By Jen Moschella
2005-10-10
"Whatever we do in life is a result of the relationships we build in one-way or another." (B.E.)
We all know who Cindy Crawford, Joan Rivers, Vanessa Williams, Daisy Fuentes, Pam Tillis, Sharon Stone, Naomi Judd, Donna Summer and Ali Landry are but few know the man behind the scenes.
Louisiana native, Brian Edwards, grew up in a small town with a big dream, and at age 17 left home ambitious to create a new reality. Brian Edwards is now a Celebrity Talent Executive and Producer who has worked successfully over the past twenty years with these stars plus dozens more. His work has garnered three Emmy Awards, and he is in the process of writing a book. He is also the Andy Roddick Foundation’s 2005 Distinguished Honoree.
Brian became the Director of Celebrity Talent for the Andy Roddick Foundation since he began his association with the Foundation two years ago. He has brought celebrities to the last two Foundation events, which helped increase media awareness while adding additional flair to the festivities.
"There’s no better feeling than being able to give back and share some of our many blessings," Brian noted in an interview with AR.com. "Some of the most incredible women I know share my passion to help make a difference through the Andy Roddick Foundation and that truly means the world to me."
Through the three Emmy Award winning projects he served as Talent Producer for, Brian’s hard work not only gained him respect and recognition within the industry, but many new friends as well. In 2001, "Reel Models: The First Women in Film," hosted by Barbara Streisand, featuring Susan Sarandon, Hilary Swank, and Minnie Driver became his first Emmy winning show. The following year, "Beyond Tara: The Extraordinary Life of Hattie McDaniel," which was hosted by his longtime friend - Academy Award winner Whoopi Goldberg ? brought a second golden Emmy statue.
Then, he hit a grand slam in 2004 with "When I Was A Girl," hosted by Charlize Theron and Kristin Davis, his third show in four years to win the Emmy. This show starred Joan Rivers, Donna Summer, Kathy Griffin, Melanie Griffith, and Sigourney Weaver among others. "I loved this series because it gave me the opportunity to work again with someone very special to me ? Joan Rivers."
"Joan was and will always be my greatest inspiration. Aside from being the greatest comedienne of all-time, Joan is one of the greatest women you’ll ever meet." Brian remembers fondly of the days he spent studying in Carlos & Charlie’s on the Sunset Strip in Hollywood until her stand-up show started in the El Privado Room upstairs. "I learned more from her onstage," Brian said, "than I could have ever learned in acting class. She has taught me so much about the business, about the importance of being unique, about having a sense of humor in any situation - proving that laughter is truly the best remedy, about trust and loyalty ?about helping others and giving unselfishly from the heart. She has always been there for me through some of the best and worst of times in my life and I truly consider her my second mother. A lot of the qualities that make up who I am today, I have Joan to thank for."
While in college, when he wasn’t catching Rivers’ show, Brian worked as an assistant to Donna Summer, the legendary Grammy Award winning singer. Their relationship grew to that of becoming lifelong friends. Over the years, Donna personally thanked Brian for his friendship, support and dedication to her career on numerous albums as well as in her recent autobiography, "Ordinary Girl."
Fresh out of high school, Brian made a daring move to Los Angeles at a very young age and started his career immediately. Twenty years later, Brian has accomplished many things. He became an avid member of numerous industry organizations (The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, The National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, The Country Music Association, The Academy of Country Music and The Canadian Country Music Association), taken on "many hats" not only as a Celebrity Talent Executive, but also as a producer and writer as well having recently begun writing his semi-autobiographical book titled, "My Conversations with The Divas,"
When Brian joined the Andy Roddick Foundation team, he gained many new friends and admirers along the way. "Volunteering with the Andy Roddick Foundation gives me the opportunity to, not only give back personally on different levels, but I’m also in the position to reach out to others and get them involved as well. Bringing people together for a greater purpose is one of the most important things in life. And I’m proud to be a part of such a wonderful foundation family that allows me to do that."
Brian’s dedication to the Andy Roddick Foundation family is truly helping children today for tomorrow, which is why Brian Edwards is the Andy Roddick Foundation 2005 Distinguished Honoree.
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