Ben Stiller and Christine Taylor

[princess 1,712]

Ben Stiller, Christine Taylor Expecting a Baby

Wednesday Feb 23, 2005 3:00pm EST

By Marla Lehner

people.com

 

Ben Stiller and Christine Taylor

CREDIT: PAUL FENTON-KPA/ZUMA

 

The Hollywood baby boom continues: Actor Ben Stiller and his wife, actress Christine Taylor, are expecting their second child, due this summer, PEOPLE reports.

 

The 39-year-old Meet the Fockers star and Taylor, 33, who costarred with him in Dodgeball and Zoolander, already have a daughter, Ella, 2. The couple wed in May 2000.

[Rebelgirl 1]

http://people.aol.com/people/articles/0,19...1089021,00.html

 

 

By Julie Jordan

 

 

Ben Stiller and his wife, Christine Taylor, have welcomed a baby boy,

PEOPLE has learned exclusively.

 

 

Quinlin Dempsey Stiller was born July 10 in Los Angeles and weighed in

at 8 lbs. 2 oz.

 

 

The 39-year-old Meet the Fockers star and Taylor, 34, who costarred

with him in Dodgeball and Zoolander, already have a daughter, Ella, 3.

The couple wed after a whirlwind courtship in May 2000.

 

 

Of their first child, Taylor told PEOPLE last year that the acting gene

seems to run in the family: "It's not even funny how much (Ella) is

like Ben. She's definitely a ham." Stiller is the son of actress Anne

Meara and Seinfeld star Jerry Stiller.

[BobbyD 2]

'24' Producers Turn Down Jennifer Aniston, Ben Stiller

 

Jennifer Aniston has been snubbed in her bid to land a guest spot on her favorite TV drama 24. The star reportedly put her name forward for a part in the show but producers turned her down flat - because she's "too recognizable."

 

Executive producer Joel Surnow says, "You can't put those people on (the show) because they're too recognizable. They'll take you (viewers) out of the reality."

 

Aniston wasn't the only big name to be turned down for a role in "24" by producers - funnyman Ben Stiller was also deemed too famous for the show, according to TV Guide.

[leaivory 2]

Ben Stiller Gets Knocked Up

Filed under: Katherine Heigl , Premiere , Red Carpet

 

 

The "Knocked Up" premiere in Los Angeles saw comedy giant, Ben Stiller, walking the red carpet in support of his friend, writer and director, Judd Apatow. Apatow, who is also one of the the minds behind "The 40-Year Old Virgin" and my beloved "Freaks and Geeks," said that he was looking forward to just relaxing during the screening and trying to see it with a fresh set of eyes.

"I haven't seen the movie since February so I'm going to pretend I don't know what it's about and try to actually enjoy it," he said.

Also making an appearance on the red-carpet and briefly in the movie as himself was Ryan Seacrest of "American Idol," who indicated that he was nervous, even though his role simply called for him to be himself.

"You know, here I am, this TV guy on the set, I just wanted to be sure I didn't screw it up and make them late and have it cost more or something."

Seriously, even though I totally tease him about being a secret pocket-gay, little dude is like the hardest-working little man in Hollywood. I remember back in the day when he had his radio show, Idol AND that show, "On Air with Ryan Seacrest." I totally assumed back then, that eventually, he would simply explode in a cloud of highlights and self-tanner one day after having had overworked himself. I figured that it was sort of a race between him and Kelly Ripa to see he would implode first. But, apparently, they are made of Teflon.

 

 

Many more photos (Ryan Seacrest, Kate Walsh, James Franco, Katherine Heigl, Josh Kelly, Paul Rudd, Seth Rogan, Sara Ramirez, B.J. Novak, Christine Taylor, Ben Stiller, Elizabeth Banks, James Franco, Emily Van Camp, Cheryl Hines) from the premiere of "Knocked Up" after the jump.

 

 

(Ryan Seacrest, Kate Walsh, James Franco)

 

 

(Katherine Heigl, Josh Kelly)

 

 

(Paul Rudd, Seth Rogan, Sara Ramirez)

 

 

(B.J. Novak, Christine Taylor, Ben Stiller)

 

 

(Elizabeth Banks, James Franco)

 

 

(Emily Van Camp, Cheryl Hines)

 

Posted by: Lisa Timmons

http://socialitelife.com/2007/05/22/ben_st..._knocked_up.php

[BobbyD 2]

Rough start for United Artists

Weak box office for 'Lions' gives UA bumpy ride

By PAMELA MCCLINTOCK

 

The much-touted 'Lions for Lambs' isn't expected to hit the $20 million mark at the domestic box office.

 

The weak box office performance of "Lions for Lambs" marks a rough start for Tom Cruise and Paula Wagner's United Artists, with the film looking likely to gross no more than $60 million worldwide.

Pic, which boasted the marquee trio of Cruise, Redford (who also directed) and Meryl Streep, isn't expected to hit the $20 million mark in the U.S. MGM distributed Stateside, and 20th Century Fox Intl. has it overseas.

 

Removing some of the sting is the fact that the film cost only $35 million to produce.

 

While it's true that start-up studios and production companies aren't made or broken by their first film, UA is far more high-profile than most ventures, meaning its every move will be scrutinized. "Lions" is the label's first release since being revived a year ago by Cruise and Wagner following their departure from the Paramount lot.

 

But there's no denying that with that kind of star power, "Lions" was still expected to do far better at the box office, both here and overseas, where Cruise has enjoyed blockbuster status.

 

"Lions," which heads into its fourth frame this weekend, grossed $14 million through Tuesday at the domestic box office, according to Rentrak.

 

Overseas, the film grossed $27 million through Wednesday. The final overseas haul should come in between $35 million and $40 million. Film has only two major foreign territories left in which to open: Japan and Italy.

 

UA doesn't try to hide its disappointment at the film's failure to grab the attention of auds, saying it was one in a string of dramas about the Middle East and the war on terror that didn't work this fall. At the same time, studio says no one is panicking, including its investors.

 

This summer, UA secured a $500 million film financing fund from Merrill Lynch to finance 15-18 films over five years. MGM put up the equity portion of the fund, likely meaning $50 million to $60 million. That way, MGM owns UA titles. Harry Sloan's MGM owns 65% of UA; Wagner and Cruise own the rest.

 

Wagner said that "Lions" represents everything that the revitalized UA stands for, and that its importance extends beyond just box office haul. She said the film helped UA secure the Merrill Lynch fund.

 

"We do recognize that it hasn't performed as well as we would have liked, but we don't regret making it. I think it's very important that a film company be judged by a slate of films, not just one film," Wagner said.

 

"It was a Robert Redford film that was timely, relevant and engaging. It represented the very essence of the United Artists legacy, and it made perfect sense for it to be our first movie," she continued. "You have to look at us as a start-up company. We had zero assets. The cupboard was bare. Now we have one movie in our library, a movie we are very proud of."

 

"Lions" is hardly the only film that underperformed this fall, or that will lose money. Other disappointments include New Line's political drama "Rendition," DreamWorks-Paramount's Ben Stiller laffer "The Heartbreak Kid," U's "Elizabeth: The Golden Age" and Fox-Walden's "The Seeker: The Dark is Rising," to name some examples.

 

UA insists that "Lions" is in no way a reflection of Cruise's star status, and that it wasn't a Tom Cruise movie, per se. UA's next release, Bryan Singer's "Valkyrie," however, is definitely a Cruise vehicle. Film will unspool July 27.

 

The last time one of Cruise's films grossed under $20 million domestically was more than 20 years ago. Released in 1986, "Legend" grossed $15.5 million domestically. Two years earlier, All the Right Moves" grossed $17.2 million, though times -- and expectations -- were different back them.

 

Some say "Lions" could lose as much as $25 million, although UA and parent company MGM won't comment on any figures. They said that "Lions" could even be profitable once it gets into its home entertainment and television runs.

 

As with any film financing fund, money is repaid to the equity portion last, meaning that part of the Merrill Lynch fund put up by MGM and its investors.

 

In putting up the equity, MGM likely bolstered its relationship with Creative Artists Agency, where Cruise is repped and where Wagner's husband, Rick Nicita, is an agent.

 

"Is there any immediate fallout from 'Lions' for MGM, or UA? No. If seven movies bombed, maybe, but we are talking about one movie. This isn't tearing our world apart. Any studio knows that if you produce 10 movies, six could fail," one MGM exec said.

 

Wagner reiterated that UA intends to make a wide variety of films, and that the studio is developing a comedy for Cruise. Announced projects include "Champions," the bigscreen adaptation of Brit sci-fi TV series that Guillermo del Toro has signed on to write and direct.

 

Last week, UA announced that it was postponing production of Oliver Stone's Vietnam drama "Pinkville" because of the writers strike. News coincided with word that Bruce Willis was departing the project. Film was set to start production this winter.

 

"Running a studio is a marathon, not a sprint. You want every picture to be successful. That's the goal. But the reality of the biz is that not every one will be. If you can't deal with that, don't be in business," Wagner said. "We are one year out now, and I have to say that we are very confident about the soundness of our business model."

[BobbyD 2]

(Pagesix.com)

 

Travolta Gets 'Dallas' Boot

 

December 17, 2007 -- JOHN Travolta has been dropped from the "Dallas" movie after being promoted as the project's anchor for more than two years.

 

Insiders tell Page Six that Travolta, who was just nominated for a Golden Globe for donning a fat suit for his drag role in "Hairspray," was "let go about two weeks ago. He had the role of J.R. Ewing taken from him and given to Ben Stiller."

 

However, a rep for Stiller denies the comic actor accepted or was offered the part.

 

"John was given a nice seven-figure 'gift' to go away quietly," our source added. "He also got five family members roles in the movie, and they aren't going to be in it now, either."

 

A friend of Travolta confirmed, "He is not doing the movie. They've gone in a different direction than was originally intended. I don't know about any 'gift,' and I don't think the family member thing is correct."

 

A rep for Travolta declined to comment.

 

This is just the latest chapter in the troubled "Dallas" saga. The first big upheaval occurred last year when Shirley MacLaine (who was to play Miss Ellie), Luke Wilson (Bobby Ewing) and Jennifer Lopez (Sue Ellen) were dropped from the cast. Meg Ryan and Matthew McConaughey's names were then brought up, but neither was signed.

 

Director Robert Luketic was also let go in favor of "Bend It Like Beckham" helmer Gurinder Chadha, and the budget was downsized from an original $65 million to "something way less," the source said.

 

Producers may be looking for a Stiller-like talent to take Travolta's role because the word is that "Dallas" will now - if it ever gets made - be a "comedic, behind-the-scenes" movie instead of the originally intended drama.

 

The change was made last year after distributor 20th Century Fox conducted focus groups on "Dallas" with small Midwestern audiences. Producers decided the picture needed "more laughs" and called for an entirely new, slapstick script and was rewritten as "a 'show-within-a-show' comedy," like the Nicole Kidman bomb "Bewitched."

 

A spokesperson for 20th Century Fox declined to comment.

[Bette Davis 0]

Is Dallas ever going to get made? Change of directors and actors. I doubt it.

[Lea 0]

 

When is the last time Anne Meara and Jerry Stiller were in a gossip blog? How long have they been married? Like 50-60 years?

 

http://www.crazydaysandnights.net/

[BobbyD 2]

'Star Trek' Pushed Back to 2009

Also moving are 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button' and 'Tropic Thunder'

February 14, 2008

 

J.J. Abrams' revamp of the "Star Trek" franchise has been moved off its Christmas 2008 release.

 

According to the media reports, the Paramount produced Muppet Babies version of "Star Trek" will now open on May 8, 2009.

 

According to the industry trade papers, Paramount made the move to maximize the box office potential for "Star Trek," which will now open the week after "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" and the week before Sony has scheduled "Angels and Demons."

 

Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto star as Young Captain Kirk and Young Spock, with other key Enterprise casting including Karl Urban as Young Bones, Zoe Saldana as Young Uhura, John Cho as Young Sulu, Simon Pegg as Young Scotty and Anton Yelchin as Young Chekov.

 

"Trek" is far from the only Paramount production on the move. With "Star Trek" moving off of its holiday season release, the studio has shifted David Fincher's "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," which stars Brad Pitt, from Nov. 26 to Dec. 19.

 

Also moving are the Ben Stiller comedy "Tropic Thunder," going from July 11 to Aug. 15. The Renee Zellweger vehicle "Case 39" has gone all the way from Aug. 22 of this year to April 10 of next year. Eddie Murphy's "Nowhereland" will go from Sept. 26 of this year to June 12 of next summer. Finally, Paramount has also set a release date for Martin Scorsese's adaptation of Dennis Lehane's "Shutter Island," now stationed on Oct. 2, 2009.

[BobbyD 2]

Disney unveils new schedule

'Old Dogs,' 'Hannah Montana' set release dates

By PAMELA MCCLINTOCK

 

With the writers strike resolved, Disney is the latest studio to rejigger and give more shape to its release calendar through 2009 and the early part of 2010.

 

The Mouse House has staked out opening dates for a cluster of films, including laffer "Old Dogs," filmmaker Walt Becker's follow-up to sleeper box office hit "Wild Hogs." "Dogs," with a cast including John Travolta, Robin Williams and Seth Green, bows April 10, 2009. "Wild Hogs" opened in spring as well.

 

In a counterprogramming maneuver, Disney's "The Hannah Montana Movie" will debut May 1, 2009, opposite 20th Century Fox's "X-Men Origins: Wolverine."

 

Looking to Thanksgiving 2009, Bruce Willis futuristic cop actioner "The Surrogates" will unspool the weekend before the holiday on Nov. 20, 2009.

 

During the WGA walkout, studios weren't in a position to begin to round out their slates for 2009 or move pictures around, since they couldn't be sure how fast the production pipeline would be up and running. The majors are relatively confident that a new deal can be struck with actors without a walkout this summer.

 

Last week, Paramount made a number of changes, including moving J.J. Abrams' "Star Trek" from Christmas to May 2009.

 

Disney is the second studio to make a multitude of changes.

 

Disney rejiggered release dates for several titles, including action-adventure "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time," which will now open June 16, 2009, instead of July 10, 2009.

 

The move means that "Prince of Persia" will open ahead of Par's "Transformers 2" (June 26, 2009) and "Ice Age III" (July 1, 2009) versus bowing in their wake.

 

As a result of claiming May 1, 2009, for "Hannah Montana," Disney moved 3-D animated pic "G-Force" out of that slot to July 24. That's the second 3-D title, as well as the second toon, to bow on that date after the Weinstein Co. horror entry "Piranha 3D" and New Line's animated adventure "Planet 51."

 

The Mouse House also has decided to make Isla Fisher-Hugh Dancy romantic comedy "Confessions of a Shopaholic" its 2009 Valentine's Day release, instead of Sandra Bullock-Ryan Reynolds romantic comedy "The Proposal," which will now be released Sept. 25, 2009 vs. Feb. 13, 2009, when "Proposal" debuts.

 

Disney dated two other films: Sci-fi family adventure-comedy "Race to Witch Mountain," starring Dwayne Johnson, will bow March 13, 2009, while Tim Burton's 3-D remake of "Alice in Wonderland" will unspool a week later on March 19, 2009.

 

In another tweak, Disney retitled two films: "South of the Border" (Sept. 26) becomes "Beverly Hills Chihuahua," while "High School Musical 3" (Oct. 24) becomes "High School Musical 3: Senior Year."

 

Meanwhile, Paramount has made an additional tweak on top of last week's changes, moving back D.J. Caruso's Shia LeBeouf thriller "Eagle Eye" one month from Aug. 8 to Sept. 26. That gives Par some breathing room now that it's releasing DreamWorks' Ben Stiller laffer comedy "Tropic Thunder" on Aug. 15.

 

On the specialty side, the Weinstein Co. announced this week that it will bow 2008 Sundance acquisition "Where in the World Is Osama Bin Laden," the Morgan Spurlock docu generating plenty of buzz, on April 18.

[ElleDriver 0]

Downey Jr. changes race in new movie

Associated Press

 

LOS ANGELES - In "Tropic Thunder," one of three summer films featuring Robert Downey Jr., the actor appears on screen as a black man.

 

Downey Jr. plays overly committed actor Kirk Lazarus, a white man cast to play a black soldier in a satire of the performing profession. The film also stars Jack Black and Ben Stiller, who co-wrote, directed and produced it.

 

"If it's done right, it could be the type of role you called Peter Sellers to do 35 years ago," Downey told Entertainment Weekly magazine. "If you don't do it right, we're going to hell."

 

Stiller said he was "trying to push it as far as you can within reality," with the intent of satirizing over-the-top actors, not African-Americans.

 

"I had no idea how people would respond to it," Stiller told the magazine. But at a recent screening, black viewers liked the film, he said.

 

Downey explained that he kept the character from becoming a caricature because he "dove in with both feet."

 

"If I didn't feel it was morally sound," he said, "or that it would be easily misinterpreted that I'm just C. Thomas Howell in ("Soul Man"), I would've stayed home."

 

Paramount is set to release "Tropic Thunder" Aug. 15.

[ElleDriver 0]

First Look: 'Tropic Thunder'

Who's that man between Jack Black and Ben Stiller in this scene from the upcoming comedy? (Hint: he's famous...and white)

 

 

 

If you don't recognize that African-American actor standing between Jack Black and Ben Stiller, there's a good reason: He's white. In Tropic Thunder, an epic action comedy co-written and directed by Stiller, Robert Downey Jr. plays Kirk Lazarus, a very serious Oscar-winning actor cast in the most expensive Vietnam War film ever. Problem is, Lazarus's character, Sgt. Osiris, was originally written as black. So Lazarus decides to dye his skin and play Osiris, um, authentically. Funny? Sure. Dangerous? That's an understatement. ''If it's done right, it could be the type of role you called Peter Sellers to do 35 years ago,'' Downey says. ''If you don't do it right, we're going to hell.''

 

The film marks Stiller's first directing effort since 2001's Zoolander. With Thunder (opening Aug. 15), he takes aim at the sweetest target of all: actors. Downey plays one of a team of self-indulgent stars cast in the modern equivalent of Apocalypse Now. Stiller plays an action hero who has just adopted a baby from Asia but worries that ''all the good ones are gone.'' Black portrays a comedian known for performing multiple roles in a single film — his latest is called The Fatties: Fart 2. But when the film's director (Steve Coogan) and writer (Nick Nolte) get fed up with their prima donna cast, they drop them into the jungle to fend for themselves. The actors think they're doing some sort of full-immersion filmmaking, but the danger they're in is very real.

 

Stiller got the idea for Thunder more than 20 years ago while shooting a small part in Steven Spielberg's WWII drama Empire of the Sun. He's continued to develop the script as his own star has risen, which makes taking on his brethren all the richer — watch for cameos from Tom Cruise and Tobey Maguire — and all the more perilous. For starters, Hollywood satires have a rocky box office record. And then there's that little issue of a white guy playing a black guy. Stiller says that he and Downey always stayed focused on the fact that they were skewering insufferable actors, not African-Americans. ''I was trying to push it as far as you can within reality,'' Stiller explains. ''I had no idea how people would respond to it.'' He recently screened a rough cut of the film and it scored high with African-Americans. He was relieved at the reaction. ''It seems people really embrace it,'' he says.

 

Paramount is hoping so: The studio plans to debut the trailer online March 17, and Downey is all over it. (In one scene, he tries to bond with a real African-American castmate by quoting the theme song from The Jeffersons.) Downey, meanwhile, is confident he never crossed the line. ''At the end of the day, it's always about how well you commit to the character,'' he says. ''I dove in with both feet. If I didn't feel it was morally sound, or that it would be easily misinterpreted that I'm just C. Thomas Howell in [soul Man], I would've stayed home.''

[BobbyD 2]

(Pagesix.com)

 

He's A Color Convert

 

IT'S Robert Downey Jr. as you've never seen him before. In the Ben Stiller-directed satire "Tropic Thunder," due out this August, Downey appears in blackface. He plays a method actor named Kirk Lazarus, a seven-time Oscar winner whose latest role was originally meant for a black actor. "In his eternal struggle to push the boundaries he has his skin dyed black," a source explained. Downey appears in a scene with Stiller, and Jack Black. Tom Cruise also makes a cameo in the over-the-top comedy, disguised in a fat suit - "He will blow people away," said our source.

[ElleDriver 0]

Comic fantasy "King" summons Stiller

 

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Ben Stiller is attached to produce and possibly star in "The Return of King Doug," an adaptation of a graphic novel about a man who must return to the fantasy world he abandoned 30 years earlier.

 

The project is set up at DreamWorks, which has partnered with "King Doug" publisher Oni Press on the titles "Courtney Crumrin and the Night Things" and "The Damned."

 

"King Doug" writers Greg Erb and Jason Oremland will write the screenplay. Stiller's Red Hour Prods. banner is partnered on the project with DreamWorks. The graphic novel will be published next year by Portland, Ore.-based Oni Press.

 

Stiller stars in the upcoming comedy "Tropic Thunder," which he also directed and produced via Red Hour, and is preparing to shoot "Night at the Museum II: Escape From the Smithsonian." Red Hour was behind the horror movie "The Ruins," which opens Friday.

 

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter

[ElleDriver 0]

Adam Sandler, Ben Stiller & Chris Rock Raise Money For Autism

A galaxy of comedians including Adam Sandler, Ben Stiller and Chris Rock teamed up to raise money for autism on Sunday night. The funnymen took the stage at New York's Beacon theater for a Night Of Too Many Stars: An Overbooked Concert For Autism Education, hosted by Jon Stewart.

 

The show, which was broadcast live on Comedy Central, also featured Matthew Broderick, Susan Sarandon, Tina Fey, Sarah Silverman, Will Arnett, Amy Poehler and chat show host Conan O'Brien.

 

Broderick said, "It's fun to be here. I'm a fan of 94 per cent of the performers. I'm always a little nervous. I hope it goes well."

 

The last autism special, which took place in 2006, raised almost $3 million. /WENN

[Cutielb99 0]

Stiller, Witherspoon fly with Crowe

Duo to star in Columbia Pictures comedy

By MICHAEL FLEMING, TATIANA SIEGEL

 

Stiller and Reese Witherspoon will star in an untitled Cameron Crowe romantic comedy adventure at Columbia Pictures.

 

Columbia was the winning bidder, beating out four rival studios, in landing the fully developed project, which is being produced by Scott Rudin. Crowe, who wrote the screenplay, is also producing.

 

Studio is keeping the logline of the contemporary-set project under wraps.

 

Project reunites Crowe with Columbia for the first time since the helmer's "Almost Famous" in 2000. Crowe and studio topper Amy Pascal have a long-standing relationship that dates back to the filmmaker's 1989 "Say Anything," when Pascal was an executive at 20th Century Fox. Crowe made "Jerry Maguire" -- his biggest box office success -- for Columbia and Pascal.

 

Film, which will begin lensing in January when Stiller and Witherspoon's schedules open, brings together Rudin and Crowe for the first time. Columbia's move is reminiscent of Pascal outbidding several other parties in February to make Roland Emmerich's pricey "2012." Once again, Columbia is ponying up a sizable sum to add an instant slot-filler to its slate.

 

Stiller next will be seen in the August comedy "Tropic Thunder," which he also co-wrote, produced and directed. He is shooting "Night at the Museum 2: Escape From the Smithsonian."

 

Witherspoon's upcoming projects include "Four Christmases," opposite Vince Vaughn. She is voicing characters for DreamWorks Animation's "Monsters vs. Aliens."

[BobbyD 2]

Sarah Palin unappealin' to Jon Stewart

Thursday, October 9th 2008, 9:51 AM

 

If anyone had any doubts as to whom Jon Stewart supports for President, they were cleared Tuesday night at the Project ALS benefit at the Waldorf-Astoria.

 

Host Ben Stiller called Stewart "America's young elder statesman of political comedy" and surmised that on his Comedy Central sendup of the news, Stewart "can't take sides."

 

"Oh," said Stewart. "I think it's pretty clear.

 

"Neither of them is perfect, but if you, out of nowhere, are going to grab a woman out of the woods and make her your vice presidential candidate, what can I do?

 

"[sarah Palin] is like Jodie Foster in the movie 'Nell,' " Stewart continued. "They just found her, and she was speaking her own special language.

 

"Have you noticed how [Palin's] rallies have begun to take on the characteristics of the last days of the Weimar Republic? In Florida, she asked 'Who is Barack Obama?' Hey, lady, we just met YOU five f-ing weeks ago."

 

Stewart had to skip the presidential debate to attend the gala, as had Chris Rock, Letterman producer Rob Burnett, songwriter Amos Lee, a fetching Sarah Silverman and her on-again love, Jimmy Kimmel, all at the behest of Stiller. The "Madagascar 2" star was childhood friends with Jenifer Estess, who founded Project ALS with her sisters; she died of the motor-neuron disease after being diagnosed at 35. The foundation has since raised $40 million for breakthrough stem-cell and gene research at Columbia and Harvard.

 

Rock did note, "We're missing the debate right now. Probably McCain is asking Obama, 'Could you go get me my car?'"

 

Silverman, who was just attacked by McCain supporter Jackie Mason after posting her YouTube video asking young Jewish liberals to "schlep" to Florida to convince their grandparents to vote for Obama, had her own zingers.

 

"You know, this is a nonprofit," said Stiller, "so we should probably poke fun at Obama, too."

 

The comics paused for awhile, until Stiller finally said, "I know! Barack Obama has big ears."

[GimmeSumSugar 0]

"Have you noticed how [Palin's] rallies have begun to take on the characteristics of the last days of the Weimar Republic? In Florida, she asked 'Who is Barack Obama?' Hey, lady, we just met YOU five f-ing weeks ago."

[sanlee 49]

Ben Stiller Confirms 'Zoolander 2' Plans

 

Ben Stiller has confirmed reports that he is working on a sequel to Zoolander.

 

Last month, it was claimed that the star was collaborating with Tropic Thunder writer Justin Theroux on a follow-up to the 2001 comedy.

 

Stiller told Parade: "We've been working on it on and off over the last six or seven years.

 

"The biggest hurdle for me personally was that Drake Sather, who created the character, passed away. He was a good friend and the lump for me was it's hard to imagine doing it without him."

 

He added: "Now my buddy, Justin Theroux, has committed to directing and writing it. So I'm excited and I think it's going to happen.

 

"I want to be able to do something that lives up to the first one. That's the challenge."

 

Source digitalspy.co.uk

[sanlee 49]

Stiller Suffering From Possible Lyme Disease

 

Actor BEN STILLER is anxiously waiting to hear if he has contracted Lyme disease - after badly injuring his knee during a recent trip to Mozambique.

 

The Meet the Parents star travelled to the African country last month (Feb10) as part of his charity work but he was left limping after falling into a muddy ditch while walking through a village.

 

His left knee became inflamed and he visited a number of doctors to diagnose the problem - but almost a month later, medics have yet to determine the cause of his ailment, despite running numerous tests.

 

He explains, "I was in Africa about three and half weeks ago and I stepped in a ditch in Mozambique. It was a hidden ditch, I was in a village and it was full of muddy water and I stepped in it and hyper extended my knee. It got stiff and worse and worse. It was painful, I couldn't really move it too much.

 

"I came back to New York, went to a doctor here, they did an MRI (scan), discovered some arthritic elements. It got worse, then I went back home to Los Angeles and went to see another doctor, apparently the best knee guy. He looked at it and said, 'You got a lot of fluid there, we gotta drain some of the blood out.' So he stuck a needle in and sucked out the blood. He had this look in his eye and was like, 'This isn't blood.' I said to him, 'What is it?' and he said, 'I don't know.' So they've been doing cultures (tests) on it, they took two more samples. They think it might have gotten infected, they're not sure."

 

Stiller's mystery injury was so painful it almost forced him to pull out of a scheduled interview with U.S. TV talk show host David Letterman on Tuesday night (23Mar10).

 

But, after more examinations and tests, Stiller's doctors now believe he may have contracted Lyme disease, an easily treatable inflammatory illness spread through a tick bite which is common on the East Coast of the U.S.

 

Stiller admits he's been experiencing "little night sweats" as a result of the condition, but he's glad his medical mystery is almost solved - because it means he won't have to undergo invasive surgery.

 

He tells Letterman, "It's actually improved so much in the last 24 hours, but I almost couldn't come (to New York), I didn't get the go ahead (from doctors)... He (his doctor) sent me to a rheumatologist, an infectious rare disease guy, so they do all these tests.

 

"I got this call at like two o'clock in the afternoon (on Monday). The guy said, 'Have you ever had Lyme disease?' I said, 'No, but I was on the East Coast last summer and my son had Lyme disease.' And he said, 'Well, it's looking like it might be Lyme disease.' He was saying if it wasn't, I'd have to have an orthoscopic procedure, so if it is Lyme disease, I won't have to have the procedure done, which is great."

 

Source contactmusic