Search Results for: blog the surreal life surreal indeed

Sherman Hemsley Dies

Forgive the pun, but today, actor Sherman Hemsley moved on up, to a deluxe apartment in the sky. Now, if you don’t get the pun in that sentence, then you probably never watched “The Jeffersons.” Hemsley played the lead, George Jefferson, on that show, one of the most beloved comedies of the late ‘70s/early ‘80s. He died at age 74 of what is being reported as natural causes. (This work is in the public domain in that it was published in the United States between 1923 and 1977 and without a copyright notice.) Before he had his own show, Hemsley … Continue reading →

Teen Star Corey Haim Dead at 38

By now, you have probably heard the sad news that Corey Haim, a teen star of the ‘80s, died on March 10th. When the news was announced, most people just assumed it was drug overdose. Yes, Haim had fallen into the “teen star that can’t make the transition to adult fame” pit that many fall into. He got rave reviews for his role in Lucas in 1986. Haim was only 15 years old at the time, but film critic Roger Ebert praised his performance saying, “He creates one of the most three-dimensional, complicated, interesting characters of any age in any … Continue reading →

Television Celebrity Deaths: Paul Benedict and Beverly Garland

Actor Paul Benedict died last Monday at the age of 70. Benedict is probably best remembered as playing Mr. Bentley, the English neighbor of George Jefferson, on “The Jeffersons.” Benedict played the character on the show from 1975 until 1985 with a briefly departure for the 1982 season. Benedict suffered from acromegaly, a pituitary disorder which gave him an over-sized jaw and angular features. The unusual looks allowed him to use his facial features well in comedy skits. In addition, Benedict also appeared films such as The Goodbye Girl, The Man with Two Brains, This is Spinal Tap, A Mighty … Continue reading →

Jay Bakker: A Different Kind of Ministry

The other day I was writing about infamous hotel rooms and I mentioned the one in which Jim Bakker, head of the PTL Ministries, went to with his then secretary Jessica Hahn. You know I love scandals, so I was intrigued when I saw Sundance was going to air a six-episode documentary called “One Punk Under God” featuring Jim and Tammy Faye’s son Jay. I find it interesting that Jay himself became a pastor, but in a different way than most sons following their father’s footsteps. The divorce of his mom and dad happened when Jay was still a teen … Continue reading →

Television News: The Dirt on Dirt and Celebrity Rehab

Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew If you didn’t get enough of “Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew” in Season 1, just wait until you hear what Season 2 had in store! First of all, there is a whole new cast of celebs in need of help. Jeff Conaway of “Taxi” fame returns for stint #2 and Rod Stewart’s son Sean will be there as will model Amber Smith. If you saw her on “Surreal Life,” it will come as no surprise that actress Tawny Kitaen will also join the cast. There is even another reality star – Season 1 “American Idol” … Continue reading →

Roe Messner Remarries

The husband of Tammy Faye married on December 7th in Las Vegas and some thought it a bit shocking. Roe Messner is best known as the second husband of Tammy Faye Bakker. Tammy Faye was the well known and beloved wife of televangelist Jim Bakker – best known as the mastermind behind the PTL Network and the Christian theme park Heritage USA. Roe Messner was the contractor who built the popular Heritage USA resort and a friend of the Bakker’s. But things turned ugly in March 1987, when Jessica Hahn said Bakker had raped her then staff member Messner paid … Continue reading →

Brigitte Neilsen – Sober and Happy

While the news of Lindsay Lohan’s relapse is upsetting, there is another celebrity who is touting her sobriety – former Red Sonja actress turned reality star Brigitte Nielsen. Red Sonja wasn’t my kind of movie, but I did become a bit of a Brigitte fan when she married one of my favorite actors, Sylvester Stallone. That romance went down like in flames like an F-14, but The Great Dane kept busy with her career, appearing mainly soon forgotten films, made for tv movies, and recording music. But, once she decided to star in the Surreal Life, she found a second … Continue reading →

Juicy Hollywood Tidbits – July 21, 2007

Lindsay Surrenders Can it be that Lindsay Lohan is really turning over a new leaf? She just left a six-week stint in rehab and has now turned herself into police to face driving under the influence and misdemeanor hit and run charges she received on Memorial Day weekend. It was this incident the prompted her to go to rehab. The 21-year-old actress’ blood alcohol level was above the legal limit. At the time, she was still underage. She is scheduled to appear in court August 24. Singer Mark Collie Charged with DUI Technically, I guess this is juicy Nashville tidbits, … Continue reading →

VH1 Adds More Celebreality Shows

Posted on by

I have always loved VH1 for bringing us such sinfully entertaining reality shows as “Flavor of Love” and “The Surreal Life.” Well, if you loved those, get prepared for two more: “Scott Baio is 45…and Single” and “Rock of Love.” You probably remember Scott Baio as cute little Chachi Arcola, Fonz’s cousin on “Happy Days.” Scott played Chachi on the long running show from 1977 until 1984. If you are too young to remember that, then you probably have fond memories of Scott in the leading role of “Charles in Charge.” He acted in that sitcom from 1984 until 1990. … Continue reading →

Newest Reality Show Has Celebs Toting Guns

I will be the first to admit that I love reality shows. I do not watch them all, but I am definitely a fan of many – perhaps too many for my own good. But when I read about CBS’ newest reality show “Armed and Famous,” I have to admit I was a bit scared. In this show, celebrities are sworn in to protect the law as reserve police officers of the town of Muncie, Indiana (population 66,000). This past Tuesday, about 200 townspeople showed up at the Muncie City Hall auditorium to see the stars sworn in. Whom can … Continue reading →