The 89th Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade, Supporting Marine Toys for Tots took place on Sunday, November 28th, 2021 – to the delight of everyone, after the parade went on hiatus in 2020.  This was the parade’s first cancellation in 76 years.  Erik Estrada, Laura McKenzie, Elizabeth Stanton, and Montel Williams headlined as the hosts. Sheryl Underwood and co-host, Jerry O’Connell of The Talk (CBS) rode in the car as Grand Marshals. Hollywood Boulevard was lined with hundreds of excited fans cheering and enjoying the festivities.

Agenda was on the red carpet interviewing celebrities before the beginning of the parade.  Here are some of those interviews.

Sheryl Underwood and Jerry O’Connell co-hosts of The Talk (CBS).

Sheryl Aronson: Sheryl Underwood, how is Jerry O’Connell doing as one of the male hosts on The Talk? 

 

Sheryl Underwood: He’s doing amazing!  It’s great to have that male energy.  He’s so fun.

Sheryl Aronson: Jerry, talk about being with the women.

Jerry O’Connell:  It’s been really fun.  They have been very welcoming.  I try to come up with different perspectives that dudes would have, but I usually always agree with Sheryl.  (They laugh.)

Sheryl Underwood:  For me, sometimes Jerry makes me laugh so hard that I snort or spit my drink out.  Then I’m asked if I want to get my comment in and I say, ‘No, I’m having such a good time.  I will tell you something, when you have some of the most handsome men in daytime television with Jerry and Akbar Gbajabiamila and you bring that male energy with the female energy, it’s working out really well.

Laura McKenzie and Erik Estrada, co-hosts of the Hollywood Christmas Parade, had purchased 10,000 disposable holiday themed masks to be distributed to members of the general public at this year’s parade.

Sheryl Aronson:  Please tell us what is special about being here tonight.

Erik Estrada:  What is means to be here is . . . this is a time for celebration for those who might not have anything than to be at a parade this year.  The mere fact that the parade also supports Toys for Tots is special.  In 1947, the first marine gave a gift for Toys for Tots at the parade marks this celebration.

Sheryl Aronson:  We have to remember those children who aren’t able to receive toys because of their circumstances and the pandemic has made it more challenging for many families.  What is your thoughts Laura?

Laura McKenzie:  I love Toys For Tots. Every child should have a gift on Christmas morning. As a child, I remember the most magical time was waking up and seeing a present under the tree.  That’s why we’re here.  To make sure that kids everywhere have the same opportunity.

Montel Williams has been a television host, actor, and motivational speaker.  Currently, he hosts Military Makeover: Operation Career on Lifetime.

Sheryl Aronson: What are your thoughts on being here tonight?

Montel Williams:  I’ve been involved with this parade since 1988 and hosting segments on Toys for Tots. I love the message that Christmas isn’t about what you get, but what you give. I want people to know you can drop by and donate a toy to this worthy cause.

Sheryl Aronson: You’ve been a big part of Hollywood for so many years, what does it mean to you to host the Hollywood Christmas Parade?

Montel Williams:  It’s an opportunity to see Hollywood give back.  The celebrities on the red carpet come out and donate their time to put a smile on peoples’ faces. Contrary to some opinions about Hollywood, Hollywood can still lead the way in America.

Grammy Award -winning legends, of The Fifth Dimension Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr. had recently been featured in the documentary film, Summer of Love and have been touring nationwide.

 

Sheryl Aronson:  Talk about being here tonight.

Marilyn McCoo: It’s great. We’re having a wonderful time.  We meet wonderful people doing it.

Billy Davis, Jr.: We’ve done this parade a few times, but it’s always a pleasure to do it again.

Sheryl Aronson: The documentary film, Summer of Soul was a fabulous movie and I loved seeing The 5^th Dimension perform in it.

Marilyn McCoo: We’re so happy for Quest Love and all the awards the film has received.  He’s already been nominated for a Grammy.

Jerry Mathers, best known for his role in the television sitcom Leave It to Beaver, told me he first rode in a car at the Hollywood Christmas Parade, when he was eight years old. He’s been a big a fan ever since that time. He usually walks the red carpet with his television brother, Tony Dow, but tonight Mathers had his lovely wife by his side.

Sheryl Aronson: You seem to be a regular at the Hollywood Christmas Parade.

Jerry Mathers: I was first here in 1957 when I was seven.  I was in a car and I was waving to all the people on the streets.  I loved it.  I’m so happy to be here because it’s a very good cause they’re raising money for. I’m always happy to say hello to the fans.  It’s a terrific night and I see a lot of old friends.

The 89^th Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade, Supporting Marine Toys For Tots premiered as a two-hour primetime special on The CW Network on Friday, December 17^th, 2021 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT.