Fox anchor signs off with a smile, not a tear

By Pamela Sitt
Seattle Times staff reporter

KEN LAMBERT / THE SEATTLE TIMES “A lot of people who work in the news take themselves a little too seriously,” Leslie Miller says. “I definitely take my job seriously, but I think you have to be willing to have fun with it, too.”

E-mail this article Print this article Search archive Most e-mailed articles

Other links Search event listings

On her last day on-air as the face of KCPQ's "Q13 Fox News @ 10," we uncover one of the great mysteries of the universe: Does Leslie Miller have ears?

After unscientific research conducted in Miller's Queen Anne home, we've determined that not only does she have two ears (pierced, one hole in each earlobe), but she also has a healthy sense of humor, the occasional bad hair day and a penchant for disco music. ("I'm a bit of a disco queen," she says.)

As Miller wraps up six years on the anchor desk at Q13, rumors are flying among industry insiders that she's moving to Seattle's KIRO-TV. Miller had no comment.

But would she really leave Seattle? The evening anchor is coming off a grueling but rewarding May sweeps month, in which "Q13 Fox News @ 10" again scored a ratings victory over KONG-TV at 10 p.m. Besides, leaving Seattle would mean giving up her favorite petit filet (medium-well done) and garlic mashed potatoes at the Metropolitan Grill.

We posed these questions and more, Barbara Walters-style, in a recent interview in Miller's spotless kitchen. But we couldn't make her cry. Not even happy tears.

Q: This is practically breaking news: How do you feel about taking first place in the "Local TV Newscaster You'd Like to See Naked Poll" (Star 101.5 FM), and for the second straight year?

A: (Laughs) I think it's flattering. They actually give you a trophy, and it's a very authentic-looking trophy until you read what's inscribed on it. It's in my office.

Q: It's been rumored that you are African American or Puerto Rican. Are you black?

A: I've actually had a few viewers write to me and say, 'You need to embrace your African-American heritage.' I'm sorry to disappoint them, but I'm not African American. I am Canadian and my background is predominantly English, Irish and German. Both of my parents are white and both sets of grandparents are white. I do embrace my Canadian heritage. I'm very proud to be Canadian.

Q: So have you heard any good blonde jokes lately?

	KEN LAMBERT / THE SEATTLE TIMES Leslie Miller eyes her 2003 trophy naming her the "Newscaster You'd Like to See Naked" in a radio-station poll.

A: I think I've heard all of the blonde jokes. I even have a (coffee) mug...

Q: Why are you leaving Q13?

A: I'm ready for the next chapter in my career. I'm leaving Q13 very proud of the fact that I helped launch a local newscast that changed the face of the Seattle market.

Q: What's the most memorable story you've done at Q13?

A: Probably the most memorable and challenging day of my career was 9-11. I happened to be in New York City visiting friends on Sept. 10. The next morning, I went to the gym at 8:30. I was on the stationary bike and the TVs were on in the gym. ... My news director at the time put me in touch with one of our affiliates so I ended up doing some live shots. To be there, and to be put in a situation where you have to be the consummate professional and not get so caught up in the emotion, was very difficult. That was a big challenge.

Q: If you leave Seattle, will you miss The Stranger?

A: Yes. The Stranger has definitely had its fun with me over the last six years. They've taken their shots, but they've also been pretty complimentary as well. In fact, they had a tongue-in-cheek article a few weeks ago that I really got a kick out of. The big mystery is whether or not I have ears, because I wear my hair down (on-air). I do have ears, but don't tell them that.

Q: Looking back at six years of haircuts, is it like looking at old prom pictures? Do you ever have "what was I thinking" moments?

A: Absolutely. The hairstyle definitely changed, I would say, every six months. The worst haircut I ever had was a couple years ago. I got my hair cut when I was on vacation. It was just one of those days when my hair was driving me crazy. I was in San Francisco, and I went to what I thought was a very reputable salon, but it was the worst hack job I've ever had. I had to wear it on the air like that for a few days because it was over the holidays and my regular stylist was on vacation.

Q: Since you won't cry during this interview — even over bad haircuts — are you going to cry on the air tonight?

A: No. I'm very happy about this. I have enjoyed my time at Q13, but I'm really excited about my next career venture. I'll use (tonight) as an opportunity to thank the viewers for watching for six years, and making us the No. 1 10 o'clock news. Without them, I wouldn't be where I am. That may sound cliché, but it's the absolute truth.

Q: What are you doing tonight after your last broadcast on Q13?

A: I'm really looking forward to watching the Stanley Cup playoffs between the Calgary Flames and Tampa Bay Lightning. I'm Canadian, and I'm a huge hockey fan. It kinda goes with the territory. And I'm cheering for Calgary.

Pamela Sitt: 206-464-2376 or psitt@seattletimes.com

Copyright © 2004 The Seattle Times Company

E-mail this article

Print this article

Search archive

More Entertainment & the Arts headlines...