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Access Atlanta > Blog > Archives > 2008 > May > 20 > Entry
Barbara Walters flying high, enjoying view in ATL
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Barbara Walters has been to Atlanta several times — after all, her “good friend” Elton John has “a lovely home here” — but she didn’t have time for social calls as her whirlwind book tour blew through the Peach State on Monday.
Buzz scored 25 minutes with the TV maven in the auditorium of the Decatur Library, just before she talked about her milestone career, family struggles — and, oh yeah, “The View” squabbles — to 850 fans who waited hours to see her at Agnes Scott College.
Of course, all of this came nearly two weeks to the day — and on the day of her beloved late sister’s birthday — after her best-selling memoir “Audition” began flying off the shelves.
Dressed in an elegant black pant suit accented by a Shirley Franklin-style white flower corsage, Walters, who admits only to being in her late 70s, discussed a range of topics with Buzz.
On Atlanta: “It’s a beautiful city, with so many lovely homes, especially in this area.” With little time to catch her breath between interviews and speeches, she had little time to eat. “I’m going to have a pulled pork sandwich on the plane tonight.”
On the success of “Audition,” which sold 250,000 in its first week: “I think the reason people bought this book is because they realized I was being candid. There’s no revenge in it.”
On career highs and lows: “A lot of people go through what I’ve gone through. That’s why I wanted to write this book. A lot of people go through failure. I hope my story helps others.”
Later, at Agnes Scott, she answered questions on stage from Channel 2 anchor Jovita Moore, then from the audience, before jetting off to Miami.
“What a life I’ve had,” she said at the end of the one-hour session. “Now I want to take a little time to enjoy my view.”
‘Stunna’ of an evening
Former NFL player Dorsey Levens, “Project Runway” contestant Mychael Knight, fellow Atlanta designer Cedric King of Dap Rugget, entertainment attorney Charles Mathis and local hairstylist to the stars Dee Dee Wales were among the notables Monday night at Justin’s restaurant in Buckhead, where event producer I’na Saulsberry was having a viewing party for the debut of MTV’s first “Stunna 16.”
Generally known as “My Super Sweet 16,” the cable program featured the birthday party that entertainment mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs threw in Atlanta back in December for Quincy Brown, the son of his on-and-off love Kim Porter (1980s era R&B singer Al B. Sure is Quincy’s biological father).
Brown’s “presents” included a tennis shoe spree on Combs’ black card; a date with model-actress Lauren London; performances by Fabo, Crime Mob, Omarion and Bow Wow at the Velvet Room; and the finale — a Range Rover for Quincy to have in Los Angeles, and a souped-up, old-school Lincoln to tool around in our fair city. But the extras didn’t stop there — not only did Saulsberry “choreograph” the “Stunna 16” viewing party, she also handed out fake $100 bills with Quincy’s picture on it, which could be used for a free glass of red or white wine.
Sorting out family tree.
What’s in a name? The UGA School of Law graduation Saturday was surely filled with family connections. Not only was Lucy Pope Dodd a fifth-generation graduate of UGA Law School, but U.S. Rep. John Barrow, the graduation speaker, also happens to be family.
His great-grandfather was Middleton Pope Barrow, a member of the first class to graduate from UGA law school in 1860.
And Middleton Pope Barrow is also Lucy’s great-great grandfather. Confused?
Well, truth be told, we also got a little mixed up.
“I was confused, too,” admitted Heidi Murphy of UGA School of Law, who started researching the family ties and connecting the dots on the eve of the graduation. So, here we go and raise our right hand (and cross our fingers) we get it right this time. The very sweet Lucy is indeed a fifth-generation graduate of the UGA Law School.
And Lucy’s other family members who have graduated from UGA law school include: Major Francis Percival McIntire, Lucy’s great-grandfather; Pope Barrow McIntire, Lucy’s grandfather; Sarah Ellen McIntire Love, Lucy’s aunt; and Elizabeth Palmour Dodd Kanne, Lucy’s sister (and also a fifth-generation graduate).
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Comedian Al Franken is 57. Actor Mr. T is 56. Actor Judge Reinhold is 51. Actress Lisa Edelstein (“House”) is 40. Actress Ashlie Brillault (“Lizzie McGuire”) is 21.
OVERSCENE
Before introducing Atlantans to their charitable brands of wines Monday, Atlanta Braves Chipper Jones and Brian McCann lunching at Stats downtown on Cobb salads and bacon-wrapped shrimp.
Contributing: Chandler Brown, Sonia Murray, Helena Oliviero and news services.
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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