BEVERLY HILLS—This week in Hollywoodland the phrase “fade in, fade out” seems appropriate. As much as things change in this town, the more they seem to remain the same. Actress Lindsay Lohan may have finally realized the extent of her drug and alcohol issues; thus, potentially making her luckier than ’50s sex symbol Barbara Payton. Also, actress Joan Benedict Steiger will be honored, Colin Michael Day remains busy and so does my friend and costar on “As the World Turns,” Eileen Fulton.
Lindsay Lohan gave an interview this week to a correspondent for “EXTRA,” in which she seemed quite contrite and very serious about her past problems. She admitted that her ability to be insured for films is currently impossible and she described her plan to continue her sobriety in an effort to prove to entertainment producers, directors and filmmakers that she is on a path to reviving her career. Though Lohan has a lot to prove to convince people she has learned from her past, insiders and close associates of the actress all state that she’s working very hard to not only stay out of jail, but to stay sober.
The 2007 bestselling book, “Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye: The Barbara Payton Story,” is still one of the most popular books on the market. The acclaimed and revered Hollywood historian John O’Dowd tells Canyon News exclusively, “I am in the process of putting together a compilation of photographs, over 500 rare and some never seen before images of Barbara [Payton], for a new pictorial book that will be published by Ben Ohmart at Bear Manor. I have been touched by all the praise you have given the book and readers, and I wanted to honor all of you and Barbara’s memory by sharing these photos.” The book will also have commentary not only from author O’Dowd but the late star’s sister-in-law Jan Redfield. “I hope that sharing Barbara’s story will give pause to so many of the young stars today, who are unfortunately headed down the same very tragic path that Barbara traveled,” concluded the author.
Actor Colin Michael Day stars in “Love Bites,” the original evening of not-so-romantic shorts and dysfunctional comedies, which returns to the Elephant Theatre Company for its tenth incarnation as “The Best of Love Bites.” Directed by David Fofi, the expanded show includes favorite shorts from “Love Bites” of the past 10 years. Many of the original cast members will reprise their roles, including Colin Michael Day, star of the “The Loneliest Road in America.” Day was most recently seen performing at the Elephant in a showcase production of “Red Light Winter” and will star in the segment “Reality Romcom: Day 98 With My Attained Manic Pixie Dream Girl” along with John Forrest and Nikki McCauley.
“The Best of Love Bites” is split into two rounds. Round One runs Thursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m. (February 17 – March 18.) Round Two runs Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. (February 19 – March 20.)
Tickets can be purchased by visiting elephanttheatrecompany.comor by calling 213-614-0556. The show is general admission and tickets are $20. The Elephant Theatre is located at 6322 Santa Monica Blvd. in Los Angeles. Street parking is available near the theatre.
Last week, Jack Wagner, Jacqueline MacInnes Wood and Brandon Beemer went on a press junket to three cities in South Africa; Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban, to promote “B&B” and meet and greet fans. Some of their activities included radio and print interviews, morning TV appearances, celebrity fashion shows, of which Jacqueline participated as a model, mall appearances. Here are two YouTube videos that show the overwhelming response from fans. “The Bold and the Beautiful” can be viewed in South Africa on SABC1. Eastgate mall event: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fNhESgV8qcMaponya Mall in Soweto event:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HWEOu2xbjs
The Los Angeles Women’s Theatre Festival will honor four women for their exceptional career and life achievements at its Opening Night Gala on March 24, at The Electric Lodge in Venice. Suzanna Guzman will receive the Maverick Award; Velina Hasu Houston will receive the Rainbow Award; Charmaine Jefferson will receive the Integrity Award and my dear friend Joan Benedict Steiger, the widow of the late acclaim film, TV and stage star Rod Steiger, will receive the Eternity Award. She has amassed a remarkable body of work on stage, screen and television. Her roles include the classical and contemporary, the drama and the musical.
The awards will be bestowed at the Gala Opening Night of the Los Angeles Women’s Theatre Festival at The Electric Lodge at 1416 Electric Ave. in Venice with a reception at 7 p.m. and a show at 8 p.m. with entertainment by performers Ingrid Graham, Monica Hunken and Tia Matza. Tickets for the Gala are $40, or two tickets for $75 (includes light fare and champagne). Tickets for the weekend’s other shows are $20- $25. For a line-up of each program’s performers, go to latf.com or call 818-760-0408.
Eileen Fulton, who starred as Lisa on CBS’s “As the World Turns” from 1960 to 2010 has just wrapped a new film. The cabaret star takes a break and filmed a role in writer/producer Kenneth Del Vecchio’s “The Life Zone.” The psychological thriller focuses on the very timely and always contentious subject of abortion. Fulton costars with Emmy Award® winning actress Blanche Baker and actor John Tobias. The film was shot just blocks away from JC Studios, where our soap “As the World Turns” was also filmed. “I love doing different types of roles, Tommy,” said the actress. “Maybe we’ll finally get to work together again, like we did also on your show ”˜Hollywood Classics.’ I have a new apartment in Manhattan than the one overlooking Central Park, where we filmed the first episode of your second season. Come on to New York, Tommy. The Big Apple’s calling.”
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Photographs are Courtesy: Barbara Payton by Bear Manor Publishing, Colin Michael Day by Russell Baer Photography© and Tommy Garrett and Eileen Fulton by Steven Bergman Photograph©
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