Talk:Kathie Lee Gifford/Archive 1

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The article may be improved by following the WikiProject Biography 11 easy steps to producing at least a B article. -- Yamara 04:16, 7 June 2007 (UTC)

THe page needs "Contact" info, i.e. management, booking etc. … 70.247.25.225 14:42, 14 September 2007 (UTC)sam

Bowie vs. Annapolis - Bad Source
The first paragraph of this article states that Kathie has been criticized for saying she is from Annapolis rather than Bowie, where she went to High School. I checked the source, and not only does it not talk about any controversy, it also doesn't support her even saying she is from Annapolis. In the source, she talks about her mother being from Annapolis. Was this content written by someone from Bowie, MD? .. or is it just a bad source?

Further, to interject my own opinion here, it seems extremely judgmental to criticize her for such a trivial matter (Bowie is 15 miles from Annapolis). There are no "rules" that specify where a person is "from." I have lived in 8 different states, was born in Iowa and spent half of my life in Colorado, but I don't consider myself "from" Iowa or Colorado.

This statement about whether Kathie is from Bowie or Annapolis is a poor opening paragraph statement, immaterial, unsourced, and irrelevant. It should be removed.

--above by a previous poster on 2008-02-08

I agree and just implemented this change in the main article last night by removing the irrelevant sentence. I don't agree with some of the critiques on this talk page, but overall this article is sloppy and needs improvement. This topic isn't my specialty and I don't have time to work on it myself.

--Plasma g (talk) 16:37, 29 October 2008 (UTC)

Not a Jew
Judaism runs through matrilineal descent, and since she is a born-again christian, she forfeits any judaism that she is thought to have. Take her off the Jewish-American categories.
 * I dunno, regardless of what you may think, Gifford refers to herself as Jewish, which is perfectly reasonable as an ethnic identity, regardless of what her religion is. Mad Jack 08:22, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

Our family knew K. and her family as children and young adults. Our family is Jewish. The Epsteins are definitely not Jewish. If she is calling herself Jewish now, it still does not make her Jewish. What it might make her is an evangelical claiming to be Jewish. As such, it should be obvious to all that listing her as a Jewish-American would be perverse and deeply offensive.

The Epsteins were jewish in religion and ethnicity but have since converted religions to christianity but still have jewish ethnicity. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 68.45.133.234 (talk) 16:11, 13 August 2008 (UTC)


 * We knew them up until the late 70's. They were not Jewish in religion or in any other sense.  They were evangelicals, and that was very clear. See the albums (music on vinyl) that she did with her sister Mishie during that time.


 * As stated by the first writer above, being Jewish is a fact of birth to a Jewish mother, or conversion. Conversion is the acceptance and commitment to the beliefs and practice of judasim, certified by a panel of Rabbinical judges who themselves believe in and practice Judaism.  Moreover, if a convert never follows thru to actually practice judaism their conversion is retroactivelly null and void. When a minor is converted, typically with a parent, the minor has to renew the commitment when they mature.


 * Now lets see how well this matches K.


 * It is admitted in the article that K was not born to a Jewish mother. It is also admitted in the article that she has been a "born again"/evangelical since she was 12 and there are records that confirm this. Q.E.D.  She is not Jewish, and never was Jewish, not by birth and not by religion.  Any claim to the contrary, is a clear falsehood. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 72.79.9.227 (talk) 27 September 2009


 * The problem here is that there are two definitions of Jewish; one meaning adhering to the religion of Judaism, the other meaning to have descended from one of the Judaic tribes of the Middle East, who later migrated to Europe. There's obviously a lot of overlap between the two groups, but they are not identical. Somebody with a different ethnic heritage can convert to Judaism, and somebody who is ethnically Jewish can convert to another religion (or be descended from someone who has). You can change your religion, but not your ethnicity. Gifford adheres to the Christian religion, not the Jewish, but she's still of partial Jewish ethnicity, just like I am of part Greek ethnicity.


 * This would probably be less confusing if there were different words in English for an ethnic Jew and a member of the Jewish religion, as there are in several other languages.&mdash; Chowbok  ☠  02:36, 30 October 2009 (UTC)
 * Good Wikijob, Wikipedia. Another one Wikiouted.  I know you're Wikiproud.  — Preceding unsigned comment added by 24.127.77.172 (talk) 21:51, 11 March 2013 (UTC)

Well,if she's not Jewish because her mother isn't Jewish, does that mean Obama isn't black, because his mother is white? — Preceding unsigned comment added by 204.111.123.47 (talk) 00:53, 22 March 2013 (UTC) To be Jewish your mother has to have been or you have to convert. Period. And Obama isn't technically "African-American", he's Cacasuian-African because his mother was white and his father was Kenyan (I'm not interested in a birther discussion, please). Technically he is mulatto. Kathie Lee is not Jewish simply because she says she is or wants to be. A cat can have kittens in the oven but does that make them biscuits? I don't think so! She can no more be Jewish that way than I can be a first-class athlete simply b/c I say so. If her mother was Jewish, she is. If she converted to Judaism, she is Jewish, forever. Otherwise she is not. Period. 74.69.121.132 (talk) 14:19, 13 May 2013 (UTC)

Kathy or Kathie?
Which is it really? FruitMart07 02:19, 8 January 2007 (UTC)


 * I vividly remember "Kathy," but I believe this falls under the "Mandela Effect." Neurolanis (talk) 01:38, 12 September 2015 (UTC)

This article is really bad
The wording is bad the paragraghs are more than one subject, needs a rewrite. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 209.206.165.44 (talk) 23:40, 23 January 2007 (UTC).

Agreed. Take, for example, the following sentence in the "Live with Regis and Kathie Lee" section:

"By that time, she was several months into her most famous television role, as a full-time morning talk show personality. In 1985, she replaced Cyndy Garvey(and her successor, Ann Abernathy), as co-host of The Morning Show on WABC-TV with Regis Philbin."

How can you replace your successor? Is the possessive pronoun "her" referring to Garvey or Gifford? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 68.0.181.130 (talk • contribs)


 * Ann Abernathy was the direct predecessor of Kathie Lee. Originally the sentence read "she replaced Cyndy Garvey as co-host...". I thought Garvey was better-known than Abernathy, so I kept Garvey in. Therefore "her successor" in this case means "Garvey's successor." As I was the one who made that terrible copyedit, I will clarify the sentence by removing the Garvey reference. That would empahsize the subject's direct predecessor. Tinlinkin 08:10, 26 February 2007 (UTC)

Does this article seem slightly fluffy to anyone else? Almost like a marketing piece. (141.156.106.2 (talk) 15:13, 11 July 2008 (UTC))


 * I agree 100%. I think some of her fans have been trying to do a whitewash on this article: for example her comment about pagans. There is a fanatic out there that has started an edit war to keep the properly referenced material out of the article. And I not further down this page the question about the sweatshops used to produce her clothing line.
 * CubBC (talk) 03:16, 12 July 2008 (UTC)

Controversy
There is no mention of the controversy surrounding Kathy Lee's clothing and apparel company that used sweatshop labor, or her tearful claims to know nothing about it in the hearing.


 * I agree. Here is a first reference: [] (85.177.192.25 09:40, 20 August 2007 (UTC))

Leaving Live
When did she leave the TV show? Why? There is no indication in this article that she no longer is a part of the show.--MiamiManny 13:21, 15 September 2007 (UTC)
 * FWIW, according to the IMDb, "Mrs. Gifford's father, Aaron Leon Epstein, died on November 19, 2002. He had been terminally ill for the past few years, and his illness was one of the reasons Mrs. Gifford decided to leave 'Live with Regis and Kathie Lee' (1989) in 2000, after more than a decade as host." --anon. 141.157.222.77 (talk) 06:01, 1 April 2008 (UTC)

Live with Regis and Kathie Lee
The "Live with Regis and Kathie Lee" section is extremely sloppy. The entire section only references the show twice, briefly. In such a titled section I would expect details of her role on the show, why she left, or any other detail that specifically relates to her role on the show. It's not that the other topics aren't good information, but the article is very poorly organized, lacks depth, and imparts no sense of what her role on the show was, such as how she was different from Kelly Ripa. After reading the section, I didn't learn anything about what she contributed to the show. Raisenero (talk) 00:38, 31 January 2008 (UTC)

Performers of Christian music?
Is her music really considered "Christian music?" I haven't heard it as being described as such, but I don't rule it out. And I don't see a source. All I see is "as well as Contemporary Christian songs." Remember that just because one is a Christian preforming music, taht does not make his/her music Christian. ¤IrønCrøw¤ (Speak to Me) 01:36, 8 June 2008 (UTC)


 * Her music is Ch. music, no question about it.

I heard on This American Life she was a former singer with Oral Roberts 'World Action Singers'--true or not? no mention here, timhoustontx (talk) 14:38, 25 May 2009 (UTC)

Controversy Section
Section has been updated with more references that demonstrate both sides in the question of the incident. The incident is enyclopedic, and deserves to be here. I have edited the section to be NPOV and repersent both sides of the isssue. A user previously emoved it citing bias and a bad link. The links appear to be good, although I cant get the NBC video to play here at work, it may be good, and I added a YouTube video so users can make thier own decision. Also, I moved the section about the clothing line she was involved with, to take it out of the Trivia section, which is discuraged under Wiki guidelines. If you have an issue with my edit, please contact me on my user page BEFORE editing the article. Thank You. Sephiroth storm (talk) 18:51, 12 August 2008 (UTC)


 * My thoughts on the section, and references:
 * There really needs to be some outside coverage that this was a significant controversy.
 * msnbc video link is a reference that she asked the question, not that many were offended.
 * youtube link doesn't add anything as a reliable source that isn't included in the msnbc video link...plus there's always the copyright concerns over linking youtube video of a broadcast.
 * witchvox might be ok as a reference that people believed she should make a public apology.
 * blogs aren't reliable sources.
 * petition isn't notable unless it's covered by outside sources.
 * blogs aren't reliable sources.
 * Clothing line needs to be removed as it's currently unsourced contentious info in a BLP. --Onorem♠Dil 14:03, 13 August 2008 (UTC)

Due to the recent edit warring this page has been protected for. Please use the time to discuss the matter here and come to a consensus on what should and shouldn't be included on the page. If an urgent edit needs to be made during the protection, please place the template editprotected here with details of the edit that needs to be made and justification for the edit, and an administrator will come by to make the edit. If you have agreed and resolved the dispute before the expiry of the protection, please make a listing at requests for unprotection. While it is also possible to make such requests on my talk page, it would be quicker for you to use those previous methods. Thank you. Stifle (talk) 15:17, 13 August 2008 (UTC)

I have removed (while protected) the section on the "Pagan statements controversy" as an administrative action under WP:BLP. The sources used throughout were unreliable, bloggy, and non-mainstream. Anyone who wishes to reintroduce this material is obligated to find mainstream reliabl sources first. Nandesuka (talk) 15:45, 13 August 2008 (UTC)

New book by Kathie Lee Gifford
Just When I Thought I'd Dropped My Last Egg: Life and Other Calamities, is scheduled to be released this month. Since she's written other things too, we probably need a list. --72.70.22.69 (talk) 17:54, 2 April 2009 (UTC)

what does it say about Wikipedia that there is no picture at all?
hmmm? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 82.113.106.94 (talk) 12:35, 10 March 2010 (UTC)
 * As long as Wikipedia doesn't add an audio link to her, it's smart. Blasted, for the 4th straight year, CNN's New Years Eve coverage is ruined for me. GoodDay (talk) 22:35, 28 December 2010 (UTC)

Live With Regis and K.....
The posting states, "Live With Regis and Kelly."

I think it should actually read, "Live With Regis and Kathie Lee."

Kelly was Kathie Lee's replacement. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 98.22.154.25 (talk) 19:54, 9 February 2011 (UTC)

"It's a Wonderful Life" musical now complete
The musical version of "It's a Wonderful Life" has opened at the Encore Theater in Dexter, MI - should the article text be updated to no longer say that Kathie is working on it?

http://theencoretheatre.org/Encore/The_Encore_Theatre_Dexter_MI.html

— Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.13.57.223 (talk) 00:10, 19 November 2011 (UTC)

Martin Short Gaffe
This phrase seems particularly unsuited for an encyclopedia: "on May 30, 2012 viewers witnessed perhaps the most awkward exchange between interviewer and guest in television history..." Fix suggestions? — Preceding unsigned comment added by 96.25.250.17 (talk) 03:24, 31 May 2012 (UTC) The phrase "Among her many public gaffes include..." Seems unnecessary and harsh. Might also violate the terms on living persons. This should be changed to something more objective. DesertPhox (talk) 04:34, 3 June 2012 (UTC)
 * update* Made the edits to correct the concerns.DesertPhox (talk) 04:56, 3 June 2012 (UTC)

South Park
As a Brit I've no idea who this woman is, but I know she's parodied in the South Park episode Weight Gain 4000, and this isn't mentioned in the article. --Ef80 (talk) 23:21, 6 November 2012 (UTC)

+1 Jeff1308 (talk) 02:26, 25 March 2021 (UTC)

Frank scandal
I love Kathy and think she is still beautiful after all these years. But, there was a scandal not reported here. How can you leave this out if I clearly remember it? — Preceding unsigned comment added by 74.106.116.44 (talk) 11:07, 9 January 2013 (UTC)


 * You may make reference to it if and when you can find a robust and reliable reference to support it. Personal memory doesn't qualify. Sorry.  Velella  Velella Talk 14:38, 9 January 2013 (UTC)

High School
A mention of who she may have dated in high school seems inappropriate. It appears to be meant as a slam on her character, or guilt by association. I think it should be removed but will wait to see what others may think.Purplethree (talk) 16:18, 25 February 2014 (UTC)

alcoholic?
Did she get treated for alcoholism? She makes enough references to heavy drinking and drinks enough cocktails on-air it could qualify. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 74.69.9.224 (talk) 22:19, 10 May 2014 (UTC)

Needs a Total Re-Write. Too Much Hyperbole, Not Enough Facts
This entire article needs help. First - her place of birth. Yes, technically she is "French-born" but that classification is usually reserved for someone who claims some kind of roots to their place of birth. KLG moved to the states as a toddler (or before), has no real memory of life in France, and for all intents and purposes is from Maryland.

Religion: KLG is a self-proclaimed "Christian" and I have never heard her refer to herself as "Jewish", a "Jew", or anything else relating to Judaism. She often quotes her "pastor" on the air and seems to wear her Christianity on her sleeve.

Music: Her recordings are a hodge-podge of Broadway/Show Tunes, Pop songs, Standards, with some "Christian/Gospel" mixed in. However - she does not categorize herself as a "Christian Artist", "Christian Musician" etc.  A better categorization for what she records might be "Adult Contemporary"

Child Labor: This was (and probably, still is) a thorn in KLG's side and should be fully explored. With facts however not the typical hyperbole

I'd make some edits myself - but every time I try, somebody immediately nukes them, so I'm done. Moucon2 (talk) 16:15, 9 March 2015 (UTC)

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