While backstage spies at rehearsals for Katie Holmes' Broadway debut give the actress high marks for her acting, there's quite the buzz about Mr. and Mrs. Tom Cruise's relationship with the New York media.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Keeping up with the kiddies Bill Zwecker: In a pitch to attract a younger demographic, producers have landed Kim Kardashian for the upcoming seventh season of "Dancing With the Stars," but a show insider tells me, "We're beginning to wonder if she's worth it!'' Reportedly the reality show personality was a major witch (but spelled with a ''b'') -- ''playing the total diva'' and demanding all kinds of special treatment.
'Idol' may give Paula the hook next year
Are Paula Abdul's days numbered as an ''American Idol'' judge? That's not the official line from the producers of the popular Fox series, but the appointment of songwriter and music producer Kara DioGuardi as a fourth judge raised that question Monday. A longtime "Idol" staffer told the Sun-Times, ''You can assume this is likely Paula's last season on the show.''
They were baaaack! This time Lindsay Lohan's appearance at Crimson Lounge Friday night at the Hotel Sax was a big surprise -- as the actress returned to town for galpal Samantha Ronson's monthly DJ gig at the popular nightspot. Here's the scoop on what happened:
Britney Spears is not only getting herself back in shape physically -- eating right, working hard with a personal trainer and avoiding booze -- but she's working on shaping up her spiritual health as well.
Jeff Daniels -- who has taken direction from Woody Allen, Steven Spielberg and George Clooney -- says the man he's now working with in Chicago is every bit their equal.
Reports about Madonna's big 50th birthday bash Saturday in London have focused on husband Guy Ritchie's emotional tributes to his wife and the reported megabucks he spent on her birthday jewels from Bulgari. Yet a source who was at the party added an interesting twist: ''I felt it was all a bit staged and somewhat forced.''
According to someone at Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi's California home Saturday, the mood there could best be described as a true love-fest.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Kill or be killed (again)
Sounds like Britney Spears just might be getting back on track -- at least careerwise. I've learned the long-troubled star has been working hard on her upcoming performance at the MTV Video Music Awards -- telling an associate, ''I want to kill at the VMAs this year.''
Much is being made about John Mayer allegedly dumping Jennifer Aniston, but one of my best Hollywood sources -- super-close to both Aniston and her best pals Courtney Cox and David Arquette -- insists it was the ex-"Friends" star who gave Mayer his walking papers.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
A Tom, Katie entree?
Could Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes finally be teaming up in a movie? Spokesfolks for all involved mirror a comment from a Universal Pictures source -- ''That's news to me!'' -- but a close Cruise associate says the superstar couple are considering co-starring in the upcoming comedy ''Food Fight.''
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Katie Holmes, Tom Cruise — starring in a film together? Bill Zwecker: Could Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes finally be teaming up in a movie? Spokesfolks for all involved mirror a comment from a Universal Pictures source — "That’s news to me!" — but a close Cruise associate says the superstar couple are considering co-starring in the upcoming comedy "Food Fight."
Paris Hilton's decision -- made on a lark -- to star in that sensational presidential campaign spoof video may have been a great career move for the hotel heiress.
While most of the world was shocked by the untimely death of Bernie Mac, we've learned that during the last week of his life Mac's immediate family and close inner circle was fully aware of his dire condition -- as was the Northwestern Memorial Hospital medical staff battling to save the life of the actor and popular South Side native.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
London and Dublin both present cherished traditions Bill Zwecker: This is a tale of two cities -- London and Dublin -- and two hotels that are both unique in their own way, but curiously sharing a similar sensibility: a very conscious desire to honor their historic roots, but anxious to remain relevant in the 21st century. As the cab pulled up at Brown's Hotel, it almost seemed we were arriving at a private house.
Bernie Mac remembered Bill Zwecker: ''The world just got a little less funny,'' said Oscar winner George Clooney on Saturday, learning of the death of his friend and former co-star Bernie Mac. Clooney -- who co-starred with Mr. Mac in ''Ocean's Eleven'' and its two sequels -- spoke for many in Hollywood when he added: ''He will be dearly missed.''
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Comedian, South Sider Bernie Mac dies at 50
"The world just got a litttle less funny," said Oscar winner George Clooney Saturday, learning of the death of his friend and former co-star Bernie Mac. Clooney -- who co-starred with Mac in "Ocean's Eleven" and its two sequels -- spoke for many in Hollywood when he added: "He will be dearly missed." Mac, 50, whose real name was Bernard Jeffrey McCullough, died at Northwestern Memorial Hospital Saturday from complications related to his battle with pneumonia.
During Madonna's brief appearance at the Traverse City Film Festival on Saturday, our behind-the-scenes observer noted the superstar seemed a bit uptight and tense, ''except when she was talking about her film or chatting with Michael Moore.''
While Lindsay Lohan and Samantha Ronson had a blast during their visit here for Lollapalooza, a source who spent a lot of time close to the happy galpals says LiLo was still hot over those ''gay'' comments Los Angeles Police Chief Bill Bratton made about her last week.
Not only did this column break the news last week about Lance Armstrong splitting with Kate Hudson, I've now learned why serial dater Armstrong has moved on.
Things got a bit testy, I'm told, at the taping of the Alicia Keys-Jack White duet for the new James Bond film.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
It's 40-love for Common Bill Zwecker: Not only is the romance between Chicago rapper and actor Common and tennis queen Serena Williams back on -- I'm hearing an engagement could be in the works. While Williams was very cagey about Common when asked about their relationship at the recent Wimbledon championship, a good Common source says the talented entertainer has been checking out some serious bling.
Latest Bond battle: Alicia Keys vs. Jack White Bill Zwecker: Alicia Keys and the White Stripes’ Jack White will record the theme
song to ‘‘Quantum of Solace,’’ the 22nd James Bond film, out this fall. But their working relationship already seems to have hit a sour note. According to a source who was at the recording of the song, “Another Way to Die,” things got a bit testy.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
John Mayer is thinking pink in Chicago Bill Zwecker: No question about it, John Mayer and Jennifer Aniston are very much a couple. While in town last week, the couple were seen happily holding hands and looking very much the coosome twosome while shopping on Oak Street.
Miley's hearing footsteps at Disney
Is Miley Cyrus feeling threatened by apparent rivals being groomed by Disney Channel as potential successors to the ''Hannah Montana'' phenomenon?
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