Posts Tagged ‘James Gandolfini’

Stars Kick Off Tribeca Film Festival Vanity Fair-Style

April 30th, 2008

There is no tip sheet for the Vanity Fair Tribeca Film Festival party — which is typically a bad sign — but reporters brush that notion aside for the kickoff soiree held at the State Supreme Courthouse in NYC. After all, it is Vanity Fair, and they host the Oscar party.

While Madonna and Mariah Carey are in town for the Festival, they clearly have other plans tonight. But Jerry Seinfeld and wife Jessica, David Bowie and Iman, James Gandolfini and girlfriend, John McEnroe and his Angie Harmon lookalike wife Patty Smyth and Russell Simmons and his gal pal head up the steps and into the party.

Waiting on the inside is a dinner of leafy green salad with light vinaigrette, chicken pot pie and roasted carrots — capped off with a dessert of warm chocolate soufflé cake, fresh berries and vanilla ice cream. Pretty lime green shamrock chrysanthemums, green tea roses and princess Irene roses fill the space, and the sounds of Don’t Know Why by Norah Jones and FugeesKilling Me Softly fill the air.

Here’s Regis Philbin, accompanied by wife Joy. What does he love about this party? “They’ve got an old building and it’s all dolled up,” friendly Reege says. “It’s very New York. There’s a lot of energy.”

Martha Stewart won’t get political while the Pennsylvania primaries are in motion. “It’s very, very close,” she says. Who is she rooting for? “I’ll tell you tomorrow.” But Oprah’s BFF Gayle King is loud and proud. “I got a crush on Obama,” she sings as she crosses her fingers. “And the exit polls look good!”

Chazz Palminteri brings Gianna, his wife of “twenty years,” as his date. Why are they a good match? “We’re two people who really care about each other. We fight, but we want to hang out with each other. And we like making up.”

Billy Crystal, Larry David and Harvey Keitel move through when designer Zac Posen gasps. “What do I say to OK! Magazine?”

Here is John Leguizamo and his wife Justine. He flashes a peace sign, a la Miley Cyrus.

Why do they make a good couple? “I’m Latin and she’s Jewish,” he tells me. “It’s the most perfect blend of people. We’re both neurotic, we’re both passionate, we’re both intense.”

Sigourney Weaver says “I’ll see you tomorrow,” just as Angelica Huston breezes through. Oh, Zoe Kravitz is here! Good times. I chat with Drena De Niro, who tells me her dad – and Tribeca Film Festival founder — Robert makes a great grandfather. (He plays Candyland and Chutes and Ladders with her son. How sweet!)

Padma Lakshmi admits she has no diet tips to share, but Liam Neeson’s wife Natasha Richardson charms with her lilting British accent. “Vanity Fair throws a good party,” she says.

We’re waiting on Clive Owen when word arrives he’s a “maybe” at the end of the evening. It’s not even day one of the jampacked Tribeca Film Festival. Gotta conserve the energy.

 

Pick up the OK! on newsstands this week for more coverage of the Tribeca Film Festival. “Angelina and Brad’s Wedding of the Year” is the cover line.

Brad and Angie’s New Hometown

March 4th, 2008

Why should I go?


Moments after you arrive in the Big Easy, it becomes clear that the people here are passionate about two things: music and food. Walk around the streets and the sound of jazz is never far away, nor are the smells of hearty gumbo, spicy jambalaya or those heavenly beignets.

The devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina are still being felt in New Orleans. But the rebuilding efforts—which includes Brad Pitt’s Make It Right foundation—and the resilient spirit of the city’s residents keep tourists returning to the city they know and love. Why? Well, there’s never a dull moment, which is always most evident during Mardi Gras New Orleans’ world-renowned two-eek celebration that ends on Fat Tuesday every year. Other events to check out: the French Quarter Festival and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, both in April; New Orleans Wine and Food Experience in May; and Tales of the Cocktail in July.

Where should I stay?


The 527-room Ritz-Carlton New Orleans stands in the northeast corner of the French Quarter on Canal Street and is a short walk from the major hot spots. The spa and gym are second to none, and the fit shop has many authentic souvenirs, including jazz CDs to help you re-create the New Orleans sound in your own home. Some staff members say the hotel is haunted—the lights did flicker once or twice—but we’ll let you decide. The club level, Maison Orleans, is perfect for guests who want extra-special treatment, like refreshments throughout the day and concierges with excellent knowledge of the city.

What should I do?


Back to those beignets: The buzzing Café Du Monde on Decatur Street near the waterfront is the place for these warm doughnut treats, which arrive in batches of three, buried under a mountain of powdered sugar. They’re the perfect accompaniment to the city’s famous chicory coffee. Across the street is Jackson Square and Saint Louis Cathedral, the heart of the Vieux Carre (aka the French Quarter). Take a buggy ride to soak up the atmosphere and gaze at the beautiful 18th century architecture. Exquisite villas and their delicate balconies are adorned with hanging flower basket and proudly displayed city flags.

Don’t forget to explore New Orleans’ otherworldly side, either by visiting the city’s spooky stores to buy a voodoo doll, or paying a visit to a psychic to get your palm read. Another tip: be sure to visit one of several above-ground cemeteries.

As nightfall descends, New Orleans starts shaking its booty. For those who want to get a head start, your first stop should be Pat O’Brien’s, where the city’s signature drink awaits. The Hurricane is a secret blend of who-knows-what, and locals warn tourists to imbibe only one on a night out. They’re right—two is pushing it; three is asking for trouble. Around the corner on the landmark Bourbon Street (which is not for the faint of heart) is Tropical Isle, a kitschy tiki bar where their specialty drink, the Hand Grenade, gives the Hurricane a run for its money.

For a more refined evening, Commander’s Palace in the Garden District offers elegant dining, including turtle soup, crispy soft-shell crab and bread pudding soufflé. Restaurant August, just a five-minute walk from the Ritz-Carlton, serves up Louisiana cuisine with a European twist and has charmed the likes of James Gandolfini and Faith Hill. Over in the eastern part of the city is Frenchmen Street, lined with jazz bars and restaurants. Snug Harbor Jazz bistro is a favorite hangout of the well-known Marsalis musical family and boasts delicious gumbo—particularly tasty if you’ve had one too many Hurricanes the night before.

James Gandolfini Engaged

January 11th, 2008 / Author: cwillett

While his hit HBO mob show The Sopranos may be only a memory for star James Gandolfini, the actor is now all set to embark on a journey of a different type as the 46-year-old prepares to walk down the aisle with girlfriend, former model Deborah Lin.

No date was given for the impending nuptials, but a rep for the fiercely private award-winning thespian confirms that the pair recently got engaged during the holidays.
This will be the second trip to the altar for James, who divorced first wife Marcy in 2002. It is reported that he was also briefly engaged in 2004 to Lora Samoza, a director’s assistant on Gandolfini’s 2001 film The Mexican.

The Sopranos Chow Down for New Show

December 6th, 2007

After being whacked in one of the final episodes of the beloved series The Sopranos, alum Steve Schirripa is famished, and he’s doing something about it. He’s launched his own TV show, Steve Schirripa’s Hungry, a new Italian-themed cooking series, for the free on-demand network, Lifeskool TV.

Steve celebrated the launch of his show at famed New York City Italian restaurant Il Cortile last night. “The show is about Italian American culture and cooking. I went to different chefs, some famous, some not famous, and they basically paid me to eat, which I would have done for free,” he told me during the family-style culinary feast.

 

All of Steve’s closest friends were in tow, including his castmates from the hit HBO series. “Everybody comes out, James Gandolfini, Tony Sirico, Dominic Chianese. They come out to support me, they’re close friends. Lorraine Bracco is here. It’s great,” he said proudly. Despite the cast reunion, that highly anticipated Sopranos movie is still just a fantasy. “No, there’s no movie, no movie. We’re eating,” Steve declared. And his favorite Italian dish? “The meatballs are my favorite. I’m a meatball guy.”

Indeed, they were delicious.

Steve Schirripa’s Hungry debuts Thursday, Dec. 6 on Lifeskool TV.

Sopranos, America Ferrera Predicted for Emmy Wins

September 14th, 2007

It’s time to put your thinking caps on and do some work! The 59th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards are on Sunday, which means you only have two days to complete your predictions. OK!, or at least Delaina Dixon and Joyce Eng, already have, and so have Dayna Devon and Mark McGrath from Extra, which kicked off its 14th season this week. Check out our picks below!

Drama Series
Boston Legal
Grey’s Anatomy
Heroes
House
The Sopranos

Delaina says: The Sopranos. "If only for its curious ending that left people talking."

Joyce says: The Sopranos. "They sent in solid tapes and I think everyone knows it deserves more than one Emmy for Drama Series. Yup, it’s only won once!"

Dayna says: The Sopranos. "I think they are going to send them off with a nice little Emmy to say goodbye."

Mark says: We all agree — The Sopranos! "Simply because it was the ending of the best television show in history. May it rest in peace."

Drama Actor
James Gandolfini, The Sopranos
Denis Leary, Rescue Me
Hugh Laurie, House
James Spader, Boston Legal
Kiefer Sutherland, 24

Delaina says: James Gandolfini. "Tough choice, but the Emmys like to reward people when they finish a long, hard series run."

Joyce says: James Gandolfini. "This is really James’ for the taking. Keep an eye out for two-time champ James Spader, one of two people who has defeated James G. The other is Dennis Franz."

Dayna says: James Gandolfini. "They are going to reward him for a body of work and as a sentimental favorite."

Mark says: We all agree again! James Gandolfini. "Staying on the theme here, but it’s a very stiff race in this category. Denis Leary is coming on strong."

Drama Actress

Patricia Arquette, Medium
Minnie Driver, The Riches
Edie Falco, The Sopranos
Sally Field, Brothers and Sisters
Mariska Hargitay, Law and Order: SVU
Kyra Sedgwick, The Closer

Delaina says: Kyra Sedgwick. "She’s just unreal. Plus, who doesn’t love a woman who plays a woman who loves chocolate?"

Joyce says: Kyra Sedgwick. "This is a case of catch-up. The wonderfully nuanced Kyra should take it, who ideally would’ve won last year if Mariska Hargitay won earlier. Kyra’s got the Globe, the buzz and a good tape. But the person who has a better tape is Minnie Driver, and if voters really focus on that, she’s in the Driver’s seat."

Dayna says: Minnie Driver. "You may see a surprise. People are raving about her performance and do like surprises at the Emmys and freshman series."

Mark says: Edie Falco (sense a theme?). "There will be a revolution if Minnie Driver wins. I say Edie."

Comedy Series
Entourage
The Office
Two and a Half Men
30 Rock
Ugly Betty

Delaina says: The Office. "I love Ugly Betty, but may be too slapstick. The Office is like Arrested Development – quirky, weird, industry favorite. That’s why 30 Rock also has a chance."

Joyce says: 30 Rock. "This is a really tight race. I would say the only one out of it is Two and a Half Men, which ironically is the only traditional sitcom here. 30 Rock’s going to get the Arrested Development treatment here."

Dayna says: Ugly Betty. "I really wish The Office would win — I love that show — but I think it’s going to be Ugly Betty."

Mark says: The Office. "I’m giving it to the underdog, the little train that could. It’s hung around, thought it was going to be cancelled the first season."

Comedy Actor
Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock
Steve Carell, The Office
Ricky Gervais, Extras
Tony Shalhoub, Monk
Charlie Sheen, Two and a Half Men

Delaina says: Alec Baldwin. "If only to hear in what tone of voice he gives his acceptance speech."

Joyce says: Steve Carell. "Voters are notoriously lazy, so you can never count out three-time winner Tony Shalhoub, but I think this will be another catch-up. Alec has little screentime in his tape, so if he wins, it will be purely based on buzz and respect. Darkhorse is Ricky Gervais."

Dayna says: Alec Baldwin. "I like Tony, he’s the nicest guy you’ve ever met, but I’m so tired of seeing him up there. I say Alec. I think people feel sorry for him over what happened with the phone message and 30 Rock is a critical favorite."

Mark says: Charlie Sheen. "Tony Shalhoub is basically being victimized by his own genius. Alec Baldwin, love his character, the way he took what he does best on Saturday Night Live and acclimated it for this character, but Charlie will win."

Comedy Actress
America Ferrera, Ugly Betty
Tina Fey, 30 Rock
Felicity Huffman, Desperate Housewives
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, The New Adventures of Old Christine
Mary-Louise Parker, Weeds

Delaina says: America Ferrera. "Here’s where Ugly Betty will feel the love."

Joyce says: America Ferrera. "It’s between her and Julia Louis-Dreyfus. America could be the first person to sweep the big three (Globe, SAG, Emmy) while Julia can be the first repeat winner since 2001. But the charming sweetness of America’s performance should help her prevail."

Dayna says: America Ferrera. "I think that America is in love with America. Everybody feels like they know her, everybody likes her."

Mark says: Four for four — America Ferrera. "She’s going to win this, end of story. She’s the underdog on the show and she’s the underdog in the race. She has this perfect storm of collision happening."

Reality-Competition Program
American Idol
Dancing With The Stars
Project Runway
The Amazing Race
Top Chef

Delaina says: Project Runway. "OK, not really, but maybe they’ll send me an outfit for my kudos!"

Joyce says: The Amazing Race. "The Amazing Race has never lost since the category was created and I think the streak will continue. Top Chef is my runner-up."

Dayna says: The Amazing Race. "Who should win? American Idol."

Mark says: Top Chef. "I like the underdog in this because Top Chef rules and there’s no better actor in television today than Padma Lakshmi."

Dayna says: "Oh, shut up! He’s in love with her. That’s the only reason he’s saying this. It’s not about her talent."

Mark says: "She’s amazing. There will be another revolution if she doesn’t win!"

Make sure to check out okmagazine.com Sunday night for live news and updates!

By Joyce Eng

ROSS THE INTERN JOINS JOEY FATONE, LISA RINNA FOR EMMY COVERAGE ON TV GUIDE CHANNEL

September 14th, 2007

Joey Fatone and Lisa Rinna are replacing Joan and Melissa Rivers as the red carpet go-to team on the TV Guide Channel for the 2007 Emmy Awards. OK!’s Derek Ivie got me the scoop on whether these red carpet hosts are having any jitters.

“I’m a little nervous,” says Joey. “Hopefully I can throw in something a little bit different.” Wonder if the Dancing With the Stars veteran and Singing Bee host will bring a little song and dance to the carpet?

Why do he and Lisa make a great team? “I think we’ll do well bantering and making fun,” he says. “She is such a sweetheart, and we have a lot of fun.”

Lisa let Derek in on a secret: Ross “The Intern” Matthews from The Tonight Show With Jay Leno is joining their team for red carpet and fashion coverage. “I fought for it because I am the one who was like, ‘They should take a meeting with him,’” Lisa says. “I am such a huge fan. He blew them away.” No doubt his trim, new physique will look amazing in a tux.

While Joey says he hates being wrong with his Emmy picks, Lisa is happy to cop to her choices. “I am a big fan of Entourage,” she says. “ I am a big fan of Kevin Dillon. I’d like to see him win even though I think Jeremy Piven is genius. I am a big fan of The Sopranos so I think that will win. James Gandolfini is genius. I am a big fan of so many. I am just one big fan, to be honest with you.”


Catch Joey and Lisa show the love Sunday, Sept. 16, at 3 p.m. ET on the TV Guide Channel.

SOPRANO’S JAMES GANDOLFINI RETURNS TO HBO

September 5th, 2007

James Gandolfini has returned to HBO as the executive producer of a new documentary, Alive Day Memories; Home From Iraq. Featuring 10 young soldiers and Marines who were severely injured in Iraq, the survivors discuss their disabilities, their military experiences and their hopes for the future.

Only knowing James from his role of mob boss Tony on The Sopranos, it was strange to see the hulking actor live up to his press shy reputation, choosing instead to mingle quietly with the young veterans featured in the film during its premiere screening at the Morgan Library and Museum in Midtown Manhattan. But his former castmates eagerly spoke on why it was so important for James to bring this project to light.

"Couple of years ago we went down to Washington D.C. to the hospital to visit these guys and it kind of breaks your heart,” said Vincent Pastore. “I’m here to support and show there’s more to the world than Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan." With Tony Sirico, Aida Turturro, Steve Buscemi and Edie Falco also in attendance, it was a mini-Sopranos reunion, a nice moment for show’s mafia queen. “It’s not so much about missing the show as it is the people, and here they are,” Edie shared.

Alive Day Memories: Home From Iraq, airs Sunday, Sept. 9 at 10:30 p.m. on HBO.

EDIE FALCO FEEDS HER SON – AND HE GROWS!

August 31st, 2007

It took a movie musical starring her former Sopranos co-star James Gandolfini and directed by John Turturro to tear Edie Falco, 44, away from her 2 ½ year-old son Anderson. “He is beyond spectacular,” she told me at the premiere of Romance and Cigarettes on August 30. “I can’t believe what happens when you just feed this little guy. He grows and grows, and becomes smart and funny and has a personality. I’m just dumbfounded.”

So how has motherhood changed Edie? “It’s slowed me down,” she says. “It’s made me realize it’s not really all about me, which is a very good thing to learn at a certain point in your life.” Post-Sopranos, Edie says, “I’m reading a lot of scripts, and hoping to find something I’m excited by. Thus far, I’m a little daunted, but I’m looking.”

JAMES GANDOLFINI PELTS ME WITH POPCORN

August 31st, 2007

OMG – you’re not going to believe what happened last night!

It was the Romance and Cigarettes premiere, and the press were crammed in like sardines while waiting to interview the big stars like Susan Saradon and James Gandolfini. Well, it was getting out of control, and moviegoers were encroaching on our space while they were getting popcorn. We were really getting knocked around. Well, along comes a biggish man up from behind who attempts to break through the tightly-assembled press line.

“Excuse me, miss,” the jeans-and-polo-t-shirt wearing guy says, and I tell him he needs to go around. “I have to go to the end of the line?” he whines. “Well, yeah,” I tell him, and he does. Only then does the reporter beside me let me in on the joke. “That’s James Gandolfini,” she says.

Oops!

James sees that I “get it,” and starts playfully pelting me with popcorn from a few feet away. Well, at least he didn’t pull that "don’t you know who I am?" line…

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