HOLLYWOOD … Drew Barrymore appearing on the “Late Show” — this time her long, flowing hair pulled unbecomingly back, but baring that famous Barrymore profile — talked again with David Letterman about many things. Of interest to me is the fact that whenever her famous ancestors — her grandfather John and aunt and uncle Ethel and Lionel are mentioned — no mention is ever made of her grandmother Dolores Costello, one of the great beauties in early movies. Dolores married John Barrymore, they had a son John Drew Barrymore, who fathered Drew. … AND if I’ve told you this before, it is worth repeating. A couple of decades ago I was browsing the fruit stand at my local supermarket. There beside me was this youngster also browsing the fruit section who said, “Aren’t they delicious looking.” On a closer inspection, I noticed she was wearing high-heeled shoes, rouge and lipstick, and she was oh-so beautiful. I later learned it was Drew, aged 6, who was just about to go into the making of “ET.”
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It’s a ways off yet, but come October, Bill Cosby is set to receive the 12th annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor presented by The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. This for “a career focused on race relations and the breaking down of stereotypes.” What a career this man has had. Did you know he attended Temple University and the University of Massachusetts and has a Ph.D.? Not only was he a top student, he also was a top athlete scouted by the Green Bay Packers.
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Billy Bob Thornton’s brouhaha continues. This time over his band. Seems like he was on a Canadian tour and canceled, comparing that country’s fans to “mashed potatoes with no gravy.” He certainly has not endeared himself to Maple Leaf residents. And an aside to Helen G. of Pass Christian, Miss.: Yes, Billy Bob, Angelina and Brad do speak. And no, he and Angelina did not have any children together (as far as I know).
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Kristen Bell has been signed to star in a Disney comedy titled “You Again.” This about a girl who discovers her brother is marrying a girl who made her high-school years a “living hell.” She tries to convince her brother he shouldn’t link up with this lady. So, we’ll wait and see what Disney does with this one. Meanwhile, keep your eye out for Kristen. She looks like a BIG comer.
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BITS ’N’ PIECES: Zac Efron, who captured ShoWest’s award as Breakthrough Star of the Year, has been making the rounds of the talk shows and proving why to everyone. Quite a captivating young man, and a good actor. … AND on the subject of awards, Don Rickles is still running his mouth insulting all and sundry, and still receiving awards. The latest being the Legend Award from the 2009 TV Land Awards. … And Chris Pine, star of the new “Star Trek,” taking home another Star of Tomorrow award.
© 2009 King Features Synd., Inc.