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’.

Emily Deschanel and David Hornsby Tied the Knot

David Hornsby and Emily Deschanel married this past Saturday. While there are no published photos or information on the wedding dress, we do know the two were married in a private and small ceremony in the Pacific Palisades area. The two have been together for three years. Her hubby is best known for producing the FX show, “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.”

Lady Gaga and Former Producer Drop Lawsuits Against Eachother

Rob Fusari is one of the producers on lady Gaga’s album, “The Fame,” filed a $30.5 million lawsuit against the singer, alleging she denied him his share of song royalties and merchandise revenue. Gaga counter-sued, alleging the early agreement with him was illegal. An ugly battle ensued but we just found out that both actions were recently dismissed. There is no information as to whether there was any behind the scenes deals made. A spokeswoman for Lady Gaga said in a statement that both parties “have agreed to end their dispute amicably and wish each other well”.

Casey Afflect Being Sued for Sexual Harassment

Amanda White, one of the producers of Casey Afflecks film, “I’m Still Here: The Lost Year of Joaquin Phoenix,” has filed a sexual harassment suit against him. In her suit, she alleges, the following:

“On one occasion, Affleck instructed a crew member to take off his pants in order to show (White) his penis, even after (White) objected.”

“Affleck repeatedly referred to women as ‘cows’; he discussed his sexual exploits and those of other celebrities that he allegedly witnessed; and asked (White), after learning her age, ‘Isn’t it about time you get pregnant?”‘

The complaint also states that White was not allowed in her bedroom during shooting in Costa Rica because “Affleck and Phoenix locked themselves in her bedroom with two women.”

“Affleck also attempted to manipulate (White) into staying in a hotel room with him, and when she resisted, he grabbed her in a hostile manner in an effort to intimidate her into complying.”

There has been no comment from Affleck or his reps.

Angelina Jolie’s Next Role Will Be as Cleopatra

Angelina Jolie has reportedly agreed to play the role of Cleopatra. The film will apparently be based on Stacy Schiff’s newly released book, “Cleopatra: A Life.” Scott Rudin, the films producer, said that the role is, “being developed for and with Jolie.”

Rozlyn Papa asked to leave ‘Bachelor’

Monday’s episode of “The Bachelor” included the much-publicized dismissal of Rozlyn Papa, an insanely gorgeous bridal model. In the beginning of the episode, she made the first move on Jake with some intense kissing. Jake pantingly rewarded her with an early rose for her trouble.

But during the pre-rose ceremony’s cocktail party, host Chris Harrison pulled her aside. “Rozlyn, you entered into an inappropriate relationship with one of our staffers.” She was asked to leave, and had to pack under the watchful eye of what appeared to be a burly Teamster.

Sun Times

Jon Gosselin can’t even work for FREE

The odds that Jon Gosselin soon could slip into obscurity are increasing, and not just because there’s an end in sight for “Jon & Kate Plus Eight.”

The reality-show dad reportedly has approached awards shows with requests to appear as a presenter, and has been turned down by at least two productions, according to producers.

And while Gosselin was asking for appearance fees in the $30,000 range as recently as September, he’s now offering to present for free, asking only to have travel and accommodations covered.

“There was absolutely no interest in having him be a part of our show, no matter how much it was not going to cost us,” said one producer. “He thinks he can attach himself to any project that has cameras. I guess he doesn’t realize that the world is not his personal reality show.”

MSNBC