Roy Firestone, host of ESPN's Up Close, is one of America's most versatile and original talents. He is well recognized and honored for his multiple abilities as an interviewer, journalist, commentator, and stage performer.
"The best interviewer in the business," is how Sports Illustrated describes Firestone. Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Jim Murray calls Firestone, "the best interviewer I've ever seen. That's not the best interviewer in sports, that's the best interviewer period." Critically acclaimed for his work, Firestone has interviewed over 3,000 people, including nearly every major sports figure alive today.
Curiosity and passion drive Firestone to interview people beyond the realm of sports and of the worlds of art, music, politics, and popular entertainment. His interview subjects are an eclectic mix ranging from President Richard Nixon to legendary actor James Stewart, jazz great Miles Davis, to pop icon Madonna. His work has earned him seven Cable ACE Awards and six Emmy Awards. He is also the recipient of the prestigious Northeastern University Award for Broadcast Journalism.
Firestone is also an accomplished singer, impressionist, and humorist. He has performed countless comedy gigs since age 15. His multi-media review includes impressions of more than a dozen entertainers, sports figures, and assorted personalities. He has shared billing with the likes of Frank Sinatra, Loretta Lynn, and Gladys Knight, to just name a few.
His appearances on such shows as Late Night with David Letterman, The Arsenio Hall Show, Nightline, and Married With Children have showcased his talents. He also wrote the book, Up Close and In Your Face With the Greats, Near-Greats, and Ingrates Of Sports, and has appeared in the hit movie Jerry Maguire.
A native of Miami Beach, Florida, Firestone began his career as a sports reporter and anchor there before moving to Los Angeles as a sports anchor for KCBS from 1977 until 1985. Prior to his work on ESPN's Up Close, he was host of ESPN's SportsLook for a decade. He currently lives in Los Angeles with his wife and two sons.