JILL JACKSON’S HOLLYWOOD
By Jill Jackson
HOLLYWOOD … Everybody seems to be “getting into the act” of naming the 10 best. Could be movies, actors, actresses, songs, etc. Now the American Film Institute has announced its choice of the 10 Best Movies of 2008. They are “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” “The Dark Knight,” “Frost/Nixon,” “Frozen River,” “Gran Torino,” “Iron Man,” “Milk,” “Wall-E,” “Wendy and Lucy” and “The Wrestler.” If any of you care to get into the act, send your choices. We’ll print them.
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I was saddened to learn of the death of Margaret Truman. I loved her books — mostly mysteries taking place in Washington, D.C. Always attention-keeping, interesting and enlightening. I’m told she also was a loving wife, great friend, good mother and caring grandmother.
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Dustin Hoffman has been making the rounds, talking about his latest outing and career. And what a body of work this man has had. “The Graduate,” “Midnight Cowboy,” “Kramer vs. Kramer,” “Tootsie,” “Rain Man,” “Lenny” and on and on. He’s 71 and still going strong. Hoffman grew up in L.A. His mother was a jazz pianist, and his father was a set decorator. He is happily married and has two children — a daughter, Rebecca, and a son, Max. And it is our devout hope we’ll keep getting more and more Dustin in more pictures.
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Some of you definitely remember when the frizzier a femme’s hair, the better. Then, all of a sudden, everything went straight: Long hair, usually parted in the middle, and actually ironed straight. Jennifer Anniston’s locks were like that at the “Marley and Me” premiere. So were Barbra Streisand’s when she was honored by the Kennedy Center. The only one I haven’t seen like that is Julia, but I haven’t seen her lately.
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Aside to William W. of Washington, D.C. You want to know all about Heather Graham. Well, here’s what I know. She was born in Milwaukee on Jan. 29, 1970. She was raised in a devout Catholic family that wanted her to become a nun. However, Heather didn’t want that calling. She had a yearlong romance with actor James Woods, who was twice her age. When she broke up with him, she had a fling with Ed Burns. Her original job was as an usher at the Hollywood Bowl. She says about herself: “I see myself as this nerdy geek that people find attractive.” And William, obviously you do.
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And to Kenneth L. Of Baton Rouge, La.: Yes, Clark Gable did win an Oscar. But not for Rhett Butler in “Gone With the Wind.” He was awarded the little man for “It Happened One Night.”
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BITS ’N’ PIECES: At a 1982 press conference, Joan Collins wore a dress made from all the newspaper stories written about her. … Kirk Douglas used to change into his pajamas as a hint to guests who stayed too long. … And Mae West wore 10-inch heels. … Most of us are aware of the first femme Academy Award winner, but what about the second? It was Mary Pickford for “Coquette” in 1929. … And re the Academy Awards, already hair and makeup artists are readying their scissors and brushes. … Hopefully ’09 is going well for all of you.
© 2009 King Features Synd., Inc.