MAG 55:: Gallery of Celebrity Gossips: 5/27/07

Paul 'The Bad One' Anderson Given the Keys to 'Spy Hunter'
Jun 2, 2007

I'm actually fine with this, because who cares about Spy Hunter? Yes, I hung around enough bowling alleys when I was a kid to have played Spy Hunter many times. I remember the oil slick, the smokescreen, and that's pretty much it. It seems almost appropriate that the only person they could find to turn that into a movie is the auteur who brought us Alien vs. Predator and Resident Evil. Variety reports that in addition to directing the re-launched project for Universal, Paul Anderson will also be tackling writing duties along with another scribe. This move comes after many bumps in the road for the property -- among the writers who have already come and gone from Spy Hunter are Zak Penn, Derek Haas, Stuart Beattie and Michael Brandt. Director John Woo was also set to make a Spy Hunter film in 2004, but that deal fell through. The Rock has long been attached to play the lead role in the film, but there's currently no word on whether or not he's still on board.

Up next for Anderson is Death Race, a remake of the 1975 film Death Race 2000, starring Sylvester Stallone as Machine Gun Joe and David Carradine as Frankstein. Jason Stratham is currently attached to that one. Anderson is also attached to direct Man With the Football, a film about a group of terrorists who steal the President's nuclear football -- a briefcase he can use to send nukes wherever. That one actually sounds more promising to me than this Spy Hunter business -- maybe Anderson will be too busy with Spy Hunter and a good director will take over the Football project.

Labels: 'Spy Hunter', Paul Anderson

posted by Absent_MinDZ @ 14:01,

Kim Delaney Hides Some Sexy Secrets on Army Wives

After several years of being in the press more for her drinking problems than her acting prowess, Kim Delaney is back on track, looking and feeling terrific. The former NYPD Blue and CSI: Miami fan favorite recently had a strong two-part role on Law & Order: SVU as a dangerously obsessed cop, and she starts a new Lifetime series, Army Wives, on June 3 (Sundays at 10 pm/ET), costarring JAG's Catherine Bell, Sally Pressman (Shark) and Wendy Davis (Commander in Chief), among others. She talked to us via phone from Charleston, South Carolina, where the show about military spouses is filming.

TVGuide.com: On your new show, you play Claudia Joy Holden, a colonel's wife living on an army base. Is she the local queen bee? Kim Delaney: She does like to host parties, she likes to run things. But she also takes the new wives under her wing, and I think she's just trying to be a good mom, a good friend and a good wife.

TVGuide.com: But you don't want to mess with her, do you? She seriously takes on another officer's wife who spreads rumors about Claudia's husband (Brian McNamara) — ruining his chances for a promotion....Delaney: My character's very loyal. I have my husband's back. [Laughs] It looks like I'm the perfect wife, but there are cracks there. That's more fun for me to play.

TVGuide.com: So what are her cracks? Delaney: She hides some secrets, which is actually a lot of what Army Wives is about. All the wives have secrets.

TVGuide.com: How bad is Claudia's? Anything illegal? Delaney: [Laughs] We'll start to find out in Episode 5. It might slow her down for a second, but it won't break her.

TVGuide.com: These wives seem like a very scary sorority. If you don't obey the rules, you're excommunicated. Delaney: There are definitely rules in military life and you have to abide by them. But I don't think any of the wives are bad people. I hope we get across the passion that everybody has for the military, America and just for each other.

TVGuide.com: Military life is pretty topical these days. What are some of the issues Wives deals with? Delaney: Some of the issues are surrogate mothers, domestic abuse, husbands being deployed, posttraumatic stress syndrome, parenting. We don't take a position on the war.

TVGuide.com: A lot of Lifetime shows have been pretty earnest. You've got producers from Grey's Anatomy (Mark Gordon) and Criminal Minds (Deborah Spera). Should we expect sex and violence? Delaney: Well, I hope it's sexy — and fun. But it's also passionate and about universal emotions, like missing your husband when he's away. Every episode can go from romantic to tragic to amusing. That's what I love about it.

TVGuide.com: In your research, what have you learned about military spouses? Delaney: They're extremely strong — because they have to be. They hold the family together while their spouses are away.

TVGuide.com: In most of your shows — NYPD Blue, Philly, CSI: Miami, for example — you've been surrounded by guys. You have four brothers in real life. What's it like swimming in a sea of estrogen now? Delaney: It's so much fun because it's like I get to have sisters and just goof around. It's a different energy on set, we talk more, about everything from golf — I'm learning to play — to how your skin's looking. [Laughs]

TVGuide.com: You look very good these days — both on your recent SVU appearances and in this new show. Are you working out? What's changed? Delaney: I always work out. I do Pilates and yoga. I'm just happy. Everything's good.

TVGuide.com: That's nice to hear. You've had some tough times over the last few years, including rehab for alcoholism for the second time just last year. How are you feeling?Delaney: Everything is really good and I'm blessed. I don't know what else to say.

TVGuide.com: Do you have sympathy for Paris Hilton, who's heading to jail after being convicted of a DUI, or for the other young celebs with drug and alcohol problems in the news lately? Delaney: Yes, I do have sympathy, absolutely. I would say I have compassion. They just need a helping hand.

TVGuide.com: Are you still with your long-term fiancé [producer Alan Barnette]? Delaney: I have no steady [relationship] right now. I'm single. I had to make a few changes in my life.

TVGuide.com: You were married several times years ago. Do you want to get married again? Delaney: If it makes sense, [but] not necessarily.

TVGuide.com: You're from Philadelphia and you've said you always wanted to come back east. Is Charleston now your home base? Delaney: I still have a place in Los Angeles, but I would love that. My son (Jack Cortese) wants to go to college back east — we went around visiting campuses on spring break. Everything could work out really beautifully.

TVGuide.com: So things are better with your son? [Because of her alcohol problems, she lost custody of him in 2005.] Delaney: Yeah, he's amazing. He takes my breath away every day. He's back in L.A. with my parents right now. The only way we could do this show was to have them go out west to stay with him. I'll do all the traveling back and forth.

TVGuide.com: All these years later, people still remember that emotional NYPD Blue episode when your character Diane Russell's great love Bobby Simone, played by Jimmy Smits, died. It's on a lot of "best" lists. Do you agree? Delaney: It was probably one of the most difficult scenes I've ever done. Whoever walked on the set that day was crying — even before we started filming. It's definitely my favorite scene. It was beautiful.

See more on Army Wives in our Online Video Guide.
Send your comments on this Q&A to online_insider@tvguide.com.

Labels: Army Wives, Kim Delaney, Sexy

posted by Absent_MinDZ @ 13:35,

Lindsay Lohan will not attend MTV Movie Awards

Lindsay Lohan will not be attending Sunday's MTV Movie Awards, her publicist confirmed Friday.

The actress, who checked into rehab earlier this week, was one of several celebrity presenters scheduled for the show, which is being broadcast live from the Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City. Her publicist, Leslie Sloane Zelnik, said in a brief e-mail that she would not be there.

Those still scheduled to present awards include Victoria Beckham, Cameron Diaz, Robin Williams, Jessica Biel, Mandy Moore, Bruce Willis and several others.

Lohan checked into rehab after a wild Memorial Day weekend during which she crashed her Mercedes Benz into a curb, was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence and was photographed slumped in the passenger seat of a friend's car.

Labels: Awards, Lindsay Lohan, movie, MTV

posted by Absent_MinDZ @ 13:29,

Tom and Katie are planning a bigger, happy family

KATIE Holmes is ready to have more of Tom Cruise's babies.

In an interview to be screened on US television tomorrow, the 28-year-old actor says she and her husband are definitely ready to extend their brood. Their daughter Suri recently turned one.

"We're having the best time, it's so amazing," Holmes tells Entertainment Tonight.

Cruise, 44, has two adopted children - daughter Isabella, 15, and son Connor, 12 - with ex-wife Nicole Kidman. Holmes says the role of stepmother is one she relishes.

"The kids are so sweet, they're so great with Suri and she lights up when she sees them," she says. "We have so many kids in our house. There's always this wonderful chatter and the great noise of kids."

The actor, who recently returned to work filming the movie Mad Money with Diane Keaton and Queen Latifah, says Cruise is a "great father, so it came as no shock that when we had Suri he was amazing with the baby".

Labels: family, Katie Holmes, Tom Cruise

posted by Absent_MinDZ @ 13:20,

Carey's girl's secrets for sale

By Chris Tinkler

STOLEN photos of Wayne Carey and his girlfriend on a romantic holiday have been spruiked for sale in a cynical bid to cash in on the couple's notoriety.

The intimate snaps of former football champion Carey and model Kate Neilson were taken, with her diary and cash, in Melbourne a few weeks ago.

The pictures were sent anonymously to the Sunday Herald Sun, with a seller later calling to try to secure a fee for their use.

But when the newspaper contacted Ms Neilson to ask about the pictures, she said they had been stolen from a modelling shoot location.

The pictures were snapped on an overseas holiday that the couple enjoyed last year, including a "wonderful" trip to Africa, she said. One image is of Ms Neilson feeding milk to a lion cub.
She said she was shocked and a disappointed that somebody would try to profit from the pictures, she said.

Ms Neilson also appealed for the return of her diary.

"It is a hassle not having my contacts and everything," she said.

"It would be nice if I could get it back."

The Sunday Herald Sun delivered the pictures to the emerging model on Friday.

Ms Neilson thanked the paper for its handling of the issue.

"I'm very grateful for the photos' return," she said.

Carey split from his wife, Sally, in February 2006.

He has launched a TV career since quitting football. Foxtel did not renew his contract at the end of last year but he has since joined Channel 9's Footy Classified panel.

Ms Neilson has also flagged her interest in a TV career.

Labels: Carey, Girl Secret

posted by Absent_MinDZ @ 13:08,

Hey Paris, the party is over

SO-CALLED celebutante Paris Hilton is counting down the hours -- and planning a glamour makeover -- before beginning her simple life behind bars.

Hilton, 26, has until one minute to midnight on Tuesday (Los Angeles time) to report to the Century Regional Detention Facility in LA.

Stepping out of her designer duds and into a jail-issue jumpsuit will mark the end of the party for Hollywood's most famous member of the partygirl brat pack.

It also heralds the start of another lucrative stretch for the heiress socialite wsiho has created her fame and boosted her fortune by doing mostly nothing.

She will pen her jail-time memoirs during the minimum 23 days she will be imprisoned for violating probation when she drove while her licence was suspended.

And the inmate-to-be plans to turn the "perp" walk -- from her limousine to the county jail gates -- into a catwalk, according to New York reports. They say she insists the media see her looking her best before her extended leave from the limelight.

As the clock ticked away relentlessly -- and she was said to "break down and cry a lot" at the prospect of incarceration -- the star of reality wannabe show The Simple Life found time to make a red carpet appearance on Friday with little sister Nicky.

Nicky found time to tell reporters she thought Paris's jail punishment "was pretty absurd".

While Paris Hilton is said to be fretting -- and "preparing and praying" and being photographed toting copies of the Bible and The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment -- she has been living it up with drunk driver Lindsay Lohan, the actress who is hooked on Oxycontin, also called Hillbilly Heroin.

But Lohan can't play for a while either; she checked into a rehabilitation clinic this week.

People magazine reported Hilton also had sought support on the shoulder of Simple Life co-star Nicole Richie -- a brat pack pal facing charges of driving under the influence of marijuana and a cocktail of prescription medication.

Hilton reportedly has been matched with a cellmate who is serving time for reckless driving -- and who prison authorities believe won't want to "cash in" on the Hilton-as-a-jailbird saga.
When it's all over, Hilton will be off to St Tropez to party as the face of a canned sparkling wine -- as if it were all just a bad dream.

Is this simply a case of a bunch of spoiled brats behaving badly?
Almost every day, the wild antics of Lohan, the Hiltons (mostly Paris), Richie, Britney Spears and Mischa Barton make headlines that cement their reputations as the hardest-partying celebrities in Tinseltown.

Lohan's rehab check-in is the second in four months. Hilton grew up shielded by the real world and swaddled in privilege. So did Beverly Hills brat Richie, daughter of 1980s pop star Lionel Richie. And Barton's career has nosedived since TV's The OC -- she fell, dead drunk, at an afternoon barbecue only days after being seen at Cannes smoking marijuana.

With their massive bank balances, jetset lifestyles and hitherto seemingly unlimited career prospects, the question begs to be asked -- why do they do it?

Many factors appear to have affected Lohan, who seems the most troubled.

She spent most of her adolescence in the glare of the spotlight after rocketing to fame at 11 in Disney's The Parent Trap and has had little chance to experience life outside showbiz.

Her remarkable transition from adorable child star to out-of-control party girl follows a childhood that saw her father jailed for securities fraud in her pre-teen years. Then, after her parents' acrimonious divorce, Lohan was effectively the family bread-winner.

For Hilton, privilege, wealth and fame appear an intoxicating insulator from the rules and consequences of the real world.

The hotel heiress was genuinely shocked at a Los Angeles courthouse when a judge sentenced her to jail -- thinking the consequences for flagrantly ignoring probation conditions did not apply to her.

After Lohan's arrest and admittance to rehab, many Hollywood watchers have suggested the anti-social behaviour of Tinseltown's newly-minted glitterati has its roots in the LA party scene's willingness to turn a blind eye to the often-illegal antics of young stars.

The opportunity for stars to party hard at trendy clubs and bars -- often drinking, despite being under age, for free due to the cachet their attendance brings a venue -- is one of the worst-kept secrets in Hollywood.

Doormen at Hollywood hot spots have been lifting the velvet rope for teen stars for years.
Two decades ago, Drew Barrymore became tabloid fodder after being spotted drinking at Hollywood clubs when she was 13 and 14.

These days, there is no hiding the illicit behavior -- thanks to Hollywood's aggressive paparazzi.
Johnny Grant, longtime Hollywood showman, Tinseltown's unofficial mayor and who has seen many star antics, is shocked by the partying and law-breaking of the current young brigade.

"They're out of hand," Grant, 84, says. "They used to be much more discreet -- studios used to control their images."

But he says there is hope -- if they follow the example of Hollywood's most famous former young addict.

"Maybe these young people should have a talk with Drew Barrymore," Grant says. "She was very public with her drinking and straightened herself out to become a star."

Labels: Paris Hilton, party

posted by Absent_MinDZ @ 12:52,

Paula's Tale of the Tape

by Sarah Hall

Why does everyone keep picking on Paula Abdul?
The American Idol judge said Thursday she was "deeply hurt" after a highly emotional phone conference she recently conducted with her representatives was leaked to the press.

"This is not only illegal but also highly unethical," Abdul said in a statement to tmz.com. "While I don't feel a need to justify or explain my conversation, even as a public figure I do feel my privacy has been violated and find this action to be unacceptable."

During the recorded conversation, which was first reported by the New York Post, and later posted on YouTube by blogger Perez Hilton, a weepy Abdul breaks down while discussing her dissatisfaction with her ex-publicist, Howard Bragman.

"I've never been treated this way and I've never seen anybody treated this way. This is just too much to stomach," she sobs to a group of unidentified listeners, one of whom assures her: "You're going to begin being treated better starting right now."

Among Bragman's alleged transgressions as outlined by Abdul: failing to accompany her to an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, telling her she was "too old" for the cover of OK! magazine, and referring to her as a "whining bitch."

"I don't understand how this man can call me a whining bitch. I've never in my life been called a whining bitch and a loser," Abdul, 43, moans.

Bragman declined to comment on the situation, beyond telling the Post: "I'll stand by my reputation if she'll stand by hers."

Abdul also discusses an assortment of issues with her health on the tape, claiming that she had recently developed Addison's disease, a rare endocrine disorder that causes chronic fatigue and muscle weakness, among other symptoms.

"I've been going through tremendous amounts of a difficult time," she says.

"I've developed this thing called Addison's disease…My adrenals are empty…and my immune system is not very good. And the worst thing about my spinal cord injury, and now Addison's, is that stress makes it hyper, hyper bad."

At an event in New York Thursday night, Abdul downplayed her health problems, telling People magazine she had not actually been diagnosed with Addison's disease.

"I haven't been diagnosed with it. I'm just exhausted. Sometimes I have really low blood sugar levels. It's all because I work very hard, that's it," she said.

"When you work as hard as I do, you become exhausted. That's what happens. I'm working on five different projects right now. And now people are saying I have Addison's. I'm tired."

"I'm doing fine. I'm a fighter," she added.

Fans will get a glimpse of the inner workings of Abdul's life and her various professional projects later this month, with the premiere of her new fly-on-the-wall series, Hey Paula, which debuts on Bravo June 28.

With cameras trained on Abdul around the clock, the pseudo-reality show promises to display the many sides of her personality, "from the stressed celebrity and tough business woman to the comedic prankster."

No word on whether "emotional mess" will factor into the mix.

Labels: American Idol, Paula Abdul, Tale

posted by Absent_MinDZ @ 00:00,

Angie's Workout Secret -- Motherhood!
Jun 1, 2007

For an allegedly frail woman, Angelina Jolie has no problem with heavy lifting.

Though the always reliable National Enquirer touts Brad Pitt's 5'7" wild woman as weighing 100 pounds, Angelina was spotted carrying two of her toddlers in her spindly arms yesterday in Prague -- seemingly without effort -- and without collapsing!

Jolie was bringing Pax and Zahara to a school in the Czech capital, where she was flanked by her trusty, bleach-blonde bodyguard and a local security guard.

Video:http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid353549946/bctid958541780

Labels: Angelina Jolie, Motherhood

posted by Absent_MinDZ @ 23:40,

Jolie's Son Pax Thien Gets Family Name

Angelina Jolie's Son Pax Thien, Adopted From Vietnam, Now Has the Jolie-Pitt Family Name

Angelina Jolie's son Pax Thien now has the Jolie-Pitt family name.

Jolie traveled to Vietnam in March to adopt Pax from a Ho Chi Minh City orphanage. The 31-year-old actress filed adoption papers as a single parent because she and partner Brad Pitt aren't married.

The 3-year-old boy is now Pax Thien Jolie-Pitt, according to a decree signed Thursday by Superior Court Judge Gerald Rosenberg.

Jolie filed legal papers in April to include Pitt's last name.

Pitt, 43, and Jolie have three other children: 5-year-old Maddox, who was adopted from Cambodia; 2-year-old Zahara, who was adopted from Ethiopia; and daughter, Shiloh, who was born to the couple last May 27.

Labels: Anjelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Pax Thien, Vietnam

posted by Absent_MinDZ @ 23:28,

Jackson goods sell for $500,000

Jackson family memorabilia brought in about half a million dollars on the first of a two-day auction at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, auctioneer Guernsey's said Thursday. The auction, which wraps up late Thursday, displayed more than 1,100 lots, mostly costumes, documents, awards and other memorabilia.

One of the priciest items to sell was a black, military-style coat with an "M" crest that belonged to Michael Jackson. It fetched $24,000, said Guernsey's president Arlan Ettinger.

Several awards sold for similar amounts, including gold and platinum albums presented to the Jacksons for sales of "We Are the World," recorded by a group of artists known as USA for Africa. The set sold for $20,000.

Universal Express Inc., a luggage company based in Boca Raton, Fla., acquired the items in March last year from New Jersey businessman Henry Vaccaro, who took possession of them in 2002 after a failed business venture wound up in bankruptcy court.

After a last-minute court hearing held Wednesday about a confidential settlement his company reached last year about the ownership of some of the items, the company agreed to pull a dozen items so bidding could start on time, said Richard Altomare, the company's chief executive. It was not immediately clear what was disputed, or what items were pulled.

Altomare said he wasn't disappointed at the sales pace, even though his company bought the items for $5 million and spent more than $2 million transporting them.

The company's collection includes other Jackson items, such as master tapes of hundreds of songs, some never released, that will be sold later, he said.

"We have two times the number of items here still in our warehouse," he said.

Labels: Auction, Jacksons, Michael Jackson

posted by Absent_MinDZ @ 23:18,

Dad claims: Lindsay Lohan addicted to 'hillbilly heroin'

Troubled starlet Lindsay Lohan cut a lonely figure during her second day at the Promises rehab facility in Malibu.

Wearing dark red-framed glasses, skinny black jeans and zip-up jacket, the 20-year-old was photographed wandering around the centre on her own.

Meanwhile, her estranged father Michael Lohan has made claims that the Mean Girls star suffers a number of addictions including alcohol and the painkiller OxyContin, according to reports.

The drug, also know as Oxycodone, is regularly referred to in parts of America as 'hillbilly heroin' and has been linked to scores of deaths in the US.

Michael, who recently served jail time for assault and driving while intoxicated, told E! Online: "I spoke to the people treating Lindsay, because I wanted to make sure she was getting the right care. And I'm satisfied they are doing the right thing for her, helping her detox from the painkillers and things. That's a very important step."

Lindsay publicist Leslie Sloane Zelnik has not yet responed to the claims.

Lindsay faces weeks, potentially months, of treatment at the clinic - it is the same centre that Britney Spears checked into earlier this year.

Labels: 'hillbilly heroin', Lindsay Lohan

posted by Absent_MinDZ @ 23:06,

Lindsay Lohan's rehab happiness

Lindsay Lohan is "happy" in rehab.
The 'Mean Girls' star is said to be settling in well at Malibu's Promises rehab centre since entering on Monday (28.05.07), two days after being arrested for DUI (driving under the influence).

Lindsay's stylist friend Nate Newell told People magazine: "She's happy where she is and is just taking time to herself to learn and be OK. I've been in touch with her and she likes it.

"She's in the public eye 24 hours a day, she's gotten caught up in it all.

"I think she surrounds herself with good people generally, but all the pressure that she's around has created this alternate universe in a way and it's hard for her to stay grounded.

"Last time she was back and forth from the 'I Know Who Killed Me' set, but this time she'll totally be there.

"She just needs to be away from everyone and not get attacked by the paparazzi. She's doing really, really well."

The 20-year-old actress spent a month in West Hollywood's Wonderland centre to be treated for alcoholism, but was allowed out in the day to attend Alcoholic's Anonymous meetings and film scenes for her latest movie 'I Know Who Killed Me'.

During her stay, she sent text messages to friends admitting she was craving burgers and sex.
Meanwhile, Svedka Vodka have pulled out of sponsoring Lindsay's 21st birthday bash in Las Vegas in July.

The 'Georgia Rule' star is reportedly still planning to leave rehab and head straight to the city to celebrate the landmark date when she will finally reach the legal drinking age in the US.

The young star was planning to party at Caesars Palace, the Social House restaurant at Treasure Island and Pure nightclub.

Pure Management are organising her celebrations but refused to comment on whether they are going ahead with the plans.

A spokeswoman said: "We think the world of Lindsay and wish her the best."

Lindsay turns 21 on July 2.

(C) BANG Media International

Labels: Happiness, Lindsay Lohan, Rehab

posted by Absent_MinDZ @ 22:52,

Who should fill Rosie's 'The View' seat?

Now that Rosie O'Donnell has exited stage left, The View must find someone to fill her seat and somehow match her watercooler appeal. That won't be easy, but there's a lineup of famous ladies who could make worthy successors.

The brash, big-hearted O'Donnell brought edge and excitement to The View, lifting ratings and making enemies along the way.
But in a move out of line with her fighting persona, she chose to depart the ABC talk show earlier than planned following an on-air confrontation with co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck.

There's no disputing the star wattage and/or entertainment value of possible replacements Roseanne Barr, Whoopi Goldberg and Bette Midler. Other names that have come up are former talk show host Ricki Lake, comedians Kathy Griffin and Wanda Sykes, Oprah Winfrey's best friend Gayle King and genial actress Sherri Shepherd.

No possible contender is buzzier than Barr, who has said she wants the job. Griffin, whose acid-tongued bark is equal to her bite, would be another good choice, said In Touch magazine executive editor Dan Wakeford.

"She's very similar to Rosie in a lot of ways," Wakeford said. "She elicits strong reactions like Rosie. Love her or hate her, you have a reaction which makes great TV."

In that respect, Griffin — who put it ALL out there on her Bravo reality show — certainly delivers. But ... can she deliver viewers?

"After dealing with Rosie for a year, Barbara and the producers may prefer someone who's easier to manage and less dramatic," noted Wakefield, who said the less controversial Shepherd is popular with the show's producers. Still, he said, "the most important thing is ratings."

Pop culture critic Ken Tucker is skeptical such hopefuls can match O'Donnell's TV talents: humor, controversy and "an ability to keep the show moving." The chatfest needs to "look for a different personality" post-Rosie, Tucker said.

He has an idea: Make co-host Joy Behar the moderator and hire the spunky Sykes as a panelist to replace Star Jones (who either quit or was fired last year, depending on whom you believe).

The likeable Behar, who has an eternal expression of bemusement, has "really come into her own in the past few months since Rosie's been on," said Tucker, editor-at-large for Entertainment Weekly magazine. "She is somebody who could be the moderator and the kind of voice of reason to keep things going when everybody starts talking over each other."

Behar illustrated that talent when she attempted to distract O'Donnell and Hasselbeck during last week's infamous spat, saying: "Who is directing the show? Let's go to a commercial."

Tucker's other favorite is Lauren Graham, who formerly starred on TV's Gilmore Girls. The brunette beauty is "really smart," he said, and has been out of work — hey now! — since the mother-daughter dramedy closed this year.

As long as we're on the subject, there are others who should get a look. For your consideration:
• Marie Osmond: The wholesome singer and sister of Donny is now an outspoken mother of eight. She was a surprisingly self-assured and appealing guest co-host a few weeks ago — despite her religious upbringing, no "hot topic" seemed off limits. Osmond, who's got loads of life experience and is divorcing her second husband, could be an unexpected foil for the girlish Hasselbeck.

• Sharon Osbourne: The wife of Ozzie and mother of three has battled colon cancer, managed her husband's music career and earned TV experience on America's Got Talent, The Osbournes and her own talk show.

• Kelly Ripa: The adorable sidekick to Regis Philbin has juggled multiple TV gigs at once. What's one more?

• Mo'Nique: The hilarious host of VH1's Charm School tells it like it is. But she's charismatic enough to get her own talk show — without co-hosts.

Can O'Donnell be equaled? Show creator Walters seems to think so.

"We've been a hot show for 10 years," she proclaimed Tuesday on her show, "and we'll be a hot show for many years."

© The Associated Press 2007

Labels: 'The View', Elisabeth Hasselbeck, Rosie O'Donnell

posted by Absent_MinDZ @ 22:36,

Katherine Heigl happy to be ‘Knocked Up’
May 27, 2007

‘Grey’s’ star also talks about her upcoming marriage and pal T.R. Knight

Katherine Heigl never knew getting knocked up could be so much fun.
“It was probably the best time of my life, and it’ll never ever get any better. I might as well just quit,” she told “Access” about her experience filming the latest movie from “The 40-Year-Old Virgin” mastermind, Judd Apatow.

“Knocked Up” tells the story of an entertainment news reporter (Heigl) who discovers that she’s pregnant following a one-night stand with a slacker stranger, played by Seth Rogen. The two end up giving dating a try for the sake of the unborn child, and comedy ensues. But did the role of a pregnant woman stir up any maternal instincts for Heigl?

“No, not at all,” she laughed, saying that the big plastic belly she wore for the shoot couldn’t possibly compare to the real thing. “I don’t think that’s real pregnancy,” she said of the goofy belly prop. “If it were then I would want to get pregnant, because that would be neat.”

Katherine has been engaged to singer Josh Kelley since last spring, but she told “Access” that wedding plans are on hold for the time being because of their hectic schedules. “It’s unfortunate that we never seem to be able to find the time to sit down and decide anything, and plan something,” said Heigl. But the couple did find the time to attend the film’s premiere together in L.A. on Monday night.

“Oh, it’s amazing,” said Katherine, as she showed “Access” her engagement ring. “I’m so, so grateful he could be here. He’s been on tour forever and we haven’t spent more then I think five days together in over two months. So I was just happy that he had a night off and could come.”

One person who couldn’t come to the premiere was Katherine’s good friend (and “Grey’s Anatomy” castmate), T.R. Knight. “(He) totally ditched me for the Obie Awards,” she said in mock disdain. “What a bad friend. The Obie Awards, why? Why would you ditch me for that? Never forgive you.”

Her tune changed, however, when she was reminded that she’d be seeing him in a week. “Yes he’s gonna come and visit me. Okay, now I like (him) again, we’re friends again,” she said, laughing. “I’m doing a film in Providence, and he’s only coming so we can drive to Newport and hang out in Newport. He doesn’t want to see me; he wants to go to the mansions in Newport.”

Earlier, Katherine told “Access” what she thought about recent photos of Knight that showed him out and about with bright red hair. “I love this — now that’s a man with some courage,” she said, noting that this isn’t the first time Knight has died his hair a vibrant color. “He did it last season too,” she remarked. “During hiatus he did it blue. Just a new look, a new feel, a new vibe. It’s red, it’s blue, it’s green next year. It’s yellow maybe next time... it’s just T.R. Knight with red hair.”

While Katherine was rumored to have been unhappy with her salary negotiations, she told “Access” that she would be returning to “Grey’s Anatomy” next season. “Yeah, I think so,” she said of the return, but quickly amended herself. “Geez, I don’t know. I haven’t got my pick up letter yet — I’m just assuming.” She joked, “Wouldn’t that be terrible? I’m like, ‘Yeah of course’ and then two months from now we’re doing this interview and I’m like ‘I don’t know, they just...’ ”
But regardless of her future on the hit ABC show, Katherine has cemented herself as a Hollywood star, with a profile that will only increase after “Knocked Up” hits theaters June 1. It may call to mind the career of another TV doctor — George Clooney — who transitioned from episodic television (“E.R.”) to a huge career on the big screen.

That would be cool if that could happen,” she told “Access,” saying that the comparison was “sweet.”
“I don’t talk about it, I just say ‘I’m gonna be,’” she joked. “I’m gonna be the next George Clooney, you wait!”

Labels: Katherine Heigl, Knocked Up

posted by Absent_MinDZ @ 01:30,

Critics praise Angelina Jolie’s ‘Mighty’ role

Hollywood Reporter calls her performance ‘well-measured and moving’

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt took Cannes by storm this week, when the super couple hit the south of France to premiere Angie’s new film, “A Mighty Heart.”

And if the early reviews are any indication, it looks like Oscar’s first contender has been found.

Critics are praising Angelina’s portrayal of Mariane Pearl, the widow of slain Wall Street Journalist Daniel Pearl, who was kidnapped and murdered in Pakistan in 2002.

“Angelina Jolie delivers a well-measured and moving performance,” says the Hollywood Reporter, adding she “plays her with respect and a firm grasp on a difficult accent influenced by France and Cuba. She has a powerful scene in which she lets out a shriek of grief that will be recognized wherever people suffer from terror and loss.”

The film, directed by Michael Winterbottom, the film is based on Mariane’s memoir after her husband’s death “A Mighty Heart: The Brave Life and Death of My Husband Daniel Pearl.”
Co-starring Dan Futterman, Irfan Khan, Adnan Siddiqui, Alyy Khan, and co-produced by Brad Pitt, “A Mighty Heart” is very much Mariane’s story as carried out by Angelina.

Jolie “fits comfortably into the naturalistic mold that shapes the entire ensemble” says Variety. “This isn’t the sort of commanding star turn in which the performer vanishes behind a well-known celebrity mask, but rather a subdued, carefully considered portrait of a woman caught between premature grief and persistent hope.”

“Access Hollywood’s” Billy Bush attended the “Mighty Heart” press conference in Cannes, where Angelina, Brad and the rest of the film’s cast and crew were joined by Mariane on the panel.

Billy asked Angelina what it was like to step into the difficult role.
“Angelina, Mariane said that she trusted you. Was there a moment when you felt you had got that validation from her or did you know inside you had nailed it?” Billy asked.

“I did finally speak to her days after she saw it and she told me it was all right,” Jolie revealed. “I was very nervous and didn’t know if I could do it at all. So for her to tell that it was done right, I can’t tell you how much that means to me.”

“A Mighty Heart” hits theaters June 22.

Labels: 'A Mighty Heart', Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt

posted by Absent_MinDZ @ 00:54,

Lindsay Lohan Arrested On Driving Charges

Lindsay Lohan has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence after her convertible struck a kerb and investigators found what they believe was cocaine at the scene.

Lohan, 20, and two other people were in her Mercedes SL-65 when it crashed on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles in the early hours.
LAPD Lieutenant Mitch McCann said officers at the scene found a "usable amount" of a drug tentatively identified as cocaine.

But he declined to say where the drug was found, other than to say Lohan was not carrying it.

Lohan, who spent time at a rehabilitation centre earlier this year, was driven in another car to a hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

The two other people in her car were not hurt.

Officers received an emergency call about the accident and arrested Lohan at the hospital for investigation of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

McCann declined to comment on Lohan's blood-alcohol level.

He said the case would now go before the District Attorney's Office, where the Herbie Fully Loaded actress could face more charges.

The crash was the Freaky Friday star's third accident in about two years.

In October 2005, Lohan and a passenger received minor injuries when her convertible hit a van in West Hollywood. Authorities said the van driver, who also received minor injuries, was at fault.

Months earlier, Lohan collided with a minivan when she made a U-turn as the van, carrying paparazzi, followed her from a Los Angeles restaurant.

A photographer was arrested for investigation of assault with a deadly weapon, but prosecutors declined to charge him.

Labels: Lindsay Lohan

posted by Absent_MinDZ @ 00:27,

Lindsay Lohan in DUI rap following car crash

Lindsay Lohan crashed her black 2005 Mercedes Benz SL 65 into a curb at approximately 5:30 AM this morning at the corner of Sunset and Foothill after a night of heavy partying. She and her two co-passengers fled the scene without calling the police.

An eyewitness to the crash made a 911 call and the police arrived on the scene after Lindsay had fled. The Mercedes was later towed from the scene of the accident.
Lindsay and her co-passengers reportedly received medical attention at an undisclosed hospital for minor injuries before being released.
The police eventually caught up with Lindsay and handed her a citation for suspicion of DUI. There was no arrest.
The Beverly Hills Police Department held a press conference at 4:30 PM during which it was announced that the police found narcotics in Lindsay's Mercedes when they arrived on the scene.
Before the crash Lindsay first partied at Les Deux nightclub and then at 3 AM went to a private house party in the Hollywood Hills. When she left the house party at 4 AM she reportedly looked inebriated. She went to Skybar at the Mondrian Hotel next before heading home at 4:45 AM. All the while rode a black GMC SUV driven by her bodyguard.
At 5:15 AM she left home with her two friends in her Mercedes. This time she was behind the wheel and the crash followed.

Labels: DUI rap, Lindsay Lohan

posted by Absent_MinDZ @ 00:08,