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| Christiane Amanpour | ||||
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Christiane Amanpour, one of the best-known female journalists in the world, was on the Colbert Report recently discussing her new show on CNN, Amanpour. After Stephen Colbert commented on what he described as an elegant name, she responded, that it was, “a name I was once told would never, ever make it in television.” Colbert responded, “Are you kidding? I bet half of your success is based upon the name Christiane Amanpour. Just saying that name is like cozying up with a snifter of brandy in a Swiss Chalet. All you need to do is add the middle name Chandelier. Christiane Chandelier Amanpour.”
Here’s someone who was told that her name would be an impediment to her success, but she persisted and now that name is the handle on which she hangs her hat. Not only is she CNN’s chief international correspondent, but she’s anchor of a half-our, weeknight interview show with a corresponding blog, both bearing her name.
Her career has included reporting from war zones in Iraq, Afghanistan, Rwanda, Somalia and others. She’s interviewed Palestinian President Yasser Arafat, Pakistan President Musharraf, and Mikhail Gorbachev. She’s received many accolades and awards including both Emmy and Peabody awards.
Amanpour is quoted as having said, “Remember the movie ‘Field of Dreams’ when the voice said, ‘Build it and they will come’? Well somehow that dumb statement has always stuck in my mind, and I always say, ‘If you tell a compelling story, they will watch.’”
Amanpour’s own life and name have now become that compelling story.
I just read your post on name days and was going to comment on the name Christine as a version of Christos, when I saw this post! I read a survey once that said “Christine” was considered the sexiest female name. They also gave high marks to Catherine, though, too, which never did me any good, ha, ha. Maybe they were thinking of Catherine Deneuve. I’ve loved the name Christiane since I first heard it, and I bet as many people know of her as any other female television reporter. Thanks for posting!
December 31, 2009
5:22 pm
I like the name Christiane as well – it has both a feminine and strong sound about it.
January 2, 2010
7:31 am
This is certainly one compelling woman. I was flipping through channels one day and literally stopped on CNN because she has such a striking personality. I just wanted to listen to her. I can only imagine the interview with Colbert was just icing on her cake! He’s a hoot! =)
Mindy
http://www.thesuburbanlife.com
January 1, 2010
3:57 pm
It was quite an interview. I thought it was great they spent the first part of the interview talking about her name. My ears always perk up when I see or hear people talking about names. I love it!
January 2, 2010
7:32 am