First Impressions: Jimmy Osmond
The Lady
May 4, 2012
Submitted by Angela Sweeney
'If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything'
JIMMY OSMOND is the youngest of eight brothers and a member of The Osmonds. Jimmy remains the youngest performer to have a No1 single in the UK, with the 1972 hit, Long Haired Lover From Liverpool. He has appeared on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, as well as numerous TV and theatre shows. He and his wife, Michelle, have four children.
What are you working on at the moment?
My brothers and I are currently travelling the country on the final leg of our Up Close And Personal tour. I have just finished working on The Osmonds’ new album, Can’t Get There Without You, and am now working on putting back together my Jukebox Show [Jimmy Osmond’s American Jukebox Show].
When were you at your happiest?
At Disney World with all my children a couple of years ago. I was there for board meetings of the charity my mother and father founded: Children’s Miracle Network. We went to our favourite Japanese restaurant at the Epcot theme park and then after dinner we watched the fireworks together. It was magical.
What is your greatest fear?
Dying in a plane crash.
What is your earliest memory?
Playing in Sweden as part of The Osmonds when I was a little boy. My dad would fix my hair, and it really bugged me. Performing in front of all those people didn’t ever bother me, but having my hair fixed did.
Who has been your greatest influence?
My mother. She was very wise and saw the good in everything and everyone.
What do you most dislike about yourself?
I’m too hard on myself. I’ve always been a perfectionist and been too critical of whatever I do.
What is your most treasured possession?
I don’t really have one. I couldn’t care less about actual possessions; I care more about my family and friends. If I really had to pick something, it would be a neon cow above my fireplace.
What traits do you deplore most in others?
Ego and pride.
Do you have a fantasy address?
The Kahala Hotel & Resort, Hawaii – I used to have a condo there.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
My tummy.
What is your favourite book?
The Bible. It really came to life when I visited Israel for a recent production I did.
What is your favourite film?
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels with Michael Caine and Steve Martin. I also recently saw Battleship and loved it.
Your favourite record or piece of music?
The Eagles – Get Over It.
Your favourite meal?
Nando’s Lemon and Herb Chicken.
Who would you most like to come to dinner?
[The late] Steve Jobs. As an Apple Mac fan, I’m a huge fan and admire his accomplishments.
Which historical character do you most admire?
Walt Disney. He created so much magic in a crazy world and was a true visionary.
What is the nastiest thing anyone has ever said to you?
I can’t remember; I try to dwell on the positive.
Do you believe in aliens?
Yes, I think we would be ridiculous if we thought we were the only intelligent life in the universe.
What is your secret vice?
Ice cream.
Do you write thank-you notes?
Sometimes, but I’d rather thank people in person.
Which phrase do you most overuse?
If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.
What single thing would improve the quality of your life?
More free time.
What would you like your epitaph to say?
Here lies Jimmy Osmond, who put his family first and was a true friend to many.
The new Osmonds album, Can’t Get There Without You, is out now. www.osmond.com
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