Debbie Harry Thinks Oprah Should Be President

Oh, and she just binge-watched Big Little Lies.

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For the legendary lead singer of Blondie, whose memoir Face It comes out next month, margaritas are a current favorite, but lipstick is forever. Here, Debbie Harry answers rapid-fire questions for Marie Claire.

Best Career Advice I've Gotten:

Get proper legal representation as soon as possible!

The Three Qualities That Got Me Where I Am Today:

Determination, tenacity, and unbridled optimism.

Moment I Felt I Made It:

Not necessarily when I “made it” per se, but the first night I achieved a well-organized and sharply focused performance (upstairs at Max’s Kansas City in 1976). Everything came together (from a live perspective) for the first time. This night was documented by photographer Bob Gruen.

Work I'd Do for Free:

Activism and supporting and fundraising for environmental causes.

How I Made My First Dollar:

A summer job as an au pair at 13 years old. I was assisting a woman in my neighborhood who had four children (and was pregnant with her fifth).

Who Do You Admire and Why?

I admire Oprah Winfrey for her continually optimistic and intelligent state of mind. I think Oprah should be president. (But I wouldn’t wish the job on anyone!)

Last Thing I Binge-Watched:

Family Guy and Big Little Lies.

Book That Left a Lasting Impression on Me:

You Can’t Go Home Again, by Thomas Wolfe.

Song I'd Want Played at My Funeral:

Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit.”

First Album I Bought:

Afro Blue, by the Cal Tjader Sextet.

Cocktail of Choice:

Always evolving, but I’m enjoying margaritas at the moment.

If I Could Live in a Foreign Country, It Would Be:

I feel like I am living in a foreign country right now (here in the U.S.).

My Perfect Day Would Begin:

Waking up next to a great-looking guy.

My Perfect Day Would End:

Drifting off to sleep next to a great-looking guy.

How I Clear My Mind After a Crappy Day:

I started practicing Transcendental Meditation six months ago.

Something Nice I Did for Myself Recently Because, Hey, Why Not:

Cryotherapy.

The Last Time I Felt Beautiful Was:

While we were filming the video for Blondie’s “Doom or Destiny” [2017] with Joan Jett.

The Beauty Essential You'd Have to Pry Out of My Cold, Dead Hands:

Lipstick!

The Qualities I Thought I Wanted in a Partner:

Sense of humor, libido, and kindness/generosity.

The Qualities I Know Now Matter:

Balance, integrity, good communication, feelings shared honestly and openly, unselfishness, genuine love and friendship—and a strong libido.

This article originally appears in the September 2019 issue of Marie Claire.

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Dedicated to women of power, purpose, and style, Marie Claire is committed to celebrating the richness and scope of women's lives. Reaching millions of women every month, Marie Claire is an internationally recognized destination for celebrity news, fashion trends, beauty recommendations, and renowned investigative packages.