The following column appeared in today's Daily News but I have added some previously unused quotes from an OK! Magazine story (adds are in italic). I'd post a link to the mag but their web site has been crashed for the past two days:

Jamie Lynn Spears, star of Nickelodeon's "Zoey 101," has succeeded to do the impossible: she has upstaged her trainwreck of a big sister, Britney Spears.

The 16-year-old actress - widely perceived to be the "good" Spears sister, is at least three months pregnant. She and her mom have blabbed all about it to OK! Magazine. Once the baby is born, the teen will get a whopping $1 million from that magazine for an exclusive photo spread of her and the tot.

Honestly, what planet does the Spears family live on? Britney's endless travails, poor parenting and endless hunger for paparazzi attention is well documented. But her little sister had been a role model to millions of little girls who love her on "Zoey."

Sadly, I think a lot of parents are going to be having talks with their kids about the difference between a TV character and the person playing her.

Nickelodeon has released a statement in support of their very young star: "We respect Jamie Lynn's decision to take responsibility in this sensitive and personal situation."

Her employer might be sympathetic, but there's been an immediate groundswell of mostly negative reaction around cyberspace. Some people even see it as a major blow to education efforts to prevent teen pregnancy.

"My 11-year-old daughter looks up to girls like Jamie Lynn and Miley Cyrus," one Massachusetts woman wrote to People.com. "Thank goodness she still has Miley."

"QuicheLorraine" wrote on the A Socialite's Life blog: "Rewarding a 16-year-old
who is foolish enough to get knocked up with a $1 million baby photo contract is disgusting and I hope everyone boycotts OK Magazine."

Bloggers are also weighing in:

Defamer: "She's continuing the proud family tradition of ill-advised pregnancies established by infant-fumbling, mothering-impaired older sister Britney."

Radar magazine: "The response? A comforting hug from her employer Nickelodeon, the cover of OK! magazine, and a portrayal of the events framed in the soft light of an after-school special."

Her mom Lynne, previously signed to write a book on parenting Britney and Jamie Lynn (the book has been postponed, indefinitely), said to the OK!: "I didn't believe it because Jamie Lynn's always been so conscientious. She's never late for her curfew. I was in shock. I mean, this is my 16-year-old baby."

Don't you mean your $1 million baby?

Said Lynne Spears: "She came to me and said: 'Mom, I have to tell you something. Here, it's in a note.' I was taken aback. I read the note, which of course said that she was pregnant, and ran into the living room. I said: 'I don't believe this. This is not funny!' I looked at Casey, and he was staring straight ahead. She said: 'Yes, Momma, it's true.'...You have to sit and think about it and deal with the situation that you have and stay focused that there is this beautiful new living human being that's on its way."

But she is adamant that marriage is not the best option for her 16-year-old daughter: "We're not going there. We're focusing on the baby. We've got so much to focus on right now."

"It was a shock for both of us, so unexpected," Jamie Lynn told OK!, "I was in complete and total shock and so was he." Total shock? Didn't mama Spears ever have "the talk" with Jamie Lynn?

"I can't say it was something I was planning to do right now, but now that it's in my lap and that it's something I have to deal with, definitely, I'm looking forward to being the best mom I can be," Jamie Lynn said.

She said she was unsure if she wanted to keep the baby at first:: "As soon as I found out for sure from the doctor, I took two weeks to myself where I didn't tell anybody. Only one of my friends knew because I needed to work out what I would do for myself before I let anyone's opinion affect my decision. Then I told my parents and my friends. I was scared, but I had to do what was right for me....I think my whole life I would have to live with knowing what I did or what I didn't do. I'm trying to do the right thing, I think that this is what is going to make me happy in the end."

Telling her boyfriend he was going to be a father wasn't as hard as telling her mother that she was, once again, going to be a grandmother: "(I called Casey after the doctor's appointment and met in person the next day.) It was something we couldn't really talk about over the phone. We met and talked about everything and decided what we wanted to do. He was 100 percent supportive, and we figured it out....(I told my mom right before Thanksgiving.) She was very upset because it wasn't what she expected at all. A week after, she had time to cope with it and became very supportive."

"I love babies, and I have my nephews that I love," she added. "I have a great mom and she has raised three kids, so if I take lessons from her, I think I'll be great. All my friends have little brothers or sisters."

And, yes, Jamie Lynn has advice on pre-marital sex: "I definitely don't think it's something you should do; it's better to wait. But I can't be judgmental because it's a position I put myself in."

Of course, this situation has every PR crisis expert slobbering to get quoted abvout this story. I've decided to use one from Ronn Torossian, CEO of 5W Public Relations since it was forwarded to me by about 20 different people.

"Frankly, I don't see any Spears Family Christmas Prime Time Specials being sold into syndication anytime soon," said Torossian, who has repped Sean Combs, Snoop Dogg and Lil' Kim. "If Michael made LaToya look like the normal Jackson, Britney might be the Spears' with the better moral judgment... either way brands won't see either family member as marketable for some time."

Posted by Greg Hernandez at 1:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Brad Pitt talked with Charlie Rose this week about his "Make It Right Project" which is working to help the people of New Orleans whose lives were devastated by Hurricane Katrina.
"I wish this had been taken care of on a federal level, a state level, even a state level," Brad told Charlie. "But if this [is] the case where we go do it at the federal level, so be it."
Of the nation's leaders and their handling of Katrina and its continued aftermath, Brad said: "They've certainly taken their eye off the ball...There's a portion of our society [poor and minority] that is being undervalued."

Here is a clip of their conversation:

Charlie, who is kind of annoying in this second clip as he talks over Brad too much, asks about the four Pitt-Angelina Jolie children, three of whom they adopted. Brad said he and Angelina cannot adopt jointly because they are not married, a policy which he said is in part "a firewall against homosexuals which, you know, I don't agree with."

Posted by Greg Hernandez at 6:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I ask you, what is this world coming to when a lunch lady with a mullet lies on national television?

Apparently that is what happened on Sunday night’s season finale of “Survivor.” Fourth-place finisher Denise Martin said on live television Sunday that after she came back from China - where this season took place - she was forced to take the a janitorial night shift “cleaning toilets” because her newfound fame had become a distraction.

Producers felt so bad that they gave her $50,000 to get back on her feet. But Nancy T. Lane, the superintendent of Douglas Public Schools in Massachusetts, said the lunch lady is a liar.

“Although Mrs. Martin was a cafeteria employee prior to her selection as a contestant, she asked to be considered for a promotion to full-time custodian and was promoted to this position...” Lane said
in a statement.

Hmmm. That’s the kinda fib that’s pretty easy to get busted for.

Maybe the lunch lady’s hairnet was on just a tad too tight?

Update: Lunch lady went on CBS Early Show and said: "It was not my intention to be misleading. I'm sorry, and I apologize to everybody."
She also released this statement: "I do not feel comfortable about accepting the $50,000. I would instead ask that it be donated to the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. Please accept my apology. I would also like to thank all the people who have supported me through this experience."

Posted by Greg Hernandez at 12:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

In this world of troubled Spears sisters, how refreshing it is to meet a teenaged star who has her act together. I have chatted with Andrea Bowen on several occasions and have always found her to be unfailingly polit, friendly and articulate.

This girl was brought up right. Here is an item I ran on her in today's Daily News:

Andrea Bowen is not one to tell tales out of school.

But the young actress who has played Julie Mayer on “Desperate Housewives” since its very first episode hints that her character did not perish in the tornado that destroyed Wisteria Lane.

“Let’s just say that during that particular episode, all of the teens were conveniently away,” 17-year-old Andrea said recently.

Although the second part of the the tornado episode has been shot, it is one of the few remaining original episodes of “Housewives” being saved until next year due to the ongoing writers strike.

“To be honest, it’s a real weird feeling to wake up and not go to work, not go to the lot. Even when I’m not filming, I’m there doing school so I’m used to going there daily. But at the same time, we’re all in support of the writers. We’re going to be battling the same things soon.”

With some downtime, Andrea has been working on her music and is considering doing an album. She’s not just some TV star dabbling though. She’s appeared on Broaday in “Les Misérables” and “Jane Eyre”
and was also a member of The Broadway Kids concert group.

Whenever filming on “Housewives” does resume, Andrea is certain it won’t be smooth sailing for her character or that of her mother Susan (Teri Hatcher) and new stepfather Mike (James Denton).

“Our family unit cannot stay drama free,” she said. “We are drama junkies.”

Posted by Greg Hernandez at 12:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Jamie Lynn is admired by little girls everywhere (including my nieces) who love her from her Nickelodeon show "Zoey 101." Now, the word has spread like wildfire that she is pregnant and she and her mother and the mother of the boy who is the father have all given interviews to OK! Magazine.

Nickelodeon released this statement Tuesday evening: "We respect Jamie Lynn's decision to take responsibility in this sensitive and personal situation. We know this is a very difficult time for her and her family, and our primary concern right now is for Jamie Lynn's well being."

A shock? Did anyone talk to this girl about contraception?

Jamie Lynn told OK! she first took a home pregnancy test then got it confirmed by a doctor but waited two weeks to tell her parents because "I needed to work out what I would do for myself before I let anyone's opinion affect my decision. Then I told my parents and my friends. I was scared, but I had to do what was right for me."

Lynne Spears, who was signed to write a book on parenting Britney and Jamie Lynn (the book has been postponed, obviously) said to the magazine: "I didn't believe it because Jamie Lynn's always been so conscientious. She's never late for her curfew. I was in shock. I mean, this is my 16-year-old baby."

Well, you have to wish the kid well and hope she's a better mother than her older sister is. But at 16 and with that family background, it's tough odds. I am sure there will be a lot of parents talking to little girls tomorrow about this.

What I find really disturbing is the magazine cover, the exclusive interview given by Jamie Lynn and her mother. Is she seeking the same kind of attention her big sister gets? Why splash it out there like that when you are just processing it yourself?

There is something really wrong with that family.

Posted by Greg Hernandez at 8:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Well, what a surprise.

Pam Anderson the one-time “Baywatch” actress turned middle-aged spectacle, is apparently splitting from her third husband Rick Salomon after less than three months of matrimonial bliss.
Salomon, most famous for being in Paris Hilton’s sex video and profiting off of it, has also been married three times - including once to Shannen Doherty.

And remember, gay people in this country can’t even get married once.

Previously married to Tommy Lee and Kid Rock, Pam filed divorce papers Friday a few days later, she was seen shopping with him. Then on Monday, she posted this message on her web site: “P.S. We’re working things out.”
I have my own message for Pam: P.S. Stop getting married! You don’t seem to be very good at it.

Posted by Greg Hernandez at 4:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Posted by Greg Hernandez at 4:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

In the months before the acclaimed drama “The Kite Runner” opened in theaters last weekend, director Marc Forster tried to explain to the film’s star, Khalid Abdalla, that life as he knew it was about to change.

“He keeps telling me, ‘Enjoy your anonymity while you can,’” Khalid told me recently.

The movie, just nominated for a Golden Globe Award for best foreign-language film, is based on the novel of the same name. Khalid plays Amir, a man who returns to Afghanistan under Taliban rule to heal his past after spending two decades in America.

Although he’s been acting professionally since he was 15, much of Khalid’s work had been on the London stage. “The Kite Runner” is just his second film which he shot after completing a role in “United 93.”
The 27-year-old actor divides his time between London, Paris and Cairo but is quick to say “wherever there’s a great job, that’s where I want to be....I want to be part of films that tell extraordinary stories whatever they may be whether they’re comic, tragic, human, horror. That’s what I want to do.”
Khalid was born in Glasgow, Scotland, of Egyptian heritage and honed his acting skills while attending Cambridge University.

He gives much credit to Forster - the director of “Monster’s Ball” and “Finding Neverland” among other films, for helping him transition from stage to screen.

“He’s an extraordinary director,” Khalid said. “You don’t get to work with the likes of Dustin Hoffman, Kate Winslet, Johnny Depp, Emma Thompson, Halle Berry - and the list goes on and on - you don’t get to work with the likes of those people unless you are someone very, very special. He’s an extraordinary sensitive man with a great eye on people and on the world and he’s a technical master of his craft. You feel supported no matter what you’re doing.”

Posted by Greg Hernandez at 3:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

With their twin babies on the mend after a scary hospital mishap, it's so great to see Dennis Quaid and his wife back out and about looking happy and doing some shopping...

Posted by Greg Hernandez at 9:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Kathy Griffin arrived at the Chateau Marmont the other day in a good mood "because the lunch is free." She was one of the celeb guests at a More Magazine-Women in Film luncheon and was there a bit early - flanked by her two assistants.

As we stood in the lobby, I asked if she was in the mood for a little on-the-record chat. She said, "Sure! Let's go find a place to sit." We briefly considered sharing the piano bench in the lounge but settled on a couple of chairs at a little table instead. She told me that she has just signed on for season four of "My Life on the D-List" and "we start filming New Year's Eve and will be back on the air in June. This year, we're doing 10 episodes instead of six. We have a lot of stuff planned for the season. It is going to be action packed."

Greg: Are they filming right now? Am I going to be on it?
Kathy: [laughs] Not yet. But otherwise believe me, you'd be on it. If you've even slightly ever met me, you're on the show."

Greg: People are saying that you're A-list now.
Kathy: (laughs) I know I'm still D-list. Like for this event, they told me I could only bring one person. You know Annette Benning could bring 10 people if she wanted to. So, I'm reminded on a daily basis of how D-list I still am.

Greg: It must be very humbling.
Kathy: Yeah.

Greg: I remember when you started your show and you were at events trying to get phone numbers from stars for your charity? Is it still that hard for you?
Kathy: Yes. It's that hard. In fact, most celebrities won't give me their home number. And they shouldn't, I don't blame them. I'm actually trying not to beg, borrow and steal so much. I'm not even having my Toys for Tots party this year because I can't take it anymore, the begging the celebrities to come. This is how D-list I am. For the last two years, "Entertainment Tonight" covered my Toys for Tots Annual Christmas Gala and not aired it, because there weren't enough celebrities. So that's D-list. They come to your house, wear the mic pack and they're like, 'Yeah, we're not even gonna air this.' And People magazine came
last year and took pictures then just went, 'No, we're not gonna put any of them in."
Greg: Not even on People.com?
Kathy: No. Not big enough stars.

Greg: When you lost the year before, you kinda caused a scene. This year, did you think about what you'd do if you won?
Kathy: Oh, I planned it. Of course. Because when I watch those shows, I always want to see who the person is who's going to get in trouble and say something. I thought, 'I could be that person.'

Greg: Did you pick sides?
Kathy: Yeah, I would be team Rosie. I love her. I think she's a hero and I think she's smart and provocative and evocative and does her own thing. Honestly, I think there's nobody like her. I think she's really great.

Greg: Did you ever get into it with Elisabeth [Hasselbeck]?
Kathy: Oh, I get along fine with Elisabeth but I just have a lot more in common with Rosie.

Greg: Did you want that co-host gig?
Kathy: I don't think that show would be appropriate me. But I enjoy doing that show very, very much. I get a huge kick out of Barbara. But you know, I would probably be getting into trouble a lot. I don't think I could censor myself that much.

Greg: And what's his name? I know he founded something big.
Kathy: (Laughs). Steve Wozniak. He founded a little company called Apple.

Greg. Well how's that going?
Kathy: I just adore him. He's brilliant and he is truly an altruist, just travels the country and the world helping people and giving out computers to underprivledged kids, he's just constantly doing good. He's totally the opposite of me. He is good and I am evil. He's the angel on your shoulder and I'm the devil.

Greg: Is he changing you at all?
Kathy: No. He's trying to make me good and he can't do it. I'm going to stay evil and negative. And he's good and positive.

Greg: What do you think of Anderson?
Kathy: I adore him, of course. This is a guy, comes from money, comes from status and yet takes the camcorder, goes to Rwanda and just does the story. He goes to those hot-bed places i don't know how he does it. I've actually known him for awhile and he's a good guy - a very, very smart guy.

Kathy and I wrap up our chat and go on to mingle with others. A few minutes later she comes back and has to tell me something. I turn on my tape recorder: "It's Kathy Griffin again," she says into the recorder. "I'm doing two nights at the Kodak Theatre [in Hollywood] January 10 and 11. Come see me live because that's where the fur really flies."

I am so there.

Posted by Greg Hernandez at 8:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

There are an awful lot of happy people in Hollywood today. No, the writers strike is not over, but the Golden Globe Award nominations were announced very early this morning. I've chatted with all kinds of people so far this morning but it got kind of crazy at one point: "I'm sorry, I can't talk to John Travolta just yet because Tom Wilkinson is calling from London."

Hey, that's showbiz.

John Travolta was nominated for best supporting actor in a movie. He is a previous Golden Globe winner for "Get Shorty" and happy to be back in contention for his performance as Edna Turnblad in "Hairspray." He was very upbeat when we chatted just a week after meeting last week at the Women In Entertainment breakfast: “I feel relief because there were so many people who wanted good things for this movie," he said. "I didn’t want to let anybody down. Going out on a limb and giving up my male ego to portray this paid off. You don’t know if it will when you are doing it.”

John had not done a musical since "Grease" which was released the same year that he received his first Oscar nomination for :Saturday Night Fever." He was Oscar nominated again in 1995 for "Pulp Fiction."
“As I get older, I get more appreciative of this," he said of the award nominations. "I realize they are far and few between. As the years go by, the competition gets harder and your abilities are tested further and you feel very lucky to be in the running.”

Tom Wilkinson, nominated for best supporting actor for his performance in “Michael Clayton,” called from London where he was preparing to celebrate by going out for a sushi dinner with his family.
“It’s a wonderful bonus, I feel thrilled to death. It’s not something that happens very week so it’s sort of like it’s happening for the first time.”
This is the third Globe nod for the actor who was previously nominated for “Normal” and was Oscar-nominated for “In the Bedroom.”
“What’s not to like? You come over and everybody is really nice to you, nice sleak cars are waiting to pick you up and cater to your every whim and everyone is very charming. You get to meet some very intersting people and then at a certain point, you get to go home and forget about it.”

Marion Cotillard, nominated for best actress in a movie (musical or comedy) her performance in "La Vie En Rose," called from Paris and was still processing her good fortune: “I couldn’t have imagined one year ago that I would be talking to you right now about a Golden Globe nomination. It is crazy for me, it is not something you can imagine when you are a French actress in a French movie. Deeply, deeply, I don’t care about awards. But I’m starting to have sparkles in my heart. So I asked myself, ‘Well, you do like that. Be honest.’ Really, I enjoy it, i have to confess that I enjoy it. For me, it means that people who saw the movie liked it.”

“Oh my God it;s so crazy,’ she said. “I just want to sit back and appreciate it and not take it for granted.”
She is clearly the front runner after picking up honors from the National Board of Review, the Los Angeles Film Critics Association, The New York Film Critics Circle, San Francisco Film Critics Circle, The Boston Society of Film Critics and The Washington, D.C. Area Film Critics Association.

Ryan is currently filming “The Changeling” directed by Clint Eastwood who knows a thing or two about awards season: “He has actually been quite helpful telling me, ‘It’s actually a really nice night. You’ll enjoy it.”

I was really excited to talk to David Duchovny who was nominated for "Californication." By coincidence, I just finished watching the last two episodes of his show last night on DVD. I got hooked and watched all 12 over the course of three days.

"Is that out on DVD?" he asked, sounding a bit puzzled.
Nope. Just got a set from the studio.
"Well good, then you've seen them all."

David won a Globe several years ago for "X Files" and is happy to be back in the running: “It’s different for me because it’s in comedy and it’s nice to be recognized in a different vein. But what’s best and most satisfying is the show getting nominated, I’m so happy that the show gets a nod. It’s really about the writing for any actor getting nominated for any award. We interpret. When they give an actor an award, they are really giving it to the writer.”
David called the Globes “the most fun because they serve alcohol.”
And yeah, he’d love to get a matching trophy to go along with the “X Files” Globe: “If I’m gonna go, I want to win!”

Didn't get to talk to all the nominees, of course, but they were nice enough to provide prepared statements. Here are some of them:

Jodie Foster, nominated for best actress-drama for The Brave One: “The nomination is so exciting and surprising at the same time. Never saw it coming... It's strange to continue to feel a character in your blood long after it wraps. I am so proud of The Brave One, of where Neil Jordan took the character of Erica Bain. The experience of playing her has moved me deeper than anything I can remember. I can't wait to have some rubber chicken and listen to the unscripted banter with all of those fine actresses.”

Denzel Washington, nominated for best actor-drama for American Gangster: “It is an amazing honor to be recognized for one’s work. In addition to the “American Gangster” nominations, including Ridley Scott for Best Director, I am so proud that all the kids who star in “The Great Debaters” will be able to share with me in this Best Picture nomination.”

Hugh Laurie, nominated for best actor in a television drama for House:"I'm extremely honored to be included in such company. But now, especially now, I have to emphasize how much I owe to David Shore and all the writers on House. Without them, I wouldn't even know how to finish this sentence without....you know..."

Nikki Blonsky, nominated for best actress- musical or comedy for Hairspray: "Thanks to the Hollywood Foreign Press Association for this wonderful honor. I'm so proud to have been a part of Hairspray and given the opportunity to play the strong, confident Tracy Turnblad. The entire experience, working with the divine Queen Latifah, legendary John Travolta, Neil Meron, Craig Zadan and Adam Shankman has been a dream come true!"

Javier Bardem, nominated for best actor in a movie-drama for No Country for Old Men: "Working with the Coens has always been a dream of mine, and to be recognized for my work in one of their films is truly an honor. Muchas gracias to the Hollywood Foreign Press Association!”

The Weinstein Company received four nominations, including Denzel Washington’s and Oprah Winfrey’s The Great Debaters for Best Picture, Cate Blanchett for Supporting Actress in I’m Not There and Clint Eastwood for Best Score and Song in Grace is Gone.
Harvey Weinstein said: “We are absolutely thrilled that the Hollywood Foreign Press Association has recognized Denzel Washington, Oprah, Cate Blanchett and Clint Eastwood on their well deserved nominations. We are excited that The Great Debaters will be released on Christmas Day and today’s nomination is a great launching point. My brother and I are especially excited that The Great Debaters has received a Best Picture nomination and honored that our films have received Best Picture Nominations for twelve consecutive years in a row.”

Posted by Greg Hernandez at 11:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This is from the NY Daily News and since I'm so busy with Golden Globe nominations this morning, I'm going to post their item verbatim:

Even without a script, the cast of "Grey's Anatomy" generated plenty of drama Wednesday when they showed up to support picketing writers outside the fabled Paramount Studios lot.

Katherine Heigl, who plays Izzie Stevens, and T.R. Knight, who plays her on-screen love interest George O'Malley, were posing for pictures and giving interviews - when controversial former cast member Isaiah Washington showed up. Washington, who played Dr. Preston Burke, was fired from the show in June amid tension that began when he allegedly used a gay slur to refer to Knight and used the word again during a Golden Globes appearance.

He has since apologized, met with gay leaders and checked into rehab on the advice of his handlers.

He now appears on "The Bionic Woman."

Washington's presence underscored the symbolism of "Diversity Day" in which writers and actors who are gay or a minority were specifically asked to appear on the picket line.

Grey's creator and writer Shonda Rhimes, considered one of the most powerful black women in Hollywood, was among those picketing at Paramount.

Asked if Washington was with the Grey's group, Heigl, who had previously publicly criticized Washington told The Daily News, "He's not with me."

But Washington denied there were problems with his former co-workers.

"They're former castmates. I've been in over 25 movies, I have lots of former castmates." he said.

Washington later posed for a picture with Justin Chambers, who plays Alex Karev.

The stars joined fellow actors Rex Lee from "Entourage," Amy Brenneman of "Private Practice," "Motorcycle Diaries" screenwriter Jose Rivera, and other cast and crew from "CSI Miami," "Cold Case," "The Shield" and "The Bionic Woman" to support the television and screenwriters in their six-week strike.

The writers are negotiating their payments for work shown on the Internet. Talks were broken off last week when the writers walked away from the table.

Posted by Greg Hernandez at 9:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

"I had so much caffeine that day," she said a bit apologetically. "I think I was talking a mile a minute."

She was a great interview as I remember it had recently debuted in the hit HBO series on which she plays one of Bill Paxton's three wives in this drama about a family that practices a type of polygamy. Jeanne burst onto the scene in the first half of the 90s in a succession of high-profile movies: "Basic Instinct," "The Firm" and "Waterworld."

She went on to other films ("Mickey Blue Eyes," "Sliding Doors"), took some time off to raise her son and is now back in a big way as Barb Henrickson, Paxton's "1st wife." Ginnifer Goodwin and Chloe Sevigny play the other wives.

The show was due to begin filming its third season soon but the writers strike has postponed production.

"I knew there was no way were were going to be able to get around the strike," she said. "A lot of shows were stockpiling scripts but we just couldn't do that. They are writing literally until right before we step in front of the camera. Changes are being. I think that's what makes it so palpable and tense because as actors, it keeps us on our toes."

Jeanne recently completed her role as Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy in the film version of "Grey Gardens" about the former first lady's aunt and first cousin who lived together in a 28-room mansion in squalor
and almost total isolation.

"["Big Love"] is opening me up to more roles and more opportunities," she said. "But I'm completely satiated creatively working on 'Big Love.' If I didn't do anything else the rest of the year, I'm more than happy."

Posted by Greg Hernandez at 9:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Luckily for Keifer Sutherland, currently in the slammer for a DUI charge, he has a lot of fans who are giving him plenty to read.

"The guy's been getting a ton of fan mail," says Officer John Balian, spokesman for the Glendale City Jail tells People.com. "Easily more than 100 letters a day."

The fans might want to send those letters in the form of cards: Keifer will be spending his birthday, Christmas and New Year's behind bars.

Posted by Greg Hernandez at 2:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The actress and her boyfriend, Cash Warren, are expecting, People.com reports today.

"I can confirm that Jessica and Cash are expecting a baby in late spring, early summer," says Alba's rep Brad Cafarelli.

The couple met on the set of "The Fantastic Four," on which Warren was a director's assistant, and have been together since 2004. The pregnancy will likely result in Alba postponing what was to be her Broadway debut next summer in a revival of playwright David Mamet's "Speed-the-Plow."

Posted by Greg Hernandez at 11:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

J.Lo has reportedly also put a request for a double baby carriage on her baby shower registry. Items in the registry also include $349 cashmere outfits, a suede play mat for $289, and a "Balmoral enameled black carriage for a mere $3,495," to use People.com's words.

Posted by Greg Hernandez at 10:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Is Britney Spears losing her mo-joe?

In today's episode of As Britney's World Turns, rumor has it, that our damsel of a mess and Mocha Frappuccino addict has apparently been banned from at least one Starbucks store because of the chaos caused by the ever-present paparazzi trailing her every move.

An employee at a Starbucks in Studio City told me that Britney was banned from some area stores after "she came in here with the paparazzi and it was ridiculous. They went behind the counter and things like that. We want to make sure we have safety in here."

Two weeks ago, Britney hit up another Studio City Starbucks, this one inside a Barnes & Noble store, with the paparazzi in close pursuit.

"The cameras were the problem," another employee confided. "At least seven of our customers walked out because they were losing their minds."

Officially, Starbucks headquarters in Seattle calls the Britney ban a "false rumor." But they confirm there is an iron-clad policy of no cameras being allowed in any of its locations.

"We try to create a welcoming environment and experience for all of our customers, for anybody who comes into our store to have a cup of coffee and to take some time from their busy lives to relax," said Bridget Baker, Starbucks spokeswoman. "We try to maintain the integrity of that experience."

Last week, I met a guy from the photo agency Wire Image at a party and asked him why these cameras insist on

snapping Britney doing such mundane things as buying a Mocha Frap or getting dinner at the Taco Bell.
He said it's because they don't want to miss the moment when she does something like shave her head or get out of a car without any underwear on.

Photographers trailing Brit on Monday night were treated to shots of her emerging from her car wearing a bright pink wig in the parking lot of The Hustler store on Sunset Boulevard. She was, of course, holding a Mocha Frap.

Posted by Greg Hernandez at 9:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

She's been a movie star since her early 20s as has her brother, Warren Beatty. She recently weighed in to a British TV station on the topic of young stars today and the whole paparazzi situation that surrounds them - in particular, Lindsay Lohan who had to drop out of MacLaine's "Poor Things" movie last summer after checking into rehab..

"She has her problems," Shirley said. "I don't know what's going on, maybe lack of parenting skills and no boundaries. I think the addiction to fame is a disease. Some of these girls are addicted to having their picture in magazines."

Posted by Greg Hernandez at 9:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This week has really proven that with Tom showing up to support Will at events on both coasts connected to Smith's new film "I Am Legend." Here Tom is pictured with Will and his wife Jada Pinkett Smith - Tom's co-star in "Collateral" - at the NYC premiere of "Legend." The day before, Tom was with the Smiths in Hollywood when Will's left his footprints at Grauman's Chinese Theatre.

Tom, once the biggest box office star in the world, seems to be everywhere these days supporting his famous friends and grinning from ear-to-ear for the photo op.. Last week, he and Katie and Surie were at the Spice Girls concert in LA. What's next? Tom traveling to whatever foreign country David Beckham is visiting to get into those photos too?

I guess as long as he doesn't start showing up at Starbucks in a pink wig, we don't have to worry about him...yet!

Posted by Greg Hernandez at 9:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I have no words.

Posted by Greg Hernandez at 11:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Sure, Leonardo DiCaprio got his Oscar nomination this year for "Blood Diamond" but you gotta wonder what his career would be like if he had not become a favorite of the great Martin Scorsese. So far, their collaborations include "Gangs of New York," "The Aviator" and "The Departed."

Posted by Greg Hernandez at 11:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Ho hum, today just another day at the office.

Not!

I found myself having lunch at the Chateau Marmont’s sitting at the same table as Jean Smart, Kathy Griffin, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Sharon Lawrence and Sally Kellerman among others.

OK, it was a really long table but the funny thing was, I was the only man at this luncheon of 30-plus women held to celebrate the More [magazine] Women In Film contest for screenwriters over 40. Casey Affleck was eating lunch nearby and looked over as he walked out, wondering what the hoopla was all about.

I’ll write more about the event later this week. I want to first share with you my conversation with the sublime Jean Smart of the new ABC hit comedy “Samantha Who?”

She plays the mother of Christina Applegate’s title character who suffers from amnesia and is forced to find out who she really is.

“I’m having a blast,” Jean said. “I’m dying for this [writer’s] strike to end so I can get back to work. It’s kind of like a disgusting lovefest, we all fell in love with each other in the first week. I know actors always say the right thing, ‘Oh the writing’s wonderful and the cast is wonderful’ but it really is.”

I have been a big fan of hers since her days as Charlene on “Designing Women.” She went on to win two Emmys for “Frasier” and was nominated twice more for her role as First Lady Martha Logan on “24.”
So with the role of Regina on “Samantha,” Jean is adding to a collection of already memorable roles.

“When I read the pilot script and she’s videotaping herself so she can be on “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” because of her sob story about her daughter. She makes her daughter open her eyes again when she comes out of the coma after eight days because she missed [the shot]! I said, ‘I have to play this person.’”

Regina also doesn’t bother to tell Samantha that they have not been speaking for the last two years.
“She’s starting all over again,” she says. “She’s been reading the mother’s manual and is trying to do it by the book and treats her daughter like she’s 12 years old.”

The last original episode of “Samantha” for 2007 airs next Monday night.

Posted by Greg Hernandez at 7:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The man who has played Mr. Bennet (aka Horned-Rimmed Glasses) on the NBC series "Heroes" for the past two seasons previously had a six-year run as Steven Carrington on the classic nighttime soap
"Dynasty."

I ran into Jack last weekend at the Ribbon of Hope Celebration, an awards show that honors movies and television shows that continue to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS. Even though Jack's "Dynasty" character was one of the first openly gay characters on network television, AIDS was never a part of the
show's storyline.

"You certainly had to be aware of it," Jack said. "It wasn't given a name until 1981, I started "Dynasty" in 1982. I don't know how long it was before Ronald Reagan ever mentioned it, it was not until the
very end of his presidency."

After "Dynasty" ended, Jack went on to appear as a guest star in scores of television series, was in the miniseries "Kingdom Hospital" and made several TV movies including "The Bridesmaids" which I
thought would be fun to remind him of.

He portrayed a man involved with a unhappily married woman played by Brooke Adams in the 1989 film that also starred Sela Ward and Shelly Hack, among others.

"Oh yeah! I just saw Brooke Adams at a dinner party the other night and we were reminiscing and laughing about that movie where I played her love interest. It was a good group, it was fun. One of those goofy TV movies. They used to make them. Remember when [networks] used to make TV movies?"

But now, it's hit series time again with "Heroes" and Jack, 49, is savoring it this time around even more.
"It's been great. It started off as a one-page audition for a guest star on the pilot and it's become this incredible role - the best role I've ever had. It's been kind of a magical carpet ride.

And he wants to get back on the magic carpet soon: "We've been down for about three weeks and I can't wait for this writers strike to be over and go back to work."

Posted by Greg Hernandez at 5:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

OK, so she's not exactly Winona Ryder at Sacks with the scissors etc. but TMZ has a video of wacko Britney Spears at a gas station grabbing a lighter and walking out saying to the camera "I stole something. I'm so bad!"

The owner of the Chevron told People he wants his money. "Yes, Britney stole a blue lighter here last night. The lighter is $1.39. I'm hoping maybe the next time she comes back she will pay for it. I know she can afford to pay for it, but I'm not planning to file a police report. It's still not right for her to steal the lighter. I hope she will do the right thing the next time she comes here."

Also this weekend, Britney went to Starbucks! Stop the presses!

Posted by Greg Hernandez at 11:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Emmy-winning star of "24" checked into jail in Glendale this week to begin serving a 48-day sentence for a DUI arrest in September - his second in three years. He will be working kitchen and laundry detail during his stay at the facility, reported ET.com.

Glendale police told ET that Kiefer will serve all 48 days of his sentence (no check-in, check out jazz like Lindsay Lohan and Nicole Richie) and will have his own cell. Even though Keifer has made millions as a producer and the star of "24," he's not paying for special digs at the jail which was an option.

"We do have a pay-to-stay," a jail representative said to ET, "however, he did not request [the program]. He wanted to be treated like any other inmate sentenced to do his time."

On Friday, a spokesperson provided the details on that first day behind bars: "Kiefer is not happy to be here, but has accepted his responsibility and is ready to get on with his life." Keifer's menu was cereal for breakfast, a turkey sandwich for lunch and chicken a la king for dinner.

Meanwhile, Vivica A. Fox pleaded no contest to DUI and was sentenced to 36 months probation, a fine, and she must attend AA meetings.

Then there is Gary Collins - the former talk show host who also pleased no contest to DUI this week. He was sentenced to 48 months of probation and to either 96 hours in L.A. County jail with a $500 fine. He also must perform 100 hours of community service and, because he had previously been convicted of DUI in 2004, must participate in an 18-month second offender drug and alcohol program, and attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.

Hmmmm. Collins slammed into a few cars and still got off pretty easy compared to Keifer.

I'm just sayin...

Posted by Greg Hernandez at 11:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Now he's dancing to a different tune.

"I am not quitting the show," he told People.com. He added that his comments about wanting to move on came "at a time when I was very stressed out."

Hmmm. I wonder if that was why he publicly dissed fellow competitor Marie Osmond's dancing skills in the days leading up to the finals?

Posted by Greg Hernandez at 11:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)