Celebrity Gossip

By Billy Masters

"You know, it's flattering when there's a rumor that says I'm bisexual. It means I can play more kinds of roles. I'm open to whatever people want to call me. I've never really been attracted to men sexually, but I don't think I would be afraid of it if it happened."

-- Jake Gyllenhaal, one of the stars of Brokeback Mountain, gives his unique spin on the typical "I'm not gay, but it's cool with me" quote that inevitably spews out of the mouths of heterosexual actors who take on a gay role.

I swear, I don't have anything against Brokeback Mountain. I also don't have anything against the film version of Rent -- although I didn't love the musical (but I didn't hate it). To be completely honest, I have always had an inherent aversion to anything considered "popular" or "trendy." It's almost as if I can't wait to knock something down a peg, just because everyone else likes it. While this irreverence has aided me considerably as a writer and comedian, it is a character flaw. Still, like many of you, I went to the movies on Thanksgiving night -- I saw Yours, Mine and Ours!

The Divine Miss M has long been asked to take up residence on the Vegas Strip, an idea she's always eschewed. However, with little Sophie in college, she wants to keep busy. Problem is, Midler's not eager to hit the road. So why not let us come to her? I hear that Steve Wynn has made quite a tempting offer for Bette to appear at the Wynn Las Vegas with a schedule of her choosing. How fortuitous that Bette's old friend Barry Manilow is at the neighboring Hilton. What? I interrupt this item with news that even if Bette and Barry are within spitting distance, there will be little contact (although I suppose there's always the possibility of some spitting).

Last week, the cast of the Broadway revival of Sweeney Todd got a double dose of celebrity in the audience -- original star Angela Lansbury and composer Stephen Sondheim. Stevie's presence was not a big surprise, since he'd been around throughout rehearsals and previews (and was not shy about giving notes to the cast). But Angie was an unexpected treat. She was thrilled with this bold new interpretation -- "It's like a completely different show," Lansbury told a fan outside the theater. After the performance, Sondheim and Angela took photos with the cast, including Patti LuPone and Michael Cerveris. Thank God the ever-present Bruce Glikas was on hand to capture the moment for Broadway.com -- which means the pics will likely turn up on Filth2Go.com, too.

The news that shocked musical theater lovers is the report that Fantasia Barrino will not be playing Effie in the film version of Dreamgirls. Allegedly, Jennifer Hudson (who was the sixth runner-up to Miss Barrino) has gotten the nod. Jenn has stated, "I was sure Fantasia got it. But they said they wanted me. They said I was born for this." No one has confirmed this report, so I'm gonna cover my oh-so-lovely derriée by saying, "I'll believe it when I see it." (Didn't Whitney Houston claim to be cast in the film a decade or so ago?) Since the film is allegedly starting production in January, we'll find out soon enough. BTW, it's also being reported that Usher has been dropped from the cast (he was slated to play CC). He has been replaced by Omarion.

With the holidays fast approaching, it's time for some Filth2Go Gift Giving Suggestions. First off, who wouldn't want Tab Hunter as a stocking stuffer? Even at 74, the guy is still a looker, and his autobiography, Tab Hunter Confidential, is fascinating and full of dishy anecdotes (I wish it were dishier, but I'm hard to shop for). Barbra Streisand has released a box set of DVDs that includes her five television specials from the '60s and '70s. Although these have long circulated, it's great to have them in this collectable format. If you're on a budget, PBS will be running 'em throughout December.

In our first "Ask Billy" question, Roger in Maryland writes: "There's a nude shower scene in Get Rich or Die Trying. Although I have no urge whatsoever to see the film, I hear Terrence Howard shows all. Is this true? Hope you can track down some stills."

I, too, have no interest in this flick -- but I love a challenge. My spies confirm that the actor who is seen full-frontal in the shower scene is indeed Terrence Howard. And, because of my devotion to the fans, I have tracked down the stills, which you can find on Filth2Go.com.

Thomas in Las Vegas has an obsession: "I was doing some research online and came across some photos of a hot model named David Rich. Do you know anything about him? Has he ever posed nude? He sure looks like a porn star, but everything I found out about him seems to be legit."

What is "legit"? And exactly what kinda "research" were you doing? Hmm. To answer your question, David Rich is a fitness model who has appeared in the Australian magazine DNA and Playgirl. That means Filth2Go has nude photos of Rich, who was described by one reviewer as possessing "the body of an Olympic athlete and the striking good looks of a Bel Ami model." To the best of my knowledge, he hasn't done porn ... yet. You can check him out on his own Web site of DavidRichFitness.com. By the way, I hear that David will soon be offering a new service -- David Rich Fitness Naked. This Web site will feature David's fitness tips and instruction without those cumbersome gym shorts. I guess it's less a "new service" and more a "nude service" (there's our cheap joke of the week).

Could it be that Britney is headed to Broadway? I don't believe this rumor, but it comes in from a highly reliable source. When Brit heard that plans for Melanie Griffith to replace Christina Applegate in Sweet Charity fell through, she contacted the producers and begged them for a chance. Allegedly, several meetings and auditions later, the deal is all but signed.

Could it be that a certain unstable actress of the '70s (with a notable resurgence in the '80s and '90s) is contemplating her umpteenth comeback? That's the buzz from sources close to the displaced gal, who vacillates between "They want me" and "They want me not" when it comes to prospective acting roles. After avenging a deadly love on a bridge over a river in the rain, she probably wonders what's left to tackle. It certainly won't be a reality show -- even though she was kinda part of a recent one. Instead, she's interested in another one-hour drama. They keep her stable. Half-hour sitcoms depress her -- and probably make her tune in to the radio.

When I can give you a blind item that will keep you guessing day in and day out, it's definitely time to end yet another column. Since Thanksgiving was last week, it's a good time to acknowledge the staff at Filth2Go. They are the ones who keep things humming along. Of course, thanks to the papers that continue to publish this column -- we'd be nowhere without them. Doing a job you love for a decade is a joy, but being able to interact with so many interesting people around the world is the best part. So, thank you all -- I truly wouldn't bother if it weren't for you. First and foremost, I'm an entertainer, so hopefully, I've done my job and kept you laughing. And I'll keep answering your questions. Just drop me a note atBilly@filth2go.com and I promise to get back to you before David Rich and I finish our first nude workout. So, until next time, remember, one man's filth is another man's bible.