The trainer, Randy Miller, gave a gentle push to the tiger as I kneeled in front. He did it again with the same result. The third time he wagged the tail of Shirkon, who then wailed out an angry roar that was nothing like a Tony the Tiger commercial. It knocked me back to the ground, but I got my sound. Barring some unforeseen event, the Oscars will come off like clockwork tonight.
Security is unbelievable.
I have two press passes laminated with my picture and carrying a secret code that is scanned at every location. I really do look forward to it, remembering my days in a house on Noyes Avenue where I watched on a black and white TV, Hollywood's best in their field rushing to the stage in this incredible telecast. Some friends of mine think I have the greatest job. Frankly, the best job is the actor who's being interviewed, not the person doing the interview. But, remember, although I'll be backstage at the Oscars tonight, those of you who watch the show on TV will have a much better seat and the children will have a perspective I will, unfortunately, never have again.