Ryan Seacrest and Sister Meredith Say ‘Pretending’ to Be ‘Bon Jovi and Madonna’ as Kids Helped Inspire New Book (Exclusive)
2024-10-07
Chasing Dreams: The Seacrest Siblings' Journey to Inspire Young Imaginations
In the world of entertainment, the Seacrest family has long been synonymous with chasing dreams and turning them into reality. Now, siblings Ryan and Meredith Seacrest have added another impressive feat to their repertoire – co-authoring a children's book that celebrates the power of imagination.
Unlocking the Magic of Childhood Creativity
Embracing the Limitless Possibilities of Imagination
Growing up, Ryan and Meredith Seacrest were no strangers to the transformative power of play and pretend. Whether it was Ryan "pretending to be a news anchor" or Meredith channeling her inner Madonna, the siblings' childhood was filled with endless hours of imaginative exploration. This innate ability to envision themselves in different roles and scenarios would ultimately shape their respective paths in the entertainment industry.For Ryan, his childhood fascination with the likes of Dick Clark and Casey Kasem foreshadowed his own successful career as a television host and producer. "I really pretended to be those people in a way that might've frightened them if they were to see how focused I was on it, at that age and at that time," he recalls with a laugh. This unwavering dedication to his dreams would eventually lead him to the heights of his profession, hosting iconic shows like "Wheel of Fortune" and "American Idol."Meredith, on the other hand, found her own creative outlet in emulating pop culture icons like Madonna and Debbie Gibson. "Ryan and I put on a lot of performances" as children, she remembers, a testament to their shared passion for the arts. While Meredith may not have sought the spotlight in the same way as her brother, her behind-the-scenes role as the executive director and COO of the Ryan Seacrest Foundation has been instrumental in nurturing the creative talents of others.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Dreamers
It is this rich tapestry of childhood experiences that has now inspired the Seacrest siblings to pen their first children's book, "The Make-Believers." The story, which will be published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, is a celebration of the "joys of imagination and the transformative power of play," as Meredith eloquently puts it.The book's creation was further fueled by the siblings' own experiences with Meredith's young daughter, Flora. "Flora reminds me every day how uniquely special it is to be a child," Meredith shares. "Watching her play reminds me how it important it is to encourage our children to run wild with their own creativity, to put no cap on possibility."This sentiment is at the heart of "The Make-Believers," as Ryan and Meredith hope to inspire the next generation of dreamers and creators. "Ryan made his dreams into his reality, and I think there is a powerful lesson to be learned in that," Meredith observes, underscoring the transformative potential of embracing one's imagination.
A Sibling Collaboration Rooted in Mutual Respect
While the Seacrest siblings may have taken different paths in their professional lives, their bond and mutual understanding have only grown stronger over the years. Meredith, who is six years younger than Ryan, fondly recalls a childhood marked by minimal conflict, with her brother always being "very protective" of her.This dynamic has carried over into their adult lives, with Meredith describing their relationship as one of balance and complementarity. "Even though Ryan and I come from the same DNA, I am not as keen about being up on stage in front of people like him. I enjoy the behind-the-scenes," she admits. Ryan, in turn, recognizes and appreciates his sister's calming presence, noting that "the two of us balance each other out in a very good way."This mutual understanding and respect have undoubtedly played a crucial role in the creation of "The Make-Believers." As Meredith shares, the book's inception was sparked during the pandemic, when the siblings reflected on their shared experiences of "playing make-believe as kids." This collaborative effort, infused with their unique perspectives and talents, has resulted in a work that not only celebrates the power of imagination but also the strength of their sibling bond.