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Showbiz Tonight
Chad Johnson Speaks Out about Divorce; Lindsay Innocent of Hit-and- Run Charges?; Amanda Bynes Retired from Acting?; Movie Stars Head to Small Screen; Real Husbands of Hollywood to Debut on Bravo; The Top Five Extreme Star Stories of the Day
Aired September 20, 2012 - 23:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
A.J. HAMMER, HOST: Tonight, the "SHOWBIZ Countdown," Extreme Star Stories." Heidi Klum outraged over topless photos published in a French magazine. And Kelsey Grammer walks out on a TV interview over his ex-wife Camille. Which star story will top the "SHOWBIZ Countdown" tonight, "Extreme Star Stories"?
Thanks for watching. I`m A.J. Hammer with two big "SHOWBIZ Countdowns" tonight, including a countdown of today`s top five "Extreme Star Stories."
Now, you have Heidi Klum`s extreme outrage over some unauthorized topless photos of her, up against Kelsey Grammer storming off the set of a CNN interview in a huff. And that is just the tip of the extreme Hollywood iceberg tonight. No. 1`s coming your way in just a bit.
But we begin with our first "SHOWBIZ Countdown" of the night, the top three "Stars on the Defense."
Starting with No. 3, NFL and reality star Chad Ochocinco Johnson. Johnson just gave a very emotional TV interview, his very first since his whole world came crumbling down after a domestic dispute with his then- wife, "Basketball Wives" star Evelyn los Evelyn Lozada. He`s charged with assaulting her. She filed for divorce. And after trying to win her back, well, he gave up. Just yesterday, 41 days after they exchanged vows, their divorce was finalized.
Johnson`s career is also in ruin. He was dropped from the Miami Dolphins shortly after he was arrested. And now the larger than life NFL star is on the defense, sharing his side of the story, choking back tears and trying to prove he`s really turning over a new leaf.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
CHAD OCHOCINCO JOHNSON, FORMER MIAMI DOLPHINS PLAYER: I lost two things that I love. Honestly. Football. And you know, being married, being a husband, being a lover.
HAMMER (voice-over): Part sports talk show, part therapy session.
JOHNSON: You`ve always got that saying, you never know what you have until it`s gone. And now I finally know what they mean.
HAMMER: Former NFL star Chad Johnson getting emotional on Showtime`s "Inside the NFL," while talking about losing his wife, his reality show, and his football career after being charged with domestic violence.
JOHNSON: I`ve got to work on Chad. Chad has to work on Chad.
HAMMER: The interview aired on the very day Chad`s divorce from "Basketball Wives star" Evelyn Lozada became final. Lozada had filed for divorce after Chad allegedly head-butted her during an explosive argument in July.
JOHNSON: I take full responsibility for it. I apologize for it.
HAMMER: And last night on "Inside the NFL" Chad, who had denied the allegation at first, took a more apologetic tone.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: So you`re not blaming your wife in this at all?
JOHNSON: I take full responsibility for everything.
HAMMER: Earlier this week Lozada gave her own marital postmortem on OWN`s "Iyanla, Fix My Life."
IYANLA VANZANT, HOST, OWN`S "IYANLA, FIX MY LIFE": What was the deal breaker this time?
EVELYN LOZADA, REALITY TV STAR: For me it was that I had visible wounds.
HAMMER: Two televised eulogies to a relationship that was also born on TV.
JOHNSON: I feel good about you. I feel good about me.
HAMMER: The courtship between Chad and Evelyn was chronicled on her reality show, "Basketball Wives." The flashy troublemaking NFL star...
LOZADA: I am going to kill this bitch.
HAMMER: And the hothead who was known to get physical with her fellow "Basketball Wives."
But just a month after they got married a violent off-camera drama destroyed their made for TV relationship.
LOZADA: He, you know, grabbed my ears...
HAMMER: Sunday night on "Iyanla, Fix My Life," Lozada said Chad got violent one July evening when she confronted him after finding a receipt for condoms.
LOZADA: And that`s when he head-butted me. You know, I started bleeding.
HAMMER: Chad was arrested and charged with domestic battery. Immediately after the arrest, VH1 canceled a planned spinoff reality show starring the couple. And Chad was cut from the Miami Dolphins in a scene that was also caught on camera and aired on HBO`s "Hard Knocks."
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I just think it`s the best for both of us that we kind of part ways at this point.
JOHNSON: Talking about it all last night on "Inside the NFL," Chad acknowledged his relationship with his now ex-wife is over.
JOHNSON: There`s nothing I can say to her, because she`s already heard it all.
HAMMER: And it`s clear from her interview on OWN, Evelyn is also dealing with a lot.
LOZADA: I think that`s what hurts me the most.
VANZANT: What?
LOZADA: That people associate me on "Basketball Wives" with this situation and make it that -- that that justifies his actions.
HAMMER: A former reality show couple bearing scars from their volatile, violent, and now non-existent TV relationship.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: And that squarely puts Chad Johnson at No. 3 on our "SHOWBIZ Countdown," "Stars on the Defense" tonight.
And it looks like his efforts may actually be working for him. People are already tweeting their support for Johnson after his big revelation that he`s now in anger management. I`m actually thinking maybe this is a turning point for him.
With me here in New York, Imogen Lloyd Weber. Imogen is the author of "The Twitter Diaries." And from Hollywood, Patrick Muldoon. His new movie, "Spiders 3-D," just premiered today in L.A.
Congratulations on that, Patrick.
PATRICK MULDOON: Thanks, A.J.
HAMMER: Absolutely. All right. Let`s watch Chad Johnson`s confession on "Inside the NFL" that he really needs to focus on changing himself. Roll that, Charles.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JOHNSON: What I need to do is work on Chad. That`s it. I don`t think -- there`s nothing I can say to her, because she`s already heard it all. She already heard it all. I mean, what can I say? Except through my actions. You know, actions speak louder than words. And this is the time for me to show action. Period.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: This is a real about-face for him. Chad owning up to what he did. He seems to be taking steps to get control of his violent outbursts. Imogen, is that enough?
IMOGEN LLOYD WEBER, AUTHOR: It`s absolutely essential that he does that and he proves himself long term. Of course back in 2000 he was under an order for domestic violence, went into a domestic violence program back then because of an altercation with an ex-girlfriend. So he`s got previous. So he really has to prove himself moving forward.
And hats off to the Miami Dolphins for letting him go because it`s an important incentive to make sure that he does make it work this time.
HAMMER: Yes, sometimes it does take that rock bottom.
Patrick, I mentioned that people are now tweeting support for Chad after that interview that he gave. Do you think people should consider forgiving him if he really is getting help to change?
PATRICK MULDOON, ACTOR: Anytime -- anytime somebody really, really is going to change and make the sacrifices it takes, then of course you`re going to support them. Of course you`re going to support them.
But you know, I agree, Miami letting him go is really going to help him hit the bottom, and that`s going to inspire this change if it`s going to happen.
HAMMER: Let`s really hope this is a turning point for him. He has such an opportunity now to make things right.
But now the brand-new revelation that may actually clear Lindsay Lohan on her new hit-and-run charge. This brings us to No. 2 on the countdown.
Just today New York City police released security video of the parking garage where the hit-and-run allegedly happened. Let`s roll that and take a look. It`s hard to tell exactly what`s happening. But it appears as if nobody is getting clipped at all by her car.
We know that a lot of stars are targets simply because of their fame and their wealth. But Imogen, do you think that Lindsay has actually really become a target because of all of her past bad behavior and legal problems?
LLOYD WEBER: Lindsay absolutely is a target, but she also brings it on herself. I mean, this is New York. Who drives in New York? We take cabs and so forth. Stay out of the car in New York, Lindsay. This is your opportunity. Why run up a $46,000 bill at the Chateau Marmont when you can`t afford to pay it? She must have known that. So she does bring it on herself every single time.
HAMMER: And this latest drama came after Lindsay got flak for tweeting this snarky remark that she sent out about Amanda Bynes` own recent troubles. I was really surprised to see her do that.
That brings to us No. 1 on the "SHOWBIZ Countdown," "Stars on the Defense." Amanda Bynes making headlines lately for her own series of run- ins with the cops. Just today a report claims that she was actually kicked out of a gym class for strange behavior.
But she just gave a brand-new interview to "People" magazine. I want to read to you something that she said. "I`m doing amazing. I am retired as an actor. I am moving to New York to launch my career. I am going to do a fashion line."
Patrick, she sounds very positive. She says that she`s fine there. But I don`t know. Her actions seem to say otherwise. Maybe a little bit of denial going on. Do you think we should believe her?
MULDOON: I don`t know. She says everything`s amazing. You know, she`s retiring from acting at 26? I mean, I think that`s a little strange. I mean, her behavior in the gym class is very strange. And she`s headed to New York to start a fashion line. I would say watch out, New York Equinox.
HAMMER: Yes, good luck to her. But seriously, Imogen, to Patrick`s point, saying, "I`m doing amazing" in the context of what we know is going on with her, does it make any sense to you?
LLOYD WEBER: No, it doesn`t. And obviously, her behavior is incredibly erratic. Apparently, her friends and family are very worried. Her family have left Austin and have moved to Hollywood where she still is apparently at the moment to see if they can look after her. So I think where there`s smoke there`s fire, unfortunately, here.
HAMMER: And she has a foundation of supportive people in her life and a star that was on the right path. I hope she can find her way back to it. I really do wish her all the best, and I hope she`s got the right people around her now.
All right. Imogen Lloyd Weber, Patrick Muldoon, thank you both.
Make sure you pick up Imogen`s book, "The Twitter Diaries." It is available everywhere. And make sure you check out Patrick`s brand-new movie, "Spiders 3-D." It just premiered today in Hollywood.
Well, first it was Kate Middleton, and now it`s Heidi Klum. A French magazine publishes topless photos of Heidi. Now she`s threatening to sue. So should she do it?
And Jake Gyllenhaal gets Tased. What the heck was he thinking? Tonight Jake tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT why he dared to go to the extreme for a movie. The question is who`s going to top our "SHOWBIZ Countdown" Extreme Star Stories, Heidi or Jake? Also this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This house his thing. You know, I was the first one to land me with one of the big fish. You know? It`s a fishing pole. It` a booster. It`s a fishing pole. Either way. You can catch something with it.
What?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes, what indeed. Introducing the real husband of Hollywood. Yes, this is actually happening. Kevin Hart, Nick Cannon, rapper Nelly taking cameras inside their lives as real house hiss. It`s amazing. And I will show it to you.
This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Take a look at she is just Mariah here. She is just blowing after her very first day of judging on "American Idol" right here in New York City. She certainly looks fantastic.
Jessica Simpson` s baby bliss. Look at these. Jessica just tweeted new adorable photos of her daughter Maxwell drew in the arms of her fiance Eric Johnson. These photos were snapped at his 33rd birthday party. And Jessica also posted a cute picture of herself with baby Maxwell with the caption "last year at daddy`s party Maxwell was in my belly. This year she`s in my arms."
Up next, why movie stars are making the move from the big screen to the small screen. Maybe she`s thinking about her twins, Rock and Roe. Or maybe her husband, Nick Cannon. Or maybe she`s thinking about all of those "Nicki Minaj" field reports.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Why don`t you fill in her thought bubble? Head on over to HLNTV.com/ShowbizTonight. Put your answer there. I`m dying to reveal our favorites from you right here tomorrow night at 11 p.m. Eastern and Pacific on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
And tonight, we`ve got Emmy fever. Fall is here, after all, and that means the fall TV season is upon us with the return of some really big shows with some really big stars. But have you ever wondered why so many movie stars, people like Jeff Daniels and Julianne Moore and so many others, are flocking to the small screen? Usually it`s the other way around.
Well, tonight "SHOWBIZ tonight" investigates the fascinating trend of why TV is now turning a-list. Here`s "SHOWBIZ tonight`s" Nischelle Turner.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
NISCHELLE TURNER, HLN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Academy Award nominee Julianne Moore, Academy Award nominee Don Cheadle. Oscar winner Nicole Kidman. These actors rose to fame in major Hollywood movies. Now they`ve made the move to television and may soon be adding Emmy Awards to their trophy shelves.
Whether starring in cable TV movies like Moore and Kidman, or signing up for a sitcom like Cheadle, A-list Hollywood stars are jumping from the big screen to the small screen.
MAGGIE FURLONG, "HUFFINGTON POST": Everyone wants to be on TV. I think that`s the thing.
TURNER: Maggie Furlong writes about TV for the Huffington Post. She says the career stigma movie stars used to face if they took a TV role has faded.
FURLONG: For so many years people would say, "Oh, I don`t want to do this. You know, I`m a movie star. I can`t be doing TV." But then you realize that TV stars actually have more recognition with the public. These people are in your homes every single week. People get attached to these characters.
JEFF DANIELS, ACTOR: Isn`t that what she wanted me to do?
TURNER: Character is exactly what attracted Jeff Daniels to his role on HBO`s "Newsroom."
DANIELS: I remember back in the `70s where the Redfords and the De Niros and the Hoffmans and Pacinos you never -- you never mixed film with TV. That`s changed. And the writing is so good now on television. That`s all actors want, is good writing.
TURNER: Top Hollywood talent is not only starring on your flat screen, they`re creating the shows behind the scenes. Writer-producer Aaron Sorkin won four Emmys for his work on "The West Wing" before striking Oscar gold with "The Social Network" screenplay.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: That looks really good.
TURNER: Now he`s moved back to television as the executive producer of "Newsroom" and says for writers these days, TV holds a different kind of appeal than film.
AARON SORKIN, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, "THE NEWSROOM": I don`t count myself among them, but I think that the best writers in the country are flocking to television. You can tell a different kind of story here. I think the best theater in America`s on TV right now.
TURNER: And the American audience seems to agree. One reason for a decline in movie theater ticket sales this summer, more to watch at home.
FURLONG: You can`t turn the channel without seeing something you want to be watching. Whether you love Broadway, whether you`re super into comic books or zombies, whether you really like a great period piece like "Boardwalk Empire," there truly is something for everyone on TV right now.
TURNER: Super stories with super stars.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: That was SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s Nischelle Turner. I am loving this trend, and I cannot wait to check out all of the spectacular fall season. Some really great-looking shows coming down the line.
All right. We move now to Kelsey Grammer`s extreme walkout. The "Frasier" star walked out of an interview with CNN`s Piers Morgan after seeing an image of his ex-wife Camille on the set.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
PIERS MORGAN, CNN ANCHOR: Kelsey Grammer was due to be on by now, but he appears to have left the building. We`re not quite sure what`s going on. He was here. I spoke to him, and he was due -- was looking forward to coming on. But he has exited stage left.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Did Kelsey really have to leave Piers high and dry like that? Coming up, find out if Kelsey`s dramatic TV walkout makes it to the top of the "SHOWBIZ Countdown" tonight, "Extreme Star Stories"?
This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I am pregnant. My baby needs diapers, clothes, studio time.
KEVIN HART, COMEDIAN: Studio time?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Reality just got unreal.
HART: I`m about to "Bourne Identity" this whole situation.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: "The Real Husbands of Hollywood," coming in 2013.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Do not adjust your TV. This show is actually really going to happen. The hilarious Kevin Hart spoof that he put together of "The Real Housewives of Hollywood" for the BET Awards is now going to be a real television show. But just who are these Hollywood husbands?
Leave it to a funny guy like Kevin Hart to come up with what I think is just a brilliant idea. If you watched the BET Awards you saw his spoof of Bravo`s "Real Housewives" franchise as these hilarious vignettes made just for the awards show.
But the spoofs were so funny BET is now putting together an actual all-star cast for a real series.
With me now from Hollywood SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s Nischelle Turner. Nischelle, I must say this is obviously pretty brilliant. When are we going to get to see all this?
TURNER: You know, A.J., when I first saw this, I thought man, I wish I would have thought of it, because I think it`s going to be great.
Now, the official cast has been revealed. That includes Kevin Hart; Nick Cannon; Ashanti`s boyfriend, rapper Nelly; singer Robin Thicke, who is married to "Mission: Impossible" star Paula Patton.
Now, if you haven`t seen these spoofs, you`ve got to look at this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Today I decided to invite a few of my friends over so we can clear the air.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You, Kev. I`m calling you a (EXPLETIVE DELETED), Kev.
HART: That`s funny because I see a bigger (EXPLETIVE DELETED) sitting across from me with an apple bottom T-shirt on. Let me tell you something, dude. You`re a non-(EXPLETIVE DELETED), homey. You`re a non-(EXPLETIVE DELETED) factor, dude.
Why I would think nelly is not on the juice? Look like a pitbull on a leash. I ain`t never seen anybody with a neck that strong that`s a human.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You look thirsty.
HART: Oh, no, man. I got my...
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I started this house husband thing. You know? I was the first one. To land me one of the big fish, you know? You know, it`s a fishing pole. It`s a broomstick. It`s a fishing pole. Either way you can catch something with it.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: What?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Whoa.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: What the hell?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Oh, man.
HART: Oh, God.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: That`s how I feel about my wife.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Does that say what I think?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Oh, goodness. What the hell did you come back from the bathroom dressed like Lisa Raye (ph) for?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Oh, man!
HART: Look, man, I tried to explain to Nick, little drummer boy what the tattoo is about. OK? Didn`t have nothing to do with Mariah. All right? She`s not the only Mariah in the world. I can name another Mariah. Mariah Carey`s the only one that comes to -- to my mind now.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
TURNER: I love this, A.J. This is a great idea.
Now, you saw Bobby Brown there, right? But we know that he entered rehab in mid-August. So not sure. Maybe not likely if he`ll be able to tape for the show. But Bobby was funny right there, too.
HAMMER: Very funny. I tell you, I am watching this thing. That is fantastic. All right. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`S Nischelle Turner. Thank you for the laugh tonight. Appreciate it.
Moving on tonight to Kelsey Grammer`s dramatic departure from a TV interview. Kelsey walks out on an interview with CNN`s Piers Morgan after he saw an image of his ex-wife, Camille. Really, Kelsey? That`s a little extreme, don`t you think?
Plus, "Good Morning America" co-host Robin Roberts sends a brand new video message to her fans the same day she goes in for a bone marrow transplant. Will her emotional message top our "SHOWBIZ Countdown," "Extreme Star Stories"? You`ll find out next.
This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Right now tonight "SHOWBIZ Countdown," "Extreme Star Stories."
First Kate Middleton. Now Heidi Klum. Heidi extremely ticked about topless photos published about her in a French magazine.
Kelsey Grammer was due to be on by now, but he appears to have left the building. Not quite sure what`s going on. Was here. I spoke to him, and he was due. And was happily looking forward to coming on. But he has exited stage left.
Kelsey Grammer`s extreme exit. Kelsey storms out of a CNN interview after seeing a picture of his ex-wife Camille. Stars going to extremes. But which extreme star story will top the SHOWBIZ Countdown?
SHOWBIZ TONIGHT continues right now.
HAMMER: Welcome back to "SHOWBIZ TONIGHT." Thank you for watching. I`m A.J. Hammer.
And now our "showbiz" countdown, extreme star stories. Tonight we are counting down the top five extreme star stories of the day. And we take it off at number five with "Modern Family" star Jesse Tyler Ferguson`s extremely entertaining engagement announcement. Now, it popped the question to his long-time boyfriend Justin Makita in a video that was posted online by the marriage equality organization tie the knot. You have got to watch this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JESSE TYLER FERGUSON, ACTOR: It`s a labor of love I`ve created with my fiance, Justin Makita. What? It`s true. I popped the big Q .
JUSTIN MAKITA, ACTOR: I said yes.
FERGUSON: A little to eagerly if you ask me.
MAKITA: I can hear you.
FERGUSON: The definition of marriage cannot be disputed. It`s right there in black and white. It`s been the same since the start of Wikipedia. We have teamed up with the tie bar to create a collection of bowties that are inspired by art and fashion, things that we love, things in this room. This pillow. That Liza Minnelli head. And all the proceeds will go to various organizations who are in the trenches fighting for the civil rights of gay and lesbian Americans every day.
So come on, suit up and tie the knot so one day we can too. Who wouldn`t want to see us get married? We are as cute as puppies. Puppies with bowties.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes. And who doesn`t love puppies in bowties, right?
Let me bring in Imogen Lloyd Webber who`s the author of the new book "the twitter diaries" and from Hollywood Patrick Muldoon. His new movie "Spiders 3D" is having its premiere tonight in L.A. at L.A. live.
All right, guys. Jesse obviously chose an extremely creative way to make his big announcement. And that was just a piece of it, Patrick. Are you just loving this extreme engagement announcement?
PATRICK MULDOON, ACTOR, SPIDERS 3D: Oh, absolutely. I mean, you know, obviously, the topic means a lot to him. But any way you take the topic and you make it funny, humor transcends all boundaries. It was over the top. I hope they let cameras in the wedding.
HAMMER: Well, that`s the thing. I mean, people love to see wedding pictures in magazines and in video form. I bet a lot of people are hoping when he does finally tie the knot he gets to share that with us as well.
Imogen, don`t you think?
IMOGEN LLOYD WEBBER, AUTHOR, THE TWITTER DIARIES: Well, I hope so. And it was fantastic and a great way to promote his foundation obviously. I felt like we should all be wearing bowties to say how fun it was. It was one of the better videos we`ve seen online recently.
HAMMER: Yes. Great way to get exposure to a very important cause.
All right, congratulations to those two. And we move on now to our number four on our "showbiz countdown." It`s extreme star stories. And actor Jake Gyllenhaal gets tased. Jake is starring in the new movie "end of watch" as a Los Angeles cop. He goes up against a drug cartel. And in order to play the role effectively, well, he actually learned firsthand what it feels like to get tased. He told "US Weekly" it wasn`t a pleasant experience. And in fact, Jake also got pulled over as he prepped for the role.
Listen now to what he revealed about what happened to him and his co-stars when "SHOWBIZ TONIGHT" sat down with Jake.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JAKE GYLLENHAAL, ACTOR: Dave was filming us in the back seat of the car, and Ann and I were improving and we were playing around, and all of a sudden cop car lit us up and pulled us over. And I said, you know, we`re making - we are actually making a movie and all this stuff and it`s actually a cop movie. And he was a little suspicious, checked us out. Then he said where are you trying to go? I said we`re trying to get up to this spot before sunset. He said I`ll take you to a better place. And he took us up to a great spot. And it was pretty cool.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: That`s what happens when you are Jake Gyllenhaal, I guess. But that is some extreme method acting going on there, Patrick. I know you know very well what it`s like to prep for a role. But are you surprised that Jake was willing to risk life, limb, and maybe even his driver`s license for a film?
MULDOON: I mean, he`s a great actor. But come on. I mean, to get tased? That`s crazy. Hopefully getting tased adds something to his performance. I don`t know. I don`t know. But he`s a great actor. And if that`s what he does to prepare, then great.
HAMMER: So somebody coming after you with a taser in preparation for a role, you`ll say let`s figure out another way?
MULDOON: Yes. Or maybe let`s take another role.
(LAUGHTER)
HAMMER: Perfect. That`s not the end of Jake`s extreme acting, by the way. In a new interview Jake just revealed that if he was asked he would play Christian Gray for the movie version of the erotic novel "50 shades of grey."
Now, Imogen, fill us in on what kind of extreme prep work he would have to do for that kind of role.
WEBBER: I could, but I think I`d be bleeped out if I have to there. He obviously is extremely dedicated to his craft. He is currently in New York at moment starring in an off-Broadway play. And I would like to see him as Christian Gray, actually. I think he could do the role justice. But I`m going to keep it clean now, A.J. or else you`ll never invite me back.
HAMMER: All right. And apparently, the women find him sexy is what I hear.
Let`s move on now because coming in at number three on our "showbiz countdown" of extreme star stories, Heidi Klum`s topless outrage. This is nuts.
A French magazine just published photos of a topless Heidi with her new boyfriend, who`s also the family`s long-time bodyguard. These two were reportedly vacationing in the south of France on a private, secluded beach when these photos were snapped. No doubt with some kind of long lens. Heidi, I`m not surprised, is reportedly threatening to sue.
Imogen, it does sound an awful lot like Kate Middleton`s topless photo scandal. The royals are suing. Do you think that`s something Heidi should be doing?
WEBBER: I have limited sympathy for Heidi because on many levels we have seen it all before. She was a Victoria`s secrets model. She`s done naked shoots for German "GQ" and so forth. I think it`s very different.
Of course, all celebrities are watching what happens with the Kate Middleton-Prince William case. No more so than Halle Berry, who of course is involved with that custody case at the moment trying to get her daughter to France, saying it`s safe to have her child in France. So we shall see. This is not ended yet. Kate Middleton and Prince William are leading the way on this, but I don`t have so much sympathy for Heidi.
HAMMER: Patrick Muldoon, you are a big-time star. I know you know what it`s like to have your privacy invaded, perhaps not with nude photos, but something like this makes everybody very uncomfortable. Do you think Heidi should go ahead and sue?
MULDOON: I don`t know. I mean, obviously, all eyes are going to be on her if she takes off her clothes no matter where she is. Personally, I have seen these pictures, and I think the world is a better place that they are in the world. She looks really -- my God. She looks amazing. You know? If she wants to sue, go ahead.
HAMMER: Maybe now she is going to sue you. I hear she is suing everybody who is even looked at them. That`s not true.
MULDOON: That`s fine. That`s fine. She could --
HAMMER: All right. Let`s move on now because I have to get to number two on our "showbiz countdown" of extreme star stories tonight.
Kelsey Grammer`s dramatic TV walkout. This kind of surprised me. The "Frasier" star has been talking very candidly about what was his downright nasty divorce from "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star Camille Grammer. Yet for some reason he suddenly split on CNN`s Piers Morgan after apparently walking onto Piers` set and he saw a picture of Camille. Piers did address Kelsey`s walkout last night. Let`s watch that together.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
PIERS MORGAN, CNN HOST, PIERS MORGAN TONIGHT: Kelsey Grammer was due to be on by now, but he appears to have left the building. We`re not quite sure what`s going on. He was here. I spoke to him. And he was due and was happily looking forward to coming on. But he has exited stage left. So we`ve got half an hour left. He may or may not come back. We shall see.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: OK. Well, he didn`t come back. And Kelsey`s rep did respond to Piers. Here`s what they said. "Piers needs to take responsibility for what he did to Kelsey. It`s called accountability."
Now, Imogen, this is where I don`t get it. Kelsey just dished very candidly to Oprah on her own network about Camille and his new marriage. Should he have expected Piers to ignore the elephant in the room? I can`t imagine that Piers wouldn`t have gone there.
WEBBER: Well, of course not. I`m not saying this because Piers is my friend. He is. But Piers is an incredibly incisive interviewer. That`s his reputation. And he`s on CNN. So on many levels he has a responsibility to ask Kelsey about that. So it was crazy for Kelsey to agree to do the show if he wasn`t prepared to talk about Camille and so forth. So I have no idea what was going on. It`s a little bit fishy, as we say in Britain.
HAMMER: Yes. Because there are no conditions when these interviews take place, and it`s good to know you that you, Brits, aren`t just sticking together because you are friends and are from the same place.
All right. Imogen, Patrick, we have now arrived at number one on our "showbiz countdown," the top five extreme star stories of the day. I love it. But you are wondering which star will it be? If you stick around, you will find out.
Now I move on to Shakira. She just shared some extreme news of her own. Extremely happy news. It comes just days after the bombshell news that the singer`s joining up with the show "the Voice." So now what`s up? I`ve got your details just ahead.
This is "SHOWBIZ TONIGHT" on HLN.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Time now to reveal who`s number 1 on our "showbiz countdown" of tonight`s top five extreme star stories. I love our number one, but I`ve got to tell you where we are so far.
Number five, Jesse`s big announcement. The "Modern Family" star releases a really funny new video telling the world he is getting married.
At number four, Heidi`s topless outrage. Supermodel Heidi Klum reportedly fed up and weighing legal options after new topless photos surface.
At number three, Jake gets tased. Talk about hardcore training. "End of Watch" star Jake Gyllenhaal says he was actually tased while preparing for his latest role.
And at number two, Kelsey`s dramatic walk-off. The "Boss" star walks off the set of CNN`s "Piers Morgan Tonight" just moments before his interview.
And that brings us to number one on the "showbiz countdown." It`s robin`s message of hope. It is a new beginning for "Good Morning America" anchor Robin Roberts. She just underwent her bone marrow transplant surgery today. Roberts has been on an extended medical leave from the show to treat the disease. But before the procedure she delivered an emotional message right from her hospital bed, encouraging fans.
Watch this with me.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ROBIN ROBERTS, HOST, GOOD MORNING AMERICA: This journey is as much about the mind as it is the body. Your thoughts. Thoughts are so powerful. You have got to change the way you think in order to change the way you feel. You have to change the way you think in order to change the way you feel. And let me just say this lastly. I feel the love. And I thank you for it. Thank you.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: There e is an awful lot of love flowing her way right now. Such an inspiration.
I want to bring back Imogen Lloyd Weber and Patrick Muldoon.
And Patrick, I want to start with you. This morning, it was revealed that Robin has been in intense chemotherapy for the last eight days leading up to the procedure today. Isn`t it, though, simply amazing? In spite of everything she`s going through, she`s still taking the time to encourage her fans by putting out a message like that.
MULDOON: Yes. I mean, the whole situation I think is beautiful in a way that she -- it`s difficult enough on her going through this process, but also it means enough to her to educate us, that somebody that we are kind of attached, to she`s in our homes every day, and she`s taken this opportunity to educate, which I really think is wonderful.
HAMMER: It is amazing, isn`t it, Imogen?
WEBBER: Such an inspirational woman. I mean, those words, you have got to change the way you think in order to change the way that you feel.
HAMMER: Yes.
WEBBER: And I think honestly we can all relate to that and use those words moving forward in our own lives. An extraordinary woman.
HAMMER: So simple.
Before I let you go, I want to show you something we did. Team "showbiz" right here, right outside my office, showing a little love to my friend Robin.
Robin, we are all behind you, all the way. "Good Morning America," by the way, is asking all Robin Roberts fans, which has to be everybody, to show their support. Check out ABCnews.com for all the details. It is #teamrobin.
Imogen Lloyd Weber, Patrick Muldoon, I thank you both.
And remember, you can catch Patrick in the movie "Spiders 3D." It opens on September 28th.
All right. Imagine if Oprah Winfrey gave you a chance to be famous beyond your wildest dreams. It happened to Iyanla Vanzant not once but twice.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: She`s an angel in my life. Just in human clothing.
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HAMMER: In a brand new interview Iyanla tells me about her angel being in her life again after a massive public falling out more than a decade ago.
It is time now for the "showbiz buzz list." For the very first time we asked our "SHOWBIZ TONIGHT" facebook fans what they are buzzing about this week.
1M is buzzing about Telemundo`s soap star Kary Musa.
MelissaF says, she is still buzzing about Whitney Houston`s final movie "Sparkle."
Thank you so much for those. Keep them coming at facebook.com/showbiztonighln.
Here`s what the "SHOWBIZ TONIGHT" staffs bussing about.
The Steve Martin collection. The television stunts, such an amazing DVD boxed set. It is Steve at his best.
Carly Rae Jepsen`s album "Kiss" is out now and you know it`s full of songs we will not be able to get out of our heads.
We`re also buzzing about the movie "Katy Perry, the movie: part of me." It is out now on DVD.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
IYANLA VANZANT, LIFE AND SPIRITUAL COACH: That is the problem, that a man that I`m sleeping with, the man I`m married to, the man I committed to God and the community that I would spend the rest of my life with, that I can ignore inappropriate behavior. But when he messes with my image, oh, now we`ve got a problem. Evelyn, that`s off.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: That`s life coach and spiritual guru Iyanla Vanzant trying to fix the life of reality star Evelyn Lozada after Evelyn was allegedly abused by her ex-husband. The riveting interview on "Iyanla: fix my life" made history. It`s the biggest premiere ever on the once troubled ohm rah Winfrey network.
What`s even more astounding than the ratings is the astonishing rebound in Iyanla Vanzant`s own life. She was once a rising TV star and she was being groomed by Oprah Winfrey. Well, then it all came to a grinding halt when Iyanla ventured out on her own and lost everything. Eleven years later, Iyanla and Oprah, the woman she calls her angel, publicly reconciled. And now as Iyanla revealed to me in a "showbiz news maker" interview because of all of that it`s now all about paying it forward.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
VANZANT: She`s an angel in my life. Just in human clothing. To be willing to have a conversation with me or anybody publicly about a relationship breakdown as a demonstration to the world that you can heal a breakdown. Angel in human form.
HAMMER: What a road you have traveled.
VANZANT: Yes.
HAMMER: Wow. And certainly you have been through some pretty dark times in your life, which I think has helped you get to where you are now. You dealt with the loss of your daughter to cancer. That sent you into a big depression. Your message is live better by loving yourself.
VANZANT: Yes.
HAMMER: Is that what got you through the darkness at that time?
VANZANT: I think so. Loving myself. Trusting the process, knowing that no matter how hard it was or bad it felt that it`s just a process. Things come to pass, not to stay. And if you love yourself in those hard times it`s better on the other end.
HAMMER: Which is what you tell other people.
VANZANT: Absolutely.
HAMMER: Did you ever feel when you were going through those difficult times that you were failing to be able to follow that very message that you try to teach and share with others?
VANZANT: Well, yes. We`re human. I have my moments. I have my moments when I want to whine. I have my moments when I just want to feel sorry for myself. The distinction is I don`t buy real estate there anymore. I don`t stay there. I can get in and get out and not beat myself up for having those moments when I`m just human.
HAMMER: So we can visit those places, just don`t hang out there.
VANZANT: Just don`t hang out. Don`t date anybody who`s there. You know?
HAMMER: Well, yes. I mean, that`s the worst because they`ll drag you right into that place.
VANZANT: You`ll have a condo before you know it right down in misery. It is something that when my daughter was ill I remember one of her medical professionals said to her, beloved, even if you have cancer, you`d better enjoy your life because if you don`t cancer will.
HAMMER: Single best piece of advice you could give to somebody who perhaps right now is going through a very, very dark hour.
VANZANT: Make another choice. Make another choice. No matter what it looks like, no matter what it feels like. Make a choice. Make a choice.
HAMMER: And when somebody says -- because I believe that.
VANZANT: Yes.
HAMMER: But I also think easier said than done sometimes.
VANZANT: Well, you know, we`re humans. And it`s very complex. We`re complex organisms, human beings are. But I`ll tell you what the Dalai Lama said to me maybe 25 years ago when I asked him for the secret to happiness and success. He said to me, "beloved, keep it simple."
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: Keep it simple. Got to love that. Be sure to check out her great show, "Iyanla: fix my life." it`s on own.
Well, still ahead, days after making headlines for joining the reality show "the Voice," Shakira`s own reality takes a joyous new turn. And I`ve got the details next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Life after Charlie Sheen. Jon Cryer tells "SHOWBIZ TONIGHT" about his Emmy nomination and life after Charlie on "two and a half men."
Plus, some positive Lindsay Lohan news. Finally.
And Shakira`s baby joy.
That story tops the buzz today.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Baby on board. Shakira has just announced that she and her soccer player boyfriend Gerard Pique are expecting. The "hips don`t lie" singer shared the news with fans on her Web site Wednesday. As some of you may know, Gerard Pique and I are happy awaiting the arrival of our first baby. At this time we have decided to give priority to this unique moment in our lives and postpone all the promotional activities planned over the next few days."
Lilo as Liz revealed. "SHOWBIZ TONIGHT" can show you the first official poster of Lindsay Lohan as Elizabeth Taylor. A brand new movie poster for the lifetime TV movie "Liz and Dick" has just been released. Lohan is all gleamed up next to words like "paparazzi" and "scandal," words that easily apply to Liz and Lohan. "Liz and Dick" is scheduled to air on lifetime in November.
Cryer`s Emmy excitement. In a brand new interview with "SHOWBIZ TONIGHT" Jon Cryer opens up about his recent Emmy nomination for "two and a half men" and how the show still kicking post-Charlie sheen.
JON CRYER, ACTOR: I was really stunned that it happened because basically I had been talking with my agent and publicist about it because you actually have to submit yourself for Emmys. And it`s really nice to have the academy acknowledge that the show has sort of -- still has a lot of life left in it. That makes me very happy.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: A very well-deserved guy there.
Well, tonight two superstar Hollywood lawyers are revealing their dark struggles with alcohol and abuse. Gloria Allred and her daughter Lisa Bloom tell all to Dr. Drew right now.
END
