 9 (7-9 a.m.): Today celebrates 60 years. The Dutchess of Cambridge turns 30. Jennifer Hudson talks about her book, “I Got This: How I Changed My Ways and Lost What Weighed Me Down.” Mark Wahlberg talks about his new film, “Contraband.” Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott on Today.

(9-10 a.m.): The best buys in January. Season affected disorder. Today’s Kitchen.

(10-11 a.m.): Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott on Today. Jennifer Hudson talks about her book, “I Got This: How I Changed My Ways and Lost What Weighed Me Down.” Today’s Buzz. Joy Fit Club.

Tuesday, January 10 (7-9 a.m.): Today celebrates 60 years. The Professionals. Laura Prepon talks about her new show, “Are You There, Chelsea?” Tina Fey and Jane Krakowski on Today.

(9-10 a.m.): Diet SOS with Joy Bauer. Jill Martin’s Steals and Deals. Splurge vs. Save: Beauty Edition.

(10-11 a.m.): Camille Grammer talks about “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.” Joy Bauer’s 10,000 pound New Year’s Challenge. Hair washing myths debunked. Winter pet peeves.

Wednesday, January 11 (7-9 a.m.): Today celebrates 60 years. Modern mom’s guide to lying. How to organize your life with Martha Stewart. Wild animals on Today.

(9-10 a.m.): Money 911. Makeup tips from Mally Roncal. Today’s Kitchen with Chef Zane.

(10-11 a.m.): Laura Prepon talks about her new show, “Are You There, Chelsea?” Everyone Has A Story.

Thursday, January 12 (7-9 a.m.): Today celebrates 60 years. Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton talk about their movie, “Joyful Noise.” Today’s Kitchen with Chris Kimball. Josh Lucas talks about his series, “The Firm.” Military wives.

(9-10 a.m.): Today’s Professionals. Tiffani Thiessen talks about “White Collar.” Style Buzz with Bobbie Thomas.

(10-11 a.m.): Josh Lucas talks about his new series, “The Firm.” Superfoods for 2012. Resolution rehab. Winter getaways.

Friday, January 13 (7-9 a.m.): Today celebrates 60 years with past and present Today anchors.

(9-10 a.m.): What real estate you can get for your money. Celebrity baby names. Layering in style.

(10-11 a.m.): Ambush makeovers with Jill Martin and Louis Licari. 10 ways to improve your mood. Baby room on the cheap.

Monday, January 16 (7-9 a.m.): Al on the red carpet for the Golden Globes. Giada DeLaurentiis cooks at the Golden Globes. The smartest family cars. Today’s Money.

(9-10 a.m.): The latest on the Golden Globes. TBD.

(10-11 a.m.): Golden Globes winners. The best fashion of the Golden Globes. James Morrison performs.

Tuesday, January 17 (7-9 a.m.): The Professionals. Teen driving and texting. Matt Bomer talks about “White Collar.”

(9-10 a.m.): Jill Martin’s Steals and Deals. Bravo’s Tabatha Coffey on Today. Makeup tips from Bobbi Brown.

(10-11 a.m.): Tuesday’s Trend with Bobbie Thomas. Joy Bauer’s 10,000 pound New Year’s challenge. Knowing your worth.

Wednesday, January 18 (7-9 a.m.): Cooking with Giada DeLaurentiis. How to dress 10 pounds thinner.

(9-10 a.m.): Money 911. Fun finds for kids. Today’s Kitchen with the Scotto family.

(10-11 a.m.): Mark Feuerstein talks about “Royal Pains.” Etiquette 101. Age defying yoga.

Thursday, January 19 (7-9 a.m.): Medical update with Dr. Nancy Snyderman. Bow to Wow with Jill Rappaport.

(9-10 a.m.): Diet SOS. The best cities for women. Roger Mooking shares recipes from his cookbook, “Everyday Exotic: The Cookbook.”

(10-11 a.m.): The cutest pet contest winners. The other view with Donny Deutsch. Winter proofing your home.

Friday, January 20 (7-9 a.m.): Grandparents school. TBD.

(9-10 a.m.): What real estate you can get for your money. Parenting tips. Foods from around the world.

(10-11 a.m.): 3, 2, 1 Live! with Sara Haines. Ambush makeovers with Jill Martin and Louis Licari.

MATT LAUER’S EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH RICKY GERVAIS TO AIR ON “TODAY” AND “DATELINE”

Gervais is Hosting the 69th Annual Golden Globes Airing on NBC January 15

The Interview Will Air on “Today” on Friday, January 6 and “Dateline” Sunday, January 8 at 7p

NEW YORK –- January 5, 2012 –- Ricky Gervais, who is hosting the 69th annual “Golden Globes,” sat down with Matt Lauer for an exclusive interview that will air on “Today” Friday, January 6 and “Dateline” Sunday, January 8 at 7pm ET. In the interview, Gervais talks to Lauer about the “Golden Globes,” and says “I do it my way. I get final edit on everything. And everything I do turns out like I wanted… And they don’t know what I’m gonna say. And they won’t know what I’m gonna say till I say it.” He also discusses his childhood, what it’s like to be famous, the criticism he faced after hosting the “Golden Globes” in 2010, and why he’s up for doing it again this year.

Sound bites from the interview follow. If used, must include the following mandatory credit with airdates and times: “Today” Friday, January 6 and “Dateline” Sunday, January 8 at 7pm ET.

MATT LAUER:
All right, I didn’t see this coming. Why are we here?

RICKY GERVAIS:
Why are we here in the rain?

MATT LAUER:
In the rain, in the cemetery in the rain, in the wind?

RICKY GERVAIS:
Or why are we in the graveyard? Because it’s lovely. It’s lovely and peaceful.

MATT LAUER:
Do you come here sometimes?

RICKY GERVAIS:
Yeah, yeah, we often walk through here. I sit here and write jokes for the Golden Globes.

MATT LAUER:
You don’t write jokes here.

RICKY GERVAIS:
Yeah, and there’s stones here that are older than America.

###

MATT LAUER:
You are about to host the Golden Globe Awards. Have you done them before? (LAUGHTER)

RICKY GERVAIS:
Yeah, this is my third time. And I remember telling you last time that– I think both times — I said I’m not gonna do it again, didn’t I?

MATT LAUER:
Yeah.

RICKY GERVAIS:
Well, okay. The reason I did it in the first place –was I thought it’d be fun. Also a world audience of like 200 million people.

MATT LAUER:
Was it fun the first time?

RICKY GERVAIS:
It was, but I didn’t quite nail it. I got it a bit wrong I think the first time. I tried too hard with the shtick, the comedy, and I should have just gone out there and done zingers, I think, because the attention span of someone at an award show, particularly the Golden Globe, is about a second. They’re drinkin’, they’re talkin’, they’re seein’ someone. You know, you’ve gotta grab their attention. It’s not a great place for a comedian to play because they’ve got other things on their mind. They’re there to see if they’ve won an award, but they don’t wanna see this guy come out and telling jokes. Certainly not jokes at their expense.

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MATT LAUER:
When they agreed to have you back or asked you to come back, where any restrictions placed on you?

RICKY GERVAIS:
No.

MATT LAUER:
Did they say any subjects are off limits?

RICKY GERVAIS:
I wouldn’t do it.

MATT LAUER:
So you are free to do whatever you want no matter the consequences?

RICKY GERVAIS:
And they don’t know what I’m gonna say. And they won’t know what I’m gonna say till I say it.

####

MATT LAUER:
So going back to this idea that you knew the truth as the kid and you felt smarter than other kids, although you felt guilty about it. I think you also said one time you said, “I went out of my way to act normal. I did all the normal things.” I think you said, “I didn’t run around with a beret on saying, ‘Isn’t Oscar Wilde cool?’” So you tried to fit in, but inside did you feel like an outsider?

RICKY GERVAIS:
This makes me sound like a freak. This makes me sound like my dad came to me and said, “Ricky, you are special, but you must hide it. With great power comes great responsibility.” I found that, I am normal. But what I mean is — whatever was around me, I’ve never really succumbed to peer pressure. And this feeds into my humor. I deal in taboo subjects for that reason…. Not only am I fascinated with them, but I like to take the audience to places that it hasn’t been before. Otherwise, what’s the point? There’s enough anodyne comedy out there. And I like that feeling of– no harm can come with dealing with taboos. You know, they are taboo because people don’t deal with them.

###

MATT LAUER:
How do you feel about fame today? You are arguably one– if not one of the most famous comedians in the world right now.

RICKY GERVAIS:
But what does that mean?

MATT LAUER:
I’m asking you.

RICKY GERVAIS:
It means strangers think that they know you. But what I went through when I became famous– I feared the– press intrusion. I thought my reputation was everything. And I worried about the backlash. I worried about a bad review. And then a bad review happens and you think, “It’s one person’s opinion.” … And then you eventually come to the conclusion that your reputation is what strangers think of you, but your character is who you really are.

And, again, it just makes you bulletproof. You know? What do I care if someone likes what I do or not? I just don’t anymore. If you get your own way, if you get final edit and you enjoy what you’re doing and things turn out exactly as you wanted ‘em, what– what else is there?

###

MATT LAUER:
When you’re on stage, am I watching Ricky Gervais or am I watching a character that you’ve created who happens to share the same name?

RICKY GERVAIS:
It depends. I think the audience are smart enough to know when I’m being ironic, when I’m playing the idiot, when I’m playing the fool, when I’m getting something wrong– and when I’m down the line saying, “Isn’t this terrible?” or, “Isn’t this funny?” But– it’s a bit of both.

The guy on stage is a lot brasher, more arrogant, more confident than me. I take a deep breath and go out with swagger, ’cause I think you need to trust a comedian. And by trust I mean not that he’s just being honest or that he’s a nice guy, but you’re in safe hands. No one wants a comedian to go out there and apologize — you’ve gotta go out and nail it. You’re in a uniform. You know? You got to feel safe with this comedian.

###

MATT LAUER:
So Sunday night the 15th we’ll see that swagger?

RICKY GERVAIS:
Yeah. I might even really be drunk. (LAUGHTER)

A “DATELINE” EXCLUSIVE – LESTER HOLT SITS DOWN WITH JENNIFER HUDSON ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 8 AT 7PM/6C AND THEN ON MONDAY, JANUARY 9 SHE WILL BE LIVE ON “TODAY”

December 29, 2011 – New York, NY – In a “Dateline” exclusive airing on Sunday, January 8 at 7pm/6pm Central, Lester Holt interviews Oscar and Grammy winner Jennifer Hudson. And on Monday, January 9 – the day before her new book I Got This, hits shelves – she will appear live on “TODAY.”

On “Dateline,” Lester Holt and Jennifer Hudson talk intimately about her body image, weight loss and healthy living tips as they cook together; Hudson also discloses details of her upcoming nuptials, the Julian D. King Gift Foundation she started in her nephew’s honor, and more.

Sound bites from the interview follow. If used, must include mandatory credit with airdate:

On her new book:
Lester Holt: This book is about your career.

Jennifer Hudson: Yea.

Lester Holt: But it’s also about your image. It’s about the struggle with weight.

Jennifer Hudson: Well I was much heavier growing up. But I was wearing, like size 22s or 24s and things like that.

Lester Holt: I Got This is more than a book title; it’s her musical anthem for “making it” as a larger woman from Chicago’s rough-and-tumble South Side, all the way to the top.

Jennifer Hudson: … That’s just how I look at things. Instead of second-guessing myself or doubting things, or even defeating myself before I even try. That’s where this came from. You know what – I Got This. That’s why I wrote this book. It’s like I wanna be that voice cheering others on you know. And if I got this, you got it too.

###

On Hudson’s fiancé David Otunga:
Lester Holt: I don’t know how to put this … let me just say that’s one chiseled piece of man candy.

Jennifer Hudson: Yes, he is. With a sweet romantic side, too. He’s very old-fashioned. Something he proved in August 2008 when he took the opportunity to ask my mom for, you know, permission to propose. And she gave her blessing.

###

On performing at the Super Bowl in February 2009, her first appearance since the tragic deaths of her family:
Lester Holt: Were you sure you were even ready to step out?

Jennifer Hudson: Well, I felt as though I had to. Again, just the same as I hear my mother’s voice in my head, I can hear my brother’s voice in my head. And he– they, like, everybody, it’s like, is she ever gonna sing again? Is she gonna– you know? And what was I gonna say to that– I could hear him, like, “Jennifer–” he would always say, “Knock it off, Jenny,” if I was cryin’ about somethin’ or if I was upset, discouraged, mad, “Jenny, knock it off.” That’s what I hear in my head. And it’s like, “Okay, well, what they want me to do? I can either just sit here and mope around, or do what I know that would make them proud.” And that’s what I did.

Lester Holt: And the crowd loved you for it.

###

Where Hudson was on that tragic day:
Lester Holt: … in Ebony Magazine, you talked about – that in some ways, he (David Otunga) saved your life, too.

Jennifer Hudson: Yeah, he did. I remember it like yesterday. And I was literally pickin’ up my bags to walk out the door to go to my mother’s house. And he called me, like, “Can you come out here instead of going, you know?” And I was like, “Okay, sure.” And that one decision, that one thing, I wouldn’t be sittin’ here.

Lester Holt: You would’ve been there?

Jennifer Hudson: Uh-huh.

###

On a wedding date and her dress:
Lester Holt: You’re so busy singing, David is busy wrestling. Have you guys had time to set a date?

Jennifer Hudson: Oh, we’ve set the date. We’re just not telling. … no, not telling. Some things you keep to yourself. (but) I could tell you about my dress if you want to hear about the dress.

Lester Holt: Yea, I’d love to hear about the dress.

Jennifer Hudson: It’s a show. It has three pieces to it. I designed it myself. It has a coat for the entrance and then when I get ready to walk, you take that part off. And then it’s another dress. And then by the time I get to the alter, it’s a whole new dress.

###

David Corvo is the senior executive producer and Liz Cole is the executive producer of “Dateline” (Fridays at 10pm and Sundays at 7pm ET) and Jim Bell is the executive producer of “TODAY” (Mon. – Fri., 7-11am ET). Follow “Dateline” on Facebook and Twitter @datelinenbc.

KATHIE LEE AND HODA TAKE SEATTLE

NEW YORK – October 17, 2011 – - Kathie Lee and Hoda are packing up their umbrellas – the kind for cocktails and the kind for rain! The fourth hour of “Today” takes the show on the road and broadcasts from Seattle Thursday, October 20 and Friday, October 21. KLG and Hoda encourage viewers to tune in and join them on a tour of one of America’s most beautiful cities.

While in Seattle, Kathie Lee and Hoda will take in the sights and the local entertainment including Kathie Lee’s musical, Saving Aimee, which is currently running at Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theater. Broadway sensation Carolee Carmello, the star of Saving Aimee will perform a song from the musical live on air, and viewers will receive a special backstage tour of the set.

Kathie Lee and Hoda will visit the landmark Space Needle, enjoy the city’s coffee culture and participate in the local tradition of fish throwing and catching at Pike Place Market. They will check out the latest rainwear fashions and give a makeover to a lucky Seattle resident. Additionally, rocker Pat Monihan from the Grammy award-winning band Train will stop by to chat with the ladies.

The fourth hour of “Today” will broadcast from Pike Place Market in Seattle. Fans and viewers are encouraged to watch the show taping with Kathie Lee and Hoda. To be a part of the outdoor audience, fans in Seattle should arrive at 1st Avenue and Pike Street at 6a.m. Thursday.

Jim Bell is the executive producer of TODAY (Monday – Friday, 7 – 10 a.m.), and Tammy Filler is the senior producer overseeing the fourth hour.

KATHIE LEE AND HODA MONTREAL BOUND

KATHIE LEE AND HODA TAKE MONTREAL, EH!?

The Fourth Hour of TODAY Broadcasts From Montreal Thursday and Friday, July 14 and 15

NEW YORK – July 11, 2011 – - Kathie Lee and Hoda say au revoir to NYC and bonjour to Montreal! The fourth hour of “Today” takes the wine on the road and broadcasts from Montreal Thursday, July 14 and Friday, July 15. Kathie Lee and Hoda encourage viewers to practice their double kisses and join them on a spectacular European adventure without traveling overseas.

While in Montreal, Kathie Lee and Hoda will take in the sights, culture, entertainment, cuisine and of course, the native animals. Viewers will receive special Canadian treats with performances by Cirque du Soliel and Barenaked Ladies. KLG and Hoda will also participate in favorite local pastimes including dancing the tango and cooking poutine. The trip marks the first time the entire 10 a.m. hour of “Today” has broadcast outside of the United States.

The fourth hour of “Today” will broadcast from Place Jacques-Cartier in Old Montreal. Fans and viewers are encouraged to watch the show taping with Kathie Lee and Hoda. To be a part of the outdoor audience, fans in Montreal should arrive at the Place Jacques-Cartier at 9 a.m. Thursday, July 14.

Jim Bell is the executive producer of TODAY (Monday – Friday, 7 – 10 a.m.), and Tammy Filler is the senior producer overseeing the fourth hour.