Original Air Date:
Friday, October 16, 2009
Guests:
Oprah welcomed the following guests for Fridays Live:
- Mike Tyson
- Evander Holyfield
- Kenny Ortega
Show Summary:
After Mike Tyson appeared for his first interview Monday where he revealed insight into his past, Oprah received mostly a positive response commending Tyson for his honesty and will to change. Part of the interview included discussion of the infamous violent fight in 1997 with Evander Holyfield to which Tyson explained that he had never had a chance to genuinely rectify. After the show, Oprah's team was contacted by Holyfield and upon confirming with Tyson, this episodes reunion on Friday Live was made possible. For the first time in 12 years, the two champion fighters sat together and talked about their history. In addition to Holyfield and Tyson, Oprah also welcomed Kenny Ortega, Michael Jackson's friend and director.
Speical Highlights:
This episode of Fridays Live featured the following highlights:
- Mike Tyson revealed that the new onset of attention has been difficult for him, not always knowing how to keep his dark place at bay, he is apprehensive of fame and what comes with it.
- Having regrets about the way he treated women in the past, Tyson explained that he never had a role model to learn positive life skills from, picking up characteristics by observing those around him.
- Aquaintances since 16 and 19 years-old, Tyson and Holyfield shook hands on stage and put the past behind them.
- Evander Holyfield expressed a desire to be an example to kids that people with differences can forgive and come together.
More Highlights:
- Oprah welcomed Michael Jackson's friend and director Kenny Ortega to the show to present exclusive clips of the film This Is It, which chronicled the final weeks of MJ's life while he prepared for his London concerts.
- Ortega shared that dealing with the loss of Michael Jackson has been difficult and that he misses his laugh, but that it has been healing working with the material for the film.
- This Is It has been scheduled for release in theatres on October 28th for a limited two week run.
What to Take Away from the Show:
In this episode of Fridays Live, Oprah was able to present viewers with touching interviews that gave deeper insight into two of the biggest names in entertainment from the last 25 years. The conversations with Mike Tyson on Monday and again in this episode were windows behind the "Iron" persona that many felt was the man himself. Mike Tyson presented himself as a human, like any other, working strugling with addiction, baggage, a difficult childhood, and trying to redeam himself as a parent.
The loss of Michael Jackson made a major impact in the lives of his fans and the world he entertained. Kenny Ortega through his interview and film has been able to show the world who Michael Jackson was behind his famous moves.
Film Documentary - 'Tyson'
The documentary Tyson from director James Toback, was released in April of 2009 and chronicles the life of former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson. In the film, Mike speaks openly about his life growing up in Brooklyn and working to become and feared and dominant fighter.
