Terry Crews takes ‘AGT’ hosting duties seriously
The main duty for Terry Crews as the host of “America’s Got Talent” has been to keep the entertainment chaos running as smoothly as possible. He’s done that since 2019 following his hosting duties … Terry Crews, the host of "America's Got Talent" for 19 years, has been doing this since 2019. His main role is to keep the entertainment chaos running smoothly and ensure that the contestants are supported by him before and after they take the stage. Crews also shares his personal experiences, including being a counselor and cheerleader for the contestants. He has been married to his wife, Rebecca, for 30 years and has five children. Despite being told he was impossible to become the host, Crews credits his commitment to the show and his wife's support for him.
Published : 10 months ago by Rick Bentley in Entertainment
The main duty for Terry Crews as the host of “America’s Got Talent” has been to keep the entertainment chaos running as smoothly as possible. He’s done that since 2019 following his hosting duties for the program’s spin-off series “America’s Got Talent: The Champions.”
Crews will take centerstage again as the 19th season starts at 8 p.m. May 28 on KGET-TV, Channel 17. Once again variety acts featuring contestants of all ages will look to win $1 million.
And, once again, Crews will do more than introduce acts, announce those moving on and trade banter with the judges. A role he considers very important unfolds before and after each competitor takes the stage. Crews is there to give support to the participants.
This is such an important part of the job for Crews because he knows what it is like not to have support.
“When I look at each one of these contestants come through, this is a dream,” Crews says. “This show is 19 years old and there are people who grew up watching this show.
“My job is to let them know that I am just like you. You are here and we want to see you. It is not the other way around. We are here for you. I don’t want them to ever feel like they were not able to give their best.”
Crews tries to make it clear to each participant that his role is to be their bodyguard. He is not there to judge them but to protect them. He has found that generally is a big help for the contestants because they understand that he just wants to see them do their best.
The reason Crews is so committed to being a counselor and cheerleader for the participants is he has been in situations where he has thought that he did not do his best. No one was waiting to give him words of encouragement.
“For me, I was alone,” Crews says. “What I told myself is to be that person I wish I had. There were so many times that I left an audition and I felt like I didn’t do well, and I was thinking about quitting.
“I went home thinking maybe this is not me. My wife would tell me to keep going but I would think ‘Yeah, you’re my wife. Are you really telling me the truth?’”
His wife has been there through many of the ups and downs. Crews has been married to his wife, Rebecca, for 30 years and the couple have five children.
Reaching the point of becoming the “America’s Got Talent” host was a long journey for Crews. It was a trek that many told him was impossible to make.
“I’m from the Midwest. Growing up when I would watch television, and I would see people on TV, and dream about being on television, it was like going to Mars,” Crews says. “I would tell people that I wanted to be on television and they would be like ‘Man, that’s crazy. You might as well be on Mars.’
The Flint, MI native overcame an alcoholic father and an abusive mother to achieve his wild dreams. His quest to be on television went through a couple of other career paths including a stint in professional football and as a screenwriter.
The transition came in 1999 when he landed the role of T-Money on the competition series “Battle Dome.” Crews used that to become an author, action-movie hero, sitcom star, children’s book illustrator, human rights activist and talk show host.
Crews has co-starred in “White Chicks,” “The Expendables” franchise, “Sandy Wexler,” “The Ridiculous 6,” “Blended,” “Click,” “The Benchwarmers,” “The Longest Yard,” “Sorry to Bother You,” “Deadpool 2” and “Rumble.”
The three-time People magazine Sexiest Man Alive actor has starred as a series regular in three consecutive TV series that have surpassed the coveted 100-episode mark – “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” “Are We There Yet?” and “Everybody Hates Chris.” He also served as the host for franchise spinoffs “America’s Got Talent: The Champions,” “America’s Got Talent: All-Stars,” “America’s Got Talent: Extreme” and “America’s Got Talent: Fantasy League.”
Executive producer Simon Cowell returns to the judging panel with Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel and Sofia Vergara. This season there will be more Golden Buzzers than ever before, each sending an act directly to the live shows to compete for America’s vote.
Crews is the latest in a long line of hosts for “America’s Got Talent” but don’t look for him to be moving on anytime soon.
“I love this job,” Crews says. “I would do ‘AGT’ for free because it feels like you are gifting people their dreams. You are giving away amazing opportunities that no one else can give. It’s beautiful.”
Topics: TV