No-one is recognised as knowing more about Hollywood and celebrities than David Hartnell MNZM. He’s not only spent a lifetime reporting on Hollywood’s trivia, gossip and scandals, but he counts many celebrities among his personal friends. Every Monday morning David will give you an exclusive weekly update on the gossip, scandals and trivia of Hollywood’s elite.
David is an award winning broadcaster and columnist and he is also the patron of The Variety Artists Club of New Zealand Inc.
Her Majesty The Queen, awarded David the Insignia of a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (formerly an MBE) in the Queen’s birthday Honours list 2011 for his recognition for his services to entertainment.
In 2012 he was made an Ambassador St James Saviours, the trust formed to save the iconic Auckland theatre. In 2014 he was made an Ambassador to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand.
In 2016 he was made Patron of the Brotherhood of Auckland Magicians.
Visit David’s Website
‘Written in the stars – David’s triple celebrations‘ in the NZ Woman’s Weekly. View the article here on David’s website.
Be in to win monthly DVDs
…simply answer a question correctly, from this week’s column and you will be entered into the draw.
Question: Which word goes before Proposal in a Demi Moore movie title? Answer by clicking here.
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Monday 29th August 2016
I’m not one to gossip but…..Cher has compared Donald Trump to Adolf Hitler and other ‘old despots’ like Joseph Stalin.
The singer, now 70, even shocked guests at a fund-raiser for Hillary Clinton with the Nazi reference, according to the New York Times.
But that didn’t stop the Turn Back Time star from launching a scathing
attack on the Republican White House nominee.
“I know that if he got into office, our world would be the worst place,” said Cher. “I don’t think we could imagine how bad it could get.”
Cher warned that Mr. Trump’s slogan, Make America Great Again, was a
pretense for a more divisive goal.
“He means, ‘We want to make America straight and white,” she added. “I just think he’s an idiot.”
She didn’t hold back, saying the property tycoon reminded her of the character played by pig-tailed actress Patty McCormack in the classic 1956 thriller, The Bad Seed.
“Consummate liar, doesn’t care who she hurts, insane and, you know, sociopathic narcissist,” said Cher. “I just wish he’d fall off the face of the earth.”
After likening Mr Trump to Hitler she also criticised the Brexit vote for Britain to leave the European Union. The singer and actress was introducing Mrs Clinton at a fund-raiser for her presidential election campaign in Provincetown, Massachusetts.
Although the former First Lady was “shy, and not the greatest speaker in the world,” Cher insisted: “This chick is just tougher than Chinese algebra.”
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Barbra Streisand describes her duet partner Chris Pine as ‘one of the hotties today.’ True that! She teams up with the Star Trek actor on I’ll Be Seeing You / I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face and the results are lovely.
BTW, if you were not satisfied with the latest Star Trek flick, Pine gets a much better chance to shine in the new drama Hell or High Water. I saw it this week and it is excellent.
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This week Oscar winning actress Reese Witherspoon, 40, held her first ever Facebook Live chat.
During the chat, Reese was asked about another Legally Blonde sequel.
“Legally Blonde was really fun,” she responded. “A lot of people have asked me if we’re going to make another Legally Blonde, and we’re thinking about it.” We hope it happens!!
She also commented on the possibility of a sequel to her hit Sweet Home
Alabama. “We are not making a Sweet Home Alabama sequel that I know of,” she said. “But if Disney wants to make a sequel, they can just call me: I would happily make Sweet Home Alabama 2.”
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The final season of Downton Abbey may have suggested the beginning of the
end for the aristocratic Crawley family.
But the show’s creator, Julian Fellowes, who decided to draw a line under the upstairs downstairs story in 1925 and end the show after six seasons,
believes the Crawleys would still own the fictional Yorkshire pile – paying
the bills by opening the grand old house to the paying public.
In an intriguing glimpse into the thinking behind the Emmy-winning period
hit, Fellowes says he believes Mary – played in the show by Michelle Dockery
– would have been the family’s saviour.
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I really just can’t let this incident with Bette Midler pass without having my say.
She happens to be extremely funny and smart and enjoys tweeting her observations of humanity.
Recently she mused “Now that ‘I Am Cait‘ has been
cancelled, will she go back to being Bruce?”
I have to say the same thing flashed into my mind, was all this publicity to sell another tacky reality TV series by the Kardashians!
Bette was bombarded by hate mail from supposedly OFFENDED readers (mostly millennials, I suspect.) What’s WRONG with you people? Are you just SCOURING the internet for reasons to be
outraged? There is no bigger supporter of gay and LGBT rights than Bette Midler. She was simply making fun of the LENGTHS people go to so they can appear on reality shows. She was forced to APOLOGIsE, but ended it with “I seem to have misread the temper of the times.”
And I totally agree with Bette – I’m sick and tired of all those humourless and hostile jerks who like to “take offence” for every little thing. Get a life!
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Sir Ian McKellen has done what we’d never have the strength to do and turned down $1.5m (US) to officiate Sean Parker’s wedding dressed as Gandalf.
Asked to officiate the tech billionaire’s wedding, the actor told him: “I am
sorry, Gandalf doesn’t do weddings,” and “I don’t go dressing up, except in
plays and things.”
Sean Parker is a Silicon Valley entrepreneur who founded Napster and served as the first ever president of Facebook.
He was portrayed in the film Social Network, about the founding of Facebook, by singer Justin Timberlake.
Parker’s Lord of the Rings-themed wedding took place in 2013, in California – but Sir Ian only revealed his role this week.
He told the Mail on Sunday: “‘I was offered one-and- a-half million dollars to marry a very famous couple in California, which I would perhaps have considered doing but I had to go dressed as Gandalf.”
The lavish ceremony, with fur-covered tables and genuine costumes, cost Parker $10m (US). He married singer Alexandra Lenas.
The centrepiece for the whole thing, however, was out of his price range. Sir Ian qualified as a celebrant in 2013 in order to officiate the wedding of best friend Patrick Stewart and his wife, Sunny Ozeil.
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GRAEME JAMES – NEWS FROM NOWHERE TOUR
In celebration of the release of his first album of original tunes, Graeme
James is heading out on tour with his unique folk/alt-pop stylings.
Starting his career busking on the streets of Wellington in 2012, Graeme
James has built a large and loyal fan base with his captivating live show,
performing with the aid of a loop pedal to layer violin, guitar, bass, baritone ukulele, percussion, and beatboxing.
Originally known for innovative versions of well known songs and his ‘make it up as you go’ attitude, Graeme has clocked up over 600 performances in recent years, earning him a well deserved reputation as a genuine and dynamic live artist.
The tour will showcase the brand new News From Nowhere, an album that draws inspiration from the beauty and immensity of New Zealand’s incredible landscapes. Intensely visual in both writing and the final sound, the 10 track album is rhythmic, heartfelt and joyous – a record that lends itself perfectly to being performed live.
Alive, Graeme’s debut original song and the lead single from the album, was released in late 2015 and met with immediate interest. Selected for NZ on Air’s ‘New Hits Disc‘, rotating on The Edge Radio and TV, and picking up over 130,000 plays on Spotify, Alive has also been named as a finalist in the international songwriting competition Unsigned Only.
In addition to the success of the single, four songs from the record including Alive and the upcoming second single One+One have been featured in the top rating Australian television drama series 800 Words.
Criss-crossing the country with eleven shows in September and October, tickets to the News From Nowhere tour go on sale on August 26, available through Eventfinda. Marking the first opportunity for fans to experience a show primarily of Graeme’s original material, the tour will also cross the ditch, with three shows in Australia.
Graeme James – News From Nowhere Tour
SEPTEMBER
Friday 30 Christchurch Wunderbar
OCTOBER
Saturday 1 Dunedin Dog With Two Tails
Friday 7 Queenstown The Sherwood
Saturday 8 Wanaka Gin & Raspberry
Thursday 13 Fielding Little Theatre
Friday 14 Wellington Meow
Saturday 15 New Plymouth Fourth Wall
Sunday 16 Hastings Common Room
Friday 21 Whangarei Butter Factory
Saturday 22 Auckland Wine Cellar
Sunday 23 Leigh Sawmill
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Katy Perry recently opened up about working on her new album. “You know it’s funny, I think I have a really hard time writing super sexy songs,” Katy
told People magazine. “The other day I was like, ‘I’m going to write a song
about sex!’
I did it, and I think it’s really great, because I still have sex and I like to write about all my life experiences! But I think I was put on this earth to life people up and elevate people and do that through my messages, quite frankly.”
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The actor-turned- British Labour MEP is making his way back to Albert
Square.
Lord Michael Cashman has revealed that he is returning to EastEnders as
Colin Russell – 27 years after leaving the show.
Colin – who was the BBC soap’s first ever gay character – was last seen in
Walford in February 1989. The character first hit the headlines in 1987 when he had the first gay kiss in a British soap opera.
Show bosses are keeping details of Colin’s return top secret – but his visit is set to raise a big question for Dot Branning (June Brown) when he appears in two episodes next month.
“It was a real joy, indeed a privilege, to return to my old home of Albert Square,” Lord Cashman said. “To be amongst so many friends again, and to be back in the place where 30 years ago I started an amazing journey, an amazing journey which incredibly helped to change the country, and certainly its attitude to lesbian, gay and bisexual people,” he added.
“Arguably without EastEnders I would never have gone into politics; I would not have been one of the founders of Stonewall and its founding chair, and I would never have ended up where I am now.”
Following his acting career, Lord Cashman – who co-founded Stonewall in 1989 – was elected as a Member of the European Parliament for the West Midlands in 1999, until 2014 when he was appointed to the House of Lords.
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Madman Entertainment and Piki Films are thrilled to announce the home
entertainment release of Hunt for the Wilderpeople, coming to DVD, Blu-ray
and digital platforms September 14th.
Released in cinemas on March 31st, the film went on to break box-office
records, surpassing Boy as the highest grossing New Zealand film of all time.
Both a commercial and critical success, Wilderpeople recently entered the Rotten Tomatoes ‘Top 100 Movies of All Time’ list.
After playing in cinemas for over 22 weeks, kiwis can now bring this beloved local hit home. Both the DVD and Blu-ray come with added special features: interviews with various cast members, blooper reel, a making of featurette and audio commentary with director Taika Waititi and cast members Julian Dennison and Sam Neill.
Inspired by Barry Crump’s novel, Wild Pork and Watercress, the film recounts the story of misfit kid Ricky Baker who finds himself on the run with his cantankerous foster uncle in the wild New Zealand bush. A national manhunt ensues, and the two are forced to put aside their differences and worktogether to survive in this heart-warming adventure comedy.
. Box-office gross to date – $12.14million
. Highest grossing NZ film of all time
. 6th highest grossing film ever in New Zealand
. Estimated number of cinema admissions – 850,000
. Broke the record for Highest Opening Weekend for a NZ film – $1.32M
Broke the record for Highest Single Day Gross for a NZ film – $528k
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Mrs Brown’s Boys has defied the critics to be named best British sitcom of
the 21st century.
Its creator and star Brendan O’Carroll called the result “breathtaking.”
He said: “It vindicates fans’ belief in the show. They kept us on the air. It certainly wasn’t the reviewers.
“I can die happy now… but I’ll take my time…”
The Office was second in the Radio Times poll and Peter Kay’s Car Share
third, followed by Count Arthur Strong and The IT Crowd.
Benidorm, in 19th, was the only ITV sitcom. The BBC1 show, starring O’Carroll as foul-mouthed Irish matriarch Agnes
Brown, has spawned a successful movie despite being dismissed by critics.
A live episode last month attracted 8.82 million viewers but Mrs Brown’s Boys has struggled to win over critics.
He told the UK Radio Times magazine, which carried out the poll that much of today’s comedy output had left behind many viewers.
“There is an audience out there that comedy forgot – that Are You Being Served? Audience has been left behind, us winning this award proves that.”
The Office, created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, is second in the poll.
The top 20 in the UK:
1. Mrs Brown’s Boys, BBC1 (started 2011)
2. The Office, BBC2 (2001)
3. Peter Kay’s Car Share, BBC1 (2015)
4. Count Arthur Strong, BBC2 (2013)
5. The IT Crowd, C4 (2006)
6. The Thick Of It, BBC4 (2005)
7. Gavin & Stacey, BBC3 (2007)
8. Miranda, BBC2 (2009)
9. Raised By Wolves, C4 (2015)
10. Outnumbered, BBC1 (2007)
11. Peep Show, C4 (2003)
12. Black Books, C4 (2000)
13. Green Wing, C4 (2003)
14. The Inbetweeners, C4 (2008)
15. Bad Education, BBC3 (2012)
16. Peter Kay’s Phoenix Nights, C4 (2001)
17. Yonderland, Sky1 (2013)
18. Twenty Twelve/W1A, BBC2 (2011)
19. Benidorm, ITV (2007)
20. Detectorists, BBC4 (2014)
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Singer Britney Spears faced death while she was on holiday in Hawaii earlier in the summer, she revealed in an interview.
“I went out and I thought it was like a wave pool, and I was like, this is so nice and refreshing and just beautiful,” the 34-year-old singer told BBC Radio 1 (via US Weekly). “But the thing I didn’t think about is when you come back, the waves really come in hard.”
Britney noted that the waves were six feet tall. “I got sucked under for, like, five minutes. I literally almost drowned. And I’m like, where is my security? They’re just going to let me die here?” Britney added.
“And then I came in again and another wave took me under.”
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Stars who are to get their own star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2017
are:
In the category of MOTION PICTURES:
Amy Adams, Jason Bateman, Goldie Hawn, Dwayne Johnson, Chris Pratt, BrettRatner, Ryan Reynolds, George A. Romero, Mark Ruffalo and Rita Wilson
In the category of TELEVISION:
Tyra Banks, Andre Braugher, Ken Corday, Lee Daniels, Hugh Laurie, Eva Longoria, Wolfgang Puck, Keri Russell, Haim Saban, George Segal, Sarah Silverman and Jeffrey Tambor
In the category of RECORDING:
Clarence Avant, Jerry Goldsmith (posthumous), Hall & Oates, Ice Cube, John Legend, *NSYNC, New Edition and Selena Quintanilla (posthumous)
In the category of RADIO:
Elvis Duran
In the category of LIVE THEATRE/LIVE PERFORMANCE:
Criss Angel, Jeff Dunham and Gustavo Dudamel
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Bobby Brown was at the Leimert Park Village Book Fair in America this
weekend signing copies of his sexy tell-all “Every Little Step.”
The book is so packed with sexual encounters that the UK Daily News suggested it should have been titled “Every Little Schtup!” After a sexcapade in a recording studio bathroom, Bobby declared that Madonna was “too wild for me!”
In addition to his own affairs, Bobby wrote a lot about his ex-wife Whitney
Houston’s drug use and flings with men AND women. Besides books, Bobby was also selling his own BBQ sauce and seasoning at the fair. Who knew he could cook? This is a book I can’t wait to MISS!
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CORONATION STREET SPOILER ALERT!
Coro star Simon Gregson wants to bring his baby on to the set when his
character becomes a father. He previously used his own dog when Steve McDonald adopted a puppy in a storyline.
He said: “Some babies are OK in the studio and some aren’t. Some think that the sound booms look like dinosaurs and stuff. We need a chilled one like mine at home. I could just bring mine in like the dog.”
Soap star Simon and wife Emma welcomed their third child Teddy on December 11.
Kym Marsh, who plays Simon’s on-screen wife Michele, added: “Being as fertile as Steve is I’m surprised she hasn’t got pregnant already.
“He only has to throw his undies on the bed and suddenly everyone in Weatherfield is having his baby.”
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FLY MY PRETTIES – NATIONAL TOUR
After 12 years of incredible collaborative performances, Kiwi icons Fly My
Pretties are hitting the road this summer, with a brand new album, playing
in some of New Zealand’s most stunning outdoor venues.
Following a recent run of nine intimate sold-out shows to record the new
album String Theory, Fly My Pretties will take to the road in January 2017
to perform the new album along with the classics. Marking the first nationwide tour for Fly My Pretties since 2013’s Homeland Tour, this run of shows will see a 14-strong cast take to the stage, with a number of special guests.
Due for release in November, String Theory explores the fabric of our existence through music, uncovering the cosmos and trying to unlock our place within it. This tour will bring the album, the sixth outing from Fly My Pretties, to life in the way the songs were meant to be heard: live and at full power.
Described as a “cosmic trip through the universe inside and outside us – led by some of Aotearoa’s finest musicians” by 13th Floor reviewer Stephen Allely, the all new Fly My Pretties show is set to enchant audiences across the country.
Visiting six centres throughout January, tickets for the String Theory tour will be available through Ticketek in Wellington and Ticketmaster for all other shows, priced at $72.00. All shows are all ages, and children under 12 years are welcome free of charge with a paying adult – with the exception of the show at Coroglen Tavern which is R18. General Sale starts on Monday 29 August at midday.
Civic Events presents Fly My Pretties – String Theory Tour
JANUARY
Saturday 7 Coromandel Coroglen Tavern (R18)
Friday 13 Upper Moutere Neudorf Vineyards
Sunday 15 Wairpara Waipara Hills
Saturday 21 Havelock North Blackbarn Vineyards
Sunday 22 Wellington Botanical Gardens
Sunday 29 Waiheke Island Cable Bay Vineyards
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A SCOTTISH SPECTACULAR DIRECT FROM EDINBURGH
25 musicians, dancers and singers live on-stage performing in full ceremonial uniform. The world famous PIPES & DRUMS OF THE ROYAL SCOTS DRAGOON GUARDS today announce a seven-venue tour of New Zealand this November.
25 musicians in full ceremonial uniform under the direction of their commanding officer will perform their major recording hits including Amazing Grace, Highland Cathedral, The Last of the Mohicans, Going Home (as recorded with Mark Knopfler), Scotland The Brave, Blackbear Highland Laddie.
Starting in Auckland on November 17, followed by Tauranga, Napier, Palmerston North, Nelson, Christchurch and Dunedin, these stars of the 2016 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will be supported by Regimental Dancers as well as special guests, New Zealand classical crossover artist Toni Gibson and musicians Chet O’Connell and Stuart Pearce.
The PIPES & DRUMS OF THE ROYAL SCOTS DRAGOON GUARDS promises to be a spectacular concert that will give audiences a whole new experience in classic pipe tunes along with some modern arrangements and a rare insight into the talent and stature of one of the greatest Scottish bands of all time.
Pre-sales have begun for these concerts. All remaining tickets will be released on Friday. Fans are urged to act without delay as tickets are strictly limited and the last time they performed New Zealand in 2004 – just prior to performing active military service in Afghanistan — their concerts sold out.
“Rousing the spirit and the heart.. a musical journey with Scotland’s Senior Regiment!” Douglas Doherty – scotdisk.uk
In 1972 they hit No 1 in the charts for five weeks with Amazing Grace. Other great timeless hits followed with Highland Cathedral, Mull Of Kintyre, and the movie theme recorded with Mark Knopfler from Dire Straits, Going Home.
Remarkably all the members of THE ROYAL SCOTS DRAGOON GUARDS are fighting soldiers first and musicians second. Their world famous band is based at Edinburgh Castle, and is one of the oldest and most respected regiments in
the British Army.
Noted for their thrilling moves (and sometimes antics) on stage, THE ROYAL SCOTS DRAGOON GUARDS are not often available for National Tours, so to have them in NZ for 7 shows in November is something of a “coup”, says promoter
Ian Magan.
AUCKLAND TAURANGA NAPIER PALMERSTON NORTH
Thursday, 17 November Saturday, 19 November Sunday, 20 November
Tuesday, 22 November
Aotea Centre 7.30pm Bays Stadium, 7.30pm Municipal Theatre 7.30pm
Regent Theatre 7.30pm
Bookings: Ticketmaster Bookings: Ticketek Bookings: Ticketek
Bookings: TicketDirect
NELSON CHRISTCHURCH DUNEDIN
Thursday, 24 November Friday, 25 November Saturday, 26 November
Trafalgar Centre 7.30pm Isaac Theatre Royal, 7.30pm Town Hall
Bookings: Ticketek Bookings: Ticketek Bookings: Ticketmaster
…………………. Until next week my lips are sealed!
David H. W. Hartnell MNZM copyright 2016
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Monday 22nd August 2016
I’m not one to gossip but…………… When you are famous like Caitlyn Jenner and have three ex-wives, you’ve got to figure one or more is going to write a book about you.
Jenner’s second wife, actress and Emmy-winning songwriter Linda Thompson has done just.
Among her revelations in her new memoir A Little Thing Called Life:
1. In 1985, the fourth year of their marriage, Jenner came out to Thompson as transgender saying: ‘I really would like to move forward with the process of becoming a woman.’
2. Jenner wanted to travel out of the US to possibly Denmark and try to have
gender reassignment surgery anonymously then come back as a female.
3. The couple have two sons, Brandon and Brody, and Jenner thought she could re-enter their lives as a female relative.
4. Jenner wanted to stay married to Thompson after the transition but she
didn’t want to be married to a woman ‘even if she were the same living, breathing entity that was my husband, Bruce.
5. Jenner asked Thompson to meet him at a hotel room in Manhattan in 1985 and opened the door dressed as Caitlyn with full wig, make-up and heels. Thompson said after that, they never had sex again and Jenner moved out in August of 1985.
The former couple had met in 1979, three years after Jenner – who was then
known as Bruce, won the gold medal in the decathlon at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal. They married in 1981.
Although Jenner was very famous already, his fame was not at the same level as the man Thompson had spent nearly five years with in the 1970s: Elvis Presley. She left the singer eight months before his death because of his escalating prescription drug problem.
After her divorce from Jenner, Thompson spent many years married to Grammy winning music producer David Foster, with whom she co-wrote the Whitney Houston hit, I Have Nothing.After Jenner came out publicly as transgender in 2015, Thompson had supportive words. ‘Caitlyn seems so much happier and freer in her feminine self,’ Thompson writes in her book, excerpted by People Magazine this week.
‘I sometimes find it surreal to look into her perfectly made-up, beautiful brown eyes, while remembering the masculine gorgeous man who fathered my sons. That admission is just me being real. I completely accept, respect, and support Caitlyn, but I must admit, I sometimes miss Bruce.’
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Natalie Portman looks fresh in a white collared dress and polka-dot wedges as she leaves her hotel and heads out for a walk in the Soho neighbourhood of New York City.
The night before, the 35-year-old actress attended the premiere of her
upcoming movie A Tale Of Love & Darkness – which she wrote, directed, and
stars in – at NYC’s Crosby Street Hotel.
Natalie recently opened up about the importance of female friendships in
Hollywood.
“It’s so important, and we’re prevented from it a lot because we don’t get to work with each other a lot,” she told The Insider With Yahoo.
“I’ve actually been noticing it a lot even in kids’ films recently, how you see even like a cartoon and there’s like a girl in it, and we’re used to that,” she continued. “It’s a film of all men and then there’s a woman. And acting for 20 years, I’m used to that – that I’m the woman on set.
“When we do get the opportunity to work with other women, we always end up just like running toward each other and embracing because it’s such great
energy to have,” she added.
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Lady Gaga is now following in the footsteps of Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand.
She has signed to star in a new version of A Star is Born opposite Bradley
Cooper, who will direct the film.
There have been three previous versions of the story of an unknown performer, whose rising career eclipses that of her alcoholic, has-been husband. I have, at different times, been obsessed with all three versions.
The first film was in 1937 and starred Janet Gaynor opposite Fredric March.
That was followed in 1954 by perhaps the most famous version, starring
Garland opposite James Mason. Garland, who had several big musical numbers in the film, was nominated for an Oscar for her performance.
Then in 1976, Barbra Streisand starred in a rock music version of the story
opposite Kris Kristofferson which featured her Oscar-winning song Evergreen.
The film was directed by Streisand’s then-boyfriend Jon Peters, who is one of the producers of the latest version.
The Gaga-Cooper version will begin production early next year. Beyoncé had been Cooper’s original choice for his directorial debut, but he went after Gaga when a deal could not be reached with the Dreamgirls star.
Gaga’s acting career took off last year with her starring role in FX’s American Horror Story: Hotel for which she won a Golden Globe Award. She is also headlining the next season of American Horror Story.
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Our fine four-fendered friend Dick Van Dyke and his a cappella group, The Vantastix, regaled customers at a US Santa Monica Denny’s with their rendition of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
The 90-year-old actor was at breakfast with his quartet — Eric Bradley, Bryan Chadima and Mike Mendyke — when they burst into song from the 1968 classic.
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British actress Michelle Dockery is giving Downton Abbey fans some hope!
The 34-year-old Good Behaviour actress teased that a movie could still happen in the future.
“I think there is potential for a film,” Michelle told U.K.’s The Telegraph.
“That is something I would wholeheartedly consider, so we will see. It may
not be over yet. She added, “The thing that I miss the most are, my cast members. But we are all still very close.
“Downton Abbey was an incredible journey for six years and we were very sad to say goodbye, but it was the right time and it was very exciting actually leaving and going on to something like this and a whole new path in my career.”
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It’s hard to believe that Hollywood sex symbol Loni Anderson is 71. In the book, But Enough About Me, her ex-husband Burt Reynolds, 80, wrote a couple of years ago. Burt ungallantly wrote that marrying Loni was a “really dumb move” because one should “never marry an actress.”
He criticized Loni’s free spending habits – he claimed “She bought everything in triplicate – from dresses to jewellery to china.” Burt recalled giving Loni an AX card with a $45,000 (US) limit and says she maxed it out in a half hour.
After six tumultuous years together Loni went on to marry a wealthier man, so no more
money problems. Burt blew through most of his money so now he has to write books.
One final insult to Loni: Burt insists the REAL love of his life was Sally Field.
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Actress Kristen Stewart graces the cover of T magazine’s Fall Women Fashion issue.
Here’s what the 26-year-old actress had to share with the mag:
On her relationship with Robert Pattinson: “People wanted me and Rob to be together so badly that our relationship was made into a product. It wasn’t
real life anymore. And that was gross to me. It’s not that I want to hide who I am or hide anything I’m doing in my life. It’s that I don’t want to become a part of a story for entertainment value.”
On talking about relationships: “I would never talk about any of my
relationships before, but once I started dating girls it seemed like there was an opportunity to represent something really positive. I still want to protect my personal life, but I don’t want to seem like I’m protecting the idea, so that does sort of feel like I owe something to people.”
For more from Kristen, visit NYTimes.com.
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Singer Taylor Swift is donating $1 million (US) to Louisiana flood relief
following rains that led to widespread flooding in the state this past week,
damaging thousands of homes and resulting in the deaths of at least 11
people.
The 26-year-old singer told the Associated Press that Louisiana residents
had welcomed her warmly when she started off The 1989 World Tour there last year.
“We began The 1989 World Tour in Louisiana, and the wonderful fans there
made us feel completely at home,” Taylor said in her statement. “The fact
that so many people in Louisiana have been forced out of their own homes
this week is heartbreaking.
“I encourage those who can to help out and send your love and prayers their way during this devastating time,” she added.
Over 30,000 people have been rescued from the flooding since Friday, according to Fox News.
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American actor Nate Parker has written a lengthy statement to express his
“profound sorrow” over the news that the woman who accused him of rape
committed suicide four years ago.
The 36-year-old The Birth of a Nation actor-writer-director was accused of
raping a woman while in college at Penn State, but he was acquitted of the
charges and he maintains his innocence today.
“These are my words. Written from my heart and not filtered through a third
party gaze. Please read these separate from any platform I may have, but from me as a fellow human being,” Nate started his statement on his Facebook page. “I write to you all devastated…Over the last several days, a part of my past – my arrest, trial and acquittal on charges of sexual assault – has become a focal point for media coverage, social media speculation and industry conversation. I understand why so many are concerned and rightfully have questions. These issues of a women’s right to be safe and of men and women engaging in healthy relationships are extremely important to talk about, however difficult. And more personally, as a father, a husband, a brother and man of deep faith, I understand how much confusion and pain this incident has had on so many,
most importantly the young woman who was involved,” Nate continued.
“I myself just learned that the young woman ended her own life several years ago and I am filled with profound sorrow…I can’t tell you how hard it is to hear this news. I can’t help but think of all the implications this has for her family.
“I cannot – nor do I want to, ignore the pain she endured during and following our trial. While I maintain my innocence that the encounter was unambiguously consensual, there are things more important than the law. There is morality; no one who calls himself a man of faith should even be in that situation. As a 36-year-old father of daughters and person of faith, I look back on that time as a teenager and can say without hesitation that I should have used more wisdom. I look back on that time, my indignant attitude and my heartfelt mission to prove my innocence with eyes that are more wise with time. I see now that I may not have shown enough empathy even as I fought to clear my name. Empathy for the young woman and empathy for the seriousness of the situation I put myself and others in.
“I cannot change what has happened. I cannot bring this young woman who was someone else’s daughter, someone’s sister and someone’s mother back to life… I have changed so much since nineteen. I’ve grown and matured in so many
ways and still have more learning and growth to do. I have tried to conduct myself in a way that honours my entire community – and will continue to do this to the best of my ability.
“All of this said, I also know there are wounds that neither time nor words can heal. I have never run from this period in my life and I never ever will. Please don’t take this as an attempt to solve this with a statement. I urge you only to take accept this letter as my response to the moment.
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The beautiful Sofia Vergara, 44, recently opened up about the one item she
doesn’t feel dressed without.
“I always wear perfume,” she told E! News. “Every day. To me, it’s part of
dressing. If it’s a summer day, I wear something lighter. If it’s a date, I put even more on. I don’t feel completely done without it – I feel naked! It also makes me feel refreshed, like a quick shower. I always have one in my trailer, so I can spray in between scenes.”
Sofia said she sprays it “everywhere” and went on to reveal details about
her third fragrance, Tempting.
“For Tempting, I wanted something sexier, something that will make you feel ‘ready for action,’” she explained. “It’s made up of vanilla – it’s been tested that men and women react really well to that smell – sandalwood, musk, orchards, jasmine. It has a combination of all things that are ‘me.’”
Sofia also shared which of her Modern Family co-stars has the best sense of smell! “Eric Stonestreet has a great sense of smell for perfumes – it’s super weird,” she added. “He always knows, by name, what scent you’re wearing, so I would always ask him what he thinks.”
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Win a copy of The Last Kingdom: Season 1. The series is based on the
bestselling novel by Bernard Cornwell.
The year is 872, and many of the separate kingdoms of what we now know as
England have fallen to the invading Danes, leaving the great kingdom of
Wessex standing alone and defiant under the command of King Alfred (David Dawson, Peaky Blinders). Against this turbulent backdrop lives our hero, Uhtred (Alexander Dreymon, American Horror Story). Born the son of a Saxon nobleman, he is captured by the Danes and raised as one of their own. Forced to choose between the country of his birth and the people of his upbringing, his loyalties are ever tested. What is he? Saxon or Dane?
On a quest to reclaim his birthright, Uhtred must tread a dangerous path between both sides if he is to play his part in the birth of a new nation and, ultimately, recapture his ancestral lands.
From the Producers of Downton Abbey.
Also starring Rutger Hauer (Blade Runner), Matthew MacFadyen, (Anna Karenina), Jason Flemyng (X-Men: First Class), Tobias Santelmann (Point Break), Emily Cox (Futuro Beach) and Ian Hart (Boardwalk Empire).
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Dame Kiri Te Kanawa in recital with Terence Dennis – Thursday, 13 October – ASB Aotea Centre
Auckland Live is delighted to announce that Dame Kiri Te Kanawa will return to the ASB Theatre on Thursday, 13 October with an intimate recital, following her sold out concert in 2014 and a hugely successful nationwide tour earlier this year.
The recital will be a unique opportunity to see one of the world’s greatest opera singers live in concert.
Dame Kiri will be accompanied by one of New Zealand’s finest musicians, the internationally acclaimed pianist Terence Dennis. The repertoire will feature a programme of romantic songs and arias that will delight music lovers, including pieces from Mozart, Handel, Vivaldi, Puccini, Heggie and Canteloube, as well as a selection of traditional folk songs.
“I am looking forward very much to performing again in my home town,” says Dame Kiri. “I hope those who attend will enjoy the musical experience. The songs I have selected are all personal favourites and it is always a pleasure to share my music.”
Dame Kiri’s vocal beauty, natural serenity, versatility, presence and personality have captivated audiences in premiere concert halls throughout the world including The Metropolitan, Vienna State, Sydney Opera House, La Scala, Covent Garden and the Chicago Lyric Opera.
Terence Dennis has an international reputation as a highly sought after accompanist. His performances throughout New Zealand and overseas have received critical acclaim. “The immaculate accompaniment provided by Terence Dennis made this a truly sublime musical partnership.” – stuff.co.nz
“One of the world’s most-loved voices” – stuff.co.nz
“Te Kanawa’s powerful voice and depth of emotion kept the audience captivated. Dennis, whose piano playing throughout the evening was consistently brilliant, also received rapturous applause.” – The Marlborough Express
“A deep musical intelligence in a recital that approaches perfection” – Sydney Morning Herald
Tickets on sale via Ticketmaster. They will be strictly limited and are expected to sell quickly.
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…………………. Until next week my lips are sealed!
David H. W. Hartnell MNZM copyright 2016
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Monday 15th August 2016I’m not one to gossip but………………… September is the fund raiser for Prostate Cancer New Zealand for which I’m and Ambassador, very year I do a Celebrity Trivia Quiz night. Hope you can join us on the 9th of September –
tickets are selling out fast remember we only have a limited number.
Hope to see you there it’s always a fun night for a great cause!
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The gossip tabloid The Enquirer is reporting that Lisa Marie Presley, 48, has checked herself into a fancy rehab in LA for abusing painkillers.Surprisingly, it was AFTER she filed for divorce from her fashion- challenged husband Michael Lockwood, 55, on June 24. Who wouldn’t need painkillers living with such a strange looking man?They have 7 year old twin girls together. Apparently Lockwood was a very big shopper and spent Lisa’s money hand over fist. She didn’t like it and they argued.Also Scientology might have been a factor – she opted OUT, but Michael didn’t commit one way or another.
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Barbra Streisand has such an eclectic group of duet partners for her upcoming album Encores – such as Jamie Foxx and Hugh Jackman. Watch the feature here about her duet with Alec Baldwin with whom she sings The Best Thing That Ever Has Happened.*
On September 6, Sir Graham Henry, yours truly David Hartnell and broadcaster Phil Gifford, along with other prominent New Zealanders, will form Sir Peter Leitch’s “roaster panel,” giving him a dressing down in front of a live
audience at SkyCity Convention Centre.Made famous by Dean Martin in the 1970s, the tradition of roasting is a mock take on “toasting” a famous guest. Instead of praising guests, hosts light-heartedly insult them and make jokes at their expense.”It’s going to be a big night at my own expense, with my mates all giving it to me, but what better way to support two great charities than a night of fun and laughter,” Leitch said.All proceeds from the event will support the Prostate Cancer Foundation and Auckland’s Westpac Rescue Helicopter.For Murray Bolton, the event will be doubly significant. Not only is he the founding trustee and chairman of the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust, he has also battled prostate cancer.”I am clear now, but have certainly been through a bit of a journey in the meantime. It’s great that this event, while being a night of laughs, has the added benefit of bringing about awareness for our respective charities.”Graeme Woodside, chief executive of the Prostate Cancer Foundation, shares Bolton’s enthusiasm. He said the event is about getting people engaged with discussing prostate cancer.”We could wallow around and have a really serious night talking about prostate cancer, but we’re not going to do that. The night is about having fun and I think Sir Peter Leitch is the perfect man for this event. With all the health issues he has faced, he is still able to smile and remain positive.”At age 65, Leitch announced he was battling bladder cancer. He is now in remission.Woodside believes having a laugh is “essential” to health and wellbeing: “You’ve got to be able to see the funny side of things.”The Great Charity Roast coincides with the foundation’s Blue September appeal, which aims to highlight the dangers of the disease that kills 600 Kiwi men every year.Because the foundation receives no government funding, the annual campaign is essential to its work supporting prostate cancer sufferers.As well as the roasting, attendees can participate in an auction. Among the experiences to be sold, will be an opportunity for up to six people to have a private drink with Prime Minister John Key.The Great Charity Roast
* When and where: 6.30pm, September 6, SkyCity Convention Centre
* Tickets: Go to charityroast.org.nz A double pass costs $300 or a table for 10 guests costs $1500. All tickets include dinner.
* Proceeds: To the Prostate Cancer Foundation and Auckland’s Rescue Helicopter Trust.The Mad Butcher
* Peter Charles Leitch, 72, opened his first butchery in Mangere East in 1971.
* His nickname came about after an incident in a pub where he was called “that f***ing mad butcher” by a patron, and he decided to use it in a radio promotion advertising his shop.
* Leitch is an avid Warriors supporter, ambassador for Allergy New Zealand and the Prostate Foundation, and has sponsored Middlemore Hospital’s national burns unit.
* He was awarded the Queen’s Service Medal in 1991, and was made a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2010.
* At age 65, he announced he was battling bladder cancer. He is now in remission.
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Most everyone can picture the iconic shot of Bo Derek on the beach in a nude swimsuit with braids in her hair that launched her into stardom as a sex symbol in the late 1970’s. The image is from a poster for her breakthrough role in the romantic comedy 10.
Unfortunately for Bo Derek, her career peaked with that film. She went on to star in many other movies, with almost all of them flopping. In 2000, at the 20th Golden Raspberry Awards, she was nominated for “Worst Actress of the Century.”
Her most recent acting job was in 2015’s Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No! She resides in California with partner John Corbett and occasionally takes small film roles.
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Jessica Simpson shows off her toned body on the cover of Women’s Health magazine’s September 2016 issue.
Here’s what the 36-year-old businesswoman and entertainer had to share with the mag:
On learning to love her body: “But recently, since I’ve worked out so hard, I’m also loving my stomach — knowing I grew babies in it, and then having to go through a transformation and just owning it,” she said.
On her breasts: “My boobs just have their own life. They have a way of
making themself present. I thought I was going to get a breast reduction,
but after having kids, I look at myself and I’m like, you know what, my
boobs are actually really big, but I like how they are. They’re an asset,
and Eric [Johnson, her husband] loves them still.”
On media scrutiny: “Media scrutiny sucks. I can’t sit here and say I don’t