November 11th, 2009
06:32 PM ET

John Travolta talks family, loss with Ellen

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John Travolta appeared on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” today, thanking fans for their support during the past few months and bringing along a special guest: his daughter Ella Bleu! John said he was “holding back the tears” while talking about working with his wife, Kelly Preston, and Ella on his new film, “Old Dogs.” 

This was Ella’s very first TV talk show interview, and she stole the show from her famous dad when Ellen asked her if it was hard to watch herself up on screen. Ella said, “Well, kind of, but it was really fun to see me… I was like 'Yes! Not only just my parents but it’s me up there too.'” What do you expect with two famous folks?

John also took the time to address his fans after the death of his son ten months ago: “I just want to take one moment to thank each and every one of you throughout this country, throughout the world for all your support and all your love for our family. Thank you very much.” Jett died in the Bahamas in January after suffering a seizure.

November 11th, 2009
05:43 PM ET

Say goodbye to 'Dollhouse'

Fans knew this would happen: “Dollhouse” is being canceled.

EW’s Michael Ausiello has the news, noting that the Fox show was averaging just 3 million viewers an episode – down from 4.7 million last season, and that ain’t much, either.

Also transitioning to the “see ya” file is “Hank,” the ABC series starring Kelsey Grammer, joining NBC’s “Southland” and “Trauma," among others. ("Southland" has been picked up by TNT, however. And cable may become a home for more of these network cast-offs.)

What will be next?

November 11th, 2009
04:21 PM ET

Jessica Biel: Where are the good scripts for women?

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Jessica Biel doesn't have a tough time playing strong characters, but she does have a tough time finding great scripts written for women.

The actress talked to me about the challenges of finding those great roles in Hollywood during the promotion blitz for her new animated flick "Planet 51." In the film, she plays a teenage girl who is fiercely independent and questions authority when the government tries to convince everyone that aliens are taking over.

It's a strong role she relished playing. "I wanted to be in this movie  because I liked the idea that the character was a strong woman that young girls could look up to as a role model," she said.

But Biel also confided in me that although this script was a blessing, it was also a rarity. "It's rare to see good scripts that show good strong women. In Hollywood the number of well-written and great scripts which show women in strong positive roles are rare. On top of that there are so many talented women and there are not enough projects for everyone to really blossom. It's so disappointing that there isn't more material out there for actresses."

Lets hope that changes for Biel and the rest of the actresses in Hollywood!

November 11th, 2009
01:54 PM ET

Fergie talks cheating

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Prior to tabloid reports that her husband  Josh Duhamel had an affair with an Atlanta stripper, Black Eyed Peas singer Fergie told the Advocate magazine that she has some strict rules about cheating in her marriage.

That interview now appears in the December-January issue of the Advocate. Fergie told the magazine that her rules for cheating also apply for same-sex relationships.

“I've had a lot of fun with women, and I'm not ashamed of it," she told the magazine. "But just because I enjoy women doesn't mean I'm allowed to have affairs in my relationship."

Fergie said she came to this conclusion with the help of a therapist and that she has shared her history of same sex relationships with her husband Josh. “"I learned through talking with my therapist that it is still cheating even if it's with girls, so there is a rule there."

The interview has been released amid rumors that Duhamel had an affair with an Atlanta stripper named Nicole Forrester. Fergie has released a statement calling the stripper’s allegations “nonsense."

Fergie, whose real name is Stacy Ferguson, is appearing in the soon to be released movie musical “Nine” as Saraghina, an Italian prostitute who seduces a young filmmaker. She also told the magazine that she could relate to her character flirting with and seducing a younger man.

“There will be teenage boys at my shows, so sometimes I’m seducing them from the stage. It’s not like anything’s going to happen - it’s very playful and flirtatious - but it’s funny because I’m 34 and they’re 14. So I get that about Saraghina.”


Filed under: Black Eyed Peas • Music
November 11th, 2009
01:21 PM ET

'I never doubted once,' country icon says

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There's Young Hollywood, and then there's Young Nashville - bright, beautiful young music stars like Taylor Swift, Lady Antebellum and Jake Owen. But at the "57th Annual BMI Country Awards," the buzz was all about Kris Kristofferson, who was named the songwriting organization's 2009 Icon.

At 73, Kristofferson still has "It" - the charismatic swagger, the blue eyes that see the world with unflinching truth, the ability to tell gritty, haunting stories set to song, like "Sunday Mornin' Coming Down, " "Help Me Make it Through the Night" and "Me and Bobby McGee."

"You just look at him, and it's the lines on his face that tell stories. It's his hair. I know it sounds odd, but the guy's revered in a way that's usually in the same sentence with people like Johnny Cash, and Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson," said Owen, who'd just introduced himself to "Mr. Kristofferson" a couple of minutes earlier.

Heidi Newfield added, "When he did 'A Star is Born,' he had women taking cold showers all over the world. He had a charisma, and sexy just oozes all over him. But you add this with the fact that he's a Rhodes scholar, and he chose this path rather than becoming a professor (Kristofferson turned down a teaching post at West Point to become a janitor in Nashville) - I think we're all the better for it."

Kristofferson broke down and sobbed for a moment, as Vince Gill, Patti Griffin and longtime pal Willie Nelson sang a touching trio of some of his best-loved songs. "The great thing about being a songwriter is you can hear your baby interpreted by so many people that have creative talents vocally that I don't have," he confided to us earlier on the red carpet. He laughed when reminded of how he came to Nashville in 1965, and gave up a promising career in academia for an uncertain future in the music biz. "My mother thought I was crazy," he admits. "I never doubted once that I was in the right place."

November 11th, 2009
01:05 PM ET

Your pop culture cheat sheet

Here's what's happening in the world of entertainment today:

Steven Tyler put the rumors of an Aerosmith break-up to rest while appearing on stage with guitarist Joe Perry in New York last night, EW.com reports. Tyler simply announced that he was "not leaving Aerosmith," despite statements by Perry on Twitter saying they were looking for a new lead singer. Yesterday he tweeted, "Aerosmith not splitting up."

Forbes reported that Simon Cowell is the top-earning man on primetime TV. Forbes.com said that Cowell made $75 million between June 2008 and 2009. Donald Trump is second with $50 million, and fellow "American Idol" star Ryan Seacrest earned $38 million.

Movie theater exhibitors are angry again at one of the studios, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Previously, they were upset with Paramount Pictures for releasing "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra" and "The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard" on DVD early. This time, their ire is directed at Sony Pictures, for announcing that the hit animated family comedy "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" will get an early DVD release on December 8. Normally, there is a four-month window between theatrical release and DVD.

Denzel Washington is returning to Broadway, Variety reports. He will star in a revival of "Fences," a Pulitzer Prize-winning play.

November 11th, 2009
11:57 AM ET

Carl Ballantine, 1917-2009

I love magicians. I still have the Playbill from seeing Ricky Jay’s “On the Stem” several years ago; on a recent trip to Vegas, I made a point of checking out Mac King’s comedy-magic show. I like my magic with a minimum of fuss and special effects and a maximum of skill and humor.

So I couldn’t help but pause this morning when I saw that Carl Ballantine -– the “Great Ballantine” -– had passed away. He was 92.

Nobody would call Ballantine a brilliant magician -– certainly not on the level of the magnificent Jay -– but he was skilled in another way: he had a terrific sense of timing and knew how to make the most of his clumsy tricks with a well-timed joke. He inspired many with his apparent buffoonery, which masked a clever illusionist.

"Carl Ballantine influenced not only myself but a generation of magicians and comedians," Steve Martin said Wednesday in a statement to The Los Angeles Times. "His was also the most copied act by a host of amateurs and professionals."

Ballantine was also a frequent TV guest, whether it was as a performer or an actor. Most people probably know him best as Lester Gruber on "McHale's Navy."

You were Great and Amazing, Carl Ballantine. You'll be missed.

November 11th, 2009
11:22 AM ET

Rough night, strong finish on 'Dance'

Pauline Mata and Peter Sabasino perform a Quickstep choreographed by JT Thomas and Tomas Mielnicki.
Pauline Mata and Peter Sabasino perform a Quickstep choreographed by JT Thomas and Tomas Mielnicki.

It was a rude wake-up call for quite a few couples on Tuesday night's "So You Think You Can Dance," and at least half of them look in danger of going home once the audience and judges have their say.

Mollee and Nathan, in particular, fell far from last week's amazing Bollywood routine, performing one of the most awkward, sloppy salsas ever seen on the show. They have to be thanking their lucky stars that audience voting has started, because Nathan's popularity might very well be their only shot at making it into the top 14.

It's been a while since we've seen Lil' C choreograph, and as much as I love the guy, this wasn't worth the wait. Ballroom dancer Ryan was way out of his comfort zone, and despite a valiant effort, it showed. His partner Ellenore, normally a highlight each week, wasn't much better.

More controversial were Pauline and Peter's joyful quickstep, Channing and Victor's contemporary routine and Kevin and Karen's hustle. They all had a few highlights here and there (see Kevin's jete'), and the judges generally liked them, but they were all missing something. Channing and Victor have yet to really impress me this season, and if anything, they lucked out with great choreography in their own style. I still don't see them sticking around much longer. Karen's incredible stage presence will likely keep her safe, leaving the "kiss of death" quickstep to put yet another couple in danger.

I have to hand it to Ashleigh and Jakob, though. Jakob is clearly one of the most skilled dancers this show has ever seen and he's rubbing off on Ashleigh as well. I'm a sucker for an '80s-inspired Mandy Moore jazz number, and their cane routine to "Relax" is another one of her best.

Legacy and Kathryn are still my favorite couple, and even though Kathryn didn't quite get into character, I really didn't care. This Broadway routine by Andy Blankenbuehler was a lot of fun, and judge favorite Legacy is looking more and more like the real deal.

Finally, Russell and Noelle took on Afro-jazz for the first time on this show, and it was a very welcome finale after so many sub-par dances. Their chemistry and technique were superb, and I have a feeling we'll see more of choreographer Sean Cheesman in the future.

Who had your vote Tuesday night? Do you agree with my guesses on the bottom three couples? Share your thoughts on video, or in the comments below.

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