Star Gossip

Oscars...James Bond tribute at splashy annual celebration in Hollywood!

In response to the phenomenal success of SKYFALL at the box office this past year, officials at the Academy Awards camp announced that they intend to pay tribute to the James Bond character at the splashy high-profile ceremonies this year.

According to Craig Zadan and Neal Meron – producers of the annual Oscar event – there will be a special sequence on the show saluting the Bond films on their 50th birthday.

Although it is doubtful that SKYFALL will snap up the coveted prize for best picture, the action-thriller – starring Daniel Craig – is a strong contender in several of the technical categories.

For good reason, the special effects were dazzling, folks!

Stay posted for updates!

Downton Abbey...Shirley MacLaine makes grand entrance on Night-time potboiler!

The still-feisty Shirley MacLaine (who once hung out with rat-packers like Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin in Las Vegas in its heyday) fessed up in an interview that when she met up with Maggie Smith on the set of “Downton Abbey” recently, the winsome twosome reminisced about their “lives & lovers” and the “business and directors”.

Oh, boy, would I have loved to have been a fly on the wall of the sound stage that day, folks!

Ms. MacLaine (Warren Beatty’s sister, by the way) was catapulted into the news the past few weeks when it was announced that she was cast to play the crusty role of an American Divorce on the upstairs-downstairs-style hit drama “Downton Abbey” which has been taking America by storm.

In fact, when the top-rated pot-boiler (night-time soap?) kicks off its third season tonight on PBS, Ms. MacLaine’s character is expected to start ruffling feathers from the get-go when she sashays into the uppercrust environs to mix-and-mingle with the British Aristocrats and interact with their curious circle of snoopy wait staff lurking around every dark corner of the historic castle.

The aging actress – who won an Academy Award for “Terms of Endearment” – made no bones about it, though. While the PBS drama may be challenging, film work can't compare to the stage.

“There’s nothing like it. Nothing,” she stressed in no uncertain terms to her interviewer (who must have been all ears).

Would she contract to perform in a Broadway role once again in the future?

In so many words the comic genius acknowledged that she savored life’s pleasures too much, perhaps, to take on the task because - after all - a Broadway production requires so much discipline.

Maybe if there was a project that focused on the mystical – and a past life scenario or two – she might be tempted, do 'ya think?

Break a leg at The Abbey, Shirley!

Julian Ayrs Celebrity News...Josh sloshed! Bieb bogarts blunt! Janis exalted on stage!

Josh Brolin…looks like the studly actor – slated to appear onscreen this week in the much-anticipated "Gangster Squad" flick – didn’t quite make it to midnight to ring in the New Year this past week! Just shy of the witching hour, the Santa Monica police department spied Barbra Streisand’s drunk-as-a-skunk step-son on the street unable to make his way home to his Malibu digs alone. Normally, the cops don’t arrest a citizen for being intoxicated in public, but – in this instant case – they wisely hauled Brolin down to the slammer to “dry out”. Of course, TMZ was there to capture the humiliating scenario on film. Stay posted for updates.

Justin Bieber…the Pop cutie was spotted at an after-hours bash with a potent blunt in his hand the other day on the heels of a tragic accident (a fan was run-over by a motorist and died shortly after he snapped photos of the Bieb’s snazzy Ferrari parked roadside) which obviously left the chart-topper a touch rattled. No matter. Within minutes of the TMZ reveal, Justin was tweeting assurances to his followers that all was well. Personally, I’m of the opinion that the young heartthrob needs to be a little less obvious in the future (for good reason). Justin’s flashy sports cars tend to attract attention on the street, so he’s bound to be a target by the police in the future (especially now that they’re keen to the fact he has a tendency to Bogart a joint now-and-then). Surely the Bieb is keen to the fact that cops are known to peruse the gossip rags, too – if only to pass away an hour-or-two – while they’re chowing down on coffee and sprinkle doughnuts at Winchell’s. Don’t say I didn’t warn ‘ya, Justin!

Janis Joplin…while we’re on the subject of reefer madness, it’s a golden opportunity to mention that the Pasadena Playhouse is launching a stage project – "One Night With Janis Joplin" – that was previously well-received in Washington, Cleveland, and Portland (Oregon). The musical puts a big spotlight on the sad life and troubled times of the legendary rock vocalist who died tragically in a Motel room in Hollywood many moons ago. Stay posted for updates.

Glen Campbell…the country-western star – who popularized such tunes as "Galveston", "Wichita Lineman” and “By the Time I get to Phoenix” – just parted with his fabulous home in Malibu. The price tag was a hefty one ($4.45 million). The ritzy property boasts a theater, billiard room, four fireplaces, four bedrooms, 5.5 (?) bathrooms, and 6, 4540 square feet of luxury living space. The singer purchased the real estate in 2005 for the princely sum of $3.425 million. Tidy profit, eh?

And, how was your day?

Edge of the Abyss...quote by Julian Ayrs!

I’m just like any other humble being

struggling on this plane
of existence

Occasionally,
pining for a pat on the back

a nod of approval

acknowledgement
for best efforts

put forward

Especially
on those days

when

I am overcome with
dark thoughts

And,

tend to hover perilously

close

to the edge of the

abyss!

Julian Ayrs

Divine Grace

A Collection of Poems

(and truisms)

Julian Ayrs Celebrity News...Kelly Clarkson gay? Patrick Dempsey scoops Tulley's Coffee! X-Factor slump! Ed Burns stalks Robert Redford!

X-Factor…over the past few days I have noticed that Simon Cowell and the American-Idol-style talent show have been rustling up quite a few hits on posts that I wrote over the past year since the upstart first landed on this side of the big pond. There has been a lot of scuttlebutt recently about Cowell’s X-Factor dilemmas and speculation that he may jump ship and return to his old stomping grounds where his career first skyrocketed at Fox. But, insiders are insistent that the acid-tongued Brit is not the type to “go back”. Even still, high ratings are what give rise to a stiff boner in the Cowell scenario, just betcha. One confidant has been whispering that Cowell may have a new project in the works. News at 11!

Ed Burns…fessed up on a minor late-late-night talk show that he stalked Robert Redford in the early days when he was a struggling actor and that the ballsy move paid off. In fact, it launched his filmmaking career. Apparently, Burns was attending an event where the aging matinee idol was giving a talk, when a light bulb went off inside his head. Although a short film he was toting around with him that day at the event was a rough-cut, he saw there was an opportunity to approach Redford in a hallway – and subsequently – elected to seize the day. As the Sundance founder approached an elevator, Burns scurried up to the Academy Award-winner and pitched his project. Redford took the package in hand and uttered up just two words, before turning, and going on his merry way. “No Promises.” A few months later, Burns got a call out-of-the-blue from Redford’s camp – and guess what? – it was a go! Sometimes you just have to a little chutzpah to get your foot in the door, eh?

Kelly Clarkson…rumors have been floating around Hollywood that the American Idol cutie may be “gay” or toying with the idea of “experimenting”. I am reminded of the old phrase we used to use when we were kids. “Les-be friends and go Homo!” Until I spot Clarkson rummaging through second-hand stores for flannel shirts – and chopping off luscious strands of hair to make way for a “butch” do – I am holding judgment. But, it is a titillating piece of gossip, isn’t it? And, you thought she was hopping in-between-the-sheets with Simon Cowell, Hollywood casting-couch style, eh?

Patrick Dempsey…the handsome actor was feeling tweet yesterday when he allegedly scooped up Tulley’s financially-troubled Coffee chain at auction. But, the sale is not final, yet. A Bankruptcy Court Judge must approve the transaction before Dempsey can boast that he’s in-like-Flynn. If the purchase is successfull, I expect he’ll be slapping his face on the signage, eh? Actually, the thespian has noted for the record that he didn't get involved in the tricky purchase just for profit. Dempsey was bent on saving at least 500 jobs (or so he claims). The enterprising star outbid the green-eyed monster (Starbucks) – for now – that is. It is wholly possible that the Seattle-based rival may make a pitch for the java house before the court proceedings are finalized in a month or so. Stay posted for updates!

And, how was your day?

Julian Ayrs Celebrity News...Sandra Bullock's "The Heat" a hit? "Heart" inducted into Hall of Fame! Jimmy Fallon fashion bore!

Heart…Band members – Anne and Nancy Wilson (and the famed group itself) have just been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Gosh, Cher must be eating her heart out, eh? "Heart" first hit it big on the charts while musically-based in Canada with the release of a catchy tune titled “Dreamboat Annie”. According to the musicians, their music was greatly influenced by hard rock, heavy metal, as well as folk music. Their popularity declined in the early 1980s, but bounced back in 1985, at which point they experienced even greater success with hard rock ballads well into the 90’s. Fans are no doubt still spinning coveted LP’s which feature Jupiter's Darling (2004), Red Velvet Car (2010), and Fanatic (2012). Congrats, Heart!

Jimmy Fallon…once quite the fashionista, the quirky late-night talk-show host has slipped a little these days, especially when it comes to sporting a bit of individual style on-camera. Last night, for instance, Fallon tossed on a dark suit, which was quite classy, indeed. But, unfortunately he elected to mix-and-match it with a plain white dress shirt and plain dark tie. Boring! A pretty well-knotted tie featuring peacock colors (in stripes or free-floating patterns) would have set the “look” off beautifully. Time to hire a wardrobe consultant, Jimmy.

Regis Philbin…gosh, Dave Letterman must have been stumped for guests last night. What gives, Regis Philbin first up on the slate? Sheesh! That’swas really scraping the barrel in my estimation. And, Don Rickles – believe it or not – was so “unfunny”. Surprising, when you consider that the aging comic used to be able to bust a gut at the drop of a hat. On Thursday night, he dropped the ball, instead. Time to retire? News at 11!

Sandra Bullock…talk about busting a gut! The previews of Bullock’s new flick – The Heat – were cracking audiences up when they were treated to previews just before a screening of Les Miserables in Santa Monica on New Year’s Day. The out-of-the-spotlight darling may have a winner on her hands, who knows?

And, how was your day?

Screen Actors Guild Awards...red carpet ticket sales for glitzy affair at auction online! Proceeds to benefit charity!

The Screen Actors Guild Awards are not as prestigious as the splashy Golden Globes (to broadcast at the end of next week) or the classy Oscars (slated to be televised on location at the Shrine Auditorium on January 27th) - but, for stargazers – the annual event (where actors honor their peers) is quite an adrenalin rush.

Although the prime seats have probably already been scooped up by - VIPS, actors, directors, producers, and elite power-brokers in Hollywood film circles – there are 135 seats along the red carpet that are going to the highest bidder at an auction that is currently running online through 6 p.m. on January 13th.

The proceeds from the novel ticket sale will benefit the SAG Foundation’s literacy programs, the Catastrophic Health Fund, and Emergency assistance (for starters).

INFO:

http://www.sagawards.org/auction

Good luck on your bids, kids!