It’s been two-and-a-half years since a leaked tape (filmed in 2005) nearly derailed his career, but nowBilly Bushis back on television with a new hosting gig — and opening up about how he’s changed.
“We all have to be able to evolve as we grow,” Bush, 47, tells PEOPLE. “The guy that left the scene in 2016 was already a changed person [since 2005], but I had the opportunity to grow up a little bit. Facing adversity in some way is good. And I feel I’ll be better at my job than I ever was. This is my next step.”
“The entertainment news genre needs an overhaul,” says Bush of the inspiration for the fresh take. “TheExtrayou’ve seen before is getting a major facelift.”
In 2016, he was in his first year as co-host on theTodayshow when the tape, which featured Bush laughing as a then-ApprenticestarDonald Trumpbragged about groping women, surfaced.Bush was promptly fired, left unsure about what to do next.
Billy Bush and Hoda Kotb onTodayshow.Peter Kramer/NBC/Getty
“I fell completely apart,” says Bush. “I’ve been through resentment and anger and being inconsolable. But then I realized I had an opportunity to put one foot in front of the other and get going.”
Subsequently, Bush used the forced hiatus as a chance to self-reflect.
George Pimentel/WireImage)
“I might have been a little too into my own world before,” he says. “And I don’t care about that as much anymore. And it’s made me slow down. I was terrible at being alone. And I’ve learned to sit with myself.”
As far as the tape, “I own the moment,” he says. “It was a bad moment. And I was in it. But one moment doesn’t define your life.”
Ultimately, despite the painful moments, Bush says he’s grateful for the experience — and the lessons.
“A good wallop on the side of the head makes you, changes you,” says Bush, “and I’m a better version of the man I was.”
Extra Extrapremieres Sept. 9 (check local listings).
source: people.com
