Andy Cohen, executive vice president of original programming on the Bravo network, is interviewed candidly on the new OUT in America for PBS that premieres Wed., June 8. The host of Watch What Happens Live opens up about his personal life for the world to see.
Windy City Times: Hi, Andy. Happy birthday!
Andy Cohen: Thank you very much.
Windy City Times: Do you have any big plans to celebrate?
Andy Cohen: I am filming a show so I will be working but it will be fun anyway. It is a party.
Windy City Times: You better get some cake.
Andy Cohen: I will.
Windy City Times: So how did get involved with the OUT in America project for PBS?
Andy Cohen: They just came to me and, look, anything that PBS does has a lot of integrity. It sounded like something positive for our community so I wanted to be a part of it.
Windy City Times: Where did you grow up?
Andy Cohen: I grew up in St. Louis.
Windy City Times: Was it conservative?
Andy Cohen: No, it was a liberal Jewish upbringing.
Windy City Times: So were you out of the closet a long time?
Andy Cohen: Since I was 20.
Windy City Times: The focus on the documentary is coming out, so how was the experience being interviewed for you?
Andy Cohen: It was good. I think it was good for our community. They got a really diverse group of people and I think it is good. I am happy it is airing.
Windy City Times: You have done so many interviews yourself. Has there been one that meant a lot to you?
Andy Cohen: That's a good question. What means a lot to me as far as pride is putting various gay people on our shows and the fact that we have a great representation of gays and lesbians on Bravo. I think that is really important.
Windy City Times: Do you feel like you discovered Nene Leakes [ of Real Housewives of Atlants ] ?
Andy Cohen: I feel like Bravo did, you bet.
Windy City Times: Where do you see Bravo going in the future?
Andy Cohen: Hopefully, building on the success that we have going. We have Platinum Hit going right now. I love Million Dollar Decorators. I am obsessed with it. I am hoping these new shows will launch big, we have Rocco's Dinner Party coming up so this summer is big for us.
Windy City Times: Will there be a Real Housewives of Chicago?
Andy Cohen: Not that I am aware of, no, but I like the idea.
Windy City Times: How much are you involved with all the deciding of concepts with these shows?
Andy Cohen: Very. I work with our development team.
Windy City Times: I have done a ton of interviewing and promoting your network so that is my birthday present to you.
Andy Cohen: Thank you.
Don't miss this one-hour movie that features interviews with Andy, Chely Wright, Kate Clinton and Armistead Maupin. For details and listings visit www.pbs.org .
