Roy Firestone is a well-known entertainer, speaker, and motivational storyteller recognized for his lively performances that connect life and sports. He started as a sports reporter and anchor in Miami Beach and later became a sports anchor for KCBS-TV in Los Angeles. Firestone became famous as the original host of ESPN's "Up Close," where he conducted over 5,000 interviews with athletes, musicians, and political figures, winning seven Emmy Awards and seven cable ACE Awards. His interviews with icons like Muhammad Ali and Neil Diamond highlighted his skills as a comic impressionist and storyteller. He has appeared on various television shows, including "Late Night with David Letterman" and "Larry King Live," and played himself in the Oscar-winning film "Jerry Maguire." Firestone also hosted "Face to Face with Roy Firestone" on HDNet and "Time Out…with Roy Firestone" on AOL. As an author, he has written three best-selling books: "Up Close," "Face to Face," and "Don’t Make Me Cry, Roy," showcasing his talent for storytelling. As a corporate performer and keynote speaker, he has entertained audiences in over 2,000 venues worldwide, combining singing, celebrity impersonations, and stories from his sports coverage. Firestone's unique style blends storytelling, music, and humor, often enhanced by multimedia presentations. His show, "Up Close Live," celebrates life beyond sports, drawing on his long association with prominent figures in American public life. Currently, he hosts "Up Close Classic" on ESPN and has introduced a new segment, "The Impossible Dream," featuring dramatic imagery from the 30th Olympiad. Firestone's work has received critical acclaim, with praise from notable figures like Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Jim Murray, who called him "the best interviewer I've ever seen."