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How Ann Curry became Angelina Jolie's co-host

Posted: Thursday, June 18, 2009 10:56 PM by Jen Brown
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From Ann Curry, TODAY

Life can be a whiplash.  While Twittering from DC this morning, I suddenly got a call asking me to host a big deal UNHCR World Refugees Day event starting in an hour because CNN's Anderson Cooper's plane couldn't land in the rain.

UNHCR helps millions of refugees all over the world, so "no" was not an option.

Image: Angelina Jolie, Ann Curry
Manuel Balce Ceneta / AP
Actress and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Goodwill Ambassador Angelina Jolie, left, and TV journalist Ann Curry, right, join the commemoration of World refugee Day at the National Geographic Society in Washington


Robe and curlers flying, I was out the door in five minutes, worrying how I was going to pull this off.

To make matters even more spontaneous, one of the key speakers along with Angelina Jolie and the the UN High Commissioner on Refugees, was to be Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Except, I learned, she had fallen the night before and fractured an elbow.

Now looking back on all of it, I'm realizing several things:

  • People united by a common purpose can pull off even the seemingly impossible even amid chaos.
  • A pouring rain and sticky humidity still do not make  Angelina Jolie have a bad hair day.
  • Refugees, often because of the depth of their suffering, have so much love and gratitude, they make you cry.
  • And Anderson Cooper should have taken the train.

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Comments

Hahahaha!
It's reassuring to hear that one of us women can be ready in 5minutes. Sorry to hear about the Sec State's accident! Wish her a safe recovery!

Thanks for your account Ann, I admire Angelina so much for her tirelessness. An amazing young woman, I mean she 'could' be on the beach somewhere!
Way to go Ann!  I've been watching you forever and enjoyed your growth and your success.  Did you have a chance to interview Ms. Jolie?  
Wow! What an honor to be there helping making a difference. I admire Jolie for her tirelessness and compassion for humanity. I wish we all had that same desire for compassion amoung each other.
You are always gorgeous! I'm sure the people at the benefit grateful to have you there, where its more about passion and empathy then having something prepared to say weeks in advance.
My 1st time on your blog...I watched AC360 this morning (aired on Wed here coz different time zone), Anderson was sad but was glad to have Angelina via satelite. She's an amazing human being, just wish more celebrities be like her instead of spending their time in tanning salons at Beverly Hills. Ann you were such a sport and you looked great too.
Congrats Ann! Are you Angelina Jolie's personal journalist now? Did you dod everything that she asked you to do? Remember: no more touching Brad!! That was a no no> tisk, tisk...
Anderson Cooper is too pretty for the train.  But, yeah the train is the best option when going from NY to DC; less stressful, more comfortable and the difference in time is negligible because after you clear all the security and boarding procedures it takes about as long.
Ann, you are a complete rockstar in your own right.
My partner and I are huge fans of Ann's.  You go girl! We're proud of you!

Ben & Jeff, San Diego, CA
Don't worry Ms. Curry, you are always beautiful & smart.  You & Ms. Angelina Jolie, whom I admire so much have something in common, very passionate and have the love & passion for people.  Please keep up the good work & being you.
Congratulations, Ann! I know you did a great job!  
Dear Ann,

I've always bee a fan of yours.  Your kind and compassionate voice always brings joy to my heart.
I was so fortunate to have been there - thanks to a winning poster of one of my students.  What an amazing and moving day to be a part of.  I am truly grateful.  
Love you Ann!  And love Angelina.  It seems that you are a media person she really trusts to talk to.  Keep up the good work.  
How can a person like me help? I dont have a lot of money but I am a good writer and I have time to share. What can we (normal people) do to help people that are in like Darfur? I am curious as to how a person can help other than giving money. hanks
Thanks Ann,you did a great job!
Angelina is an great human being, my inspiration, I admire her and had teary eyes, while sitting in front of the computer and watching the commemoration of World refugee Day!
Ann Curry is always the best...keep up the good work! She is awesome and very refreshing.


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