*CELEBRITY WORDS OF WISDOM From The Red Carpet*

R.G.'s Question: What's the best piece of advice you can give to someone aspiring to be successful in life?

*Jean Chatzky, Financial editior: 'Find something that you are passionate about and do it every day...Stay in school. People who go to college and get their diploma/degree under their wings actually make $1 million more over the course of their lifetime than people who don't go to college.'

*Lashell Griffin, Gospel music recording artist/co-sign of Oprah Winfrey: 'To first serve someone else. Stay humble and stay grounded....Whatever your craft is - study it, learn it and let it become a part of you. Surround yourself with positive people...Believe in your dream and it will come to pass.'

*Keke Palmer, actress/singer: 'Believe in yourself and work hard....Never give up!'

*Hannah Storm, ESPN sports anchorwoman: 'Believe in yourself and your dreams....Be brave and work hard!'

*Kelly Bensimon, reality TV star (Real Housewives of New York): GO FOR IT!

*Suze Orman, financial analyst/author: 'To be as happy in your sadness as you are in your happiness.'

*LuAnn de Lesseps, reality TV star (Real Housewives of New York): 'To succeed - if you don't think you're great, nobody else will. Just think that you're great and you will succeed and keep going!'

*Kathy Griffin, comedian/actress: 'Follow your heart, but get ready to back it up when you get in trouble for it, because that's what I do!' (Laughs)

*Melissa Rivers, author/actress/daughter of legendary comedienne Joan Rivers: 'Never take anything for granted. No one's entitled to anything....My mom says to enjoy every moment because time goes so fast!'

*Alex McCord, reality TV star (Real Houswives of New York): 'Don't take yourself too seriously....Look beyond the opportunity to see where that can lead you....Keep your eyes open because even things that can happen to you that might seem like they are negative, it can actually teach you something and know that even if whatever it is that scares you and wakes you up at night and it's a terrible thing that happens, you'll get through it and learn from it - as long as you don't die!' (Chuckles)

*Peter Hermann, actor/husband of actress Mariska Hargitay: 'Believe in yourself....Ask the hard questions, try your best to drown out the noise of the world and listen for the answers.'

*Mariska Hargitay, actress (Law & Order TV series): 'Don't quit! It's a numbers game so many times.'

*Nugget, member of  'Ringmasters' dance crew (Brooklyn, NY): 'It's not always good to fit in; sometimes it's good to stand out from the crowd. Follow your dreams and what makes YOU best.'

*Grandmaster Flash, Hip-Hop music icon/Rock & Roll Hall-of-Famer: 'You must have integrity and preseverance, most importantly.'

*Eric B., Hip-Hop icon (one-half of duo Eric B and Rakim): 'Stay in school and if you're going to have kids, get married first and don't have them out of wedlock.'

*Cynthia Horner, legendary entertainment journalist: 'Have integrity and be willing to work very, very hard because nothing comes easy. You also must have a good work ethic.'

~2K9 and 2K10~