AceShowbiz - In her latest work, "I Want to Matter: Your Life Is Too Short And Too Precious To Waste", Kathie Lee Gifford recounts a disheartening incident from her early career that ultimately influenced her outlook on life.

While battling the flu, Gifford auditioned for the role of a replacement actress on the hit TV series "Charlie's Angels". However, her hopes were dashed when the casting agent bluntly stated, "You're not right for 'Charlie's Angels' because we're looking for a pretty girl." The agent went further, comparing her to the show's star, Jaclyn Smith, and emphasizing her lack of beauty.

Initially stunned by the rejection, Gifford quickly turned to humor as a coping mechanism. She thanked the agent for the opportunity, then remarked, "When you're casting a cartoon, let me know." This playful response highlighted her refusal to let negativity define her.

Reflecting on the experience, Gifford recognized the cruelty of the casting agent's behavior. She realized that the agent's choice to demean her was unnecessary and driven by her own insecurities. Ironically, the agent's actions unintentionally taught Gifford the importance of kindness and the dangers of pettiness.

Despite the setbacks she faced, Gifford went on to achieve great success in daytime television. She co-hosted "Live! With Regis and Kathie Lee" for over a decade and later joined NBC's "Today" show. Throughout her career, she never forgot the lessons she learned from that pivotal audition.

In her book, Gifford shares the story of her experience as a reminder that everyone deserves to be treated with respect, regardless of their appearance. She encourages people to focus on the qualities that make them unique and to never give up on their dreams. Through her journey, Gifford demonstrates that even the most hurtful experiences can lead to personal growth and a profound understanding of what truly matters in life.