"I believe in our civil rights. As a mother, I think my daughter deserves everything that she desires in life. She's a good girl. She's a wonderful child. I don't think God made one color flower. I think he made many."—Marie Osmond is named "Person of the Week" by ABC World News with Diane Sawyer. Her views on same-sex marriage were made the day after some other Osmonds held a fundraiser supporting traditional marriage in Utah.
With everything going on in the world, it may seem trite to open this week's column announcing Dionne Warwick's bankruptcy. But, let's face it—if I'm not going to make Dionne Warwick a lead story, who is? According to papers filed in court, Warwick has roughly $1,000 in cash against a $10 million tax debt. I hate to sound insensitive (a statement that usually precedes something terribly insensitive), but where were her Psychic Friends? You'd think someone could have warned her about this. Frankly, I don't expect Dionne to be able to navigate her way through turbulent financial waters. Back in the '60s, she didn't even know the way to San Jose!
Our spies in NYC tell us that Kathy Griffin and Anderson Cooper just filmed a television pilot. We don't know many details except it was an hour-long talk show format with a live audience, and that CNN head honcho Jeff Zucker was there. Since the twosome brings in boffo ratings for the network on New Year's Eve, it wouldn't be surprising if CNN is trying to lock them in for something long-term, especially in light of conversations Andy has had with NBC about possibly replacing Matt Lauer. Stay tuned.
Although The View was on hiatus the past couple of weeks, there's still news trickling out regarding the changing faces at the table. To recap, Joy Behar has announced she will leave in August when her contract is up, and rumor was that Elisabeth Hasselbeck's contract would not be renewed. This rumor was quickly thwarted by Barbara Walters, who proclaimed on live TV that "we have no plans for Elisabeth to leave the show. Having said that to all of you, Bill [Geddie, executive producer of The View] and I have always said that when one of you make the choice to leave, that's your choice and we will support your decision." But some choices are not up to Barbara or Bill—they're up to the network, and we're told that Elisabeth is being urged to look for employment elsewhere. In addition to a meeting with Fox News, Hasselbeck also met with Zucker over at CNN—where Joy could also end up. I mentioned to a friend that it would be funny if Elisabeth ended up at CNN with Joy. The friend said, "No, what would be funny is if Elisabeth ended up there and Joy didn't." Hmm.....
Now, for a happy story. Jenna Wolfe, weekend anchor of the Today Show, has not only announced that she is gay but is having a baby with NBC News correspondent Stephanie Gosk. I must say this story shocked me—who knew the Today Show had a weekend edition?
I'd like to acknowledge the passing of comedian Scott Kennedy. The first I heard of his death was when I drove by the Improv here in Hollywood and saw "RIP Scott Kennedy" up on its marquee. For one of the biggest comedy clubs in the country to acknowledge the passing of a gay comedian is high praise indeed, and he deserved nothing less. For years, Scott toured under the banner "Gay Comedy Jam" with Kevin Maye. On his own, he worked in clubs across the country and also performed for our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. In fact, he did more than 50 tours in these war-torn areas, often performing five times a day. Now there's a real gay American hero.
Our "Ask Billy" question comes from Randy in Albany: "What can you tell me about Gleb, the gorgeous new professional on Dancing With the Stars who is the partner of that Beverly Hills housewife? Why hasn't he taken his shirt off? You must have some dirt on him, or at least some hot photos. He's breathtaking."
I must confess, there are few men I've seen quite as dashing as Gleb Savchenko. His height and dark looks kinda remind me of a young Austin Peck. The sexy 29-year-old was born in Moscow and is well-versed in gymnastics, swimming, tennis and karate in addition to dancing. He competed as a dancer in Russia and Europe. He was discovered by an agent while he was teaching dance in a Moscow fitness center. That led to modeling and TV appearances as a host and singer (singer?). Since then, he's continued entertaining the masses in NYC, Hong Kong and, most recently, Australia, where he competed on its version of Dancing With the Stars. (He and his partner were the first couple eliminated.) As for his personal life, not much info ... yet. But at least we've unearthed some deliciously hot shirtless photos which we'll post on BillyMasters.com .
Speaking of deliciously hot guys, little Patrick Schwarzenegger was snapped by the paparazzi while on spring break. Since the photos are sizzling, we feel compelled to share them with you on BillyMasters.com .
When Gleb is trying to figure out the Russian translation for "Vanderpump," we've definitely come to the end of yet another column. And what a column it was. This one had a little bit of everything—entertainment, politics, religion, sports and nudity. The only place you'd find such diversity is www.BillyMasters.com, the site that's as versatile as it's proprietor. If you've got a question, send it along to Billy@BillyMasters.com and I promise to get back to you before I say a little prayer for Dionne. Until next time, remember, one man's filth is another man's bible.
