Johnny Weir and a posse of friends and admirers celebrated the departure of 2009 and the arrival of an Olympic year Thursday night -- although champagne, borscht, and thumpy Russian club music, not skating, were the dominant themes at restaurant Mari Vanna in New York City.
Johnny, as usual, exuded sartorial splendor, but he wasn't alone. Joining him at a central communal table were agent Tara Modlin, best friend Paris Childers, younger brother Boz Weir and about ten others from the world of skating, fashion and Johnny (Mom and Dad were back home in Pennsylvania minding the dogs, Johnny told us). David Barba and James Pellerito, producers for Johnny's reality series Be Good Johnny Weir, were also on hand with a coterie of assistants to continue filming for the series, which premieres in two weeks on the Sundance Channel. The confluence of lights, camera and other diners, who paid $400 apiece, caused a little friction between the film crew and the restaurant (and a few non-Johnny celebrants shot us the evil eye as we toured the packed restaurant with our video and still cameras). But, vodka can be quite the social lubricant and as the night wore on, good cheer won out and all ended well. There is no doubt that Russians definitely know how to put on a good party, probably part of the reason why Johnny is so fond of the country and its people (and vice versa, as evidenced by the massive surge in Russian traffic Lifeskate gets whenever we post Johnny news).
In our interview -- Johnny's first in 2010, a year that may be the most exciting in his career -- Johnny talks about the successes and disappointments in the season thus far, the challenges coming up at Nationals in a few weeks, his reality show, and love and relationships. And he's attacked by an aggressive party balloon (at 2:05).
For many more interviews with Johnny and videos of his performances (including the first time he skated Poker Face, from last year's New York Fashion week), visit our Johnny and reality series topics.
That place looks pretty packed. I'm glad it all ended well. :) I know what he means by Russians loving to go all out for New Years Eve.
Thank you for posting video!!
lol Manpower. Girlpower. Johnnypower?
His face as the balloon bops onto his forehead. :D
Posted by: taylorfax | January 03, 2010 at 04:25 PM
What an angelic person. Johnny is training hard? Well then God should bless him. God bless you Johnny! I wish all people is angel like him.
Posted by: Jennifer | January 04, 2010 at 03:30 AM
Johnny sure does have lot's of manpower. Ironically, man like is a real man. A real man doesn't afraid to show his sweet side.
Posted by: Jennifer | January 04, 2010 at 03:41 AM
Johnny sure does have lot's of manpower. Ironically, man like him is a real man. A real man doesn't afraid to show his sweet side. (why there is no edit button in this site?)
Posted by: Jennifer | January 04, 2010 at 03:44 AM
His agent can really boogie down.
Posted by: Andrei | January 04, 2010 at 11:28 AM
Great video! Thanks for sharing.
I can't wait to see Johnny unleash his manpower at Nationals. =)
Posted by: Brandi | January 04, 2010 at 04:02 PM
sorry I was tardy for the party! <3 Johnny!!!! Happy New Year!
Posted by: Skeeza28 | January 05, 2010 at 03:37 PM