How to get arrested on the Red Carpet...

Ok, yes, I admit it. I nearly got arrested last night at the premiere of "Precious" starring Mariah Carey, Monique, Gabby Sidibe -- exec produced by Oprah, Tyler Perry. A gut-wrenching story of abuse and a young woman's journey to get away from a monster of a mother. Amazing story, brilliantly directed by Lee Daniels.

You can imagine the red carpet: bustling with stars, a near-block-long-line of paparazzi. EXTRA had the first position. Sweeeet! So that means all the stars came right to me after being blinded by the flashes of the still photogs.

Now, this was Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, where, unless they shut the street down, it's generally a tight fit with all the photos and press, and there is always a barricade to keep the press seperate from the stars on the carpet.

It was a fun yet busy premiere, Paula Patton (who plays a pivotal teacher role in the film) and her husband, singer Robin Thicke... Gabby, all glammed up, and enjoying every second of her new-found notoriety... and then Mariah made the scene with husband Nick Cannon.

Mariah always comes to play... She's more down-to-earth than you might think. But, that said, she likes her "lighting" to be just soooo... When she walked up to me, she "found her light" (provided by the spotlights that the theatre puts up all along the carpet), but she was, like, TEN FEET away from me...

I had to go on the OTHER side of the barricade and greet her, then bring her closer to me... Keep in mind, I am about a FOOT from where I HAD been standing BEHIND the barrier, but now JUST in front of it. We do our thing... have a great interview, lengthy by red carpet standards... and then they go on down the carpet.

ALL OF A SUDDEN, out of nowhere, a big dude, plus the FIRE MARSHALL swoop in and start talking to us like we've just committed the crime of the century by stepping a few inches from where we were. I had never seen this particular Fire Marshall at a premiere before. After SO many years of doing this, I know most of them, and if there is a misstep, they might gently warn us, then we have a laugh and the night goes on.

THIS guy was serious... a little TOO serious... if I had to guess, and I am, I would say a little "drunk on power" to treat us the way he did. My producer Mark was dumbfounded by it, and Ken and Stacey, my camera and sound guys -- ALL of us having done this for years -- just tried to calm the guy down... but he YELLED to put the camera down, SHUT UP, and LEAVE the red carpet, or else we would be fined $1,000 dollars AND get arrested...

Lucky for us, the only two people who hadn't shown up were Oprah and Tyler Perry and they arrived WHILE this was going on, but they were in a mass of people, and did NO interviews with anyone.

Let it be known, this incident had nothing to do with AFI (American Film Institute) at whose festival this film was premiering... nor Lionsgate, the studio producing the film. This simply was a Fire Marshall who was, granted, sticking by the book and doing his job, but there's a way to get the job done without unnecessary threats and intimidation.

I was simply doing my job, too, by trying to get the interview.

CLOONEY: The Story Behind the Story...

George Clooney. That's the star's name that immediately comes to mind whenever I am asked this question: "Who is your favorite star in the world to interview?" It's always been George Clooney. Why? Because he's always been a decent, fun-loving, regular, down-to-earth guy. He still is, but I have a little behind-the-scenes story to share with you about why you will most likely not be hearing a lot from George, at least, in television interviews for some time to come.

At the Toronto International Film Festival, George had TWO, count 'em, TWO huge movie premieres, for two EXCELLENT films. "The Men Who Stare at Goats" and "Up in the Air" -- while I loved BOTH of these movies for different reasons, the latter, "Up in the Air" moved me. It's simply a great story. Funny, intense, powerful, timely. Directed by Jason Reitman, it's a story of a guy (Clooney) who's job is to terminate other people's jobs. The poster cleverly uses this line. "A story about a guy looking for a connection" -- so true, on so many different levels. GO see this movie when it comes out.

Back to the premieres. So, of course with two big movies, there will be two opportunities to "connect" with Clooney on the red carpet. At least that's how it's always been. This time, sadly, it was different. George arrived at the "Goats" premiere, hand bandaged still from that unfortunate run-in with a car door, and I was first in line to greet him. I gingerly shook his bad hand, which he graciously extended, and he greeted me warmly: "Jerry! how's it going?" -- GREAT, we're off to a good start... when suddenly, he was gone... slipped out of my grasp and skipped a slew of other reporters on the red carpet, but strategically greeted the other major entertainment outlets the same way: quickly. Those of us who have been used to a different experience with Clooney... a fun and entertaining few minutes with him, talking about the movie, but also catching up, for instance, on the latest pranks he's pulled or Brad Pitt has pulled on him, was non-existant. We were stunned.

Sure, there were a lot of reasons to be in Toronto: Matt Damon, who is another favorite, and who gave me a terrific sit-down interview about his clever and funny new movie "The Informant!" Mariah Carey and Oprah Winfrey, who teamed up for a gut-wrenching movie about abuse, called "Precious" -- it will tear your heart out, and you will be blown away by the performances, particularly by Monique, the comedian who makes a huge dramatic turn as an abusive mother. All that said, I was personally looking forward to my two "red carpet moments" with George.

Later that night, there was an "after-party" for George's movie, and my producer Adam and I attended. We ran into George and his publicist, Stan Rosenfield. Now, a little about Stan. Stan has been good to me, and good to "Extra" over the years. He knows what's best for his clients, and will protect them vigorously, but he also knows when someone is going to treat his client with respect, and therefore, makes his client accessible. He handles not only George, but Charlie Sheen, to name only two, who is another decent, down-to-earth guy, who always gives me "a little something more" in an interview.

While George stood a few feet away, entertaining his party guests, as only George can do -- with humor, grace and class -- Stan spoke to us about why George did a "fly by" on the red carpet, saying essentially, George wants to show up to these premieres for the fans, first and foremost, and to support the film. Period. There will more than likely be no more sit-down interviews, no more talk show appearances, and very little in the way of interviews on the red carpet.

A few minutes later, with drinks in our hands, I toasted George personally, and congratulated him on his two movies... and we had a chance to speak face to face. George was the same welcoming George I've always known him to be. Looking me in the eye while we chatted. Nothing had changed between us personally, and I so appreciate that about Clooney. Do I wish the moment we had off-camera at that party, was on-camera? Of course. Do I understand why George, at this point in his career, doesn't need that anymore? Of course. He's an Oscar-winning superstar who can call the shots on his terms, and why shouldn't he?

Most importantly, I respect that George Clooney remains a gentleman where it counts, and that's in his person-to-person encounters OUT of the spotlight.

No matter what, when asked in the future who my favorite star is to interview? I will still say George Clooney. I just hope I get to bring those interviews with him to you in the future.

Why I Love Toronto...

Just back from TIFF, otherwise known as the Toronto International Film Festival, and with respect to the other festivals around the world that I attend every year (Cannes, Sundance, etc) I have to say I have a special place in my heart for this one. Here's why: it's all about the movies, and it's all about the movie-lovers, the fans... There is NO swag, NO gifting suites (none that are overt, anyway)... Just lines of fans waiting to see the newest crop of movies you'll be seeing this fall. Many of them become Oscar contenders, at least that's what the track record has been for this festival.

I've been going to TIFF for years now, and there's such a warm welcome every time I show up at the first big premiere. This year it was "Jennifer's Body" with Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried. It was held at Ryerson University, so the crowd was mostly college-aged kids, and lots of young people... I was so touched that they SCREAMED my name, asked for autographs, which I was so appreciative of. Look, I am no "star", and I don't purport to be one, but in Toronto, I am made to feel like one. I signed, I took pictures with the fans, I listened to their "Ryerson loves Jerry" chants. And I was so damned tickled.

Thanks, Toronto, for making this guy who interviews the stars, feel like one for a night.

Gone Too Soon...

My head and heart are still reeling from the events of today. We knew Farrah Fawcett was, sadly, losing her battle with cancer, yet to hear that she had passed was, nonetheless, heartbreaking and painful. Just hours later, the shock of Michael Jackson's passing was almost unbelievable, in fact, too much to take.

In my business of covering entertainment news, one must remain stoic while reporting these stories, but I must tell you, I broke down in private several times today. You'd have to be inhuman to not feel the sadness of such tragic situations, human loss. And it didn't begin today, it started earlier this week.

First it was a former colleague, a very successful sportscaster from Philly who succumbed to prostate cancer at the young age of 54. Gary Pappa was a father, a husband, a friend. And worked til the very end, even doing the sports on station WPVI while losing his hair. He will be missed. Then, Ed McMahon, whom I had the distinct pleasure of being welcomed into his home, and working with him on several occasions. A class act all the way, and a family man to the core. Then today...

I am shaken, saddened, yet trying in earnest to celebrate the lives of these icons. On Jackson's album "Dangerous" is a song titled "Gone Too Soon" ... say no more.

Grab Some "Local Color"

I began painting as a therapeutic hobby about 7 years ago. Not trained. Self taught. With simply a passion driving me, I picked up a canvas and some brushes one day because I had always wanted to paint, but never thought I could. Some might say I still can't. But that doesn't stop me.

Therein lies the plot line for a new movie that utterly took me by surprise, "Local Color" -- written and directed by George Gallo, who truly is a renaissance man: filmaker, actor, writer, and yes, painter. He began painting in the same way I did, but when he was much, much younger. This movie is his story.

You don't have to be an artist to fall in love with this film. You don't even have to like art. You just have to love a great story, brilliantly photographed and masterfully acted by Armin Mueller-Stahl, Trevor Morgan, Ray Liotta, and Samantha Mathis, to name a few of the top-notch cast. With his words and direction, Gallo paints a moving portrait of love, passion and attainable dreams.

"Local Color" opens July 3rd. Go see it. It will renew your spirit and inspire you to not just dream your dreams, but live them.

Yes We Cannes!

Just got back from the South of France... ahhhhhh... but before you get too jealous, know this: the Cannes Film Festival is more than a day at the beach and a slice of brie on a baguette, washed down with a chilled French champagne. It's work, my friends. Granted, working there beats the hell out of, well, working just about anywhere else, but still...

Ok, highlights: the movie "Middlemen" and meeting all the cast, producers, director... and they sure know how to throw a party! The movie opens this Fall. Run, don't walk, to see this one. "Broken Embraces" -- Pedro Almadovar's new movie with, shocker, Penelope Cruz, for I think the 15th time (actually, the fourth, I believe) ... it's subtitled, of course, but the humor, drama, and nuances translate very well.

Random Cannes moments: taking a boatride to the Hotel du Cap (where all the stars stay) and seeing the paparazzi camped out on the craggy rocks trying to get shots of us, thinking we're 'somebody'. Those crazy paps. Oh, and having a police escort - SIX motorcycle gendarmes - to scoot a shuttle bus of press people to the Hotel du Cap for the annual AmFar benefit raising money for AIDS research. On the way, the motorcycle cops were so earnest in shoo'ing the traffic away in order to get us through the narrow streets of Provence to our destination, that two of the cycles sideswiped each other and got into an accident right in front of us!! (see pic) No one was hurt.

Aside from the motorcycle cop mishap, the AmFar benefit was actually an event and a half. Security crawling everywhere, on rooftops, in bushes, at the du Cap because President Clinton was one of the guests. All the stars were in rare form, including the mistress of ceremonies, Sharon Stone, who poo-poo'ed those tabloid reports that she's too thin, explaining that eating right, and exercising makes you lean and mean... imagine that... Zoe Saldana looked smashing. Rob Pattinson decided he was too big a star to walk the carpet. Hmmm. The only other person who didn't walk the carpet was Bill Clinton. Why? Bill Clinton doesn't HAVE to walk the carpet. R-Pat better not get too big for his pretty-boy britches, because one day soon, we could all be saying "Rob Who?" -- Fame is fleeting, my boy...

Lowlights? Speaking of not walking the carpet, at his own premiere party for the Tarantino movie "Inglourious Basterds" (yes, that's how it's spelled, intentionally) Brad and Angie decided at the last minute, THEY weren't walking the red carpet, and doing interviews, not even having their mugs photographed. WTF? That's why most of the American press, at least, were there, since Brad was one of the biggest stars at the festival this year. Disappointing is an understatement, but again, while Brad is in another league than Pattinson, you gotta wonder why he wouldn't want to promote a movie that, in my opinion, is going to need some promotion.

One of my personal favorite moments, was at a 'photo call' -- which means thousands (literally) of international press lined up along the Boulevard de la Croisette (the main drag) outside the Carlton Hotel (which Disney had covered in snow to stunt-promote their new Robert Zemeckis film "A Christmas Carol") Jim Carrey with Jenny McCarthy pull up in front via horse and buggy -- flashes, screams, yells, etc... and Jim eyeballs me in the huge crowd, and says "Jerry Penacoli, nice to see you.. nice to see a familiar face" Aw, Jim, you had me at "In Living Color" ... A select group of press were then treated to a 'sneak peek' of the 3-D movie... astounding!

The Santa Barbara Fires

I was called Friday night by my show, because the 'celeb-community' of Montecito was now threatened by the heinous Santa Barbara fire, that had already taken out (at this point) more than 70 homes -- it grew to more than 80. Anyway, Oprah's home, Rob Lowe's Kathy Ireland's homes were in serious danger, and they were either close to or at the point of evacuation.

The last thing I wanted to do was run up to Santa Barbara for work... I thought I had left my days of chasing fire trucks and police cars when I stopped doing local news years and years ago, but celebrities were now involved, or potentially involved, and so, being one of the frontmen of an entertainment news show, I had to go.

I'm so glad I did. Not just because of the celebrity angle. Just seeing, and being THAT close to destruction, makes one so thankful and grateful... by the grace of God go all of us... While visiting an evacuation center, and seeing people's lives reduced to one cot, with a child's teddy bear, and coloring book as their most prized possessions, makes one see things more clearly.

I had the opportunity to interview Rob Lowe and Governor Arnold Schwartzenegger, who teamed up, because Rob lives in Montecito with his wife and family, and the Gov of course was there since he had declared Santa Barbara Co. a disaster zone. They didn't just posture and spew forth the 'we're famous and we're here to make a statement' mentality. Rob was THIS close to the fire, at one point, being able to clearly see it moving closer and closer to his home. Both Rob and the Governor actually comforted the evacuees who were holed up on the UCSB campus gym. Rows and rows of cots of people just waiting to be told they could go home... not sure what they would find, however, when they did so.

We were there when they were given the 'all clear' -- the expressions of joy, the gasps of excitement from those who had been there for days, were memorable, to say the least.

Talking our way (my crew and producer and myself) into the burned out zone was a feat unto itself. But we did so, because we felt the need to show the destruction, the burned out homes, and it left me feeling sad, and confused as to how the fire could burn one home, then skip four others and burn another... The most vivid image seared into my brain, is that of a statue of the Virgin Mary, charred, yet still standing in what was the front yard of a burned out home.

I am left depleted, and still very inspired by the human spirit that seems to thrive during a natural disaster such as this.

New Movie Preview: "Middlemen"

What a treat to be part of the very first audience to see a brand-new movie debuting in Cannes called "Middlemen" -- starring Luke Wilson, Giovanni Ribisi, Jacinda Barrett, James Caan, to name a few of the ensemble, directed by George Gallo, produced by Chris Mallick.

Think: "Goodfellas" meets "Oceans 11" only quicker, sharper and with performances that any actor should be proud of. Giovanni Ribisi, in particular is a standout, playing a strung out loser who essentially is responsible for "pay as you play" internet porn.

Based on a true story, "Middlemen" is non-stop fun, while probing deep into the minds and souls, really, of a group of individuals thrust together all in the name of greed.

Not to be missed.

About last night 2...

So, I was assigned to cover a President Clinton fundraiser for his very cool Clinton Foundation organization called Millennium Network, encouraging a new generation of 'givers'  and 'doers' and philanthropists.  

It was at an 'old Hollywood' haunt called Hotel Roosevelt, and I say 'haunt' with purpose.  Legend has it, the ghost of Marilyn Monroe still inhabits one of the hotel rooms.   Be that as it may, the event was being held in a small, intimate ballroom called the "Blossom Room" which was the site of the very first Academy Awards ceremony way back in the day...  If those walls could talk... and some say they do.  

Anytime there's a President coming to an event, there's obviously a massive security sweep.  We were asked to be on-location hours before the event actually started.  While waiting out in the hotel parking lot (I know, real glamourous job, eh?) an SUV pulls up and Nicolette Sheridan pops out with a new man, and she was looking mighty fine with way high heels and a way short dress on... What is she 50'-ish??  You'd never know it.  

I see her glancing over, and for a few minutes she just stood there, waiting and waiting.  Finally, we're able to go back into the hotel and I have to walk by her.  I politely said hello, and she said, "I thought that was you over there"  ... sweet.  I asked if she was going to the Clinton event and she said, no, the Star Trek premiere (which is happening literally feet away, around the corner at the Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Blvd)... but that she was waiting for her limo to come get them.  She didn't know it was THAT close... Because there were so many fans on the streets, they decided to wait for the ride, anyway.. but she was going to walk over, which would have been a treat for those tourists and fans walking the streets.  I was able to introduce her to my producer and cameraman, and she was wonderful to stand and chat with us for awhile.  She said she would try and stop by the Clinton thing... Would they let her in, she asked??

Back inside, we're waiting and waiting for people to arrive for this event.  They finally begin to trickle in.   Jessica Alba... looking flippin' fantastic, Adrian Grenier minus an "entourage" -- these two young actors were given the honor of introducing President Clinton at this event. And Jess told me she just celebrated her 28th birthday on the 28th of April -- the golden b-day -- with an '80's disco party that her husband threw for her...

Others who came:  Kerry Washington, who just came from a relative's wedding in Mexico -- she was not freaked out, though, about catching the pig flu (however, I held back giving her a kiss, is that wrong?)  A couple of "The Office" dudes, BJ Novak and Ed Helms, and Wil.i.am, who is such a cool dude... he told me he's going to put off doing music for a little while, in order to 'give back' -- and he performed after the President spoke.

So, this was a fairly intimate affair.  The President never walked the red carpet (does he have to? -- I think not).. but what a "life moment" having the opportunity to hear him speak, from the heart, about what his Foundation is doing, with HIV/AIDS, climate change, and so many other initiatives.  

A night to remember.  Oh, p.s. Nicolette  never did make it...

TORI, TORI, TORI

I've been around Tori Spelling many times in the past... But my most recent encounter, an interview for her new book "Mommywood" was perhaps the most enlightening. Here was a young woman, now a Mom of two, happily married and spread waaaay thin with a reality show, episodes of the new 90210, a book tour, and get this, her babies are both under the age of two.

Dean, her husband, is quite the hands-on Dad... and for Tori, having come from such privilege, I'm struck now by just how 'normal' she really is. Sure, her Dad Aaron was one of the biggest TV moguls ever, and sure, she had a questionable relationship with her Mother, Candy, who really tried to usurp her daughter's book-release, by 'releasing' her own public letter to Tori on her website the night before, begging Tori to 'step up' and allow Candy to see her and her grandchildren.

Through it all, Tori smiles... almost naively, and is very self-deprecating. She says, her Mother knows where she lives, and she knows her cell phone number and email... So, why oh why would Candy be making this a 'public' thing on her website? Feeling a little overshadowed by her own daughter?

There are two sides to every story, and for those kids sake, it would be nice for whomever is holding the hatchet, to bury it, so the kids could have a Grandmother... life is too short.

On Broadway...

So, being a correspondent for Extra sometimes, no, for me, most times means being more than just on TV.  I write and produce a lot of the pieces that I do on the show.  It's just the way it is. Not all the correspondents do, but that bit of inequity is another blog down the road.  At this point, after 9 seasons on the show, there is a lot of pressure for us to actually "book" the celebrities we interview.  Not as easy as it sounds.  

Oh, the people who run the show think it's a piece of cake asking so and so celeb for their cell phone number or email, with their publicist several inches from your face... No, it's not.   It's rare and random when you do get the actor or celeb's personal information, and it's usually after years of a relationship where they feel comfortable enough... Well, that happened recently with Rosie O'Donnell, who gave me her email address a month or so ago at the premiere of her Lifetime movie "America."   

Now, Extra has wanted Rosie "off the red carpet" for years... meaning, in a more personal setting, on our own terms, with a little more time then a few minutes to grab a couple of 'soundbites' -- so I emailed her.  Funny thing happened, she emailed me back... after a few back and forth exchanges about what's really important to her in her life right now in addition to her partnership and her children, Rosie said her Broadway Kids School.  So, I said, let's make it happen.   

What a day we had at her brand-spanking new facility on W. 45th, in the heart of the theatre district, where kids, mostly underprivileged, who would never have the chance to sing, dance, learn to play an instrument in public school, with all the cutbacks... but here they have a chance to flourish and learn to belt out a tune, or tap dance to their heart's content.

After our interview--probably the most personal I've ever heard the outspoken Ro get -- and a tour (**all of which will air on EXTRA in May -- you know, the all-important sweeps month where every show saves their best stuff to air)... we were treated to a mini-show by some of the kids... so fresh and honest they were, in their performances.. not 'show kids' at all... you know what I mean?   

Then, a private dinner with corporate benefactors on the rooftop deck of the school.  Catered by the fabulous "44th and 10th" restaurant, whose waiters ran the food from around the corner up the block and up to the top floor... every course... bravo!   There was Rosie, heading up an intimate table for 12, holding court, in all her glory... Regaling us with story upon story, and yet being the consummate host, making everyone feel at home.   A truly memorable evening.

That was Thursday of this week.  Friday comes, and my show is able to get me a couple of last minute tickets to the revival of "Hair" on Broadway.  It just opened on Tuesday to rave reviews, including Ben Brantley's soaring write-up in The New York Times.   Because the tickets were last minute, literally given to me a couple hours before curtain, I had a hard time finding a friend from NY available and willing.  One friend said, I'm not a Broadway show kinda person. What??  Everyone should have the opportunity to see a Broadway show, and be moved.. be uplifted.  

I get to box office and pick up my tickets. While waiting in line, I glance over and see a young couple smiling and kinda staring.  I smiled back courteously.  As I was walking past them, a gentleman was selling them one of his tickets that would have gone unused by friends of his stuck at an airport, or something.  Knowing I had an extra ticket that I didn't want to have go to waste, I asked if they needed a ticket.  They were thrilled.    

The guy then said to me, "you know, when I was in 3rd grade, you came and spoke at my school in Philadelphia" -- holy crap did I feel old!  Here's a grown man with his pretty girlfriend (ok, they're maybe just a couple years out of college, but still!) telling me that when he was essentially still in diapers, he was watching me on TV in Philly, and that I came to his school and spoke to his class.... which, when I clear the cobwebs of memories from my 9 years on-air in Philly, I did a lot of that.  I enjoyed it too... kids' career days at elementary and high school levels... It was always fun for me.  I think because I always secretly wanted to be a teacher.   

Anyway, Brett and Julia and I proceeded in to the theatre.  What a marvel the show was! Hugely entertaining and moving and interactive and exciting and, well I could go on and on... The cast, simply stellar.  And they're nekkid at one point... hmmmm ... sells tickets!   The cast really involves the audience in the show, but not in a cheesy, dinner-theatery way... It's organic and fun.  

Here's the best part:  if you've ever dreamed of being ON BROADWAY, literally...ON a Broadway stage, this is a must-see.  During the curtain call, as "Let the Sunshine" is blasting through the theatre, the cast members invite anyone up on the stage with them for that moment.  To be there, looking back toward the audience, seeing the enormity of the theatre and the audience, the orchestra and the balcony... as the kids say: OMG!!!  It was truly a moment I won't soon forget.  A moment that will be forever seared in my heart and mind.  

Chateau Marmont Monday...

So I'm supposed to meet these dudes from a NY-based film company at the Chateau Marmont for drinks.  I get there at the designated time, 6pm, and I wait and wait and wait... Little did I know they only had my work email and I had left before they emailed a conflict, etc.  Needlesstosay, I was at the Chateau Marmont for a good hour, alone...    So was Jessica Biehl (or Biel, not sure)... Alone, no JT in sight... and kicking up her boots on a lounger in the bar.... Relaxed, beautiful, in a very unaffected way.  Having a conversation with an agent, manager, friend, who knows.. about a possible role upcoming, a small role, but one she finds "really cool"... That's all she kept saying, was it was really really cool... well, Jess... so are you.   

I suppose this is worth a mention... On my way into the bar at the Chateau... by the way, not to be confused with Bar Marmont, next to the hotel... anyway, on my way in, there was Lance Bass, briskly on his way out, feeling the need to announce to the hostess, that he was going to Bar Marmont instead of staying... 

Didn't even matter that my 'meeting' was a no-show... Had a great time with a glass of Syrah, and alot of 'really cool' star sightings... 

A Shocking Passing...

Not only was Natasha Richardson a great actor, a Tony-winning actor, from one of the most respected acting family dynasties.. she was also a loving mother and wife, a dutiful daughter, and a classy person. Now, my experience with her was limited. I can only speak of the times I've spent on red carpets with her or in interview situations, but in just that short amount of time, the glimpses of greatness were evident.

Her passing took us all by surprise. We were all surprised by how we reacted to it. Why? Because it could have been any one of us who took a slight tumble. Not just on a beginner slope. Anywhere. We could all relate. We are all consumed by the shocking sadness of the situation.

May her husband Liam, her two boys, her mother Vanessa Redgrave, aunt Lynn Redgrave, and the rest of her grieving family, find solace and peace in knowing that in a very short number of years -- only 45 -- Natasha Richardson left her mark... on stage, on film, on television, but most importantly, with her family. May she rest in peace.

From 1600 Campus Road to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue...

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of digging a bit into President Obama's academic past. Most people know he went to Harvard and Columbia. Stalwart universities. Some, not many, know that the skinny kid, fresh out of high school in Hawaii, began his academic studies in 1979 at a very small liberal arts college in Los Angeles, Occidental College. It's a, well, very collegiate-looking campus despite its urban location. Overshadowed by UCLA and USC for sure, however, after my visit, I'm convinced it's a place where I would have felt at home as a student. "Barry" certainly did for two years.

First stop: his first political science professor's home, walking distance from campus. Professor Roger Boesche taught Obama his "inaugural" political science class, and remembered hearing "that voice" for the first time in a discussion group. He said, the kid was smart, thoughtful, and stood out not only for his independent ideas, but also his "medium-sized" afro. The professor, up until recently, had been able to communicate with the pre-Presidential Obama via Blackberry, but alas, all that's changed. He hopes he can get to the White House one day, so that he can introduce his wife to his former student, President Obama.

Next, we met Ken Sulzer, now a very successful lawyer... back then, he was a baseball jock living across the hall from Barry Obama in Haines Hall dorm. It was actually an annex of the dorm catering to a more 'diverse' crowd, as he put it, and a bunch of jocks. Walking into Room A-104 and seeing the twin bed, and bunk beds cramped in with a few desks (yes, they lived three in a dorm room), I couldn't help but feeling oddly curious... I have met Presidents and Presidential candidates before, but never had any direct contact with their personal pasts. Even if it's just being in the same dorm room where he began to crack his first political science books... it felt special. Ken shared stories about how Obama slept by the window, and whenever Ken and one of his roomates would walk by at night they'd bang on that window, just to mess with Obama, and wake him up. They would talk politics, anti-apartheid issues (remember this was 1979) and
they bonded on the basketball court, as well. Ken revealed neither of them was really good enough to play college ball.

But Barry played something called "noon ball" -- Eric Newhall, still a professor at Occidental, used to be a part of these pick-up games between faculty and students every day at noon in the school gymnasium. I spoke to him on the "boards" yesterday, and he recounted that Barry talked a lot of "smack" on the court, and couldn't hold Eric back. Maybe that's just Eric's recollection, maybe it's true. One thing's for sure: everyone remembers this guy Obama as a steady, upstanding dude, who was a lot of fun to be around.

Finally, Jim Tranquada, the Director of Communications for the school, filled me in on how admissions at Occidental are up. Applications are pouring in from prospective students, who feel they can do or be anything they want. No surprise. This is what this man has begun to instill in people, particularly our youth, and that is an incredible achievement. Jim also showed me the steps leading up to the Administration building where Barry Obama made his first "political" speech. It was at an anti-apartheid rally, and they staged a very dramatic ending to his speech whereby a group of white students hauled the black speaker off, in a symbolic move, to underline the racial issue taking place in South Africa at the time. There was no turning back for the man who would be President.

The address of Occidental College, his academic roots: 1600 Campus Road. I kid you not. So, from one 1600 address to the greatest 1600 address of them all.... What an experience to get even a glimpse into this part of Obama's life.

Being Julia...

Just coming back from New York City after doing a one-on-one interview with Julia Roberts.   This is a true movie star who doesn't act like one.  Down-to-earth, sweet, and forth-coming.  She gets it.  She knows how to play with you and play to the camera, but it doesn't come across as "playing you" -- she is truly grounded in her family life and her marriage, and isn't afraid, with the right questions, to open up about it.  I've interviewed her many times in the past, and she remembers everything.  Every question.  Every moment.  And SHE brings them up.   She connects the dots.  Gracious.  Beautiful.  The kind of girl you want to go out drinking with.   And in that 10 minutes, she makes everyone in the room feel comfortable.   And that smile.  That thousand-watt smile.  She still can literally light up a room with it.  And is unabashed about it.   In "Duplicity" she's back in her first leading lady role in awhile, and better than ever.    

A Visit to the Octo-Mom house...

I never know what assignment I will be thrown, day to day, at EXTRA.  Well, I should say I rarely know.  For instance, I DO know I will be interviewing Julia Roberts next week, and thank you Julia for requesting me to do the interview.  Looking forward to that immensely. That is what I do best, in my estimation... have casual, fun, interesting conversations with celebrities.  That's where I am most comfortable, and that's what I love doing.  

So you can just imagine my HORROR when I am called at some ungodly hour of the morning and given my assignment for the day (a week ago Friday):  I was going to Nadya Suleman's house, a one hour plus drive, in traffic, and I was to be there at 6:30 in the morning.  Why? Because she supposedly takes her kids to school at 7am and gosh darn it, I just might get a chance to talk to her.  WTF?  NBC News has already done an in-depth interview with this woman about her life with her now 14 children.  Dr. Phil has just done another in-depth interview... who's exploiting whom, I'm not really sure... what kind of money (if any) is being spent on these interviews, it's not my place to say, nor do I know, nor do I care.    But I'm expected to have Nadya single me out of a crowd of paparazzi and assorted other TV types, gawkers, etc... and she's supposed to welcome me in her home, pour me a cup of coffee and say "let's talk???"  Not so much.

However, I have a job to do.  I travelled to her home.  I kept a safe distance, unlike alot of the other TV crews up there camped out with lounge chairs in the woman's driveway, and while there were NO signs of Nadya that day, I had a quick exchange with Nadya's father (who had just done an in-depth interview with OPRAH) about the "irresponsibility" he had spoken about with Ms. Winfrey as it relates to his daughter.   I was respectful when he said to me, "it's too early to talk about any of that"  and I said to have a good morning.  This is a man, no matter what irresponsibility his daughter (and the fertility doc) exhibited, is merely trying to take care of those kids who are at home.  Taking them two by two to school.  Carrying the autistic little girl to the special school bus that backs down the street right to the driveway, so she doesn't have to walk too far.  No matter how any of us feels about this story, there are children involved, and those children need to be treated with dignity and respect.

I backed off.  I felt dirty.  I needed a shower.  No matter what you feel about this woman, her situation, her mental state, what-have- you...  I didn't feel it was my place to be on this woman's street, a quiet little cul-de-sac, with neighbors who are at their wits end because of the media circus which has decided to camp out on their street.  Yuk.  I didn't want to be a part of it, nor will I ever be again.  

I went back to my bosses at EXTRA and told them so.  I will report on the story from a distance, if they require me to, it's their candy store,  however, I will never return to that house again under those circumstances.  I needed a shower.

Certainly, I hope that this woman gets the much-needed help to provide and care for these children, whether it be from Child Welfare Services, or from some other source.  Should she be able to keep all of those children?  That's a decision that I truly believe she needs to do some deep soul-searching before making.  

I need another shower. 

A Post on Huffington...

You've probably heard of Ariana Huffington... the beautifully outspoken queen of new media, who started "The Huffington Post" -- a blog that gives celebrities a chance to speak out about politics, entertainment, pop culture, or whatever the hell is on their mind -- It began out of her home awhile back, and it'd be an understatement to say it's taken off.  Like wildfire.   So I had the chance to go to her Brentwood, CA. home to interview her (she rarely opens her home) and she gave us permission to stream part of the interview live on our website www.extratv.com  -- (if you go to our website and click on 'Extra Raw' and search Huffington, you'll find not only the interview, which has gotten an amazing 35 thousand plus hits, but also the little 'tour' I did of her home while we were waiting for her).    

While we were patiently waiting for Ms. Huffington, who was tied up in traffic on her way back from doing The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, I was curious to show our live web viewers some pictures Ariana had laying around, like her and John Cusack, and President Obama, way before he was elected President, with Ariana and her daughter.   It made for a fun, insiders look at this woman's life before she arrived.

Now, this wasn't the first time I would be meeting Ariana.  Back when the John Edwards scandal broke, where he was caught cheating on his wife with a woman who had been producing campaign 'webisodes' with him on the road, Rielle Hunter, I had been asked to appear on "Larry King Live" and Ariana was a fellow guest that night.  I met her while she was having her makeup applied at CNN, and in her charming accent she said... "Jerry, why don't you blog for me??"  Which is very disarming, and sweet, and that sums up who this woman is, and how she gets the likes of Alec Baldwin, Steve Martin, and others in the entertainment field to blog for her. She simply asks in a very charming way, and they do it!   For me, "The Huffington Post" is the perfect collision of politics and entertainment for this reason.  

She gets to the house, and we begin the interview... a lengthy discussion ranging from whether she would ever consider politics (no, she's happy in her day job as Mom and superblogger), to what she thinks about the stimulus package (it's going to be a slow relief-process), to what celebrity would make a great president (Tom Hanks)... Of course, what ends up on EXTRA are mere snippets of the conversation, which is why I am a big fan of these interviews streaming live on extratv.com, when the subject agrees to it, because at least the entire conversation can be viewed, or at least a large chunk of it.   

So, Ariana, thanks for welcoming us into your home, and I have blogged about you.  One day, I will blog for you. 

Blogs to come...

Been a bit busy with Oscars and all... so here's what's coming:

*Oscar blog (my own personal take on the movie biz's biggest night)
*Chris Isaak blog (spent the afternoon with the quirky crooner)
*OctoMom blog (a visit to her house yields the worst day of my career)
*A Post on Huffington (a live streaming interview experience with Ariana Huffington)

First, I need to sleep.

Lessons from a Hollywood outsider...

My dear friend, Diane, is visiting Hollywood for the first time in her life. She's from Providence, Rhode Island, and is a world traveller: in fact, she's been to Italy with me and other loved ones countless times... she just hasn't, for whatever reason, made it to Los Angeles and its environs, ever. Well, her first time is giving me pause, that is, for the first time in eons, I am seeing this town, and it's glitterati in a whole new light... Not that I'm a jaded entertainment journalist, or anything... it's just that sometimes you need to see your own environment through someone else's virginal eyes.

She attended her first awards show with me and our friend, Mark, on Saturday night, and to see the look on her face when I introduced her to Ron Howard, and to hear how she's relayed that story to friends back home, does my heart good. She was at the movies yesterday and spotted one of her favorite soap hunks attending the same movie. Diane was delirously delighted. Those of us who live here and particularly work in "the biz" sometimes, no, oftentimes take moments like that for granted.

Thanks, Diane, for your fresh perspective... it's easy to forget how much impact "enjoying the moment" -- any moment of joy, in Hollywood or elsewhere -- can have. Just you wait 'til Oscar day!

Hazard pay...

If I ever needed  it, today would be a good day.  While setting up to do an interview on the stage of famed comedy club "The Laugh Factory" this afternoon,  the owner of the venue accidentally knocked a huge microphone stand with a heavy "boom" mike into me... THWACK ... right into my forehead and side of head.   When I finish this blog, I will be researching "concussion" online. Maybe I should have done that before writing this, because the headache is getting worse... I sometimes don't have my priorities in order, though.    Paul Rodriguez, one of the comedians I interviewed (about 'Obam-edy' -- i.e. will Obama be less fodder for comedians, unlike how MUCH fodder Bush provided --- for the record, they feel there will be a honeymoon period, and then all bets are off) offered an icepack, which I turned down because I didn't want the comedy to turn into a 'drama' at that point.    

All of this after one helluva morning writing, producing and fronting Extra's lead story on the octuplet Mom.   My head was hurting enough after going through scads of tape of this woman, her Mother, who's over the whole thing dissing her own daughter!  One day, I will blog about what actually goes into a 1:30 segment of television.  Those who know, know.  Those who don't, will disbelieve.  I digress.   The real interview to get in this whole octuplet drama, though, will be with the doctor who thought it was a fine idea to implant 6 embryos (two, of course, split into twins) in a woman who already was the mother of 6.    The State of California's Medical board is already looking into it.  

I'll take that ice pack now.

About last night...

Ok, so what's better than Coldplay doing the Neil Diamond song "Believer" -- written originally by Diamond for The frikkin' Monkees!!  That's not all that happened, as we were blown away by the MusiCares performances last night at the LA Convention Center.  Jennifer Hudson doing an absolutely moving version of "Holly Holy" -- she sang it as if it was the first time anyone had! Kid Rock (wearing sunglasses, so we were wondering how he could read the teleprompter*), Tim McGraw, even the Jonas Brothers didn't disappoint on the huge stage...  *So about the TelePrompter:  these are current and present Grammy nominees giving their time to do a tribute to MusiCares "Person of the Year" Neil Diamond, so they don't have a whole lot of time to learn the songs, as they are not given much rehearsal time.  Hence, they have the use of a huge teleprompter with the lyrics of the songs set in the back of the room.  It didn't take away from anyone's performances... we hardly saw anyone squinting or acting like they were using the prompter... the performances were all flawless.  Diamond, himself, was touched by the honor, and gave a rousing performance of some of his hits... He even donated his very own 1956 Thunderbird convertible for the silent auction.    What a great night!  Last year's event raised 28 million dollars for young musicians who can't afford health care or hospitalization... here's hoping last night's did that, and more.

A Rainy Friday in SoCal...

There aren't many of them, so those of us who live here secretly love the rain.  Oh yeah, we complain, and our cars spin out on the not-often-wet roads, but we are smiling on the inside. Sometimes it feels like the city needs one great big shower, and a bodyscrub -- the feeling of being cleansed -- and the driving rain gives us that.   

BIG TEASE

I'll be filling you in this weekend on the events of tonight.  It's an official Grammy Week celebration event...MusiCares --  a benefit for musicians who can't afford health care -- and so much more. Always a well-attended, star-studded event.... this year's tribute is to Neil Diamond, and performers include Coldplay (are you kidding me??? can't wait for that), Jennifer Hudson (fresh off her SuperBowl appearance, and considering all she's been through, should be a moving performance), Tim McGraw, Josh Groban (my Mom's fave -- he actually, upon my request during a cocktail party we were both attending -- gave her a call once and she kept him on the phone for 15 minutes... what a sport)!   Then, if even possible, it gets BETTER, because afterward there's an after-party where Timbaland and Rihanna will be performing!  BEST part of all of this, I'm attending these events and not working.  It happens so rarely, that I have to relish the moment it does.   I'll give you all the details over the weekend, until then, have a great one... 

Regarding 'followers' ...

I am grateful to have two days off... I am thankful to have 'followers' already, considering I just posted my first blog entry yesterday.  Followers is such an interesting word... It's suggestive of something that isn't quite right.  Why not 'readers'?  Whatever you're called, I'm happy you are interested enough in my (what will sometimes be) stream-of-consciousness dribble... my day-to-day encounters with those we consider famous -- they are, but they are, for the most part, surprisingly normal.  I will tell you when they're not.  THAT is what people really want to hear about, right?   Anyway, back to the followers... I'm grateful to have a former classmate, a fellow J-school student, reading my blog... but more importantly sharing HER student's journalism with me.  MB, we've come full-circle, now haven't we...  I'm grateful to have one of my dear friends who left SoCal to be closer with her family, and is now tearing up SoFla with her business partner, making all kinds of fun television...  I'm grateful to have a Laguna Beach gallery owner who is both tasteful, stylish, and knows a good blog, like she knows a great piece of art.... I'm grateful to have a fellow-blogger, a GREAT writer, a friend, a woman who can write a screen-play, a novel, a poem, a song -- whatever is in her heart --  like no other...  And I'm grateful for the 'followers' I haven't quite figured out yet... Thank you for taking the time to follow...  but you know you are all really leaders... f@#k the 'follower' moniker... Having some time off is good for the soul.  I will paint, I will spend time with my pups, and I will forget about the woes of the world for just a moment... Until next time.

First of many, I hope...

I have blogged on extratv.com (my show's website) but now welcome to my own personal blog. This will be exciting, because there is so much going on both at work and otherwise in my life which will be fodder for the blog. This week has been a busy one starting with the Oscar nominees luncheon at the Beverly Hilton hotel, where I had VERY revealing conversations with some of the nominees poolside. Amy Adams introduced her fiance for the first time, and Josh Brolin was getting work-out tips from the ripped Robert Downey, Jr. for his next role. (Downey still in great shape from Ironman and about to do the sequel). Anyway, fun day all the way around... followed up with interviews with Clive Owen (no, he's not sulking about the James Bond thing) and Naomi Watts (who just literally had her second kid, and is sleep-deprived beyond belief, but still going strong). Naomi told a story that I've never heard before. She talked about growing up very poor, and that getting a new pair of shoes was a real 'event' in her life. I was touched by her honesty, and then she got very candid about the economic downturn we're all experiencing, and shared her concern about her own finances... Not the kind of thing you expect a big movie star to share with you.

EXCITING NEWS

Many months ago, I filled out an on-line application to be a part of the Mini E one-year-long trial experiment. Mini Cooper (made by BMW) is testing an ALL-ELECTRIC Mini Cooper and only a couple hundred would be made available in California, with the same number available in the NY/NJ metro area (all because of the close proximity of Mini dealers in those areas). I applied like John Q. Citizen, and got a phone call last week from the Mini people saying that I was accepted and, in fact, was the very first phone call! I was like a kid getting his first bike. Now, let me be clear, this is not a freebie deal. This is a lease which I am paying and will have to give the car back at the end of the year-long trial. So no favors are being done here, and they are only accepting people who have a tremendous love for the car (which you had to express in your essay on the application) as well as a tremendous desire to leave less of a carbon footprint on our environment. The car gets, I've read, 150 miles to the charge and takes about 2 hrs or so of charging in your garage! How cool is this???! I cannot wait to get this car and will be blogging right here about the experience...

That's it for now, and we'll catch up later.