Jimmy’s Pageant Page
talks
with
Venessa Fisher
Miss Universe Canada 2004
Warning.......this interview contains spoilers about the Friends series finale!
JIMMY STEELE: Now that my stupid tape recorder is working,
let’s get going with this interview with the wonderful Venessa Lynn Fisher…18,
Miss Universe Canada. How are you doing, Venessa?
VENESSA FISHER: I’m doing very well, thank you! And yourself?
JS: Just super; thanks
for asking. Let’s start off with my being cheeky and tacky just like year’s
interview with Leanne. What is your favourite thing about Jimmy’s
Pageant Page?
VF: My favourite thing about
Jimmy’s Pageant Page would have to be the pictures from Miss Universe Canada
which recently were put up… (laughs)
JS: Don’t give me any attitude!
VF: You’re busy; it’s totally okay! The pictures turned out very well.
JS: I’m so glad you liked them. Rock on! We know you’re an incredibly accomplished dancer. What has dance taught you?
VF: Oh, so many things.
Dance has taught me how to deal with both rejection and success, how to show my
emotion through movement and how to be a good entertainer; connecting with the
audience is key when you are a performer! It has been an amazing education all
in itself.
JS: Can you show emotion
through your catwalk?
VF: (laughs) My dance training has definitely helped me with my stage
presence and preparation for Miss Universe. Direct eye contact with the judges
is key!
JS: One of your dreams is to star on Broadway. If you were offered a million dollars to headline your own show, but you had to perform just one little topless scene, would you take the opportunity?
VF: To be honest, no. It’s
not in my personality to do that. Besides, in a case like that, it’s likely
you’re only going to get famous because of other attributes, rather than your
talent! It’s not worth it, in my book.
JS: You aspire to be an entertainment journalist. Who is the one celebrity that you would like to interview the most?
VF: There definitely are a lot of stars that I would have a great time
interviewing, but I would love to do an exclusive with Beyoncé. She is an
incredibly talented performer who isn’t really “up-and-coming” anymore, since
she really has earned the label of “superstar”. I’d love to talk to her about
all the trials and tribulations she has experienced growing up in the
entertainment business.
JS: How did you handle Thursday night with the series finale of Friends?
VF: I am so sad it’s over! I’m not surprised that Ross and Rachel got back
together; it really couldn’t be any other way.
JS: Favourites time!
Colour?
VF: Pink.
JS: Food?
VF: Turkey subs.
JS: Actor?
VF: Charlize Theron.
JS: Broadway show?
VF: Chicago. I saw it in New York City, and it was a-maz-ing!
JS: Person from The
Apprentice?
VF: Kwame. I also really
liked Erika, who got fired early on.
JS: Here’s the typical Jimmy pageant question: how do you define success?
VF: Success for me is achieving your personal goals. Also, it’s about living
your life the way you want to and working hard to meet those goals, while not
hurting or harming anyone in the process.
JS: You’ve had quite a bit of “fast fame” since winning Miss Universe Canada. Do you think you’ve changed since you took home the crown?
VF: I have in very small
ways, but it’s only for the better. I’ve learned so much more about myself, and
I’ve been able to hone certain skills, like time-management, so that they serve
me better. I’ve also grown up quite a bit in these last few months. However,
it’s really important that everyone know that I’m still the same Venessa from
Waterdown that I was before January.
JS: Given the chance to address the United Nations, like some former Miss Universe winners have had, what would you say to the politicians that, literally, help run the world?
VF: I would want to talk
primarily about increasing funding for medical research worldwide, especially
for cancer, which is a disease that many people in my family have been touched
by. Certainly, the same thought holds true for HIV and AIDS funding.
JS: How are you feeling
in these last few days before Miss Universe?
VF: I feel quite confident, and certainly very excited. I know it will be a
great life experience, and I can’t wait to get down to Quito and meet the
girls. Never say never!
JS: If you win Miss Universe, where is the first place you would like to travel to?
VF: Ooooh! Well, I’ve done a
little bit of traveling across North America and Europe, but I haven’t seen
Italy yet. I would love to start there, and see all the architecture and art in
Venice and Florence.
JS: What’s first on your
agenda of Canadian places you want to visit?
VF: I’ve never been to
Alberta. I would love to see the Rocky Mountains and visit Calgary and
Edmonton!
JS: Congratulations, my
dear, and much good luck in Ecuador!
VF: Thanks, Jimmy. All my love and thanks to my friends and family!