TCM Host Ben Mankiewicz on His Father's Life and Legacy
The late Frank Mankiewicz may be best known for his long career in politics and media, serving as Sen. Robert F. Kennedy's press secretary, and later as the chief of NPR. His son, TCM host and film critic Ben Mankiewicz talks about his father's life and career, which Frank detailed in his posthumously published memoir, So As I Was Saying... My Somewhat Eventful Life.
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What have you read or seen over the past year that moved or surprised you?
I saw Spotlight at the Telluride Film Festival and immediately thought I’d seen the sequel to All the President’s Men. It’s a grown up movie about what we see too little of now—real, important, journalism.
What are you listening to right now?
Howard Stern and E Street Radio—I don’t think I get any other satellite radio channels.
I’m also late to the Marc Maron podcast but I like it and I enjoy Alec Baldwin’s as well.
What’s the last great book you read?
What are books? Not familiar…
Enjoying Nick Hornby’s latest—and as always, the latest Harry Bosch novel from Michael Connelly. Just started Caro’s The Power Broker.
What’s one thing you’re a fan of that people might not expect?
I hate puppies—vile little things. No, I love dogs—I have two and am lobbying for a third. I’m constantly discovering that I love obvious things that everyone already knows about---did you know bacon cheeseburgers are delicious?
What’s your favorite comfort food?
I have no favorite foods other than comfort foods.
