Let’s talk about a side of Savannah Guthrie you might not know. Sure, she’s the poised and professional cohost of “Today,” interviewing everyone from world leaders to Hollywood’s biggest stars. But even the most seasoned journalists can get a little nervous. Recently, Savannah spilled the beans about which major names have made her the most anxious during interviews.
Bill Gates: A Conversation That Kept Savannah on Her Toes
Turns out, even the calm and collected Savannah Guthrie isn’t immune to pre-interview jitters. During an interview with Us Weekly, she revealed that sitting down with tech titan Bill Gates was one of the most nerve-wracking experiences of her career. “I [recently] had the opportunity to interview Bill Gates, and there’s just so much you could talk to him about,” Savannah, 53, said. “You only have seven minutes, and you don’t know what you’re going to get. You can have the best-laid plans, but then you’re face-to-face with a real human being who might take the conversation in an unexpected direction.”
Prepping for the Big Interviews
What makes Savannah so successful in her role? It’s all about preparation. “I don’t get nervous once the lights come on and it’s go time,” she explained. “But I do get anxious about big interviews. If I have a really important one, my husband knows to steer clear. He’s sliding food under the door while I’ve got all my papers laid out, ready to dive deep into the subject matter.”
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It’s clear that Savannah takes her job seriously, and her dedication to preparation is what keeps her at the top of her game. But even with all the prep in the world, some interviews are just more challenging than others.
Politicians: The Toughest Interview Subjects
When it comes to getting her subjects to open up, Savannah admits that politicians can be the toughest crowd. “There are certain topics people want to talk about and others they’d rather avoid. Anytime I feel like they’re trying to dodge a question, that’s when the anxiety kicks in,” she shared. “I find myself in confrontational moments more often than I’d like, especially with politicians. Now, I’ll admit, I’m not a naturally confrontational person. I don’t enjoy it at all. But in that moment, the job takes over. I’m there to get the answers, and that’s what I focus on.”
Savannah’s ability to navigate these tricky situations is part of what makes her such a respected journalist. Her commitment to uncovering the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable, is what sets her apart.
From Legal Analyst to Morning Show Star
Savannah’s journey to becoming one of the most recognizable faces on television is nothing short of impressive. Since joining NBC in 2007 as a legal analyst and White House correspondent, she’s honed her skills in the art of interviewing. In 2012, she stepped into her role as cohost of “Today” following Ann Curry’s departure, and she hasn’t looked back since.
Before her move to the morning show, Savannah spent time covering the third hour of “Today” in 2011. Her legal background and experience in political journalism have undoubtedly contributed to her success in the world of broadcasting.
Duran Duran: A Moment That Left Savannah Speechless
While Bill Gates might have been a challenging interview, it was Duran Duran that left Savannah completely flustered. Back in 2015, the iconic band appeared on “Today” to perform a mix of classic hits and new tunes from their album Paper Gods. Savannah admitted to Entertainment Tonight at the 2022 Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame Awards that meeting the band was a surreal experience. “It’s crazy because once you’re there, you can’t even honestly summon the feelings that you would’ve had if you had told your 12-year-old self,” she said.
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Then-“Today” cohost Hoda Kotb chimed in, teasing Savannah about her excitement. “You did,” Hoda said. “You geeked out.” Savannah laughed and agreed, adding, “I was like a puddle on the floor. I was kind of a puddle.”
For anyone who grew up loving Duran Duran, it’s easy to see why Savannah was so starstruck. Meeting the legendary band was a dream come true, even if it left her a little flustered. And who could blame her?
