In May 2004 I received a contact call from Steve's manager saying Steve was going to guest host with Kelly Ripa (Regis & Kelly Show) while Regis was on vacation. He asked me to bring Bubba to New York City over Memorial Day weekend. My son in law Chris traveled with me & Bubba to help. We left the day before taping of the show. We were checked into the Ritz Carlton, and Bubba had his own security detail. The show taped on Memorial Day.
The way Kelly & Steve played off of each other was funny. She was fearful, but Steve was so full of energy & enthusiasm, he wanted Kelly to love Bubba like he did. She went along with Steve's suggestions so well, the show won the Relly Award! She was so naturally curious and funny.
Before the show, my son in law, Chris and I were in the green room with Steve, Kelly's husband Mark, and their son Michael. Michael was sitting on Bubba, while Bubba had his head up on the sofa next to Steve. At that moment, Rueben Studdard (of American Idol fame) and his brother who were also appearing on the show, walked into the room, saw Bubba, and immediately turned around and left! We all had a good laugh.
After the show, we exited to the city streets and took photos with Steve and Bubba as several New York City Policemen watched and met Steve Irwin.
As promised previously, here are some photos of Steve's movie premier party in California and of the pilots who flew my son Jim, myself and Bubba to Lax.
