November 11, 2004 |
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"I rang up my agent, and I said, 'There must be some mistake, because you sent me a good script ... I quite like it, and I'd like to do it!' And they said, 'No, no, no, it's not for you - administrative error!'" The script was "Jerry Maguire," the eventual Tom Cruise smash.
That's what Hugh Grant admitted last night on "Access Hollywood." (There aren't many actors who'd tell such a tale on themselves, but this is what makes Grant so very appealing.)
Tom Hanks, on the verge of another winner with "The Polar Express," also chimes in on "Jerry Maguire." He says director Cameron Crowe wrote the sports agent character with (ITALIC) him (END ITALIC) in mind. But Hanks' film "That Thing You Do!" intervened. "So," Hanks says, "Tom Cruise owes me a buck."
NOT SINCE Liza Minnelli and David Gest has there been an intended wedding spectacle quite like the one this weekend for "The View's" Star Jones and her fiance, Al Reynolds. Today, a luncheon at Saks for the bride-to-be and her bridesmaids and family ... tomorrow, a rehearsal dinner at Denise Rich's house ... and Saturday, you might want to avoid Park Avenue, because the wedding starts at St. Bartholomew's at 5:30 p.m., then segues to the Waldorf lobby for cocktails with a cast of thousands in the ballroom for dinner. But I'm predicting a happy ending for Star and Al because each has what the other wants.
SPEAKING OF LOVE (we were, weren't we?), Ivana Trump, the woman who "fired" The Donald - that's how she sees it, anyway - has recorded a romantic CD. Her William Morris agent, Norman Brokaw, is working to get it released in America. If we're lucky, we'll get to hear Ivana croon "Amore Mio," "Secret Love" and other songs of deathless devotion.
Donald Trump tells Time: Style and Design magazine that he is "thinking about buying the Ritz Hotel in Paris" for his beloved, Melania Knauss. "If not, I'll go to the Asprey jewelers in Trump Tower to find something spectacular for her."
I LOVE THE ANSWER the grand gentleman Louis Auchincloss gives to Vanity Fair's Proust Questionnaire in response to which historical figure he identifies with? The writer replies, "Cassandra."
She was a figure in the Trojan War, punished by the gods to foresee the future but unable to get anyone to believe her. (She had the right fix on that big wooden horse!)
So, tell us, Mr. Auchincloss, what about the next four years? I'll believe you.
HERE WE ARE in November, and so far, the only surefire names being bandied about as best actress Oscar contenders are Imelda Staunton for "Vera Drake" and Annette Bening for "Being Julia." This has led many to ponder why John Madden's "Proof" has been put off until later next year. People who have seen this film say Gwyneth Paltrow is sensational. Madden directed Paltrow to her Oscar for "Shakespeare in Love," and "Proof" is said to be her best work since.
MONDAY, the Museum of Television & Radio in L.A. will whomp up a salute for that history-making TV mover-and-shaker Barbara Walters and also for the popular sitcom "Everybody Loves Raymond." Carl Reiner will host, and the governor's lady, Maria Shriver, and Paramount's soon-to-depart Sherry Lansing are expected. Maybe media types there will have something to talk about other than "The Three Vowels" - Eisner, Ovitz and Iger (Michael, Michael and Bob). Iger and Eisner will be there, but we know they'll only chat about Barbara, even among themselves.
Talk is rampant about Disney chief Eisner stepping down sooner than expected. Everybody's favorite idea, which, of course, will never happen - let Harvey Weinstein succeed him and try to turn Disney around. But rumors abound that the divorcing Weinstein will move his base of independent movie operations to London.
HOLLYWOOD COMES EAST Sunday with a revue paying tribute to movie musicals at the Triad on West 72nd Street. You'll get re-creations of legendary performances by Alice Faye, Carmen Miranda, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, Doris Day, Jane Powell, Betty Hutton, Betty Grable, et al, via a cast of five. Kicking off will be Heather MacRae presenting the work of her late father, Gordon MacRae.
THE FOUNDERS of Citymeals-on-Wheels Power Lunch for Women come together at the Rainbow Room next Thursday, when Gael Greene's group honors Barbara Walters, Beverly Sills, Gloria Steinem and Jessye Norman for work bringing meals to the city's elderly shut-ins.
This lunch is by invite only, but any man can offer up $10,000 and sit next to the power woman of his choice. Food maven Gael put this idea together 18 years ago and, since then, has fed thousands of needy souls. She has more than done her part. How about you? Call 212-687-1290, if you have $10,000 or even if you don't. A great event for New York women!
© 2004 Newsday Inc.
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