Judge Throws Out Several Charges Against Anna Nicole Smith’s Former Boyfriend
The judge presiding over the case against Anna Nicole Smith’s former boyfriend, Howard K Stern, dropped several of the charges against him. The prosecutors in turn have been accused of essentially overcharging him, however. The judge said that in the 622 jury trials he has presided over, there have only been three times where he was faced with “overzealous” prosecutors who “appeared to put winning above” fairness. The judge tossed charges against Stern for obtaining drugs by fraud and deceit as well as part of a conspiracy count against Stern, saying there is no proof of conspiring.
Tony Curtis Dies at Age 85
Film legend,Tony Curtis, died Thursday at age 85. Daughter and actress, Jaime Lee Curtis said in a statement, “My father leaves behind a legacy of great performances in movies and in his paintings and assemblages. He leaves behind children and their families who loved him and respected him and a wife and in-laws who were devoted to him. He also leaves behind fans all over the world. He will be greatly missed.” Curtis starred in over 140 films but is best known for his roles in the , “Some Like it Hot” with Marilyn Monroe and “Spartacus” with Kirk Douglas.
Mariah Carey Takes a Spill During Performance
Savante finally goes South African…
Best known for his recurring role on Ugly Betty & a staple of memorable episodic primetime television and independent film roles, Stelio Savante is finally playing to type. Having already portrayed Russians (Without A Trace), Bosnian-Muslims (Law & Order SVU), Italian Americans (Law & Order Criminal Intent), Frenchmen (Suite Life On Deck), Ecuadorians (110 Stories) & a long list of American characters, Stelio is finally portraying a South African.
It took a leading guest star role as a South African villain on JJ ABRAM’s new series UNDERCOVERS on NBC. Savante’s episode titled ‘Instructions’ airs Wednesday Sept 29th at 8pm / 7 Central on NBC.
Savante couldn’t be happier: ‘I feel I’ve had to become a chameleon in order to keep working consistently & it’s certainly made me a better & more disciplined actor. But I finally got to play a South African, which brought me closer to home. And it felt great, especially when it was for a JJ ABRAMS project!’.
It’s been a busy year for the Capetonian born actor/writer/producer who lives in Los Angeles with his wife & daughter. Savante was in South Africa for seven weeks this past spring to shoot the feature film, A Million Colours. The Rhodesian policeman role originally belonged to Barry Pepper but when Pepper fell through, Savante was offered the role. Colours, a romantic epic is a South African/Canadian co-production with Michael Mosca from Equinoxe Films (distributors of My Big Fat Greek Wedding) & André Pieterse of Ma-Afrika Films who serve as the Canadian & South African producers respectively. Canadian director, Peter Bishai, also wrote the screenplay.
This past February, Savante produced (with Andrew Carlberg & Beverly Holloway) Sarah Tuft’s 110 Stories at The Geffen Playhouse as a charity performance event to raise money for The Haiti Tragedy through The Red Cross Of Los Angeles. Savante stood out (in the form of applause & ovations) in a cast that included Ed Asner, John Hawkes, Diane Venora, Katharine McPhee, Maria Conchita Alonso & several other recognizable names. Under Mark Freiburger’s direction he reprised the lead role of real life photographer Bolivar Arellano. The only original cast member from the New York Public Theater’s production of 110 Stories (which included Susan Sarandon, John Turturro & Edie Falco), Savante felt obligated to help with the Haiti tragedy & decided to bring the play to Los Angeles with the playwright’s blessings.
Feature film, Trust in Her, written by Savante & Nick Efteriades is currently being cast by John Papsidera (Dark Knight, Inception) & Savante also serves as producer (with Tracey Edmonds/Our Stories Films) & will star in the film which is being directed by Alfredo De Villa (Nothing Like The Holidays). Producing is becoming a habit for the budding actor. He is also serving as actor/producer (with Patricia Anne Isgate) on Picasso coming of age feature, Latin Quarter. Q’Orianka Kilcher, Dean Cain, & Martin Landau round out the cast.
Savante can currently be seen in feature film, What If (with Kevin Sorbo & Kristy Swanson) directed by Dallas Jenkins. The film has being playing in theatres around the country for five weeks.
His next project is the indie Since I Don’t Have You. A true story based on doo wop group, The Skyliners.
Savante’s name value in South Africa continues to grow as several of his feature films have been offered theatrical distribution in that territory but he will not be moving back anytime soon. ‘Los Angeles has been good to us, & we love it. After 15 years in New York we welcome the LA climate & lifestyle’.
Justin Bieber Gets His Own Doll!
Just in time for Christmas, Justin Bieber will be releasing his own toy and doll line. Some of the dolls will have miniature instruments and a microphone that will play 30 second clips of Bieber’s songs, “Baby” or “One Less Lonely Girl.” There will also be plush bears wearing Bieber shirts. The dolls will be sold at Toys R Us beginning December 4th and will range from $8 - $28.
Film editor, Sally Menke, Found Dead
Award winning film editor, Sally Menke, was found dead at the bottom of a ravine near Griffith Park. Currently there is no cause of death but many suspect that the intense heat was a factor. Menke went hiking with her dog and some speculate that she became disorientated and fell. Her dog was found alive sitting next to her body. She worked on worked on Quentin Tarantino movies such as “Pulp Fiction,” “Kill Bill” and “Jackie Brown.” She was 56 years old.
Star Wars Film To be converted Into 3D
The entire Star Wars film saga is going to be converted into 3D, according to director George Lucas. The Star Wars website announced, “The cutting edge conversion will take that immersion to the next thrilling level.” So, when can you expect them in the theaters? Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace is expected out in 2012, with the other films to follow.
Lindsay Lohan Goes Back to Rehab
After being released on bail late Friday night - less than one day after she was ordered back to jail - Lohan again checked into a substance abuse rehab program. The 24 year old actress apparently checked in on Monday, a source told People/com. Apparently the producers of the movie, “Inferno” are still willing to wait for Lindsay to star in their movie and have moved production to January. However, it is reported that Lohan’s latest film role, “Rom-Com One Night With You,” was recently given to singer/actress, Taylor Swift.
Brittney Spears on ‘Glee’
After all the speculation and then anticipation, we watched Britney Spears appear on the hit show, ‘Glee.’ While she only appeared on screen for a total of about 30 seconds, her songs were expertly performed by the show’s own Britney - cheerleader Britney (actress Heather Morris)! We must say, Britney (the cheerleader Britney that is) did a fab job of performing not only the songs but wearing the famous clothes attached to the songs. Like the skin-tight red catsuit from the song” Oops! …I Did it Again, and the see-through sequin bodysuit from Spears’ performance at the 2000 MTV VMA’s.
Sarah Palin Showed Up to Support Briston on DWTS
Sarah Palin was part of the audience on ‘Dancing With The Stars’ with daughter Willow to support big sister, Bristol. Bristol brought her partner to the Palin residence where he met mama Palin. Mrs. Palin said of the contestants, “It’s great to see all this courage, joy and exuberance.” Appears daughter was just as excited to have her mother’s support in the audience saying, “I’m so glad she made it tonight.” Bristol danced the quickstep and received positive remarks from the judges.
