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Monica: Visiting Disney World with the Boys!

Posted: 24 May 2010 10:55 PM PDT

Monica: Visiting Disney World with the Boys!

Monica takes a ride on Cinderella’s Golden Carousel at Disney World on Monday (May 24) in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.

The 29-year-old singer explored the happiest place on earth with sons Romelo, 2 and Rocko, 5. Monand her boys are spending the week at the Walt Disney World Resort!

Monica has been nominated for two BET Awards! Cast your vote for her over at BET.com before the awards show takes place on Sunday, June 27!


Carrie Underwood: Cedars-Sinai Sweet

Posted: 24 May 2010 09:55 PM PDT

Carrie Underwood: Cedars-Sinai Sweet

Carrie Underwood hangs out with Snoop Dogg backstage at the 25th anniversary of Cedars-Sinai Sports Spectacular, held at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel on Sunday (May 23) in Los Angeles.

The 27-year-old country cutie performed at the show, which benefits the ongoing work of the Cedars-Sinai Medical Genetics Institute.

Carrie is also giving back to Tennessee flood victims by launching the Temporary Home Fund with ACM Lifting Lives to help those affected by the flooding. Learn more at ACMCountry.com!

15+ pictures inside of Carrie Underwood at the Cedars-Sinai Sports Spectacular…


LeAnn Rimes Mothers Eddie Cibrian's Sons

Posted: 24 May 2010 08:55 PM PDT

LeAnn Rimes Mothers Eddie Cibrian's Sons

LeAnn Rimes does some shopping with her boyfriend, Eddie Cibrian, and his sons on Sunday (May 23) in Beverly Hills, Calif.

The 27-year-old singer held hands with Jake, 3, while Eddie held onto Mason, 6.

“Had the BEST time at a school carnival with Eddie and the kids! We went down this massive slide over & over & over again,” LeAnn tweeted this weekend. “So exhausted!”

LeAnn is CMT’s Posted artist for June - send questions to @FollowCMT with the hash tag #Posted and LeAnn might answer your tweet!

More pics at X17!


Penelope Cruz & Javier Bardem: CANNES Closing Ceremony

Posted: 24 May 2010 07:55 PM PDT

Penelope Cruz & Javier Bardem: CANNES Closing Ceremony

Penelope Cruz and longtime love Javier Bardem hit the red carpet for the 2010 Cannes Film Festival closing ceremony on Sunday (May 23) in Cannes, France.

Javier won the best actor award for his performance in Biutiful.

FYI: Salma Hayek, who presented the Grand Prix award to director Xavier Beauvois, wore an pink silk georgette Gucci Première gown. Javier wore a Gucci tuxedo while Penelope wore a nude Elie Saab lace gown.

Last Wednesday, Penelope and other female celebs raised $333,000 after auctioning off some of their dresses for the J/P HRO (Haitian Relief Organization), which was co-founded by Sean Penn.

15+ pictures inside of Cannes couple Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem


Alexander Skarsgard: I'm A Drug To Myself

Posted: 24 May 2010 07:25 PM PDT

Alexander Skarsgard: I'm A Drug To Myself

True Blood hunk Alexander Skarsgard joins fellow drama actors for an Emmy Roundtable at Chateau Marmont on April 26 in Los Angeles.

The Hollywood Reporter organized the sit-down, which also included Lost’s Matthew Fox, Mad Men’s Jon Hamm, Breaking Bad’s Bryan Cranston, Men of a Certain Age’s Ray Romano and White Collar’s Matt Bomer.

When asked if he watches his own show, Alex shared, “I do. I’m like a drug to myself. (laughs) I did movies in Sweden before I came over here, and I would never watch dailies because I didn’t want to see myself in the character. But that obviously had to change (on a series) because I couldn’t wait seven years until the show’s over to go back and watch it. I still don’t watch the monitors; but when the season airs, I do watch it.”

Click inside to watch the roundtable. It’s great interaction between all the guys!


Emmy Roundtable — Drama Actors Part 1


Emmy Roundtable — Drama Actors Part 2


Emmy Roundtable — Drama Actors Part 3


Demi Lovato Confirms Joe Jonas Split

Posted: 24 May 2010 06:55 PM PDT

Demi Lovato Confirms Joe Jonas Split

Demi Lovato has taken to her Twitter to clear up some rumors and confirm her split with fellow Disney teen sensation Joe Jonas.

"There are so many crazy rumors flying around today," Demi tweeted. "I'd like to clear a few things up. First, Joe and I did split but it wasn't over the phone."

She continued, "Things didn't work out but we'll remain friends. Secondly, I am NOT dating anybody already.” (Certain websites speculated that she’s dating Wilmer Valderrama.)

Demi ended her note, saying, “Nothing is more important to me than the relationship I have with my fans. Just thought you guys should know this."

Joe also released a statement to People: “Demi and I knew going into our romantic relationship that it may not be an easy one. I realize over the time we have shared together that I feel I care more about our friendship right now. It was my choice to break up but I love her as a friend. She’s been there for me when I needed her. I will continue to be her friend and be there for her.”

Wishing you both the best, Joe and Demi!


Rihanna: ROCKSTAR 101 Video Premiere

Posted: 24 May 2010 06:25 PM PDT

Rihanna: ROCKSTAR 101 Video Premiere

Scope out the new “ROCKSTAR 101” video premiere from Rihanna!

Helming the vid was director Melina Matsoukas, who also did Rihanna's "Hard" and "Rude Boy" videos. The song is the fourth single off of Rihanna’s latest album, Rated R.

Don’t miss Blink-182 rocker Travis Barker behind the drums in the video as well!

WHAT DO YOU THINK of Rihanna’s dark new vid — HOT or NOT?

Rihanna: ROCKSTAR 101 Video Premiere


Sarah Jessica Parker: VALENTINO Va-Va-Voom

Posted: 24 May 2010 05:55 PM PDT

Sarah Jessica Parker: VALENTINO Va-Va-Voom

Sarah Jessica Parker goes bright yellow in Valentino at the premiere of Sex and the City 2 held at NYC’s Radio City Music Hall on Monday (May 24).

The 45-year-old newly blonde actress loves her lighter locks. Says her famed colorist Harry Josh, “It was time for something new!”

Also pictured on the red carpet: SJP’s co-stars Kim Cattrall, Cynthia Nixon and Kristin Davis.

Sex and the City 2 opens everywhere on Thursday (May 27)!

15+ pictures inside of Valentino va-va-voom Sarah Jessica Parker


Natalie Portman: Patchwork Pretty

Posted: 24 May 2010 05:25 PM PDT

Natalie Portman: Patchwork Pretty

Natalie Portman makes a quick call as she arrives at LAX airport on Sunday (May 23).

The 28-year-old actress packed light for her trip out of town with a patchwork bag and a large purse.

Nat has been working on her new project, an Ivan Reitman film with Ashton Kutcher and Kevin Kline, in town lately!

The yet-to-be-titled film tells the story of a couple with a no-strings-attached relationship.


Olivia Munn: Sports Spectacular!

Posted: 24 May 2010 04:55 PM PDT

Olivia Munn: Sports Spectacular!

Olivia Munn hits the red carpet at the 25th Anniversary Of Cedars-Sinai Sports Spectacular charity event held at LA’s Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel on Sunday (May 23).

The Sports Spectacular has raised over $19 million to benefit the life-saving work of genetic research.

WATCH: “Perfect Couples” Featurette

The 29-year-old actress wore a colorful pair of Chrisitan Louboutins and a cream and black alice + olivia by Stacey Bendet butterfly polka dot splatter seamed dress.

Olivia, Kyle Howard and a few others star in the upcoming NBC comedy, Perfect Couples.


Miley Cyrus: BIKINI Good Time!

Posted: 24 May 2010 04:25 PM PDT

Miley Cyrus: BIKINI Good Time!

Miley Cyrus flaunts her red polka dot bikini body while vacationing with family in Mexico on Monday (May 24).

The 17-year-old Disney starlet will be there for the next few days. Her older sister, musician Brandi Cyrus, tweeted yesterday, “About to get on a planeee! taking a little family vacation for a few days. See ya Wednesday, Twitter.”

Also pictured: Dad Billy Ray Cyrus spending quality father-daughter time with Miley!

10+ pictures inside of bikini-clad Miley Cyrus in Mexico…


Sandra Bullock: Austin with Baby Louis!

Posted: 24 May 2010 03:50 PM PDT

Sandra Bullock: Austin with Baby Louis!

Sandra Bullock goes out shopping with baby Louis on Friday (May 14) in Austin, Texas.

The 45-year-old actress held on to her four-month-old son as they spent the day out together, visiting a clothing store and two baby stores.

Eyewitnesses said Sandra was smiling all day, even letting a man in the store hold Louis!

Sandra announced the happy news of Louis‘ adoption to the world just over a month ago.


Rachel Bilson: Melrose Place Pretty

Posted: 24 May 2010 03:20 PM PDT

Rachel Bilson: Melrose Place Pretty

Rachel Bilson walks back to her car after lunching with a gal pal at Blu Jam Cafe on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles on Monday afternoon (May 24).

FYI: The name Blu Jam was taken from the location's original history, where it was used as an underground blues and jazz club where patrons would enter through its secret entrance to listen to musicians jam.

20+ pictures inside of Melrose Place pretty Rachel Bilson


Joe Jonas & Demi Lovato Split

Posted: 24 May 2010 02:51 PM PDT

Joe Jonas & Demi Lovato Split

Joe Jonas has pulled the plug on his relationship with fellow Disney teen sensation Demi Lovato, JustJared.com has confirmed.

However, Joe, 20, and Demi, 17, will still tour together this summer for their Jonas Brothers/Camp Rock 2 concert.

JustJaredJr.com interviewed both of them last week — in separate rooms — but neither looked edgy. Demi smiled throughout, played charades with us and even pretended to bark like a dog. Woof!

Video coming soon to JJJ!

FYI: Back in October 2008, Joe dumped Taylor Swift over a 27-second phone call.


Hayden Christensen: 'The Lazarus Effect' Airs Tonight!

Posted: 24 May 2010 02:20 PM PDT

Hayden Christensen: 'The Lazarus Effect' Airs Tonight!

Hayden Christensen is trying to to raise awareness of the value of 40 cents – the cost of antiretroviral medicine needed for people with HIV/AIDS in Africa to survive. Here’s an excerpt of what the 29-year-old actor penned for Larry King Live’s blog:

“One of our initiatives is to raise AIDS awareness through The Lazarus Effect. This inspiring documentary airs tonight on HBO (at 9PM ET/PT). If you miss it there, you can see it on YouTube afterwards.

"The Lazarus Effect addresses one of the world's worst epidemics—AIDS in Africa. It focuses on the transformative effect of antiretroviral medicine and shows us how someone who is severely suffering from AIDS can regain their health in as little as 40 days by simply taking two pills a day that only cost 40 cents. The narrative of the documentary is told from the perspective of patients and doctors who are battling AIDS in their every day life. The story that unfolds in this documentary does not focus on the devastation and despair, but on survival. It shows what the human impact of smart aid programs has been…”

WATCH: “The Lazurus Effect” Promo Video!

“I hope people watch the documentary and are inspired to help raise funds to support the incredible programs that ultimately save lives. I urge people to visit JOINRED.COM and learn how they can get involved.”


Justin Timberlake To Launch Eyewear Lines

Posted: 24 May 2010 01:50 PM PDT

Justin Timberlake To Launch Eyewear Lines

Justin Timberlake and his girlfriend Jessica Biel hold hands as they take a romantic stroll on Sunday (May 23) in Studio City, Calif.

On Saturday, Justin was seen out hitting some balls on the golf course in Toluca Lake. He’s also been busy recording with Free Sol, a hip-hop/soul band from Memphis (they’re signed to Justin’s label Tennman Records).

Next year, Justin will debut two lines of eyewear called "William Rast Eyewear" and "William Rast Racing Eyewear".

More pics at X17!


Isabel Lucas Ducks Into Alcove

Posted: 24 May 2010 01:20 PM PDT

Isabel Lucas Ducks Into Alcove

Isabel Lucas has a breakfast date with a mystery male at Alcove Cafe & Bakery on Sunday (May 23) in Los Feliz, Calif.

The 25-year-old Aussie actress was recently nominated for an MTV Movie Award for Best WTF Moment. Her scene in Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen is up against Betty White in The Proposal, Bill Murray in Zombieland, Ken Jeong in The Hangover and Megan Fox in Jennifer’s Body. Get in your vote at MTV.com!

FYI: Isabel wore the Joie "Picasso" shoes.

10+ pictures inside of Isabel Lucas ducking into Alcove


Wentworth Miller Looks Dirty -- And Sexy!

Posted: 24 May 2010 12:50 PM PDT

Wentworth Miller Looks Dirty -- And Sexy!

Wentworth Miller looks dirtier — and hotter! — than ever in this new still from his upcoming movie Resident Evil: Afterlife, in theaters September 10.

In the movie, the 37-year-old former Prison Break actor will play the brother of Ali Larter and of course Milla Jovovich will be returning as heroine Alice.

Last month, Wentworth admitted that he’s “still working on his tree trunk arms.”

You can follow Milla on Twitter @MillaJovovich!


Katie Holmes Never Turned Down 'Sex and the City 2'

Posted: 24 May 2010 12:20 PM PDT

Katie Holmes Never Turned Down 'Sex and the City 2'

Katie Holmes dons a sheer Bird by Juicy Couture top and a Madewell blazer as she gets out of her car with a security escort in New York City on Monday (May 24).

The 31-year-old actress and Victoria Beckham reportedly were turned down for guest spots in Sex and the City 2 but it’s not true.

“I have never had any negative [interactions with Katie and Victoria]. I didn’t turn down Victoria, and I never turned down Katie Holmes,” director Michael Patrick King recently told MTV. “As a matter of fact, I bumped into Katie Holmes the other night, by accident, and she said to me, ‘Tell me Carrie doesn’t cheat on Big with Aidan.’ So that’s all rumor. They’re both fantastic actresses, and it would be nice, but [I] never had a thought of it.”


Win a Trip to the Palm Springs International ShortFest!

Posted: 24 May 2010 11:50 AM PDT

Win a Trip to the Palm Springs International ShortFest!

JustJared.com is teaming up with the Palm Springs International Short Film Festival to offer an amazing trip to the event next month! The event runs from June 22 through June 28. Check out more info at PSFilmfest.org.

The ShortFest is one of the largest short film festivals in the world and has screened shorts either directed by or starring Demi Moore, Jennifer Aniston, Jessica Biel, Kirsten Dunst, Courteney Cox, Rumer Willis, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Kate Hudson, Dana Delany, Rainn Wilson and David Arquette.

The winner will receive the following!

-2 hotel nights at the Ace Hotel for the Opening Night of the Festival on Tuesday, June 22 and Wednesday, June 23

-2 Festival passes to Opening Night and access to all the Festival screenings on Wednesday and Thursday.

HOW TO ENTER:
– FOLLOW: Follow JustJared on Twitter
– TWEET: Tweet the contest to your friends. Remember to do this or you won't be able to win!
– COMMENT: Leave a comment here with a valid email address (will not be published), your Twitter name and the link of your tweet. Comment as many times as you want to increase your chances of winning!

ONE winner will be chosen at random at the end of the contest. This contest ends Monday, May 31st @ 11:59PM EST. Los Angeles-area residents only. Good luck!


Megan Fox & Brian Austin Green: Kassius Couple

Posted: 24 May 2010 11:20 AM PDT

Megan Fox & Brian Austin Green: Kassius Couple

Megan Fox and boyfriend Brian Austin Green spend the afternoon together on Sunday (May 23) at a Los Angeles park.

The 24-year-old actress sipped on coffee as she spent time with Brian and his son, Kassius!

After Megan’s departure from the Transformers franchise was announced, rumors have been swirling about who might replace her. Heidi Montag has even tweeted that she’d like to take over the role.

WHO DO YOU THINK
should take over Megan’s role in Transformers 3?

10+ pictures inside of Megan Fox spending time with Brian Austin Green and Kassius


Lisa Kudrow: Vassar College's Commencement Speaker!

Posted: 24 May 2010 10:50 AM PDT

Lisa Kudrow: Vassar College's Commencement Speaker!

Lisa Kudrow is all smiles as she delivers the commencement address at Vassar College’s commencement on Sunday (May 23) in Poughkeepsie, New York.

The 46-year-old actress is a 1985 graduate of the school - Lisa’s degree is in biology! Also at the ceremony (and pictured) is Meryl Streep, who recently gave the commencement address at NYC’s Barnard College!

Click inside to read Lisa’s full speech!

15+ pictures inside of Lisa Kudrow and Meryl Streep at Vassar College’s commencement…

Thank you President Hill for inviting me to speak, and thank you to the Class of 2010 for not protesting…seriously. I was wondering what I should say to you - there are so many possibilities you know? So I asked some of you - and by “some” I mean two - who I happened to see in passing. (It was convenient for me.) Well I couldn’t ask every one of you. It’s not like there’s some kind of social network wherein I could communicate with such a large number of people at once. That’s a joke because there is such a thing. It's called the Internet.

No, I did actually hear from a little more than two of you that because I went here, you wanted to know about my experiences after graduating and I understand that because the twenties are that time in your life when (this is not a joke) you’re really getting acquainted with your own adult self and seeing how you respond to self doubt when there’s so much, seemingly at stake. So, let me reassure you. It’s not supposed to be easy, but it doesn’t have to be torture. You’re supposed to have moments of uncertainty about which path to take because the 20’s are full of crossroads.

So, back to me. Yes, I sat exactly where you’re sitting, exactly 25 years ago. Oh thank you! Well it WAS 25 years ago and Governor Mario Cuomo was our speaker. I had been up all night so I was drifting in and out of consciousness [looks around the crowd] - like that guy. I don’t remember much, but I do remember at one point Governor Cuomo told us to look around at our classmates. The idea was to really take in these people we’ve just had this very meaningful experience with for four important years in our lives. So you can go ahead and do that now if you want to.

Did you do it? I don’t know what you all just felt, but when I did it 25 years ago. (Pause for disbelief. Thank you!) I didn’t feel a thing. Nothing. I thought, yeah, okay, I probably won’t remember most of these people and a lot of things that happened over the past four years will fade away and that’s all right because that’s the way it goes. So I went back to sleep. I know, I ‘m a little…cold, I've been told. Then I thought, “Oh but, I am going to miss seeing that guy…I see around, Stephen, the Mug manager who dances well. I really won’t ever see him again. That's weird. Well, try to remember him.” Now, we weren’t close friends he was just a guy I’d run into on campus. As we’d exchange how-are-you's he’d say, “Oh God, I’ve got like seven papers? and three tests? all within the next four days?!” and I’d say “Oh God.” He’d say, “Yeah.” “Okay. Well..bye.” “Bye.”

I thought it a little odd that the only thing I’d be missing was bumping into cool Stephen the Mug manager who danced well and worked hard. But that was it because I had done what I had set out to do. I had gone to a great school on the east coast, met really interesting and intellectually curious people, made a few good friends, and received a superior education from engaging professors who had high standards. I met those high standards and adopted them as my own and could hopefully carry them into my future.

I wasn’t in the mood to look back and be sad over what I might miss later. I was ready to be looking forward…like I’m sure a lot of you are. How many of you are excited to start your brilliant career doing some research in some area of neuro-psycho-pharmacology [and see if you can't ultimately answer questions about how things like neuro transmitters evolved]? Me, too. I was very excited to get home. I had a job lined up with my father who was a headache specialist - yes, I said ‘headache.’ He’s retired now, but he was a world-renowned headache specialist who mostly did research. I immediately started to work with him on a study concerning hemispheric dominance and headache types. I won’t go into the details, but I could! The important thing was that I was on my way to getting published, then onto a graduate program at whichever very impressive university accepted me. Six months after graduation I dumped that plan and decided to become an actress. Then I was cast on the show Friends and now I’m here, any questions?

How did I go from biology major to actress? That is the one question I’m asked most frequently. Okay, when I was a kid, I did want to be an actress, but when I took biology in high school, I was hooked. The biological theories I learned, to me were the height of creativity. So I pursued my passion for biology and wherever that would lead me. I had nothing to do with acting in high school nor while at Vassar. I was never in a play. I don't think I ever really saw a play. I wasn’t interested in the least, not the least. Then during my senior year at Vassar when I was home for spring break, I was driving around L.A. and heard a promo for a sitcom on the radio. They’d play their best joke from the show and I remember hearing in my head, “Oh, God, that’s not funny. They punched the joke too hard, just throw it away, Lisa remember to throw it away when you do it. Why do I need to remember to throw a joke away? I don’t need to remember that.”

And so I dismissed it…until after I graduated and was happily doing research with my father at the headache clinic and it happened again and again and again. I’d be watching a sitcom and hear myself saying, “Don’t do that. Don’t do that Komedy Walk thing like these sitcom actresses do.” It got relentless and I entertained the idea of being an actress, then moved to justify the idea with, “You know, you’re 22, you have no mortgage, no husband and kids - no responsibilities. You have to do this acting thing now. Right now. I’m so sorry, but you have to.” By November of 1985, I declared that I would pursue acting. My parents and family were thrilled for me and that was the first and most important, wonderful show of support I got. (Look at parents) My parents and family were thrilled, THRILLED. Truly. My Vassar friends were shocked, SHOCKED, but supportive and polite. I…was terrified, and not because I didn’t think it would work out. I was weirdly confident…for no reason at all. But because this didn’t exactly feel like it was a choice as much as succumbing to a compulsion, and I didn’t analyze what led me to this point, whether it was divine intervention, or a lapse in judgment or sanity, I just listened to that inner voice. By the way, it’s always a good move to listen to that inner voice - if it doesn’t lead to a crime. I was also nervous about this career choice because I didn’t really care for actors. The only point of reference I had was seeing them on talk shows. They seemed so affected, picking a cause of the month as if it’s not about them at all.

You know, they'd say, “Please, please save the planet as a favor to me. I’ll love you for it, I really will.” So I couldn't and I thought, "How do I hold onto who I am, if I’m trying to become one of them? I don’t want to turn into an actress." Well, that's a problem, okay, because, as in most pursuits, “one’s self’ is one of the biggest hurdles to get over. You can’t pursue something and be committed to it if you’re apologizing for it at every party. Which I did for a while. I learned you have to surrender to the fact that you are one of too many in a highly competitive field where it is difficult to stand out…for now. Over time through your work, you will demonstrate who you are and what you bring to the field. Just stay with it and keep working. I was collecting tools to cope with this uncertain path in case it got rocky later on, just in case. For now, it’s good, though. I became friends with and stuck close to the most talented person I met at my very first improv class. Conan O’Brien was a nimble improviser and fully committed in every scene, which always made it great. His writing was unparalleled and everyone understood he occupied a whole other level of talent. I hoped I would be influenced by his high standard of writing and performing. Also, I knew he belonged in this profession and I made him laugh, so I belonged too.

So, I’m on my road to becoming an actress. While I was taking classes at the Groundlings, an improvisation and sketch comedy theater in L.A., I had my first audition and got the part. It was for a backer’s audition for an Equity waiver play called Ladies Room. These two minor characters would come in and out and be on stage for a total of maybe seven minutes of the whole play. Here was the audition:

Romy: “Uch, I hate throwing up in public.”

Michele: “Oh, me too!”

Ladies Room had a nice long run and Romy and Michele were such audience pleasers, they created a TV show for them and I was cast in the pilot as Michele. I couldn’t believe how fast my success was happening! The pilot, though, was not great and didn’t get picked up.

I was back to square one and it was the first time I thought, “Oooooo, maybe I’m not a lucky person and this isn’t meant to be.” Then I recovered with “You know, there might be more ups and downs and you have to weather those storms…and Conan thinks you’re funny, so…!”

Over the next eight years, my resolve and commitment was steadily challenged. Challenged by casting directors telling me to my face that I was horrible. Agents letting me know, “It’s hard, we don’t know what to do with you. They want gorgeous on TV, you know? There’s really not a place for you.” Finally I get a coveted spot in the main company of the groundlings, and the director that didn't like my work. “The producers came to the show and they liked your sketches for their TV show. Can you believe it? All the great people they saw and they chose YOU, I just don’t get it.” Lorne Michaels came to a show to look for new cast members for Saturday Night Live and out of Me, Kathy Griffin, Julia Sweeney they picked Julia Sweeny. I was devastated. That director told me, “Of course they picked Julia, who else would they have picked?” Naturally, these things knocked me off balance and caused me to wonder if this was the right path for me. Am I going about this the right way?…do I belong here? Maybe I never will be a working actor and I’ve wasted all this time…then I’d DECIDE, no, they’re just wrong…and a little insensitive, but mostly, they are just wrong. And that’s ok. They don’t see it yet. I’d cling to the knowledge that friends like Conan O’Brien always liked the sketches I wrote and performed. So did Kathy Griffin, Julia Sweeney, writers I knew and respected liked my work - these people, I decided, were NOT wrong. I DO belong here and Conan is never wrong! (Have I mentioned his name enough? I know him.) That’s what I would tell myself to keep those moments of doubt only moments. And it worked, I kept going.

Then, it all changed. I got cast as a series regular on a show that I knew would run forever and be very well written. Jim Burrows was directing and that’s a big deal. He’d directed and produced, Cheers, Taxi, everything good. I was set. I was done. No more guest starring roles where you’re not really part of the show because you’re just there for the week. I was done worrying, " I get to do what I love on the best show ever. After two days of rehearsal, I got fired. I got fired from Frasier, the one everyone knew was going to be a hit, and it was. The next day, my biggest source of support had to move to New York to start work on his show, Late Night with Conan O’Brien and so my best friend was gone, too. This time, it was really hard not to think that it wasn’t meant to be, my career as an actress. It was so embarrassing…Jim Burrows and those producers had to fire me. They were nice, but…”It’s just not working and we need to replace you.” "Okay…don't feel bad…" Didn’t they know how hard I worked to finally become good at auditioning? That I had gotten over the being an “actress” issue and embraced it? That was hard for me! This was my shot! I cried a lot. Then I got a call from a friend, the actor Richard Kind who I’d met when I had guest starred on an episode of Mad About You starring Paul Reiser and Helen Hunt who said, “I heard what happened. I don’t know how you even get up in the morning. How do you get out of bed, get dressed, walk out the door and show your face?” That just made me laugh. That was crazy. I was getting up in the morning and leaving my apartment, so maybe I was coping better than I expected to. The best words were from Robin Schiff who wrote the play Ladies Room and later would write and produce the movie Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion (that I was in). She said, “I know it’s hard to believe, but when one door closes, another door always opens. It really does.” Yeah, I know, I had heard that very clever saying before. She was right, I didn’t believe it, but I never forgot it.

A couple of months later I was almost out of money and my agent called to tell me that Danny Jacobson, the producer of Mad About You, was offering me another small role on the show. The agent was recommending I pass on it because it was too small a role and the character didn’t even have a name. It was for the part of Waitress and I wouldn’t even see the part until I got to the set in an hour. “Don’t take it, they can’t treat you like this.” I didn’t even think twice. Of course, I took it. Whatever it is, I’ll make it funny. I’ll listen and respond and make it funny. By the second day, Danny Jacobson asked if I would be okay with being written into at least five more shows throughout the season. I told him I was ok with that. Some people thought I was funny as the waitress on Mad About You, one of them was one of their talented writers named Jeffrey Klarik. Jeffrey’s boyfriend, David Crane, who recommended I come in to read for his new show about six twenty-somethings who lived in New York and hung out at a coffee house. After many auditions, I was the second person cast in the pilot called Friends Like Us, which would later be changed to Friends. Jim Burrows also directed this pilot and the first ten episodes of Friends. One day the six of us were talking with Jimmy, exchanging The Time I Got Fired Stories and Jimmy told them mine. “Well, she’s got the worst one of all, she got fired from Frasier. You weren’t right for the part, darlin’.” Thanks! And then he said, “Well, it’s a good thing you got fired or you wouldn’t have been on this show.” He was right. And it was a good thing I didn’t get Saturday Night Live and that the Romy and Michele pilot didn’t work out and every other disappointment that happened…they were like guide posts that kept me on my path. Oh and after I got fired from Frasier, I went to a birthday party and feeling like I had nothing at all to lose, I flirted with a guy who was way out of my league. We dated and on Thursday Michel and I would have been married for 15 years. Thank God I got fired! Maybe there is a reason for everything. I think there is.

When I was sitting where you are today twenty-five years ago and I thought, how I’m not really going to miss Vassar, maybe it’s not because I’m made of stone. Maybe its because Vassar never left me. My producing partner and one of my best friends is Dan Bucatinsky, Vassar class of ‘87. I didn’t know him while I was here. But when you need to creatively partner with someone who shares your high standards, it turns out to be a Vassar guy.

No, Vassar has stayed with me because I carried those high standards that were nurtured in me here all along the way. I knew what was good and that’s what I did and will always try to achieve…good work. Even if the network cancels my show, I know it’s good work and I’m proud of it. Even if people look at me with pity as they say, “you have a WEB series? Awww” I know it’s good work and I’m proud of it. A BBC series that’s a historical documentary show on genealogy on NBC? Yes. Really? For American audiences? They won’t like it. Yes they will, because I know it’s good.

I think there’s another reason I wasn’t sad to leave Vassar. On some level, maybe I knew I’d be back three times a year at the Board of Trustees meetings. And one last thing…when I was invited to be on the board, I was very nervous for my first meeting, then I saw there was another person from the class of ‘85. Attorney, Steve Hankins…who was Stephen the cool mug manager who danced well. It’s really nice to see him around again.

I truly wish you all the best…at some point.


Justin Bartha: Ashley Olsen & I Are Fine After Plane Fire

Posted: 24 May 2010 10:20 AM PDT

Justin Bartha: Ashley Olsen & I Are Fine After Plane Fire


Jake Gyllenhaal: Parkour Proud

Posted: 24 May 2010 09:50 AM PDT

Jake Gyllenhaal: Parkour Proud

Jake Gyllenhaal suits up in Burberry during an appearance on Good Morning America in New York City on Monday (May 24).

There are some mind-blowing stunts in his upcoming movie, Prince of Persia. The 29-year-old actor was asked if he found the physical aspects of this role challenging.

Jake shared, “I am an active person in my daily life and so naturally I loved training for this movie and I loved doing the stunts. When I learned that my character could run on walls in the video game, I knew I was going to learn how to do parkour (physical discipline of training to overcome any obstacle within one’s path by adapting one’s movements to the environment), no question. I was fortunate enough to meet and train with David Belle, the inventor of parkour, and he taught me to actually run on walls and jump from rooftops safely. It's not fake. We actually did it.”

Click inside to watch Jake’s appearance on GMA…