Mark Wahlberg...perplexed by Star on Walk of Fame!

Just goes to show 'ya what a little bumping and grinding will do for a dude!

One minute, Marky Mark (Kids on the Block) was frenetically perking up his pecs with strenuous bouts of push-ups backstage before sauntering into the glare of the spotlight to entertain a frenzied hip-hop fan base - and in the next - found himself acting in big budget features rustling up Oscar nominations.

If you recall, Wahlberg was nominated for an Academy Award for his so-so acting performance in Martin Scorsese's drama "The Departed".

When it was announced a few days ago that the crotch-grabbing former Calvin Klein model was about to get some true Hollywood respect, he couldn't quite get a handle on it.

A case in point.

When the toothy actor/cum/toy-boy tease with the infectious grin and pecs to die for - was informed that he was being honored with a pristine star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame - he was literally speechless.

With family in tow, gun shy Wahlberg was inclined to turn the speech-making duties over to good pal and confidante - Will Ferrell - when he showed up to acknowledge the - um - kudo?

“I really felt like this was a big practical joke," Wahlberg mumbled, almost embarrassed by an  accollade that many equate with the pinnacle of success in their film or TV career.

The ballsy fun-loving comic had no qualms filling in for the Boogie Nights star.

“I’m flattered and honoured to speak on Mark’s behalf," he solemnly started off.

But, a second or two later, Will  shifted gears and engaged in a few hi-jinks to the delight of the throngs of fans who turned out to get a glimpse of the action-hero.

“I loved him in all the Bourne movies,” Ferrell  joked.

“Just the best.”

Some pooh-poohed Wahlberg's wimpy response to the plaudit - and shook their heads when the cocky producer of HBO's "Entourage" - failed to muster up a quip or two at the podium on that auspicious day.

The B-list actor explained it all away the following day in a bold-faced effort to regain favor with the Chamber of Commerce, all die-hard fans, and his fellow actors.

“The last time I prepared something was actually at the Academy Awards. I wrote a little speech, and obviously, I didn’t win that."

Didn't anyone inform him that he was the only one in-the-running for a star on the "Walk of Fame" in the name of Mark Wahlberg?

Duh!

The coveted place-holder on Hollywood Boulevard was yours for the taking, Marky Mark, no kidding!

http://www.julianayrs.com/

Walk of Fame...Reese Witherspoon & Tina Fey get Star nod! Big "O" diminishes honor!

The red carpet was rolled out, limos purred at the curb, and the fans went wild!

Uh-huh.

The Chamber of Commerce tossed a chi chi  press conference  in true Hollywood-style to induct a posse of celebrities into the "Walk of Fame".

A smattering of stars - from myriad facets of the industry - will have their stage names etched onto pink-and-black terrazzo slabs - and thus - thrust  into the anals of the Hollywood elite.

Unfortunately - like Obama and his controversial Nobel Peace Prize - not all the receipients were deserving or up to snuff.

Big "O", for instance.

Although Ms. Oprey showed promise in "The Color Purple' many moons ago (Native Sun, too) the Hollywood heavyweight was soon relegated to the back burner in Tinseltown because the role of cheezy talk show host doesn't quite cut it.

In fact, her presence on the pretigious walk has diminished the stature of the honor.

I suppose a stretch of Hollywood - on the seamy end of town - will soon be reserved for reality-show "personalities" who may end up in that dicey part of Hollywood down 'n out one day once their ten minutes of fame runs out.

Worthy subjects celebrating the nod this past week included Donald Sutherland (Canadian Actor), Reese Witherspoon, Danny Devito ('bout time, sir!), Rascal Flatts (now there's a legend), chanteuse Melissa Etheridge, Gwyneth Paltrow (ho hum), the Muppets (it's no longer tough being green), and last - but not least in my showbiz diary - Penlope Cruz (thirty inductees in 2010).

Congrats, all!

http//www.julianayrs.com

Iron Man 2...premiere! Mickey Rourke, Scarlett Johansson & Sylvester Stallone wow!

The crew were taping down the last edge of the red carpet (to ensure there weren't any nasty spills once the night's glam festivities commenced), fans were gathering in a frenzy at the packed curb on the famed strip, and all mayhem broke loose when Mickey Rourke alighted from a limo.

"Mickey! Over here," the ecstatic fans (who were crushing me at every nerve ending from all sides) cried out.

"Sign," they pleaded (as they flapped publicity stills excitedly in his direction).

The Oscar-nominated star of  - "The Wrestler" - obliged to their great delight.

He swaggered over in dress slacks, a trendy dinner jacket (with alligator lapels?), a white "t", and ubiquitous shades which lent an air of mystery to the largely misunderstood Hollywood persona.

As the film buffs stuck out photographs, he signed 'em with a distinctive flourish, which caused quite a sensation on the street.

In fact, as he approached me, a crush of enthusiastic fans thrust forward unexpectedly, and I nearly ended up tumbling on top of the studly star!


Boy, wouldn't that be something to write home about!

I managed to utter - "Great to see you, Mickey" - before he was led off down the red carpet to the ravenous paparazzi waiting to devour the star in front of the Chinese Theatre.

Instead of perching in the press corps tonight, I staked out a spot at Orange and Hollywood Blvd.

It turned out to be a primo location to catch the interactions between the stars - and the most important guests of the evening - the fans!

And, the nervy throng, didn't waste the golden opportunity.

When Scarlett Johansson was spied exiting her sleek ride the crowd went wild.

Boy, the actress was quite a knock-out!

The thoughtful beauty strode over to sign autographs and floated by me at one point this-close.

Her gown was a sheer whimsical fantasy sculpted out of fabric and fitted to her sexy svelte frame.

The hair was swept off the face - which was a good look for the pretty actress - with dazzling porcelain skin.

The Diamond studs which sparkled in the light - when she turned this way 'n that - were an understated elegant touch.

Sam Rockwell strode over and signed autographs, and was all business, in a tasteful well-tailored suit.

I almost missed Sylvester Stallone who breezed out of his luxury vehicle and straight onto the red carpet.

Damn those well-trained handlers!


In contrast, Hollywood's finest - the men in blue - were quite respectful to the lookie-loo's.

Well, to a point.

One anxious out-of-towner asked a tall handsome cop if he could get Robert Downey Jr. to sign his poster.

"No, sorry. That would be unprofessional," he noted politely.

True!

But, it doesn't hurt to try to twist an arm now and then, though.

One Gwyneth Paltrow fan (a pretty blond female from Australia) went gaga when she spied the statuseque  beauty stroll down the carpet.

"Gwyneth," she hollered.

"Over here!"

Andrian Brody - with slicked back "do" and squeezed into an expensive leather jacket and jeans - smiled in the direction of shouting fans (but kept walking).

"Heh, it's the snoz," one onlooker joked.

For the most part, the stars were chauffeured up in sleek Audi SUV's, which was mighty impressive.

Occasionally, a classy black (or white) Rolls Royce would purr up to the drop-off-point, causing heads to twist-and-turn in anticipation of a star arrival.

Samuel L. Jackson was pretty cool, with signature cap twisted correctly on his skull, underscoring his keen fashion sense.

Hugh Heffner put in an appearance, too, with a bevy of bodacious blond babes in tow.

How does he keep it up - um - keep up?

I understand he'll be celebrating his 80th birthday (just did?).

Gary Shandling looked a bit stuffy, but glad to be invited to the big top.

Was that James Spader I saw kibitzing with fellow actors on the edge of the runway?

At one point, there were so many luminaries in the business zooming up, that it was hard to keep up (or on track)

Occasionally, a stretch limo squealed to a halt, and a pack of thirty-something men would fall into line to  run the gaunlet.

"Who are they?" curious onlookers quizzed.

"Oh, probably the studio execs, agents, public relations staff," I joked.

The hanger's on, I was guffawing to myself.

One of the employees for the studio gave out souvenirs for Iron Man II.

My partners in crime on the strip were envious of the green mechanical man I was gifted with.

I'll prop him up in the windshielf of my SUV - a fond memory of a glittery night on the Hollywood Walk of Fame rubbing shoulders with the little people - who oil the dream factory in the final analysis.

They snap up the tickets, after all!

http://www.thetattler.biz/

Russell Crowe...honored with prestigious star on Walk of Fame! Robin Hood release on way...

Actor Russell Crowe was in Hollywood to celebrate the installation of his shiny star on the infamous Walk of Fame.

For the Oscar winner the nod was a well-deserved one but one that required a bit of thought.

Last night on the tonight show, for example, Crowe confessed that although the placement of the prestigious nameplate was not a piece of cake, it all worked out for the best.

When the head honchos asked the handsome leading man if he had any preferences as to location, he was humble.

“How about down the street in front of the drug store?”

No, they shrugged, not possible.

A second spot didn’t pan out either.

Third time, Crowe got lucky.

“There’s a spot right in front of the Kodak Theatre.”

Yes, the star - appearing in the upcoming feature Robin Hood - landed a prime piece of real estate in the midst of Hollywood’s most celebrated folk lore just a-hop-and-a-skip away from Mann’s Chinese Theatre (where stars once imbedded their foot and handprints in cement).

Crowe has a great sense of humor and is a down-to-earth regular guy.

The charismatic actor is a man’s man, too.

On Jay’s show, he laughed that he lost a part in a major film because he revealed his common side, and allowed his emotions rule the day.

Apparently, he’d met a leading actress in a local watering hole on Hollywood Boulevard, to discuss a potential role opposite the star.

Once the quiet rendezvous was over - and shortly after the twosome strolled out the door into the bright sunlight - Russell spied Elvis’s star on the strip.

Without thinking, in a rush of emotion, Crowe was inclined to get down on his knees and kiss the King’s star with full juicy lips.

The actress - who obviously didn’t think her sh** stank, said “later Dude”.

In her eyes, he was a low-class ruffian she’d prefer not to have any associations with.

Guess she’s kicking herself, now!

I haven’t screened Robin Hood yet, but apparently the filmmakers have taken artistic license - and thus - have chosen to portray an aspect of the folk hero never captured on the silver screen before.

Why were Robin Hood’s gang of friends called the Merry Men?

In this version, Crowe’s script-writing team conjure up a logical answer, to the question.

Undoubtedly, once the high-budget feature is released, it will roar to box office heaven.

As I reported in an earlier post, Crowe is slated to attend a premiere at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in May.

See ‘ya there!
 

http://www.thetattler.biz

Dennis Hopper...honored with Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame! Legal battle complicates life...

Dennis Hopper, the legendary actor who worked with screen heavyweights - Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson, and James Dean in George Steven's sprawling Western saga - "Giant" - appeared frail and under-the-weather in Hollywood earlier today when he was honored with a star on the celebrated Walk of Fame.

Life is complicated at the moment for the seasoned pro, who has been a mainstay on the Hollywood film scene, for over 50 golden years.

Mr. Hopper is currently being treated for prostate cancer and is said to be terminally ill.

I reported on the nasty turn in the actor's health when he was first rushed to emergency a few months ago.

Post:   11/01/09

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/11/dennis-hoppernews-update-actor-has-been.html

Since that time, Mr. Hopper has been receiving care at a medical facility specializing in the treatment of prostate cancer.

In the interim, his estranged wife stepped up divorce proceedings, which has placed additional mental and emotional strain on the actor ( no doubt).

Although doctors nixed efforts on the part of his former spouse to haul the ailing actor into a deposition hearing - in respect to matters pertaining to the divorce battle that has been raging on in the local courts non-stop - the physican was inclined to give a nod to the outing on Hollywood Boulevard with the ultimate aim of boosting Hopper's overall morale.

Hopper arrived just before 11:30 a.m. and was spied smiling and shaking hands with guests of note before taking his seat in front of the Egyptian Theatre.

Last year, I met Mr. Hopper on the red carpet at the CineVegas Film Festival in Las Vegas, and he was gracious enough to grant me an interview.

Post: 06/13/08

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2008/06/cinevegas-film-festivalrainn-wilson.html

After that auspicious premiere event, I often mixed and mingled with Mr. Hopper at various film festival events during the course of its run.

Post: 06/14/08

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2008/06/cinevegas-film-festivalbritney-spears.html

A gentleman and a scholar.

Not many of us left!

Get well soon, Mr. Hopper!

Dennis runs wild in Easy Rider!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Ringo Starr...5th Beatle bestowed with star on Walk of Fame!

There was a lot of hoopla at Mann's Chinese Theatre last night in Hollywood.

A legendar Beatle was being honored with a "star" on the Walk of fame.

Although fans shouted their apprroval when the Beatleletts sashayed into the limelight (which was good for a giggle or two), it wasn't until Richard Starkey (aka Ringo) strode through the paparazzi, fans, and throngs of lookie loo's that they were inclined to go wild!

Ringo - one of the two remaining Beatles alive today - can count his blessings.

Starkey almost wasn't a Beatle, 'ya know.

For about ten years - as the Beatles struggled to gain recognition in the topsy-turvy realm of rock 'n roll - band member Pete Best (a long-time pal of the English blokes) provided the proverbial beat that took the four mop heads along the long-and-winding road to success.

Until the bejewelled drummer with the ubiquitous snoz sauntered into the picture one fine day.

Keenly aware that the Beatles' success depended on a bit of razzzle-dazzle on the drums - sadly, the lads were forced to turf Best - and sign on Ringo to spark up the sound.

Shortly after Ringo became a full-fledged member of the Beatles, the group skyrocketted to fame and fortune.

Old lucky Pierre caught the tail of the comet!

And, the rest is musical history, eh?

Congrats on the "star", Ringo!

Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!

Pete Best major influence on Beatle style!

Michael Jackson...tickets! Gone, Gone, Gone...

If you're as antsy as me, you probably checked your e-mail box non-stop yesterday, to determine if you'd been blessed with a couple of coveted tickets for Michael Jackson's Memorial Service downtown Tuesday (July 7th) at the Staples Center.

Fortunately, Ryan Seacrest zipped off a tweet and I was warned in advance that the organizers for the much-anticipated Jackson service, were not going to contact ticket recipients until Monday, July 6th (today).

So, I slipped out the door at dusk last night and hit the nightclub circuit to catch the tail-end of the 4th of July festivities.

This morning, when I plucked up the Los Angeles Times to give it a quick peruse, I suddenly spied a newspaper article which noted briefly that a handful of winners were informed by e-mail communication at about 5:45 pm yesterday afternoon of the outcome of their entries in the draw .

One thrilled couple back East were jubilant that their names were selected by the high-tech computer that must-have whizzed through the entries like lightning and quicker than you can say google!

At first, they were highly-suspicious, according to the reporter.

"They thought they were being scammed."

But, under close-scrutiny, they determined they pulled off the invite of the decade!

Heh, these folks deserve the privilege.

Imagine that, the dedicated fans are laying out cold hard cash to book flights, and fly in from out-of-town to attend the Memorial Service.

later, when I first logged on to the Internet - and opened up Yahoo - I didn't spy one peep from the Jackson folks.

Boo Hoo!

But, when I was scrolling down the in-box a couple of minutes later - an e-mail communication from staples.com - caught my eye.

I clicked on the link not knowing what to expect.

Darn, it was a polite message informing me that the computer ticket-picker, passed me by.

Here it is verbatim:

Thank you for your registration. Sorry, we regret to inform you that your registration to attend the Public Memorial Service for Michael Jackson was not selected. Hundreds of thousands registered, but only a few can be in attendance. S

Even still, I think the event-planners exhibited a lot of class!

I mean, instead of leaving a host of wistful hopefuls twisting in the wind - they were truly thoughtful enough to inform us first-hand - before the lucky few started boasting near and far.

Hats off to Staples, the Jackson's, and the whole slew of handlers organizing the event.

Cool, dudes!

Ironically, a curious news item published nearby in the same edition of the Los Angeles Times, caught my attention - and likewise - signalled that Jackson organizers may have to put up with uninvited guests, nonetheless.

According to the management at Staples, Barnum & Bailey is set to ring up the curtain on their 5-day Circus extravaganza at the stadium day-after tomorrow.

Get this!

Just shy of the hour the Jackson entourage, invited guests, and fans are scheduled to descend on the staples center to pay their last respects, a herd of Elephants is slated to parade down the causeway, too!

Although the organizers were trying to avoid a zoo-like atmosphere at the Memorial Service - ironically, as fate would have - a 3 ring Circus will head up the funeral procession!

Getting hit with a bit of bird sh** may be lucky, but a paddie of Elephant dung, I wonder?

In view of Michael's love for animals, all I can offer up in closing is, what a way to go!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Elvis Presley...Lisa Marie and Priscilla shun efforts to raise funds for El's star!

Elvis in lanky handsome days...


Oh, pooh!

I read in one of the local dailies this week that fans have raised about $13,000.00 to honor the King with a star on Las Vegas Boulevard in front of the Riviera Hotel.

However, there appears to be a shortfall. Another two grand is needed to cinch the deal before El's much-deserved plaque may be unveiled in the desert oasis amid ten million points of glittering light.

Should be a simple matter to raise a couple of thousand bucks for the King, right?

Frankly, I was disgusted to learn that when Lisa Marie, Priscilla, and a major shareholder of the Elvis Presley estate were approached, the fans were snubbed. In fact, they didn't even get the courtesy of a reply.

Imagine that, the generous Hollywood Star and Vegas Legend filled their sow's purses. But, they can't cough up a few lousy pesos to assist his fans in reaching their cherished goal?

I find it incredulous that no one at City Hall - or even a handful of officials in government - have made any good-faith effort to pitch in, either.

What a nasty oversight when you consider that Elvis was a big draw in Vegas, lined a lot of pockets with cold hard cash, and made the city a popular destination spot for Entertainment.

Elvis memorabilia is a big seller on the strip, too. And, Elvis impersonators abound in lounges all around "show city", raking in the dough because of the enduring legacy of the "man".

But, no one cares about honoring the giant with a star?

He must be crying in his grave!

Although Elvis might say - "Fools rush in" - I have no qualms about doing so myself.

I say, shame!

What a bunch of selfish, inconsiderate, bast**ds they are in Sin City!

Boycott Vegas, folks, 'til Elvis gets his overdue star on the strip!

Walk of Fame...Hollywood nostalgia

After a good workout at Gold's gym the other night - stay in shape actors, unless you want to be cast in character roles for the duration of your career - I drifted up to the strip to take in the scene.
It spite of the fact the "Boulevard" has been coined Hollyweird, it all seems a little tamer these days.

As I munched on pizza, my focus tended to gravitate to the stars inscribed on the pavement below me.

There didn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to the placement of the "plaques".

For example, Spike Jones is nestled right up close to Maria Callas at the corner of Hollywood & Vine. Meanwhile, a few stars down, Katherine Hepburn's star attracts quite a number of ooh's and aah's from the lookie-loo's.

I stumbled on Desi Arnaz, but there was no Lucy in sight.

Elizabeth Taylor is in front of the Hollywood Literary Project at 6344 Hollywood Blvd; ironic, because I heard that the Oscar-winning actress has a "thing" about words.

I held a door open for her once on a movie set.

As she glided by me on a waft of mystical air, she gazed up at me with those dazzling violet eyes and gushed, "Thank you".

"You're welcome", I quickly responded, as I nearly fainted dead away.

Some names, I was unfamiliar with. Were these ghosts from Hollywood's past before my time?

Tourists buzzed around me like locusts on a hot summer night, excitedly pointing out this & that.

"There's Tab Hunter," one cried out loud. The heart-throb of the fifties is in front of a vintage clothing shop.

When you hover over Doris Day, you can glance across the street and view Capitol Records sandwiched between two buildings; imagine that, developers want to turn the building into a Condominium Complex - much to the chagrin of the old guard who seek to preserve the landmark.

But as the main character (Christopher Plummer) in the film - "Man in the Chair" - astutely noted, "the glitter stops at La Brea".

Folks in-town are privy to the joke.

You see, the whole boulevard is sprinkled with a sort-of stardust - which glistens with an eerie glow - under the silky rays of the moonlight. But, the glitter ends, you got it, at La Brea Avenue and Hollywood Blvd.

Ah, I spy Mary Pickford's star! In spite of the fact she was known as "America's Sweetheart", Douglas Fairbank's real-life wife was actually from my home town, Toronto.

The Hollywood elite were aghast when Meshulam Riklis & wife Pia Zadora razed "Pickfair" (her palatial estate) which was affectionately known as the "White House West" by powerful Hollywood Players lucky enough to have been invited for dinner & drinks in the halcyon days of Tinseltown.

To check out star locations go to:

http://www.hollywoodchamber.net

If you favorite celebrity is not on the Walk of Fame, you can start a campaign to get the ball rolling by abiding by the guidelines as follows:

When nominating an individual or group, the sponsor must submit a photo, a bio and the nominee’s qualifications as well as a list of contributions to the community and civic-oriented participation. A letter of agreement from the nominee or his/her management must be included with the application. Nominations are accepted by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce during a scheduled 60-day nomination period announced to Hollywood’s entertainment trade publications and print and broadcast media. Nomination of an individual or group must be approved by the Walk of Fame Committee, sometimes requiring several annual nominations before a nominee is selected to receive a star. The ten to fifteen most qualified artists nominated are eligible for a star to be installed in the walk during the subsequent year. Those not selected for the current year are requested to resubmit for the following nomination period. The criteria for receiving a star consists of the following: professional achievement, longevity of five years or more, contributions to the community and the guarantee that the celebrity will attend the dedication ceremony if selected. Posthumous awards require a five-year waiting period. After the Walk of Fame Committee has made its selections, the Chamber’s Board of Directors also vote to approve the star and then for a final vote, the names are submitted to the City of Los Angeles’ Board of Public Works Department.