OWN, Oprah’s foray into the television network ownership arena, which plans to launch in early January, has already been plagued with some chaos. There have been big changes in the marketing and programing departments but apparently this may not be such a big deal because there were problems and a bit of a rocky start when the big O launched O Magazine back in 2000 with partner Hearts Magazines. OWN, which is a joint venture between Oprah’s Harpo Productions and Discovery Communications, are developing new shows with fashion expert Carson Kressley and Iron Chef, Cat Cora. OWN Network plans to bow in about 80 million homes.
Oprah Winfrey Network Noise
Joy Behar Closet Scrabble Lover
TV funny lady Joy Behar got badgered by an eager, anxious and annoying movie goer as the lights went down for the special screening of Leo Dicaprio’s ‘Inception.’ Joy, who was just finishing up some scrabble on her IPAD, was shutting down the tech toy when a woman from a few rows behind screeched out “turn that off!” The View’s Joy, who also has her own show on HLN which always has the coolest guests, took it in stride and told the overeager and uneasy lady to calm down. And she did. ‘Inception’ opens today.
Real Housewife of NJ Kid Gets Lady Gaga Manicure
The Real Housewives of New Jersey are outrageous and wild and we can’t get enough of them. Even their kids are beginning to take center stage and that’s what tough gal Danielle Staub’s daughter Christine has been doing. Besides modeling, she got her fabulous ‘Minx’ manicure on at Dieci Lifestyle Spa in Livingston, NJ. Rihanna, Katy Perry & Lady Gaga have all been seen with a ‘Minx’ Mani as well. Check out next week’s episode and get your Minx on.
Pat O’Brien Cozy With Mystery Lady
Longtime sports and newscaster Pat O’Brien, who had his bouts with alcoholism, rehab and sexually graphic voicemail messages that eventually lead to his downfall, seen walking around The Grove in LA with mystery woman. O’Brien, who is writing an autobiography on his agonizing divorce, rehab experience and career, was engaged two years ago to longtime girlfriend Betsy Stephens but it must be off because the woman pictured here is not her.
Angelina Jolie is Salt, Not Bond
Angelina Jolie told IBNLive.com, she recalled a meeting she had with Sony’s Co-Chairman, Amy Pascal years back after being approached to play a Bond girl in the smash ‘Casino Royale,’ “We had this lovely, playful talk about the fact that I would have preferred to have played Bond.” That’s our girl Angelina, whatever men can do us girls can do too, if not better. So years later when Amy Pascal called and said, “I think I’ve found it,” Angelina knew she remembered that meeting. That’s where ‘Salt’ comes in, the highly anticipated spy thriller originally written for a male actor, stars Ms. Jolie and opens next Friday, July 23rd. This will be hot.
Renee Zellweger Fitness Fanatic
Hot to trot actress Renee Zellweger, who snagged an Academy Award in 2004 for best supporting actress in ‘Cold Mountain,” has also snagged up and comer hottie, Bradley Cooper. Rumor has it that Cooper and Zellweger, who have been dating since 2009, have been working out in Pennsylvania in Jenkintown nearby his hometown. Yesterday Ms. Zellweger, who it seems, has been globetrotting health clubs, looks lean and fit, while out and about in lush Pacific Palisades, CA doing the Starbucks thing.
Still Ravenous for the Mighty Lion
Went to The Lion recently and again, had the best time. Cozy, cool, casual and chichi, The Lion pounces on scrumptious food and scenery and is for sure the place you want to be. It’s glitzy and ritzy and I’m sure on some night you will find someone from St. Moritzy. Call up and attempt to make a reservation, worst case scenario, grab a seat at the bar and hang there. You’re in for a complete treat.
Jennifer Love Hewitt Role of a Lifetime
Actress Jennifer Love Hewitt, who has been working in show business since she’s ten years old, is finally stepping out of her comfort zone and appears Monday night in the Lifetime Original Movie “The Client List.” The highly anticipated premiere is the story of a former Texas homecoming queen and physical therapist that, after she and her husband lose their jobs, unknowingly accepts a position at a massage parlor and finds herself in the middle of a prostitution ring. On a recent conference call from her home in LA, Jennifer told me that she couldn’t have played this role year ten years ago and is now at a place in her life where she feels comfortable enough to handle it. The young show biz pro who turned 31 this year, has a passion for business and also hopes to settle down one day soon and start a family.
Dustin Hoffman Coming to HBO
Triple threat talent Michael Mann (Ali, Heat, Aviator), director, screenwriter and producer delivered a pilot to HBO which took their breath away so much that they immediately picked it up. Written by David Milch (NYPD Blue, Deadwood), the new drama series ‘Luck,’ is a provocative look at horseracing- the owners, gamblers, jockeys and diverse gaming industry players. Superstar Dustin Hoffman will star along with Dennis Farina, Jason Gedrick, Nick Nolte, to name a few and Jill Hennessy will guest star. Looks like HBO is the lucky one.
Will Smith Making Modern Day Explorer Pic
Harvard University’s neuroscience professor, Dr. S. Allen Counter, is having a movie made about his life by Hollywood royalty, Will Smith. Will is teaming up with Sony and producing a story about the modern day explorer and African-American neuroscience professor whose subjects range from his recent scientific findings on the high level of mercury exposure level among Andean children, to his discovery of the Amer-Eskimo children of Arctic explorers in Northwest Greenland. Pictured here, the two distinguished gentlemen at the Nobel Prize Institute in Stockholm, Sweden. Right now, Will is only attached as a producer.