"People didn't know that she was so talented cutting hair. The one thing she would have liked to become is a hairstylist."—Jose Eber talks about Elizabeth Taylor's secret passion. I'm not so sure it would have been a good idea. How much do you tip the stylist with two Oscars and a tracheotomy scar who's wearing the Cleopatra headdress?
I only met Elizabeth Taylor once: April 29, 1986. An AIDS benefit in NYC. "To Care is to Cure" was billed as "The World's Largest Photo Session." Her "date" for the evening was a very dashing Calvin Klein—and having him show up at an AIDS event back then was big news. As the presentation was about to start, people pushed closer to the stage. I seized that opportunity to slip over to the now-abandoned (and fully-laden) buffet. Out of the corner of my eye, I spied a tiny figure in front of the guy slicing roast beef. Before the slab hit the plate, someone whispered in her ear. I heard a familiar voice screech, "Can't I at least put a goddamn piece of meat in my mouth, for Christ's sake?" Realizing someone overheard her, she smiled at me and winked. That was Elizabeth Taylor.
This was Taylor at her most beautiful. She'd gotten sober, lost all the weight, was tanned and her dark hair had little grey tips—she was breathtaking. I wormed my way into her enormous entourage and followed her into the wings. I took a series of photos of her onstage, hoping against hope to snag the big prize—a photo with the legendary lady herself. The moment she came off stage, about 20 security guards appeared and created a human chain around her and everyone in her immediate vicinity—including moi. We were all hustled towards a waiting car, knocking over poor little Dr. Ruth (who I did get a photo with). Everyone was frazzled, except Elizabeth. This was her life. She was used to it. Come to think of it, she never did get a piece of meat that night ... but I did!
The stage version of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert opened on Broadway to critical acclaim and a delirious star-studded audience. Among the revelers was Guy Pearce, the film version's Adam/Felicia. He had some words of encouragement for Nick Adams, who's playing the role on stage: "Don't wear shoes that are too small and don't wear G-strings that are too tight." I hear ya, sister!
This is quite a big deal for our Adams, who is experiencing his first leading role on Broadway—and he can thank two of his previous parts for landing this gig. Playing a hunky sidekick in A Chorus Line got him noticed for having some acting chops in addition to an enviable physique. Also, an alleged brouhaha with replacement lead Mario Lopez (which has since been branded as completely false) got Adams what every budding star needs—publicity. He shrewdly chose to take a semi-step backwards and play a Cagelle in the revival of La Cage aux Folles—not necessarily a star-making move, but one that showed the producers of "Priscilla" he could handle anything they threw at him. But it hasn't been a smooth ride. As Nick says, "My professional life has never been better, but my personal life sucks." I've always had a penchant for a hot guy who sucks...
Things seem to be going full steam ahead on the Liberace film with Michael Douglas that's being shot this summer. Matt Damon, who will be playing Lee's young paramour, Scott Thorson, said, "I never thought I would get to kiss Michael Douglas. I'm upset that I didn't get to kiss Catherine [Zeta-Jones in"Oceans 12], but now I get to kiss Michael." Well, you know what they say—when you sleep with someone, you're also sleeping with everyone they did. This is why I always look for the tramp in a new city—in an hour, you're caught up!
Would ya believe that Bradley Cooper missed his graduation ceremony from Pace University because he was having gay sex? Anyone surprised? Hands? No one—just as I suspected. This was back in 2001, when the venerable James Lipton was dean of the school. Brad's past came back to haunt him when Lippy interviewed him for Inside the Actor's Studio: "Ten years ago as dean, I was handing out diplomas and I noticed you were missing from your graduation ceremony. Where were you?" Brad responded, "I was having sex with Michael Ian Black in a sports shed in 'Wet Hot American Summer'." The video I'll run on BillyMasters.com should answer all of your questions, except for one—what the fuck was Bradley Cooper doing on Inside the Actor's Studio?
We started this column with a story about a photo session that raised money and awareness for the fight against AIDS. We'll end with the NOH8 photo campaign, which is trying to raise awareness for gay rights and, I believe, the multiple uses of duct tape! I could be wrong—after all, I'm one of the few people who hasn't been asked to participate in this campaign. But now it's a moot point. Last week, Jeffrey Sanker and Charo were photographed together. Honey, I introduce Charo—I know better than to follow her! The twosome was shot to promote Charo's upcoming appearance at Sanker's White Party in Palm Springs April 8-11. In a philanthropic gesture, Jeffrey will be providing a room at the Renaissance Hotel on Friday, April 8, for the NOH8 campaign to photograph people and raise money for the cause. Luckily, there's a Home Depot nearby should the need for more duct tape arise! On Saturday, I'll be interviewing luminaries on the white carpet—and I'm sure some of them will wish they had some duct tape to use on me! The full schedule of events can be found at www.JeffreySanker.com .
When James Lipton is lowering his standards, it's definitely time to end yet another column. But first, a contest: What was the last line of dialogue Elizabeth Taylor's ever uttered in a movie? And a voiceover does not count. The first person with the correct eight-word answer will get a free month at www.BillyMasters.com . You can send your guesses, along with any questions you might have, to Billy@BillyMasters.com and I promise to get back to you before someone uses duct tape on me! Until next time, remember, one man's filth is another man's bible.
