Yes, folks, divas have hearts and souls just like the rest of us. In the pantheon of pop divas, Diana Ross occupies a special place. Building on the barrier bursting careers of the great…
Year: 2012
Blog posts
The “Zelig” of the Record Business: Who Is Raffles van Exel, the Man Accused of Selling the Whitney Houston Casket Photos to the National Enquirer?
Who is Raffles van Exel? Here’s what I can tell you firsthand: during the years I was running in the heady L.A. music business circles with my boss, songwriter Denise Rich, Raffles van Exel…
Making Lists: On Collecting, the Acquisitive Personality, and 8 Things Barbra Streisand Did in 1971
“I don’t know much about what Barbra Streisand did in 1971.” So began my first attempt at “serious” writing—in 1973. I was a nine-year-old kid who was determined to write a biography about a…
Really, Rosie? Rosie O’Donnell, TV’s Erstwhile “Queen of Nice,” Loses Bully Pulpit Once Again and Is Finally Outed as the “Nastiest Woman in America!”
I know whence I speak, for I too have been publicly “O’Donnelled” not once but twice in the mid-nineties. In the years that have passed I have heard similar horror stories anecdotally from many, many other people. After hearing about Rosie’s most recent spree of bullying on Oprah’s network, I have decided that something must be done: I propose we form a twelve-step group called “Rosie Anonymous,” where people who have been publicly humiliated or whose lives have otherwise been negatively impacted by this monster can share their stories and let each other know that they are not alone.
A Way With Words: Could This be the Most Humiliating Job Listing Of All Time?
This is a REAL acting gig that I am came across last week on a website that posts acting jobs: [ ONE ARMED MAN ] Late 20s and older. We are looking for a man’s man…
Straight Acting: It’s Fine to be Gay as Long as You Act Like a Guy, or “What Would Cher Do?”
Yesterday I auditioned for another student film, this time at my alma mater, New York University. The part was small but meaty and well-suited for me: a businessman who turns into an evil clown.…
The Gayest Song of All Time! Or, How Bruce Roberts and I Got Jackie Collins in the Recording Studio and Learned the Difference between Good and Bad Leopard Print
I’ve written at some length about my erstwhile friendship with Dynasty diva Joan Collins, but I must confess that Joan is not the only “Collins” in my black book. Back in 1999, I spent several months…
What Really Killed Whitney Houston? On the Mainstream Media’s Cover-up of the Star’s Sexuality: “The Greatest Love of All”
Was Whitney Houston killed by homophobia? In the weeks since Whitney Houston’s tragic death which, given the circumstances of her very public struggles, seemed at once shocking and inevitable, I’ve been a bit surprised…
On Camera: Munk Does Asia, Country By Country
Part One: China. If you read my piece on the Orbit Gum commercial, you might be pleased to know the news hasn’t all been grim. I did in fact get cast in a School…
My Worst Audition Ever? Or, The Danger of Playing Paddle Ball, Chewing Gum and Singing “We Built This City” Simultaneously
Not long ago, I had an audition for Orbit chewing gum. I was being seen for the part of a falafel and, as I came to learn later, also a burrito. Confused? Yeah, I…
On Carol Channing, Corn, and Other (Urban) Legends: Including Her Recipe For German Pot Roast in Eating With the Stars
Oh Carol! Neil Sedaka may have been singing about Carole King in his top ten hit from 1959, but he might has well been singing about everybody’s favorite eternal chorine, Carol Channing. Betty White…
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