Milk star James Franco has pulled out of making a speech at UCLA’s College of Letters and Science commencement later this month.
James, 31, attended UCLA in 1996 and spent a year as an English major but left to concentrate on his acting career. He returned to the university last year to earn a bachelor’s degree in creative writing.
James said: “I deeply regret not being able to keep my commitment to giving the commencement speech at UCLA’s graduation this year.”
He added: “Unfortunately, the date conflicts with me needing to be on location to begin pre-production on my next film. I wish everyone in the 2009 class the best of luck in all of their future endeavors.”
Brave Michael J. Fox claims taking up golf with Parkinson’s disease is the “most optimistic” thing he has ever done – and joked other golfers are always asking what his handicap is.
The Back To The Future actor also told how he is so determined to think positive he would even “eat a pork sandwich in Mexico City right now”.
Fox told US chat show host Jimmy Kimmel: “The most optimistic thing I have done in my life is take up golf with Parkinson’s. It’s just ridiculous.
“People say to me, ‘What’s your handicap?’ I say, ‘Go figure that out.’”
He added: “I’m a terrible golfer.”
The star, who has refused to let his battle with Parkinson’s stop him enjoying life, has just written a book called Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist.
He said: “When you have kind of a non-choice, if you have Parkinson’s or something – but I have a million choices about other stuff.
“We get hung up on what we can’t do or a loss that we have.
“That’s OK, it’s good to acknowledge and accept it, then move on.
“Your happiness increases with your acceptance and goes down with your expectation.”
Hollywood star Matthew McConaughey unexpectedly found himself abandoned on a primetime US television studio when he arrived on the set for his interview.
The actor was seen wandering around the empty set of Good Morning America – as Eric Carmen’s hit All By Myself played in the background.
Matt, 39, looked for presenter Diane Sawyer, who was due to interview him.
But she and the show’s other hosts were doing a live segment from Wisconsin, and Matt jokingly pretended he did not know they wouldn’t be there, standing next to cardboard cut-outs of them.
He joked: “Looks like I got the set to myself – Diane?!
“Am I here on the right day?
He added: “I’m going to snoop around.
He then went through host Diane Sawyer’s drawers.
She joked: “I hoped we had him sign a confidentiality agreement.”
The Failure To Launch star will next be seen on screen in romantic comedy, Ghosts Of Girlfriends Past.
And he said he was enjoying being a dad to son Levi with model girlfriend, Camila Alves as he took questions from members of the public.
He said: “Fatherhood is getting more and more fun.
The actor who plays reporter Cal McAffrey in the upcoming movie “State of Play” is appalled by what journalism has become in the world of today. Russell Crowe said: “There is a crisis in serious journalism and it’s been created by journalists. We’ve been trivializing news for at least a couple of decades. The desire for new information, which we could use in a very healthy way, has been replaced by supplying trivia. I mean really, who gives a shit about what’s in the handbag of LeAnn Rimes? Who gives a shit about that?” Russell Crowe has been in the entertainment business a long time now. What does he expect people to want? To be informed and conscious about what is going on around them? Bull stuff! They want to be entertained so journalism is just adapting to the wants, not the needs, of the majority.
While supporting some of his friends at WrestleMania25, the actor got into the ring and knocked out Chris Jericho after the latter had started beating up Rick Flair, one of Mickey Rourke’s friends. Mickey Rourke of course had some previous animosities with Chris Jericho due to the slander he had proliferated in regards to Mickey Rourke’s latest movie, “The Wrestler”, as the actor relates: “He can say all the shit he wants about my friends Ric Flair, Roddy Piper and Ricky Steamboat – these guys that he’s talking about, I’ve got a lot of respect for and I’ve got a lot of love for. They’re my friends and I think any one of them on any given night could kick Jericho’s ass.” I like these actors who take their parts so seriously and even get the chance to prove themselves. And Mickey Rourke did so beyond a shadow of a doubt. Now if only they could solve their differences in a more peaceful manner that won’t necessarily require hospitalization.
The actor was recently left relieved after Steven Taliver, a man who had been following Jamie Foxx around at the studio of his upcoming movie and later tried to force his way into Jamie Foxx’s hotel room, was arrested. Jamie Foxx had this to say about the intervention of the police: “I’m good now. Shout out to Philadelphia and the mayor and everybody else to make sure it’s good. Sometimes you have to make sure every move you make in life is the right thing, and that you have people there to watch your back.” Wow… great speech on Jamie Foxx’s behalf… it’s like this Steven Taliver was no ordinary stalker, one you’d expect any public figure to have, but rather the embodiment of an evil and yet paradoxical force that was finally put to silence and peace.
The actress recently flew all the way from Miami to Los Angeles in order to visit Josh Hartnett who was hospitalized there. Apparently this was a bit of a rash move on Sienna Miller’s behalf as she might have sparked beliefs in romantic involvements. A source said the following about Sienna Miller’s quick dash: “Sienna had just 24 hours to fly all the way to Los Angeles to see Josh. She was very concerned and wanted to be sure he knew how much she cared for him.” Now hold on just a gosh-darned second, what, can’t a person fly a few thousand miles in order to check in on somebody without being emotionally involved. Some people go that distance for their dogs… are we going to assume that the individuals in question can be romantically linked to their pets?
Eight Is Enough star Willie Aames needs more than eight to sustain his lifestyle forcing him to hold a garage sale at his home so he could raise cash to pay off his debts. Willie Aames played the sidekick of Scott Baio in the 1980s “Charles In Charge” show but apparently he was not able to save enough money for his future or if ever he had some savings all of them have been spent already.
The 48-year old former Teen Beat poster boy was able to sell his autographed photos, posters and his other television and movie memorabilia. There’s also his artwork, a plush leather couch, a lion mounted on an oak pedestal, piano and a TV set. Pop goes the life of Willie Aames, former teen star who got hooked on drugs and alcohol but was able to kick the habit and became a Christian and ordained minister later on. Unfortunately the recession came in and Willie Aames had to declare bankruptcy last year which led to his wife of 22 years leaving him and to his unsuccessful suicide. Well, might as well sell those goodies since his home has also been placed under foreclosure.
British actress Natasha Richardson has met with a skiing accident and is said to be in serious to critical condition. She is currently being treated for severe head injuries following the accident wherein she was not wearing a ski helmet.
Natasha Richardson is the wife of actor Liam Neeson. Richardson, 45, belongs to the Redgrave acting family was taken to Centre Hospitalier Laurentien near Mont Tremblant, famous for skiing, but due reasons still unknown she was within an hour transferred and admitted to Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal.
The Tony-winning star spent her early years’ living in London and her mother Vanessa Redgrave, 72 is an acclaimed British actress. Natasha Richardson got married to Liam Neeson, 56, in 1994, and the couple are the proud parents of two children, Micheal, 13, and Daniel, 12.
In latest news update there are unconfirmed rumors that Natasha Richardson is brain dead. Though none of these claims have been confirmed and all of it seems dirty press trying to cash in on over night developments.
Dwayne Johnson is a certified star. Of course, he already is a star during his wrestling days when he was known as “The Rock”. However, Dwayne Johnson is becoming an even bigger star thanks to his recent film “Race To Witch Mountain” and his Saturday Night Live skit which irked Hawaii officials including its lieutenant governor and some members of the tourism sector. Dwayne Johnson’s four-minute skit at the Saturday Night Live where he played the part of a disgruntled local who sing and dance for Hawaii tourists has irked officials as it might turn off tourists from visiting the State.
Tourism is the biggest industry in Hawaii and Lt. Gov. James Duke Aiona said Dwayne Johnson’s skit might hurt the industry. The Governor has already sent a protest letter to NBC executive producer Lorne Michaels saying the skit went too far and negatively depicted the native people of Hawaii and also its tourism industry. He said such skit is uncalled for especially at this time when the economy is doing badly. Dwayne Johnson has lived in Hawaii for a year when he was in High School so they were made to do a skit and played poorly paid entertainer who had to entertain US mainlanders visiting a Hawaii restaurant. Other mainlanders however find the skit funny and a reflection of reality.
Patrick Swayze recently lambasted tabloids for their insensitivity in publishing news reports that the Dirty Dancing actor is losing his fight against pancreatic cancer. Patrick Swayze singled out The National Enquirer for printing negative stories about him and his health when they could write about the so many positive things happening in his life right now like the fact that he is still fighting and battling cancer. The National Enquirer published photos of Patrick Swayze, taken on March 3 when he was leaving his doctor’s office, showing his thin physique and with the deadline “The End”.
Patrick Swayze who has completed filming the TV show “The Beast” despite his serious illness, denied rumors that his cancer treatment is not working. Patrick Swayze said he has started a new chemotherapy and he is responding well to the treatment. He said it would be best to focus on the positive things happening in his life like his new 12-weekkold Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy named Kumasai. He is also starting a new book and is happy with the fantastic response his “The Beast TV series has been getting from everyone. Even Patrick Swayze’s mom is fed up with the negative reports about his son saying she hopes they would leave him alone.
I’m still not buying Joaquin Phoenix’s attempt at a hip hop career but he’s free to make himself look ridiculous as he’s trying it. The retired actor performed in Miami Beach this past Wednesday and it was a pretty memorable performance for the crowd. Joaquin took the stage around 2AM at LIV nightclub in the Fontainebleau hotel, mumbling his rhymes to the beat when an audience member began to heckle him. Joaquin told the crowd “We have a (double-expletive) in the audience,” and then jumped off stage to confront the heckler. Security were all over that in a second and dragged Joaquin out of the nightclub. Casey Affleck and cameras were conveniently there to film the whole thing.
James Bond star Daniel Craig has voiced his concerns about the global credit crunch crisis saying that even the most sought after Hollywood superstars are not immune from its effects.
The Quantum of Solace actor has recently only bought a $5.8 million apartment in Regent’s Park, London but he says that if the trend continues then it will not be long before Hollywood too will be faced with a shortage of money because of the same reasons. He also said that such issues will affect everyone in the business, including himself.
That’s more like some actor talking something that has affected people all over then world but more so to people who are less fortunate and also those living below the poverty line.
Hollywood stars should for once starting taking in fewer salaries and even movie ticket prices should be slashed so that people can enjoy affordable entertainment to remain happy for some reason or the other.
Kellie Pickler has gone to her MySpace page to send out her holiday greetings to all her fans. The 22-year old American Idol alum said “Just wanted to send my love to all of you for blessing me with a wonderful year! I hope that you are able to spend your holiday season with good company and people you love. One of my friends (Meghan) from college and I randomly decided to have a girls week and come to the Bahamas for Christmas. The weather has been a little disappointing since we’ve been here….there has been an overcast everyday and it rained all day yesterday! I guess Meghan and I were good girls this year because Santa brought us sunshine today!!! WAHoooo!! So having said that I’m not wasting any time… we’re hitting the water slides!!!! love you all so much! happy holidays!!”
Apparently, Rufus Wainwrightwas misquoted on a statement regarding his views on gay marriage. The singer recently posted an explanatory but still eyebrow raising correction on his website. He said “Recently, a quote from an interview was taken out of context and as these things go, it has appeared on many internet sites. So, to set the record straight (or shall we say gay), I am not nor have I ever been opposed to anyone’s right to marry – straight or gay… Plus, in terms of practical issues such as citizenship, taxes, inheritance, etc…it is appauling that LGBT couples don’t have the same rights and options that other people have and compared with Europe and Canada, the US should be ashamed of how they treat love. I have voiced my strong opposition to Prop 8 on many occasions and will continue to do so until that referendum is reversed.”
Some chap asked Samuel Jackson as to when the star actor would retire and in his usual blunt fashion Samuel said “Retiring from what? There’s no reason to – I’m going to be the black Michael Caine.”
At 59 years of age Samuel wants a career that’s as long as the one Michael Caine had and if possible even longer than that. But I thought that Hollywood legend Clint Eastwood was the one with the longest Hollywood career, you know some guys seem to be there for so long, means you seem them since childhood and they are still there when you are 50.
The ‘Lakeview Terrace’ star insists that retirement is not on his mind at all and he to enjoy as lengthy a career as 75-year-old Michael. Well Samuel I really like to see your movies just hope to have teeth left inside your month till then.
Looks like, Bi-coastal parasite and ‘cut off’ oil heir, Brandon Davis, is digging a deeper hole for himself.
Until he was banned, Brandon was regularly seen hanging out at an upscale, underground LA casino in West Hollywood.
The management of the casino finally kicked him out because they got tired of him showing up and abusing his credit privileges one too many times.
When will those kids learn that you don’t fuck with people and their money!!!
“He would consistently show up behaving erratically and make lengthy trips to the bathroom. Finally, management told him he was no longer welcome,” said a source.
Since then he has been ‘couch surfing’ and even stealing from his friends to keep afloat since being cut off from the family fortune.
Don’t piss off too many people Brandon, they might come after you once you’ve receive your inheritance.
While the life in “Matrix” seemed difficult and tough for Keanu Reeves alias Neo, in fact it was not at all harsh as compared to his real life challenges.
After all Keanu Reeves was the hero in the movie but when it comes to real life, Reeves is just another person.
The elegant actor is facing a real life civil trial for hitting a photographer with his car.
The photographer Alison Silva fell down while taking the actor on tape in 2007 and blamed that the actor’s car has knocked him down.
The opening statements were delivered on October 27, 2008.
If proved guilty, the court may ask the actor to pay the damages to the photographer.
The once Elle editor has found another way to stick it to her former magazine employers!
The current fashion director at Marie Claire magazine, will be a featured player in a reality show called Running in Heels. This show is said to be Marie Claire’s answer to Elle’s “reality” TV show, Stylista.
The new show will document different fashion and editorial employees at Marie Claire, from the top editors (like Nina) down to the interns.
According to reports it’s a mix of Ugly Betty and Real World.
A perfect formula for a hit reality show! Too much drama and a little reality! We have got a winner!
The show is set to premiere March 2009 on the Style network.
Jade Goody is pushed in a wheelchair outside hospital by ex-boyfriend Jack Tweed — as she faces a third cancer scare.
The Big Brother legend, 27, cuddled son Freddie, three, as devoted Jack wheeled her around hospital grounds. It followed a week of tests to try to fathom what’s wrong with Jade.
Her agent Mark Thomas said: “We still don’t know what’s wrong but, yes, it is a cancer scare. Jade has undergone a series of tests but the doctors can’t pinpoint the problem. She’s still in pain and it’s a worry.”
Jade fainted at her luxury home in Upshire, Essex, last Saturday — the fourth time she has collapsed. When she came to she realised she had been bleeding.
The mum-of-two rang 999 and was taken to the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow, Essex.
Since then, Freddie and brother Bobby Jack, five — Jade’s sons with TV presenter Jeff Brazier — have been looked after by Jack and Jade’s mum Jackiey.
Mr Thomas added: “Jade and Jack are no longer an item but remain very close friends. He’s helping her out with the kids and has been great.”
Jade was previously tested for bowel cancer in 2006 and ovarian cancer in 2004, but was given the all-clear both times. She suffered a miscarriage last year, but is not currently pregnant.
Jade’s condition stabilised last night and she was released from hospital. But she faces more tests next week.
Jack, 21, who split from Jade earlier this year, is due to be sentenced for assault next month after he attacked a teenager with a golf club.
