Support Showbiz411

Support independent journalism, free from the trades and other publications that are part of the tinsel town machine.

For 12 years, Showbiz411.com has been covering Hollywood, Broadway, the music business and the business of celebrity. Ads are our main source of funding, but contributions (not tax exempt) from readers who enjoy the scoops, exclusives, and fact based reports are always welcome and very appreciated. To inquire about ads, email us at showbiz411@gmail.com.

Back to Homepage
0

Browse:

Company:

Sunday, April 6, 2025
Donate
Home Blog Page 2080

Bill Clinton 64th Bday Bash Tonight in Hamptons

Roger Friedman
-
2
Bill Clinton 64th Bday Bash Tonight in Hamptons

Bill Clinton‘s having a big birthday party tonight in the Hamptons.

Did you know this? I didn’t. The Clintons have been renting a house in the Sag Harbor area for most of this summer. The party, in Water Mill, is being hosted by Doug and Lily Band.

Of course, they already had one big party –Chelsea’s wedding–just weeks ago. It seems like such a long time has passed!

Just two weeks ago, former president Bill was seen at the 7-11 in Sag Harbor buying razor blades. The Clintons were attending a local wedding of the daughter of big time supporters Richard and Lisa Perry.

A British paper reported that Paul McCartney serenaded Clinton over the phone on August 19th–his actual birthday–with “When I’m 64.”

McCartney, who has a house in nearby Amagansett, could very well be a guest on tonight’s list. Other names I’ve heard bandied about include Billy Joel, his ex Christie Brinkley, Martha Stewart, Vera Wang, the Steven Spielbergs, and Alan and Susan Patricof.

Meantime, hundreds of other guests are expected at Peggy Siegal’s screening of Oliver Stone’s “Wall Street 2.” Neither Stone nor star Michael Douglas can be there, but expect the very rich to attend. It’s mostly Republicans, so it shouldn’t overlap with the Clinton party.

Hamptons: Bebe Buell Rocks the Polo Crowd; Alec Baldwin: “The Movie Business is in the Potato Chip Business”

Roger Friedman
-
1
Hamptons: Bebe Buell Rocks the Polo Crowd; Alec Baldwin: “The Movie Business is in the Potato Chip Business”

The Hamptons were overwhelmed by charity events and kiss-kiss who cares benefits this weekend. All day Saturday I kept hearing about this or that insufferable event. In the humidity, there is little irony.

But then Bebe Buell and her band came to Stephen Talkhouse in Amagansett and rocked the place with original songs from her album “Sugar” (www.bebebuell.org) and covers like Leon Russell’s “Superstar,” and “Baby Baby”–the latter set the place on its collective ear. Even the Lilly Pulitzer girls and the boys in Polo shirts and shirts danced up a frenzy. It was like the club scene in “Animal House.”

First, in the afternoon, Bebe and company (including husband Jim Wallerstein) made an appearance at the polo matches in Bridgehampton. That’s Mercedes Benz Polo at Blue Star Jets field, in case you didn’t know.

Dressed in leopard silk print, Bebe was not the usual Lilly Pulitzer type who replaces divots. Flashbulbs popped, and people in the know asked for actress daughter Liv Tyler. Bebe and band were a welcome relief.

Over at Stephen Talkhouse, no less than rock impresario Ron Delsener showed up for the surprise set following the subdued Subdudes, as well as Liz Derringer, and a host of Buell’s fans from her shows in New York at the Hiro Ballroom. The show was a hit, and the BB band may return to the Hamptons during the film festival in October…

And speaking of the Hamptons International Film Festival: on Saturday morning at the Maidstone Hotel, the ubiquitous Alec Baldwin participated in a Q&A about the current state of indie films, sponsored by Mont Blanc— the watches and the pens. (The watches are stunning.)

During a lovely breakfast, Alec was interviewed by the WSJ’s Christopher Farley and joined by HIFF’s Karen Arikian.

Alec said: “There are almost no great films made today.” I think we can all agree with that. He also said: “The movie business is in the potato chip business.” He praised former female studio execs like Sherry Lansing, Amy Pascal, and the late Dawn Steel. He got a nice watch from Mont Blanc as a parting gift. We got very crisp bacon, a Mont Blanc catalog, and a non Mont Blanc pen with the WSJ logo. The HIFF runs October 7th to the 11th…

Gywneth Paltrow, Chris Martin Support Blythe Danner’s Big Theater Night

Roger Friedman
-
1
Gywneth Paltrow, Chris Martin Support Blythe Danner’s Big Theater Night

Blythe Danner was a famous, respected actress long before daughter Gwyneth turned into a movie sensation in the later 1990s.

On Friday night at Guild Hall in East Hampton, Gwyneth and husband Chris Martin (of the group Coldplay) showed up, along with director/screenwriter Jake Paltrow and his girlfriend photographer Taryn Simon, for Danner’s sold play reading. Danner also attracted the likes of the magnificent Dina Merrill with husband Ted Hartley, friends Bob Balaban and Lynn Grossman, and a full house of Hamptons notables.

The reading was a one woman show of a play called “My Brilliant Divorce” by Geraldine Aron. The idea of a reading is tantalizing because scripts are out, and the audience feels like part of the process On the other hand, in this case, Danner was so polished and fun, full of her usual wit and vigor, that the characters in what could have been a mundane story of middle age breakup came alive. The play is set in Britain, and Danner plays a woman whose long marriage has suddenly because her husband has up and left for a young woman named Rosa. Instead of fighting for him she’s kind of relieved. And she sets out on a path to “find herself.” (She does not eat or pray but does look for love.)

It’s great material for Danner, who once starred in a remarkable TV film called “Too Far to Go” with Michael Moriarty based on John Updike stories on a similar subject. At one point, she does a little dance of freedom on stage, and Danner reminded me of a Jules Feiffer drawing full of joy and trepidation. As with “Romance” over at the Bay Street Theater, “My Brilliant Divorce” should be off Broadway, and certainly filmed for Oprah OWN network or Lifetime.

And yes, you want to know the gossip: Gwyneth is still happily married to Chris Martin, just to spite the tabloids. She had a great suntan. He looked relaxed and happy. They came backstage to congratulate mom, then headed home to little Apple and Moses. Danner caught some dinner later with Jake and Taryn at the very good new Exile on Main Street in Amagansett.

Michael Jackson’s Long Time Manager Triumphs in Court Case

Roger Friedman
-
9
Michael Jackson’s Long Time Manager Triumphs in Court Case

Flash: I just heard from Los Angeles that Michael Jackson’s long time manager, Frank Di Leo, has triumphed in court against a crazy claim from a concert promoter.

The word is that AllGood Entertainment’s assertion that DiLeo had agreed to let Michael Jackson tour for them, and for Patrick Alloco and Leonard Rowe to be involved in Michael’s London concerts, was found without basis by a judge. AllGood’s claims, I’m told, were thrown out. We’ll get more details in a little while.

Alloco, Leonard Rowe, Joseph Jackson were among those who banded together to try and derail Michael’s deal with AEG Live and get “control” of the concerts.

Confirmed: Michael Jackson’s Parents Getting a Divorce

Roger Friedman
-
29
Confirmed: Michael Jackson’s Parents Getting a Divorce

Exclusive

There is trouble in the world of Michael Jackson’s family.

Rumors are swirling that Katherine Jackson and Joseph Jackson are getting a divorce. A friend close to Mrs. Jackson insists this is true.

Confirmed. The friend says a couple of things have contributed to this decision. One is Joe Jackson’s comment last spring that Katherine caused Michael’s death. “She’s never gotten over it,” says the friend.

Then there’s Joe Jackson’s penchant for getting into financial trouble resulting in possible litigation. The word is that Katherine has been advised that she could be vulnerable if Joe is successfully sued.

Katherine Jackson has filed for divorce twice during her long marriage. Both times she decided it wasn’t worth it.

Joseph Jackson lives apart from his wife, mostly in Las Vegas. It’s been fairly well chronicled that he has at least one child from outside the marriage, a daughter by another woman.

Nothing is simple in the Jacksons’ marriage. Money is always at the root of every story. Katherine Jackson is one of Michael’s heirs. Joseph is not. It was Katherine who made the deal with Canadian online gaming whiz Howard Mann to market items from the Jackson warehouse he bought. Joseph was not in the deal.

If the Jacksons are getting a divorce, it makes total sense. If they’re not, it’s just a typical Jacksonian rumor leading up to Michael’s birthday on August 29th. He would have been 52.

Why Wait? Give Clint Eastwood the National Board of Review Award Now

Roger Friedman
-
2
Why Wait? Give Clint Eastwood the National Board of Review Award Now

Let’s get it over with now. Clint Eastwood, you’ve won the 2011 National Board of Review for your new movie, “Herafter.” It’s already been chosen to close the New York Film Festival.

I mean, why wait til January or even early December for the NBR nominations? Eastwood–whom I like a lot, don’t get me wrong–has never failed to win an award from the NBR for the last decade or more. Every year. And in a year when he didn’t have film, they gave him a Lifetime Achievement Award.

This past season, the NBR–which is a group  fee paying fans, and not reviewers–skipped over “Precious” except for handing Gabby Sidibe a breakthrough performance award. “Precious” went on to get six Oscar nominations.

However: the NBR nearly tripped over itself to give Clint’s movie, “Invictus,” whatever it could including Best Actor for Morgan Freeman who tied with George Clooney).

Jeanine Basinger, who teaches at Wesleyan and brought Eastwood’s archives there, is of course a leading member of the NBR.

The NBR also loves, besides Eastwood, his studio, Warner Bros., George Clooney and one other studio, Paramount. You can expect something to acknowledge Clooney’s “The American,” which gets released on September 1st.  only Alexander Payne could get his “Descendants” out this year, Clooney would win the NBR’s Best Actor Award again.

As it is — and I tell you this on August 19th–my money is on the NBR to go big time for “Inception” (a Warners movie) as well as “Hereafter,” with Leonardo DiCaprio picking up Best Actor (for “Shutter Island” as well–a Paramount film) and Clint getting Best Picture and Best Director.

“Curbed” Actor Lucks Out But Curses a Lot

Roger Friedman
-
2
“Curbed” Actor Lucks Out But Curses a Lot

Richard Kind is one of those actors who you love but maybe you can’t remember his name.

That seems to be the problem for Larry David. Kind has been sensational on “Curb Your Enthusiasm” playing Larry’s golf buddy/cousin. His character on the show actually lived in New York.

So when David decided to tape “Curb” in New York this spring, everyone assumed he’d call Kind and include the character Cousin Andy, who’s appeared in four episodes since the series debuted in 2002. His most recent was last season, in a memorable episode.

However: no Larry. No call. And as it turns out, it doesn’t matter. Kind — who won raves for playing looney Uncle Arthur last year in the Coen Brothers’ “A Simple Man,” is doing great. He’s co-starring with Dustin Hoffman in HBO’s “Luck,” a new series about horse racing. “Luck” is said to be a huge hit coming fast.

Meanwhile, besides three movies in the can, Kind can be seen hilariously leading a great cast this month in David Mamet’s “Romance” at the Bay Street Theatre in Sag Harbor. His co-stars include Darrell Hammond, Reg Rogers, Matt McGrath, Chris Bauer, and Joey Slotnick.

Kind–whom you also know from “Spin City” and “Mad About You”–could not be better, funnier, or more beautifully over the top as the pill popping judge in a truly kangaroo courtroom.

But it’s David Mamet, so be prepared for an onslaught of four letter words and racial epithets that could make your hair stand up. At one performance last week, Richard says, a woman actually stood up during the show, said loudly, “That’s enough!” and exited the tiny theater with a bang!

“Another woman tried to follow her,” Kind told me last night. “But she was persuaded by her friends to say. And she said afterwards how much she liked it.”

Off Broadway producers would be wise to go see “Romance” ASAP– it’s got the potential to be a moneymaker in New York. For now, though, it’s sold out for most of its run. And in the audience was famed agent Boaty Boatwright, so you never know what will happen…

As for Larry David and “Curbed,” we’ll have to hope that the show goes to another season so we can see Cousin Andy again!

Michael Douglas: Even Stars Have Best/Worst Years

Roger Friedman
-
4
Michael Douglas: Even Stars Have Best/Worst Years

Michael Douglas, movie star: he’s got Oscars from “Wall Street” and “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.” He’s got an Oscar winning wife, and what seems like a great life.

But oh what a year he’s had so far. A couple of months ago, his eldest child, Cameron, 31, was sentenced to five years in prison on drug charges. The stress would seem insurmountable.

Now Douglas been diagnosed with throat cancer. He’s undergoing chemotherapy. Doctors predict a good outcome. Everyone’s praying for him.

These are the ironies of success. This year has also been one of Douglas’s best in his long career as an actor. His performance in “Solitary Man,” an under-released indie film, is brilliant. It’s his best work in years. With any luck. some critics groups will cite Douglas for this nifty turn. Maybe he’ll even see some awards action, although tiny Anchor Bay Films doesn’t have the kind of money needed to make that happen.

Then there’s “Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps.” The 20th Century Fox is terrific, and should be the studio’s biggest hit of the year when it’s released on September 23rd. Douglas gives a knockout performance.

But “Money Never Sleeps” has already occasioned three weird strikes against it: first Douglas’s ex, Diandra, perhaps plagued by financial problems set in motion by jailed money manager Ken Starr, filed suit to make Douglas split his fees and income from the film with her. Ouch! Then director Oliver Stone made weird, out of character comments on subjects including the Holocaust. They had to be apologized for and retracted.

Now Michael’s health could impact the film’s launch. But frankly, there are enough stars in “MNS” like Josh Brolin, Shia LaBeouf, Carey Mulligan and even our old pal Sylvia Miles to go out there and fan the flames. Send Sylvia out there, Fox! She knows how to sell a film.

So here’s to Michael Douglas. He’s a survivor. And my guess is we’ll see him at the Oscars next February, talking away.

Barbra Streisand Directs Her First New Film

Roger Friedman
-
5
Barbra Streisand Directs Her First New Film

Barbra Streisand is directing her first movie in what seems like ages. No, it’s not “The Normal Heart.”  It seems she may have lost the chance to make that since now Ryan Murphy of “Eat Pray Love” is said to be working on it.

No, Barbra is making a film of her great passion–her homes, art, and design. The DVD will be included in her book, “My Passion for Design,” which will be published in November by Viking. (Note to Barbra: hire your own publicist for this blockbuster. Book flacks are too overwhelmed to do this kind of project.)

How do we know all this? Why, our pal Leah Sydney talked to James Brolin at the Los Angeles premiere of “The Tillman Story” last week–this is the documentary you must see, about the cover up of NFL star Pat Tillman’s death in Afghanistan.

Streisand was absent from the premiere. Brolin said, “She has a deadline on a book. She’s making a film that’s included in the volume of the book. She’s doing color correction and cutting because Viking is saying we need it tomorrow.  175,000 first printing for a table top book-so it’s a big deal.”

What’s it about?

“It’s about all her expertise on architecture and precious museum pieces. She used to buy things when she was 14 and not know why-because they were pretty. Twenty years later when they would tell her that that thing that you bought for $200  is worth $25,000 or $200,000 she began to become a museum expert herself and learn why everything was valuable.   We all know she all has good taste.”

Streisand presented the Best Director award last spring to Kathryn Bigelow for “The Hurt Locker.” It was a nice touch, but the irony couldn’t have been lost on her. The famed singer and actress was a trailblazer for female directors. Hopefully, once the book project is concluded, she’ll get back behind the camera. Barbra, “The White Hotel” is still waiting for you.

In the meantime, I can’t wait to see how Babs has directed the furniture. Some directors (not BS) treat their actors like furniture anyway!

PS Brolin Senior is very proud of son Josh, one of our favorite actors, for narrating and promoting “The Tillman Story.”

“I’m a very proud Dad,” said Brolin.  “I’m so proud of Josh.  This is a big one=but he’s been doing this kind of thing a long, long time.  He’s so civic minded.”

Dragon Tattoo Choice: Good for Indie Film Too

Roger Friedman
-
2
Dragon Tattoo Choice: Good for Indie Film Too

Rooney Mara — a relative unknown–has been chosen to play the lead character in “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.”

That’s good new for two indie film directors who hired Mara last year for their relatively inexpensive coming of age story.

Tatiana von Furstenberg and Francesca Gregorini directed and produced “Tanner Hall,” which was shown last year at the 2009 Toronto Film Festival. The movie got great reviews, but its lack of star power made sale to a distributor not so easy.

“Tanner Hall” has been waiting for a release date, and a commitment, I’m told, from AMC Theaters.

Now that Mara is an overnight star, “Tanner Hall” may find an easier birth after all.

You’d think it wouldn’t have been so hard for the film to find a distributor. von Furstenberg is famous Diane’s daughter, and Gregorini counts Barbara Bach and Ringo Starr as mother and stepfather.

But the indie film system isn’t what it used to be. Even Mark Ruffalo has had trouble finding a place for his much praised Sundance directing debut, called “Sympathy for Delicious.” The newly annointed Hulk from “The Avengers” is still trying to make a deal for theatrical release.

1...2,0792,0802,081...2,202Page 2,080 of 2,202

Hollywood to the Hudson

Company

Trending

Categories

© Showbiz411.com