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Tuesday, July 29, 2025
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As the World Turns Says Goodbye to Nancy Hughes

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At the end of Monday’s episode of “As the World Turns,” the great actor Don Hastings had to do the unthinkable: announce the death of his on-screen mother, Nancy Hughes, played Helen Wagner since the first episode in 1956. Hastings has played her son, Dr. Bob, since 1960, the same year Eileen Fulton began playing her daughter-in-law Lisa. The three actors weathered just about 50 years together. Wagner died a few weeks ago at age 91.

Well, I’ve said before that CBS and Procter & Gamble have made a huge mistake bringing “World Turns” to an end. The last episode airs on Friday, September 17th. Tuesday’s show was full of nice touches remembering Wagner and her character’s relationships. Even when “As the World Turns” was outlandishly soapy, it never forgot its core families–the Hugheses, and the Lowells, who became the Stewarts, in little Oakdale, Illinois.

(No one’s ever known the population of Oakdale, or its size, even though it has an international airport, docks, a lake, a pond, a luxury hotel, a world class hospital, global thieves and fugitives, a billion dollar management consultancy business, and a working farm.)

Nancy Hughes was never as conservative as you might have thought, and her attitudes did change over the years. In the 1990s she taught a young woman played by Lauryn Hill–not yet a Fugee or a star–how to read by sounding out rap lyrics. Nancy had come a long way from trading recipes and gossip with her retired father in the law in the Hughes kitchen.

I watched Hastings and Fulton today as they said goodbye to Wagner. (The show can be seen at CBS.com.) Imagine that they had worked together for five decades in this intimate setting. They’re actors, of course; they are playing these people. But it’s an extraordinary testament to their skill and professionalism. It won’t ever be repeated. And they’ll be replaced by CBS’s drab and likely unsuccessful attempt to copy “The View.” The march toward September 17th gets a little sadder each day.

Today also marked the return of another great actor, Larry Bryggman, who left the show a few years ago as Dr. Dixon. The company wanted to demote him after 30 years. He said no, and went on to many Broadway successes. It was terrific to see him again, even though Dr. Dixon was really evil, as I recall.

PS Don’t believe a word about the death of soaps. CBS and P&G did nothing to promote their shows. They strangled them financially, and routinely wrote off popular characters to alienate the audience. P&G wanted out, and on September 17th they end 54 years in television production. Congrats!

Justin Bieber Lip Synchs at Film Shoot, Gets Knocked Down

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Justin Bieber’s show tonight at Madison Square Garden should be interesting to say the least.

At last night’s film shoot at the Garden for his 3D movie, the 16 yer old Bieb had to lip synch to the music. The reason, as stated, was that he’s still ill and can’t sing. I’m not convinced that he’s much of a singer in the first place. But the little tween kids love him, and don’t care one way or another. They don’t know the difference.

The shoot lasted eight hours–from 3pm to 11pm–and also included Sean Kington in addition to the aforementioned Usher and Jaden Smith, who I guess is launching some kind of music career now. Bieber, a Canadian found on YouTube, is surrounding himself with R&B acts. I wonder how Usher feels having to play along with all this hype. He’s the actual artist.

There are of course, staged scenes in this 3D extravaganza. During a fight scene last night, I’m told Bieber — who vertically challenged– was knocked over by one of the larger dancers. Still, he dusted himself off and returned to the action.

Meanwhile, Bieber has issued some announcement to his teen fans that they should up tonight even if they have don’t have tickets. He’s letting tens of hundreds of tween girls think that if they wear purple they’ll somehow get in.  Obviously MSG wouldn’t allow such an announcement unless there were plenty of unsold tickets.

Justin Bieber: Exclusive Photos from Movie Shoot

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Last night (August 30th) at Madison Square Garden, there was some filming for a movie.

Ah yes, annoying little Justin Bieber, who’s the subject of a film about what’s under his bangs, was on stage making a 3D version of his tremendously exciting life.

A helpful spy sent me these two pics. One is of Justin with Jaden Smith, the son of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith. The other shows him with Usher.

Quick: which of these things is alike? Which is different? Discuss and explain.

There were about 500 people in the invited audience, I am told. Leave it to Bieber is having problems with his voice (d’oh!) such as it is, so the audience was given an explanation that these things will be taken care of later in the studio. Oh, I am sure they will.

From Leif Garrett to Bobby Sherman to Fabian, etc there have always been teen pop stars. Remember the Jonas Brothers? Or Hanson? (Note corrected spelling.) These are the acts for whom state fairs are produced. Let’s love the Bieb while we can. Five years from now, the lawsuits over money lost, etc. will make excellent stories.

Namaste.

Also, these pictures are Copyright 2010 c2010 Showbiz411.

George Clooney’s “The American”: Eat, Shtup, Shoot

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George Clooney opens on Wednesday in “The American,”  a movie that almost nothing has been known about. The buzz was that it was bad, and that Focus Features was dumping it. The film had no US premiere, no press junket, and George isn’t attending its screening in Venice.

So what gives? We saw “The American,” directed by Anton Corbijn, on Monday night at long last. I mean, who screens a movie 48 hours before it’s supposed to open? So many weird things about this release, including the fact that the press notes omit entirely any mention of one of the five main players, actor Johan Leysen. I don’t get it.

And yet, it turns out “The American”–which should be called “Mr. Butterfly”–is a terrific, dark, semi-indie release. Clooney gives one of his best performances as a moody, nearly silent hit man who’s on the run in Italy from mysterious enemies. The title may refer to the fact that Clooney is the only American in the film, and the only recognizable face.

But some things–many things–are different about George Clooney in this film. This movie is a hard R rating, and not just for its violence. It is also unashamedly sexy. I can’t recall seeing George Clooney in a real sex scene before, and he’s been to the gym in anticipation of it. Luckily, his co-star, Violante Placido, is more than up to the challenge. She is a spectacular, and often naked, beauty audiences are not likely to forget any time soon.

Corbijn won raves previously with his film, “Control,” about the rock group Joy Division. In “The American,” he’s done just as well if not better creating a moody, dark film that moves slowly with purpose and is as at the same time just riveting. Corbijn is all about style but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of substance, too.

Using Italian villages as his backdrop, he’s quoting heavily from Sergio Leone. In fact, Clooney’s Jack reminded me a lot of Clint Eastwood’s early gunslingers. The villages are as remote, lonely and scary as wild west towns in Corbijn’s creation.

I really thought Clooney’s work here puts him in line for an Oscar nomination along with Michael Douglas from “Solitary Man,” Ryan Gosling in “Blue Valentine,” and Leonardo Di Caprio from “Inception” and “Shutter Island.” And Corbijn has made a movie I will recommend to anyone who asks over this Labor Day weekend: “What should we see?” See “The American.”

Emmy Awards: Intimate Photos

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Ann Lawlor got a few shots for us from the Emmys last night. They’re all c2010 Showbiz411 and Ann Lawlor. I particularly like the one of Matt Weiner, creator of “Mad Men” and his wife, at the Governor’s Ball. And our pal Brenda Vaccaro with husband Guy. She didn’t win. But Brenda is eternal! And check out Mariska Hargitay, clowning around with a friend’s Emmy. She has plenty of her own. Mariska is on her way to Hawaii for a short family holiday, then back to work on “Law & Order: SVU.”

Matthew Fox: Lost Star May Do London Play with Ashley Judd

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So: Matthew Fox tells me he’s definitely headed to London’s West End. He’ll star on stage beginning next March in a new play by Neil LaBute.

“It’s a two hander,” Fox said, “And we’re hopeful that Ashley Judd will play my sister.”

The play is about a brother and sister, their attraction to each, and some of psycho-familial stuff that LaBute knows how to turn into headline making drama.

This is a great idea for Fox, who just spent the last six grueling years starring on “Lost.”

And what did happen on “Lost”? Fox explains it thusly: “Jack died at the end of the show. But the whole ‘flash-sideways’ was everything else that had happened up until that moment, in another time.”

Okay. I am going to watch season six all over again now that the DVDs are coming out. That’s all I can do.

Meanwhile, Matthew was very happy to meet up with Seth Meyers from “Saturday Night Live” at Jimmy Fallon’s after party last night following the Emmys.

Fox said once the LaBute play is done, he’ll start thinking about new movies. He’s going to enjoy this time to prepare for the role. “I’ve never had so much time to get ready for something,” he said.

And does he miss “Lost”? “Not at all,” he said, shaking his head, and smiling.

Also enjoying themselves at Jimmy Fallon’s party were January Jones of “Mad Men” and “SNL” boyfriend Jason Sudeikis. Janaury’s dress looked like a starched blue Dorito and it even felt like one too. But she was having a good time.

Earlier in the evening, I met the little girl who plays January’s daughter on “Mad Men”–Kiernan Shipka–and her mom. Last week, Sally was slapped pretty hard by mom Betty Draper–January Jones. I asked her if it was real. “The first few times was practice,” Kiernan said, showing me how she turned her head to avert the slap. “But the last time, she really got me!”

Mad Men’s Jon Hamm: Next Film with Anne Hathaway, Kristen Wiig?

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Exclusive

Jon Hamm didn’t win his Emmy Award last night for Best Actor. It doesn’t matter. With only one episode of the show left to shoot this season, Hamm is looking forward not back.

At the Governor’s Ball last night, Jon and his long time girlfriend Jennifer Westfeldt told me they’re getting to shoot a new film which she will film based on her own script.

“Friends with Kids” was already previewed on August 1st in a script reading at a theater festival. Now Jon and Jennifer say they’re ready to roll, and are starting to pull together what’s necessary to make “Friends” before “Mad Men” starts again.

Westfeldt is an accomplished writer and director, of course. Her “Kissing Jessica Stein” is still considered one of the great indie films of all time. Jon Hamm had a walk on in the 2001 production. Now he’ll be the star! The couple also said they’re hopeful Anne Hathaway and Kristen Wiig will be some of the other “Friends with Kids.”

Hamm is well on track to leave “Mad Men” and become a move star when the TV show’s run is up. His management and instincts keep pointing him in the right directions. Not only is he doing a lot of comedy– as in “Saturday Night Live” and on last night’s Emmy show with Betty White–but also on “30 Rock” where he’s been nominated for an Emmy. When “Mad Men” is over, Hamm will not be typecast as Don Draper. His next big digression is a big role in Ben Affleck’s “The Town,” which gets a release in a few weeks.

Jimmy Fallon Rocks the Emmy Awards, Then Throws Cool Hollywood Party

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I don’t know what the Emmy Awards looked like on TV, but in the Nokia Theater, it was a hit.

Jimmy Fallon brought youth and freshness to the proceedings. He was the best host in recent memory, giving the show a much needed personality. From his opening musical number with the cast of “Glee” to his musical category dividers, Fallon — with his guitar and unabashed courage–was in command. Everyone will gripe about something on Monday morning, but Jimmy rocked the Emmys. I say have him back next year.

And the Emmys are not easy–George Clooney provided the only glimmer of glamour all night. Otherwise, the Emmy show is a turgid affair. Here’s something; in the Nokia, during the breaks, the orchestra played mournful classical violin sonatas. It sounded like a funeral. So weird. It was only when Fallon took the stage back that the audience came alive. Who knows what was going on.

Also, the show is hampered in the theater becausde someone made the decision not to show the acceptance speeches on the big video screens. So the winners were hard to see or understand, leading to lackluster applause within the room. At the end of the show, 3500 people were told that they had come to the front left corner of the theater and enter the Governor’s Ball through a tiny door. It was insanity.

But I digress.

There were several upsets. None of the “Mad Men” actors won anything, yet the show won Best Writing and Best Drama. Go figure.

Jewel screeched through the In Memoriam section with a song I never want to hear again. And the producers foolishly snubbed the deaths of great TV actors who died this year– Helen Wagner, James Mitchell, and Frances Reid, all soap legends who’d been on TV as long as the medium has existed. It was lame.

Other anomalies: Steve Carell being snubbed for the kid from “Big Bang Theory.” No Charlie Sheen either. And where were people like Courteney Cox and Jeremy Piven?

Nevertheless, four star kudos to Jimmy Fallon, who celebrated into the wee hours at club Trousdale with his sensational producer wife Nancy Juvonen and a few close pals like Susan Sarandon, Matthew Fox, Drew Barrymore–who danced up a storm with Bill Maher; Claire Danes and Hugh Dancy; Seal and Heidi Klum; Michael C. Hall, Karen Duffy, and a gaggle of “SNL” friends like Lorne Michaels, Amy Poehler, Seth Meyers, and Ana Gasteyer. The music was R&B and the menu was Inn and Out Burgers. It was a night to remember and one that won’t be forgotten.

Emmy Awards Eve: Night of 100 Stars, Literally

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It was the night before the Emmy Awards and all through Hollywood, the TV business got its chance to party.

But you know, in the end, the pre Emmy stuff involves about 100 actors, literally. One or two big names come out, the rest are likeable people. The heavy hitters, and the movie stars who’ve done TV over the year, will show up tonight at the broadcast, the Governor’s Ball, and the HBO gala.

To wit: the Motion Picture Fund party, dubbed “The Evening Before” aka “the Katzenberg party” isn’t held at the Beverly Hills Hotel like the movie version in January. It’s instead set up in Century City, behind CAA’s “Death Star” headquarters. Everything about it is less. One guest told me: “There wasn’t a single person from the feature world unless you count Clare Danes.” Otherwise, it was all the TV stars and the casts of the top shows.

Ricky Gervais hung out with The Office people, and they were talking to the 30 Rock people. It felt like a TV party. It lacked glamour.”

It didn’t help that there were protesters outside from the building’s janitorial union. Also, the Motion Picture Fund is under fire for trying to close its long term care facility, and for infractions cited by the state about the hospital’s care.

The actors didn’t seem to mind since they were waiting for gift bags. In the past, the Katzenberg party offered IPods, customized sneakers, and lots of expensive stuff. This year, I’m told, the gifts were “lame.” There was jewelry from target, some perfume and shampoo stuff, and a chance to shoot baskets. “There was something about golf, too,” I was told.

I did see Joel McHale of “Talk Soup” and “Community” (an NBC sitcom) lined up with a bunch of actors waiting for his ride around 1am, swag in their arms. It made me wonder if the patients in the Motion Picture Home long term care get the same nice soaps. There was also jewelry from Target.

I’m also told the big discussion of the night was how all the NBC stars could be at the party and not at NBC Universal’s throwdown at Spago. But the people at Spago of note were Hugh Laurie (not an NBC star), Maura Tierney, Mariska Hargitay, and a lot of agents. Jimmy Fallon was at Emmy rehearsal. No word on the whereabouts of NBC’s biggest stars, Steve Carell and Alec Baldwin.

Later on, Lorne Michaels had a secret private party at the Sunset Tower Hotel. How do I know? The receptionist there told me about it. Unclear if Betty White attended.

Two better soirees, in retrospect: BAFTA/LA at the Century Plaza Hyatt, where I met Henry Ian Cusick, “Desmond” from “Lost.” And also Joel Murray, “Freddie Rumson” from “Mad Men.” Plus Stephen Tobolowsky explained “Memento” to me from his perspective.

And Showtime brought Edie Falco and Michael C. Hall, with all the “Nurse Jackie” and “Dexter: casts, as well as the magnificent Anna Deveare Smith, to the SkyBar at the Mondrian.

Earlier in the day I ran into Sigourney Weaver, promoting a Disney movie, “You Again,” at the Four Seasons. “But you’re not blue this time,” I argued.

“Ah, but I am inside,” said the “Avatar” star.

Real Hollywood: Jackie Collins Holds Court

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The Emmys are here, but real Hollywood is still in session.

By this I mean that yesterday the great Jackie Collins held court at Cecconi’s on Melrose, with lunch guests like super producer Arnold Kopelson and Hollywood legacy member David Niven, Jr.

Jackie told me she’s on her way to London, where her latest film, “Paris Connections.” debuts next week. The film has an international cast led by Charles Dance, but Jackie tells me none other than Trudie Styler steals the show as Olive.

“Wait til you see her,” Jackie raved. “You’re going to love her!”

After lunch I got a chance to sit down and talk with David Niven, Jr., a former agent and producer whose father, of course, was one of Hollywood’s great great stars. David Niven–who died too soon at age 73 of ALS–was an Oscar winner, an international star, and apparently quite the ladies’ man. After his first wife–mother of David and Sothebys chief Jamie Niven–died at age 28 in a freak accident, Niven remarried. But he had countless affairs with women like Princess Margaret and Grace Kelly.

And you think today’s tabloid stars are gossip fodder! During his second marriage, David Niven got an 18 year old Swedish girl pregnant, then made his wife adopt the baby with him. They adopted another daughter as well. However, David Jr. tells me: “We never thought of our sisters as adopted. We love them as family.”

PS David and Jamie’s stepmother had a fling with John F. Kennedy six months before he was assassinated. A scurrilous British biography of David Niven that came out in 2009 claimed that he gave her an STD!

David Jr. dated Natalie Wood after her original divorce from Robert Wagner, but we didn’t go that route at lunch. But what a class act and a lovely guy, also a font of Hollywood info. Seeing him with Jackie Collins made me wonder if perhaps she hadn’t gotten some of her juiciest stories from her pal over the years. Hmmm….We can only wonder!