Happy 60th Birthday to Richard Gere

Happy 60th Birthday to Richard Gere, a talented actor who has managed to be a romantic leading man for 30-plus years.

From the early days of American Gigolo and An Officer and a Gentleman to more recent movies like last year’s Nights at Rodanthe, Richard Gere has delivered and made our hearts race a little bit. In between there have been lots of terrific performances in such movies as Chicago, Shall We Dance, Unfaithful, Somersby, Dr. T and the Women and the little-seen but very good The Hoax.

We wish all the best to Richard!

Eric Dane's Sex Tape!

Everyone has been excited about the celebrity sex tape that has recently surfaced. It features Eric Dane, the hunky Grey’s Anatomy star nicknamed McSteamy, his actress-wife Rebecca Gayheart and Kari Ann Peniche, a former Miss Teen USA who was stripped of the title after posing for Playboy.

The Twitteratzzis have gone nuts! Here's a sample:

Eric Dane has a sex tape? I think this is the first celebrity sex tape that I actually want to see…Haha… – thesarahconrad

Eric Dane has a sex tape now too?! HA! Not gonna lie…I totally have to see it.” – audrey_canary

Eric Dane has made a sex tape. See, people? God does answer prayers. – AnnieW177

In a statement released Monday evening, the actor’s lawyer, Marty Singer, said of the tape: “This is simply a private, consensual moment involving a married couple, shot several years ago, which was never intended to be seen by the public. Although the participants are nude, the tape is not a ’sex tape.’ It is a private tape made for only my clients’ personal use, and nobody has the right to exploit it. If anyone exploits the tape, they will be violating my clients’ rights and will be exposed to significant liability.”

You can see the tape on GAWKER.

Ryan Kwanten Heats Up GQ!

Ryan Kwanten is one of several hotties heating up HBO’s True Blood these days but he was definitely the most exposed! The actor was naked (at least partially) in eleven of twelve episodes during season one.

He keeps his clothes on in a fashion spread in the new issue of GQ magazine.

The article accompanying the pics notes that in the first season of Blood alone, his character had sex by a dumpster, suffered a drug-induced perma-erection, was accused of murdering four women, and got swept up by a religious cult.

And he looked terrific while doing it!

Star Sighting: And Daddy Makes Three!

Ricky Martin takes a stroll on the beach with his adorable twins, Matteo and Valentino, born a year ago via gestational surrogate.

“Hung” Star Thomas Jane on Size

I've become a HUGE fan of Thomas Jane ever since I started watching his new hit show: HBO’s Hung about a high school coach who moonlights as a male prostitute. He, the character anyway, has a very large penis.

Thomas, who is married to the beautiful Patricia Arquette, has done a fun Q&A with http://www.uinterview.com/ and I wanted to share a bit of it:

Q: Why do think the show has resonated with people so much?
A: Yeah, they are a little insecure about their penises. We are born to be insecure about [our] penises. I was actually quite happy with mine until I did Hung. Now I don’t know what to think of it, maybe I’m not big enough. I was basically really happy with mine, now I’ve got all these iss

ues and I have to go see a shrink. [laughs] It’s a unique scenario playing a man with a large penis. I didn’t know my penis was going to be famous along with me! If I had known he was going to be famous, I would have treated him better in my younger years – I wouldn’t have rubbed him on the carpet so much and gotten that horrible rug burn. I would have treated him a lot better.

Q: What are some of the challenges working on set with all of the sex scenes?
A: I feel very comfortable naked. I just feel comfortable when I’m nude. So I shoot in the nude, which becomes a problem during the teaching scenes – you have to add in the clothes digitally later. Those computer guys like a challenge.

Q: Do you get lots strange reactions from your fans?
A: I know now what it’s like to be a woman because I now have to say during a conversation, ‘Hey my eyes are up here!’ They don’t even know that they are doing this. They look at me like they would someone on TV – ‘No actually I can see you too, this reality thing goes both ways.’

Read the entire interview at www.UInterview.com.

Michael Jackson was Murdered

In case you have not heard, the L.A. County Coroner has just officially announced the cause of Michael Jackson’s death — Acute Propofol intoxication – and ruled the singer’s death homicide.

Micheal had several drugs in his system, according to TMZ’s post on the report.

Here’s what was released to the press: “The drugs PROPOFOL and LORAZEPAM (Ativan) were found to be the primary drugs responsible for Mr. Jackson’s death. Other drugs detected were: Midazolam (Versed), Diazepam (Valium), Lidocaine (topical anesthetic) and Ephedrine.

We’ll have to see if the doctor who allegedly dministered the fatal drug is charged.

Boy, this is such a sad end to the life of someone so troubled, but so talented.

Survivor's Richard Hatch Arrested...Again!

Richard Hatch really should not have gone around naked on Survivor all those years ago but now it seems that the guy can’t catch a break!

After giving an interview to Today’s Matt Lauer two weeks ago, the former Survivor winner was arrested and taken to a Rhode Island jail.

His sister, Kristin Hatch, told Lauer this morning that a sheriff’s deputy and another official arrived at her house within hours of Hatch’s interview airing Tuesday to take him into custody.

Kristin Hatch said that her brother told the deputy, “Do what you need to do, just tell me why.”

During nearly four years in prison for tax evasion, Hatch had been denied permission to give interviews. He told Lauer that his Today interview, along with two other interviews he did, were approved by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. His attorney Cynthia Ribas said she has been unable to find out why her client was taken back into custody.

“I have spoken to Richard, and I’m so sorry to say I don’t know what the grounds are for why they have him back in jail,” Ribas said.

Hatch, who is openly gay, was convicted in 2006 of failing to pay taxes on his $1 million prize for the first season of the CBS reality show. He was given extra prison time for lying on the stand.

He had said in an interview broadcast Tuesday that he believes he was sent to prison because he’s gay: “I know without question that there are personal issues involved for the prosecutor. I don’t know why. The prosecutorial misconduct has been egregious.”

When asked whether he believes that if he was heterosexual, he would not have gone to prison, Hatch replied, “I do believe that.”

Former U.S. Attorney Robert Clark Corrente – whose office oversaw the case – told WPRO-AM that Hatch is “delusional.”

My Dream has Become a Reality!

Hi Friends!

After a 17-day hiatus while I enjoyed a cruise vacation to Italy, Monaco, France, Malta and Greece, I am back to work and "back to reality".

I have thousands of pictures to sort through before I can put together a photo album or two of the wonderful memories for what has been the best cruise I have ever experience.

But, I can't wait much longer to share with you one of the most memorable highlights of our cruise. It was the day I FINALLY got to see MADONNA! Yes, that's right MADONNA!! Like in Madonna Louise Veronica Ciccone Penn Ritchie!!!

It happened on Monday, August 17th (the day after Madonna turned 51) in the beautiful port of Portofino. As we were touring this lovely port, we saw a reporter and cameraman walking along the port and overheard them say (in Italian) her name, Madonna. Then our tour guide mentioned that a rumor had been circulating throughout town that Madonna had reserved an entire floor at the Hotel Splendido, but had not yet been seen.

Well, we did our tour through Portofino and the later Santa Margherita, which I must say were the two most picturesque Italy ports we visited.

Upon our return to Portofino, on a water taxi, we noticed a large crowd right along the shoreline of Portofino, and I immediately concluded that Madonna was there. I walked as fast as I could to the crowded area, and started to snap away with my hand and camera over the crowd to see if I could capture any pictures of my Idol!

Here's what I captured:

Madonna (wearing black straw hat) amongst the crowd.

Lourdes walking through the crowd.

I noticed a boat was waiting for Madonna and her entourage, so I did the logical thing and moved closure to shoreline to see if I could finally get a glimpse of Madonna...and I did. She was with her family Lourdes, David, Mercy, Rocco (who I did not see) and her man of the hour, Jesus Luz.

Here are the pictures to prove it:

Madonna carrying David on her lap, with Jesus Luz beside her.

A "family portrait" of Madonna with Jesus Luz and her two youngest children, both adopted from Malawi, Mercy and David.

So, in addition to having a great cruising experience, I also had the distinctive pleasure of finally meeting the one and only Madonna!

Ciao for now!
CharlieCruiser

On Hiatus...

Hi Friends!

CharlieCruiser's World is on hiatus until the end of the month as I enjoy a well deserved cruise vacation to Italy, Greece, Monaco and Malta. I will try to provide minimal updates during the next couple of weeks. CharlieCruiser's World will return "full-swing" on August 31st.

Ciao for Now!

Patrick Duffy Cast in His First Studio Feature

Patrick Duffy, who starred in the long-running primetime soap "Dallas," is making his studio feature debut in the comedy "You Again."

Jimmy Wolk also has come aboard the Disney feature, which is being directed by Andy Fickman.

The actors join Kristen Bell, Sigourney Weaver, Jamie Lee Curtis and Odette Yustman, among others, in a story that centers on a woman (Bell) who finds out that her brother is planning to marry the girl (Yustman) who made her high school years a living hell. She tries to convince him that his fiancee is not the nice girl she pretends to be.

Duffy will play a former high school crush of both Weaver and Curtis.

Despite gaining huge recognition in television thanks to his starring role in "Dallas," which aired from 1978 to 1991, Duffy never made the transition to movies. (One reason was that series at the time had much longer seasons, leaving less time for actors to take on film projects.) He starred in several TV movies, toplined the sitcom "Step by Step" with Suzanne Somers in the 1990s and recently has appeared in daytime serial "The Bold and the Beautiful."

Wolk is playing the brother about to get married. He has appeared in CBS/Hallmark Hall of Fame's "Front of the Class" and the Disney/ABC pilot "Solving Charlie."

Star Sighting: Surfing Hugh!

Hugh Jackman poses with the surfboard trophy he received at the Teen Choice 2009 awards for his recent Wolverine role.

The Teen Choice 2009 awards were televised on FOX this past Monday.

Gordon Ramsay Facing Bankruptcy

British celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay is the latest victim of the international economic downturn - he has been facing bankruptcy after profits plunged at his international restaurant chain.

The cookery expert presents a string of TV shows - including Hell's Kitchen and Ramsey's Kitchen Nightmares - in both the U.S. and U.K. and owns over 20 restaurants across the world.

Ramsey has admitted he was recently advised to file for bankruptcy because his upmarket eateries have been hit hard by the international recession. He has been forced to sell his luxury sports car and is even considering offloading his London home in a bid to pay his debts.

But the star has been able to stave off the debt-collectors for the moment by pumping $8 million (£5 million) of his own money into the company in a last ditch bid to keep the business afloat.

Ramsey has also laid off 15 per cent of his 1,200 staff and cut back costs - but he hopes the frightening experience has made him a better restaurateur.

He tells Fox News, "I faced bankruptcy. Heading out of global economic downturn has been tough. Customers just disappeared. Those that were in the restaurants weren't drinking wine. All were on tap water.

"Then we had a huge downturn, Monday to Thursday. Your staff costs are the same, your running costs are the same. It was a nightmare. All of a sudden, this whole thing was nothing to do with cooking. I had my own personal nightmare.

"I've learned a lot from a chef's point of view in terms of business. I'm not a businessman, but I certainly don't walk around with my head tucked up my backside. For me, it was a learning curve."

Star Sighting: Touch & Go!

Kick and stretch! Soccer star David Beckham shows off his high kick while warming up Tuesday at the Amsterdam Arena in the Netherlands. Beckham and his England National teammates were in town for a friendly match against the Netherlands, which they tied 2-2.

An Insider's Guide to Twilight's Eclipse

There's never a dull moment for the Twilight cast, who headed to Vancouver Monday to begin pre-production for Eclipse, the third installment of Stephenie Meyer's hit vampire series.

Eclipse will have all of the tortured, mortal angst that Kristen Stewart's character, Bella Swan, goes through in Twilight and New Moon – but with more action, more blood, and yes, more Robert Pattinson.

The book picks up with Pattinson's character, Edward Cullen, and Bella reunited as a couple, while Jacob (Taylor Lautner) continues to vie for Bella's heart. But as Edward and Jacob compete for Bella's affections, the clans of vampires and werewolves unite over the common enemy: A set of murderous vampires (including the Volturi) who are on the hunt for Bella.

Here's what to expect on and off set in Vancouver as filming gets underway.

• New Faces on Set
With Rachelle Lefevre no longer portraying the blood-thirsty Victoria, Bryce Dallas Howard will step in to fill her role. Another new face is Australian actor Xavier Samuel, who plays a recruit in Victoria's army of vampires out for Bella's blood. Eclipse also provides meatier plotlines and more screen time for fan favorites Nikki Reed and Jackson Rathbone, who play Rosalie and Jasper Hale.

• Rob and Kristen Together
While their characters get engaged in the movie, Pattinson and Stewart have been spending more time together off set as well. Starting Aug. 6 in Los Angeles, the pair spent two nights in a row together, attending concerts at the Hotel Café and then mingling with pals at the Chateau Marmont. Word on the movie set is that "[Michael] Angarano and Kristen Stewart are completely broken up," a source stated. "Everyone is pretty convinced that the Pattinson and Stewart are hooking up."

• Fierce Fights!
The vampires and werewolves are training for more intense fight scenes. "In Eclipse there is an epic battle," screenwriter Melissa Rosenberg told Entertainment Tonight. "With every book, with every episode of the movie, it gets grander in scale." The actors are planning accordingly: In Vancouver, they've begun fight training and getting in shape for the demanding roles. Peter Facinelli joked that to prepare, "I re-read Eclipse, I read the script. And then I got on a treadmill."

• Cast Bonding
After arriving in Vancouver, Reed, Facinelli, Lautner, Howard, Rathbone, Kellan Lutz, Ashley Greene and producer Wyck Godfrey all convened over dinner in a private room at CinCin Restaurant on Robson Street. "It's really enjoyable," Greene says of hanging with the cast. "We can just be open and honest." Other favorite hangouts include the Glowball Grill, where Pattinson likes the spaghetti and meatballs, and the Yaletown Brewery, where the male cast members have gone for after-work drinks.

• Final Film?
Eclipse is the last planned filmed adaptation of The Twilight Saga – for now. "I haven't heard anything about Breaking Dawn," Facinelli told Twilight Examiner on Aug. 3. "When we shot Twilight, no one knew if it was going to be a success or not, and we didn't know if we were going to shoot a second movie or not … If New Moon performs in the box office, and the fans come out, and Eclipse, then that's their way of saying they want more. I'm hoping when New Moon comes out they'll push the green button."

Paula Abdul Set to Get "Ugly"?

Paula Abdul is set to bounce from 'Idol' to 'Ugly' - she's in talks to join the cast of sitcom Ugly Betty.

The former American Idol judge is negotiating an acting role on the show, which has featured Lindsay Lohan and Victoria Beckham and guests in the past.

Ironically, Beckham took Abdul's Idol judging chair when she sat in on auditions in Denver, Colorado last week.

An Ugly Betty insider tells EW.com Abdul's in talks to play an office temp, who bonds with Becki Newton’s catty character Amanda.

Paul Reubens Brings Back Pee-Wee Herman

Pee-Wee Herman is back! Actor Paul Reubens is reviving his zany film character for a new theatre project.

The Pee-Wee Herman Show will run at the Music Box theatre in Los Angeles from 19 to 29 November, and Reubens admits he's a little nervous about reviving his most famous character.

He tells the Los Angeles Times newspaper, "I've put part of him away for a long time, but part of him has always been here with me.

"I have some fear that he won't be funny after all this time. I don't want to ruin it."

Reubens retired bicycle-loving man-child Herman in 1990 after 13 episodes of Pee-Wee's Playhouse.

Star Sighting: Back on the Red Carper

After his European travels and her visit to Iraq, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie reunite on the red carpet in Los Angeles at the Monday premiere of Pitt's latest film, Inglourious Basterds.

Jennifer Hudson Welcomes a Son

It's official: Though she remained mum over the last nine months Jennifer Hudson is, indeed, a mom.

The Oscar-winning actress and Grammy-winning singer, 27, welcomed son David Daniel Otunga Jr. on Monday.

"The baby is beautiful and perfect," says Hudson's rep Lisa Kasteler. "His parents are ecstatic."

David weighed 7 lbs., 14 oz., at birth and is the first child for Hudson and her fiancé David Otunga. The couple kept the sex of the baby a delivery surprise.

"Congratulations!" Hudson's Dreamgirls costar Jamie Foxx told ET Canada. "I wonder if he came out singing? Probably."

Throughout the duration of her pregnancy, Hudson refused to confirm or deny that she was an expectant mother, instead allowing her burgeoning bump to speak for itself. As late as last month, she took the stage in Los Angeles to perform "Will You Be There" at the public memorial for Michael Jackson.

Her relative silence didn't stop colleagues from sending their well-wishes, however. Anika Noni Rose predicted in June that her Dreamgirls costar would go on to be a phenomenal mother, telling People that David Jr. would be "much loved."

Eddie Cibrian Addresses Personal Drama

It hasn't been easy being Eddie Cibrian: In March, the actor landed at the center of a scandal when he was accused of having an affair with LeAnn Rimes (which he denied). And in July, his manager revealed the actor and his wife had separated.

Now, Cibrian, 36, who was seen spending time with Rimes, 26, last month, is speaking out about his personal drama.

"I don't know how people perceive me," he tells Entertainment Tonight in a recent interview. "What I do know is when you reach a certain point in your career you're placed in this unfair fishbowl."

The newest CSI: Miami cast member, adds, "Things unfortunately get magnified. We are all human, we are all not perfect."

Cibrian does not discuss his relationship with Rimes (who is separated from husband Dean Sheremet), but references his two kids, Mason, 5, and Jake, 2, as well as his estranged wife, Brandi Glanville, who has spoken openly about her husband's alleged infidelity.

"The fact is I love my family dearly, and I'm a great father," he says. "It just saddens me that this is hurtful and being played out publicly."

Trailer - The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus

Before his untimely death in January 2008, Heath Ledger was filming what would become his last role, Tony in the Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus.

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus is a fantastical morality tale, set in the present-day. It tells the story of Dr. Parnassus, played by Christopher Plummer, and his extraordinary ‘Imaginarium', a travelling show where members of the audience get an irresistible opportunity to choose between light and joy or darkness and gloom.

Blessed with the extraordinary gift of guiding the imaginations of others, Doctor Parnassus is cursed with a dark secret. An inveterate gambler, thousands of years ago he made a bet with the devil, Mr. Nick, in which he won immortality. Centuries later, on meeting his one true love, Dr. Parnassus made another deal with the devil, trading his immortality for youth, on condition that when his daughter reached her 16th birthday, she would become the property of Mr Nick.

When Heath passed away, the film was still in production, with several scenes to be completed. Director Terry Gilliam decided to transform Tony in the movie by using Johnny Depp, Jude Law and Colin Farrell as the character 'Imaginarium Tony' after Heath Ledger's untimely death.

Here's the official trailer:

G.I. Joe's Channing Tatum Stripper Past

G.I. Joe star, Channing Tatum (then 18) dances in a Chippendales-like show called "Male Encounter" in 1999 at a now-defunct Florida nightclub.

“He was shy at first, but he really knew how to work the stage,” the troupe’s owner London Steele tells Us Weekly. “The women went crazy for him!”

Channing, who performed under the alias “Chan Crawford”, earned $50 a night (plus tips).

Here is the video as proof.

Michael Jackson's Tribute Show Coming to Vienna

Events promoter World Awards Media GmbH confirmed a Michael Jackson tribute concert will be taking place. The promoter said it will feature members of the late King of Pop’s family, including brother Jermaine, and a "high-profile line-up of international stars."

The organization said on its website: "For one incredible night Michael Jackson's unforgettable music will be brought to life again. Some of the world's leading artists will perform Michael's greatest hits live in Vienna in front of one of the most fascinating historical sites in Europe and celebrate the life of the 'King of Pop.'"

Jermaine adds on the site: "I am very proud to be able to stage this concert honoring my younger brother Michael and his legacy. The tribute is conceived to be an annual event to keep not only his unique music alive, but his spirit as well."

"Michael loved people and he also loved to help people and that will never be forgotten. His life was much too short, yet it was filled with many magic moments and lasting memories. I have lost a dear brother, but the world has lost a great and caring humanitarian."

The event is to take place at the Schoenbrunn Palace -- which can accommodate 85,000 people -- in Austrian capital Vienna next month, and will feature a crown-shaped stage. Further details are yet to be released, although tickets will go on sale on August 20th. Unconfirmed reports suggest U2, Madonna, Lionel Richie and Whitney Houston could all be performing.

It was originally thought a tribute show might take place on what would have been Michael’s 51st birthday on August 29th, but that idea has now been dismissed. World Awards Media’s Georg Kindel explained: “That would have been an extreme logistical challenge.”

Michael was due to stage a 50-night residency in London starting just a few weeks after his death on June 25th, and many had presumed a concert in honor of him would take place in the UK capital. However, Jermaine recently claimed Vienna was of special importance to Michael.

He said: “Vienna was a very dear place for Michael. And he loved castles. And we're going to have this huge celebration in front of a castle.”

Ashton Kutcher Is Proud of His 'Schwantz'

Actor Ashton Kutcher, who stars as a serial seducer of rich women in his latest movie Spread, is happy for any of his colleagues to see his appendage, but he did starve himself so his stomach would be flat for the film.

He said, "Once you do the first nude scene and the whole crew has seen your schwantz then you're fine."

"I didn't have to worry about dieting. Pretty much I generally take on whatever is the abusive diet of my character."

Ashton did not eat much in order to maintain a slim body.

He deliberately set out to find a part where he could play a rogue akin to Warren Beatty in Shampoo or Richard Gere in American Gigolo and sought out the former to ask his advice.

Ashton added: "I definitely look up to Warren Beatty as an actor. So I sat down with Warren two years ago and told him I appreciated his work in Shampoo and Bonnie and Clyde."

"We sat down for breakfast, and I told him I was actively looking for a movie like Shampoo. I told him I wanted to play a morally compromised charm artist. We talked about what he did in Shampoo and where that character came from for him on an energetic level."

Spread, which also stars Anne Heche, is released this month.

Simon Cowell Signing for 3 More Seasons of Idol

Simon Cowell will be a judge on "American Idol" for at least three more seasons.

During the second-quarter earnings call of CKX, parent company of "Idol" co-producer 19 Entertainment, CKX chairman and CEO Robert Sillerman indicated that Cowell is finalizing a deal with Fox to continue on the top-rated reality show.

Cowell, heading into the final year of his current "Idol" contract, hinted in the spring that he might leave the show at the end of his deal. But early in the summer, he entered negotiations with Fox for a new pact.

"We've heard from Fox, who has asked us for approval for Simon Cowell to appear for three more years on 'Idol,'" Sillerman said. "They, in their negotiations with Cowell, have asked us to pre-approve him not only for 'American Idol' '09, which has begun taping, but they have also asked us for approval for '10 and '11, indicating to us that they're finishing their negotiation with Cowell. We did grant approval for that, quite obviously."

Sillerman didn't disclose any financial details of Cowell's deal with Fox, but the uber-judge reportedly is poised to earn $45 million under the new pact, up from $36 million a year under his current contract. Fox declined comment Monday.

On the call, Sillerman also shed light on the mechanics of hiring "Idol" judges: 19 and co-producer FremantleMedia propose their choices to Fox, which signs off and pays the judges' salaries, Sillerman noted.

The network's recent negotiations with "Idol" judge Paula Abdul, Cowell's favorite sparring partner on the panel, had a dramatic resolution when Abdul walked away over a salary dispute. She reportedly was seeking more than $10 million a year and was offered about half that.

Fox, meanwhile, picked up the option on freshman judge Kara DioGuardi. Randy Jackson is under contract through this coming season, and "Idol" host Ryan Seacrest recently signed a three-year, $45 million deal with 19, which covers other services beyond "Idol."

Celebrities including Victoria Beckham and Katy Perry have been tapped as guest judges for the "Idol" auditions, with Fox brass indicating that they plan to find a permanent replacement for Abdul.

No More "Curly" for Jim Carrey

Jim Carrey has walked away from Peter and Bobby Farrelly's upcoming remake of The Three Stooges, according to a new report.

The funnyman was expected to take on the role of silver screen clown Curly in the long-awaited film, after entering negotiations in April.

Carrey had even begun to master his comedy voice and started to pile on the pounds to play the chubby character, with his girlfriend Jenny McCarthy admitting fans would be impressed with his performance.

She said, "He's definitely practising the role of Curly... He's basically enjoying his desserts... He's going to gain 50 pounds to play Curly.

"I listen to him walking around doing Curly... People are gonna be blown away when they see him."

But, according to The Boston Globe, Peter Farrelly has confirmed Carrey is no longer involved in the project - although Paul Giamatti is.

The Sideways star distanced himself from rumours he was signing on to the film back in June, when he insisted there had been no talks between himself and the Farrelly brothers.

However, the publication alleges Giamatti has now been confirmed to fill the role vacated by Sean Penn, who quit the film earlier this year citing personal reasons.

Cheryl Ladd Guest Stars on CSI: Miami

Cheryl Ladd has signed on for an episode of CBS's CSI: Miami in which she will play a woman who lives by "The Cougar Code."

Shooting her part this week, Ladd plays a wealthy wife who acts the charitable matron on the outside but dates much younger men in her private life. Joining her as a guest star in the episode, which will air in October, will be singer and actress Tia Carrere, 42, who competed in the second season of Dancing With the Stars in 2006.

Ladd, 58, famously embodied Kris Munroe, sister to Farrah Fawcett's Jill Munroe, in Charlie's Angels.

Michael Jackson Film "This Is It" to be Released in October

Sony Pictures will offer a rare glimpse into the final days of Michael Jackson with worldwide release of film "This Is It" on October 30th.

The movie takes you behind the scenes of Michael's rehearsals on what was supposed to be his greatest comeback with 50 concerts scheduled to take place in England. The concerts never took place, as Michael passed away in June, just a few weeks from the start of the concert series.

As additional details become available, we will share them with you.

New Release Tuesday!

Here are this week's new releases on Blu-Ray, CD and DVD:

MOVIES

17 Again

The Class

I Love You, Man

Michael Jackson: Moonwalking - The True Story of Michael Jackson

The Ninth Gate

Olivia

Road Trip - Beer Pong

MUSIC

CAVO - Bright Nights, Dark Days

Erika Jayne - Pretty Mess

George Strait - Twang

Jessie James - Jessie James

Slaughterhouse - Slaughterhouse

TV SHOWS

90210 - 1st Season

Adam-12 - 3rd Season

Designing Women - 2nd Season

Mistral's Daughter - Mini-Series

Super Friends: The Lost Episodes

Zorro: Generation Z - Volume 2

Colin Farrell to Replace Johnny Depp as Quixote?

Colin Farrell has been tipped to take the lead role in a movie about Spanish literary hero Don Quixote after Johnny Depp pulled out due to scheduling conflicts.

Director Terry Gilliam lined up Depp in 2000 to star as advertising executive Tony Grisoni in the movie, originally entitled The Man Who Killed Don Quixote.

A series of disasters delayed production of the oddball epic, prompting the Pirates of the Caribbean actor to bow out.

Now the 68-year-old film-maker is said to be eyeing Irish actor Farrell as a possible replacement as he finally gears up to begin filming next year.

A source tells Britain's Daily Express, "Terry is a fan of Colin and it's felt he's one of the few people capable of filling Johnny's shoes."

Both Depp and Farrell were among the stars who stepped in to help Gilliam complete his 2009 adventure The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus after its star Heath Ledger passed away last year.

Olivia Newton-John's ex-Lover Found Alive

Officials investigating the disappearance of Olivia Newton-john's former lover have renewed hope he is still alive after he reportedly sent authorities a letter begging to be left alone.

Patrick McDermott, presumed dead after disappearing on a 2005 fishing trip, is said to have faxed a message to U.S. private detectives asking to live his life in peace in Mexico.

The fax reads, "Pat has asked that I portray to you his innocence. Pat has committed no crime. Pat simply wishes to be left alone. Let him live his life in peace and harmony. He is safe and has started anew again in a new place both physically and mentally. Stop this search immediately."

Lead investigator Philip Klein alleges he and his team have also received three phone calls from McDermott's representatives in the past six months, which followed 16 sightings of the cameraman in Mexico in recent years.

Klein believes McDermott is now working as a deckhand in fishing town Sayulita amid speculation he had staged his own death to be free of child support debts to ex-wife Yvette Nipar.

The Grease star was left heartbroken after McDermott vanished off the California coast, but has since found love with tycoon John Easterling, who she married in Peru last summer.

William Petersen Set for CSI Return?

Former CSI: Crime Scene Investigation star William Petersen is set to return to his role on the hit TV drama, according to recent reports.

Series regular Petersen, who played forensics expert Gil Grissom, announced his departure from the longrunning show last July and sparked wide speculation about who would take over from him.

Laurence Fishburne subsequently landed a part in the series last year, but producers are reportedly wooing their former star back for a cameo in an effort to boost slipping ratings.

A source stated, "The bottom line is that CSI just hasn't been the same without Grissom. He's the show's heart and soul. When Grissom left at the end of the ninth season... a lot of longtime viewers went with him.

"There was a brief ratings bump when Laurence Fishburne joined the cast at the beginning of last season, but the numbers have gone downhill ever since."

Last October Petersen admitted he wasn't finished with the TV drama - and hinted at plans to reprise his role on the big screen.

He said, "I'd love to see us make a CSI film... That's the reason Grissom isn't going to die of a brain tumour. It would be good if we did it (the film) right. The whole world is interested in the show... (but) you have to make sure it's not just an extended episode."

40th Anniversary of the Charles Manson Murders

It was 40 years ago this past weekend that a group of young people led by Charles Manson sent a wave of terror through the hills and valleys of the Los Angeles area.

Manson, then 34, and a group of followers known as the Family were convicted for killing seven people, including Hollywood starlet Sharon Tate, who was more than eight months pregnant with husband Roman Polanski's son.

On Aug. 8, 1969, Manson instructed Susan Atkins, Patricia Krenwinkel and Leslie Van Houten to kill everyone at the L.A. home rented by Tate. Later that day, Manson instructed his followers to strike again. Members entered the Los Feliz home of Leno and Rosemary LaBianca and killed a couple.

The gory slayings left the public stunned. The group was given life sentences. They have spent most of their adult lives behind bars, some claiming they have renounced their devotion to Manson.

"These are sociopaths," says Tate's sister Debra Tate, 56. "They're no less violent today then they were then."

One Family member faces the parole boards again this year and another – not associated with the Tate-LaBianca murders – is about to be released.

"These are five of 168,000 offenders in our custody," says Terry Thornton, spokeswoman for the California Department of Correction and Rehabilitation in Sacramento, Calif. "There's no special treatment that they get just because of who they are. Manson is in the same unit as Sirhan Sirhan (who assassinated U.S. Sen Robert F. Kennedy). They're not the only high-profile offenders we have."

Here is a list of a few people involved and where they are now:

Charles Manson, 74
Currently locked in California State Prison in Corcoran. He dreamed of becoming a musician and now plays his guitar in his cell or the dayroom, says Thornton. He has been denied parole 11 times. His next hearing is in 2012.

Susan Atkins, 61
Also known as Sadie Mae Glutz, she confessed to stabbing Tate to death. In May 2008, she filed for a "compassionate release" after she was diagnosed with a terminal illness and given six months to live. Her request was denied. In September, she was transferred to the Central California Women's Facility in Chowchilla because it provides a higher level of medical care. She is in serious but stable condition, Thornton says. Her next parole hearing is Sept. 2. She is the longest-serving female inmate in the state.

Patricia "Katie" Krenwinkel, 61
She actively participated in both murders. She has been called a model prisoner at the California Institution for Women in Frontera, earning a degree and teaching inmates how to read. She has been denied parole 12 times.

Leslie Van Houten, 60
Unlike the other women, Manson never gave her a new name. In an effort to impress Manson, she participated in the LaBianca murders. In the following years, she cut off all ties with Manson and says she was brainwashed and under the influence of LSD. She is at the California Institution for Women in Frontera, Calif. She has been denied parole more than a dozen times.

Charles "Tex" Watson, 63
He was considered Manson's right-hand man and participated at both murder sites. Shortly after the murders, he fled to Texas but was extradited back to California. He pleaded temporary insanity, but was found guilty of murder. He is a self-proclaimed born-again Christian and teaches Bible study in prison. He is serving his sentence at Mule Creek State Prison in Ione, Calif.

Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme, 60
She did not participate in the Tate-LaBianca murders, but was an integral member of Manson's circle. Still wanting to show her commitment to Manson, she pulled a gun on then President Gerald Ford. She was immediately arrested and tried for treason, a federal crime. She is serving her sentence at the Federal Medical Center Carswell, a federal prison that specializes in medical and mental health services to female offenders in Fort Worth, Texas. She is scheduled for release on Aug. 16.

Sharon Tate
She was 26 when she was murdered inside her home. She was a Hollywood newcomer and received rave reviews for her role in Valley of the Dolls. Her husband Polanski was out of the country at the time of the murders. Tate was two weeks shy of giving birth when she was stabbed 16 times. She begged the killers to let her baby live. During the trial, Atkins testified that Tate cried for her mother while being stabbed to death.

Debra Tate, 56
Not involved with the Manson family, Sharon's younger sister Debra, who was 16 at the time, was supposed to be there that night. She had called and asked if she and their sister Patti could spend the night. Sharon said no because she wasn't feeling up to it, says Debra, the only surviving Tate family member. Now, Debra lives outside of L.A. and spends her time fighting for victims' rights. She attends every parole hearing of the Manson family. "These are sociopaths," she says. "They're no less violent today then they were then."

Big Brother’s Ronnie: "I’m Unforgettable"

Love him or hate him — or just love to hate him, Ronnie “The Rat” was a polarizing figure in the Big Brother house. The 30-year-old self-described “video-game geek” did his best to lie, cheat and weep his way to the top spot, only to become the fourth houseguest evicted. Following his ouster, Ronnie spoke to People about how BB changed his life and why he called Michele the ” worst human being I have ever have the misfortune of meeting.”

Big Brother fans have dubbed you the “Square Root of All Evil.” Do you think that’s a fair assessment?

[Laughing] Oooh! I like that! That’s geek-alicious, and awesome at the same time! Within the confines of the game, I would say that it fits, because I went in wanting to use lying an manipulation as my tactics.

You really hit the ground running from the moment you walked through that door. Do you think you played the game too hard, too fast?
Looking back, I think what went wrong was the fact that it was really difficult to counterbalance my passion and love for this game…with my actual strategy. I made the alliance with Jessie and the athletes right off the bat because I was absolutely afraid of being targeted by them because of my intelligence.

You were loyal to Jessie to the very end. How did you react when you found out that he was part of the Jeff-Russell-Graduation deal to send you home?
I am disappointed by that, because I did stay true to Jessie. It must have been a game move; it wasn’t Jessie making a personal comment about me the way that Russell or Michele did. I can respect gameplay.

Do you have a bit of a man-crush on Jessie since he helped you drop 20 lbs.?
[Laughs] I don’t know if I would call it a man-crush, but I think it was definitely a mixture of starstruck, because he is a past house guest, and I am such an uber-fan of the show–and the fact that I wish I was cut like that. Maybe I’d get more attention from the ladies. I’m married, but you can window shop, right?

When you called Michele the “worst person I have ever had the misfortune to meet,” was that hyperbole or did you really mean that?
Michele did try to get to know me as a person, and we tried to form a personal relationship. But when my nomination came across, she totally flipped [but] there were no hard feelings at that point. And then in the last 72 hours, she started in with the personal attacks, so I truly did mean what I said at that time. Michele turned out to be someone that I didn’t think she was.

In her outgoing message to you, Chima vowed to bring down Russell, and then she goes and wins the HOH competition. Do you think she’ll follow through?
Absolutely! But when I say that, I mean that will be her intention. Who knows what’s going to happen with POV. Russell could win it, but she did tell me, Jessie and Natalie that Russell is going home if she wins HOH.

What did you learn about yourself during your stay in the BB house?
I’ve always considered myself a very strong person mentally. I learned that I’m even stronger mentally than even I thought that I was. I also learned that I really, really, really love my wife. She is truly my best friend.

What’s the one thing that you would have done differently if you had the chance?
If anything, I would have back-doored Russell in week 2. But you change one thing, you change everything. Even if I had succeeded in getting Russell out, maybe Jessie would have put me out in week 3. I’m thankful for every moment that I had in the BB house. It was the experience of a lifetime and I did everything that I wanted to do in that house. Whether you love to hate me or hate to love me, I’m unforgettable at this point.

Michael Jackson Expected to Be Buried Soon

Now that investigators have returned samples from Michael Jackson's body to his family, the pop singer is ready to finally rest in peace.

"Forest Lawn is the top choice – near Michael Jackson's grandmother," says a source close to the family.

For six weeks, Jackson's body has been temporarily interred at Forest Lawn Memorial-Park and Mortuary in the Hollywood Hills.

Some of the delay in burying Jackson was due to the coroner's investigation, which had the family waiting for officials to return samples from the singer's brain, says the source.

But now that everything has been returned, the family can prepare for Jackson's burial, which will happen "very soon," says another source close to the family.

Before burial arrangements for Jackson can be made, the family will, once again, have to get together. As of now, siblings Tito and Janet and their father Joe Jackson are out of town, says the source.

ABC: We’d Love to Have Paula Abdul onDancing with the Stars

While Paula Abdul won’t be returning to FOX’s American Idol, it seems plenty of other networks are interested in courting her for their reality TV competition shows. ABC is the newest one interested in Paula.

So is there a possible spot for Abdul at the judges’ table with Carrie Ann Inaba, Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli–the three judges on Dancing with the Stars?

“Absolutely. I would love that,” ABC Entertainment President Stephen McPherson told reporters at the Television Critics Association summer press tour in Pasadena on Saturday. “I was a little stunned by the decision, and we would love to have her on Dancing.”

McPherson added that Abdul could be added either as a participant, dancer or judge. “I think she’s a huge talent,” said McPherson. “There’s a sensitivity and an empathy that balances out Idol, and we’d love to get a piece of that.”

Il Divo's David Miller Ties the Knot

David Miller, the only American singer in the international opera group Il Divo, is married!

Miller tied the knot Saturday evening in New York City to singer and theater actress Sarah Joy Kabanuck, his rep Lois Najarian confirmed.

The two wed in an old townhouse decorated in the spirit of La Bohème, paying tribute to where they first met six years ago while performing opposite each other in Baz Luhrman's Broadway production of the famous Puccini opera.

Miller, in a Giorgio Armani suit, and Kabanuck, in an ivory wedding gown by Michelle Rahn, exchanged vows by two iron rod trees decorated with fig vines, lush flowers and quartz crystals. The bride walked down the aisle to an original music piece written by Miller and performed by a string trio with a harp.

The ceremony area featured iron rod gates inspired by the opera and covered in moss and flowers. The 100 guests sat on park benches and garden chairs with bistro tables while the 20-member choir West Village Chorale performed.

"Sarah Joy and David are an incredibly positive couple," says wedding planner Annie Lee of Daughter of Design. "They're genuine and warm, have a beautiful spirit about them and are truly in love."

Following the ceremony, guests were treated to dinner stations in three different opera-themed rooms: The Madame Butterfly room featuring sushi from Nobu; the La Traviata room's French fare including fois gras and salad of haricot verts; and the La Bohème room, where Italian food such as meatballs, sausage and Tuscan-grilled vegetables was served.

The newlyweds danced their first dance to "Such Great Heights" by Iron & Wine before enjoying a three-tiered blueberry, vanilla and chocolate cake by Ron Ben-Israel.

As party favors, guests took home chocolates shaped as penguins. "David loved the idea of penguins mating for life," says Lee, who says two penguins were also hidden in the wedding cake design. "He wanted the notion to be a part of his wedding day."

Il Divo, the operatic pop vocal group created by Simon Cowell, consists of multinational singers Miller (American), Sebastien Izambard (French), Urs Buhler (Swiss) and Carlos Marin (Spanish). The group will be on tour in Asia and Australia later this month.

Star Sighting: Idol's Meet & Greet

American Idol runner-up Adam Lambert and 2008 winner David Cook share a handshake in New York City's Central Park on Friday. The singers – along with this season's winner Kris Allen – were on hand to perform live on Good Morning America.

Victoria Beckham Hopes Simon Cowell Gives Her a Hard Time

Victoria Beckham plans to be the nice judge when it comes to critiquing contestants on American Idol — but she expects to trade some not-so-nice barbs with prickly judge Simon Cowell.

“I like that fact that’s he’s honest. I think he’s very funny,” Beckham told Ryan Seacrest on his KIIS-FM radio show Friday. “He has a very tongue-in-cheek British sense of humor, which I have too. I’m looking forward to a bit of banter. I hope he does give me a little bit of a hard time. I love that. I feed off of that.”

Beckham, 35, says she doesn’t know Cowell well, but has one very pointed memory of him. “He is the only man in the music industry who turned down the Spice Girls and said we would never work,” Beckham said with a laugh.

Asked if she plans follow in the footsteps of Paula Abdul, who’s always been the most kind and nurturing judge on the show, Beckman says, “I want to be nice to people. I know how it feels to stand there and be judged … I don’t want to shatter anybody’s dream, but at the same time there’s nothing wrong with constructive criticism.”

As for whether she feels guilty replacing Abdul, she says, “I don’t. I’m a spiritual person and I believe that you get back whet you put out there, and I hope she does something that is bigger and better …. There’s something great for her around the corner, I’m sure.”

So how should prospective contestants aim to please Posh Spice? “What I’m looking for [in an Idol winner] is a great singer and somebody who has that star quality. It’s about the whole package.”

One other quality the fashion-savvy star would like to see: a contestant who possesses “natural style.”

Beckham is currently in Denver, where she’s set to participate in the first round of auditions for the upcoming season of American Idol.

Susan Lucci Shocked by All My Children's LA Move

It's not like she has to cross the wild prairie to get there, but for Susan Lucci the idea of moving west with her daytime drama All My Children is a overwhelming.

"We just found out a day and a half ago, and we've been dancing a marathon at All My Children ever since," the actress, 62, stated at Thursday's New York City Feed the Children's Daytime Gives Back event. "So, we're all walking around in shock."

What's Lucci's game plan for moving from New York (where AMC stops filming in December) to Los Angeles (where it starts up again January 4th)? "I don't know ... I love the show and I love playing Erica [Kane]," says the Scarsdale native who even went to college in New York. "But I'm just now going to have a couple of days off. It's a lot to think about."

Not that she's against switching coasts. "Everybody understands that it's a huge vote of confidence on the part of ABC ... it's going to be a great move for the show."

But still, "It's overwhelming," she admits. "I'm a New Yorker. My family is here. I love this city. So I have a lot to think about. "

Paula Abdul’s First Day Not at Work

For eight seasons Simon Cowell has had the pleasure of taunting, teasing and tickling Paula Abdul on American Idol. But for the first time on Friday, Cowell and fellow judges Kara DioGuardi and Randy Jackson plowed ahead without Abdul. Spice Girl Victoria Beckham subbed in for Abdul in Denver.

“I’m going to miss her. She’s my buddy,” Cowell told People before entering the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Denver. On hand for Idol’s season nine second round auditions, Cowell said he isn’t sure how things will be without Abdul by his side. But, he assured, he’s talked to her “every day” since she Twittered on Tuesday that she was not returning to Idol. “Paula has been very cool about the whole thing. And let me tell you, Paula is going to be fine.”

DioGuardi, who renewed her contract last month, arrived wearing a black sheath dress and was feeling somber about the road ahead without Abdul.

“I am so missing Paula. That’s why I’m in black mourning,” DioGuardi said. “I’m very sad. I talked to her last week. It’s sad, but it was her choice.”

While much had been made of a rivalry between DioGuardi and Abdul, DioGuardi says that was not the case at all. “She was a great friend to me. She was so incredibly helpful.” Not only did Abdul show DioGuardi the ropes in her first weeks on Idol, she was great with the contestants. “She was nurturing and the heart that she showed the contestants. I’m really going to miss her a lot. Really am.”

Jackson echoed his colleagues’ sentiments. “I talked to [Paula] a couple days ago and she’s going to be great.” What’s of more concern to Jackson is his own well being. “We all love her. I think I may cry today. It’s weird.”

It's a Celebration!

Here again "plugging" Madonna's forthcoming Greatest Hits CD, "Celebration".

It will include 32 remastered songs, along with two new ones "Celebration" and "Revolver". The CD will be available in the US on September 29th. Make sure you purchase your copy then!

Rihanna, Kanye West and Jay-Z to OpenNew Jay Leno Show

R&B stars Rihanna, Kanye West and Jay-Z will perform on the premiere of Jay Leno's comedy and chat show in September, in a apparent bid to grab hip, young viewers to NBC's new primetime experiment.

NBC said on Thursday that the trio would perform "Run This Town" from Jay-Z's new album, "The Blueprint 3," when "The Jay Leno Show" makes its debut on September 14th at 10pm.

It will be one of the first, major public performances for Rihanna, 21, since she was assaulted in February by her then boyfriend, singer Chris Brown.

Rihanna, rapper West and Jay-Z are among the most popular R&B artists in the United States.

NBC's decision to move the popular late night talk show host to the primetime slot five days a week is being closely watched by the TV industry as it seeks to trim costs and retain audiences.

Leno told reporters this week that his show would have more comedy and less chat. New features include a "green car" challenge in which celebrities will be invited to race a high-tech electric car round a track built outside Leno's new studio.

Brown has pleaded guilty to punching Rihanna in Los Angeles in February and is expected to be sentenced later this month to five years probation and 180 days of community service.