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Tuesday, July 29, 2025
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Rosie O’Donnell Producing Chaz Bono Film for Oprah Network

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Rosie O’Donnell is a busy woman these days.

As she gets ready for her return to daytime TV next fall with a talk show on Oprah’s OWN Network, Rosie is also wearing another hat. She’s got a deal to produce one documentary per month for OWN. She’s not just sitting around. The first one is about Chaz Bono, the son/former daughter of Cher and Sonny Bono.

I”ve seen some of the footage,” Rosie told me last night at the annual fundraiser for her Rosie’s Broadway Kids. “It’s amazing.”

What’s also amazing is that last night we saw the first graduating class from Rosie’s Broadway Kids–which is considering a name change to Rosie’s Theater Kids, she says, “because too many people we were just for kids who were already on Broadway.”

Not so at all. Rosie’s Kids are amateurs, drawn from schools all over the city. They convene on West 45th St. at the Maravel Center, which Rosie built, and where they get top notch theater instruction. Last night, Cyndi Lauper cried as the entire school population opened the night with a brilliant medley of her hits. It was a stunning presentation. Later, when she came on to perform her hits, Cyndi quipped: “I hope do these as well.” Don’t worry: she did, and then some.

For the last couple of years, Rosie’s Broadway Kids had skipped the big hotel ballroom fundraiser and did smaller events. “But things are better, we think,” Rosie told the huge crowd in the Marriott Marquis ballroom. All told, the night raised over a million dollars. The live auction alone brought in around $250,000.

(It was a nice counterpoint to the other big party in town, where “Greed Is Good” was being celebrated by the “Wall Street 2” crowd at Cipriani on 42nd St. “It costs $50,000 just to walk in the door,” said one guest about the banquet hall’s costs, and who marveled at how much money was being spent, yet again, to launch the Oliver Stone film. Over $2 million alone was blown in Cannes last May for the same purpose.)

In the room: Suze Orman, Fran Drescher, and Tyne Daly.

On stage Rosie let slip that she’s returning to the next season of Larry David‘s “Curb Your Enthusiasm.”

“Larry and I have a terrible fight after a woman gives each of us her number,” Rosie revealed. It sounds like a great episode.

Rosie’s son Parker, who’s just started high school and is a great kid, was there. Also present were Rosie’s girlfriend Tracy Anders, who is extremely pleasant, and Anders’ eldest adopted daughter. (Anders has six kids, she told me, ranging from 6 to 18.)

Rosie told Cyndi after the show that her daughter, Chelsea, age 13, had recently dyed her hair purple. Lauper, wearing a sort of fire engine red wig in a style best described as Helena Bonham Carter from a Tim Burton movie, laughed. “I think she did it in tribute to you,” Rosie said to her friend.

Girls, you know, just want to have fun.

Pictures copyright c2010 Showbiz411/Ann Lawlor

Paul Reiser, Musician: TV Comic Joins Famed Singer in Song for Soldiers

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Paul Reiser is best known for “Mad About You.” The talented writer-actor-comedian never told us something important though: he’s a musician.

And now Reiser has hooked up with one of the best female singers in popdom, Julia Fordham, in an unusual collaboration. They’ve made an album together and a new song, “UnSung Heroes,” that’s dedicated to the US soldiers in Afghanistan. (Video after the jump.)

The video for “UnSung Heroes” premieres right here.

Fordham, of course, is the much admired British vocalist who’s made a name for herself with hits like “Happy Ever After” and “Porcelain.” Her most recent albums have won Fordham acclaim as a singer whose range is unparalleled.

Reiser tells me that he was just driving along and heard her remarkable voice on the radio. “I pulled right over.” The two met a couple of years ago and started writing songs together. Paul Reiser a musician? Yes indeed. But he hadn’t really encouraged that part of his career other than

writing the theme song for “Mad About You.”

Now the pair has ten songs and an album called  “Unusual Suspects” that will be out November 9th.

The idea for “UnSung Heroes,” Paul says, came from stories he and Fordham heard about returning soldiers.

“It was the last song we wrote for the album. For the video, we even got approved images from the Defense Department. A recent live performance of it for the Wounded Warriors Project on September 11th, he said, was “humbling.”

Check out Julia’s website for more info: www.juliafordham.com

Carlos Santana Headlines “Dancing with the Stars” Premiere

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And you thought tomorrow night’s “Dancing with the Stars” was all about Bristol Palin.

Wrong!

An actual person of substance will be headlining tomorrow night’s premiere on ABC. Carlos Santana is set to perform three songs. He’s doing “Oye Como Va”–his biggest hit other than “Smooth”–and then two from his new album, “Guitar Heaven.”

The two new songs are “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” with special guest India.Arie, and “Photograph” with Chris Daughtry. Daughtry is also doing a song from his own new album.

Santana is making a big media push in the next few days for “Guitar Heaven,” an album that features guest vocalists including Rob Thomas, Joe Cocker, Gavin Rossdale, and Pat Monahan from Train. Lots of great tracks–look for Santana to pick up some more Grammy’s this winter.

“Mad Men”: Sally Draper Comes to Town

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Catching up with the last couple of episodes of “Mad Men”: last night Sally Draper came to town. Is it a coincidence that she’s dressing and acting like her mother? The worst part is that no one–not even Don–is listening to her. Hey, it’s 1965. Parents weren’t this out of touch unless they were really, really bad parents. The Drapers are beyond. Of course, while Don is just clueless, Betty is mean. “You see how much fun it is to take care of her,” Betty says. Things are only going to get worse.

The death of Blankenship was a blow. I suppose she was becoming too much of a comic go-to. But still. Don had the best line of the night: “I’d ask my secretary to do it, but she’s dead.” Meanwhile, Slattery just fires off the quips, and they’re all good. The reunion of Joan and Roger was long in the making. Guessing from next week’s promo that something has happened to Joan’s awful husband. Good riddance.

And still the gang cavorts around old New York. Last week it was Barbetta’s (still open in the theatre district). This week, P.J. Clarke’s. It’s more fun when the places are far in the past. I don’t know which deli Roger and Joan had their cheesecake in. No menus.

And then there’s Peggy, still trying on her race relations hat, maybe waking up to what’s happening around her. No  one else in the show seems vaguely aware of the Civil Rights Movement. Peggy and Joan are each ready for Women’s Lib. It can’t get there soon enough.

And what of Don and Dr. Faye? Will he keep the Dick Whitman secret from her, too, or ‘fess up? I was rooting for Dr. Miller to exert her psychiatry skills on Sally. But she seemed clueless, too. Her degree must just be in tight sweater sets and focus groups.

Last week, “The Summer Man” was the episode the season. From strains of the Stones’ “Satisfaction”–right year, and Don can’t get no–to the whole business with Henry Francis maybe realizing he’s made a mistake with Betty, the show was perfect. Don’s diary entries have given him a new gravitas. Kudos to my old pal Lisa Albert who wrote the episode with Janet Leahy and Matt Weiner. That’s an Emmy right there.

Mariah’s New Xmas Album; Rosie and Cyndi Tonight

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Mariah Carey‘s new Christmas album, “Merry Christmas II You” is coming on November 2nd. I told you about this album first about six months ago. Mariah’s been working in the studio with Randy Jackson and a bunch of producers. The first single is called “Oh Santa.” The album is a mix of new songs and traditional ones. If all things are on track, by November 2nd Mariah should be as big as Santa herself! (And you know why.) There’s also, as I’ve said before, a new version of Mariah’s hit, “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” It’s the most played song on radio every December…

Tonight: Rosie O’Donnell’s big fundraiser tonight features a performance from Cyndi Lauper. Rosie’s Broadway Kids is always the best and most fun night of the year. Plenty of celebrities attending, and wait til you see Rosie’s Kids do their thing. The night’s proceeds go Rosie’s Maravel Center just west of Broadway. http://www.rosiesbroadwaykids.org Call 914-579-1000.

“King’s Speech” Wins Toronto, Heads to Oscar List

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“The King’s Speech,” directed by Tom Hooper, won the audience award at the Toronto Film Festival. The Colin Firth-Geoffrey Rush film now heads to the Academy Awards and all the other short lists for prizes.

But that’s not a slam dunk that it will win the Oscar. February is a long way from now. And there are plenty of other names in the mix.

David Fincher‘s “Social Network,” as I noted below, is a hot contender. The Facebook movie takes the lead in the Oscar race when it opens on October 1st.

Danny Boyle‘s “127 Hours” is in the mix, but won’t hit its stride until its release. Ditto for Darren Aronofsky‘s “Black Swan.” And same for “The Kids Are Alright,” with Annette Bening and Julianne Moore.

Other Oscar titles not to be forgotten: “Inception,” the Christopher Nolan-Leonardo DiCaprio film that’s been a huge hit and has a strong following. I can’t imagine “Inception” not being included. And a spot may be held for Martin Scorsese‘s “Shutter Island.”

Still to be seen and much anticipated: James L. Brooks‘s “How Do You Know,” “The Fighter” directed by David O. Russell, Ryan Gosling-Michelle Williams film, “Blue Valentine,” and the Coen Bros.’ reboot of “True Grit.”

Facebook Movie Review: David Fincher’s “The Social Network” Rocks

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I’ve been thinking about “The Social Network” a lot since I saw it last Thursday afternoon. “West Wing” creator Aaron Sorkin‘s telling of how Facebook came to be has already generated so much buzz you’d think it had been released. In fact, it hits us this coming Friday as opening night of the New York Film Festival and then on October 1st in theaters.

(Note: This is very much a writer’s movie. But David Fincher directed it. And it’s more the David Fincher of “Curious Case of Benjamin Button” than “Se7en” which is what throws you. The blood and guts are now in the making of a business.)

Everyone tells me that “500 million people are using Facebook!” This column has a Facebook page. But the charms of Facebook elude me, frankly.  It doesn’t excite me on its own. Scott Rudin, the peripatetic producer of the film, emailed me: “Don’t be the guy who saw ‘2001’ and said, “What’s that black rock?”

No, I get it. “The kids” tell me they’re not even using email anywhere, but communicating through Facebook.  It’s BIG.  But Sorkin’s movie is a different matter. I don’t know whether it’s true or not, or what happened “in reality” among all the different young guys involved in Facebook’s genesis. All I know is “The Social Network” is a great movie about friends who trusted each other and fell out as they created something that’s changed a generation and created a culture.

Sorkin was smart to make the movie about the human dynamics of Mark Zuckerberg, played I think brilliantly by Jesse Eisenberg, and his pals. Long after Facebook is replaced by something else (and it will be), it’s going to be these relationships that everyone will remember from “The Social Network.” In that way, the movie recalled for me “Broadcast News,” a movie whose values seem quaint now, but its heart still beats as if it were brand new.

Eisenberg (whom I loved in “Roger Dodger”) is not alone. Andrew Garfield is sublime as Eduardo Saverin, the scorned friend who starts the Facebook business with him at Harvard. Of course, Saverin’s story is the basis for the Ben Mezrich book upon which “Social Network” is loosely based. So Saverin comes off the most sympathetic. But into this equation comes the third part of the triangle, Sean Parker, creator of Napster, who upends everything. A triangle is formed. As the hard partying Rasputin like Parker, Justin Timberlake prances around looking for — and making trouble everywhere. It’s a delicious performance.

Sorkin has framed “The Social Network” with the lawsuit that developed — it would seem –thanks to Parker’s interference in Saverin’s relationship with Zuckerberg. But then there’s more legal action, courtesy of the wonderfully named Winkelvoss twins, Tyler and Cameron. This pair of six foot five Aryan looking Harvard rowers claimed that Facebook was their idea, and that Zuckerberg stole it. So they come to the table, too, with their lawyer. And Armie Hammer, grandson of the late real life billionaire magnate Armand Hammer (yes, the baking soda), plays both twins. He’s one on his own, and his face is placed by computer on the body of model Josh Pence. Got that? The Winkelvosses become Sorkin’s device, a Greek chorus you could not make up.

Between the Winkelvosses and Eduardo and Justin Timberlake creeping around as Sean Parker, “The Social Network” is like a grand opera with Zuckerberg center stage as the clueless heroine. In fact, with billions of dollars at stake, the only thing anyone can agree on is that Zuckerberg “isn’t in it for the money.” He’s just an inventor. And as Eisenberg plays him, maybe someone with a touch of Asperger’s Syndrome. (There’s no evidence of that being the case with the real Zuckerberg.) Certainly the extraordinary opening scene might suggest that. This movie Zuckerberg gets no social cues. It’s ironic that he creates the social network for the internet age.

A couple of things to note: Sorkin makes a very funny cameo in the film. And Barry Livingston, Ernie from “My Three Sons,” has one at the movie’s start. It’s always nice to see him. The music is terrific, as I noted on Friday, and the Beatles’ “Baby You’re a Rich Man” is the only song that could end this story. The film is going to be a big hit. there’s no doubt about it. I expect Sorkin to get writing awards.  Fincher will get his kudos for directing. All three lead actors are mesmerizing. Together this group has made the story of a website’s birth come to life vividly. It’s no easy task. They’ve done it with a jolt.

John Lennon’s Original Group–The Quarrymen–Are Here

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Before the Beatles existed, John Lennon was in a group called The Quarrymen. And now The Quarrymen are coming to America at last, to celebrate Lennon’s 70th birthday.

beatles expert Martin Lewis tells me that the guys will make a bunch of appearances, starting at the premiere of the terrific movie, “Nowhere Boy” on Tuesday night. The Q’s are depicted in Sam Taylor-Wood’s fine film.

They’re also at Radio City Music Hall on September 25th with the Fab Faux. That’s the group comprising “Saturday Night Live” and Letterman band members who play the Beatles songs so expertly.

On Lennon’s birthday, October 9th, the Quarrymen (see their website at www.thequarrymen.info) will also play as part of an all-star tribute to Lennon at the Ethical Culture Society, just a few blocks down from the Dakota on Central Park West. Among their guests: Marshall Crenshaw, Garland Jeffreys, Pete Seeger, and Tom Paxton.

Sounds like a cool way to celebrate John Lennon!

Ben Affleck’s “The Town” Surprise #1: Thanks Jon Hamm

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The box office prognosticators are going nuts right now because “The Town,” directed by Ben Affleck, finished the weekend at number 1. It took in a lovely $23.8 million.

It shouldn’t have come as a surprise. “The Town” is a solid hit. What’s more, it’s a really terrific movie. Affleck, as I’ve said before, is becoming the Sidney Lumet of Boston. He knows the terrain, the language, the behavior. And “The Town” is not just “Gone Baby Gone” redux. It’s its own film. I could see Warner Bros. pushing it into the final ten for the Academy Awards.

Affleck is also the star, and it’s his best work in years. He’s matured as an actor considerably. But as a director he shows a keen eye, and knows how to move the camera, mix humor and drama, and get great performances from his actors.

To that end, Affleck surrounds himself with strong actors. Jon Hamm’s turn here cannot be discounted. So popular in “Mad Men,” and with an audience he’s built up from “30 Rock” and “SNL,” Hamm is really a star in “The Town.” I said from the beginning that he’d follow in George Clooney’s footsteps from TV to film. “The Town” is proof positive that he’s got it. His FBI agent is no Don Draper. Hamm is on his way.

Then there’s Jeremy Renner. Nominated for Best Actor in “The Hurt Locker,” Renner is a sensational character actor in “The Town.” The screenplay is so good that he just sort of leaks into it bit by bit until he’s sort of occupied every corner of the story. He could easily gain Best Supporting Actor attention from this role.

So “The Town” heads into its first full week and second weekend as a hit hit hit. It’s a movie you can recommend to anyone who loves film–it’s smart and full of action. Ben Affleck, take a bow. And Jon Hamm, call your agent.

PS Blake Lively is really sensational in “The Town.” Who knew? I’d lumped her in with all those “Gossip Girl” and vampire actors. She’s just outstanding.

Nothing to See This Weekend? How About Don Draper Joins the FBI

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It’s Yom Kippur, so this is the last post here until Sunday morning.

In the meantime, there are are plenty of movies to see this weekend.

If you live in New York, get over to Film Forum to see Chris Hegedus and DA Pennebaker’s “Kings of Pastry.” If you’re a foodie, a fan of Food Network shows or Top Chef, this movie is for you. It’s a hilarious look at a real competition among pastry chefs in France. After seeing it, you will want to head right over to Veneiro’s on First Avenue and gorge on high sugar delights.

Also this weekend: Ben Affleck directed “The Town.” Ben is becoming the Sidney Lumet of Boston, which is a good thing. The movie co-stars Jeremy Renner and Jon Hamm, who’s breaking out of his “Mad Men” character.

Romantic and moody: the thriller “Never Let Me Go” with Carey Mulligan, Andrew Garfield, and Keira Knightley is based on the novel by Kazou Ishiguro, who wrote “Remains of the Day.” A big hit last week in Toronto, “Never Let Me Go” is directed by Mark Romanek, who did “One Hour Photo.”

There’s also Philip Seymour Hoffman’s “Jack Goes Boating,” which the actor directed from the play. The film opened at Sundance this year, and it’s terrific. And “Catfish” is a documentary-like feature thriller that Bret Ratner got behind. He’s now one of the producers. I don’t want to give it away. Just go.

And see you Sunday, after all the sins have been purged, and we’re ready to start with a new slate!