Happy Healthy 91st Birthday to the Legendary Sophia Loren! Sophia was surrounded by loved ones as she happily celebrated in Geneva Switzerland and shortly after son Carlo Ponti wed the love of his life Mariam Sharmanashvili. Congratulations!
Super Star Dolly Parton took to social media recently amidst rumors of health challenges.
The beloved Icon says, “I’m not ready to die yet” from the set of commercials for the Grand Ol’ Opry and explained while late husband Carl was dying, she neglected her own health. I’ve been told she developed an infection caused by a kidney stone and her doctors say she shouldn’t travel for now hence some of the cancellations. Dolly is on the mend and says she is a woman of faith and appreciates our prayers. Get well soon Dolly!
Congratulations to Selena Gomez & Benny Blanco who were recently married in the Santa Barbara area…I interviewed Selena when she was about 14/15 on the red carpet of a premiere and she was the most poised and mature teenager I’ve ever talked to and very very nice. I wish lots of happiness to both of them!
Melissa Rivers recently hosted a party to launch the Joan Rivers Collection at Julien’s Auctions… The event was held at the luxurious Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills. Protégée Kathy Griffin and Paula Wagner attended. Joan made the world a happier place and she is missed. Very early one morning years ago I was at LAX waiting at the baggage area. I’d never seen so many tired and dour faces in my life and said to myself “If this is the face of humanity it sure needs a facelift”… Just then, like on a magical cue Joan unexpectedly burst into the area radiating charisma, energy & star quality …. at about 6am! Not only was she very funny, she was very wise and I learned a lot spending time with her years later. Kat Kramer and her family were her neighbors at one time in Beverly Hills and when we heard she was in the hospital I sent a concerned fax to Joan on behalf of the Kramer family and myself. Strangely, moments after I sent the fax to the hospital Joan was in, I received a mysterious text from a tabloid asking for info about her. I didn’t reply… That’s Hollywood…
Congratulations to Courtney Stodden on her/ their successful Lifetime TV movie “I Was A Child Bride”. I haven’t seen it yet – Kat described it as “riveting.”
I took the photo of a brunette Courtney a few years ago with former beau Chris Sheung. It’s always nice to see her/them. She/They have been through a lot in 31 years! She once joined me, producer Kevin Michaels and Kat at our table at one of Roger Neal’s incredible Oscar Viewing Dinners at the beautiful Hollywood Museum. She/They was the life of the party! Courtney is also a strong animal advocate.
Sandi Margolis, pianist and realtor to the stars enjoyed chatting with Glenn Powell following a screening of his funny new Hulu TV show Chad Powers at the Linwood Dunn in Hollywood.
We mourn the loss of the legendary Robert Redford who did so much to make the world a better place,,,
Noted actress Constance Forslund his co-star in the classic The Way We Were said “I am broken hearted to hear of Robert Redford’s passing. Aside from being an American Icon, brilliantly talented, and absolutely beautiful, he was a real gentleman, the likes of which we could use more of today. The times I spent with him on The Way We Were and years later, when he called me in for an extended audition, are treasured memories for the kindness and respect with which he treated me. “Good night sweet prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest”. RIP Robert Redford – what a legacy he leaves behind,
Kelly Rooney, the eldest daughter of the legendary Mickey Rooney, is seen recently paying respects at her father’s final resting place at Hollywood Forever. His heavenly birthday is September 23rd. The photo was taken by Mickey’s niece Dominique Rooney. We miss you, Mickey! Kelly Shared ” I think of my dad always… He was my dad and a Father to seven other children… He was a movie star for 9 decades, but he really was who he was all the time… He never lied to me – he always told me the truth, and I miss being able to talk to him and ask him certain things… Or him asking me things and what I thought… I miss his humor and his talent. I miss my mom and my dad… He was one of the greatest entertainers in the world – I never knew that growing up – He was my dad”. Publicist Roger Neal was instrumental in having Mickey interred at Hollywood Forever.
Happy 93rd Birthday to the legendary Karen Sharpe Kramer! My nickname for her is Mama Kramer. The Golden Globe winning actress and widow of film maverick Stanley Kramer was recently honored at QUADZ in Palm Springs for the 60th anniversary of I Dream of Jeannie by the dynamic duo of Steve Roche and Paul Belsito with Q&A moderated by proud daughter Kat. You couldn’t ask for finer hosts and event producers… Karen guest starred in the first two episodes of Jeannie as Melissa the General’s daughter, Larry Hagman’s fiancé. Mama Kramer is going strong after hip replacement surgery and beating breast cancer a few years ago. We are seen several years ago in Palm Springs in a picture taken by Jennifer Hugus at the Stanley Kramer Star Ceremony that I helped out with.
I’m looking forward to seeing the Bruce Springsteen biopic “Deliver Me from Nowhere”. Stars Jeremy Allen White and Matthew Anthony Pellicano joined the music legend at the NY premiere. It is directed by Scott Cooper.
Kym Karath, Gretl from the legendary film The Sound of Music, was lauded at an exceptional performance of the play at the Kennedy Center. Kim is seen being greeted by talented child actress Lucy Vandette who plays Gretl in this latest stage production now on tour…. Also, in NY the talented likable duo of Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter opened on Broadway in Waiting for Godot directed by Jamie Lloyd… Friend Jazz Charton was excited to attend opening night, and she and husband Kieran Culkin are expecting baby #3!
Stay safe!