"It's been a challenge just because, honestly, my son being gay.…it was unknown for me. I think a lot of people are afraid of the unknown, whereas I'm not. To me, it's intriguing. And I want to learn about it. —Brian Austin Green talks about his son Cassias being gay. If Brian really wants to learn more about being gay, I'm happy to give him a hand.
I'm a winner, baby! I'm leaving Vegas a couple hundred bucks ahead. I'm also a few pounds heavier courtesy of Cinnabon but, nonetheless, a good time was had by all.
There's something thrilling about seeing a friend's name on a marquee. It's even more exciting when it's a 30-foot-tall Varla Jean Merman looming over the Vegas Strip—alongside Barry Manilow at the Westgate. Her fantastic show, Stand By Your Drag, is in the midst of a national tour, and is hysterical and, sadly, timely. During these days when drag queens are being targeted, Varla brilliantly weaves humor with a message of solidarity and defiance. It's an uproarious romp that's guaranteed to please.
Then it was off to Kathy Griffin at The Mirage. The day before the event, the red-headed spitfire announced a $250 meet-and-greet—with 100% of the proceeds going to the American Cancer Society in conjunction with Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. It sold out in a matter of minutes!
As to the show itself, Kathy delivered close to two hours of anecdotes from the past few years—and what a few years it's been. OK, the material was somewhat less celebrity-laden than usual, but that's to be expected. Since she is a gifted storyteller, even heavy topics were heavy on laughs—and that includes the lurid details of her suicide attempt by way of a giant vase and a swimming pool! The last half hour was vintage Griffin, including a lengthy recounting of her Mexican vacation with Sia. To add credence to the tale, Sia got up from the audience and sang a bit of "Chandelier" (which you can see on our website). Also seated behind me were Rosie O'Donnell, Chris Colfer, Laraine Newman, and Julia Sweeney.
If you wanna see Kathy, consider booking passage on the upcoming Atlantis cruise from Los Angeles to Mexico on Oct. 23. Just go to AtlantisEvents.com and tell 'em Billy sent you. Just a little tip, from me to you.
It's hard to believe it's been a year since the tragic passing of Leslie Jordan. I still consider him as alive and vital as anyone else in my life, which probably says more about the people I socialize with. And Leslie's still making news—it was just announced that he'll be honored with a star on the Palm Springs Walk of the Stars. The unveiling will take place on the anniversary of his passing—Oct. 20—at Downtown Palm Springs Park.
The writers' strike may be over, but troubles continue for The Drew Barrymore Show. You'll recall Drew planned to debut her show during the strike and hired "scab" writers—and, no, those are not writers with injuries. After an outcry from both the public and her peers, Drew reluctantly delayed her return. With the strike over, the premiere was re-announced for Oct. 16. But, surprise—her three head writers have declined the offer to return to their jobs! It should be noted that the trio were amongst the people picketing the show during the strike. We're told Drew is scrambling to find some new writers.
Recently, Cher was in Paris promoting her line of gelato—yes, I know that sounds ridiculous, but it's true. She also attended some of the Paris Fashion Week shows...with ex-boyfriend, Alexander Edwards. You remember him—the 37-year-old producer who Cher said her whole family liked (unknown if that included her son Elijah Blue - who she allegedly had kidnapped from a NYC hotel room...see last week's column).
Cher and Edwards were spotted cuddling at the Balmain and Givenchy shows. The highlight of the trip was an appearance at Silencio, a Paris nightclub that was hosting the H&M and Rabanne party. Cher popped up and sang "Believe." She then announced her upcoming Christmas collection—and sang along with the first single, "DJ Play a Christmas Song." She was in the DJ booth at the time. Oh, that Cher—she's so clever. You can see that video on BillyMasters.com .
Remember the movie Burlesque—Cher's film with Christina Aguilera? Plans are afoot to turn the film (which was greeted with tepid enthusiasm) into a live stage musical. Obviously, Cher ain't gonna appear in the show—that would cut into her nap time. But Christina is the executive producer, and it's being shaped by the film's director, Steve Antin.
Every year, we are treated to several dozen holiday films on TV. This year, one stands out amongst the rest. Ladies of the '80s: A Divas Christmas is an '80s-themed Lifetime flick with a bevy of actresses—some of whom happen to be in their eighties! Five soap divas reunite for a Christmas episode of their show, which will also serve as the daytime drama's finale. The ladies are Loni Anderson, Morgan Fairchild, Linda Gray, Donna Mills and Nicollette Sheridan. Making it even splashier, it'll also star Christopher Atkins. See what I did there?
We know soap operas come up with implausible plots. How's about a show where one actress is fired and the next day, the role is played by someone already in the cast? That is what's actually happening on Days of Our Lives right now. The character of Theresa Donovan has been played by Jen Lilley on and off since 2013. At the end of the Oct. 2 episode, the credits indicated that role would thereafter be played by Emily O'Brien—who currently plays the role of Gwen von Leuschner (I say as if I know who any of these dames are). Since the character of Gwen ain't leaving, Emily will be playing BOTH roles. This begs the question—will she receive two salaries?
Next comes to mind Lukas Gage's flick Down Low, in which he plays a massage therapist who gives Zachary Quinto a "handy" and then tries to facilitate his first full-on gay experience by hooking him up with someone on an app. To say it all goes terribly wrong would be an understatement. I'm not exactly sure how Audra McDonald and Judith Light fit in, but I found myself laughing at the trailer enough to be intrigued when it drops on Oct. 10. I warn you—it is possible that I also saw the best two minutes in the film. So don't come crying to me if it sucks.
Our "Ask Billy" question comes from Victor in San Francisco: "I saw [Senator] Scott Wiener at Folsom and he is really hot. Is he single?"
In case you don't know, the 53-year-old Scott Wiener is an openly gay state senator from California. He got lots of attention after he posted a recent photo from the Folsom Street Fair in a pair of tight jeans, a leather vest, and not much else. And it's true, he's ABS-olutely ripped. Many people online commented on his eight-pack (which you can see on BillyMasters.com ). From what I've gathered, he's single. So good luck, Victor!
When I'm slipping you just the tip, it's definitely time to end yet another column. This week, I'm in my sumptuous Beverly Hills-adjacent abode. God willing, I'll be here more during the coming year. But no matter where in the world Billy is, he's delivering fresh dish on www.BillyMasters.com —the site that's very handy! If you want me to give you a hand (or a tip), send your indecent proposals to Billy@BillyMasters.com and I promise to get back to you before I find a creative way to burn off those Cinnabons! Until next time, remember, one man's filth is another man's bible.
