Richard Quest: British journalist, CNN anchor and the voice of choice
Love him or hate him, the inimitable Richard Quest has long been a jewel in CNN’s crown. Fionnuala McHugh talks to ‘Mr Marmite’ about syntax, selfies and surviving that scandal
Let’s begin with the name. It’s genuine: the British birth certificates of twins Richard and Caroline, born on March 9, 1962, testify to the fact they’re really called Quest. If you believe in nominative determinism – the theory that people’s names influence them in their choice of careers – is it any wonder one of them became a journalist?
For a television network like CNN, with its emphasis on roving reporters seeking out global thrills, it’s a gift that keeps on giving: Quest at the Royal Wedding, Quest on the Dreamliner, Quest and the Dalai Lama (a perfect, near-spiritual combination), Quest and Playboy’s Hugh Hefner (rather less so). Five days a week on CNN International, he presents a programme with a title as stirring, and baleful, as a war trumpet: Quest Means Business.
“Of course, the family name was changed,” he says, in the executive lounge of the Island Shangri-La, one recent afternoon. Having announced apologetically that he’s “zonked” with jet lag and has been up since 4.30am, he’s lying back in a chair at his full stretch of six foot, one-and-a-half inches; unlike many other television celebrities, he’s as tall in real life, as long-legged and wide-shouldered, as he appears to be on screen.
“My grandparents and great-grandparents were classic East European/ Russian Jewry. Quasky was the name until Grandpa Quasky changed it in 1948. I went to Latvia to …” A pause. “Now. This is where I switch from being a nice person to being CNN business traveller.”
Because, despite having been specifically asked to bring cold milk for his English breakfast tea, the waitress has brought hot. There’s a minor, impeccably polite flurry.
“I have nothing against this woman,” the presenter of Business Traveller explains, as he waits for fresh supplies. “But this hotel sells itself as five-star for the luxury traveller so don’t sell me a luxury experience if you’re not going to deliver it … Oh dear, she’s poured the tea already. I was going to be mother.”