Wow… 3000 episodes and I have been here for every one. I am going on my 12th year here at Access! Of course, I started when I was just 15-years-old!!!! And boy what a ride it has been!

I can remember, as if it were yesterday, my very first interview. It was with Keanu Reeves and I was so nervous that I just laughed throughout the entire interview. No matter how he answered, I just let out this big belly laugh like it was the best thing anybody had ever said. He must have thought I was a bit whacky… hopefully, he realized I was just green.

The one question I get asked almost daily - so who are your favorite celebrities? Who do you enjoy interviewing the most? I always answer Richard Gere, because I had a crush on him for so long. I developed the crush when I was a little girl and snuck into the theater to see “American Gigolo” before the age I was allowed and caught a glimpse of his behind. Oh my… how my crush started that day!

I remember one of my first interviews with him. I was so tongue-tied… I could not get my questions out. My face turned bright red because of it and then my producers started yelling, “Get her some water, get her some water!” And that just made things worse! But actually, it all turned out just fine because I had to confess my crush to Richard and we have had the best relationship ever since.

He has given me exclusives on many occasions and we have such a nice rapport. Some of the other people I often talk about, as being my “favorites” to interview are Julia Roberts, Halle Berry, John Mayer, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, Katherine Heigl, and Robin Williams. They don’t take themselves too seriously. They are such pros at doing interviews and will answer any question… knowing how to handle themselves… and they will give you something interesting to use even if they don’t want to specifically give the answer.

As we look back at old footage, I remember what fun I have had throughout the years. There are so many great memories. I remember introducing Gwen Stefani to a completely star-struck Julia Roberts. We were at the “America’s Sweethearts” premiere and I was in the middle of interviewing Julia Roberts when we both realized Gwen Stefani was walking up the red carpet behind Julia. Julia became visibly shaken and nervous. I asked her what was up and she said that she was Gwen’s biggest fan. I said that I would introduce her. Julia said no ‘No’… .that she was too nervous. I proceeded to ask her if she realized she was Julia Roberts. Of course, when Gwen walked close, I wasn’t about to lose the opportunity. I introduced them and they hugged and hugged. Julia was like a little girl… very cute moment.

I also remember some very special sentimental moments. I remember when Halle won her first big award.. .a Golden Globe for her portrayal in “Introducing Dorothy Dandridge.” She was so happy and had not spoken to her mom yet after winning. I handed her a portable phone and said, ‘Give your mom a call.’ She did and it was one of our sweetest moments ever, seeing something so real. Then, Halle went on to win so many awards including an Oscar and made history in the process.

The 1997 premiere of “Batman & Robin” was one of our first big premieres. It was when George Clooney was Batman… that’s how long ago it was. And he had a long-time girlfriend with him… hmmm… odd. And Arnold Schwarzenegger, our California governor, was Mr. Freeze. My, how times have changed!

I also get asked often which interviews took me by surprise. I always answer that one with Madonna. The first time I interviewed her I went in not knowing whether we would click. I pictured her as being entirely different than what she was. I so enjoyed our interview…. intelligent, informative, direct.. and she was so nice and classy to everyone in the room. Then I did a very long exclusive interview with her right after her adoption of David. That’s is when I saw even more… the softer, very genuine side of her. She remains one of my favorite people to interview to this day.

I am also often asked about big gets. Jack Nicholson… I mean who is not a fan of his! I remember the first event I was going to where he was in attendance. My producer said we were going to try really hard to get an interview with Jack. I said I didn’t think there was any way, as “he just doesn’t do interviews.” But when we got there, I just went up to him and started talking and we talked for 20 minutes. It was such a fun, great interview. Since then, he has been very kind granting me several interviews at various events.

I could continue about more favorites, but it would take me too long to write. I am honored to have been a part of Access since the very get-go. You know, as often happens, other great opportunities have come along, but I have never chosen to leave because I love what I do and the people with whom I do it!

Paul Newman, who has recently appeared gaunt in photos and dropped plans to direct a play in his Connecticut hometown, is battling cancer, his longtime neighbor and business partner said Wednesday.

Writer A.E. Hotchner, who partnered with Newman to start Newman’s Own salad dressing company in the 1980s, said the 83-year-old actor told him about the disease about 18 months ago.

He doesn’t say what kind of cancer, but said Newman is in active treatment.

“I know that it’s a form of cancer,” Hotchner told The Associated Press. “It’s a form of cancer and he’s dealing with it.”

Newman issued a statement late Tuesday that he’s “doing nicely” but didn’t specifically address questions about cancer. A call was placed to his spokesman Wednesday seeking comment.

The Oscar winner appeared to have lost weight when he was photographed at the Indianapolis 500 auto race last month. Martha Stewart, in an entry dated June 6, posted a photo on her blog of herself with the actor, who looked thin, at a luncheon to benefit the Hole in the Wall Gang camps for critically ill children. (The Hole in the Wall Gang was led by Newman’s affable outlaw character, Butch, in the 1969 film “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.”)

Newman won an Oscar for his leading role in 1986’s “The Color of Money.” His screen credits also include “Hud,” “Cool Hand Luke,” “The Verdict” and “Road to Perdition.”

Hotchner said Newman had an operation a few years ago. “It was certainly somewhere in the area of the lung,” he said. “He’s battling,” Hotchner said. “He’s doing all the right stuff. Paul is a fighter. He seems to be going through a good period right now.”

Asked about his prognosis, Hotchner said, “Everybody is hopeful. That’s all we know.”

In 1982, Hotchner and Newman started a company to market Newman’s original oil-and-vinegar dressing. Newman’s Own, which began as a joke, grew into a multimillion-dollar business selling popcorn, salad dressing, spaghetti sauce and other foods. All the company’s profits are donated to charities. By 2007, the company had donated more than $175 million, according to its Web site.

Last month, officials at Connecticut’s Westport Country Playhouse cited unspecified health issues when they announced that Newman would not direct “Of Mice and Men” this fall.

Newman lives in Westport with his wife, Joanne Woodward.

Two friends said Tuesday that Newman appeared to be doing well.

“I think he’s feeling quite well,” said actor James Naughton, who spoke to Newman on Monday night. “As far as I can tell he’s doing very well.”

Newman had an infection over the winter, but seems to have that under control, Naughton said. He was lively at this month’s Hole in the Wall Gang camp fundraiser, he said.

Michael Brockman, Newman’s racing team partner, said Newman told him recently that he wants to get back into his race car for a test run and possibly another competition. His last race was last fall, he said.

“I think he’s doing better than he was,” Brockman said, noting that Newman had regained most of the weight he had lost.

“I think he looks great,” said Brockman, who saw Newman last weekend. “I wish I looked that good.”

Brockman called Newman “one of the best guys I ever met.”

“He’s just a regular guy,” Brockman said. “He’s humble.”