Buzz Briefs: Will Smith, Heath Ledger
Will Smith: Superhero Fit
Actor Will Smith plays "an off-beat: a trash-talking alcoholic screw-up," who helps to save the world in his latest movie "Hancock."
Although he may not have the same attitude as his character, he certainly has the bod of a superhero.
Smith dished to Parade.com on how he maintains his top physical condition and what inspires him.
"It's important for me to stay in good physical condition," Smith admitted. "When you marry a little firecracker like Jada Pinkett you have to stay in shape."
And in the spirit of a true superhero, he possesses hope.
"Don't feel or acknowledge obstacles and boundaries," Smith told Parade.com. "I identify with what Barack Obama has called 'the audacity of hope.' I know some people may call it the arrogance of hope, or the foolishness of hope, but I believe something gets created when you believe in something."
Music For Ledger's Electrifying Performance Couldn't Be Compromised
Composers of "The Dark Knight," Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard had a hunch that their music would have to encapsulate the essence of the Joker played by the late Heath Ledger.
However, with the news of Ledger's death they were stunned and taken aback while composing the music.
"It was so inconceivable, you know, when we heard about this," Zimmer told Parade.com "Actually, I for a moment was thinking, 'Oh my God, I should throw out all the music I've written for the Joker and just start over again.' Which is just exactly the wrong thing to do. And I mean, I can never find a better word for it but to honor his performance, I had to stick to my guns."
"The music has to portray the philosophy of anarchy that the Joker displays in the face of Batman's valor. I couldn't soften the music or compromise the evil he projects because Heath really did give such a tremendous performance. If I had taken my eye off the ball, if I had been sentimental, if I had done anything like that, it would really have not served him," Zimmer said.
PETA Pam Anderson Won't Be Wearing Snake Skin
Pamela Anderson has auctioned her sporty 2000 Dodge Viper for $65,000 as a donation to animal-rights activists to run an anti-snake slaughter campaign.
Michael McGraw, a spokesman for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, said the group will use the cash to raise awareness about the cruel methods used to skin animals such as snakes and crocodiles, particularly in India.
According to PETA, these animals, whose exotic skins are popularly used in handbags and shoes, are often skinned alive, and suffer for hours or even days before dying.
June 30, 2008
Uma Thurman Is Getting Hitched
It's official: Uma Thurman will marry financier Arpad "Arki" Busson.
"I can confirm she is engaged," Thurman's representative, Stephen Huvane, told The Associated Press in an e-mail. Huvane didn't immediately respond Monday when asked for further details.
Thurman filed for divorce from Ethan Hawke in 2004. They have two children. The 38-year-old actress was previously married to Gary Oldman.
Busson has two sons with Elle Macpherson. Thurman received an Oscar nomination for 1994's "Pulp Fiction." Her screen credits also include the "Kill Bill" thrillers and "My Super Ex-Girlfriend."
Photos: Knots
Bon Jovi To Rock Central Park
New York City officials say Bon Jovi will play a free concert in Central Park this summer.
The concert will be held July 12.
The concert is billed as a prelude to the July 15th All-Star baseball game, which will highlight the final season at Yankee Stadium.
Steven Tyler Had To Detox From Pain Meds
Steven Tyler sought the "safe environment" of rehab last month to recover from more than just surgery - the Aerosmith frontman now says was fighting a dependency on pain and sleep medication.
"To have your feet done, to have your leg done, you have to be on narcotics," Tyler told The Associated Press on Friday. "You have to be on sleep aids at night. I don't know about Joe (Perry) but I was off and running and I didn't like the me that was me."
Tyler released a statement in late May saying he checked into a rehab facility in search of a "safe environment" to recover from several foot surgeries and physical therapy. Tyler said the procedures were to correct longtime foot injuries resulting from his physical performances as the singer for the blues-rock band.
"This was a month ago, so I just put the brakes on and checked into detox and just pulled the plug on all of it," he told the AP on Friday night at the Hard Rock Cafe in Times Square, where he and bandmates were promoting "Guitar Hero 3: Aerosmith."
Photos: Star Treatment
The 60-year-old was known for heavy drug and alcohol abuse in the 1970s and early 1980s, but completed rehabilitation in 1986, after which Aerosmith enjoyed a successful revival.