March 2008 Archives

The star of "Doing Time on Maple Drive" turns 43 today! He's still got that boyish face as I found out when I literally came face-to-face witn him at an ATM machine in Woodland Hills on a rainy day a few years back.

Sometimes credited as Billy McNamara, this handsome actor was a cast member (along with Tuc Watkins, Charlotte Ross and Brian Kerwin) on Showtime's late, great series "Beggars and Choosers." I also loved him opposite Jodie Foster in the late 80s flick "Stealing Home" as the younger version of Mark Harmon's character. Billy's other credits include playing Montgomery Clift in "The Elizabeth Taylor Story," a killer in "Copycat" opposite Sigourney Weaver and Holly Hunter, and Jeff Bridges' son in "Texasville." He also co-starred with Richard Chamberlain (today's other birthday boy) in the 1990-91 series "Island Son."

I'd say I loved him most in "Chasers" (above) but that's just because he hardly wore any clothes in several of the scenes! I really can't print some of the stills but I can provide this link to Kennethinthe212 from a few years back!
Billy still works in smaller movies and TV guest spots but it really seemed like he was poised to be a bigger star in the 90s.

I wish him much success in whatever he does in the future and pay tribute to what I believe was his best role to date as the closeted college student in "Doing Time on Maple Drive." Jim Carrey played his alcoholic older brother and Lori Laughlin his fiancee in this emotionally wrenching TV movie from the early 90s. It was directed by Ken Olin and if you haven't seen it, do so and have a box of tissue handy!

Noah's dad may be in jail, but now there's some new government agent dude lurking and popping up everywhere that Luke and Noah (and damned Ameera) are. He goes to the Snyder farm and tells Grandma that "part of the process is to inspect the habitat. I'd like to start with the bedroom."

He finds out newlyweds Noah and Ameera don't share a bedroom!!! The scene cuts to the boys and Ameera and Noah is saying to a frustrated Luke: "I just don't think we should be kissing in public right now."

HA! That's the damned understatement of the year! Are the writers TRYING to make us laugh. Luke responds: "I don't want to go back in the closet now Noah - that's really not where I want to be right now. I just hate having to hide our relationship AGAIN!

Hey, here's an idea Luke: Dump him! Yes, dump him! This dude has become a pain in the ass and he doesn't even kiss you. Move on!

The creepy agent shows up at the college and confronts Ameera because she is sitting with Casey. He threatens to expose the sham marriage (yipee!) but Luke tries to save the day by going over and hugging Casey and announcing: "He's my boyfriend!" Then it gets really funny as Luke (Van Hansis) turns very playful and devilish after the agent leaves. Casey says to him: "I can't BELIEVE you told that guy that I'm gay!" Luke responds: "What's the matter Casey? Not man enough to take it? ...Casey, seriously. What are you so upset about?" The naughty look on Luke's face in this scene is absolutely hilarious and I hope to hell we see more of this side of him!

It's a hoot. The first clip below has all the good stuff (or bad stuff I guess) and the second clip is just wrap-up but is interesting because, for a second there, it looks like the guys might share a kiss...Could it be???

It's always so great to see an actual gay person on the cover of The Advocate instead of just a gay-friendly one or someone who plays gay. That's what makes the cover story on Broadway star Cheyenne Jackson (in "Xanadu" through July) all the more exciting.

Here are some excerpts:

"The first time that I knew I was gay -- I think I was, like, 7 -- I was watching this Valentine's Day Popeye cartoon episode that would play every year. There was this scene where Popeye was captured by Brutus, tied up with no shoes or socks on, and Brutus starts tickling his feet. I remember getting a little boner, and I didn't know what it was about that scene that was creating that, but I knew that it was something naughty that I couldn't tell anybody, and I definitely knew it was something that made me different. But every year, I couldn't wait for that episode."

On coming out publicly: "It wasn't something I planned on doing," he recalls, "but I've been out to my family since I'm 19. The interviewer kind of said, 'And you're gay, right?' I didn't even think about it and said, 'Yeah.' I could've, in a frenzy, had people call him to retract it, but I thought, Let's see what happens. People worry about someone who's an up-and-comer and so open about it, but I feel like if I don't make it an issue, it's not going to be an issue. ... To be frank," he says, "I think I've missed out on big parts because I'm open. I've screen-tested on some really big projects, and you can't tell me that behind closed doors big execs aren't like, 'We have Dean Cain or this gay guy who played Elvis on Broadway.' I'm not that naive to think that that doesn't play into it."

On his relationship with the gay media: "Look, I'm not somebody that marches in the front of a gay pride parade, but if I wanted to, I would. I'm not a self-loathing gay; I just feel like being gay is the least interesting thing about me. But I also understand that people want to be represented, and I'm happy to be that for them--to a point."

On coming out to his family: "We called a family meeting," he recalls, "and I said, 'Well, I think families should be close and know everything about each other, so it's time that you knew I was gay.' " Met with both shocked silence and sobbing, his brother began reading a letter Jackson had written detailing his journey and first memories -- "but not the Popeye memory," he adds. After his bomb's fallout dissipated, he and his family didn't discuss the topic for about two years. "I just separated myself from them. I realized that they had to mourn their ideas of what they thought my life would be. I wasn't going to be the first to have kids, which they'd always thought, because I was a Sunday School teacher and the only guy on the block that babysat. So I had to give them time."

On his brother, a regular preacher on The 700 Club: "He thinks that being gay is something that can be prayed away, or that maybe you didn't have strong male influences growing up -- which couldn't be further from the truth for me, because my father is a Native American Vietnam vet, and we were very close. I love my brother dearly, but it's come to a point where we just don't talk about religion or politics. It's the only way that our relationship can work."

To read the entire article, gfo to Advocate.com

OK, so here's the deal: I think Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal is a real babe. I love his passionate play and those big guns of his which he misses not a single opportunity to put on display. But while I was in Palm Springs last week, some of us got into a discussion about the hotness of certain players and I was surprised at the number of guys who said Nadal just leaves them cold! They also hate his Capri pants! I wondered if I'm posting the pictures of Rafael - the three-time defending French Open champ and world number 2 - just for myself!

Let me hear from you: Rafael Nadal: HOT or NOT?

I wonder if TR Knight and his young boyfriend Mark Cornelsen consult with each other on their T-shirts. They were snapped over the weekend house hunting in the Hollywood Hills, according to JustJared.com.

The handsome and out star of "Dr. Kildare," "Shogun" and "The Thorn Birds" turns 74 today! He still makes out hearts skip a beat!

I found myself standing behind the talented Joely Fisher in the drink line at the Pantages Theatre last week and confessed to the "'Til Death" star that I was surprised that she was one of the singers on the bill for The Actors Fund concert series taking place that night.

"I still get surprised that people don't know that I sing," Joely said. "I've done a couple of Broadway shows and sang before I did any acting. But I don't do it very often now and it's kind of fun and gets the adrenaline going."

The Broadway shows were actually pretty big ones: Joely was a replacement in the 1994 revival of "Grease" as well as in the 1998 revival of "Cabaret." But those roles were overshadowed by her work on the sitcom "Ellen," on which she played Ellen DeGeneres' best friend - the vain and insensitive Paige Clark - for four seasons.

Joely, married to cinematographer Christopher Duddy and the mother of two daughters, was a showbiz kid raised by her TV star mom, Connie Stevens. (Her father is singer Eddie Fisher). She appeared in her mother's nightclub act as a kid and the desire to perform just grew stronger.

While she remained busy in the post-"Ellen" years in films ("Inspector Gadget") and television roles ("Wild Card," "Desperate Housewives"), "Death" marked her return to the sitcom format and casts her opposite Brad Garrett as a sometimes very off-putting married couple.

The show premiered in fall 2006 on the Fox network and the chemistry between the two leads, who play longtime married couple Eddie and Joy Stark, was immediately apparent.

"I got the nicest compliment from my mom, who said that when she watched the pilot, she felt like she was watching a cast that had worked together for years," Joely said. "Brad and I instantly had that. He makes me laugh harder than anybody I know. I love it! It makes the day bright and he's a love and he's neurotic as I am and he's filthy, which I love."

"Death," like most scripted prime-time shows, had an unexpected hiatus because of the writers strike. But it returned to the Fox schedule with new episodes last week and can be seen on Tuesday nights at 9:30 p.m.

"We premiered after `Idol' after being off for eight weeks, which had been kind of a bummer," Joely said. "But we're excited and it's not a bad time slot. Some shows got canceled after the strike; we got an order for eight more."

I wanted Joely to spill the beans on some of the future episodes.

She gave me this little tidbit: "In a script that we just did a run-through on, Joy thinks she's pregnant. (Eddie) says, `I thought you went through that thing,' and I say, `Menopause? How old do you think I am? I haven't done that yet!"'

By the way, Joely was a smash at the Pantages that night, singing her friend Ron Abel's song "All the Good Men are Gay," which brought the house down. I asked her if she thought the song's title was true.

She laughed and said: "Some good ones are not, but most of the good ones are."

My kinda gal!

Some child stars end up on reality shows like "The Surreal Life," in rehab or behind bars. Not Joseph Gordon-Levitt, the 27-year-old actor who began acting at the age of six and achieved fame as a teenager on the NBC sitcom"Third Rock From the Sun" as extraterrestrial Tommy Soloman.

But he was always more interested in good roles than fame and his career post "Third Rock" has been a steady stream of acclaimed roles in such independent films as "Mysterious Skin," "Brick," "The Lookout" and "Manic."

"I'm honored and blessed," Joseph said when we spoke recently. "I get to do work with artists who I admire and I couldn't be happier...It's no fun doing a movie that I wouldn't like, I try to do movies that I would like."

A movie that he really likes is "Stop-Loss," a military drama that hit theaters this weekend. Joseph plays one of the soldiers serving in Iraq with his hometown buddies portrayed by Ryan Phillippe and Channing Tatum, among others. The action begins in Iraq then follows the group back home where they try and resume lives that have forever changed.

"I didn't know any soldiers personally before I took this movie and having done the movie, I've made friends with a bunch of guys that have been over there and have been through it and it's been enlightening," he said. "What soldiers do is I think braver than just about anything a human being can do. I was playing pretend. We hung out with real soldiers who had been over there and been through it, just soaked it up from them. And they were always around us - before we made the movie, while we were making the movie. A lot of the guys you see in the background in scenes are real soldiers because we were shooting just outside Ft. Hood."

Joseph's character in the film is especially traumatized by events that took place in Iraq and comes home an emotionally-damaged person. But the actor said "Stop-Loss" "doesn't preach one simplistic message, that's what's good about it. It presents the story of some people's lives. That's why I'm so proud of it."

Since Joseph has already accomplished such an outstanding body of work for someone so young, I wondered what he looks for when choosing a part.

"I want to work with people who love what they're doing and not just doing it for a paycheck," he said. "Kimberly Peirce, who directed 'Stop-Loss' made 'Boys Don't Cry' before this which I think is one of the best movies to come out in recent times. She's a quisessential artist, she loves what she's doing and is doing it because she believes in it. And I think she hired a bunch of actors to work on a movie who felt the same way."

A few days ago, Martina Navratilova and her arch-rival from her playing days - Chris Evert - were scheduled to appear on "Oprah" together for a show on extraordonary friendships. It's been 20 years since they last played an official match on the women's pro tennis tour. In all, they had played 80 times dating back to 1973 with the finals tally being 43-37 in Martina's favor. They may have been fierce rivals on the court, but off the court, they had been close friends since the early 70s and remain so to this day.

As Chris' career was winding down, Martina began a fierce rivalry with another blonde superstar with steely determination: Steffi Graf. We talked about Martina playing Steffi recently in an exhibition match in Japan and she said the time they spent together there was probably the most they had ever really talked and hung out. Of the match itself Martina said: "It was fantastic. I lost 8-7 so it was close. Her chip backhand worked better than it used to. It was good, it went well. It was amazing playing her again. The first couple of games I felt like I was in a time warp. We hadn't played since 1994. It was like time stood still."

When Martina was dominating the game in the 80s, there was a stretch of five years when she would only lose 2-3 matches each season. Roger Federer has had a similar record since 2004 but is slipping a bit these days. I wondered what Martina thought of that: "He's dominated so much that when you lose a set or match, everyone gets their hopes up because they were beaten into submission. They think they have a shot at him. They are going to try that much nharder. The intimidation factor is a little dented at the moment. When you are number one, everyione plays their best against you.
"Quite frankly, I think he could use a coach," Martina added. "It's hard to get better on your own, to dissect the players. You need somebody to bounce ideas off of."

And what about the rising star Novak Djokovic who many think will end up replacing Federer at the top? "He's fantastic," Martina said. "I saw him play over two years ago and I thought, 'This guy is gonna be great. He has that presence and all the tools and he wanted it, you could tell."

It was fun to talk about tennis with Martina but the main reason for our chat was to set the record straight on false stories that she was renouncing her American citizenship which I detailed in a post yesterday. Here are some more comments on that and on the upcoming presidential election:

On speaking out in the Bush era: "It is peculiar, in 1992 when Clinton became president and he created Don't Ask, Don't Tell and I actually said, 'President clinton wimped out.' That was reported and that was the end of it. I said about four months in the Bush admininistration 'It seems to me that all the decisions that have been made are based on money and not good for the people, people were wanting to send me back to Czech Republic. And that was piror to 9-11."

Who will she vote for? "I'd like to see a change in adminstration. The war was wrong from the get-go and John McCain would be hapy to stay there the next 100 years. As far as Hillary (Clinton) and (Barack) Obama, I think they are both qualified but Hillary has more experience. For Obama to be president, to compare it to sports, a rookie captain of the football who might be the best player but (doesn't) know the ropes yet."

Patti Lupone is wowing 'em on Broaday in "Gypsy" and her final big number, "Rose's Turn," is said to be astonishing. I decided to surf around Youtube for some of the previous versions to share with you. Take a look then vote for who you think is best through the comments section. I'll post the results if enough people participate!

Bette Midler in the 1993 television production of "Gypsy" which aired on CBS as a three-hour special. Bette was nominated for an Emmy Award for her performance and later admitted to being "pissed off" that she didn't win since she had showed up at the ceremonies and even sang!

Bernadette Peters performed the number at the 57th Tony Awards and, I think, silenced the critics who thought she was miscast. She is absolutely fantastic. She didn't win the Tony that year but already had two at home.

Here is Tyne Daly who won a well-deserved Tony in 1989 for her Rose. Wow! I had only heard her on the soundtrack and she was kinda hoarse when they recorded that. In this clip, filmed by an audience member, she is in full voice and really is stunning. She's the best actress of all the Rose's, I think, and it really sells this number even if she doesn't have the singing voice of some of the others.

Angela Lansbury won one of her four Tony Awards for her version of Rose in "Gypsy." For anyone who knows her only from TV's "Murder She Wrote," these clips show that her greatest triumphs have been on the Broadway stage.

Ethel Merman may have triumphed on Broadway as the original Rose but when the show was made into a film, Merman was passed over in favor of Rosalind Russell who certainly has the acting chops but not Merman's singing range. She sort of yells her way through the final number.

And finally, here is the reigning Rose herself, Patti LuPone, singing "Rose's Turn." I'm not sure when the video was taken but it has to be recently. I think it gives you a good indication of why Patti is born to play the role.

Cast your VOTES!!!

"Gypsy" starring Patti LuPone opened on Broadway this week and most critics agree that the great LuPone triumphs in a major way. I saw Patti on Broadway in "Master Class," in her one woman show "Patti LuPone on Broadway" and own the soundtrack to her "Sunset Boulevard" on the London stage, a show from which she was cruelly dumped before Broadway in favor of Glenn Close. But "Gypsy" is the show I've always wanted to see her in and hope to make it to New York later this year to do just that!

Here are some of her reviews:

New York Times: Watch out, New York. Patti LuPone has found her focus. And when Ms. LuPone is truly focused, she's a laser, she incinerates. Especially when she's playing someone as dangerously obsessed as Momma Rose in the wallop-packing revival of the musical "Gypsy," which opened on Thursday night at the St. James Theater...When Ms. LuPone delivers "Rose's Turn," she's building a bridge for an audience to walk right into one woman's nervous breakdown. There is no separation at all between song and character, which is what happens in those uncommon moments when musicals reach upward to achieve their ideal reasons to be. .

Los Angeles Times: This is not the brassy tour de force that we can reconstruct from the cast recording of Ethel Merman's patented original. And one shouldn't expect Angela Lansbury's tragicomic finesse, Tyne Daly's working-class realism or Bernadette Peters' sex-kittenish wiles, to cite the other previous Broadway Roses. ... What distinguishes LuPone's accomplishment is the fiery fusion of music and drama that she pulls off with seemingly spontaneous expressiveness. Speech slides into song as naturally as water returns to air, and the ensuing rainbow of vocal color is like the proof of some rarely observed scientific law.

Philadelphia Inquirer: Patti LuPone is a star reborn. Her potrayal of the legendarily pushy Momma Rose in Gypsy, which opened Thursday in an extraordinary Broadway revival, is a stellar achievement in a career of achievements on stage and TV, in movies and concert halls. ...She unleashes "Rose's Turn," the take-no-prisoners finale, with a fury that leaves her shaking. If there were a Tony Award for Most Menacing Diva, LuPone would get it. As it is, she'll probably have to settle for Best Actress in a Musical.

Newsday has compiled a list of the actresses who has played Mama Rose on stage and screen:
Ethel Merman, Broadway: (1959) Brassy belter was the first and, many still say, best Mama Rose.
Rosalind Russell, Film: (1962) Russell took a hit from critics upset that Merman hadn't been allowed to re-create the role.
Angela Lansbury, Broadway: (1974) One of two Roses to win a Tony. (Lansbury is pictured at this week's opening night of "Gypsy."
Tyne Daly, Broadway: (1989) The other Tony winner.
Bette Midler, TV: (1993) Campy, but well-received "Gypsy" packed in all the Jerome Robbins choreography.
Bernadette Peters, Broadway: (2003) Kewpie-doll actress was the most controversial "Rose," in the only Broadway "Gypsy" not directed by Arthur Laurents.

Related post: Meeting Angela Lansbury...

All Martina Navratilova wanted was to get duel citizenship so she could travel easily between the United States - where she defected to 33 years ago - and the Czech Republic where she was born.

But this led to a flood of erroneous stories published in recent weeks that the nine-time Wimbledon champion was leaving the U.S. in disgust over the policies of the Bush administration.

"Somehow, out came these reports that I was going to denounce my citizenship," Martina told me this week. "I never said those things and I don't know how it got to that point. Next thing I know, I read that I'm leaving America. It's just astonishing and insulting."

The 51-year-old athlete, who retired from pro tennis after winning the mixed doubles title at the U.S. Open in 2006, has been a U.S. citizen since 1981. Martina fled the then-communist Czechoslovakia in 1975 in a highly-publicized defection that was of great risk to her at the time. She was just 18 and didn't know if she'd ever see her family again.

That's why the false stories have cut so deep.

"This goes to the core of who I am and why I'm here," she said. "I'm very loyal and very grateful. This is my home and l've lived her for over 30 years. To have this kind of stuff said is really hurtful and disappointing. I'd like to get to the bottom of it."

"Millions of Americans have duel citizenship and I get roasted for it," Martina added. "I don't think anything less of America. But I'm proud of where I came from. When it was communist I wasn't proud of the government. Now it's a good place to be. There's nothing to be embarassed about."

The reasons for obtaining duel citizenship were actually quite simple: "It was practical because I travel a lot and I'm doing some business in the Czech Republic and have been on a monthly basis for a few years and my mom was sick."

Martina has long been something of a lightening rod for criticism because of her unfailingly outspoken nature. I reminded her of the time she was critical of the Bush administration while being interviewed by Connie Chung on CNN several years back. Chung shockingly wondered aloud why Martina just didn't go back to the Czech Republic if she didn't like the way things were in the U.S.

Martina now says of the incident: "I wondered, so if (Connie Chung) didn't agree with something she should go back to China? I thought the whole point of democracy is to be able to disagree with the govenment. That's the beauty of America."

As a major tennis fan, I've followed Martina's career for many years and she has always come across as incredibly partriotic, proudly played for the U.S. in the Fed Cup international team competition (the picture above is from the 1986 Fed Cup when the U.S., led by Martina and Chris Evert, defeated Czechoslovakia in Prague) as well as in the Olympic Games. But there is one moment from her career that I will never forget: she had just lost to Monica Seles in the finals of the 1991 U.S. Open and the crowd gave her one of the most rapturous ovations that I can ever remember.

Martina tearfully made some remarks then wrapped up her speech by saying: "I'm so damned proud to be an American."

That pretty much says it all.

Happy Friday! I'm still in Palm Springs and don't have time to review yesterday's "As The World Turns" scenes but wanted to post them for ya!

Got a note yesterday from Casper Andreas, who I met last summer at "Outfest." He gave me some details about the opening today of his film "A Four Letter Word" which won the screenwriting award at the film festival. Casper wrote and directed the movie which is a real treat - sexy and entertaining and funny - and features Charlie David in a role far different from Tobey on "Dante's Cove." Star Jesse Archer co-wrote the script with Casper.

"It is getting more and more difficult to open independent films in theaters," Casper writes. "This is especially true for gay themed films. Our level of success in New York this weekend will determine how many additional cities we will be able to open in."

Here is a trailer...enjoy!

"Project Runway" winner Christian Siriano paid a visit to Craig Ferguson Thursday and he announced that replacing his catch phrase "fierce" has been replaced with "expired." I dunno, how many catch phrases can you have during your 15 minutes of fame?

Maude as Carrie Bradshaw! The rest of the girls are played by Charlotte Rea, Sally Struthers and Katherine Helmond. This gem was found on A Socialite's Life! I guess Rue McClanahan and Betty White weren't available. Rue is a natural for Samantha and Betty was born to play Charlotte...

If you want to see a superb movie this weekend, go see "Shelter." I've seen it about a dozen times since I was given a screener of it last summer and it gets better with each viewing and my admiration for the work of stars Trevor Wright and Brad Rowe and director-writer Jonah Markowitz.
While this has been labeled as "a gay surfing flick," surfing is really just a sexy backdrop for the story of Zach (Wright), a young man working a dead-end job and helping his needy sister care for her young son. When Zach becomes involved with the older brother of his best friend (Rowe), the relationship calls into question all of his assumptions about family, self-identity and the future.

I spoke with Jonah recently about his much buzzed-about directorial debut which debuts today (March 28) in LA at Sunset 5 and in 12 markets total: New York, San Francisco, Atlanta, San Diego, Palm Springs, Minneapolis, Portland and Ft. Lauderdale.

"I just can't wait to get it out and have the public see it outside the festival circuit," Jonah said. "It's just getting to see it in that environment, it will be kinda great to see how it does."

Jonah is confident that he has made a film that will move people: "It was always the goal to really make this movie about people and about their struggles. People who have seen it really love it, regardless if they are straight or gay.It's a question of getting them into the theater. I think it will be a word of mouth thing. It's a story that lots of different kind of people can relate to."

The surfing backdrop allowed for a lot of beach scenes: "That was part of making a gay film that we hoped would be different, making as film where they fell in love outside - not in a bar, nightclub or locker room. Outdoors and being active, breaking the mold of what we usually see."

In the end, Jonah hopes the movie entertains but also sends this message: "If you have love, you can create family. We've got the families we were born with and the families we create. They are just as valid, The movie's about these guys whio create a family together."

On the casting of Brad Rowe, already known to gay audiences from being the object of Sean Hays' obsession in "Billy's Hollywood Screen Kiss" a decade ago: "It had nothing to do with 'Billy's.' He was really the right gfuy for the part, he understood where the character was at and he got along well with Trevor. I thought he could bring something real and beautiful to it. He understood the character was at a different point in his life than Trevor was."

On Trevor Wright's and Brad's love scenes: "Trevor is really talented. He and Brad and I kept it real loose, The initmate scenes, I asked if they knew what it was like to spend a day with somebody you love and what does that feel like to you? They are both straight and they were able to go off on that. I made a mixed tape for them and we just scheduled it: we had the first kiss, the fooling around then real full on."

"Shelter" marks the first project to be produced by here! Networks' Independent Film Initiative and here! films presented the premier party last night at Eleven Nightclub in West Hollywood and on Sunday, here! films and N2N present The Shelter Sunset Soiree from 4-10 p.m. poolside at The Standard Hotel, West Hollywood. If you see "Shelter" opening weekend at Sunset 5, don't forget to bring your ticket stub for free admission to the soiree. For more info, go to www.thesmokingcocktail.com

Learn more about the movie at: HereTV.com/sheltermovie

Earlier posts: The Out In Hollywood Interview: "Shelter" star Brad Rowe...

Unlike bone-headed Jay Leno last week, Ellen DeGeneres has an intelligent conversation with the actor and never asks Ryan for his "best gay look." Enjoy the clip!!

The great sax player Dave Koz who turns 45 today! Dave has been very candid about the fact that once he came out publicly (about 3-4 years ago I think), life has never been better.

Just got off a conference call interview with Chikezie Eze who got booted from "American Idol" last night - unfairly in my opinion. I don't think the judges did him any favors this week, ripping him apart for what was actually a solid performance of "If Only for One Night" during a week where there were some truly dreadful outings by his fellow contestants.

"I knew I'd be in the bottom three and I knew I'd being going home," he said. "I was fine that it was at a point where I'd still be able to come back and do the tour."

The singer had said on Tuesday's show that he had avoided doing ballads after an earlier attempt got panned. But he decided to follow his heart on the Luther Vandross song which the judges - epsecially sour Simon Cowell - predictably panned.

"I didnt care - honestly," Chikezie told me. "I already knew that Simon wasn't going to feel it no matter what. I knew when I picked the song...I did the song anyway. I had to do what I felt was right."
He added that knowing Simon would hate it "took a lot of the pressure off. Now I'm just performing for the sake of performing."

Chikezie didn't seem overly upset over being voted off because since he is in the top 10, he will be a part of the "American Idol" concert tour around the country this summer: "I tend to be pretty happy because I just feel so blessed to be in this position, to have this opportunity. Last night I was glad that none of the other guys had to go home. That's probably the hardest part of the show, saying goodbye to your friends....It becomes a family. We basically just formed these bonds where we're helping each other out. We created this amazing support system."

Looking ahead, Chikezie said "I'd like to see myself getting at least one Grammy. I really want to get started with my music career, making records that make me feel good and make other people feel good....I'd like to see what I can do, to see what my boundaries are."

I try not to miss the birthdays of my favorite stars but I'm on vacation in Palm Springs this week so my focus is not what is usually is! Yesterday, the wonderful actor and person TR Knight turned 35 years old. It must be wonderful to reach that milestone as a man who is experiencing his biggest professional success with his Emmy-nominated performance on "Grey's Anatomy." And off screen, he has become one of the most visible out actors in Hollywood and he makes us all so proud.

Kennethinthe212 is even better than I am at spotting pictures of our favorite tennis hotties. Above is a K-Swiss ad featuring Tommy Haas, the gorgeous German star who seems to get sick or injured before big matches. Below is an image of Andy Roddick from a Bloomingdales event held earlier this week in NYC...

He's not Dr. McSleepy that's for sure.

"Grey's Anatomy" star Justin Chambers had the misfortune of checking into the UCLA psychiatric unit the same week as Britney Spears awhile back and as a result, was the suibject of all kinds of speculation about the father of five's mental state.

“I suffer from a biological sleep disorder," he told PEOPLE this week. "Your body is tired but your mind keeps racing. You lie down and then you get up and pace, and then you lie down but you can’t fall asleep…I went a good two months without really sleeping.”

Justin said the problem has only gotten worse now that he's in his 30s: “I remember being young and not sleeping at times, but it really hit in my late 20s…I attribute it somewhat to being an actor. I’m a sponge; I process everything around me. Some roles require you to dig deep, and, you know, be careful what you find…Some roles linger. My [serial killer] character in [2006’s] The Zodiac took a while to shake off.”

I hipe Justin is getting plenty of zzzzzz's now...he deserves it with all those kids!

I never really thought they were but it's been so much fun speculating!

JC Chasez told Kiss-FM 104.7 that he and Chace Crawford are not involved romantically: "For the record, we're both straight...We're not dating." He called Chace a "super nice guy" -- and says the reason think they're boyfriends is "the only time people usually see us together is in some type of photograph, so they just assume that it's like that."

So it's a bro-mance, not a romance apparently.

Hey, if you got it, flaunt it.

Mario Lopez looks so good that it seemed like only a matter of time before we saw him on the cover of a workout book. I can barely remember him now on "Saved By the Bell" when he had that awful hair! I was way more into Mark-Paul Gossler (Zach) than Mario's AC Slater. But no more!

What's cool about Mario's career is that you never know where he's going to turn up next. He's the weekend host of "Extra," he hosts various reality shows, he does guest spots on TV shows - most memorably on "Nip/Tuck" and, of course, there was that runner-up finish on "Dancing With the Stars" which relaunched him into a higher professional gear.

You go Mario!

You keep wondering if it's a fluke, that David Cook just picked a good song that week. He wowed us with "Hello" several weeks ago then "Eleanor Rigby" but his very, very, best performance came last night in a brilliantly reworked version of "Billie Jean" that didn'y make me think of Michael Jackson ONCE! He beyond nailed it - he was a revelation and if the competition ended today, he should be the winner and could be considered the front-runner at this point.

I'm also really excited by the talent of Brooke White who is at her best behind the piano singing a ballad. She did the Police's "Every Breath You Take" and was just lovely. The judges felt like the song should have remained simple with just her and the piano without the band kicking in. I see what they mean but it was really good anyway. And I don't get the rap on Carly Smithson who did "Total Eclipse of the Heart" which was a terrific song for her. She has the pipes for it. She is judged on a different scale and it's not really fair because she is terrific - one of the top five. I also thought David John's "We Will Rock You/We Are the World" was solid and good but he leaves me cold.

Kristy Lee Cook finally wowed the judges with "God Bless the USA" which was an inspired song choice and a solid performance. She'll get through and might not even be in the bottom three. David Archuleta sang some wacko song but was still good enough as was Syesha Mercado ("If I Were Your Woman") and Chikezie ("If Only For One Night").

Ramiele Malubay had a cold, went first, and sucked. She should be voted off and I predict she will. But adorable Jason Castro is also wearing thin. I was bored during his song. He was coasting and maybe he'll coast right off the show this week or next.

Caught a little bit of "Dancing With the Stars" results show last night and enjoyed seeing Monica Seles all dolled up and dancing as opposed to tennis whites and a hair bun! But Monica trailing all comers on the judges' leader board and became one of the first to be eliminated from the sixth season of the show.

Monica, winner of nine grand slam tournaments in her hall of fame career, earned just a combined 30 points (out of a possible 60) for two dances in two weeks, After her departure, I saw Monica appear on Jimmy Kimmel's show where her dancing shows were burned! "A part of me is disappointed, another part of me is absolutely relieved...I was definitely disadvantaged. I had no acting experience and this show is about being a dancer and an actress and I didn't have either so I think that really hurt me because I just could not sell the performance. I never missed a step but yet I could not sell the actual storyline."

While Monica didn't get enough votes to stay on the show, I know one person who did vote for her: fellow tennis legend Martina Navratilova.

"I''m pulling for her," Martina told me yesterday before the vote was made public. "She got so much better the second week., There's no way I could do that, to go out there out of your comfort zone. She is such a perfectionist as I am and went out there and put herself on the line."

Martina and I spoke for an interview to be posted here tomorrow and in my newspaper column on Friday. Look for it!

Monday was just one of the great nights.

I was invited to attend the Actors Fund Musical Mondays, a series of Cabaret events held several times a year in the lobby of the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood. This week was special because instead of just featuring one performer, it was the music of Ron Abel that was sung by a parade of his friends and muses including Lucie Arnaz, Loretta Devine, Valarie Pettiford, Linda Purl, Joely Fisher and others.

The results were awesome with Tony winner Devine really knocking it out of the park on two songs from the forthcoming musical "Bricktop" called "A Place of My Own" and "Queen of the Night." I wish you could have all been there to see what Loretta can do on stage. I was blown away and can't wait to see this show which, it was announced Monday night, has Whoopi Goldberg on board as a producer. I think Loretta outa make room on her shelf for another Tony based on what I heard at the Pantages. Wow!

Also excellent, and someone I'm so glad to be aware of now, was the amazing Valarie Pettiford, a major talent and Tony nominee for "Fosse." She performed more numbers than anyone else and nailed every single one of them with power and conviction including "Let 'Em Talk," "Where Do I Find Love?" "Same Old Moon," Bye Bye Blackbird" and, in a duet with Joey Gian, "The Way You Look Tonight/Everybody Loves My Baby." She is fantastic! (Ron Abel is pictured below with Devine and Pettiford)

Lucie Arnaz is Abel's close friend and sometimes professional partner of more than 20 years and she came in straight from Hong Kong to dazzle the audience with a pair of numbers. Lucie hopped onto the piano and sang "Until Now" and sounded and looked sensational. Hard to believe that the daughter of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz is in her mid 50s. Lucie dueted with Ron on "Forever's All We Know" and, I swear, I thought she was singing these songs right to me. But actually, she was singing them to her husband, actor Laurence Luckenbill and their very tall son who were sitting just a few feet away.
"Larry was sitting down there and it's an anniversary-type song so I wanted to make sure he knew I was singing it to him!" Lucie told me after the show.

Lucie told the audience that the first time she heard the song was one night in Vegas when her brother, Desi Arnaz Jr., sang it with his then-wife Linda Purl (pictured above with Joely Fisher and Ron Abel) who was wonderful singing "Just to Be Near You" at the event. She is also ageless, looking much like she did in all those TV movies and on "Matlock" with Andy Griffith. I also give major kudos to Joely was a real hoot. She walks onto the stage and says: "f@*#! I have to follow Valarie Pettiford." Then she did a highly entertaining "All the Good Men Are Gay."

Ain't it the truth!!!

After the show, I gabbed with Ron, Lucie and Linda. I gushed that I was just about speechless after watching the show. "I'm happy that you had such a good time tonight and that the music pleased you because I think he's just a remarkable, gifted artist," Lucie said. "Ron Abel, there isn't anybody else like him....I love standards but I also like to have a new way of doing stuff and Ron's take on songs has just always been unique and classic and fresh. I love singing the stuff he writes but I also love the arrangements that he does. He's fun to be with on stage. He's always listening."

Lucie said she and Linda are "the best of friends. I adore this woman." Her former sister-in-law was standing nearby and I told Miss Purl what a thrill it was to see another side of someone you know from television when they hit the stage. She said: "I felt the same way the first time I saw Jason Alexander. It was like, 'Oh my gosh! Who knew?' Or Hal Linden or Lucie. It's fun. It's a joy and also as a parent - I know for Lucie it's the same thing - you can do your concerts, go out for two or three days then you can come home and get back to doing soccer runs. It's a good balance."

Tennis hottie Andy Roddick looks just as good modeling as he does on the tennis court. Andy is pictured here at the Lacoste Men's store at Bloomingdale's in New York City to help the brand celebrate its 75th anniversary.

Just like there were two Darrins on "Bewitched," there were also two Trixie Nortons on "The Honeymooners."

Jane Kean stepped into the role originated by Joyce Randolph when the adventures of Ralph Kramden and company were revived on "The Jackie Gleason Show" with Art Carney (Ed Norton) and Audrey Meadows (Alice Kramden) also on board.

"They were going to add songs and dances and I was considered better qualified," Jane told me this week from her L.A.-area home. "I started in color in 1966 then we did about 3-4 years of the show then Jackie decided he was going to do some films. Then CBS convinced him to redo 'The Honeymooners' and we did them again and we did specials."

Jane, who turns 85 next month, said there were no hard feelings from Randolph.

"She came over to me in Sardis one night after I started playing Trixie and congratulated me on the good job I was doing," she said. "I went back with Jackie a long time. That whole facade that he has about being 'The Great One' and all, he wasn't really like that. He was quite insecure and more humble."
"I would have been Trixie in the very very beginning but (sister and professional partner) Betty and I were starting to really move and I didn't want to break up the act."

Betty Kean, eight years older, would call her kid sister on to do a few numbers in the beginning. Years later, their managers suggested the siblings from Hartford, Conn. put a comedy act together and be something of a female Martin and Lewis.

"We got together for ('The Ed Sullivan Show') and we had so many good offers from good clubs from the London Palladium to the Copacabana that we were together for eight years."

Kean still performs in various venues including large cruise ships where she does her one-woman show complete with films clips. She also penned her autobiography "A Funny Thing Happened to Me on the Way to the Honeymooners...I Had a Life" a few years ago.

"Everybody in the world thinks the only credit I have is Trixie on 'The Honeymooners,'" she said. "I was just anxious for people to know more about my background in nightclubs and on Broadway."

She's still quite social with showbiz pals through a group called Showbuddies which also includes Betty Garrett, Nanette Fabray and Anne Jeffreys, among others.

Says Jane: "It gets a litte raunchy sometimes!"
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AfterElton.com ran an item today about Hulu, a site where you can see old TV shows. It singles out a re-imagining of "Adam 12," the 1970s cop show that starred an impossibly gorgeous Kent McCord. The update revolved around two hunky young cops, (Peter Parros and Ethan Wayne) and the AfterElton writer describes an episode he watched was called Gay Bashing: It had the boys in blue investigate a series of assaults on gay men (with side stories about stripped cars and...a nudist club). What surprised me was that the show went out of its way to be as sensitive as possible, not resorting to stereotypical gay characters (for the most part), and having the leads remark repeatedly how wrong and unfair the assaults were.

To read the entire post , go to AfterElton.com. And I thank that great site for finding two pics of Kent (and on-screen partner Martin Milner) that I didn't have! Can you see why Kent was my first crush?
Related post: Catching Up With a Childhood Crush

...Sir Elton John turns 61 years young today.
I love Elton for being outspoken, for being an out and proud gay man, for all he does to raise money for his AIDS foundation. He's also close friends with my all-time hero, Billie Jean King, and theirs is the most beautiful of friendships that dates back to the early 70s.

Mostly, I love Elton because of his music. It was the soundtrack to my childhood with an older brother who played Elton's 70s records (yes, they were LPs!) over and over and over again. Years later, I have memories of several Elton concerts including one in San Diego that he did with Billy Joel, then a three-song set he did after a special screening of "The Lion King" in Hollywood, and best of all, a 10-song set Elton did for Billie Jean last year at the Beverly Hilton during an awards ceremony for female athletes called, The Billies.

I've interviewed Elton a few times. One was for a freelance magazine article and I was told he would call "sometime Monday or Tuesday" so it was a matter of having my cellphone on me at all times. Can you imagine? Of course Elton called while I was stuck in rush hour traffic on the 101 Freeway. I pulled off into a gas station parking lot and scrawled down some notes on a yellow legal pad.
OTHER BIRTHDAYS TODAY: If Elton wanted to have a birthday dinner with olther famous people born today, it would be a pretty awesome evening! I figure Elton would be seated in between two legendary ladies: Aretha ("The QUEEN of Soul") Franklin to his left and the great feminist and author Gloria Steinem to his right. Aretha turns 66 while Miss Steinem is 74.
Others at the table: Sarah Jessica Parker (43), young hunks Lee Pace (29) and Sean Faris (26), Desperate Housewives Marcia Cross (46) and Brenda Strong (48), my "Starsky & Hutch" crush Paul Michael Glaser (65) and Bonnie Bedelia (60) who was so good in "Private Lives." Elton could have Katherine McPhee (24) perform a few songs before dinner then the infamous anti-gay activist Anita Bryant (68) could be trotted out later so everyone could throw pies at her face.

I'd love to attend THAT party!

In his Soap News column in the new issue of TV Guide, Michael Logan writes extensively about the Luke and Noah no-kissing controversy. Although "As the World Turns" executive producer Chris Goutman has been banned from speaking to the press about the storyline, Logan did talk to CBS daytime chief Barbara Bloom.
Bloom said: "I can assure you there is no homophobia on the part of the network nor are we pandering to any group. We have not censored ATWT or asked them to hold back in any way."

She doesn't say WHY for the love of God they are holding back but said: "I really hope the show will continue to evolve the Luke and Noah story, and that they culminate their relationship the way all couples in love do."
Logan brings up all the beyond annoying missed opportunities for a same-sex kiss: under the mistletoe on the Christmas episode and on Valentine's Day when EVERY other couple on the show kissed except for Luke and Noah.

"I understand why this makes people scream," Bloom admits. "The only thing you're going to get out of me is that the pacing is slower with Luke and Noah than with other romances on ATWT. That's good storytelling. We';re in the business of getting people to watch more."

Listen Barbara Bloom, let Luke and Noah kiss every now and then like friggen normal people and we will indeed watch more. You are testing the patience of many of your viewers with your "good storytelling."

Got the chance to talk to director Kimberly Peirce last week about her new movie "Stop-Loss" starring Ryan Phillippe (pictured with the director, above), Abbie Cornish, Channing Tatum and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, at the movie's premiere.

It's her first film since 1999's "Boys Don't Cry." It's release date on Friday is especially timely with the Iraq war at the five-year milestone this month and the death toll of U.S. soldiers reaching at least 4,000 this week. Her movie is about the soldiers who are forced into additional tours of duty and the toll the war is taking on their lives back home.

Q. Why did you wait almost 10 years to do another film?
A. "I was looking for something that really moved me and broke my heart and spoke to me in the deepest possible way. "Boys" was a dream come true, it is something that I will think about my entire life - it was about gender, sexuality, my friends, myself, my family. Once you have an experience that satisfying, that's what you want to put your whole life towards. When 9-11 happened and I saw the towers fall - I had been living there 13 years - and my country went to war, I knew I needed to make a movie about the soldiers: who they were, why they were signing up, what their experience in combat was and upon coming home. Not long after that, my baby brother signed up so we were a military family. We had a gandfather fight in WWII and we were deep in it. I can't think of anything that I would be prouder to have made in these last couple of years. I was just so excited to be able to talk to the real soldiers. I love to do things that I both have a sense of, but that I come to understand better and I now understand our soldiers and the experiences they've had fighting, what comraderie means to them and what it means for them to come home and I want everybody to understand that. It's the most important issue I see facing our country."

Q. How do you think the movie will be received?
A. "I've been to 22 cities in America and people are loving the movie and I think the reason is, look at the cast: it's all young guys who are totally reflective of real soldiers - they studied with real Iraq vets, they studied with Marines - they're just a young group of good looking charismatic guys. They're a lot like the American soldiers that I interviewed."

Q. How was it working with Ryan Phillippe?
A. "Ryan was fantastic. He came in, he had that gorgeous deep voice, he's got that cleft chin. He's just that all-American boy. In addition to being good looking, he;s also just incredibly mature and incredibly sensitive. He's a great father and I think he brings that into the role because he's the brother of the guys but he's also really the father of the guys. That's really what the movie's about - the comraderie between soldiers when they're over there in combat. All that matters is keeping alive the soldier to your left, the soldier to your right and bringing them home."

I've enjoyed the trailers for "Nim's Island," the new children's adventure fantasy that stars Jodie Foster and Abigail Breslin. Jodie looks completely at ease doing the comedy in this film which came as no surprise to me since she was so good in "Maverick" all those years ago.

But according to an interview with an Australian newspaper, the two-time Oscar winner had to fight for the part.

"I read the script and said, 'I really want to make this movie' and they said, 'hmm, I don't think so'," she said.
"I'm not a known comedy actress, (so) they didn't want me in it."

Jodie finally won the part of Alexandra Rover, a highly-strung, agoraphobic author who is forced out of her comfort zone to tend to a young fan in trouble. Jodie said the was delighted to be a part of a movie with a simple message, which didn't involve high-tech gadgetry or full-blown computer animation.

"It harks back to a time when heroism was actually doing something with your hands," she said. "Kids have lost this idea that if you do something with your hands and you try hard over and over again (then) maybe you'll be good enough and that will bring you success. It is kind of nostalgic and I miss that in kids' entertainment."

Jodie talked about how she copes with fame and unwanted tabloid attention: "You do a job from, say, seven in the morning to eight or nine that evening and when you end that day, you go back to your life. Your social life is not your professional life. They're very separate things, they should be separate things."

Sean Faris admits that when it came time to attend the premiere of his film "Never Back Down" a few weeks back, he was a nervous wreck.

"Very anxious," he told me last week. "I had not seen the film before the premiere so I did not know fully what to expect. So it was just a matter of just going in there and checking it out and accepting it. But I gotta tell you, I was in grips the entire time watching the film."

In "Never," Sean plays Jake Tyler, a tough new kid in town in a film set in the world of Mixed Matial Arts. After suffering a humiliating beating, He seeks the mentoring of a veteran fighter (Hounsou), to train his mind and body for one final no-holds-barred fight.

"I'm so glad that I had Djimon Hounsou there to play opposite me," said Sean, who turns 25 today. "I watched 'Blood Diamond' and, of course, I'd watched 'Gladiator' years before and 'In America.' I hold Djimon in very high regard. I was nervous the first day of rehearsal and he has such a calm demeanor about him that he immediately puts you at ease and he let me know it was OK and from that day on, we did great things together."

The film generated some positive reviews has been in the top 10 the last two weekends and had grossed $16 million as of Sunday.
"It's the greatest experience I've had so far," Sean said of "Never." "I'm the most fortunate person I know because I get to live my dream."

After doing some modeling, Sean landed a small role in "Pearl Harbor" right out of high school. He went on to co-star in the short-lived television series "Life as we Know It" and "Reunion" before landing a parts in the Dennis Quaid-Renee Russo comedy "Yours, Mine and Ours" and the teen film "Sleepover."

He has now few completed films in the can including the independent film "Forever Strong" which is set for a limited release this fall and another movie called "Brooklyn Manhattan" which does not have a release date.
Sean is also producing the film "The Glass Eye" which he will also star in.

"I don't consider myself a movie star," he said. "I'm just an actor doing the best I can."

I'm really glad to be writing an item about George Michael that doesn't involve an arrest! The singer, who sang "Faith" during the series premiere of the ABC series "Eli Stone," returns to the show in a guest spot. Entertainment Weekly gabbed with him about it and here are a few excerpts"

EW: How did you first get involved with Eli Stone?
MICHAEL: Apparently, when this was originally presented to [my agents], they said that I wouldn't be interested. Which is strange, because when it was offered to me, I thought, ''Yeah, that's gonna be fun.''

Q. You were okay with being portrayed as a star of the '80s?
A.It's very flattering. The fact that I've not been present in America for so long makes me a novel choice. I'm cool with it because I only have to deal with it in America. I'm not a novelty act from the '80s in most parts of the world. And it's a very charming show. It's genuinely funny and genuinely sad.

Q. And you're actually going to act in the next episode. What was that like?
A. The first day was a bit of a nightmare, because I did say to the director, ''Do me a favor. On my first day, please don't try to ease me in with three- or four-word lines.'' And sure enough, the first day, my first sentence was like three words long [laughs]. I could feel there was genuine panic going on among [the crew] because people were thinking, ''Oh no! He's not going to be able to do it!'' And then the second day, the minute they gave me a monologue, I was comfortable.

Q. Do you think you'll do this again?
A. I really have no plans for any kind of career in TV or anything, but if I wanted to become good at it, I could. But I don't really think it's in the cards.

Q. But you had a good time doing it?
A. Yeah, it was great. And it was really flattering that they had enough confidence in me to write an episode for me actually acting. So many people in my position have done it so badly!

Younger readers might not know who Christopher Atkins is but I know plenty of you do! TMZ.com posted these ten-and-now pics today and it brought back all the memories of Christopher in "The Blue Lagoon" opposite Brooke Shields. He also starred in "The Pirate Movie" opposite another 70s-80s teen star, Kristy McNichol.
But liked him best when he lost the perm and was on "Dallas" and had a steamy affair with Sue Ellen Ewing (Linda Gray). Then there was THE defining role of a male stripper in "A Night of Heaven" opposite Lesley Anne Warren.

When I met Lance Gross at a recent event, I wondered how he felt about all the attention that would come along with starring in "Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns," which opened this weekend in theaters.

He had a two-word answer: "I'm ready!"

In "Browns," Gross plays the son of Angela Bassett's character, a single mom who takes her family to Georgia for the funeral of her father - a man she had never met.

"Angela Bassett is my mother!" Gross said, as if still trying to believe it himself. "It was a dream come true. I've always looked up to Angela Bassett and wow! I want to work with her again. That's how good she is."

He describes his character of Michael as "a kid who's desperate to become a man and take care of his family. My mother is a single parent, and I have little sisters, so I'm a good guy. I want to take care of my family."

Gross, who is 26, is having a breakthrough year. He won an NAACP Image Award last month for his performances as Calvin in the TBS series "Tyler Perry's House of Payne."

"I (was) shocked and excited to be nominated," Gross said. "Tyler Perry is such a wonderful guy and director and friend. He made history with ("Payne"); we've finished 100 episodes. TBS actually bought 100 episodes, so we're already ready for syndication. It's great to be a part of history."

On the show, Calvin always seems to be finding a way to wash his clothes and eat at his parents' house for free. He changes his college schedule so often that his parents wonder whether he ever goes to class. He also works with his father, reluctantly, as a volunteer firefighter. "House of Payne" also won the NAACP award for outstanding comedy series, which made Gross and the rest of the cast very proud.

"We're being honored for our portrayal in the media," he said. "In this day and time, you've got so many kids looking up to what they see on TV, and I'm proud to be a part of that and just being a positive image on television."

Tyler Perry discovered Gross - who grew up in Las Vegas and graduated with a degree in film production from Howard University - in a post-college acting class and cast him in "Payne." Lance has also starred in several music videos, including Tyra Bolling's "Get No Ooh Wee" and Mary J. Blige's "Take Me As I Am."

I just love all the suspense. TV Guide's Michael Ausiello has broken the news that when "Gossip Girl" returns to the air next month, one of the characters will be revealed to be gay. Michael writes:

I'm hearing from an extremely reliable source that a male character on Gossip Girl will be revealed to be of the gay persuasion when the show returns on April 21. Who? Can't say. Won't say. It's too good a surprise. I will, however, offer five tantalizing clues.

• This person may or may not be pictured above.
• The revelation significantly impacts the lives of at least three people.
• The aftershocks will be felt on both sides of the East River.
• Some viewers will be surprised by the twist, others not so much.
• In the Gossip Girl novels, Dan was known to be a bit of a switch-hitter -- which isn't so much a clue as it is a fact. A misleading fact? Perhaps. Perhaps not.

Greg's verdict: It's gonna be the little brother of Serena van der Woodsen (Blake Lively). While it would be lovely if Chace Crawford or Penn Badgley were the one (I don't care about the other dude), all are very heterosexual up to now. Badgley's character of Dan is gay in the books on which the series is based but he is just way too in love with Serena to be gay on the show.

But Eric van der Woodsen (Connor Paolo) survived a suicide attempt and could easily be gay. We'd like to think that teens today had it easier than when we were kids and wouldn't have such hopeless feelings. But, obviously, it' a case-by-case basis with so many different factors coming into play. I just hope the little brother comes out as proud and gets a hot boyfriend in a future episode!

Novak Djokovic beat Mardy Fish in the final of the Pacific Life Open on Sunday in three tough sets and after meeting at the net, the two look like they are ready to share a snog! OK, it's my own little fantasy but for some reason, most photos of Novak seem homoerotic to me...

There could be a lot worse things that looking a lot like and sharing a first name with Brad Pitt.

That has been the unique experience of the handsome Brad Rowe, a busy actor with a lead role in "Shelter," a gay love story set in a surfing community that opens in limited release on Friday.

"It's definitely been something that's referenced a lot," Brad told me last week. "I wouldn't venture to guess whehter it's hurt or hindered me. It's been something people have latched onto but I think it's waned as I've gotten a little older. Physically, I have changed and he has changed. But anytime people have a little hook to think about, it can never be a bad thing."

Brad, 37, got his first big break 10 years ago in another gay-themed indie film: "Billy's Hollywood Screen Kiss" opposite a pre-"Will & Grace" Sean Hayes. In between has been roles in major feature films ("National Treasure: Book of Secrets"), television series ("Leap of Faith," "1-800-MISSING" ""Wasteland") and scores of TV movies and parts in lower-budget films.

In "Shelter," Brad has, in my opinion, one of the best roles of his career. He plays a Hollywood screenwriter who returns from Los Angeles after a break-up and begins surfing with his younger brother's best friend Trevor Wright.

The two men begin an unexpected romance and embark on an emotional and sometimes exhilarating journey that involves family, artistic dreams and choices.Brad is so good in "Shelter" - winner of the audience award at several film festivals in 2007 - that I found it astonishing that he was brought on board just a week before the movie was due to begin production.

"I didn't have a whole lot of time to mull it over," he said. "I read the script and instantly fell in love with it. I just wanted to make sure it wasn't going to be some beefcake surf film, you never know. I met with (director Jonah Markowitz) and he had a specific vision...Jonah was remarkable. He gave everyone a lot of leeway to bring their own thing. He had a pretty amazing maturity for a first-time feature director. When you go in to doing a project like this, someone who has written it is so invested. But Jonah said, 'This is by all means not my story.'"

So how were two straight actors able to pull of the love scenes in the movie which was shot in just three weeks?

"When you get to the love scene, the physical part on the stairs and on the bed, it's very intense but it was really fun," Brad said. "We had a great time with it. Trevor and I committed to it as actors, the producers committed to making it a safe place with a closed set, and Jonah gave us the freedom to figure it out. He said, 'You guys make it happen in the way that you make it happen' then just sort of let us have at it."

Brad and Trevor's off-screen bond helped the performances: "It's always a crap shoot when you put two actors together who don't know each other. Trevor is a really open, fun goofy person from Southern California and definitely fit that surfer skater punk kid vibe. We just had a great time. We had a light-hearted fun time hanging out and being friends outside of work. It was totally easy and totally fun and I think that does translate onto the screen."

Here is a clip:

Married to Lisa Fiori since 1999, Brad got a bit of a late start in Hollywood because he had an earlier career as a finance manager for political campaigns in Washington, D.C. He's made up for lost time though. In the past year alone, Brad has guested on some of the most popular series on television including "CSI: NY," "How I Met Your Mother," "Ghost Whisperer" and "CSI: Miami."

While those gigs pay the bills, he is trying to be more than an actor for hire and taking a shot at producing, co-writing and acting in the upcoming screwball comedy "For Better or for Worse" that is set to begin shooting in June.

"It's in the vein of 'The Anniversay Party' and 'The Big Chill' - a weekend event film that all takes place in one house," he said. "Rather than being a funeral or a birthday party, the central event of the weekend is a gay wedding."

Here is a another trailer from "Shelter" ....

SHOCKER: Roger Federer, the invincible number one tennis player for four solid years, lost to the most improbable of opponents at the Pacific Life Open on Saturday: a guy named Mardy Fish who is ranked number 98 in the world. Mardy has been ranked as high as 17th in the past but has more often than not failed to live up to early promise. His most prestigious achievement was winning the silver medal at the 2004 Olympic Games.

But Mardy has come out of nowhere this week upsetting higher-ranked Lleyton Hewitt and David Nalbanian before taking down Federer 6-3, 6-2.
The Federer loss is the Swiss star's third this season and leaves him without a title in 2008. It's also the most puzzling. A semifinal loss to Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open is acceptable and even a loss to 11th-ranked Andy Murray a few weeks back. Murray had beaten Federer in 2006.

Speaking of Novak (pictured, right), he easily brushed aside second-ranked Rafael Nadal 6-3, 6-2 in the other semifinal. The Serbian has gotta be heavily favored to beat Fish in the final tomorrow. He's getting ready to rule the tennis world as Federer begins to lose his grip.

Haven't they ever seen an adorably cute TV star at LAX before? Sheesh! OK, if Chace Crawford walked by me at the airport - or anywhere else - I'd probably stare a little bit too!

The world's second-ranked tennis player reminds me of Popeye in this picture. He's gonna need plenty of spinach this afternoon as he takes on Australian Open winner Novak Djokovic in the semifinals of the Pacific Life Open.

I wonder what Olive Oyle would think of Rafa's big guns?

The greatest creative talent in American musical theater turns 78 years young today. This seven-time Tony winner is responsible for virtually all my favorite Broadway shows.

His most famous scores include (as composer/lyricist) "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum," "Company," "Follies," "A Little Night Music," "Sweeney Todd," "Sunday in the Park with George," "Into the Woods," and "Assassins," as well as, get this, the lyrics for "West Side Story" and "Gypsy."

Jared Leto was a little out of breath when he got on the phone to talk to me this week about his movie "Chapter 27" which opens in limited release on Friday.

I asked him if he has just gotten back from a workout. After all, he gained 67 pounds to play John Lennon's killer Mark David Chapman in the movie.

"No, I'm leaving for Africa in a couple of hours," he said as he settled in for a chat.

Why Africa?

His band, 30 Seconds to Mars, is playing shows in Capetown and Johanesburg and it will be his first trip to the continent since making 2005's "Lord of War." But he wanted to take some time to talk thoughtfully about "Chapter 27," a movie that required more of 36-yewar-old Jared than any previous role.

"What was interesting is it changed everything about who I was physically," he said of the weight gain. "It changed the way I walked, the way I talked and even changed the way I laughed. It was essential to discover a different side of myself.

Now back to his trim self, Jared said he would never do something like that again to his body. He had lost nearly 30 pounds several years earlier to play a drug addict in "Requiem for a Dream."
When I was making ("Chapter 27"), I eventually had to go to the doctor. I was getting very, very ill. They wanted to put me on Lipitor and wanted to check me into the hospital. I felt like I was not in a great place...It was a very painful thing to do. Toward the end of shooting, I could barely walk without being in severe, severe, pain."
"
While the dramatic weight gain as the most obvious part of his preparation for the role, there was also a lot of internal process involved and that gave the actor pause going in.

"I was really trepidatious about taking on this part for obvious reasons," he said. "Ultimately, I felt it was important to examine the failure of humanity, of the indivudual and to not only explore the successes like we do...but to look into what's difficult and what's painful and out of the ordinary and what's tragic."
"This is a film about madness and obsession, about the darkest side of a person. I would hope when someone watches a film like this, that it provokes questions."

"Chapter 27" focuses on Chapman's activities during the three fateful days before the shooting and the people he encountered. Among them is a young fan played by Lindsay Lohan who made the film before her scrapes with the law last year and rehab stays.

"She was excited to do something drastically different than she had ever done before." Jared said. "We thought it brave of her to take a chance and play a supporting part in a film that was so different."

I watched the movie the night before Jared and I spoke and I told him how eerie it was to see that the movie was filmed in front of The Dakota, the famous New York City apartment building where Lennon lived and where Chapman shot him.

"I didnt like it to be honest," Jared admitted. "It's not something that you look forward to doing. The unfortunate thing is it's such a landmark, it's like The White House, it's a character, a face of New York City. The filmmakers felt it important enough to have to do that. This is a very, very low-budget, experimental film, not a traditonal Hollywood melodrama."

Jared plans to continue with his acting and music careers whichm he admitted, sometimes conflict with each other like when he had to turned down a role in the Clint Eastwood-directed "Flags of Our Fathers."

"I'm not an actor dreaming of singing on stage or in a band wishing I was a movie star," he said. "I love making films with a passion - I have a great amount of love and passion. Making music and touring the world is a tremendous gift. I am one of the luckiest persons on the planet to be able to do both."

Here is the "Chapter 27" trailer:

BONUS ONLINE MATERIAL:
More on the weight gain:"It's a fine line that you ride, it's not a game, it is very serious. It's a precarious balance. It was a very painful thing to do. Toward the end of shooting, I could barely walk without being in severe, severe, pain."

Reaction to his appearance: "It was fascinating to see how I was treated differently. I came back to L.A. and even people that I knew didn't recognize me, people I had known for years and years."

On 'Chapter 27's message: "It's nearly impossible in and hour-and-half film that's claustrophobic and specific to give answers. But it made all of us look at ourselves and provoke a conversation."

On accepting the role of Chapman: "I thought that it would challenge me in many different ways. I knew that the process would be a very diffcult one inside and out and immediately, when I read the script, I realized what would be required of me and I set certain goals for myself. I certainly wasn't thinking about (box office) results. The process, that's where it starts and stops for me."

Jared was 9-years-old when Lennon was killed: "I remember seeing the newspaper and I remember it being a very impactful moment for people. I remember my mother crying."

On having to say no to Eastwood: "That's a dream come true when Clint Eastwood asks you to be in his film )"Flags of Our Fathers"). I was devastated that I couldn't be a part of the film. But I had commitements, a record I had worked on for a couple of years was coming out. It was a very, very important time. It was a make or break time. It was one of those decisions that you make where you can see two paths and I think I made the right decision for myself. I'd love to work with Clint Eastwood in the future, he's one of my heroes."

Elizabeth Taylor Hilton Wilding Todd Fisher Burton Burton Warner Fortensky and I usually don't hang out at the same places.

But on Thursday, the 76-year-old legend dined at The Abbey in West Hollywood - one of my regular haunts. The paprazzi caught up with the actress-activist on her way out and she graciously gave a wave.

While everyone talks about Britney Spears getting mobbed by the photogs, it really was Miss Taylor and husband number five (and six) Richard Burton who were the first real targets of overzealous photogs. They began a scandalous affair on the set of "Cleopatra" in the early 60s and for the next 15 years or so, were the money shot.

First off, could Anderson Cooper be any hotter in that black T-shirt?

Anderson, the CNN anchor who gets to moonlight as a "60 Minutes" correspondent, has a piece on Out In Hollywood fave David Beckham of the LA Galaxy on Sunday's edition of the long-running newsmagazine. Below is a clip from the piece that has Anderson asking Becks about his 15 tatoos:

Anderson even gives a shot at blocking a goal (below), something I just can't imagine Morley Safer, Steve Kroft, Lesley Stahl or Andy Rooney doing. Mike Wallace maybe, but none of the others!

The one, the only Rosie O'Donnell turns 46 today.

After she left "The View" last year, we wondered what Rosie would do, how she would make herself heard. Well, that has not been a problem with her Rosie.com blog which is honest and open and hard-hitting. Rosie also published her book "Celebrity Detox," is preparing for her second "True Colors" tour with Cyndi Lauper and company, and has her ocean cruise business for LGBT families.

Whatever Rosie does, we wish her the best because she is a courageous woman - absolutely one of a kind.

I checked out back-to-back episodes of the new ABC comedy "Miss Guided" last night and enjoyed it. I hope this sticks around. It stars Judy Greer as a former high school nerd who returns to her alma mater as a guidance counselor. Some of her old issues remain which make her all the more endearing. Greer's character of Becky has a crush on the same character that I do - who woulda thunk? He the hot mechanic-turned-Spanish teacher Tim played by the hot Kristoffer Polaha.

Feeding Becky's insecurities is the presence of the newly hired English teacher who was her high school nemesis - the former head cheerleader Lisa Germain (Brooke Burns). Lisa also has the hots for our boyfriend Tim but so far, he is too smart to fall for this vapid beeeyotch.

Ashton Kutcher produces the show and he was the guest star in one of the episodes. Damn he's cute. But the show doesn't really need him - it's already got an amusing cast of characters.

I haven't yet sampled "The Bachelor" this season and don't know if I willl. I'm kinda over it. But I'm not over enjoying photos of Andy Baldwin, the bachelor from a few seasons back. Angy was snapped in Hawaii, where he lives - washing his truck's windows and filling up his tank (why does that sound so suggestive?)

For the first 11 minutes of last night's season finale of "Lipstick Jungle," the character of Kirby (Robert Buckley) didn't have a shirt on. No wonder I love this show! Well, that's one of the reasons. The truth is, I love the three leads - Brooke Shields, Kim Raver and Lindsay Price - and their glamorous lives as a movie studio head, magazine editor and fashion designer, respectively.

Sadly, Nico's (Raver) steamy affair with Kirby hit a snag when her boring hubby had a heart attack and now she's freaked. I loved tonight's subplot which had Wendy (Shields) trying to get a reclusive old-school screenwriter to finish her script so they can begin a tight production schedule. The awesome thing about this was having the screenwriter played by the glorious Marsha Mason who I haven't seen much of since she did a buncha episodes of "Frasier" several years back as Martin's (John Mahoney) boisterous fiance who Frasier and Niles did not much like.

Marsha was a major movie star in the 70s and 80s - nominated for four Academy Awards - starring in such films as "The Goodbye Girl," "Only When I Laugh," "Cinderella Liberty," "Chapter Two" and "Max Dugan Returns."

It was great to see her again...

Tennis champ Novak Djokovic reminds me more of Gumby than Beckham actually with the way he can bend his body to get to every and any shot. Here he is in action at the Pacific Life Open Thursday. He won his match and is now in the semifinals of the prestigious tournament.

I can't post my interview with Brad Rowe about his flick "Shelter" until Sunday because it is tied to publication of my newspaper column. But I figured I'd share with you some of what he told me about being in his breakthrough film "Billy's Hollywood Screen Kiss" with Sean Hays a decade ago.

Plus, by highlighting this material early, it gives me a great excuse to run a buncha pictures from the movie!

Comparing the gay roles in "Shelter" and "Billy's," Brad says: "In "Billy," I was the pursued and now I as in the role of the comfortable out-of-the-closet guy pursuing the young cute guy,. it was a reversal of roes creatively."

Comparing the drama "Shelter" to the comedy in "Billy's" "The difference is, in sort of the colorful, comical farce that 'Billy's' was. You have a detatchment to the emotional side of it. Sean is trying to find love but there's a funny side to it. On this, even though there were some light moments, it's a much more dramatic piece."

On working on and promoting a gay indie film again: "It was totally easy and totally fun and I think that does translate onto the screen. With 'Billy's," I had the chance to be around some of the alternative press and promote a film like this and be in a situation that ("Shelter" co-star) Trevor Wright (w/Rowe, right) had never been in. I had a sort of mentoring role for him, almost a built-in relaitonship . My character helping him come out of the closet and in a real way, helping him in the process of doing his first gay-themed film."

I skipped the HRC dinner this year, wasn't really feeling it for some reason. But one part of last Saturday's gala that seems quite touching is the speech made by "Brokeback Mountain" and "The Devil Wears Prada" star Anne Hathaway who talked about being the younger sister of a gay man: "In my household, being gay was, and is, no big deal. When my brother came out, we hugged him, said we loved him, and that was that."

My friend, Karen Ocamb, was not too impressed with the event and writes about it on The Bilerico Project. I have a lot of respect for Karen and consider her to be the best at covering politics related to the LGBT community. Here are a few snippets:

I was completely flummoxed by the Human Rights Campaign's gala in Los Angeles last Saturday - lots of tuxes and spots of inspiration but no real take-away message, except something about The Big Picture.

This is a critical election year but no one waltzed out jazzed about who's doing what to win the presidency or congressional races. And the critical effort to stop an antigay marriage constitutional amendment from making the California ballot this November only got a fleeting mention.

...Even the honorees - local heroes - didn't seem to know why they were being honored. Sweet Anne Hathaway said as much in her remarks, noting that being gay in her family was no big deal. And the others did not seem to have any direct connection to HRC or actually anything overtly political.

Amanda Overmyer doesn't know if her stint of "American Idol" will mark the beginning of her career as a "rocker chick" or merely be her 15 minutes of fame.

But you get the feeling that no matter how things go, she'll be just fine.

"I'm a very ambitious and driven person by nature and I'm going I'm going t o take a calculated risk to achieve success," she told me Thursday - the day after she was eliminated from the singing competition. "But everyone's definition of success varies from person to person. Success to me is a strong, healthy family and success in whatever job that you do. If this is just 15 minutes of fame, I'm not going to chase it my whole life trying to get it back."

Amanda's rocker version of The Beatles' "Back in the U.S.S.R." was panned by judge Simon Cowell and resulted in her getting the lowest number of votes among the remaining 11 finalists.

"I was kinda surprised," she admitted. "It really is such a crapshoot."

I wondered if the Indiana resident if she had any second thoughts about her song selection.

"I don't think the song choice had anything to do with it," she said. "You'll never hear me pissing and whining...I definitely had hopes for position six or seven but it is what it is."

In the end, the 23-year-old was determined to be true to herself.

"When I was done singing, I was done singing," she said. "When those judges would give their comments, I wanted to be respectful, but those comments weren't going to sway me one way or another. The comments from the judges are based more on the idea of trying to win and I had a different agenda."

Amanda believes that her edgy rock and roll style probably didn't appeal to the younger viewers but she is still grateful for the level of support she got.

"Yesterday wasn't the most traumatic thing that's ever happened in my life," she said. "I just got voted off a TV show."

You really gotta watch "As the World Turns" these days with a sense of humor otherwise this while Noah marries Ameera so she can satay in the country storyline will drive ya bonkers! When Ameera is spotted on campus with Casey, Noah fumes because he fears she's gonna blow the cover off their sham marriage because apparently the Dept of Homeland Security has nothing better to do than spy on them 24-7. "You need to act like a married woman!" Noah says to his blushing bride. "You can't got out on a date in public!"

An exasperated Noah later says to Luke: "This is getting so much more complicated than I thought it was gonna be. We've been married what? A Week?"

Tee-Hee. Here are the scenes from yesterday's show:

The conversation is good, but the real highlight is the dancing...

Enjoy!

He's such a kidder. Anderson knows full well that we are all concerned about whatever happens to his pretty face so he made a post to his CNN blog the other day explaining why he returned from a few days off with stitches under his eye:

On a personal note, I've been off for the last couple of days. I had minor surgery on Monday. A small spot of skin cancer was removed from under my left eye. I hadn't planned on mentioning this, but I still have stitches and you'll no doubt notice them tonight. Don't want you to think I got into a fist fight with Charlie Rose.

I thought it was gonna be a snooze of a results show. OK, I'm game. Let's go through all the fake drama, the stupid viewer phone calls (must. stop. those. now.), the lameness of Ryan Seacrest who just had to remark how much Kellie Pickler had GROWN when he introduced her to sing. Yes Ryan, we can tell, she had a BOOB job. Oh boy! She sang terrifically and deserved better than that adolescent behavior on the part of the show's host.

Anywho, I'm figuring Kristy Lee Cook is a goner - she's going home. How many weeks can you spend in the bottom three before it ends? Also in the bottom three - a real head-scratcher - was the surpremely talented Carly Smithson. But you kinda knew she'd be safe and onto the top 10.

So when Ryan announced it was Amanda who was out, there was geniune shock. Kristy was ready to sing that final time but instead it was Amanda who struggled through "Back in the USSR" a song I'm sure she will hate forever now. She sang it fine but maybe people got turned off when she gave the judges a little lip but it could have, again, been the curse of having to perform first. Or maybe it was the two-toned hair, I dunno.

I'll be part of the conference call tomorrow morning and will try and get some questions in to Amanda and share 'em with you by the afternoon.

If your name is Andy at the Pacific Life Open this week, you didn't wanna see Tommy Haas across the net from ya.

The German with the movie star looks took down Andy Roddick earlier this week then on Wednesday, eliminated Britain's Andy Murray, a player who beat Roger Federer a few weeks ago. I'm happy for Tommy who always seems to be getting injured which is quite curious since he has such a strong-looking body (I'm serious!) I've watched him practice and play many times and he's quite a physical specimen I must say.

Good luck next round Tommy. I won't be there to see it. My trip to the tourney is once again off due to scheduling difficulties...

A gay wedding is the setting for an independent screwball comedy called "For Better or for Worse" that is set to begin shooting in June with a terrific cast that so far includes Chad Allen, Janeane Garofalo, Rebecca Gayheart, Soleil Moon Frye, Patrick Muldoon and Brad Rowe who is also writing and producing.

I'm always happy to see Chad Allen cast in a project because he is always good and I want out actors like him to enjoy as much success as possible. As for Patrick Muldoon, sheesh, I've had a crush on him since before he did "Melrose Place." Those blue eyes are to die for.

I talked to Brad last week about the movie (our interivew will be posted on Sunday) and he is really excited about the project which will be directed by Joshua Tunick: "It's in the vein of 'The Anniversay Party,' 'The Big Chill' - a weekend event film that all takes place in one house," he said. "Rather than being a funeral or a birthday party, the central event of the weekend is a gay wedding."

Frye, best-known as television's "Punky Brewster," will play the lesbian minister presiding over the ceremony at the home of one groom's mother (Ruta Lee). The guests include the jilted ex of one of the grooms and his new beau (Muldoon and Allen), a closeted neighbor (Stanley Kamel), a wallflower sister (Gayheart), a family-man brother (Rowe) and his nanny (Garofalo), who has a bombshell to drop.

There is still a key role to be cast - one of the grooms - but Brad's lips were sealed on who it might be.

This item makes me wish Ellen DeGeneres could just take over the hosting of "American Idol" over an increasingly lame Ryan Seacrest who, too many times this season, is painful to watch. Especially that weird dynamic with Simon.

Anyway, Ellen and Ryan will co-host of "Idol Gives Back," the fundraiser which airs April 9 on FOX.

"Everyone knows it's better to give than to receive," DeGeneres said in a statement about the gig. "That's why I want to give you some advice. You get the advice and I get the joy of giving -- it's a win-win. Here it is: Give yourself a treat and watch 'Idol Gives Back.' Again, you get the joy of giving and an amazing line-up of artists get to give us an incredible show. Last year, we were able to give away over $76 million. You give, you get. Get it?"

Money raised by the special will be donated to the Children's Defense Fund, The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, Make It Right, Malaria No More and Save The Children.

Monica Seles showed on Tuesday night's "Dancing With the Stars" that she's a far better tennis player than she is a dancer.

But one thing Monica has in spades is courage and heart. On Wednesday, the former top-ranked female player in the world announced that she is working on a memoir.

Monica officially retired from the sport this year but has not played for several years due to a bad foot. She had won three French Opens titles in a row, three Australian Opens and two U.S. Opens by the age of 19 when a madman stabbed her in the back with a knife during a match in Germany.

It took Monica more than two years to recover physically and emotionally and she returned to win many more titles. In a statement, she said that in her book, she wants "to share how I found balance, strength and happiness in my life after a rollercoaster ride of exhilarating accomplishment and sometimes overwhelming tragedy."

Whatever happens on "Dancing," this woman is a winner.

...Glenn Close, an amazingly youthful 61 years old today! The Emmy winner and three-time Tony Award recipient has poven her talent in stage ("Sunset Boulevard"), on television ("Damages," "The Shield") and in a series of feature films that have earned her five Oscar nominations ("Fatal Attraction," "101 Dalmations," "The Big Chill")

But we love her even more for her many queer-related projects like her Emmy-winning role as a lesbian forced out of the military on "Serving in Silence: The Margarethe Cammermeyer Story," her oh-so moving performance as the mother of a gay son with AIDS in the Christopher Reeve-directed "In the Gloaming" (remember when she asked her son if he'd known love?), her hilarious guest spot as a bisexual photographer on an episode of "Will & Grace."

Then there are so many of my other Glenn faves like "The Lion in Winter," "The Paper" (best line to Michael Keatron: You are so f****n fired!), and a very uinderated performance in the flop remake of "Stepford Wives.") She was absolutely insane in that flick...rent it and see.

I interviewed Glenn for a magazine piece a few years back when she took on the role on "The Shield." She had missed my call at the appointed hour and finally got back to me sometime later. She apologized then said, "Do you want to call me back?"

I repliied: "No, I'm good. We can talk now."

Glenn: "Well, shouldn't this be on your dime?"

Wow! Tardy AND frugal.

That's probably not a very nice story to share on the woman's birthday but heck, the first three graphs are so full of suck-up I just had to balance it out!

What I get from watching this interview is that if you are as goodlooking and buff as Robert Buckley, good things happen for you.

Duh.

This is a visit he had on an LA entertainment show when he was doing all those MyTV soap operas like "Fashion House." The season finale of "Lipstick Jungle" is tomorrow night b ut I reserve the right to post one more picture of Robert (shirtless, of course) just to remind you!
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Now we know why Eric Winter sought out another series!

This spoiler comes from the terrific Televisionista site: Kevin Walker (Matthew Rhys) and Scotty Wandel (Luke MacFarlane) are not only still on when original episodes of "Brothers & Sisters" resume next month, but they may take their relationship to the next level.

In the April 27 episode titled "Double Negative" (the second of four all-new post-strike episodes), Scotty is experiencing financial problems (what else is new?).Kevin suggests creating domestic partnership which would, according to California law, allow Scotty to get insurance coverage and other benefits from Kevin's firm.

Scotty may be broke but he's apparently not too excited about the idea, and Kevin is clueless as to why.

Stay tuned!!!

Andy may have crashed out early at the Pacific Life Open but how many of his fellow players on the ATP tour get their own calendar? I picked this shot from several posted on Kennethinthe212. I didn't even know Andy had a calendar but Kenneth doesn't miss a thing when it comes to hunky tennis players - or hunky men in general!

The CBS sitcom "How I Met Your Mother," co-starring the fabulous Emmy-nominated Neil Patrick Harris, enjoyed a 22 percent ratings spike this week even though it aired directly against the season premiere of ABC's "Dancing With the Stars."

There seems to be only one explanation: the show has Britney Spears guesting on a future episode which was filmed last week. All the attention is free publicity for a wonderful show that I have enjoyed since its first season.

This just goes to show what good things Britney can bring to the world when she's productive and being properly taken care of as she seems to be for the past month or so. Let's hope we see her doing more things like this guest spot and no more of that wandering around aimlessly around LA with the paparazzi pack in tow.

I stopped gazing at Channing Tatum long enough at the premiere of "Stop-Loss" the other night to do a quick interview with this unbelievably handsome star who also has some very impressive acting chops to go along with the matinee idol looks.
On why he took the role: "It really started out bing kind of a selfish reason. I really just wanted tp play a soldier, it was a boyhood fascination with war and soldiery. I heard Kim (Peirce) was doing a film and I was like, 'I want on,' And then I read the script and it kinda blew my mind. I've never been a really political, current events kinda guy and then I read it, and, I don't know, it's changed my life for sure."

On working with Ryan Phillippe: "Ryan was like a big brother to everybody. It helps that he's a little bit older and he's got kids, he got responsibilities - a lot more than most of us do. I'm not even married (laughs) so it's totally different worlds, he's lived a different life than I have. So he took care of everybody. He;s been doing this longer than a lot of us. He had like no time off at all but the time that he was off he wanted to come in and see how everything went, make sure everything went OK and make sure that I was feeling OK about what I was doing. He just kinda held my hand through it."

Is he looking for more serious roles now? "Definitely. But oddly enough I'm going to do 'G.I. Joe' which is a little light and crazy. But after that, yeah, I do want to do more serious roles. But you've got to keep it different."

The photo above has nothing to do with the following item, I just thought it was kinda hot!

So last week, Towleroad.com's Andy Towle posted about Britney Spears' imminent guest appearance on "How I Met Your Mother." Soon thereafter a wide variety of reports began circulating about Spears' time on the set, some of which were, according to Neil Patrick Harris, a bit misleading. NPH released a statement to Towleroad this afternoon in an effort to clear up any confusion about remarks he was heard to have made about the pop star:

Said Harris: "In response to the recent weekly rag item regarding Britney Spears appearing on our show, I want to offer a little clarification, and to avoid any further drama, I thought I should act quickly. First, I honestly respect the fact that she is re-establishing herself in the industry and we are proud that she was able to be part of our show. Secondly, I would never refer to her as a 'nightmare' as she was extremely professional, punctual and pleasant during her time on set. I did say that her life has been somewhat 'nightmarish,' but only in reference to being hounded by the media and paparazzi around the clock. If there was a negative, I suppose it was the scrutiny. Everyone was on guard, concerned for Britney's well-being. We were conscious of camera phones, wary of strangers. Her world may be hectic, so we wanted her to feel comfortable in ours. Truly. No spin. She did her job, and did it well."
That clears it up for me!

I'm heading out to the Pacific Life Open on Thursday so hopefully will get to see a Roger Federer match. Earlier today, he emphatically showed that he is back after a few lackluster months during which he was slowed by a case on mono. This started talk that he was slipping.

Ha!

The top-seeded Swiss swept past unseeded Frenchman Nicolas Mahut, 6-1, 6-1, on Tuesday to advance to the quarterfinals of the event - his second consecutive straight-sets victory. He's been the world No. 1 since February 2004 is a 12-time Grand Slam champion and the current holder of the US Open and Wimbledon crowns yet some people want to suggest he's past his prime - at 26!

Get ready for Roger Federer's second act folks!

As the top-billed star in "Stop-Loss," I said to Ryan Phillippe at Monday night's premiere of the movie: "You're the big attraction here." He replied: "No, Channing is. Just Channing."

That would be Channing Tatum, whose presence was causing quite a sitr. But Ryan was still the biggest star in the room and his performance in the movie adds handsomely to his stellar resume of roles that includes parts in "Breach," "Flags of Our Fathers," "Crash," "Gosford Park" and a real favorite of mine, "Igby Goes Down."

I wanted to know where Ryan ranks the role of Sgt. Brandon King, a decorated war hero who triumphantly returns to his small Texas hometown and, against his will, is ordered back to Iraq for another tour of duty. This tests everything he believes in. As he grapples with the situation, the lives of his soldier buddies - wounded physically or psychologically from combat - are falling apart.

"For me, it was one of the most colorful parts I've ever had - the range of emotions and situations this character goes through," Ryan said. "That's why I wanted to do it really....This is the kind of movie that does kind of stay with you and you think about after you see it...That's the kind of thing I like to make."

With the war in Iraq now five years old, what does Ryan think about the movie's timing? "That's what makes it relevant and also the fact that the movie is from the soldier's perspective. There's no political agenda. This is happening right now. It happened last week, it'll happen next week. Also, the younger generation, they haven't seen the films about soldiers coming back from war and this film will be very new to a lot of people."

Sgt. King being stop-lossed when he was supposed to be finished tests everything he believes in. As he grapples with the situation, the lives of his soldier buddies - wounded physically or psychologically from combat - are falling apart. They are played by Tatum, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Victor Rasuk and Rob Brown.

"Ultimately, it's about this brotherhood, this sense of connection - the bond that these guys formed during a time of war when they are in a combat zone and how that lasts," Ryan said.

The cast itself bonded at the beginning of the film when they participated in a boot camp: "We were out in the woods for seven days with no phones, no TV, nothing. We just had all this time to spend getting to know each other. We all stay in touch."

"We had a good time, Austin is a great place to shoot a movie - the food is great and the music and the beer," he added. "It's sort of a serious movie so we would go out and find time on the weekends to have fun but a lot of time on the set we were pretty focused."

Eric Winter, who briefly played one of Kevin Walker's love interests on "Brothers & Sisters" this season and last, has lined up another gig now that Kevin has chosen to be with the character of Scotty (Luke MacFarlane). Without that key relationship, I'd think there would be little left for Eric to do other than be the brother of Rob Lolwe's Sen. MacAllister who is running for president.

According to the new issue of TV Guide, Eric has been tapped for a recurring role on CBS' "Moonlight" which will have its post-strike premiere on April 25. He will be in at least three episodes as Assistant DA Benjamin Talbot, a handsome, self-assured guy who plays by his own rules.

Eric is a very appealing and talented actor and I hope "Moonlight" will fare better than last CBS series "Viva Laughln" which the network yanked last fall after just two airings. Eric told me in an interview last fall that he really enjoyed doing that show which gave him and others the opportunity to sing!

Are we in third grade here?

We know that Jim McGreevey and Dina Matos McGreevey absolutely hate each other and we also know that they wouldn't know how to tell the truth to save their lives. Still, she is the mother of the former NJ Gov's child so I don't see how it serves anybody to have one of his former minions, Teddy Pedersen, put a story out there that they participated in threesomes just to tear down Dina's reputation - she can do a fine enough job of that herself! After Dina denies the allegation, Jim McCreepy releases this statement: to the Associated Press:

In an e-mail to The Associated Press, the first openly gay governor in the U.S. said Monday that published reports by former campaign aide Teddy Pedersen are true.

''This happened, this happened in the past, and now we need to move on with our lives,'' McGreevey, 50, said without being specific.

Yeah McCreepy, get on with your life. If your ex-wife is getting some airtime for talking about the Eliot Spitzer case, don't get all jealous and send someone out to discredit her.

Grow up pal.

Earlier post: Someone stop the McGreevey madness!!!

The 19th annual Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation Media Awards were held in New York last night...but don't worry, you haven't missed them if you live in Los Angeles, San Francisco or Miami. Those ceremonies wilol be held in the coming months. I was so happy to see that the CBS daytime drama "As The World Turns" was honored for its Luke and Noah storyline and both of the wonderful actors Jake Silbermann and Van Hansis were there to accept.

The whole thing about not letting the characters to kiss has become so annoying and distracting though. Without that kind of affection once in awhile in moments when it should obviously happen, the show undermines the storyline and the work of these tremendous young actors. It is insulting, Sorry to go off, but it is difficult to feel completely satisfied with the show getting the honor and I really do want to feel thrilled for the show.

\Other honorees:

- Strand Releasing's Middle East political romance "The Bubble" and Paramount's fantasy "Stardust" (featuring Robert De Niro as a gay pirate) took home outstanding film awards, as did First Run's documentary "For the Bible Tells Me So."

- Judy Shepard won the top Excellence in Media Award for her efforts to stop anti-gay violence after the death of her son Matthew Shepard.

- MTV Networks president Brian Graden took home the Vito Russo Award for his networks' inclusion of gays in programming, and cable network BET J won special recognition for the same.

Other worthy honorees: segments from CBS' "60 Minutes" ("Don't Ask Don't Tell") and ABC's "20/20" ("My Secret Self: A Story of Transgender Children") tied for outstanding TV newsmagazine journalism. The award for outstanding TV journalism news segment went to CNN's "Anderson Cooper 360" for "The First Casualty."

Sorry for the lack of posts so far today, I'm a little slow out of the gate. I guess I just had too much damned fun at the premiere for "Stop-Loss" last night at the DGA Theater in West Hollywood. It was great! The movie stars Ryan Phillippe (I'll post our little chat this afternoon) as well as Channing Tatum and is "Boys Don't Cry" director Kimberly Peirce's first movie in nearly 10 years. Had a really good interview with her which is coming soon.

This movie comes at the perfect time with this being the fifth anniversary of the dreadful Iraq war. Nearly 4,000 US soldiers killed. This movie gives us a close look at what those who survive their tours of duty go through while there and once they get home. Phillippe gives a career performance as does Tatum.

Can I just say that Channing Tatum is basically the best looking man alive? Oh. My. God. You almost just wanna stand there and stare awhile but that's not too cool when you gotta ask him questions about his co-starring role in the new Iraq war drama "Stop-Loss." I only got to ask him 2-3 questions because he was last in the arrivals and they rushing him through. But at the afterparty, he was friendly and relaxed with everyone.

You guessed it, will have his interview later, probably tomorrow.

I had done all my interviews so at the after-party, my main focus was getting something to eat so I grabbed some of the terrific grub that included these tiny meat loaf sandwiches, french fries and onion rings. Ya know, your basic health food. I plopped down at a table, looked up, and there stood Ryan Phillippe and his best pal Breckin Meyer with whom he co-starred in "54" about 10 years ago. I'm a big fan of Breckin's but did not realize how small he is. I could stuff him in my pocket!

Time to mingle. First person I recognize is the wonderful actor Wilson Cruz and a friend and we gab for a few minutes. I forget to mention that I had interviewed his "My So-Called Life" co-star Jared Leto earlier in the day. Then I saw Brad Rowe whose new film "Shelter" opens on March 28. Brad and I had a terrific phone interview last week (I'll post it over the weekend) and it was nice to meet him in the flesh and chat some. His hands had food on them so instead of shaking hands, we bumped elbows hello then again goodbye.

So I did my interviews, saw a terrific movie, had dinner, mingled. On my way out, Ryan Phillippe was being escorted somewhere and I said to him, "Great job Ryan." He stopped for a minute, gave me a little playful shoulder punch and said "Thanks man." I love straight guys with the shoulder punches and the elbow bumps.

It was just that kinda night...I almost felt like a dude.

Rosie O'Donnell is a woman of her word.

After Danny Noriega was voted off of "American Idol" a few weeks back, Rosie immediately invited the teenager to go on her next R Family Vacations cruise. Danny is now on his way to Mexico with Rosie!

"Look who's on the cruise," O'Donnell excitedly announces in a video blog clip, telling Danny "Let me just say, I love you. I love your attitude. I love your spunk. I love your sassy ways. And I love your voice." Answers the eccentric Danny: "I love your guts."

There with his cousin, the former Idol contestant was invited by O'Donnell to sing aboard the boat as part of O'Donnell's R Family Vacations. Danny described Rosie as "such an inspiration to me." Also on the cruise are Ross "the Intern" Mathews from "The Tonight Show and comedian ANT.

Did you catch "Saturday Night Live" over the weekend? If you did, you saw how funny Jonah Hill was from the opening musical number on through. But the sketch that had the most tongues wagging - so to speak - was when he plays Andy Samberg's best friend and is carrying on an affair with Andy's much-older father. It was an absolute riot and the two actors did not hold back during the make out scene. I mean, there was tongue! See for youself!

Hillary Clinton got a nice boost from a high-profile friend on Monday: it was announced that Elton John will perform a special concert on April 9 at New York City's Radio City Music Hall to raise money for Hillary's campaign for the Deomcratic party's presidential nomination. The event is called "Elton and Hillary: One Night Only."

"I'm not a politician but I believe in the work that Hillary Clinton does," Elton said in a statement. "I'm excited to support Hillary by performing at what will be a truly memorable night."

You know I'm not one to name drop, but I've gotta interview Jared Leto in a few minutes so I wanted to just post something real quick to keep the blog flowing with fresh posts. This photo of Hugh Jackman just jumped out at me!

Is there anyone more yucky that former NJ Governor Jim McGreevey and his still-not-official ex-wife Dina Matas McGreevey? I heard Dina blabbering about the Elliot Spitzer scandal on NPR's "Talk of the Nation" last week. We already know that this woman is not very bright but the one thing she CAN talk about is this whole strange thing of the wife of a disgraced politician standing by as her man delivers his political obituary.

Apparently her going on NPR, CNN and doing other interviews portraying herself as the unsuspecting wife (she says she didn't know Jimbo was gay) was just too much for ex-hubby because some dude named Teddy Pederson is claiming that she and the ex-guv were involved in regular three-way sex trysts that they nicknamed "Friday Night Specials."

She denies all of it and says the accusation is based on her husband's jealousy over her being back in the spotlight because of the Spitzer thing. Ya know, I think they're both insane but I believe her on this one. Jim McGreevey is an absolute creep. Anyway, here is her statement given to ABC News "Theodore Pedersen's claims, as reported in the Newark Star Ledger on March 16, are completely false and were prompted by Jim McGreevey. This all has to do with the publicity I have received since Governor Spitzer resigned.

Yesterday, I posted big chunks of John Kraskinsi's interview with "The Advocate" in which he discusses appearing in the 2007 Gregg Araki film "Smiley Face" (above): "I finally realized what the word fabulous meant when I worked with Gregg. He’s so energetic and laughs a whole lot, which makes it a lot easier to do a scene in a shower when you’re incredibly uncomfortable." Voss points out that the film has resulted in screenshots of Krasinski masturbating that have been disseminated over the internet. Says Krasinski: "Yep, that’s when you know you’ve arrived -- and that’s why I did it."

Yes, it's another photo of Chace Crawford! Don't ya just love his hair???

Steve Guttenberg has caught a serious case of dance fever and he's in no rush to find a cure for it.

"Dancing is like heaven on Earth," he said. "Dancing must be what heaven is like. You go to heaven, dance to this beautiful music with a partner you are in unison with and everyone is pulling for you and cheering you on."

So why this sudden love affair with ballroom dancing? Because starting Monday, he's embarking on an even bigger on-screen challenge: He's one of the 12 celebrity contestants on the new season of ABC's "Dancing With The Stars."

"I'm having a great time," Steve told me a few days ago. "It's so much fun. I'll be 50 in August and I didn't really train. ... I just jumped into it and it's just been a ball."

The star of such popular films as the "Police Academy" franchise, "Diner," "Cocoon," "Short Circuit," and "Three Men and a Baby" and its sequel is partnered with professional dancer Anna Trebunskaya.

Steve is currently working on an untitled memoir that focuses on his first 10 years in Hollywood, beginning in 1976.

His run of major hit films began to slow after the release of 1990's "Three Men and a Little Lady," but he remained busy in movies, television and theater.

In 2002, Steve got some well-deserved attention for the big-screen adaptation of the Broadway hit "P.S. Your Cat Is Dead," which he not only starred in, but also directed, produced and co-wrote the screenplay. He next co-stars with Jessica Simpson and Vivica A. Fox in the comedy "Major Movie Star."

While such former "Dancing" participants as Marie Osmond, Joey Fatone and Ian Ziering got tremendous career boosts by lasting through the later rounds of the show, Steve said his participation is just for fun.

"Any movie and a hit always helps, but it's not a motivation to do the show," he said. "I look at it like a game, like playing Monopoly with 24 really nice people and some of them are becoming my friends. I wish it wasn't a competition, that we could all dance until the end, then have a nice party. I really like these people."

He may not feel competitive, but he's putting in the hours. When we spoke Thursday morning, it was after he had danced until 10 p.m. the night before and was taking a break during what was to be a nine-hour practice session.

Steve isn't surprised that "Dancing With The Stars" has done so well in the ratings in recent years: "I think it's the perfect time for the show: The economy is in the toilet, the dollar overseas is not respected and there's a bitter presidential race. The country really needs the show. That's a great motivation for me. I want to be a part of something really positive."

NO MORE EYE (C)ANDY: My annual trip to the Pacific Life Open is up in the air for various reasons. But if I do end up missing the big tennis tournament near Palm Springs for the first time in ages, two of the biggest reasons I wanted to go are already gone: both Andy Roddick and Robby Ginepri lost in the second round over the weekend. Andy lost to Germany's Tommy Haas who has now defeated Roddick in six of their nine career matches.

Andy was still upbeat at his post-match press conference Sunday because he is coming off a really big win last week in Dubai: "I've been playing very, very well for the last month so I'm not going to freak out over this loss and forget everything I've been able to kind of work towards in the last month. My confidence is fine," the 2003 U.S. Open champion added. "I feel optimistic about the tournaments coming up."

One last thought: Tommy (below) is pretty awesome to watch himself. There is still a lot of incentive to get to Palm Springs this week!

One of the worst movies I've seen in recent years was "Licensed to Wed" which was so bad that it actually made me angry. Robin Williams as a clergyman/marriage counselor was off-the-scale obnoxious. But the one good thing that came out of that screening was this: I became a fan of John Krasinski who was the movie's major saving grace. I don't watch "The Office" on which John plays paper-pushing prankster Jim Halpert so was not aware of his work before that. I met John at the SAG Awards a few months back and he was one charming and very tall drink of water.

I'm also glad to see he is quite gay-friendly as we learn in the interview John did for The Advocate's "Big Gay Following" feature in its April 8 issue. Here are some excerpts from an extended online version of the piece:

Were you aware that you had a gay following? "Oh, is that why everyone in West Hollywood’s so nice? I thought they were just big Jim/Pam fans, but you’ve totally decoded it for me. No, I was not aware that I had a gay following, but I think it’s great. I mean, I live right in West Hollywood, so I’m constantly walking through the neighborhood, seeing how enthusiastic and extremely fun everybody is down there, so those are the fans to have behind you -- the people who can make a party out of anything."
How did growing up Catholic in Newton, Mass., influence your views on homosexuality? "Luckily, I have two of the coolest parents around. They’re so open about having any and all experiences, so they never hindered us in any way by categorizing or judging anything. Having people be that open was actually incredibly wild, because I was always a little confused when I heard anybody have issues with anything like homosexuality. It was very foreign to me. But I probably never gave it too much thought until I went to Brown, where I had a whole lot of friends who were gay. They talked about the fantastic parts of it and the really difficult parts of it, and that’s when I fully realized the scope of the experience, rather than the classification of being gay as having some weird romantic idea."

Who’s the most important gay person in your life? "One of my acting teachers from Brown, who’s probably one of the most important people in my life, period. He was the guy who basically helped me transform from someone who just wanted to get a laugh, and who used humor as a way to distract people from being insecure in acting class. He really got me to face a lot of different stuff, like who I was and who I wanted to be."

How does it feel when, for example, gay blogger Perez Hilton tags a photo of you and pal Milo Ventimiglia at an L.A. Kings hockey game as a naked locker room scene short of one of his “fantasies come true”?
"It’s sort of like when I was in People’s Sexiest [Men Alive issue in 2006]. It’s very hard to be comfortable thinking, Yes, that’s exactly what I deserve! But hearing anyone think that I’m any form of sexy or handsome is incredibly flattering."

Did you endure more teasing for People’s honor or for being on the cover of Men’s Health?
"I got the most crap when people heard I was going to be on the cover of Men’s Health. I really got to see who my friends were, because they were like, “Wait, you’re on the cover of Men’s Health?” And I was like, “Whoa, easy with being so surprised!” But it was very nice in Men’s Health to hide behind vintage clothing."

Are you uncomfortable being thought of as a sex symbol?"I don’t think I’ll ever be comfortable being considered a sex symbol, especially after you work with someone like George Clooney. When you walk down the street with him and everybody starts weeping out of joy, you’re like, Oh right, that’s a sex symbol!"

Sounds like someone has a dude-crush. "Wow. Well, I admire him so much, if I was ever going to have a dude-crush, it would be on George Clooney. I mean, I don’t think you can avoid it. It’s like a superpower -- he just sucks anybody in around him"

If nothing else, did 2007’s License to Wed teach you the necessity for legalized gay marriage?"Is that what you took away from it? Amazing. Don’t ever have babies that ugly -- that’s what I took away. I still have nightmares about those robotic babies. But it actually did teach me the amount of work that goes into being married, period. It’s such a commitment for anybody, gay or straight, and that level of love should allow anybody to get married."

If Jim were gay, who would be his type in the office? "By the laws of opposites, it would have to be Dwight. There would be some secret crush on Dwight for sure. Also, that would be the best fodder for the writers."

Steffi Graf and Martina Navratilova always did bring out the best in each other.

The tennis legends played the exhibition "Dream Match 2008" before a sellout crowd at Tokyo's Ariake Stadium on Saturday and Steffi managed to edge Martina in a one-set contest 8-7 after winning a tiebreaker 10-5. It was their first match in 14 years,

"It was great that it went to a tiebreaker," Graf said afterward. "It was a lot of fun playing Martina again. It brought back so many memories."

Martina summed it up this way: "It was almost a surreal experience. I felt like we went back in time. People always asked me who the toughest player to play against was and if it wasn't Steffi, I don't know who it was."

Before retiring, the two had met 18 times and each won nine times.

God bless Ellen DeGeneres.

More and more, she is using her television show to speak out about injustice and always does it with just the right tone. I haven't posted about Oklahoma state Representative Sally Kern's anti-gay tirade where she declared that "I honestly think (homosexuality is) the biggest threat, even more than terrorism" because I was afraid I'd go off and call her a %@#! and a *&#@%!!!!!

Ellen played for her audience the horrible words spoken by this woman and the looks on the faces of her audiences as they listened spoke volumes.

"I feel like there's some misinformation going on here and I think I need to call her," Ellen told the audience.

As she listened to the phone ring, Ellen added, "I'm trying to figure out which societies have disappeared that we don't know about."

Kern's voicemail was full (gee, big surprise) so Ellen left a message via the airwaves: "Give me call, I'm here usually and also later on I'll be at the Dinah Shore Golf Tournament, of course, that's if it doesn't conflict with the women's basketball games I go to."

The entire clip is posted above...

A long day at the office trying to finish a series of newspaper columns meant I missed the screening of "Never Back Down" last night. But I got home just in time to catch "Lipstick Jungle" which will have its first season finale next week.

The previews look great as Nico's boring hubby has a heart attack while she is in bed with young stud Kirby! Kim Raver is a beautiful woman and terrific in this role but whenever there's a scene that calls for Kirby (Robert Buckley) to have his shirt off, I sorta forget about everyone else in the frame! What an absolute hottie and how smart of the show to have a shirtless scene almost every episode. They did get out of the bedroom last night though to go to Ireland on a business trip. Brooke Shields comes too - unexpectedly - and finds out about boytoy. The fight between she and Raver was so terrific because the harsh words were said - real bitchy stuff - but like the "Sex and the City" girls, you could see the deep hurt and pain they cause on both sides.

If I have one quibble it's the romance between Lindsey Price and Andrew McCarthy. It was fun at first, him flying her to Paris for dinner and all these grand gestures, but now he's coming off as too clueless and creepy. She moves in and he has waiting for her basically every pair of shoes, dress, nightgown etc. that a woman could want there waiting for her. It's a bit much. I like both actors a lot and hope they can be put on a more realstic path when the show returns. I know at least seven more episodes have been ordered and I hope they will be aired in the fall and not held for mid-season. Keep the buzz going NBC!

The L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center calls the newly created California Methamphetamine Initiative - aimed at preventing methamphetamine use among gay and bisexual men - groundbreaking and will unveil it at a public reception at the center’s Renberg Theatre on Monday morning.

There's a darn good reason to focus on this gowing public health and safety problem: data from the center’s HIV testing program showed that in 2004, nearly one in every three gay or bisexual men who tested positive for HIV indicated using crystal meth–a three-fold increase over 2001.

The center's chief public affairs officer, Jim Key, explains it this way: “In a world that continues to systematically discriminate against gay people, and as long as parents continue to abandon their children simply because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, the use of crystal provides a temporary and dangerous escape, temporarily boosting self-esteem and removing the stigma of being gay.”

A key part of the campaign is a 30-second TV ad was directed by award-winning motion picture director Joel Schumacher, director of "Batman Forever," "Veronica Guerin," "St. Elmo’s Fire," and numerous other films. The commercial will appear on cable TV throughout California from March through June 2008

“The television commercial is powerful and groundbreaking in that it specifically addresses and speaks to gay men,” said Mike Rizzo, manager of the Center’s Crystal Meth Recovery Services program. “Its messages, told through ‘webcam’ type videos, will especially appeal to young gay men and reflect the reality of what gay men experience when they first try meth and the consequences that can rapidly follow with extended use. The commercial is real and relatable and not easily dismissed as being overly alarmist.”

It, along with the other components of the campaign, can be viewed at: www.menotmeth.org. (sorry, I'm having trouble posting a direct link!)

TOGETHER AGAIN: Quick! Somebody buy me a ticket to Tokyo! The chance to see Steffi Graf and Martina Navratilova play each other in an exhibition called "The Dream Match 2008" would be a dream come true. Here are the two all-time greats greeting each other as they begin a practice session earlier today.

CLASS ACT: Steffi has done it just about as good as anyone ever has. Wimbledon champ seven times, French Open champ six times, US Open champ five times, Australian Open champ four times; two-time Olympic gold medalist (1984, 88), one silver medal (1992). Now she's a busy mom of two adorable kids and the wife of some guy named Andre Agassi.

This is for my pal, Henry, the biggest Roger Federer fan I know. Here, Roger is seen signing autographs for fans at the Pacific Life Open in Indian Wells...

I hope this makes the final cut.

Marc Malkin of Planet Gossip had this juicy tidbit that occured on the set of Gus Van Sant’s movie about slain gay rights activist Harvey Milk starring Sean Penn:. Performance artist Mark Martinez, who plays the late cross-dressing disco singer Sylvester in the movie, had his one-day shoot brightened considerably when he got to lock lips with Sean.

“All of a sudden, Sean’s pointing at me, and he’s talking to the assistant director,” Martinez says. “The AD comes up to me and says, ‘Just to let you know, you are now going to break up Sean and [costar] James Franco’s conversation. You’re going to grab Sean, and Sean’s going to be really excited, and he’s going to kiss you.’”

And that he did. “I’m performing, and he comes onto the dance floor,” Martinez explains. “He grabs me, and he just slaps the biggest kiss on me...It felt like the kiss was forever. I’m like, Is he going to stop? I had to close my eyes. I couldn’t believe it.”

Martinez admits to trying to convince Van Sant to do another take. “I’m thinking, We gotta do this thing again. We just didn’t get it right,” Martinez says. “But Gus was like, 'It’s perfect, perfect, perfect.' I said, 'No! It’s not perfect!' Sean was laughing at me.”

Well, who wouldn't want to get kissed by Sean Penn!

Chace Crawford and the rest of the cast of "Gossip Girl" are back to work shooting new episodes. JustJared.com had gobs of new pics of Chace and Co. (did I really just write 'gobs'?)

In this Sunday's PARADE, Jodie Foster opens up about her childhood influences, how she almost quit acting and what she wants most for her children.

On Her Early Sense of Responsibility "I ask myself, 'What did I miss?'" I had my little rebellions, but they were minimal. So I ask, 'Why didn't I rebel more?' Then I remember -- because I was responsible for someone else. That's why I couldn't rebel. That's why I couldn't get lost for days on end. I always had to work."

On How Taxi Driver Changed Her Career "Before that, somebody would say, 'OK, here are your lines. You go here and do this and that. Just try to make it as natural as possible. With Taxi Driver, I had this eureka moment. I realized that acting could be much more than what I had been doing. I had to build a character that wasn't me."

On Her Childhood Attitude Toward Acting "To me, acting didn't seem like much of a profession. My mom always said, 'By the time you're 16, your career will be over. So what do you want to do then?' She was correct. Most child actors' careers end early. They're lost."

On Life After College "I saw leaving college as an opportunity to do something different with my life. I always thought that becoming an academic was going to be my path. I could've gone to New York, but I went back to Los Angeles because it was where I was from."

On What She Looks for in a Movie "I make dark dramas, movies about people living in desperate fear who then overcome that fear and find a heroic side to themselves."

One Raising Her Children "Boys are easy. I mean, there are just a lot of bruises when they're young. With boys, you get a lot of accidental jabs in the eye and stepping on your feet, and those tantrums they cause when they don't want to leave the toy store. ... But my boys are getting older now. They go to school all day, and then one wants to do T-ball and the other wants to do karate, so they're actually gone until four-thirty. I want them to have curiosity about things they don't know, and a desire to see places bigger than where they grew up."

Here is more from David Hernandez who was surprisingly upbeat and gracious during a conference call with the media this morning. We were warned that if the questioning strayed too far from David's experience on "Idol" that the call could be terminated!

When it was my turn to ask a question, David wondered if we were related because of the last name that we share. I told him I didn't think so although I have an uncle named David. But he's nearly 60!

"Maybe further down the line we are?" he wondered.

I replied: "I'll have to consult the family tree."

Then he wanted to know if I could sing.

"Well, at karaoke," I replied.

But hey, I'm the one asking the questions here, pal. I asked David about last week when he was in the eye of a media storm following the news that he had worked as a stripper at a gay club for three years pre-"Idol." Yet he was able to walk out on the stage and gave one of the best performances of the night.

"I think adversity is my best friend," he said. "It's something that inspires me and makes me work harder. I don't have anything to say to the people who tried to count me out...you have to have a thick skin." ..."If this is the worst thing that comes out in my career," he said, referencing the dancing gig, "then I'm pretty good to go."

David said "Idol" producers were well aware of his past employment: "If they weren't comfortable with it, I wouldn't have been on the show."

He added: "I'm not ashamed of anything I've done in my past. The only thing I was worried about was my song selection...."i think it was my time to go...and I'm grateful for the opportunity."

Admitting that he is currently unemployed, David said his immediate plans - other than appearing on Ellen Degeneres' show and on "The Today Show," are to return home to Arizona: "I'm looking forward to having pork-flavored ramen noodles...I just want to go to my mom's house and lay on the couch with her cats for about 48 hours and watch nonsense TV."

David had wanted to sing "Let It Be" this week but had to go with his second choice after another contestants got it. The Beatles' songbook is also going to be used next week and had he been competing, David was prepared to sing "Yesterday." He was also looking forward to singing "I Believe I Can Fly" as well as Chaka Kahn's "Ain't Nobody" down the road.

He had this advice for future contestants: "Never doubt yourself, always go with your instinct and usually your first song selection is your best one."

Here is video of David being voted off and the video montage that followed:

Not while they're practicing for the Pacific Life Open it seems. And that, is a good thing. Above are a few shots taken this afternoon 20-year-old Novak Djokovic of Serbia, ranked third in the world and just loaded with personality and potential. Then there is defending champion Rafael Nadal (below) who it seems is going to be wearing that white tape around his knees on a permanent basis. At least there's no white tape on those fabulous biceps of Rafa's!

The April issue of Instinct mag features 27-year-old Seattle native Jesse Brune, the chef extraordinaire from Bravo's "Work Out."

In the cover piece, Jesse shares a coming out episode that happened when he was 15: "I had a total fascination with New Kids On The Block. Mariah Carey too. It was all right there in [my] journal."

His sneaky kid sister read the journal and figured things out: "I so knew then," Bethany Brune says. "When I read NKOTB and Mariah Carey? C'mon! Plus, kids would say little things about Jesse being gay at school. I totally beat up all the boys!"

Jesse also talks about shedding weight he gained after enrolling in the Le Cordon Bleu program at the California School Of Culinary Arts: "With all of the cooking culinary school requires, I started noticing all my friends -- myself included -- gaining, like 50 pounds. Not cute!"

Here is some video from his photo shoot:

I feel Luke's pain.

When he stood next to Noah as he took Ameera as his wedded wife, it unexpectedly ripped off the scab of one of those long-ago traumatic experiences that I was so good at getting in the middle of in my 20s and early 30s. In some misguided mix of loyalty, stupidity and desperation, I was in the wedding of my former "best friend" - who I was deeply in love with. He wasn't marrying a woman to keep her in the country though, he was just taking a path in life that was different than mine. I wanted to be in his life no matter what so I donned the tuxedo and even gave the toast to the lovely couple.

It took me years to realize what a souless twit he is (ouch!) but watching Luke do the same for Noah on "As the World Turns" just brought it all back for a few minutes there. So here I am, sharing this raw moment with thousands of readers.

Anyway, I'm afraid that Luke and Noah have a long, hard road ahead of them. After the wedding, and after Ameera went to bed, Noah held their marriage license and said: "It's pretty official looking - signed, sealed and delivered. I still hope that we'll have one of those with our names on it."

Luke: "You promise?"

Noah: "I do."

I've decided that I'm gonna try not to get too pissed off over this entire Ameera storyline since there are so many things going on in real life that are far more worthy of my rage like paying over $50 to fill my gas tank!
So, I'm just gonna take it all as a big, fat joke. Like when Holden's mom - far too excited about planning the wedding - asks Lily how she's doing with all this wedding jazz, Lily says: "This is hardly a traditional wedding. My son's boyfriend is marrying a girl so she doesn't have to go back to Iraq...It's just a very difficult situation for Luke."

Then there is brave Luke who doesn't have the heart to put the kibosh on this fiasco: "You're saving a life," he sweetly tells Noah who's having trouble coming up with bulls*it vows. "I'm so proud to be in love wityh somebody who would do something this amazing."

There was a brief moment when I thought this all might be thwarted! Lily walks in and says: "Ameera's gone!" I thought that maybe she had married the dude in the bar from last week instead, or - God forbid, she had been kicked in the head by one of the horses on the Snyder farm! But no, she just went for a walk.

Later, as Saint Luke sits at the table trying to write Noah's fricken vows, a make family member (a real hunk but I don't know who he is) warns Luke to watch out, how things can turn on a dime even when you think you are on solid footing. Luke does admit to this frustration: "Now he's going to have to keep our relationship a secret which is exactly what I wanted to avoid by coming out!"

More to come shortly...

Got an email a few hours ago from Steve Callahan, the hunky and talented star of recent gay indie faves "East Side Story" and "Nines Lives" who I profiled back in the fall on this blog. Steve had some terrific news to share about "Corpus Christi," the Terrence McNally play that he's been a part of since 2006. It is a modern telling of Jesus and the 12 apostles, where Jesus is a gay man in 1950's Texas. Steve (he's the actor on the right in the photo above with star and producer James Brandon) plays Judas.

When the play opened ten years ago, it was protested and opened with bomb threats. The current production has played for two years without incident.

"We have been embraced by critics and audiences alike," says Steve who thought he was just joining the show for a four-week run in North Hollywood. "I am traveling around the world with the show. The play has become a huge part of my life and the cast has become family to me. The success that we have encountered with this show is mind boggling."

Here is the latest news about the show:

- The company just returned from its third run in San Francisco and played at Grace Cathedral. This marked the first time Steve played the role of Judas.

- During its successful month-long run in Scotland at the Edinburgh Theatre Festival, it was seen by scouts for the Dublin Theatre Festival and invited to be their premiere show! It will be performed in Dublin this May, the first time that "Corpus Christi" has ever been performed in Ireland.

- Before leaving for Ireland, the cast will perform on Easter Sunday in Los Angeles. The Sunday, March 23 performance will be held at WeHo Church at 6 p.m. A limited number of half price tickets available at www.goldstarevents.com.

- In October, the company will go to New York City to do a 10th anniversary production. Since the occasion also marks the 10th anniversary of the murder of Matthew Shepherd, the event will be in connected with the Matthew Shepherd Foundation.

More info about "Corpus Christi" can be found on the following website: www.108productions.org.

Just hung up from a conference call with David Hernandez, formerly of "American Idol" and he was pretty even-keeled for someone who less than 24 hours earlier had been booted off the show:
"I was genuinely shocked," he said. "I really didn't think that I'd be going home. Based on all the things the judges have said about my vocals, I thought I'd be in the bottom three. I didn't feel that I deserved to go home...I was definitely shocvked. [But] there are probably a lot of doors that will be opening with this one closing."

He was upbeat and focused on his future, mentioning oh about 25 times that he's "looking for a major record deal and hopefully have a record out within a year." He also brought up being on Broadway several times.

This dude knows how to stay on message!

David told us that he did not think that the media storm last week following the news that he had worked for three years as a stripper in a gay club was the reason why his journey on the show came to an end:
"I actually believe it was based on song selection. I think America is smart enough to know that people's personal lives should not infuence your career. It's been a roller coaster. Through all the madness and chaos, I think I've gained a deeper respect for myself and a newfound confidence as a performer."

Last week, all of his fellow contestants huddled around David and surrounded him with a group hug: "It's like a family," he said. Fellow contestants echoed some advice that David got from Jim Carrey over the weekend at the premiere of Carrey's film "Horton Hearts a Who!"
"He said, 'Stay off the TV, don't get on the Internet.' He's awesome."

Even though it was his performance this week that got him sent home, I asked David about last week. It was then that he was in the middle of the media storm and yet walked out on the stage and gave one of the best performances of the night. I wanted to know hoiw he was able to pull that off since I could barely breathe as he walked out to do his song.

"I think adversity is my best friend," he said. "It's something that inspires me and makes me work harder. I don't have anything to say to the people who tried to count me out...you have to have a thick skin."

He's one cool customer.

David said "Idol" producers were well aware of his past employment: "If they weren't comfortable with it, I wouldn't have been on the show."

I'll have much more from David in a bit. I've got to interview Steven Guttenberg.

Less than two months after HEATH LEDGER's untimely death, some of those who knew the actor best reflected on him for the upcoming issue of Interview Magazine which hits newstands March 18.

MICHELLE WILLIAMS "I think that the interesting thing about Heath, which maybe people have only really fully discovered in his death, is how vulnerable he was. You can pick up on it in his performances, but it's easy to overlook because he was so physical and beautiful and strong and masculine. But there was always that underlying sensitivity. That's who he was."

NAOMI WATTS: "I think he wanted to be someone who was doing the observing -- not the one being observed. He hated not being able to go about his life in an ordinary way. But I think that, deep down, he enjoyed that he was being recognized for his talent. I think he was starting to own that and that's the deepest tragedy, in terms of his work. He was just beginning to own it and embrace it."

PHILIP SEYMOUR HOFFMAN: "I remember that whenever Heath talked about something he liked, he did it in the way that any fan would. He wasn't somebody trying to cover up his excitement about something, or someone. When I think of him, I see him in a state of dance or something -- this constant state of movement. It didn't seem like anxiety to me. It seemed like excitement."

ELLEN DEGENERES: "He was good at anything he did. He and Michelle came over to the house once, and they were really late because he was directing a BEN HARPER video. He was coming straight from that and he was telling us about it and how much he loved it. And then we played poker and he proceeded to take all of our money."

The bottom three was really no surprise but most assumed it would be Kristy Lee Cookinstead of David Hernandez who would be given the boot. After surviving last week amid widespread media coverage of his three-year as a stripper as a gay club, David was left to sing for his place on the show. He was amazing last week but on Tuesday, notsomuch.
When he sang "I Saw Her Standing There" again tonight, it was a reminder of what lackluster a choice it was for him. But, he remained stoic before leaving the stage: "Honestly, things happen for a reason. I think we all have a plan. ... This isn't it for me."

I'm planning to participate in the conference call tomorrow with David and hope to have it posted before lunch! Here is what he said in the new issue of TV Guide: "It's strange, because I feel like my personal life is no longer personal anymore. I wish more people would focus on the talent than our personal lives, but I guess it's just the name of the game. It's invasive and sometimes annoying, but if you let it get to you, then you won't really focus on the singing. And that's just not cool."

I'm sure if Jodie Foster didn't have movies to promote, she'd shy away from doing interviews like the one that appears on the cover of Sunday's Parade. The cool site JustJared.com featured some curious excerpts today:

On protecting her kids, Charles Bernard Foster, 9, and Kit Bernard Foster, 6, from the spotlight: "I do what I can. We try not to go out at night or go places where there'll be 20 photographers. I try to minimize their exposure to assaults."

On being tight-lipped about her personal life: "I don't think there is any good thing about fame. In this business, in order to care for yourself and the people you love, you have to separate your professional life from your personal life."

And here's the real surprise:
On having not yet fallen in love: "Oh, my life is basically from the head up. I'm definitely not proud of that. I'm very analytical."

I assuming that last answer was taken out on context since Jodie is in a longtime relationship with Cydney Bernard who she. for the first time anyone can recall, at a breakfast for Hollywood Reporter's Women in Entertainment in December.

I was there, broke the story and believed it was Jodie's way of acknowledging in a public what she never discusses in interviews.

Earlier posts: Jodie Foster thanks "my beautiful Cydney" at women's power breakfast...

Thoughts on my Jodie Foster story...

I dunno. But maybe being between two authentic, out and proud people like Rosie O'Donnell and Kelli Carpenter is liberating.

Nate Berkus is the host of ABC's new mega-hit "Oprah's Big Give" and I gotta say, I'd rather see the openly-gay Nate host a show anyday than the painful Ryan Seacrest who, I think, has never been worse than he was on "American Idol" last night. But, I'll go off on him more in another post.

AfterElton.com editor Michael Jensen, who is snagging all the great interviews these days, chatted with Nate about the show and other topics. I'm giving you a small nibble below and suggest you go to AfterElton to read the rest and find out about Nate's love life!

On the public's reaction when he came out on television: "To be very frank, you know what was surprising for me when I came out on The Oprah Winfrey Show when we did the show about the tsunami: the feedback that I got from Middle America. I sort of wondered whether or not [they would react positively]. Of course, I didn't care because I went on the show to tell my story and present my relationship with Fernando [Fernando Bengochea was Berkus' partner who died in the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami which Nate survived] as exactly what it was. But it was shocking the amount of support that I got from the people that you would least expect it from, from the demographic that you would least expect it from. That was very encouraging for me."

On his family's reaction when he came out at 19: "My parents are both supportive. Initially they went through a process that I can only describe as mourning. Because I feel like any parent who has any goals for their children or any sort of preconceived notion about how their children's' lives are going to turn out, when you tell them something that will alter that, your parents have to deal with the disappointment in that their own dreams and expectations aren't the same as yours. So I was respectful of that, but I was also very strong in saying this is who I am, this is what my life is and I really need you guys to be on board with this because I don't want to be one of those people that feels I can't bring my partner home for holidays and we won't know each other really. It is the difference to me between having an obligatory relationship and a voluntary relationship.

Somewhere in the interview, Nate says he didn't have any gay role models while growing up. What's cool is that he seems like a wonderful role model for the younger generation.

I see how it is.

Every time a cheating politician is caught and holds a press conference with his humiliated wife standing by his side, Dina Matos McGreevey will emerge from obscurity and weigh in. I mean, she's the expert after her gay ex-husband, Jim McGreevey, got caught up in a scandal and resigned from office. She stood beside him (see photo above) smiling like she was medicated or something as he proudly proclaimed himself "a gay American."

I think they're both McGreevey's are pretty darn creepy. But anyway, Dina was on all the news shows yesterday giving advice to Silda Wall Spitzer and write an Op-Ed piece in today's NY Times. Here are some excerpts:

"MY heart aches for Silda Wall Spitzer. Not only do she and her children have to weather the storm brought on by her misguided husband, she also has to endure the judgments of the commentariat, many of whom have asked, with some frequency, why on earth she would stand by her man during his public -- and anemic -- mea culpa. As someone who has stood by her politician husband during his public -- and anemic -- mea culpa, all I can say is: It's a personal decision. There's no right or wrong answer.

...For me, I was essentially in the dark about what my husband was going to say. He never told me he was gay; he simply passed me a copy of his speech an hour before the press conference. I was in a fog. I certainly didn't volunteer. I was in no emotional state to make a rational decision, and there simply wasn't time. He asked me to stand next to him, and I did. Frankly, all I was thinking about was my daughter. If I had to do it over again, I'd do the same thing. I did it for my daughter's father."

I hate to be mean about this, but don't ya think Dina Matos McGreevey's daughter will soon be asking her: "Mom, why'd you marry a gay man?" or "Mom, why'd you stand there smiling like an idiot?"

Just wondering...

Liza Minnelli turns 62 today!

The Oscar winner, Tony winner, and Judy Garland's little girl is a survivor. We love Liza with a Z not only because she's an amazing performer, but she has a terrific sense of humor - even about some of her very questionable marriages!

With "Cabaret," "New York New York," and "Arthur," Liza's spotty film career has its gems and she was a riot on "Arrested Development." But Liza's always at her best when she's doing what she was born to do: singing!!!

Kennethinthe212 has posted these and other shots of Robby Ginepri in the 760! The pictures were taken as he practiced yesterday at the Pacific Life Open.

I can't wait to get out to the desert!

I get home and flip on the TV, ready for two hours of "American Idol." The screen is blue...something is wrong with my cable connection. I turn the TV off, back on. Still blue. Turn the cable box off and back on. Still fricken blue.

Nooooooooooooooo!!!

Call Time-Warner and to my shock, got someone on the line pretty quickly and she sent a jolt (or something like that) to my cable box and within 30 seconds, it was back and working. It was 7:55 p.m. and I thanked the girl so profusely you'd think she donated her kidney to me or something.

Onto the show:

OK, so what's up with David Hernandez? He was a stripper at a gay club until "Idol," right? So what's this pizza joint he's talking about? I dunno, sounds like this dude is a big liar and it doesn't help his case that he absolutely sucked last night. He pretty much spazzed out the whole time while singing "I Saw Her Standing There" and, for once, I can't quibble with cruel Simon Cowell's blunt assessment: "I thought it was corny, verging on desperate to be honest with you."

David could be voted off this week based on that performance. If he isn't, then he can thank Kristy Lee Cook for being, at least in the judge's eyes, worse than he was! I felt sorry for the girl who did a country version of "Eight Days A Week" and even Paula didn't like it. Simon called it "horrendous." I hope she gets to stay on next week - she deserves better than she's getting from these judges. I'd rather see Ramiele Malubay go. She sang "In My Life" and she's just OK,

Other just OK performances: Syesha Mercado's "Got To Get You Into My Life" and Michael Johns' "Across The Universe."

Nice enough but not my cup of tea: Amanda Overmyer's "You Can't Do That" and Chikezie's "She's A Woman."

Biggest fall from grace: David Archuleta who sang "We Can Work It Out" and forgot the words! Oh. My. God. But he steadied himself and I think did well enough to make it through. It's stunning though that he could turn in such an off-performance. Maybe this will help him though and take away the pressure of being the front runner. We know he's mortal now, not some cute singing robot.

The best: I was so blown away by Brooke White who played piano barefoot and sang "Let It Be." She cried, I cried. What is it about this girl? Love her! It was my favorite performance of the entire night.

Three other faves: The adorable Jason Castro who played guitar and sang "If I Fell." I thought it was beautiful - judges be damned. Carly Smithson is obviously a real pro and was completely awesome singing "Come Together" and making it her own. And David Cook knocked it out of the park again, this time with "Eleanor Rigby." I find his confidence and his utter joy while performing absolutely inspiring.

No, hell did not freeze over.

I had to break my rule of being a Britney-free zone because there is actually news about the pop star that doesn't involve head shaving, s Starbucks incident, an ambulance or a court appearance. Britney Spears, who has enjoyed a relatively stable life in recent weeks, has signed to do a guest spot on CBS' "How I Met Your Mother" and Neil Patrick Harris had a few things to say about it to "Entertainment Tonight" that I found quite amusing:

"I was shocked that Madame Spears was willing to come and do some acting. She hasn't acted in a while. This is a very interesting role. It is very not like her at all in real life in any of her previous chapters. She plays the secretary to another girl that Ted [Josh Radnor] is after. So, it will be very unlike any Britney we have seen before, and we have seen a lot of Britney recently."

Neil also says that the cast and crew of "Mother" are not gearing up for an onslaught by the paparazzi, because they do not film on location, but rather on the FOX lot. But he did kiddingly float a ridiculous theory that the pop princess may secretly be a tabloid headline mastermind: "What if she shows up on set and she is absolutely, totally normal and that whole thing has been a big ruse? She is smoking a cigarette and [says], 'Oh yes, it is all a big bit. I have a master plan.'"

Mindy Cohn long ago faced this fact of life: some people will always think of her as Natalie Green.

But since "The Facts of Life" ended its nine year run back in 1988, the 41-year-old Cohn has continued to make a living as a working actress and still dreams of bigger and better roles. She's been the voice of Velma on the "Scooby-Doo" cartoons for nearly a decade and has a part in the upcoming feature film "Sex & Death 101" starring hunky Simon Baker and recovering shoplifter Winona Ryder.

But many casting directors haven't been able to see past her indelible portrayal of the quick-witted Natalie who lived with Blair, Jo, Tootie and Mrs. Garrett at that boarding school during most of the 80s.

"Ultimately, I want people to be able to see me that I'm an actor," Mindy told me this week. "Sometimes people see me with whatever label and I've not yet been able to show what I can do. That's the exciting part. I still have the tenacity and the hunger and my patience is going to pay off. My motto in life is 'The best is yet to come.'"

Mindy, a native of Los Angeles, got the role in "Sex" the old fashioned way: she auditioned. She plays Trixie, the confidante and best friend of Baker's character.

"She's the only character in the movie that Simon doesn't have sex with!" she said. "She goes on this adventure and remains the voice of reason. It was a really easy card to play once you meet Simon Baker."
Despite her fame, Mindy considers herself to be just like any other working actress in L.A. - always looking for the next good role.

"I still love it," she said of her acting career. "On camera stuff, it's very spotty but I've definitely been able to to do 2-3 things a year to keep me viable. As an actor, my voiceover career had never made me feel unemployed for the past seven years.

She could just cash in on her "Facts" background but Mindy wants new challenges: "That's why I turn down those VHI shows like 'I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here,' 'Celebrity Fit Club' and 'The Surreal Life.' The compliment of that is people still remember me 25 years later and actually like what they see. It's an amazing amount of money to to do these shows...The issue is longevity and holding out for things I'm proud of and excited about. I don't want to play Mindy Cohn on television."

But she did join former co-stars Charlotte Rae, Lisa Welchel and Kim Fields for a 2001 reunion movie. (Nancy McKeon was shooting her Lifetime series "The Division" at the time and could not participate).

"We all never got paid, and still don't get paid for DVDs and reruns," Cohn said. "So the consensus was that this was going to be a very big pay-day for us and we had earned it. So if the script was halfway decent, we could have a kick in the pants, have an adventure together and get a big pay day. It really was that we felt we were owed."

During the show's nine seasons, many guest stars and co-stars came and went. Molly Ringwald was on the show's first season before the focus was pared down to just the four main girls and Mrs. Garrett. Then Charlotte Rae left the series in the seventh season and Cloris Leachman was brought in to replace her for the final two years.

But no cast member has had more success than George Clooney who spent an entire year as a member of the cast playing a handyman who worked at Edna's Edibles, the eatery the girls helped Mrs. Garrett run: "I feel the same way about George as Helen Hunt and so many of the actors I was blessed to meet in the beginning of their careers."

Even though Clooney is a superstar, Mindy remembers him as someone who was more concerned with having a career than being a star.
"Overnight success my eye," she said of Clooney. "It's about patience and preservance."

Here are some other bits from our chat:

Favorite episode of "Facts": "It's been so long that I don't know. It's all like one good memory."

Her life off-screen: "I do my life quietly. There's lots of things I've been doing, I'm a real person to me. I do everything that everyone else does: family, education, relationships. I don't think anyone's that interested. I'm a very private person but there are no deep, dirty secrets there."

On being discovered as a child while at school one day: "I tend to be a spiritual person and I believe there were no accidents. I was meant to be there that day when Norman Lear and Charlotte Rae came to visit. But that really was not the track I was on.... A lot of the success of me has to do with the producers and writers of the show that took this novice and helped by developing certain kind of stories and relationships. You kind of vamp until you feel it."

On sticking with acting post-Facts of Life: "I didn't know whether it was my 15 minutes (of fame) or something I really wanted to do. I went to school (graduating with a degree in Anthropology, took acting classes and did some theater in New York to decide it this was the career I wanted."

For the past 10 years or so, I've made an annual trip out to Indian Wells for the tennis tournament there which features many of the top men and women players in the world. I'm planning to make it out there within the next few days if this cold I feel coming does not get worse.

There is good incentive to get well: Robby Ginepri is playing! Robby, with the help of spectator Tammie Bandiest, participated in the main draw ceremony for the Pacific Life Open earlier today.

My one complaint: Robby's shirt has sleeves!

The star of "Doctor Who" turns 41 years old today!

Why we love him: He's gorgeous, tremendously talented as a dramatic actor and musical star, openly gay and outspoken about it. I honestly think the world is just a bit of a better place because of someone like John whose great energy and lust for life is contageous.

I wish him even more success in the years to come...

They say you can't go home again. But Martina Navratilova now can.

Martina, at a press conference in Tokyo earlier today promoting an exhibition match against Steffi Graf, mentioned that she now plans to maintain duel U.S. - Czech Rebublic nationaility. Martina fled her then-communist homeland in 1975 at the US Open shortly after losing her semifinal match agaist Chris Evert. She became a US citizen in 1981 and was given a heartfelt and prolonged standing ovation that year at the Open by a crowd inspired by her courage.

"I lost it at the time I defected. I got it back on January 9," said Martina, who is planning to open an academy for young tennis players in the Czech Republic.

Martina has always been outspoken whether the topic was tennis, her sexuality or politics and she is no fan of President Bush telling a Czech paper last year: "We elected Bush. That is worse! Against that, nobody chose a communist government in Czechoslovakia."

I remember Connie Chung once asked Martina why she just didn't go back to her homeland if she didn't like the way tjhings were. Well, Connie, Americans have freedom of speech and this is something Martina grasped early and used always. Her honesty is just too much for some people to handel. I, however, admire her greatly for telling her truth.

As far as the tennis, it will be great to see she and Steffi go at it again. They ruled Wimbledon for decades between the two of them with Martina winning nine singles titles there and Steffi winning seven. They played in the finals there three straight years with Steffi winning two of those encounters.

But the two greatest matches I ever watched between these two all-time greats were 1) the semifinals of the 1986 US Open which was the most thrilling match I'd ever seen up until then. Steffi had three match points and at 16, was ready to take over. But Martina said not-so-fast, survived the challenge and went on to win. 2) The next year, Steffi battled Martina in the finals of the French Open and it was a see-saw affair that had great historical significance with Graf finally ascending to the top and winning 8-6 in the third.

My friend Betty is just over the moon over this: Showtime's "The L Word" is returning for a sixth season! That's the good news. The bad news: It will be the swan song for the popular lesbian drama with an all-star cast headed from day one by Jennifer Beals and features such later additions as Marlee Matlin and Cybil Shepherd.

"The L Word" follows a group of Los Angeles-based friends as they navigate careers, families, friendships, personal struggles and romantic relationships. The series became the first lesbian primetime drama on television when it debuted in January 2004.

Eight episodes have been ordered for the last season, down from the usual 12-13 episodes during the first five seasons. Production is set to begin in early summer for an early 2009 premiere. The Season 5 finale is set to air March 23.

Says series creator Ilene Chaiken: "This is by no means the end of 'The L Word. The brand and the social network community, OurChart.com, will continue to live and be a destination for lesbians everywhere and a lasting tribute to what 'The L Word' has accomplished."

All anyone wants to talk about are those seriously sexy shots of Daniel Craig emerging from the water in his knickers. Yeah, so? It's those shots, made public before the release of "Casino Royale," his first film as James Bond, that let us know just how hunky this guy was and that he was more than worthy of taking over the iconic movie role of 007.

Daniel talks about the swimsuit pics in the latest issue of "Empire" magazine: "Was it a conscious decision of mine when I looked at that particular photograph and went, 'You look good' to let it go? Yes, probably. It did what it had to do at the time. Of course, it won't f******g go away now. If I ever get to a grand old age, hopefully drunk, sitting in a corner of a bar, mumbling, I'd probably be pleased that picture was taken. I have to see the funny side of it, but it would be nice if they moved on. They need to find a better subject. There surely must be other pictures of blokes in their knickers."

Hmmm. Nope, still can't think of one.

Can you BELIEVE this man is soon to be 54 years old? You could play a game of Monopoly on those abs! These are from the Italian version of Vanity Fair...

Boy, this sounds like one heckuva night...

First of all, you've got my hero, Billie Jean King, on court at Madison Square Garden with Pete Sampras and Roger Federer who went on to stage a thrilling three sets of tennis that lasted 2.5 hours before a crowd of just under 20,000 that included Federer pals Tiger Woods and Anna Wintour.

In the end, the elegant Federer edged Pistol Pete 6-3, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (6) and won $1 million.

"It turned out to be this thriller match," Federer said. "You don't often get the No. 1 in his prime playing against maybe the greatest player of all time."

The two only played one real match, back at Wimbledon in 2001 and it was a real changing-of-the-guard affair. A teenaged Federer edged Sampras in a five-setter on Centre Court, ending his' 31-match winning streak at the All England Club; Sampras never won there again while Federer has won five consecutive championships at Wimbledon.

Kennethinthe212 was there and wrote up a nice recap you should check out!

Oh man, the new cover story on Bette Midler in The Advocate is absolutely awesome. It's the Vegas issue and we all know that The Divine Miss M is headlining in her new show "The Showgirl Must Go On." She was paid a visit by Advocate editor Anne Stockwell who asks her about her stance on gay marriage and lighter topics.
Here are some excerpts:

On her early days performing at the Continental Baths: "[The emcee] would say, "The Divine Miss M!" And the place would go crazy, and I would just be as sexy and as hot as I could possibly be. Because there was no danger in being sexy and hot. What was going to happen to you? Nothing! I was just outrageous. Had thrown away my bra a long time ago. I was wearing backless, frontless, sideless, you name it. My hairdresser from "Fiddler on the Roof" said to me, "You can't just go up there and sing your songs. You have to talk too." So we'd write all these jokes out, and I would memorize them. And sometimes on the spot, I would make stuff up, because by this time I was learning a lot. It was so much fun....I think it was youth, just exuberance and hormones and drive. A lot of it was luck too -- to be in a place where this was going on in the gay community, where this community was feeling its oats and had finally stood up for itself after God knows how many hundreds of years, and said, "No, this is not gonna happen to us anymore."

On her controversial remarks to Larry King in 2003 when she wondered aloud whether gay men would want to commit to traditional monogamous marriage: did have to think it over. These are enormous, just gigantic seismic shifts. People don't like change. People have to get used to it. They have to process it. They have to weigh it. You don't just rush off and say, "I'm going to marry that guy." You just don't do it. A grown-up person analyzes it, hears it, processes it, and makes a decision. You come to a conclusion after you've thought it over, and you really -- I'm not so quick. I'm still singing songs from the fuckin '40s! [Laughs] Give it a rest! Come on! I'm slow! [Both laugh] But gay people changed, of course, much faster than everybody else did and suddenly wanted this thing. I mean, I've known gay people, I've been around people and loved them and have been my dear friends and buried 'em and, you know, all that. But this is like a shift that nobody even--nobody saw that coming."

On her appearance: I look unbelievable. That's what they always say. "You look unbelievable!" I do. I don't know how come. Always, under the lights I look unbelievable. So I'm happy to make everyone happy that I'm not some old crone. They can come and they can feel relieved. Because I look fabulous.

Go to Advocate.com to read the article in its entirety...

I am so jealous of my pal Kenneth Walsh who is going to be at Madison Square Garden tonight for a sold-out best-of-three-set exhibition tennis match between former number one Pete Sampras (now retired) and current world number one Roger Federer who is coming back from illness.

These are two of the greatest tennis players of all time who, between them, have won 12 Wimbledon singles titles. Sampras is the all-time leader with 14 grand slam titles but Federer could tie or surpass him this year or next since he has already won 12 and is still in his prime.

I'm sure Kenneth will write all about it in his fantastic Kennethinthe212 blog which is so smart and snarky!

Is this just adorable or what?

Usually TMZ.com has total Britney-itis but I'm glad to see that earlier today they posted this nice shot of TR Knight and his new boyfriend Mark Cornelsen who the site describes as a freshman at San Francisco State University.

It's nice to see TR out and about and happy...

AfterElton.com reminds us that tonight's episode of CBS' "How I Met Your Mother" ( 8:00 PM EST) is a rerun that features another appearance by Wayne Brady as Barney's gay brother, James. Barney, of course, is played by Emmy nominee Neil Patrick Harris.

In the episode, the brothers (James used to be the gay version of skirt-chasing Barney), the boys attend the Victoria's Secret Fall Fashion Show and features a guest spot from Heidi Klum. I have not seen this episode but I did see Brady's first appearance last season as James and it was an absolute riot. So, I can confidently recommend this repeat sight unseen.

Enjoy!

Jaason Simmons has come out publicly as a gay man because the LA-based actor wants to marry his partner - Irish actor John O'Callaghan - and raise his adopted son (a six-year-old boy from Uganda) together. They will marry in Canada since, unlike his "Baywatch" co-star Pamela Anderson who has been married and divorced (or annulled) twice in the past 18 months or so, same-sex marriage is not legal in this state and 48 others.

Here is a quote from Simmons that I got via Towleroad.com: "We're doing it for our family and for my soon-to-be son. Although you don't want to typecast yourself, you have to take responsibility and ownership and move humanity forward, out of bigotry. Our son needs to see we can stand in front of family and loved ones who are going to support our union through the good times and bad."

Rami Kashou might not have won the $100,000 first prize on "Project Runway" lasr week, but he did make it to the final three and, hopefully, the worldwide exposure of his talents will serve as a springboard for major success for this talented man. He spoke with AfterElton.com about the experience and here are a few nibbles:

On the judging: "Because my work is specific, and because it stands out, I was bashed for it. Yet, the first time they saw it, I won the challenge. So in a way, that sort of revealed to me that there is some type of an agenda. It's their agenda, it's their show"

On his sexuality: "I don't really push the gay thing, nor do I hide it. Really I push my work. Of course, it's about us, we're people. But it's really more about a product that I would hope people would learn more about, and if other questions fall in about me personally, I'm happy to answer them."

On his future: "I think I'm successful in terms of creating a brand that is acknowledged, and a reputation, yet still needing backing in terms of finance. So it's a question of successful in the PR department, in reaching out to certain celebrities and making collections, staying above water and doing what I love, but still waiting for that moment when I can have investors behind my company."

Go to AfterElton.com to read the entire article on Rami...

George Clooney is as witty as he is handsome. That's what makes his new interview with Esquire such a gem. His best quotes come from a Googling session with the writer during which they search the various rumors that swirl around George:

On the feud with Fabio after the two men nearly came to blows inside an LA restaurant. Fabio later said he could beat Clooney up. George's take: "Yeah, that's probably true. He's a big guy. There is a moment when you are actually in the argument and you're thinking, 'If I do get beaten down by Fabio, that will be far worse than the pain. I wouldn't shake that."

On a Web site that calls Clooney "gay, gay, gay," he quips: "No, I'm gay, gay. The third gay – that was pushing it."

On ridiculous Donald Trump's recent "short guy" comments about the 5- feet 11-inches tall actor: "I saw Donald Trump on Larry King and he was saying, 'Clooney is a very short guy. I mean he's a tiny guy.' I've met Donald Trump once, and I was sitting at a table. He came over, shook my hand, and walked away. I guess I looked about three foot five sitting at that table."

On a quote from increasingly bitchy Rupert Everett criticizing Clooney's Ocean's movies as a "cancer," George retorts: "Where did that come from? You kind of go, Dude, weren't you in Dunston Checks in?"

So I'm on the sofa watching an "I Love Lucy" episode, turn on the laptop and go to my Facebook page. The first thing that popped up in my newsfeed is this: Ryan Barry is no longer listed as "in a relationship."

So, of course, I'm wondering if he and Reichen Lemkuhl have split up. When I saw Reichen last week at the IN Magazine party I innocently asked: "Where's Ryan?" I was told he was working and didn't think anything of it until now.

So, I'm figuring something is up. But still seeking confirmation.

Oscar winner Tilda Swinton is on the cover of the newest issue of OUT Magazine and I gotta say, this is one cool woman! I had to put some of her comments from her interview out there, pronto!
The quote that really jumped out at me is when she explains why she identifies so much with gay people:

"I think there is something very specific about a community of people who have by very virtue of their sexuality had to be self-determining, that early realization, that early decision, all the feelings of loneliness, all the feelings of pride - all of that is my home. There are things that ...I take from my background with great gratitude - things like a love of nature, the idea of social responsiblity, good manners etc. - but I had to make a departure very, very early, and maybe that's the real key to why I feel very much at home in the gay community."

Here are a few other choice bits:
On awards season dress-up: "Here I am, in this town, going to all these events, and it's still remarkable, apparently, to turn up on these red carpets with no make-up. I mean, remarks are made.It is extraordinary for women not to wear eye make-up."

On the Sundance Film Festival: "It's like a polluted lagoon, isn't it? Everybody went there to enjoy the crystal waters and the white sand, and they just messed it upwith swag bags and studio deals! I actually said I didn't want any swag, and it was not kindly taken. Someone almost said to me, 'Well,what are you doing here then?'"

She just sees through it all. Can you imagine Tilda trying to have a conversation with the vapid Paris Hilton?

Was at the Barnes & Noble at The Grove this morning doing a post-breakfast browse and spotted on the bookshelf "The Q Guide to Designing Women" by Allen Crowe. Regular readers of this blog know that this is one of my favbrite shows of all time . I had written a series of newspaper articles and blog posts about a "Designing Women" reunion that took place in the fall of 2006. It gave me the opportunity to interview star Dixie Carter and creator Linda Bloodworth-Thomason before the event. At the event, I got a second-row seat directly behind Delta Burke and met all four of the main leads: Burke, Carter, Jean Smart and Annie Potts. It was heaven.
A short time later, the author had called me to interview me for the book. I didn't give it another thought until I saw the book this morning. I saw my name in the acknowledgments and as I leafed through it, found myself quoted in Chapter 12 ("The Cast's Favorite Episodes") on pages 124 and 135).

The episode he writes about is "They Shoot Fat Women, Don't They?" Here's the excerpt: In addition to "Dash Goff, the Writer," the episode when Delta first met Gerald McRaney, her favorite show was the one dealing with her weight issues. Los Angeles Daily News entertainment journalist Greg Hernandez also picked this as his favorite episode. He was very moved by a conversation between Julia and Suzanne the morning after Suzanne's high school reuniin: "Julia told Suzanne, 'In the end all that matters is what was true and truly felt.' As a closeted gay man (at the time), it really resonated with me. It was something to go on and try to live by."

A few pages later, the author provides the entirety of what Julia said to Suzanne - words that have stuck with me forever: "In the end it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks about you. You have to be exactly who and what you want to be. Most everyone is floating along on phony public relations. People who say being beautiful or rich or thin makes them happy. People who are trying to make their marriages and their children seem better than they actually are. And for what?! Appearances. Appearances don't count for diddly! In the end, all the really matter is what was true and truly felt and how we treated one another."

THE EMMY THAT GOT AWAY: Delta Burke was nominated for her first Emmy Award for her performance in the episode but had the misfortune of going up against Candice Bergen who won her second (of five overall) Emmy that year for "Murphy Brown."

Related posts:
- A Night with the Designing Women: Part One
- A Night with the Designing Women: Part Two
- The Dazzling Designing Women

When I met Holland Taylor recently, I jokingly referred
to her as "mother of the year" because the character she plays on TV's top-rated comedy, "Two and a Half Men," is anything but.

Even though the actress' beyond narcissistic character of Evelyn Harper appears in only about half of the episodes each season, her emotionally damaged sons - played by Charlie Sheen and Jon Cryer - seem to feel her presence always.

"They usually have a phone call where I say some impossibly hideous thing," Holland said of the episodes she's not physically in. "I want to work more and maybe down the road I will."

The cast, which also includes Angus T. Jones and Conchata Farrell, wasted no time in coming back from the writers strike to begin shooting new episodes of the Monday night comedy.

"We're in our fifth year, we're a well-greased track," she said. "We know what we're doing and we're all very comfortable with one another and very respectful."

Holland said Sheen and Cryer not only play opposites on screen, but are also quite different off it.

"John is very gregarious and outgoing and loves to go out and run around and Charlie's a homebody, he's very, very private and quiet and likes to be with his kids," she said. "They're temperamentally quite different but they get along like a house afire and they have from the beginning. That's one reason why they're so good together."

Playing their mother is the latest in a series of memorable television roles for Holland who won an Emmy Award for her delicious portrayal of Judge Roberta Kittleson on "The Practice" and co-starred with Tom Hanks for two seasons in the early-80s sitcom "Bosom Buddies."

She also had a two-season run as the manipulative wife of a U.S. senator (John Forsythe) on the series "The Powers That Be." But the character of Evelyn has been the biggest stretch with her
with her complete lack of nurturing skills.

"I often don't understand quite how to play something because it is kind of far from me. So sometimes I literally say, 'Does she mean this?' I try and find her values and also, I remind myself: this is a sitcom. This is not a drama, this is not Ibsen. The thing about sitcoms is that they establish certain conventions and rules about their world. Everybody now gets the 'Two and a Half Men' world and so you stay within the parameters of that world."

Somehow, Evelyn has scored a home run in the romance department with a love interest played by Robert Wagner (below) who the actress describes as "dreamy, dreamy, dreamy."

"He's so elegant and so friendly and so warm and supportive that is a thrill to be around him," she said. "He's also insanely flattering. I don't ever want to break up with R.J. Wagner! I'm so afraid they're
going to have me cheat on him or do some dastardly thing to this fabulous man and drive him away."

Something really incredible can happen to a person when they are written off. Andy Roddick seemed to be slowly fading from his position as one of tennis' elite. But the former world number one, now ranked sixth, threw down the gauntlet to the men's tour by winning the Dubai tournament on Saturday over Feliciano Lopez. Along the way, Andy beat reigning French Open champ Rafael Nadal and the Australian Open champ Novak Djokovic.

Andy at full stretch (above) played with all his heart to win his second tournament in three weeks. Even Lopez (quite a looker himself) had to look at his conquerer with awe (or is it lust? I can't tell!)