My Instant Motivation: Exclusive Jim Cummings Interview
OMGOODNESS! Yes, I am yelling sorry, not sorry. While in Los Angeles for The Nutcracker and The Four Realms press trip, we had an opportunity to celebrate the in-home release of Christopher Robin on Digital and Blu-Ray with a day filled with fun and entertainment.
We arrived at the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanical Garden and participated in a flower arranging class using our Christopher Robin themed Hunny Pot!
As we walked through the “100-acre woods”, we stubbled upon the beautifully set picnic table where we sat, ate, and interviewed the legendary Jim Cummings (the voice of Winnie The Pooh and Tigger) and I was overjoyed!
Born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio, Jim Cummings spent Saturday mornings riveted to the TV screen as he mimicked the characters in his favorite cartoons, all the while dreaming that one day he would voice them himself. These days, Cummings is one of the most well-known voiceover actors in animation. During his illustrious career, he has worked extensively for Walt Disney Studios, voicing classic characters such as Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, King Louis, Kaa the Snake, Pete and many others. He has been Emmy®-nominated five times over, as well as had five nominations for the prestigious Annie Awards.
As he shared about his experience as Pooh, Tigger and countless others, I could hardly keep my emotions under control. I think part of me has just been overwhelmed with the personal things that have been going on in my life. It’s been such a roller coaster and attending this press trip really helped me with my perspective and provided a significant amount of inspiration. He was talking in his Winnie the Pooh voice, and you know Pooh is like a stuffed philosopher, his quotes are the absolute best. It was nostalgic.
When asked, “out of all the cool characters you voiced in all the movies and shows, what was the difficult or the most emotional since we’ve talked about the phrases?” Jim said,
“Wow! There was a few of them. Ray from Princess and Frog when he passed away, that was the hardest thing in the world to do. I don’t know why. You wouldn’t think so, but it was really, really hard to die. And it was just my voice, but it was really emotional.
And there was a song from the search for, uh, Christopher Robin in the ‘90s. We’re singing wherever you are, I’ve been lost and lost without you. In fact, that’s where the quote you are stronger than you seem, braver than you believe… one came from. That was very, very emotional. There were a lot of moist eyes in the studio that day.”
I got emotional just thinking about them singing that song and the quote. I sometimes battle depression, and Winnie the Pooh’s quote, “You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think,” is one of my go-to quotes for instant encouragement and motivation. So, you already know I was a crying mess. I tried to hide my tears with sunglasses, but they were many, so that did not work. After we finished the interview I was able to hug and take a photo with Jim. I am telling you right now, my day was MADE!
He was one of the kindest people that I’ve ever met. We really enjoyed listening to him talk about his Winnie the Pooh and Tigger in their voices. It was fascinating! If you have not seen Christopher Robin yet, please snag a copy on Digital or Blu-ray on November 6th which happens to be the same day that I am posting my Christopher Robin film review.
We can all use a little motivation every day. Allow Christopher Robin to motivate you and your children with his super awesome group of friends, his captivating voice, and his inspiring quotes – I did and I am better because of it.
[latoyia]
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