Mark Pilgrim
Mark Pilgrim
Izimvo is excited to introduce radio and television personaliy, Mark Pilgrim.
With his distinctive bald head, warm personality and easy going demeanor, Mark is one of South Africa’s most recognisable radio and television personalities. He has spent over 14 years entertaining millions of listeners and viewers.
Mark has also hosted numerous television shows over the years, including Big Brother South Africa on MNET and Face2Face on SABC2. In 2008 he hosted the country’s biggest ever television game show, the Power of 10 on MNET.
Website: http://www.markpilgrim.co.za
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Mark_Pilgrim
Location: Johannesburg
Mark was kind enough to answer the following questions for us:
Personal
Q: The all important personal profile. How would a close friend introduce you at a social event? i.e. Name, age, company, interesting fact etc.
A: If it was an informal event, my friend would probably just say “This is my friend, Mark”! if it was a corporate event, it would probably be along the lines, of “he has a face that is recognizable from television and voice that is recognizable from radio”
Q: Tell us something that not many others know about you. This could be anything from a phobia to your favorite movie.
A: People always expect you to be the loudest person in the room, and are surprised when I am actually a very quiet person!
Q: What do you enjoy doing when you want to get away from it all?
A: I am an avid reader. Got myself an Amazon Kindle
Q: You’ve survived both Cancer and a recent heart attack. What has been the greatest advice given to you during these difficult times?
A: It’s more the advice I have given myself I suppose, which is not to let the small problems in life get you down. As the cliché says “don’t sweat the small stuff”.
Radio in South Africa
Q: South Africa has a rich history when it comes to radio and radio personalities. If you were to establish a South African Radio Hall of Fame, who would be your first inductee?
A: Kevin Savage! I used to listen to him on Capitol 604 and the old Radio 5. He was a jock that didn’t talk “at” you, but seemed like he was having a conversation with you. I would also put David Gresham in there from the word go. I used to listen to him host the Springbok Radio Top 20…thinking …WOW…one day I want to do that!
Q: Who have you most enjoyed interviewing and if you could sit down with anyone for an interview, who would it be?
A: My favourite interview ever was Mel C from the Spice Girls. She was just so lively and fun to interview… and I got her to say “bliksem” on air!
Life in South Africa
Q: Have you or any of your immediate family been affected by crime? If yes, has it changed your perception of the country and the way you and your family live your lives?
A: Yep, my wife has been held up twice. Yes, it does taint your perceptions. We have just built a new house and spent more money on security than anything else.
Q: Have you ever considered emigration? If yes, where do you think you would emigrate to?
A: I am British, so have thought every now and then of going back home. The biggest problem is, I love this country. My wish is that lazy self absorbed politicians got off the gravy train and realized the value of better training our police force and giving them better remuneration.
Q: If you were South African president for just one day, what would you change?
A: Tolerance towards crime… and fire every corrupt minister. I guess we would have to look for a new cabinet!
Life in Johannesburg
Q: Favorite venue in or around Johannesburg for a romantic dinner?
A: Pigalle in the Michelangelo Towers in Sandton. They make the best apple & berry crumble!
Q: Who makes the best breakfast in Johannesburg?
A: Probably Tasha’s in Athol Square. The food is delicious and the presentation on the plate good as well.
General
Q: Who was your favorite Big Brother South Africa contestant?
A: None!! They all got on my nerves after a while! :)
Q: Where would you like to wake up tomorrow?
A: Beau Rivage Resort in Mauritius. It’s where Nicole and I got married on 7/7/7.
Q: If you had to pick one South African as a mentor, who would it be and why?
A: Nelson Mandela. A man who inspired change.
Q: Who would you most like to read about on Izimvo?
A: Well, you got me thinking about old radio personalities. How about Kevin Savage!
We’d like to thank Mark for taking the time to answer our questions and congratulate him and his Wife Nicole on the wonderful news that they are expecting their first baby girl in April 2010.
