Nancy Giles

Contributor, CBS News Sunday Morning

(CBS)  Nancy Giles has been a contributor to the Peabody Award-winning CBS News Sunday Morning since 2003, voicing her opinions on everything from politics and race to pop culture and the conspiracy of high heels.

As an actress, she was in the ensemble cast of ABC-TV's Emmy Award-winning series "China Beach," and was the announcer and sometimes co-host of "Fox After Breakfast." On film: "Joshua," the documentary "Before the Music Dies," "True Crime," "Working Girl," and "Big." On radio: "The Jay Thomas Morning Show" (New York City), and "Giles and Moriarty" with CBS News correspondent Erin Moriarty (Philadelphia). "G&M" won back-to-back "Gracie" Awards (American Women in Radio and Television) for Best Talk Show. You've also heard her voice on commercials, animated series, and subliminally in plus-size clothing stores.

Nancy toured with Chicago's Second City, won a Theatre World Award for "Mayor: The Musical" Off-Broadway, and has written and performed two solo pieces: "Black Comedy: The Wacky Side of Racism" and "Notes of a Negro Neurotic." She's adapting that material, essays, and other embarrassing stories for a book she's praying people will buy.

[lisa21570]

Nancy,

As I voice over artist, I listen to and for the voices I hear on tv/radio. I've heard you everywhere! I have been trying for years to get an agent and thought you might have some advice for me. Voice agents don't seem to want you unless you're already known.

Can you offer any suggestions? I eagerly await your answer.

Lisa Sculnick-Colvin
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
[e-mail]

[Lopez27]

Hi Nancy,

I just wanted to thank you for all the good wishes you gave my daughter today. She will be starting college this January and keep pursuing her voice in opera. It has been very hard for our family but we all know it's for the best. Thanks again!

[auntynyc]

I'm pretty sure I recognize your voice on the Starbuck's commercial. Enjoy everything you do. As for writing, maybe I can help. Look me up on linked in.

[LakeMIGirl]

Hi Nancy. I have been watching Sunday Morning for over 25 years. You are one of my favor contributors to date. No matter what subject matter you choose to comment on, I agree with you. At the end of every one of your pieces I just think about how on point you are. Last weekends piece was particular that way, so I decided to take the time to tell you.

This is the first time I've ever wrote for anyone on TV. That's how strongly I feel about what you have to say. Keep up the excellent work.

Thank you, Judi

[mustangsallyo]

Nancy -

I really enjoy your segments on Sunday Morning - Have you ever followed a political cartoonist with the Las Vegas Sun by the name of Mike Smith? You two would be an excellent team. If you ever do a segment on those who make their living by drawing out what we're all thinking - he would be your match.

[Homerbase]

Thank You Thank You Thank You Thank You Thank You Thank You

Your 9-13-09 commetary was right on the money!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank You Thank You Thank You

[robertothe1]

You forgot to mention the most important point: Obama was misleading the audience (America) with half-truths. But, that would have changed your whole report.

[teach6]

Your piece on Civility this a.m. made me sad, but made me smile so I came to this spot to give you a gold star from an old, retired teacher. On reading many of the comments, I grew sadder. The Honorable Joe Wilson is not. His outburst crossed the lines of many - lines that have been pushed beyond their limits by so much rude, uncivil behavior throughout this country to include Members of Congress booing the former President. These are suppose to be our Representatives - suppose to represent us! Joe Wilson certainly does not represent me. I have manners. Those who maintain that we cannot complain about The Honorable Joe Wilson because we did not complain when President Bush was booed cannot hear mannered voices for the din. Their lines may not be crossed till chairs are being thrown.

[deshawn71]

Nancy,

Great job. You keep doing what you are doing.

[amyhussin]

Dear Mz Giles,

I watched your segment this morning on your opinion of our Presidents speech to the students. It made me chuckle. I appreciate your subtlety, or is it not so subtlety when you give us your opinion. I have been a fan of CBS this morning since I was a youngster, and I had to admit to my friend that at first I didn't appreciate your opinions. Now, however, I greatly admire you and your opinions regardless if I agree or disagree with you. I think as I matured I appreciated your strength, you abilites, and your humor. Thank you for that. If I knew you I would hug you for your last report on the President. Brilliant. You always give me something to talk about. Again, thanks...you are greatly appreciated!

[medivac123]

Nancy, I understand and respect your POV but...I sent Joe Wilson $100 to put my money where his mouth was.
U.S. risks, Healthcare "reform" being but one, suggest we're way beyond decorum when the con appears on, one-party rulers run amok, our country's history is dis'd and it's future put in clear jeopardy on many un-addressed fronts.
I'd send more $s to Joe (btw, I'm an Indy and this is the 1st time I've ever donated to a candidate) if I could sell more of my start-up co.'s hot product but most prospects' capital requests that rolled from '08 to '09 are now rolling to '10. OBAMANOMICS is NOT working. A clear predictor of odds of success with healthcare. Major Co.'s are gripped by FUD (fear, uncertainty & doubt). Obama's "back from the brink" stuff is fiction. Co.'s are actually planning more layoffs. Hiring and capital spend is limited to urgent issues only. U.S. business can't invest in a fuzzy future. OBAMACARE CBO cost projections (historically 3x original proposal re: MediCare) just adds to the FUD factor. The New Rulers' recent math credibility ($7T deficit...oops...$9T) and lack of HealthCare definition needed to get agreement fail on the most basic level - TRUST. It appears we're witnessing the limits of a good sales pitchman. At some point you need to get specific. In today's hyper-fearful environment you often need to do a "Proof of Concept" before closing the deal. Maybe that could work here but the current approach clearly can't. Obama is VERY SMOOOTH but thusfar he's all talk and no help just HOPE. Problem is as one book title stated it "HOPE IS NOT A PLAN".

[kdsprocket]

Hi Nancy,
I watched your segment on President Obama's speeches this morning 9\13\09.
You really cherry picked your facts on this article.
1. The final speech was innocuous. However you failed to mention the Presidents initial intent. The President what the kids to write a letter to themselves "What they could do for the President", Not what can they for their country. I think there is a bit narcissism here. Not to mention that he also had study sheets for the kids and discussion plans for the teachers. I know most of the media does not want to report anything anti Obama but are you really doing justice to the country by holding back facts.
2nd...Short and sweet
The joint speech on Tuesday night was full of mis-truths or spin on the facts,or deviation of reality. So the outburst from the republican Senator was indeed out of line but he was speaking the truth. Its funny how when the Democrats showed much more disrespect to President Bush 43 nothing was said in the media. And the disrespect was indeed wide spread it wasn't just one lone Senator who lost his wits ,it was most of the Democratic wing the booed his speeches
So Nancy please don't instill division of the people by mis-editorializing the facts. This is a time we need to come together if we want change and unity. People with your power can do much to unite and or degrade this country. I'm sorry to see that the mainstream media has chosen the latter. You're a smart woman with a good heart use it wisely
Regards Kirk Dunlap

[apollopa]

I so agree with your take in the civility video on today's show. I really feel the issues are so clouded with media induced frenzy. People are so afraid of "change" but do they offer valid methods of correcting the many things that are so wrong about our system? We cannot go on as we have for so many years, under both Democratic and Republican leadership. I support health care reform. I work for a government program and had to reject a client because he was over the income limit because he recently became eligible for SSD. He has a fast spreading cancer that caused him to have several surgeries and is now in his brain. He had 18 prescriptions in hand and was scheduled for his chemo the next day. This man has no family and is going through this experience alone. What is he supposed to do? There are so many stories out there like this - it's a shame these victims don't have a radio personality searching out their stories to support health reform.

[JackLeesburg]

I agree with nearly every comment posted on this board regarding Nancy Giles' commentary this morning. The piece this morning was clearly biased in nature and just as inappropriate for CBS Sunday Morning as Joe Wilson' outburst was earlier this week. It's easy to focus criticism on Joe Wilson because he reacted alone. When President Bush was booed by Democrats during his speech, there were so many "inappropriate" responses that it was impossible to determine who or how many were involved.
I watch CBS Sunday Morning because it provides a rare and relaxing experience that cannot be found anytime, anywhere else on network or cable broadcasting. I enjoy the show because it provides an escape from the harsh realities of the ever widening political, religious and racial divides that continue to stand in the way of meaningful progress in the American culture.

[medivac123]

Hey Jack, Have you considered that we may have now evolved to new ways of defining and making meaningful progress in the American culture? Think about it. Almost nothing is the way it used to be.
What was done to Bush was but one tactical play in an overall strategy that included broad media cooperation.
What Joe Wilson did Wed. night was also a tactical play. Maybe it was a sincerely passionate outburst too. But in any case he's raised a ton of money because of it. Heck I sent him $100 (my first ever). Seems to me like everyone's playing a new game.
I see Nancy as a really pretty cheerleader on the Obama team sans pom-poms. You can't hold that against her. Her management are not real journalists but rather engines of revenue for CBS. If you want objectivity on TV you need to go to C-SPAN or FOX. "Sun.Morning" is a nice way to wake up...great format and entertainment but JUST that.

[Beliitseri]

Nancy,
LOVE your comments..
"You are not the boss of me"
(Very Funny)
Please not only show your wonderful smile
but your gorgeous "Natural" hair...in yor attached picture.

[kimaree99]

Nancy, I listened with disbelief this morning to your condescending piece comparing the polite behavior of the children listening to Obama's speech to stay in school to the rude behavior of the Senator from South Carolina when he called Obama a liar. I, too can make a comparison. Obama and the Demoncrats' are also exhibiting disrespect and bad behavior to so many Americans by spending taxpayer money recklessly with no apparent plan to lower the deficit. I used to fear only for my generation, but now I am without hope that my children and their children will ever see recovery. When government "representatives' are ready to live by the same rules as the masses regarding healthcare reform, I may give them credibility. I believe your piece this morning parallels the bad behavior displayed by the Senator from South Carolina.

[stlydan1]

I was so disappointed when your story about the president?s speeches went right in the direction I expected it would, but hoped it wouldn?t. I guess it should be no surprise that everyone?s memory is short when it comes to things they don?t wish to remember; like the venomous names Bush was called, the defamatory caricatures displayed and published and the boos he received in that very same chamber by house democrats. I am so very disappointed that you have politicized the one broadcast I actually looked forward to every weekend. I am even more disappointed that you displayed the type of ?journalism? that continually drives people away from all three networks with such obvious agendas. Of course 60 Minutes has a love-fest planned for this evening?s broadcast. And you honestly wonder why Bill O?Reily is consistently a top-rated television broadcaster? Good bye old friend, I used to open-mindedly enjoy two of your programs.

[ssgrecco]

Nancy - Let me begin by saying I completely agree with the premise of your "Civility" piece this morning. I though Joe Wilson's "shout out" was inappropriate and definitely not something I would ever hold up for my children to see. That being said, where was the indignation and concern over the maligning of the previous Presidency? The name calling, the back stabbing, the unbelievable commentary (from both sides). I'm not a huge fan of George W. Bush, but I was disheartened that my fellow countrymen (and women) would so personally attack him. I'm not a huge fan of our current President, either - but I am of the office for which he stands, and will stand behind his right to guide our country as he sees fit. My other point of disagreement with your commentary, was the portrayal of the unruly town hall meetings. As a country centererd on Free Speach, I find it refreshing that both sides have a forum to speak their minds, but have found the media for the most part having a hard time with the "demonstrators" of our time. If it's okay to argue down war at the top of your lungs, and to picket big oil companies and corporate America, then why isn't it okay to speak up now when you disagree with where the government is going. I don't stand firmly on either one side of this issue, but I do stand firmly on our rights as Americans to speak up and speak out - whichever side of the aisle you are on. I respect your views, and appreciate your insight - and I do hope you take this in the spirit of which it is intended, and that' just to see a balance of fairness in a country that was built on that very ideal. Thank your for the opportunity to say so.

[Shashi828]

I love the CBS Sunday Morning Show, but I do not like the Nancy Giles segment AT ALL.

Nancy Giles is too sarcastic and condescending. She called the Tea Party people "crazy" today. Why are we crazy? Because our opinion is different than yours?! That seems crazy to me. We just don't want government spending to spiral out of control. And Ms. Giles ... if you would open your mind and listen you'd see that even our President resorts to this name calling. We already know that Pelosi and Reid do.

I agree that no President should be called a liar, but your memory is very short. A lot of Dems booed Bush. So, again ... open your mind ... see both sides of it and don't call people CRAZY because they have a different opinion than you.

P.S. Ms. Giles should also consider taking her own advice and act civil like the children at Arlington School did! Talk about hypocrisy!

[medivac123]

Shashi, I too enjoy CBS Sun. morning..have for many years. Likewise with 60 Mins.. However I suggest you always remember to consider the source of information and even the entertainment that poses as information. CBS is an org with a hidden agenda. These are folks that brought us Dan Rather who occasionally "rathered" to overlook truth while posing as a journalist. See how far you can go with a smooth, metered and authoritative speech pattern and good grammer? Conmen have a long history of success with that formula.

Nancy Giles is a very attractive, charismatic actress and comedian. She like many others, especially her employer (who doesn't want to please the boss?) prefer the taste of popular kool-aide flavors because that's what sells most. Maybe some actually believe it too. (Good thing they weren't members of the Jim Jones congregation who liked similar flavors.)
In any case I wouldn't take any of them too seriously. They do that plenty enough for all of us. The GREAT thing about the REAL PEOPLE of our country is what Lincoln said "You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you can not fool all of the people all of the time".

[regular_watcher]

You said this morning you want our representatives to act civilly when addressing differences such as health care (i.e. Joe Wilson). Yet not you or any of the mainstream media criticized the Democrats when they heckled and booed George Bush when he addressed a joint session of Congress. I also don't recall any apologies being made by Harry Reid when he called George Bush a liar in a national interview and repeated his claim in another interview. When Democrats object loudly, it's considered patriotic and righteous. When conservatives object, they are an unruly mob. The hypocrisy of liberals is clearly on display for all to see.