November 22, 2014 |
Renaissance woman
For us de Cadenet defines two generations of seriously square-eyed televisual engrossment.
Firstly, during her teens as co-host of Channel 4’s infamously no-holds-barred The Word – an invitation to stay in that actually managed to rival our nights out on the lash. Secondly, her most recent turn as co-creator, producer and presenter of The Conversation with Amanda de Cadenet for Lifetime. Beyond reaching an audience that spans 18 countries in its broadcast, its existence as an active online community – really, something akin to group therapy – is helping reshape the future landscape of a dying medium. Talking of social media, someone really ought to devise a meme for de Cadenet in the same vein as Beyonce’s, as this is another one of those “we all have as many hours in a day” situations. Beyond also being a mother of three, de Cadenet continues to cultivate her other career as a successful fashion and portrait photographer. In fact, in the interim of her two hosting roles, she became the youngest woman ever to shoot a Vogue cover. That authoritative look she’s offering the camera? It’s well earned.
How long have you lived in LA?
“Twenty years. I left because I wanted to be an anonymous person in a country that knew nothing about me. Growing up as a teenager on TV is very unhealthy for a young mind. Also, let’s not forget the excellent weather here.”
Why did you decide to do what you do?
“I didn’t decide to do it. I do what I’m passionate about. I believe if you’re given a voice it’s your duty to use it for the benefit of others. My job makes me extremely happy.”
What are the essentials to becoming famous in your profession?
“I don’t really consider myself famous. Famous is Lady Gaga. I interview people about their life stories. I just try to make media that provides an alternative perspective. If being a recognisable face is a by-product of that, so be it, but what I do is not what makes someone famous today. Behaving badly is sure to work – it certainly did for me when I was a teen.”
What do you do to relax?
“Anytime I can be in nature, it relaxes me. Just being reminded I am not that important, that I am just one tiny person on this wonderful, huge planet is a very relaxing thought for me.”
What do you do for fun?
“Read books and hang out with my big daughter, @atlantabean.”
Is there anything you would like to do but never seem to have the time?
“Take a vacation.”
What is the most ridiculous rumour you’ve heard about yourself? Is it true?
“Most rumours have some truth to them. They don’t start from nothing. I’m sure there have been ridiculous rumours about me, but like I said, they were probably true. Although, I did have a boyfriend who sold a story about our sex life that clearly put him in a good light – the part about his skills as a lover were untrue.”
Have you “arrived”?
“I hope never to ‘arrive’. My goal is to learn, grow, create and change. My destination is ever evolving, which is not an easy concept to grasp for many people.”
Have you been to Disneyland? What was your favourite ride?
“Unfortunately, yes. It’s everything about the world I loathe.”
Health food or champagne?
“Green juice all the way.”
Photographer: Maria Ziegelboeck
By Vincent Levy
