Alicia Malone's story is one of passion, perseverance, and self-discovery. From her early fascination with classic Hollywood cinema to her current role as a host on Turner Classic Movies (TCM), Malone has carved a unique path in the film industry. This article explores her career, her advocacy for women in film, and, drawing parallels with Oprah Winfrey's recent openness, touches upon her own journey with weight management and self-acceptance.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born in Canberra, Australia, Alicia Malone developed a deep appreciation for classic Hollywood films at a young age. This early passion led her to start a film club at Canberra Girls Grammar School, where she aimed to share her love of cinema with her classmates. Instead of attending university after graduation, Malone moved to Sydney with the goal of working in television.
Her career began in 2000 at Channel Seven, where she worked as a teleprompter operator and took on various production roles. In 2006, Malone joined Movie Network Channels as a producer and editor. It was here, with the encouragement of a colleague, Renée Brack, that she began hosting film-related programming and working as a red carpet interviewer at Australian film premieres, covering Australian film premieres and award shows for the channels. Malone reflected: "When I saw the fun tasks the TV hosts got to do on the channel-interviewing filmmakers, reviewing movies-I knew that's what I wanted to do. It was like my film club or video store experiences on a much larger level."
Moving to America and Pursuing Her Dreams
In 2010, Malone moved to Los Angeles to pursue opportunities in American television with an O visa, allowing her to only work in television. Her initial work in the United States involved press junkets for the Australian Today show, where she interviewed numerous celebrities. During these interviews, she developed a habit of hugging the celebrities, explaining that it was a way to "break the ice" and create a human connection. "…you know, you're not supposed to touch these celebrities, they're kind of the untouchable - some of them you can't even shake hands with. So I thought a hug would be a great way to break the ice, to make it be like, we're both humans …"
Alongside her television work, Malone explored other avenues to express her passion for film. She hosted several podcasts, wrote two non-fiction books, and explored the involvement of women in film.
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Advocacy for Women in Film
Alicia Malone is a vocal advocate for greater representation of women in the film industry. She delivered a TEDx Talk titled #GirlsInFilm at TEDxSanJuanIsland on September 20, 2015, where she discussed the underrepresentation of females in the Hollywood film industry. Following her first TEDx Talk, Malone reflected: "After starting to get pushback for supporting women online, I decided that I should do it even more. I saw that I had a platform that could have an effect on people, so I wanted to use it for more than just building social media follows." She also gave her second seminar at TEDxBend on May 13, 2017, titled Female Directors in Hollywood & Impact of Movies Made From 1 Perspective.
Her commitment to this cause led her to research the historical involvement and underrepresentation of women in Hollywood. One day, while reading the book Movie-Made America by Robert Sklar, Malone came across the fact that there were more opportunities for women during the first few decades of American cinema than any other industry at the time. This research fueled her passion and informed her work.
Becoming a Host on Turner Classic Movies
One night in 2010, after channel-surfing on cable television, Malone wrote down a particular goal in mind to become a host for Turner Classic Movies (TCM). In 2014, she co-hosted the podcast series Profiles with Malone and Mantz, alongside Scott Mantz for Popcorn Talk Network. There, Keven Undergaro, co-founder of Popcorn Talk, held a private seminar with Malone, where she mentioned her dream goal. Undergaro knew Darcy Hettrich, who worked as the head of talent for TCM. After a year of sharpening her skills, Malone submitted a showreel and was hired as a full-time host for Turner Classic Movies in 2018, making her first official appearance on March 4.
Malone researches and writes her own introductions for her segments. In the fall of 2020, Malone and her colleague Jacqueline Stewart co-hosted an original limited interview series titled Women Make Film, inspired by Mark Cousins' documentary of the same title. Malone told Entertainment Weekly this was the first time she felt free to professionally discuss women in film to the degree she wanted: "Usually in my previous jobs I've been told, 'Shh, don't talk so much about women.
Published Works
Alicia Malone is the author of several books that explore the role of women in film and celebrate classic cinema:
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- Backwards and in Heels: The Past, Present And Future Of Women Working In Film (2017)
- The Female Gaze: Essential Movies Made by Women (2018)
- Girls on Film: Lessons From a Life of Watching Women in Movies (2022)
- TCM Imports: Timeless Favorites and Hidden Gems of World Cinema (2025)
- Film Fashion Icons: A Deck and Guidebook of Style Inspiration from Classic Hollywood (2025)
The Broader Context of Weight Loss and Self-Acceptance
While information about Alicia Malone's specific weight loss journey is not readily available in the provided text, it is relevant to consider the broader context of weight management and self-acceptance, particularly in the public eye. The experiences of figures like Oprah Winfrey, who has recently spoken openly about her use of weight loss medication, highlight the challenges and pressures associated with weight and body image.
Oprah Winfrey's recent decision to speak openly about her use of weight loss medication sheds light on the complex relationship between weight, self-esteem, and societal expectations. Winfrey, who has been the subject of public scrutiny regarding her weight for decades, shared that she felt "blamed and shamed" for her struggles. She realized that obesity is a disease and not simply a matter of willpower.
Winfrey's experience resonates with many individuals who have struggled with weight management. Her decision to use medication, combined with lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, has been a source of "relief, like redemption, like a gift." She is now determined to end the "shaming" associated with weight loss and self-acceptance.
Echoes of Societal Pressures
Alicia Malone's career, like Winfrey's, places her in the public eye, where appearance can be a significant factor. While Malone's professional achievements are undoubtedly the result of her talent and hard work, it is important to acknowledge the societal pressures that women in the entertainment industry often face regarding their physical appearance. The provided text does not explicitly detail Malone's personal experiences with weight loss, but it's plausible to assume that she, like many others in the industry, has navigated these pressures to some extent.
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