In most cases, the women being photographed for FACES of Louisville like to dress up. In this case, I asked Elizabeth Woolsey of WDRB to dress down so that we could see her not “on camera.” She loves big jewelry, jeans and talking about girly things when she’s not anchoring the news. This mother of two young sons makes everything seem effortless, and we’re thrilled Elizabeth joins us today.
We all recognize you from the news. What exactly do you do at WDRB?
I anchor the 4:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. newscasts. My day also includes shooting promos for the news, helping to write stories and may include shooting a story.
When did you start working in TV News? Where have you worked? Have you always been on the air?
I started as an intern in Springfield, Missouri, in 1992 and got my first paying job behind the scenes at a station in Pittsburg, Kansas. The station was surrounded by corn fields and cows, and my job included running the studio camera and teleprompter for the anchors. I wasn’t great at it because I was studying what the anchors were doing! My first reporting job was in Joplin, Missouri. We did not have photographers, so it was great experience to shoot my own video and report, but it was very challenging. I also worked for several years as a morning show anchor in Fayetteville, Arkansas, before coming to Louisville.
You work all the time and strange hours, to boot. How do you balance your job and your personal life?
It can be tough–my schedule means I go to work at 2:30 p.m. and wrap up my day at 11 p.m. I’m lucky to have a very supportive husband who is also the best dad in the world. He is home with our boys, who are four and five, every night.
Who has been your favorite person you have met or interviewed?
Most recently, probably actress Jennifer Lawrence. I had the opportunity to interview her and her co-stars from The Hunger Games, including Donald Sutherland, Elizabeth Banks and Lenny Kravitz. They were a lot of fun, but the interviews were quick. I had four minutes or less with each of them.
What has been your biggest blooper on TV?
It seems like things happen all the time, like the prompter going out along with your iPad, leaving you you to wing it. Live television is always unpredictable. You can probably get some good stories from my co-workers!
What is the biggest life lesson you have ever learned?
Be grateful wherever you are in life. Sometimes the things you think you want the most aren’t meant to be. I spent months trying to get a job as a reporter in Tulsa and Little Rock when I was starting out and was crushed when that did not work out. If it had, I wouldn’t have applied to work at WDRB where I’ve spent the last 15 years.
Who is your mentor?
My mom has been a huge inspiration in my personal life, and I would say I have many mentors professionally. I think it’s good to seek out advice from anyone whose work you admire. Don’t limit yourself! I once wrote to NBC anchor Brian Williams and he critiqued some of my work. I still have the correspondence.
What is best advice you have received in business?
Don’t burn bridges, and treat others as you would like to be treated. And do an internship. If you’re interested in this field, it’s a great way to get a feel for what it’s really all about.
If you were not in your current job, what would you secretly love to do?
Something in the fashion industry would be fun, and I love to travel!
What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
This has gotten better over the years, but I am not very comfortable speaking in front of large groups.
What is your favorite place to go for dinner?
I always have delicious meals at Lilly’s and Winston’s.
Where do you like to shop?
I love all of our local boutiques, but find myself at Peacock Boutique, Rodes and Rodeo Drive most often. I also shop on websites like Gilt and the Outnet.
What is a treat or a luxury you do for yourself?
Getting a massage!
What is your weakness?
Chocolate or caramel.
What is your favorite thing to do in Louisville?
I love to eat out, and we have so many great options. It’s hard to decide where to go, which is a great problem to have.
Three things you cannot live without (besides God, family and friends):
- My phone which I use constantly to check news, Facebook and Twitter
- Latisse
- Aveda Lip Saver
What are you reading right now?
Still Missing by Chevy Stevens and about 20 magazines. I’m addicted and subscribe to way too many!
What are three of your “favorite” things right now:
- Moroccan Oil Glimmer Shine Finish, which makes your hair shiny and smell great
- Latisse
- Hammitt bag I bought as a gift to myself
A big thank you to one of the busiest women I know, Elizabeth Woolsey, who gave us over an hour of her packed day for this shoot. I could have sat and chatted with her all day. Watch her at 4:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. on WDRB Fox 41 News.
Adele Reding is our FACES of Louisville photographer, bringing us the Best of the Best each week. View her fantastic work here.
