The imploding Wall Street and collapsing real estate values are making life uncertain for everyone. The economic upheaval has shattered many baby-boomers' and seniors' retirement plans, and even worse, has cut into the sharply reduced value of one’s primary asset—their home. The seniors are being hit the hardest, though. The combination of falling property values and tight credit has foiled the plans of seniors, who are being forced out of their homes by rising interest payments. As of September 27, Congress hadn’t agreed on the bailout that is intended to rescue bankers from bad loans that threaten to derail the economy and plunge the country into a long depression. The rescue is meant to remove the train-wreck so credit can start moving to borrowers again. With the spotlight on the financial crisis, Star Gazing still wants to keep you informed on all your favorite celebrities.
The secret’s out. Jon Bon Jovi presented footage for the first time in public from the upcoming Phil Griffin-directed documentary about his band during an Advertising Week panel in New York on September 25, Billboard.com reports. The film, directed by Phil Griffin, is expected to be released sometime in the spring of 2009. While at the end of the clip, which featured footage in both black-and-white and color, the words “25 Years in Black and White” and “Spring 2009” were shown on screen, it has not been ascertained if the former is the title, according to the report. The rock legend debuted the footage in which he talks about touring and what the band means to him, and Richie Sambora talks about his addiction to painkillers and how band members persuaded him to seek help in rehab. In the documentary, Bon Jovi talks about his philanthropic efforts with the football league he owns, the Philadelphia Soul, and how the band remains relevant in an industry constantly on the search for the latest trend. “We wanted to document what this is all about and keep creative control,” Bon Jovi says.
Another secret that is out is Robert Wagner’s memoir, “Pieces of My Heart,” in which he spills the beans on his love affair with Barbara Stanwyck. Wagner writes of his four-year romance with the star of such classics as “Stella Dallas” and “Double Indemnity.” According to Mr. Wagner, the press knew nothing about their relationship, and neither did most of Hollywood. They met on the set of “Titanic,” when he was 22 and she was 45 and divorced from actor Robert Taylor.
Speaking of old Hollywood, Paul Newman, who starred in countless Hollywood movies, died on September 26, at the age of 83, his foundation said. Newman had been battling cancer. Paul Newman chose to live in the quiet community of Westport, Connecticut; he never cared for the glamour and glitz of Hollywood, which he once called “rubbish.” Newman, who played youthful rebels and characters portraying drunks, was one of the most popular Hollywood stars in the second half of the 20th century. Heartthrob George Clooney said simply: “He set the bar too high for the rest of us. Not just actors, but all of us.” He will be missed.
Speaking of George Clooney, rumors are swirling that George and good friend Brad Pitt may have had a falling out. A British paper has reported that both stars want to play Henry Higgins in the remake of “My Fair Lady” and neither is backing down. Now, we all know that George is well known for his pranks, and that perhaps this is another tongue-in-cheek comment that has been taken out of context. Keira Knightley recently revealed she has auditioned for the part of Eliza, and only time will tell, who’ll be her Professor.
Rose’s Scoop: I bumped into Jerry Rice a few weeks ago, and by the way, he knew that “Dancing with the Stars” debuted on September 22. The question is, did he watch football that Monday night or “DWTS”? Facing tough times is “Heroes” star Hayden Panettiere's father. Alan Panettiere was formally charged with misdemeanor battery after a fight broke out with his wife last month, reports the AP. Finally, actor Bill Murray was spotted in Austin, Texas. The actor visited Austin on September 25, for a screening of his new movie, "City of Ember." The film was screened as part of Fantastic Fest, a film festival for horror science fiction fans.
