BEVERLY HILLS —This week in Hollywoodland we had a bit more rain, but it was also a sad week with deaths and a few shocking stories. After her historic win at the Grammys the typical media behavior was to bash singer Taylor Swift and in more media news, some were too quick to jump on a story only to find out what we first thought turned out to be completely wrong. Rip Taylor comes to Canyon News exclusively with wit and humor to talk about being plastered all over the Internet as a robber in Connecticut only to learn he had never left his Hollywood home.
That’s right, Rip Torn was arrested in the state of Connecticut for allegedly breaking and entering. However the media quickly pounced and accused icon Rip Taylor of the crime. His publicist was busy over the weekend trying to get major news sites and blogs to take down his client’s name and picture, but before he could get it all handled, Rip Taylor was already laughing about the situation. Before our interview started, I read the actor, comedian his rights, anything he says can and will be printed and he agreed to the interview even though he’d been mistreated by the press just days earlier. When asked how it felt to be falsely accused of robbery in Connecticut, Taylor joked, “Yes I was in Hollywood when I heard the terrible things they were saying about Rip Torn, which are not at all true. I do appreciate the publicity but always remember one thing, Rip Taylor cries all the way to the bank, but Rip Torn cries in the bank.” Mr. Taylor was asked how he found out about the reports that he’s been arrested. “Tommy, I had just gone to the bank to make my daily huge deposit for the Rip Taylor Fund and someone at the next line said aren’t you suppose to be in jail? I said, ‘Why have you seen my act?’ They told me what they had heard. It was ”˜Ripped’ from the headlines. I couldn’t believe it. Looking at the two pictures of he and I, I mean it’s not like we are twins separated at birth. I haven’t had any work done and I am much better looking. Even Ray Charles could tell us apart. Hopefully with me, you will fall down laughing and the other one is a fall down drunk,” said the star.
Canyon News asked Rip Taylor his advice to other stars who are falsely accused in media reports of things they did not do. “They have to spell your name properly and if they use a photograph make sure you have the latest wig on and that the color of the mustache and eyebrows match,” says Rip. Taylor says this is the very first time he’s ever been calld Rip Torn, and what a time to start. Then added, “When your done reading this you can tear it up into confetti because it costs too much, especially in this volatile market. Everything has gone up! Timbuktu is now Timbukthree, A tootoo is a threethree, pumpernickel is a pumbadime. I went into a sandwich shop and asked for a poor boy and the owner showed up,” said Taylor. Concluding with even more humor about his situation. “In the words of Rip Van Winkle, ‘God Their everywhere, let me sleep on it.’ Keep laughing at Rip [Taylor that is] [Sic]”
Also not being treated fairly this week by the media, after her historic four wins at the Grammys just last weekend, Taylor Swift, a wonderful singer, who is a positive role model for young girls and a Hollywood starlet who is always doing the right thing, has been bashed for her duet performance at the Grammys with Stevie Nicks. What is it about the press that hates anyone succeeding and therefore they must be ridiculed and brought to their knees. Taylor should take Rip Taylor’s advice, and just keep laughing, as long as they spell her name correctly.
While everyone waited for a press conference on Friday given by Dr. Conrad Murray’s attorneys in the Michael Jackson death investigation. The prosecutors and police seem to be fighting over the logistics of Murray’s arrest. The press conference was abruptly called off and the filing of criminal charges is still pending. Close family sources tell Canyon News, Dr. Murray will be charged on Monday.
Soap star Frances Reid died on Thursday at the age of 95. The beauty who played Alice Horton for over 40 years on the daytime soap “Days of Our Lives” being an original cast member, Reid endured many challenges as Alice, the grandmother and matriarch of the Horton clan was even killed off in 2003 by Dr. Marlena Evans. Within weeks fans raised such a ruckus and complained to NBC and the show’s producer Ken Corday, which led to Alice’s return and not only her death, but many characters were resurrected from the dead. Long time costar Emmy-nominated actor James Reynolds tells Canyon News, “I loved working with Frances. She was funny, feisty and kind. She welcomed me completely when I began. She was the type of great dame we will rarely see again.”
“Two and a Half Men” star Charlie Sheen will be reporting to court on Monday to be arraigned on felony charges for the Christmas morning fight with his wife Brooke. It is expected that Sheen will not enter a plea, but Denver, Colorado will be the place for many TV cameras and the media. Brooke recently attended rehab for an undisclosed illness.
Lily Tomlin and many other actors and industry executives are desperately lobbying the Kennedy Center to get Miss Carol Channing honored for her decades of dedication to music and entertainment. One of our favorite friends Lucie Arnaz tells Canyon News, “The woman is a marvel. She is the real deal and always has been. She IS ENTERTAINMENT. And Carol Channing has been tirelessly, magnificently and graciously entertaining people of all ages and presidents of any and all political bents for decades and decades. She is a national treasure.”
“Y&R’s” Billy Miller and “B&B’s” Aaron D. Spears will join “Y&R” star Kate Linder at the 1st Annual Celebrity Charity Gala to benefit ALS Association Greater Los Angeles. The benefit, which will be held on Thursday, February 11 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at The Montage in Beverly Hills, is open to the public. Tickets are $100 or $150 for VIP seating on the runway. Also joining Kate, Billy and Aaron are “Y&R” cast members Wilson Bethel, Thom Bierdz, Hayley Erin, Yani Gellman, Daniel Goddard, Stacy Haiduk, Elizabeth Hendrickson, Sean Kanan, Vanessa Marano, Michelle Stafford and celebrities Alison Arngrim, Channing Chase, Romi Dames, Bruce Davison, Teresa Gazel, Ilene Graff, O’orianka Kilcher, RJ Mitte, Lorielle New, Julie Newmar, Dr. Andrew Ordon, Stephanie Pratt, Rip Taylor, Joan Van Ark and Dee Wallace. The evening will include a cocktail reception, gourmet celebrity dinner, live auction and a product runway featuring celebrities working it while showcasing exciting products and services on the runway. All proceeds will be used to treat and find a cure for ALS. For more information, or to purchase tickets, call 570-677-4975 or visit events@emergingmagazine.com.
On the fourth Week of “Dancing with the Stars, Italy” broadcast on January 30, Ronn Moss was faced with a new surprise dance challenge. Three couples per round were required to improvise the Lambada, on the spot, with no rehearsals. The winner of the three couples received 10 bonus points. Ronn tried his best and was very funny, which the jury appreciated, but did not win the 10 bonus points. His main dance competition performance was aWaltz. After the jury scoring, Ronn and his partner placed fifth in the competition even without the bonus points. After the audience vote, Ronn was safe and will continue in the competition. The fifth “Dancing with the Stars, Italy,” will be broadcast live on Saturday, February 6.
Jennifer Aniston has decided for 2010 to redecorate her Beverly Hills home to reflect her single gal status. After a 2 ½ year overhaul, the master suite is reportedly no longer guy friendly. Aniston’s home originally had his-and-hers baths, but Aniston has turned the ‘his’ into a spa bath with a soaking tub,” a magazine reports. Her master bedroom features a wool-and-silk shag carpet, and a platform bed with a TV at the foot. Good for Jen!
In a couple weeks we’ll catch up with “Queen of the Lot” star Tanna Frederick, who will be running in the LA Marathon on March 21 to benefit her two favorite charities. Her goal is to run the marathon in 3.20. She is running on behalf of two charities which have personal meaning to her, namely, the North Iowa Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NIAMI)(http://watchdog.net/ein/421237495/north-iowa-alliance-for-the-mentally-ill), and the North Iowa Transition Center (http://www.northiowatransitioncenter.org/). The hottest young lady in Hollywood is a surfer and a kick boxer as well.
Have a great week! XOXO
Update: The Kate Linder Celebrity Charity Gala, produced by Emerging Magazine to benefit the Greater Los Angeles Chapter of the ALS Association and scheduled to take place on February 11 at the Montage Hotel in Beverly Hills has been cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control. All ticket buyers will be issued a full reimbursement by Ticket Leap. We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused and we will all keep working to find a cure for ALS.
