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Showbiz Tonight
Actor/Comedian George Lopez Gets Kidney Transplant; Maggie Gyllenhaal Stirs Up Controversy; Springsteen Promotes Newest Solo Album
Aired April 26, 2005 - 19:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
KARYN BRYANT, CO-HOST: George Lopez`s surgery.
A.J. HAMMER, CO-HOST: And Bruce goes solo. I`m A.J. Hammer.
BRYANT: I`m Karyn Bryant. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
HAMMER: The ultimate gift. George Lopez goes under the knife. But he`s not alone. The TV star`s touching story.
BRYANT: Maggie makes them mad. What did Maggie Gyllenhaal say that`s shocking America? We`ll tell you.
HAMMER: Plus, the Boss is back. Springsteen`s taking his new CD to the streets, but not with E Street. How will it do?
BRYANT: Naomi in New York. The country star`s healthy new starring role. She`ll pin it down in a "SHOWBIZ Sitdown."
HAMMER: And romance buzz -- Brad and Angelina, Ben and Jen. Does it make you want to see their movies? "SHOWBIZ In Depth."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ROB THOMAS, MATCHBOX 20: I`m Rob Thomas. And apparently, if it happened today, it`s on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. So there you go.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BRYANT: Hello. I`m Karyn Bryant, and you are at the top of the show.
HAMMER: I`m A.J. Hammer. We are live with you from Headline Prime studios in New York City for the next hour.
BRYANT: Well, he is one of the most popular sitcom stars on TV, and tonight, he owes his life to his wife.
HAMMER: George Lopez is back home tonight and getting better after his wife gave him an incredible gift. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s Brooke Anderson is live right now in Hollywood with the very latest -- Brooke.
BROOKE ANDERSON, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT: A.J., Karyn, that incredible gift was a new kidney. We`re just now learning that George Lopez had a kidney transplant last week. Lopez isn`t saying much about it, but we do know that he`s fine now, and so is his very special donor.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(voice-over): It was an announcement long on surprise and short on details, that George Lopez, star of ABC`s "George Lopez Show," had a kidney transplant sometime last week. The donor? His wife of 12 years and...
DR. JON BROMBERG, MT. SINAI HOSPITAL: The chance of having your spouse match is probably on average 20 to 40 percent chance, at least. And I`ve seen through the years just willy-nilly, spouses have incredibly good matches, and clearly, they were fated to marry one another.
ANDERSON: No one is saying exactly when the operation took place or in what hospital. As for why Lopez needed the transplant, all the statement says is, quote, "Lopez had a genetic condition causing the use of his kidneys to deteriorate."
BROMBERG: Obviously, in Mr. Lopez`s case, he was taken care of by a very good group of doctors who realized he was headed towards transplant, and he probably got a transplant well before he needed dialysis.
ANDERSON: Lopez seemed fine when he invited SHOWBIZ TONIGHT to catch up with him and guest star Hilary Duff on the set of his hit ABC sitcom. Both Lopez and his wife shared another less than pleasant experience. Just three weeks ago, they both testified in the Michael Jackson trial about their relationship with the accuser and his family.
GEORGE LOPEZ, "THE GEORGE LOPEZ SHOW": My job wasn`t one for the defense or the prosecution. My job was just to get my side of the story out.
ANDERSON: Filming on his TV show has now wrapped for the season. He also finished shooting a movie with "Sin City" director Robert Rodriguez. So now he and his wife can concentrate on recovering from their shared ordeal. But their prospects for the future look good.
BROMBERG: For all we know, his prognosis is suburb. He`s going to be around making us laugh for decades to come.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ANDERSON: I mentioned that Lopez just finished filming a new Robert Rodriguez movie. It`s called "The Adventures of Shark Boy and Lava Girl." It opens June 10. And hopefully, by that time, George Lopez will be well enough to do publicity for that new movie -- Karyn.
BRYANT: All right. Thanks very much, Brooke, out in Hollywood.
Well, tonight, one of the most famous folk singers of the `60s is also facing a transplant. We learned today that Mary Travers, the Mary in Peter Paul and Mary, will undergo a bone marrow transplant after finally finding a donor. The 68-year-old singer has been battling leukemia. On her Web site, she tells her fans, quote, "I feel grateful beyond words and sustained by your many voices. I`m sure that it`s part of what has given me the strength to fight and the drive to sing again," end quote.
Now, Peter Paul and Mary is best known for songs like "Leaving on a Jet Plane" and "Puff the Magic Dragon."
HAMMER: Controversial comments tonight from a screen star about the 9/11 terror attacks. Actress Maggie Gyllenhaal is claiming that the U.S. is responsible in some way for the nightmare of September 11, and she`s not backing down. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s David Haffenreffer with the latest.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
MAGGIE GYLLENHAAL, "THE GREAT NEW WONDERFUL": I think America has reprehensible things and is responsible in some way.
DAVID HAFFENREFFER, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT (voice-over): Those 13 words sent sparks of scathing criticism against actress Maggie Gyllenhaal.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GYLLENHAAL: I`m realizing we may not be able to help contribute to your upcoming event. I`m really sorry.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAFFENREFFER: She made the remarks at a screening of her new movie preview, "The Great New Wonderful," which tells the story of five New Yorkers living in the aftermath of 9/11.
GYLLENHAAL: For me to want to be involved in a project that includes 9/11, I think you also have to think about how America has affected the world and how the world affects America.
HAFFENREFFER: It`s certainly affected her fan base. A Web site devoted to Gyllenhaal was flooded with angry comments. It was so bad, they took the comments section off the Web site with this statement: "It`s sad to see it`s come to this, and whether you think she`s right or wrong, she has every right to voice her opinion, as do you. If you don`t like Maggie, then don`t waste your time on this site."
And Maggie herself posted a response, saying that she grieved, along with every American, over September 11, and quote, "It is always useful, as individuals or nations, to ask how we may have knowingly or unknowingly contributed to this conflict. Not to have the courage to ask these questions of ourselves is to betray the victims of 9/11."
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: Well, "Newsday" asked some of its readers some questions, like what they thought of Gyllenhaal`s comments. Well, 39 percent said they agreed with her comments and 25 percent disagreed.
BRYANT: Now it is time for "Show Blog" tonight. Moby, the president and the prince. Recording artist Moby blogs today about the picture of President Bush meeting with Saudi Arabia`s Crown Prince Abdullah, saying he finds it a bit odd that they were photographed holding hands. Moby writes, "Don`t get me wrong, I`m not opposed to same-sex couples walking around holding hands, but I do find it a bit odd when the president of the United States walks around with the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, and they`re so close and intimate that they`re holding hands like young lovers." In another blog post, Moby reveals he`ll be producing music for Richard Kelly`s new movie, "Southland." Kelly is best known for directing the cult favorite "Donnie Darko."
HAMMER: Well, Bruce Springsteen is back with a brand-new, laid-back acoustic album just out today. It`s the Boss`s first solo album in 10 years, and he`s hitting the road. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s cameras were rolling as Springsteen took the stage last night in Detroit.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(voice-over): The Boss is back. Bruce Springsteen hit Detroit last night, kicking off the solo tour for his brand-new album. "Devils and Dust" hit stores today. It`s Springsteen`s 13 studio release and a return to his acoustic roots. The Boss belted out 27 songs last night, including most of the album, which was recorded without The E Street band.
NATHAN BRACKETT, "ROLLING STONE": The music is a lot more somber. It`s mostly acoustic. It features Bruce yodeling in some places. You know, it`s definitely not an E Street Band record.
HAMMER: Springsteen played for two-and-a-half hours. Detroit was the first stop in his 13-city North American tour, a tour that`s more scaled down, sending Bruce only into theaters and small arenas.
BRACKETT: You get a sense that Springsteen is taking a breather with this record, and this is kind of a more personal record. It`s almost more for him.
HAMMER: "Devils and Dust" is being released on dual disc. There`s a CD on one side and a DVD on the other. On the DVD, a short film of Springsteen performing four of the new songs. In between, extensive explanations of what each one means.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN, "DEVILS AND DUST": These are all songs about people whose souls are in danger.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: The title song was written before the United States entered Iraq.
BRACKETT: The title track, "Devils and Dust," is probably the only song with any political overtones. And it`s written from the perspective of an infantryman who`s just walking through some city, saying, I have the finger on the trigger, and I don`t know who to trust. And you can see that as kind of a -- kind of a critique of the war in Iraq.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Bruce is off to Texas on Thursday. Now, if you have tickets to his concert, don`t expect him to play a lot of his old hits. Springsteen is mostly sticking to the songs off the new album.
BRYANT: Big names, big box office? Celebrity romance buzz. Does it hurt or does it help ticket sales? We go in depth.
HAMMER: Lots of country songs are about heartache, but country star Naomi Judd is on a kick to keep your heart healthy, and she`ll explain live, coming up.
BRYANT: Now we`ve got tonight`s "Entertainment Weekly Great American Pop Culture Quiz." Which singer`s debut album was released when she was just 13? Was it A, Britney Spears, B, Debbie Gibson, C, Charlotte Church, or D, Brandy? We`ll be right back with the answer.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
BRYANT: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. Once again, tonight`s "Entertainment Weekly Great American Pop Culture Quiz." Which singer`s debut album was released when she was just 13? Was it Britney Spears, Debbie Gibson, Charlotte Church, or Brandy? The answer is C, Charlotte Church.
HAMMER: It`s time now for a "SHOWBIZ Short," another story that`s making news tonight and something that could put to rest the rumors about trouble in Nick and Jessica`s marriage. "People" magazine learned today that Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson have purchased a Las Vegas condo. It will be built in the Palms Resort and Casino, and it will have views of the strip and the mountains surrounding the city. The price tag, a million bucks.
BRYANT: It is 13 past the hour, time now for "SHOWBIZ In Depth." Tonight, what happens when stars working together on movies have real-life romances? You`ve heard the buzz about Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, co- stars in the upcoming movie, "Mr. and Mrs. Smith." There are now pictures of them together in Africa out today, and of course, that is fueling the speculation that they may be an item. Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck were already an item before they hooked up to co-star in the movie "Gigli." And several years ago, the already married Meg Ryan and very much unmarried Russell Crowe got together while shooting the movie "Proof of Life." So just how do real-life celebrity romances affect the box office?
Joining us live from Los Angeles is Paul Dergarabedian, president of the box office tracking company Exhibitor Relations. And here live with us in New York is Robin Koval, chief marketing officer for the advertising and entertainment firm the Kaplan Thaler Group. Thanks to both for joining us.
And I want to start, first and foremost -- who do you -- or do you think this is going to help or hurt a movie, the buzz about an off-screen romance?
ROBIN KOVAL, CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER, THE KAPLAN THALER GROUP: I think it definitely makes you more interested in the movie. It makes you more aware of the movie. It`s about building awareness. And I can tell you for sure it sure makes me want to buy a magazine, without a doubt. I don`t know if I want to spend $10 to see the movie, but I definitely want to go buy a magazine and read about it.
BRYANT: Paul, do you agree that the off-screen possibilities fuel your interest in seeing the movie?
PAUL DERGARABEDIAN, PRES., EXHIBITOR RELATIONS: It can, but it`s a double-edge sword. I mean, there is this notion of there`s no such thing as bad press or bad publicity because it does get the awareness out there. But we`ve seen in the past where some stars get just so overexposed in terms of their personal life that people kind of burn out on those stars and they may not be that interested in going to see their movie. They`ve already seen them enough in these tabloids and in press coverage.
And again, there`s something to be said for a little bit of mystery there. It`s hard to sometimes separate these stars from their personal lives when all you hear about is what`s going on in their marriages or their relationships and that type of thing. I think it`s good sometimes to have that separation between the personal life and then the -- you know, the public persona. So there can be a problem there, if there`s too much of it.
BRYANT: Right. And in fact, in "Sahara," you know, Matthew McConaughey and Penelope Cruz kept it pretty low, low-key, their romance off-screen. And it seems -- you know, the movie`s doing well. Seems that one is working out.
KOVAL: I think you have a lot less gossip value, though. I mean, there`s two single people...
BRYANT: Right...
(CROSSTALK)
KOVAL: They`re beautiful and fabulous, and that`s all great and the movie`s sexy. But this has a lot more of that, you know, clandestine romance...
BRYANT: Right.
KOVAL: ... and who doesn`t want to hear about that?
BRYANT: Well, Robin, then, who is being hurt the most in this, Angelina, Jennifer or Brad?
KOVAL: Well, you know, I think everybody`s sort of playing to their brand, if you will. I mean, Jennifer is America`s sweetheart, and don`t we love her even more now? We feel even sorrier for her and just want to love her. Brad is a big male leading man movie star, so he can do whatever he wants and we`ll eventually forgive him. We`ve forgiven Tom Cruise.
BRYANT: Sure.
KOVAL: We`ve forgiven Hugh Grant. We`ll forgive...
BRYANT: The sexiest man alive!
KOVAL: Exactly.
BRYANT: People are going to forgive him.
KOVAL: We`re going to -- who wouldn`t?
DERGARABEDIAN: Ultimately, I think...
BRYANT: Go ahead, Paul.
DERGARABEDIAN: Yes. I`m sorry. Ultimately, I think, though, it comes down to the movie. I mean, if the marketing is good and the concept of the movie appeals to people -- I don`t think people sit around and say, Well, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie had an affair, whatever, and then they decide whether or not they`re going to see the movie. They`re going to say, Does "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" look like a good movie? Is the marketing effective? And that`s what fuels whether or not they`re going to go spend their $10 at the box office.
BRYANT: So Paul, then, quickly, you would say that Ben Affleck`s troubles are not so much about the relationship he had with J.Lo, it just was bad movie choices?
DERGARABEDIAN: I think, in many cases, it was. I mean, you look at "Gigli," and I think everybody pretty much agrees that that was not a great movie. Again, though, you still can never exactly quantify what it is that brings people into the theater or what keeps them away. And so in this case, I think the movie wasn`t really that great...
BRYANT: Right.
DERGARABEDIAN: ... in the case of "Gigli," but also, that overexposure situation can sometimes turn moviegoers off.
BRYANT: OK. Now, Robin, last words. Do you think than Ben Affleck can come back from this negative image that he`s had with the series of movies that haven`t done so well?
KOVAL: You know, every brand can be repositioned.
(LAUGHTER)
BRYANT: Spin away, baby!
KOVAL: So Ben`s a brand and...
BRYANT: Right.
KOVAL: ... you know, he has to do something to show that he recognizes he made a mistake, he made bad choices. He`ll do, you know, a smart arty movie. We`ll all say, God, you know, I never knew Ben was such a great actor.
BRYANT: Right. OK.
KOVAL: We need to give him a second chance.
BRYANT: A second chance. All right. Well, Robin Koval and Paul Dergarabedian, thank you for joining us here.
We would like to note that while you may see the pictures of Brad and Angelina elsewhere, we have chosen not to show them, although we do want to know your thoughts on our subject tonight, our SHOWBIZ question of the day: Celebrity romance, but does it make you want to see a movie? You can vote at cnn.com/showbiztonight, or if you want to tell us more, e-mail us at showbiztonight@cnn.com. We`ll share some of what you had to say later in the show.
HAMMER: Well, Naomi Judd is one heavy-duty country star, and now she`s trying to lighten you up. She joins us live.
BRYANT: And drugs, sex and Ethan Hawke. He flies into our studio to talk about his new play. That`s coming up.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. It is time for our first "SHOWBIZ Sitdown" of the night. Naomi Judd, one half of the mother- daughter country music duo, the Judds, has been making music, selling millions of albums and racking up all kinds of number one hits since the early 1980s. And whether it`s as a singer, an actor or an author, Naomi will tell you her greatest passion in life is sharing. And she`s here to share a few moments with us in the Headline Prime studios.
Thanks for stopping by.
NAOMI JUDD, THE JUDDS: I`m a communicator, bottom line.
HAMMER: You look amazing!
JUDD: Well, thank you. I`m very healthy, very healthy. That`s the bottom line. I`m a health care advocate. I`m a former RN, and I realized I needed to lose -- I needed to drop about 10 pounds. And I realized, because I work a lot with the American Heart Association, that it`s the number one killer, absolutely the number one killer. In fact, you`re six times more likely to die of heart disease than you are cancer. So I saw all this research about how a diet high in fiber, and Post came to me, showed me all their cardiologist reports. So if you do this heart-healthy diet -- in fact, I don`t even call it a diet. To me, it`s a lifestyle choice.
HAMMER: Just a way to live and eat.
JUDD: Are you a bachelor?
HAMMER: I`m not a bachelor, but you know, I enjoy eating healthy and I enjoy the cooking. And I know you love to cook, as well.
JUDD: I do. I can`t do a lot of things, A.J., but I can cook. But I`m looking at all these guys that I bet are single. And this is so stinkin` easy, guys. All you need is ABC. You need a bowl and a spoon, low-fat milk and your Post Grape-Nuts, shredded wheat or raisin bran. You can eat over the sink. But knowing that -- knowing all the stuff that I know after all the research I did, because take this stuff very seriously...
HAMMER: Right.
JUDD: ... if you will eat two meals a day with one of the -- I love Grape-Nuts.
HAMMER: Right.
JUDD: Do you like to masticate?
HAMMER: You know, I -- I...
JUDD: That means chew.
HAMMER: I do a little bit of everything. I -- whatever.
(LAUGHTER)
HAMMER: You know.
JUDD: It`s your word of the day!
HAMMER: Whatever. I`m not up to the -- what is it, the M`s yet. I`m not quite there.
JUDD: But if you`ll use one of the real healthy fiber cereals -- and my preference is Post Grape-Nuts -- two times a day...
HAMMER: Right.
JUDD: ... and it`s so easy if you`re traveling, like I am.
HAMMER: Just bring it along.
JUDD: Professional hotel guests. They`ve got it everywhere, even on my bus. And then substitute the other meal for a real balanced, normal healthy meal.
HAMMER: All right. Well, I know you`re passionate about the good living and the good diet. You were always passionate about country music. A lot of people don`t realize that you kind of officially or semi- officially retired 15 years ago. Everybody thinks you`re still in the game. But you`re still doing some one-off shows with the Judds.
JUDD: Absolutely. We do -- Wy and I do special shows. We just performed at the White House. We do -- we did the big 4th of July special. We did Super Bowl half-time...
HAMMER: Right.
JUDD: Just, you know, real special stuff.
HAMMER: And family`s real important to you. Get to spend some time with your daughters.
JUDD: Very, very, very. Actually, starting a new movie this weekend in Little Rock, Arkansas. Wynonna`s got a DVD coming out pretty soon. But you know, it`s like with my girls, I try to be a real positive role model.
HAMMER: Right.
JUDD: I say I`d rather be a role model than a supermodel. But I want to keep my weight down. I want to lose this 10 pounds. And by using -- I don`t -- it`s not really a diet, it`s like you can change your habit in three months.
HAMMER: Right. But you look terrific and you look fantastic. Unfortunately, we`re out of time. I could sit and talk the meals with you all day. Best of luck to you on this new (INAUDIBLE) Thanks for stopping by.
JUDD: You bet.
HAMMER: Karyn.
BRYANT: It is time for more "SHOWBIZ Shorts." George Lucas is heading down the California coast. We learned today that the "Star Wars" creator, whose famous Skywalker ranch is located in northern California -- he will guest star on the TV show "The O.C." which is based in a southern California county. Lucas will play himself, and the episode airs May 12.
And a new California girl. Carnie Wilson, one of the two Wilsons in the singing trio Wilson Phillips, is a mom tonight. Wilson gave birth to a baby girl in Los Angeles on Friday. Carnie`s father, Brian, of the Beach Boys, was there during the birth. The baby`s name is Lola Sofia (ph). And we will have more "SHOWBIZ Shorts" coming up throughout the show.
HAMMER: Well, Carnie Wilson can appreciate this, a diaper-changing competition, as you`re about to see, because as we do every night on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, we bring you the best from today`s talk shows. And on "The Tony Danza Show," actor Bryan Cranston, who plays the dad on "Malcolm in the Middle," played dad with Tony today. And the two honed their diaper-changing skills in a very friendly diaper duel.
(VIDEO CLIP FROM "THE TONY DANZA SHOW")
HAMMER: So did Tony win? I`m not exactly sure who won.
BRYANT: I don`t know. Everybody lost in that, I think!
(LAUGHTER)
HAMMER: Tomorrow on "The Tony Danza Show," actor and director David Duchovny from "The House of D."
BRYANT: Well, on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," actor Jason Alexander becomes the first guest to sit, soak and chat in the brand-new "Ellen DeGeneres Show" Jacuzzi.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JASON ALEXANDER, "SEINFELD": So we`re doing this in the traditional Danish or Scandinavian method. This is how it was meant to be.
ELLEN DEGENERES, HOST: Yes.
ALEXANDER: Oh, that`s toasty!
DEGENERES: Yes.
ALEXANDER: That`s lovely. I have to pee.
(LAUGHTER)
DEGENERES: You want to keep standing?
ALEXANDER: Well, you know...
DEGENERES: I`m not going to sit because...
ALEXANDER: OK, how about this?
(LAUGHTER)
DEGENERES: Yes. Either stand or sit.
ALEXANDER: No problem.
DEGENERES: Either -- just either stand or sit.
ALEXANDER: All right.
DEGENERES: Do something -- just -- you know what? Get away from that area!
ALEXANDER: OK.
(LAUGHTER)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BRYANT: I`m seeing Jacuzzi area over here.
HAMMER: I think it`s a good idea. We could rip Ellen off for that.
BRYANT: We definitely could. Not a problem. Well, tomorrow on Ellen`s show, "Numb3rs" star Rob Morrow and Penny Marshall will record the Ellen theme song.
HAMMER: Very good idea. A Springfield celebration. Birthday cake! "The Simpsons" do something only two other comedies have done. What is it? D`oh! We`ll tell you coming up.
BRYANT: And the American Broadcasting Company is moving forward with its "American Idol" report. Our "Buzz Bench"...
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(NEWSBREAK)
BRYANT: All the world`s a stage. Ethan Hawke and Bobby Cannavale from "Hurly Burly" join us in the "Showbiz Sitdown."
HAMMER: April showers bring May fashions. A look at the new patterns of the season coming up in "Tuesday In Style."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LANCE BASS, SINGER: Hi, I`m Lance Bass, and if it happened today, it`s on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. Thirty-one minutes past the hour, I`m A.J. Hammer.
BRYANT: And I`m Karyn Bryant. Here are tonight`s "Hot Headlines."
Comedian and actor George Lopez is recovering from a kidney transplant. Today we learned Lopez had a genetic condition that required the transplant. His wife donated the kidney. The couple is expected to make a complete recovery.
HAMMER: Mary Travers of Peter, Paul and Mary will undergo a bone marrow transplant to treat her leukemia. Travers has been waiting for a bone marrow match, as chemotherapy has failed to stop the disease.
BRYANT: Maggie Gyllenhaal is standing by her comments about the September 11 attacks. At a screening of her new movie, "The Great New Wonderful," which tells the story of five New Yorkers living in the aftermath of 9/11, Gyllenhaal said that America has done reprehensible things and is, in some way, responsible for the attacks.
HAMMER: Well, we`ve been asking you to vote on our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day: Celebrity romance buzz. Does it make you want to go out and see a movie? Please keep voting at CNN.com/ShowbizTonight. Send us your e-mails at ShowbizTonight@CNN.com. We`ll share some of what you had to say at 55 past the hour.
BRYANT: "The Simpsons," that yellow dysfunctional family from the city of Springfield in no particular state. They have made us laugh for an incredible 350 episodes. The cast and crew, plus legions of fans went down to Moe`s Tavern in Los Angeles to celebrate.
Simpson`s creator, Matt Groening, tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT why he thinks the show has been so successful.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MATT GROENING, CREATOR, "THE SIMPSONS": Well, the great thing about "The Simpsons" to me is that it`s a collaborative effort and there`s all these people working on it. Great animators, great writers, great -- just great animators and writers. No, actors and musicians. And it`s so much fun that they, that they`re all putting in their best, and the show gets incrementally better at every stage.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BRYANT: When the show marks its milestone episode this Sunday it will have several guest stars, including Ray Romano, who tells us a little about his cartoon makeover.
RAY ROMANO, COMEDIAN/ACTOR: I play a guy named Ray, but, you know, he`s not Ray Romano. He`s not Ray Romano. But I don`t go far from myself. You know, I`m very Homeresque in the -- in the show. That`s why Homer likes me; I`m very compatible. And that`s in real life, too. I`m kind of like Homer on the show, my show and real life and in the bathroom.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BRYANT: So, how big of a milestone is episode number 350? Well, it`s more than the combined total episodes of the "Mary Tyler Moore Show" and "Seinfeld." At the end of this season it will pass "Dallas," which had 357 episodes. And then the cartoon takes aim at "Ozzie and Harriet," which had the most episodes, 435. To do that, "The Simpsons" will have to run another four seasons, into its 20th.
HAMMER: Time now for more "Showbiz Shorts." In addition to a guest spot on "The Simpsons," Ray Romano is taking a swing at a new HBO special. We learned today that Romano is teaming up with Kevin James of "The King of Queens" with a show documenting their attempt to get into the annual pro amateur golf tournament at Pebble Beach. The special will air on HBO June 18.
"XXX Part 2," the stars of "XXX: State of the Union, attended the premier in Los Angeles last night including Ice Cube and Willem Dafoe. The movie will be in theaters on Friday.
Well, earlier we told you...
BRYANT: In our "Showbiz Sitdown," Oscar nominated actor Ethan Hawke and Bobby Cannavale are bringing Hollywood`s crazy `80s to life in a theater off-Broadway. "Hurly Burly" is a revival that depicts the lives of four men living in Los Angeles during the cocaine and sex-infused `80s.
Hawke plays Eddie, a drug-fueled casting director, and Cannavale plays Phil, a manic wannabe actor.
BOBBY CANNAVALE, ACTOR: Wannabe?
BRYANT: Well, you`re an actor in the show, but you`re dying for a part.
CANNAVALE: Phil is an actor, though.
BRYANT: Right.
ETHAN HAWKE, ACTOR: Phil is the next Al Pacino.
BRYANT: I see. So, Ethan, if you would, though, the show is really about more than just what I said. Can you give us a quick little, you know, description of the show?
HAWKE: Well, it`s -- to my mind, it`s not really about the 80s or about Hollywood. It`s about men and, you know, it`s a bunch of guys struggling to find some kind of identity and find out who they are in some kind of positive manifestation of all this masculine energy.
The only way we can find to move that forward is by partying and who can sleep with the most girls and who can drink the most. And they`re kind of trapped in some kind of identity that`s not working for them. That`s what the play is about.
I think you can set it in Wall Street or you can set it in politics. You can set it in any kind of different environment where men are competitive with each other, which is basically any time you get men in one room together.
BRYANT: Right. Well, definitely in the show, though, Bobby, you especially operate sort of on a scale of one to 11 at 11 a lot of the time. This -- I thought the veins were going to pop out of your head. I mean, it`s a very intense show for you guys.
How -- how do you prepare for it? Not only is it every night of the week, well, six nights a week, but it`s three hours and 15 minutes long. How do you get ready for that?
CANNAVALE: One way to look at it is it`s only three hours and 15 minutes long, considering, you know, that you have to do it in the course of your day.
BRYANT: Right.
CANNAVALE: It`s only three and a half hours. But I really look forward to it the whole day, and it`s, you know, it`s cathartic. I don`t get to do that in my real life as much as I would like to sometimes.
And so for me, it`s -- it`s unbelievably cathartic every night to play that part.
BRYANT: Yes. Did you grow up in a house, though, with yelling like that? You so -- it`s so vocal and so loud and so intense this whole time. I`m thinking, where do you guys get this?
HAWKE: Well, I yell at my kid like that all the time.
CANNAVALE: Well, you know, the thing I love about the part is I don`t even really see it so much as, you know, that it`s yelling all the time. It`s just that -- I just really think that he`s, you know -- he`s a guy who`s just -- who`s absolutely right, who knows he`s right and nobody is listening to him. So he`s got to talk like that. Nobody is listening to him.
And -- and I definitely grew up in a house like that. My mom, you know, raised us, and she did a lot of screaming because we weren`t doing any listening. And -- but it`s definitely a workout, you know, every single night.
BRYANT: I thought there was a great use of music in the show. Some great -- and some great dance moves, by the way. Nice. You had a couple of moves.
CANNAVALE: Did you see me moon walk that night? Mix it up sometimes.
BRYANT: It`s great. What do you guys listen to? Do you listen to certain records before you go on to get in the mood? Do you -- how is music a part of your life?
HAWKE: This is the first time I`ve done a period piece where I was alive during the period and remember it, you know? That`s what`s kind of strange about it. So I don`t really need too much preparation.
BRYANT: No?
CANNAVALE: That was our director Scott Elliott, who really chose all the music very well, I think. But, you know, we don`t do that.
BRYANT: Was there anything in the `80s that you guys were in excess of or used to excess?
CANNAVALE: A lot of parachute pants.
BRYANT: Yes, a lot of parachute pants.
CANNAVALE: I had a lot of shirts with zippers that went diagonal.
BRYANT: Nice look.
HAWKE: Did you have the Vans, too?
CANNAVALE: I wore these things called Turtles because they were better for break dancing. Those were for break dancing.
BRYANT: Really? Did you get out the cardboard box?
CANNAVALE: When he busted out that Adidas track suit, I love that thing. That is the best costume.
BRYANT: That`s great. And I love -- we were saying, I love Wallace Shawn`s white sweat suit in this thing. I mean, come to New York just for the white sweat suit, I swear. It was great.
Well, thank you, guys. Thanks for joining us.
HAWKE: Thanks for having us on your show.
BRYANT: You can catch Ethan Hawke and Bobby Cannavale on stage in "Hurly Burly" at the 37 Arts Theater here in New York.
Well, earlier we told you about Bruce Springsteen`s brand new album, which is out today. We`re going to see what the Buzz Bench thinks about "Devils in Dust." That`s coming up.
Plus, a look at new fashions for spring and summer. That`s coming up in "Tuesday In Style."
BRYANT: Now, tonight`s birthday shout out. "The King of Queens," Kevin James, turns 40 today. The shout out comes from his co-star Jerry Stiller.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JERRY STILLER, ACTOR: Happy birthday, Kevin. You`re looking so beautiful. I love you so much.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Have a good time, baby. Love you.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Yes, it is time for the "Buzz Bench," where today`s entertainment chatter takes center stage. And tonight, lost love or just publicity? Behind the scenes at "American Idol."
And the Boss is back.
BRYANT: On the "Buzz Bench" tonight, VH1 classic host Amy Scott, showbiz contributor Amy Keen and Sirius Satellite Radio host Frank DeCaro.
Well, new paparazzi photos of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt in Africa have surfaced today in some magazines. And the story is that some of those magazines may have paid up to $1 million for the photos. We here at SHOWBIZ TONIGHT are not going to be showing these pictures. We have chosen not to.
But Brad and Angelina do have a have a new movie coming cutout, "Mr. And Mrs. Smith." Do you think this is just a publicity stunt, Frank?
FRANK DECARO, SIRIUS SATELLITE RADIO HOST: I don`t think it`s just a publicity stunt, no. And you know what the tip off for me is? There`s no sign of them being affectionate to each other in it. Definitely a genuine couple. Because if they were all over each other it would be a publicity stunt. But when you`re like, "Get off me. Go stand over there. The kid`s going to drown himself." Then you know there`s something real going on.
AMY SCOTT, VH1 CLASSIC HOST: I agree. I really don`t like Brad Pitt any more. I know that it`s -- I just think it`s like, even if there wasn`t really an affair going on if there`s all these rumors and reports, I think he should stay away from Angelina Jolie. I just think it`s kind of a low class move.
DECARO: I don`t think he had a chance though. I mean, Angelina Jolie, if she sets her sights on -- there are like -- there are black holes in space that have less pull than, you know, she -- I`m sure.
AMY KEAN, CONTRIBUTOR: But, honestly, what they should do if it was a publicity stunt, wouldn`t it be smart if Angelina and Brad Pitt would get together and sell their own photos and raise money for, like, AIDS awareness in Africa?
BRYANT: Yes. The money could definitely be put to better use.
KEAN: They don`t need any more publicity.
HAMMER: I don`t think it`s either of their styles, from what we know of them, to do this for the publicity. I don`t think that at all.
KEAN: I don`t think so either.
HAMMER: Well, let`s move on, then, to topic No. 2, something that a lot of people are saying. It is about the publicity. The special edition of "Primetime Live" about "American Idol" has been moving forward.
Now, "The Drudge Report," says that FOX owner Rupert Murdoch has warned ABC it could face legal action, and that ABC is maliciously trying to destroy "American Idol."
Well, we called FOX and they say none of that is true. Amy, what`s your take on all of this?
KEAN: I think, you know, I think it`s sour grapes from ABC because they`re so upset that FOX is making so much money and has this huge hit that what they`d really like to do is just steal "American Idol," but since they can`t do it, why not make a show about "American Idol" and trash "American Idol"?
I mean, you know, there are a lot of problems with the story. First of all, some of the reports say that the judge...
HAMMER: Paula Abdul.
KEAN: Sorry, that she had inappropriate relationships with some of the --It doesn`t even matter. I don`t even understand why that would matter because still the public is supposedly choosing who wins. So why does it matter? Even if she was having affairs?
HAMMER: Opposites attract, though, Amy. Keep that in mind. Frank?
DECARO: She doesn`t have a song that says, "It`s a dopey TV show." It`s just a popularity contest.
SCOTT: Stop picking on Paula. She`s got a disease, for heaven`s sakes. Leave the woman alone. This is all just to detract from -- the attention from Simon Cowell, who`s really the mean guy.
BRYANT: I think people watch this, for sure.
Absolutely. It`s such a huge hit, I mean, there`s a curiosity factor. I mean, I think regardless, people are going to watch "Primetime" and keep watching "American Idol."
DECARO: They love it. I`m the last person in America who is not interested in it. I don`t want...
BRYANT: You come to my house. We`ll watch together, it will be fun.
HAMMER: She`ll have a marathon for you.
SCOTT: Let`s boycott the whole thing and no one watch it.
DECARO: Let`s do it -- case for scripted television. That`s what I say.
BRYANT: It`s a fun show.
Well, we`re moving on. Bruce Springsteen is back, his new album "Devils and Dust." It`s out today. It`s his 13th studio album, much anticipated by the fans. Amy, what`s your take on this?
SCOTT: It`s a great album. It`s an acoustic album, much along the lines of "Nebraska" or "Tom Joad," not quite as dark. But it`s very good.
And he`s embarking on a solo tour across America, which everyone is excited about. A little controversy because at lot of people want to see him with the E Street Band. And the ticket prices of, you know, 100 bucks and up. Though you could see the entire show if you tune in to VH1 Classic tonight at 8 p.m., because the uncut extended version is airing.
BRYANT: Right away, Amy.
SCOTT: Uncut, extended version it`s airing. But I`m excited about it.
BRYANT: Are you guys into the Bruce?
KEAN: Well, for people who like Bruce Springsteen, it`s more the kind of -- I mean, he`s very talented, but he is certainly an acquired taste. So depressing. This has a lot of songs about prostitution and migrant workers and it`s...
SCOTT: So did Bob Dylan, but he`s a humongous star.
KEAN: So I think people will like him.
DECARO: He`s everything that "American Idol" is not. That`s why I like him so much. He`s just -- he`s really talented, and he does his own thing. I think it`s going it be the feel-good album of the year. I`m going to wait for the disco remix, and it`s going to be great.
BRYANT: The match ups and all of that.
DECARO: Fabulous.
BRYANT: Fabulous. Well, Frank, Amy and Amy, thanks for joining us here on the Buzz Bench.
And it is now time to get your laugh on in "Laughter Dark." As we do every night, we like to bring you the laughs you might have missed from the late-night shows. Here`s a look at the best of the worst editorial mistakes throughout the country. This is from "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JAY LENO, HOST, "THE TONIGHT SHOW": Here`s what happens when you put two ads too close to each other. Here`s an ad for socks next to an ad for a skirt and you get girls with short legs and really big feet.
I love this guy. Why is Martha Stewart so popular? They asked Robert white. He said, "Who the hell is Martha Stewart?"
Come work in a stress-free environment. Yes, that woman looks like she works in a stress free environment.
You recall the play "The Vagina Monologues." There`s got to be a better way to say it. You can say, "I enjoyed it. It was an interesting night at the theater."
"Crowd wowed by touching vagina."
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Tonight on the "Tonight Show," First Lady Laura Bush.
Well, an emotional good-bye on the finale of "Surreal Life IV." It pulled on Jimmy Kimmel`s heartstrings a little bit. In fact, so much so that he replayed the ending on last night`s "Jimmy Kimmel Live."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JIMMY KIMMEL, COMEDIAN/ACTOR: And Verne Troyer, you know, Mini Me got choked up. I`ll tell you. I don`t know who didn`t shed a few tears.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We love you.
VERNE TROYER, ACTOR: Oh. I appreciate all the help that you cared for me. I swore I wasn`t going to do this.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BRYANT: Very uncomfortable.
HAMMER: Made you very uncomfortable, didn`t it?
BRYANT: Go ahead.
HAMMER: Tonight on "Jimmy Kimmel Live," actress and recent reality show star, Farrah Fawcett.
BRYANT: First comes the spring cleaning, then the new fashions for spring and summer. We will check them out coming up in "Tuesday In Style."
HAMMER: And there is still time for you to sound off in tonight`s SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day. Celebrity Romance Buzz. Does it make you want to see a movie?" You can vote at CNN.com/Showbiz Tonight.
Or e-mail us what`s on your mind, ShowbizTonight@CNN.com. We will share your feedback, coming up.
And now, we`re going to se what you tune in to. The Nielsen ratings just came out this afternoon from last week`s shows. As we do every Tuesday, here`s your first look at the network`s top five.
CBS` "Crime Scene: Investigation " took the No. 1 spot with more than 27 million viewers, even though it was a recap episode. ABC`s "Desperate Housewives" pulled in 24 million viewers.
FOX`s "American Idol" pulled a three-four punch, and "CFI: the Miami version.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: It`s time now for "Tuesday In Style." Celebrity fashion this spring is all about florals and color. "In Style" magazine`s Toby Tucker gives us an inside look at how you can get their look.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
TOBY TUCKER, "IN STYLE" MAGAZINE: There`s a huge floral trend happening for spring/summer. It`s lady-like. It`s pretty. It`s romantic. It looks very vintage in a lot of cases. They`re very antique-looking, hand painted in many cases.
Lucy Liu looked fantastic in a to-the-knee beautiful Dolce Gabbana flowered dress. She can handle that kind of print because she is so petite.
And Rose McGowan, another petite girl, with one shoulder beautiful Jay Mandel (ph) hand painted dress that was just to die for and perfect for the red carpet.
The tuxedo for a woman is really, really trendy this spring/summer season. It`s a lot different from the regular old just suit. Woman are wearing beaded tops underneath them, great corsets, sometimes nothing at all. Just a really great piece of jewelry.
And Kate Hudson pulls it off beautifully. It`s a streamlined suit. It`s tailored to absolute perfection.
The shiny black pant is really taking the place of where jeans and white jeans and black jeans use to be. Women are turning to black pants for just a little nudge of sophistication. So, you`re seeing a lot of them on the red carpet. And many stars are pairing just a basic shiny black pant with something very shiny on top, as well.
Naomi Watts looks best in a Stella McCartney. She`s got that slightly cropped black pant going and just a beautiful camisole. She really hits it right.
People think spring/summer and they say, OK, time to break out the pastels. This season you should be thinking mint green. It`s a beautiful, fresh color, and ton of celebrities are taking that cue and wearing it on the red carpet.
People like Cate Blanchett wore an absolutely stunning Alexander McQueen green dress with beautiful gold piping around it. She really stood out on the red carpet, and she made a statement.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: And if you want to read more about the look for May, pick up a copy of "In Style" magazine. It`s on newsstands now.
BRYANT: Throughout the show we`ve been asking you to vote online on our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day. Celebrity romance buzz: does it make you want to see a movie?
Let`s take a look at how the vote is going so far. A mere eight percent of you said yes, celebrity romance does make me want to see a movie, and a whopping 92 percent of you said, no, it does not.
You`ve also been sending e-mails our way.
Lee from Kirkland, Colorado, says, "Nothing celebrities do will influence what I do, think or how I act. They`re all overpaid, egotistical phonies."
Now remember, you can continue to vote at CNN.com/ShowbizTonight.
HAMMER: It`s that time, time to see what`s playing on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT tomorrow.
BRYANT: Let`s take a look at the "Showbiz Marquee." Marquee Guy, take it away.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ANNOUNCER: It`s my honky-tonk history. No, not mine, Marquee Guy. We`re talking about Travis Tritt and his new album. Travis has got a lot of country to talk to us about, and he`s in our country. Live tomorrow on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
"Family Guy," uncancelled, at least someone had some god sense. And we`ve got Seth Green, the voice of the most lovable, overgrown 13-year-old on TV. Well, not just the voice. Seth is bringing his entire body, and he`ll be live tomorrow.
This is the Marquee Guy, no relation to "Family Guy." But I`m told I`m a pretty nice guy.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: I would have thought they were part of the whole guy family.
BRYANT: Yes. Yes.
HAMMER: You know who`s stopping by tomorrow, as well?
BRYANT: Who, A.J.?
HAMMER: Huey Lewis.
BRYANT: OK. Well, tell you what people, if you do come to New York, you should see "Hurly Burly." I really enjoyed that.
HAMMER: OK.
BRYANT: OK. And we`ll see Huey Lewis tomorrow, too.
HAMMER: Huey Lewis is coming here tomorrow.
BRYANT: All right. Well, that`s it for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m Karyn Bryant.
HAMMER: I`m A.J. Hammer. Stay tuned for the very latest from CNN HEADLINE NEWS.
END
Aired April 26, 2005 - 19:00:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
KARYN BRYANT, CO-HOST: George Lopez`s surgery.
A.J. HAMMER, CO-HOST: And Bruce goes solo. I`m A.J. Hammer.
BRYANT: I`m Karyn Bryant. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
HAMMER: The ultimate gift. George Lopez goes under the knife. But he`s not alone. The TV star`s touching story.
BRYANT: Maggie makes them mad. What did Maggie Gyllenhaal say that`s shocking America? We`ll tell you.
HAMMER: Plus, the Boss is back. Springsteen`s taking his new CD to the streets, but not with E Street. How will it do?
BRYANT: Naomi in New York. The country star`s healthy new starring role. She`ll pin it down in a "SHOWBIZ Sitdown."
HAMMER: And romance buzz -- Brad and Angelina, Ben and Jen. Does it make you want to see their movies? "SHOWBIZ In Depth."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ROB THOMAS, MATCHBOX 20: I`m Rob Thomas. And apparently, if it happened today, it`s on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. So there you go.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BRYANT: Hello. I`m Karyn Bryant, and you are at the top of the show.
HAMMER: I`m A.J. Hammer. We are live with you from Headline Prime studios in New York City for the next hour.
BRYANT: Well, he is one of the most popular sitcom stars on TV, and tonight, he owes his life to his wife.
HAMMER: George Lopez is back home tonight and getting better after his wife gave him an incredible gift. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s Brooke Anderson is live right now in Hollywood with the very latest -- Brooke.
BROOKE ANDERSON, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT: A.J., Karyn, that incredible gift was a new kidney. We`re just now learning that George Lopez had a kidney transplant last week. Lopez isn`t saying much about it, but we do know that he`s fine now, and so is his very special donor.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(voice-over): It was an announcement long on surprise and short on details, that George Lopez, star of ABC`s "George Lopez Show," had a kidney transplant sometime last week. The donor? His wife of 12 years and...
DR. JON BROMBERG, MT. SINAI HOSPITAL: The chance of having your spouse match is probably on average 20 to 40 percent chance, at least. And I`ve seen through the years just willy-nilly, spouses have incredibly good matches, and clearly, they were fated to marry one another.
ANDERSON: No one is saying exactly when the operation took place or in what hospital. As for why Lopez needed the transplant, all the statement says is, quote, "Lopez had a genetic condition causing the use of his kidneys to deteriorate."
BROMBERG: Obviously, in Mr. Lopez`s case, he was taken care of by a very good group of doctors who realized he was headed towards transplant, and he probably got a transplant well before he needed dialysis.
ANDERSON: Lopez seemed fine when he invited SHOWBIZ TONIGHT to catch up with him and guest star Hilary Duff on the set of his hit ABC sitcom. Both Lopez and his wife shared another less than pleasant experience. Just three weeks ago, they both testified in the Michael Jackson trial about their relationship with the accuser and his family.
GEORGE LOPEZ, "THE GEORGE LOPEZ SHOW": My job wasn`t one for the defense or the prosecution. My job was just to get my side of the story out.
ANDERSON: Filming on his TV show has now wrapped for the season. He also finished shooting a movie with "Sin City" director Robert Rodriguez. So now he and his wife can concentrate on recovering from their shared ordeal. But their prospects for the future look good.
BROMBERG: For all we know, his prognosis is suburb. He`s going to be around making us laugh for decades to come.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ANDERSON: I mentioned that Lopez just finished filming a new Robert Rodriguez movie. It`s called "The Adventures of Shark Boy and Lava Girl." It opens June 10. And hopefully, by that time, George Lopez will be well enough to do publicity for that new movie -- Karyn.
BRYANT: All right. Thanks very much, Brooke, out in Hollywood.
Well, tonight, one of the most famous folk singers of the `60s is also facing a transplant. We learned today that Mary Travers, the Mary in Peter Paul and Mary, will undergo a bone marrow transplant after finally finding a donor. The 68-year-old singer has been battling leukemia. On her Web site, she tells her fans, quote, "I feel grateful beyond words and sustained by your many voices. I`m sure that it`s part of what has given me the strength to fight and the drive to sing again," end quote.
Now, Peter Paul and Mary is best known for songs like "Leaving on a Jet Plane" and "Puff the Magic Dragon."
HAMMER: Controversial comments tonight from a screen star about the 9/11 terror attacks. Actress Maggie Gyllenhaal is claiming that the U.S. is responsible in some way for the nightmare of September 11, and she`s not backing down. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s David Haffenreffer with the latest.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
MAGGIE GYLLENHAAL, "THE GREAT NEW WONDERFUL": I think America has reprehensible things and is responsible in some way.
DAVID HAFFENREFFER, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT (voice-over): Those 13 words sent sparks of scathing criticism against actress Maggie Gyllenhaal.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GYLLENHAAL: I`m realizing we may not be able to help contribute to your upcoming event. I`m really sorry.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAFFENREFFER: She made the remarks at a screening of her new movie preview, "The Great New Wonderful," which tells the story of five New Yorkers living in the aftermath of 9/11.
GYLLENHAAL: For me to want to be involved in a project that includes 9/11, I think you also have to think about how America has affected the world and how the world affects America.
HAFFENREFFER: It`s certainly affected her fan base. A Web site devoted to Gyllenhaal was flooded with angry comments. It was so bad, they took the comments section off the Web site with this statement: "It`s sad to see it`s come to this, and whether you think she`s right or wrong, she has every right to voice her opinion, as do you. If you don`t like Maggie, then don`t waste your time on this site."
And Maggie herself posted a response, saying that she grieved, along with every American, over September 11, and quote, "It is always useful, as individuals or nations, to ask how we may have knowingly or unknowingly contributed to this conflict. Not to have the courage to ask these questions of ourselves is to betray the victims of 9/11."
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: Well, "Newsday" asked some of its readers some questions, like what they thought of Gyllenhaal`s comments. Well, 39 percent said they agreed with her comments and 25 percent disagreed.
BRYANT: Now it is time for "Show Blog" tonight. Moby, the president and the prince. Recording artist Moby blogs today about the picture of President Bush meeting with Saudi Arabia`s Crown Prince Abdullah, saying he finds it a bit odd that they were photographed holding hands. Moby writes, "Don`t get me wrong, I`m not opposed to same-sex couples walking around holding hands, but I do find it a bit odd when the president of the United States walks around with the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, and they`re so close and intimate that they`re holding hands like young lovers." In another blog post, Moby reveals he`ll be producing music for Richard Kelly`s new movie, "Southland." Kelly is best known for directing the cult favorite "Donnie Darko."
HAMMER: Well, Bruce Springsteen is back with a brand-new, laid-back acoustic album just out today. It`s the Boss`s first solo album in 10 years, and he`s hitting the road. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s cameras were rolling as Springsteen took the stage last night in Detroit.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(voice-over): The Boss is back. Bruce Springsteen hit Detroit last night, kicking off the solo tour for his brand-new album. "Devils and Dust" hit stores today. It`s Springsteen`s 13 studio release and a return to his acoustic roots. The Boss belted out 27 songs last night, including most of the album, which was recorded without The E Street band.
NATHAN BRACKETT, "ROLLING STONE": The music is a lot more somber. It`s mostly acoustic. It features Bruce yodeling in some places. You know, it`s definitely not an E Street Band record.
HAMMER: Springsteen played for two-and-a-half hours. Detroit was the first stop in his 13-city North American tour, a tour that`s more scaled down, sending Bruce only into theaters and small arenas.
BRACKETT: You get a sense that Springsteen is taking a breather with this record, and this is kind of a more personal record. It`s almost more for him.
HAMMER: "Devils and Dust" is being released on dual disc. There`s a CD on one side and a DVD on the other. On the DVD, a short film of Springsteen performing four of the new songs. In between, extensive explanations of what each one means.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN, "DEVILS AND DUST": These are all songs about people whose souls are in danger.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: The title song was written before the United States entered Iraq.
BRACKETT: The title track, "Devils and Dust," is probably the only song with any political overtones. And it`s written from the perspective of an infantryman who`s just walking through some city, saying, I have the finger on the trigger, and I don`t know who to trust. And you can see that as kind of a -- kind of a critique of the war in Iraq.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Bruce is off to Texas on Thursday. Now, if you have tickets to his concert, don`t expect him to play a lot of his old hits. Springsteen is mostly sticking to the songs off the new album.
BRYANT: Big names, big box office? Celebrity romance buzz. Does it hurt or does it help ticket sales? We go in depth.
HAMMER: Lots of country songs are about heartache, but country star Naomi Judd is on a kick to keep your heart healthy, and she`ll explain live, coming up.
BRYANT: Now we`ve got tonight`s "Entertainment Weekly Great American Pop Culture Quiz." Which singer`s debut album was released when she was just 13? Was it A, Britney Spears, B, Debbie Gibson, C, Charlotte Church, or D, Brandy? We`ll be right back with the answer.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
BRYANT: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. Once again, tonight`s "Entertainment Weekly Great American Pop Culture Quiz." Which singer`s debut album was released when she was just 13? Was it Britney Spears, Debbie Gibson, Charlotte Church, or Brandy? The answer is C, Charlotte Church.
HAMMER: It`s time now for a "SHOWBIZ Short," another story that`s making news tonight and something that could put to rest the rumors about trouble in Nick and Jessica`s marriage. "People" magazine learned today that Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson have purchased a Las Vegas condo. It will be built in the Palms Resort and Casino, and it will have views of the strip and the mountains surrounding the city. The price tag, a million bucks.
BRYANT: It is 13 past the hour, time now for "SHOWBIZ In Depth." Tonight, what happens when stars working together on movies have real-life romances? You`ve heard the buzz about Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, co- stars in the upcoming movie, "Mr. and Mrs. Smith." There are now pictures of them together in Africa out today, and of course, that is fueling the speculation that they may be an item. Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck were already an item before they hooked up to co-star in the movie "Gigli." And several years ago, the already married Meg Ryan and very much unmarried Russell Crowe got together while shooting the movie "Proof of Life." So just how do real-life celebrity romances affect the box office?
Joining us live from Los Angeles is Paul Dergarabedian, president of the box office tracking company Exhibitor Relations. And here live with us in New York is Robin Koval, chief marketing officer for the advertising and entertainment firm the Kaplan Thaler Group. Thanks to both for joining us.
And I want to start, first and foremost -- who do you -- or do you think this is going to help or hurt a movie, the buzz about an off-screen romance?
ROBIN KOVAL, CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER, THE KAPLAN THALER GROUP: I think it definitely makes you more interested in the movie. It makes you more aware of the movie. It`s about building awareness. And I can tell you for sure it sure makes me want to buy a magazine, without a doubt. I don`t know if I want to spend $10 to see the movie, but I definitely want to go buy a magazine and read about it.
BRYANT: Paul, do you agree that the off-screen possibilities fuel your interest in seeing the movie?
PAUL DERGARABEDIAN, PRES., EXHIBITOR RELATIONS: It can, but it`s a double-edge sword. I mean, there is this notion of there`s no such thing as bad press or bad publicity because it does get the awareness out there. But we`ve seen in the past where some stars get just so overexposed in terms of their personal life that people kind of burn out on those stars and they may not be that interested in going to see their movie. They`ve already seen them enough in these tabloids and in press coverage.
And again, there`s something to be said for a little bit of mystery there. It`s hard to sometimes separate these stars from their personal lives when all you hear about is what`s going on in their marriages or their relationships and that type of thing. I think it`s good sometimes to have that separation between the personal life and then the -- you know, the public persona. So there can be a problem there, if there`s too much of it.
BRYANT: Right. And in fact, in "Sahara," you know, Matthew McConaughey and Penelope Cruz kept it pretty low, low-key, their romance off-screen. And it seems -- you know, the movie`s doing well. Seems that one is working out.
KOVAL: I think you have a lot less gossip value, though. I mean, there`s two single people...
BRYANT: Right...
(CROSSTALK)
KOVAL: They`re beautiful and fabulous, and that`s all great and the movie`s sexy. But this has a lot more of that, you know, clandestine romance...
BRYANT: Right.
KOVAL: ... and who doesn`t want to hear about that?
BRYANT: Well, Robin, then, who is being hurt the most in this, Angelina, Jennifer or Brad?
KOVAL: Well, you know, I think everybody`s sort of playing to their brand, if you will. I mean, Jennifer is America`s sweetheart, and don`t we love her even more now? We feel even sorrier for her and just want to love her. Brad is a big male leading man movie star, so he can do whatever he wants and we`ll eventually forgive him. We`ve forgiven Tom Cruise.
BRYANT: Sure.
KOVAL: We`ve forgiven Hugh Grant. We`ll forgive...
BRYANT: The sexiest man alive!
KOVAL: Exactly.
BRYANT: People are going to forgive him.
KOVAL: We`re going to -- who wouldn`t?
DERGARABEDIAN: Ultimately, I think...
BRYANT: Go ahead, Paul.
DERGARABEDIAN: Yes. I`m sorry. Ultimately, I think, though, it comes down to the movie. I mean, if the marketing is good and the concept of the movie appeals to people -- I don`t think people sit around and say, Well, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie had an affair, whatever, and then they decide whether or not they`re going to see the movie. They`re going to say, Does "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" look like a good movie? Is the marketing effective? And that`s what fuels whether or not they`re going to go spend their $10 at the box office.
BRYANT: So Paul, then, quickly, you would say that Ben Affleck`s troubles are not so much about the relationship he had with J.Lo, it just was bad movie choices?
DERGARABEDIAN: I think, in many cases, it was. I mean, you look at "Gigli," and I think everybody pretty much agrees that that was not a great movie. Again, though, you still can never exactly quantify what it is that brings people into the theater or what keeps them away. And so in this case, I think the movie wasn`t really that great...
BRYANT: Right.
DERGARABEDIAN: ... in the case of "Gigli," but also, that overexposure situation can sometimes turn moviegoers off.
BRYANT: OK. Now, Robin, last words. Do you think than Ben Affleck can come back from this negative image that he`s had with the series of movies that haven`t done so well?
KOVAL: You know, every brand can be repositioned.
(LAUGHTER)
BRYANT: Spin away, baby!
KOVAL: So Ben`s a brand and...
BRYANT: Right.
KOVAL: ... you know, he has to do something to show that he recognizes he made a mistake, he made bad choices. He`ll do, you know, a smart arty movie. We`ll all say, God, you know, I never knew Ben was such a great actor.
BRYANT: Right. OK.
KOVAL: We need to give him a second chance.
BRYANT: A second chance. All right. Well, Robin Koval and Paul Dergarabedian, thank you for joining us here.
We would like to note that while you may see the pictures of Brad and Angelina elsewhere, we have chosen not to show them, although we do want to know your thoughts on our subject tonight, our SHOWBIZ question of the day: Celebrity romance, but does it make you want to see a movie? You can vote at cnn.com/showbiztonight, or if you want to tell us more, e-mail us at showbiztonight@cnn.com. We`ll share some of what you had to say later in the show.
HAMMER: Well, Naomi Judd is one heavy-duty country star, and now she`s trying to lighten you up. She joins us live.
BRYANT: And drugs, sex and Ethan Hawke. He flies into our studio to talk about his new play. That`s coming up.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. It is time for our first "SHOWBIZ Sitdown" of the night. Naomi Judd, one half of the mother- daughter country music duo, the Judds, has been making music, selling millions of albums and racking up all kinds of number one hits since the early 1980s. And whether it`s as a singer, an actor or an author, Naomi will tell you her greatest passion in life is sharing. And she`s here to share a few moments with us in the Headline Prime studios.
Thanks for stopping by.
NAOMI JUDD, THE JUDDS: I`m a communicator, bottom line.
HAMMER: You look amazing!
JUDD: Well, thank you. I`m very healthy, very healthy. That`s the bottom line. I`m a health care advocate. I`m a former RN, and I realized I needed to lose -- I needed to drop about 10 pounds. And I realized, because I work a lot with the American Heart Association, that it`s the number one killer, absolutely the number one killer. In fact, you`re six times more likely to die of heart disease than you are cancer. So I saw all this research about how a diet high in fiber, and Post came to me, showed me all their cardiologist reports. So if you do this heart-healthy diet -- in fact, I don`t even call it a diet. To me, it`s a lifestyle choice.
HAMMER: Just a way to live and eat.
JUDD: Are you a bachelor?
HAMMER: I`m not a bachelor, but you know, I enjoy eating healthy and I enjoy the cooking. And I know you love to cook, as well.
JUDD: I do. I can`t do a lot of things, A.J., but I can cook. But I`m looking at all these guys that I bet are single. And this is so stinkin` easy, guys. All you need is ABC. You need a bowl and a spoon, low-fat milk and your Post Grape-Nuts, shredded wheat or raisin bran. You can eat over the sink. But knowing that -- knowing all the stuff that I know after all the research I did, because take this stuff very seriously...
HAMMER: Right.
JUDD: ... if you will eat two meals a day with one of the -- I love Grape-Nuts.
HAMMER: Right.
JUDD: Do you like to masticate?
HAMMER: You know, I -- I...
JUDD: That means chew.
HAMMER: I do a little bit of everything. I -- whatever.
(LAUGHTER)
HAMMER: You know.
JUDD: It`s your word of the day!
HAMMER: Whatever. I`m not up to the -- what is it, the M`s yet. I`m not quite there.
JUDD: But if you`ll use one of the real healthy fiber cereals -- and my preference is Post Grape-Nuts -- two times a day...
HAMMER: Right.
JUDD: ... and it`s so easy if you`re traveling, like I am.
HAMMER: Just bring it along.
JUDD: Professional hotel guests. They`ve got it everywhere, even on my bus. And then substitute the other meal for a real balanced, normal healthy meal.
HAMMER: All right. Well, I know you`re passionate about the good living and the good diet. You were always passionate about country music. A lot of people don`t realize that you kind of officially or semi- officially retired 15 years ago. Everybody thinks you`re still in the game. But you`re still doing some one-off shows with the Judds.
JUDD: Absolutely. We do -- Wy and I do special shows. We just performed at the White House. We do -- we did the big 4th of July special. We did Super Bowl half-time...
HAMMER: Right.
JUDD: Just, you know, real special stuff.
HAMMER: And family`s real important to you. Get to spend some time with your daughters.
JUDD: Very, very, very. Actually, starting a new movie this weekend in Little Rock, Arkansas. Wynonna`s got a DVD coming out pretty soon. But you know, it`s like with my girls, I try to be a real positive role model.
HAMMER: Right.
JUDD: I say I`d rather be a role model than a supermodel. But I want to keep my weight down. I want to lose this 10 pounds. And by using -- I don`t -- it`s not really a diet, it`s like you can change your habit in three months.
HAMMER: Right. But you look terrific and you look fantastic. Unfortunately, we`re out of time. I could sit and talk the meals with you all day. Best of luck to you on this new (INAUDIBLE) Thanks for stopping by.
JUDD: You bet.
HAMMER: Karyn.
BRYANT: It is time for more "SHOWBIZ Shorts." George Lucas is heading down the California coast. We learned today that the "Star Wars" creator, whose famous Skywalker ranch is located in northern California -- he will guest star on the TV show "The O.C." which is based in a southern California county. Lucas will play himself, and the episode airs May 12.
And a new California girl. Carnie Wilson, one of the two Wilsons in the singing trio Wilson Phillips, is a mom tonight. Wilson gave birth to a baby girl in Los Angeles on Friday. Carnie`s father, Brian, of the Beach Boys, was there during the birth. The baby`s name is Lola Sofia (ph). And we will have more "SHOWBIZ Shorts" coming up throughout the show.
HAMMER: Well, Carnie Wilson can appreciate this, a diaper-changing competition, as you`re about to see, because as we do every night on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, we bring you the best from today`s talk shows. And on "The Tony Danza Show," actor Bryan Cranston, who plays the dad on "Malcolm in the Middle," played dad with Tony today. And the two honed their diaper-changing skills in a very friendly diaper duel.
(VIDEO CLIP FROM "THE TONY DANZA SHOW")
HAMMER: So did Tony win? I`m not exactly sure who won.
BRYANT: I don`t know. Everybody lost in that, I think!
(LAUGHTER)
HAMMER: Tomorrow on "The Tony Danza Show," actor and director David Duchovny from "The House of D."
BRYANT: Well, on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," actor Jason Alexander becomes the first guest to sit, soak and chat in the brand-new "Ellen DeGeneres Show" Jacuzzi.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JASON ALEXANDER, "SEINFELD": So we`re doing this in the traditional Danish or Scandinavian method. This is how it was meant to be.
ELLEN DEGENERES, HOST: Yes.
ALEXANDER: Oh, that`s toasty!
DEGENERES: Yes.
ALEXANDER: That`s lovely. I have to pee.
(LAUGHTER)
DEGENERES: You want to keep standing?
ALEXANDER: Well, you know...
DEGENERES: I`m not going to sit because...
ALEXANDER: OK, how about this?
(LAUGHTER)
DEGENERES: Yes. Either stand or sit.
ALEXANDER: No problem.
DEGENERES: Either -- just either stand or sit.
ALEXANDER: All right.
DEGENERES: Do something -- just -- you know what? Get away from that area!
ALEXANDER: OK.
(LAUGHTER)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BRYANT: I`m seeing Jacuzzi area over here.
HAMMER: I think it`s a good idea. We could rip Ellen off for that.
BRYANT: We definitely could. Not a problem. Well, tomorrow on Ellen`s show, "Numb3rs" star Rob Morrow and Penny Marshall will record the Ellen theme song.
HAMMER: Very good idea. A Springfield celebration. Birthday cake! "The Simpsons" do something only two other comedies have done. What is it? D`oh! We`ll tell you coming up.
BRYANT: And the American Broadcasting Company is moving forward with its "American Idol" report. Our "Buzz Bench"...
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(NEWSBREAK)
BRYANT: All the world`s a stage. Ethan Hawke and Bobby Cannavale from "Hurly Burly" join us in the "Showbiz Sitdown."
HAMMER: April showers bring May fashions. A look at the new patterns of the season coming up in "Tuesday In Style."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LANCE BASS, SINGER: Hi, I`m Lance Bass, and if it happened today, it`s on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. Thirty-one minutes past the hour, I`m A.J. Hammer.
BRYANT: And I`m Karyn Bryant. Here are tonight`s "Hot Headlines."
Comedian and actor George Lopez is recovering from a kidney transplant. Today we learned Lopez had a genetic condition that required the transplant. His wife donated the kidney. The couple is expected to make a complete recovery.
HAMMER: Mary Travers of Peter, Paul and Mary will undergo a bone marrow transplant to treat her leukemia. Travers has been waiting for a bone marrow match, as chemotherapy has failed to stop the disease.
BRYANT: Maggie Gyllenhaal is standing by her comments about the September 11 attacks. At a screening of her new movie, "The Great New Wonderful," which tells the story of five New Yorkers living in the aftermath of 9/11, Gyllenhaal said that America has done reprehensible things and is, in some way, responsible for the attacks.
HAMMER: Well, we`ve been asking you to vote on our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day: Celebrity romance buzz. Does it make you want to go out and see a movie? Please keep voting at CNN.com/ShowbizTonight. Send us your e-mails at ShowbizTonight@CNN.com. We`ll share some of what you had to say at 55 past the hour.
BRYANT: "The Simpsons," that yellow dysfunctional family from the city of Springfield in no particular state. They have made us laugh for an incredible 350 episodes. The cast and crew, plus legions of fans went down to Moe`s Tavern in Los Angeles to celebrate.
Simpson`s creator, Matt Groening, tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT why he thinks the show has been so successful.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MATT GROENING, CREATOR, "THE SIMPSONS": Well, the great thing about "The Simpsons" to me is that it`s a collaborative effort and there`s all these people working on it. Great animators, great writers, great -- just great animators and writers. No, actors and musicians. And it`s so much fun that they, that they`re all putting in their best, and the show gets incrementally better at every stage.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BRYANT: When the show marks its milestone episode this Sunday it will have several guest stars, including Ray Romano, who tells us a little about his cartoon makeover.
RAY ROMANO, COMEDIAN/ACTOR: I play a guy named Ray, but, you know, he`s not Ray Romano. He`s not Ray Romano. But I don`t go far from myself. You know, I`m very Homeresque in the -- in the show. That`s why Homer likes me; I`m very compatible. And that`s in real life, too. I`m kind of like Homer on the show, my show and real life and in the bathroom.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BRYANT: So, how big of a milestone is episode number 350? Well, it`s more than the combined total episodes of the "Mary Tyler Moore Show" and "Seinfeld." At the end of this season it will pass "Dallas," which had 357 episodes. And then the cartoon takes aim at "Ozzie and Harriet," which had the most episodes, 435. To do that, "The Simpsons" will have to run another four seasons, into its 20th.
HAMMER: Time now for more "Showbiz Shorts." In addition to a guest spot on "The Simpsons," Ray Romano is taking a swing at a new HBO special. We learned today that Romano is teaming up with Kevin James of "The King of Queens" with a show documenting their attempt to get into the annual pro amateur golf tournament at Pebble Beach. The special will air on HBO June 18.
"XXX Part 2," the stars of "XXX: State of the Union, attended the premier in Los Angeles last night including Ice Cube and Willem Dafoe. The movie will be in theaters on Friday.
Well, earlier we told you...
BRYANT: In our "Showbiz Sitdown," Oscar nominated actor Ethan Hawke and Bobby Cannavale are bringing Hollywood`s crazy `80s to life in a theater off-Broadway. "Hurly Burly" is a revival that depicts the lives of four men living in Los Angeles during the cocaine and sex-infused `80s.
Hawke plays Eddie, a drug-fueled casting director, and Cannavale plays Phil, a manic wannabe actor.
BOBBY CANNAVALE, ACTOR: Wannabe?
BRYANT: Well, you`re an actor in the show, but you`re dying for a part.
CANNAVALE: Phil is an actor, though.
BRYANT: Right.
ETHAN HAWKE, ACTOR: Phil is the next Al Pacino.
BRYANT: I see. So, Ethan, if you would, though, the show is really about more than just what I said. Can you give us a quick little, you know, description of the show?
HAWKE: Well, it`s -- to my mind, it`s not really about the 80s or about Hollywood. It`s about men and, you know, it`s a bunch of guys struggling to find some kind of identity and find out who they are in some kind of positive manifestation of all this masculine energy.
The only way we can find to move that forward is by partying and who can sleep with the most girls and who can drink the most. And they`re kind of trapped in some kind of identity that`s not working for them. That`s what the play is about.
I think you can set it in Wall Street or you can set it in politics. You can set it in any kind of different environment where men are competitive with each other, which is basically any time you get men in one room together.
BRYANT: Right. Well, definitely in the show, though, Bobby, you especially operate sort of on a scale of one to 11 at 11 a lot of the time. This -- I thought the veins were going to pop out of your head. I mean, it`s a very intense show for you guys.
How -- how do you prepare for it? Not only is it every night of the week, well, six nights a week, but it`s three hours and 15 minutes long. How do you get ready for that?
CANNAVALE: One way to look at it is it`s only three hours and 15 minutes long, considering, you know, that you have to do it in the course of your day.
BRYANT: Right.
CANNAVALE: It`s only three and a half hours. But I really look forward to it the whole day, and it`s, you know, it`s cathartic. I don`t get to do that in my real life as much as I would like to sometimes.
And so for me, it`s -- it`s unbelievably cathartic every night to play that part.
BRYANT: Yes. Did you grow up in a house, though, with yelling like that? You so -- it`s so vocal and so loud and so intense this whole time. I`m thinking, where do you guys get this?
HAWKE: Well, I yell at my kid like that all the time.
CANNAVALE: Well, you know, the thing I love about the part is I don`t even really see it so much as, you know, that it`s yelling all the time. It`s just that -- I just really think that he`s, you know -- he`s a guy who`s just -- who`s absolutely right, who knows he`s right and nobody is listening to him. So he`s got to talk like that. Nobody is listening to him.
And -- and I definitely grew up in a house like that. My mom, you know, raised us, and she did a lot of screaming because we weren`t doing any listening. And -- but it`s definitely a workout, you know, every single night.
BRYANT: I thought there was a great use of music in the show. Some great -- and some great dance moves, by the way. Nice. You had a couple of moves.
CANNAVALE: Did you see me moon walk that night? Mix it up sometimes.
BRYANT: It`s great. What do you guys listen to? Do you listen to certain records before you go on to get in the mood? Do you -- how is music a part of your life?
HAWKE: This is the first time I`ve done a period piece where I was alive during the period and remember it, you know? That`s what`s kind of strange about it. So I don`t really need too much preparation.
BRYANT: No?
CANNAVALE: That was our director Scott Elliott, who really chose all the music very well, I think. But, you know, we don`t do that.
BRYANT: Was there anything in the `80s that you guys were in excess of or used to excess?
CANNAVALE: A lot of parachute pants.
BRYANT: Yes, a lot of parachute pants.
CANNAVALE: I had a lot of shirts with zippers that went diagonal.
BRYANT: Nice look.
HAWKE: Did you have the Vans, too?
CANNAVALE: I wore these things called Turtles because they were better for break dancing. Those were for break dancing.
BRYANT: Really? Did you get out the cardboard box?
CANNAVALE: When he busted out that Adidas track suit, I love that thing. That is the best costume.
BRYANT: That`s great. And I love -- we were saying, I love Wallace Shawn`s white sweat suit in this thing. I mean, come to New York just for the white sweat suit, I swear. It was great.
Well, thank you, guys. Thanks for joining us.
HAWKE: Thanks for having us on your show.
BRYANT: You can catch Ethan Hawke and Bobby Cannavale on stage in "Hurly Burly" at the 37 Arts Theater here in New York.
Well, earlier we told you about Bruce Springsteen`s brand new album, which is out today. We`re going to see what the Buzz Bench thinks about "Devils in Dust." That`s coming up.
Plus, a look at new fashions for spring and summer. That`s coming up in "Tuesday In Style."
BRYANT: Now, tonight`s birthday shout out. "The King of Queens," Kevin James, turns 40 today. The shout out comes from his co-star Jerry Stiller.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JERRY STILLER, ACTOR: Happy birthday, Kevin. You`re looking so beautiful. I love you so much.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Have a good time, baby. Love you.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Yes, it is time for the "Buzz Bench," where today`s entertainment chatter takes center stage. And tonight, lost love or just publicity? Behind the scenes at "American Idol."
And the Boss is back.
BRYANT: On the "Buzz Bench" tonight, VH1 classic host Amy Scott, showbiz contributor Amy Keen and Sirius Satellite Radio host Frank DeCaro.
Well, new paparazzi photos of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt in Africa have surfaced today in some magazines. And the story is that some of those magazines may have paid up to $1 million for the photos. We here at SHOWBIZ TONIGHT are not going to be showing these pictures. We have chosen not to.
But Brad and Angelina do have a have a new movie coming cutout, "Mr. And Mrs. Smith." Do you think this is just a publicity stunt, Frank?
FRANK DECARO, SIRIUS SATELLITE RADIO HOST: I don`t think it`s just a publicity stunt, no. And you know what the tip off for me is? There`s no sign of them being affectionate to each other in it. Definitely a genuine couple. Because if they were all over each other it would be a publicity stunt. But when you`re like, "Get off me. Go stand over there. The kid`s going to drown himself." Then you know there`s something real going on.
AMY SCOTT, VH1 CLASSIC HOST: I agree. I really don`t like Brad Pitt any more. I know that it`s -- I just think it`s like, even if there wasn`t really an affair going on if there`s all these rumors and reports, I think he should stay away from Angelina Jolie. I just think it`s kind of a low class move.
DECARO: I don`t think he had a chance though. I mean, Angelina Jolie, if she sets her sights on -- there are like -- there are black holes in space that have less pull than, you know, she -- I`m sure.
AMY KEAN, CONTRIBUTOR: But, honestly, what they should do if it was a publicity stunt, wouldn`t it be smart if Angelina and Brad Pitt would get together and sell their own photos and raise money for, like, AIDS awareness in Africa?
BRYANT: Yes. The money could definitely be put to better use.
KEAN: They don`t need any more publicity.
HAMMER: I don`t think it`s either of their styles, from what we know of them, to do this for the publicity. I don`t think that at all.
KEAN: I don`t think so either.
HAMMER: Well, let`s move on, then, to topic No. 2, something that a lot of people are saying. It is about the publicity. The special edition of "Primetime Live" about "American Idol" has been moving forward.
Now, "The Drudge Report," says that FOX owner Rupert Murdoch has warned ABC it could face legal action, and that ABC is maliciously trying to destroy "American Idol."
Well, we called FOX and they say none of that is true. Amy, what`s your take on all of this?
KEAN: I think, you know, I think it`s sour grapes from ABC because they`re so upset that FOX is making so much money and has this huge hit that what they`d really like to do is just steal "American Idol," but since they can`t do it, why not make a show about "American Idol" and trash "American Idol"?
I mean, you know, there are a lot of problems with the story. First of all, some of the reports say that the judge...
HAMMER: Paula Abdul.
KEAN: Sorry, that she had inappropriate relationships with some of the --It doesn`t even matter. I don`t even understand why that would matter because still the public is supposedly choosing who wins. So why does it matter? Even if she was having affairs?
HAMMER: Opposites attract, though, Amy. Keep that in mind. Frank?
DECARO: She doesn`t have a song that says, "It`s a dopey TV show." It`s just a popularity contest.
SCOTT: Stop picking on Paula. She`s got a disease, for heaven`s sakes. Leave the woman alone. This is all just to detract from -- the attention from Simon Cowell, who`s really the mean guy.
BRYANT: I think people watch this, for sure.
Absolutely. It`s such a huge hit, I mean, there`s a curiosity factor. I mean, I think regardless, people are going to watch "Primetime" and keep watching "American Idol."
DECARO: They love it. I`m the last person in America who is not interested in it. I don`t want...
BRYANT: You come to my house. We`ll watch together, it will be fun.
HAMMER: She`ll have a marathon for you.
SCOTT: Let`s boycott the whole thing and no one watch it.
DECARO: Let`s do it -- case for scripted television. That`s what I say.
BRYANT: It`s a fun show.
Well, we`re moving on. Bruce Springsteen is back, his new album "Devils and Dust." It`s out today. It`s his 13th studio album, much anticipated by the fans. Amy, what`s your take on this?
SCOTT: It`s a great album. It`s an acoustic album, much along the lines of "Nebraska" or "Tom Joad," not quite as dark. But it`s very good.
And he`s embarking on a solo tour across America, which everyone is excited about. A little controversy because at lot of people want to see him with the E Street Band. And the ticket prices of, you know, 100 bucks and up. Though you could see the entire show if you tune in to VH1 Classic tonight at 8 p.m., because the uncut extended version is airing.
BRYANT: Right away, Amy.
SCOTT: Uncut, extended version it`s airing. But I`m excited about it.
BRYANT: Are you guys into the Bruce?
KEAN: Well, for people who like Bruce Springsteen, it`s more the kind of -- I mean, he`s very talented, but he is certainly an acquired taste. So depressing. This has a lot of songs about prostitution and migrant workers and it`s...
SCOTT: So did Bob Dylan, but he`s a humongous star.
KEAN: So I think people will like him.
DECARO: He`s everything that "American Idol" is not. That`s why I like him so much. He`s just -- he`s really talented, and he does his own thing. I think it`s going it be the feel-good album of the year. I`m going to wait for the disco remix, and it`s going to be great.
BRYANT: The match ups and all of that.
DECARO: Fabulous.
BRYANT: Fabulous. Well, Frank, Amy and Amy, thanks for joining us here on the Buzz Bench.
And it is now time to get your laugh on in "Laughter Dark." As we do every night, we like to bring you the laughs you might have missed from the late-night shows. Here`s a look at the best of the worst editorial mistakes throughout the country. This is from "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JAY LENO, HOST, "THE TONIGHT SHOW": Here`s what happens when you put two ads too close to each other. Here`s an ad for socks next to an ad for a skirt and you get girls with short legs and really big feet.
I love this guy. Why is Martha Stewart so popular? They asked Robert white. He said, "Who the hell is Martha Stewart?"
Come work in a stress-free environment. Yes, that woman looks like she works in a stress free environment.
You recall the play "The Vagina Monologues." There`s got to be a better way to say it. You can say, "I enjoyed it. It was an interesting night at the theater."
"Crowd wowed by touching vagina."
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Tonight on the "Tonight Show," First Lady Laura Bush.
Well, an emotional good-bye on the finale of "Surreal Life IV." It pulled on Jimmy Kimmel`s heartstrings a little bit. In fact, so much so that he replayed the ending on last night`s "Jimmy Kimmel Live."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JIMMY KIMMEL, COMEDIAN/ACTOR: And Verne Troyer, you know, Mini Me got choked up. I`ll tell you. I don`t know who didn`t shed a few tears.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We love you.
VERNE TROYER, ACTOR: Oh. I appreciate all the help that you cared for me. I swore I wasn`t going to do this.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BRYANT: Very uncomfortable.
HAMMER: Made you very uncomfortable, didn`t it?
BRYANT: Go ahead.
HAMMER: Tonight on "Jimmy Kimmel Live," actress and recent reality show star, Farrah Fawcett.
BRYANT: First comes the spring cleaning, then the new fashions for spring and summer. We will check them out coming up in "Tuesday In Style."
HAMMER: And there is still time for you to sound off in tonight`s SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day. Celebrity Romance Buzz. Does it make you want to see a movie?" You can vote at CNN.com/Showbiz Tonight.
Or e-mail us what`s on your mind, ShowbizTonight@CNN.com. We will share your feedback, coming up.
And now, we`re going to se what you tune in to. The Nielsen ratings just came out this afternoon from last week`s shows. As we do every Tuesday, here`s your first look at the network`s top five.
CBS` "Crime Scene: Investigation " took the No. 1 spot with more than 27 million viewers, even though it was a recap episode. ABC`s "Desperate Housewives" pulled in 24 million viewers.
FOX`s "American Idol" pulled a three-four punch, and "CFI: the Miami version.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: It`s time now for "Tuesday In Style." Celebrity fashion this spring is all about florals and color. "In Style" magazine`s Toby Tucker gives us an inside look at how you can get their look.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
TOBY TUCKER, "IN STYLE" MAGAZINE: There`s a huge floral trend happening for spring/summer. It`s lady-like. It`s pretty. It`s romantic. It looks very vintage in a lot of cases. They`re very antique-looking, hand painted in many cases.
Lucy Liu looked fantastic in a to-the-knee beautiful Dolce Gabbana flowered dress. She can handle that kind of print because she is so petite.
And Rose McGowan, another petite girl, with one shoulder beautiful Jay Mandel (ph) hand painted dress that was just to die for and perfect for the red carpet.
The tuxedo for a woman is really, really trendy this spring/summer season. It`s a lot different from the regular old just suit. Woman are wearing beaded tops underneath them, great corsets, sometimes nothing at all. Just a really great piece of jewelry.
And Kate Hudson pulls it off beautifully. It`s a streamlined suit. It`s tailored to absolute perfection.
The shiny black pant is really taking the place of where jeans and white jeans and black jeans use to be. Women are turning to black pants for just a little nudge of sophistication. So, you`re seeing a lot of them on the red carpet. And many stars are pairing just a basic shiny black pant with something very shiny on top, as well.
Naomi Watts looks best in a Stella McCartney. She`s got that slightly cropped black pant going and just a beautiful camisole. She really hits it right.
People think spring/summer and they say, OK, time to break out the pastels. This season you should be thinking mint green. It`s a beautiful, fresh color, and ton of celebrities are taking that cue and wearing it on the red carpet.
People like Cate Blanchett wore an absolutely stunning Alexander McQueen green dress with beautiful gold piping around it. She really stood out on the red carpet, and she made a statement.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: And if you want to read more about the look for May, pick up a copy of "In Style" magazine. It`s on newsstands now.
BRYANT: Throughout the show we`ve been asking you to vote online on our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day. Celebrity romance buzz: does it make you want to see a movie?
Let`s take a look at how the vote is going so far. A mere eight percent of you said yes, celebrity romance does make me want to see a movie, and a whopping 92 percent of you said, no, it does not.
You`ve also been sending e-mails our way.
Lee from Kirkland, Colorado, says, "Nothing celebrities do will influence what I do, think or how I act. They`re all overpaid, egotistical phonies."
Now remember, you can continue to vote at CNN.com/ShowbizTonight.
HAMMER: It`s that time, time to see what`s playing on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT tomorrow.
BRYANT: Let`s take a look at the "Showbiz Marquee." Marquee Guy, take it away.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ANNOUNCER: It`s my honky-tonk history. No, not mine, Marquee Guy. We`re talking about Travis Tritt and his new album. Travis has got a lot of country to talk to us about, and he`s in our country. Live tomorrow on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
"Family Guy," uncancelled, at least someone had some god sense. And we`ve got Seth Green, the voice of the most lovable, overgrown 13-year-old on TV. Well, not just the voice. Seth is bringing his entire body, and he`ll be live tomorrow.
This is the Marquee Guy, no relation to "Family Guy." But I`m told I`m a pretty nice guy.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: I would have thought they were part of the whole guy family.
BRYANT: Yes. Yes.
HAMMER: You know who`s stopping by tomorrow, as well?
BRYANT: Who, A.J.?
HAMMER: Huey Lewis.
BRYANT: OK. Well, tell you what people, if you do come to New York, you should see "Hurly Burly." I really enjoyed that.
HAMMER: OK.
BRYANT: OK. And we`ll see Huey Lewis tomorrow, too.
HAMMER: Huey Lewis is coming here tomorrow.
BRYANT: All right. Well, that`s it for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m Karyn Bryant.
HAMMER: I`m A.J. Hammer. Stay tuned for the very latest from CNN HEADLINE NEWS.
END
