Barbara Walters is back on The View, and no one is happier than me. Growing up, I planned to be just like Babs. I often find myself at Starbucks phrasing questions to my friends the way I think Barbara would, but for some reason I don’t get the same tearful disclosures that she does. When I watch interviews today, I become infuriated at the horrible, judgmental interviewers (not to name names — but like Matt Lauer, for instance), and I yearn for the days when Walters interviewed everyone and their mother. Lucky for me, I get my Barbara fill on The View, where she’s much like the Queen of England at a petting zoo. She’s sadly been on hiatus due to heart surgery, and The View was noticeably different. Ironically, her departure aged the show by about thirty years, with the remaining hosts constantly discussing the gross effects of aging. So welcome back Barbara. It wasn’t the same without you. Further Reading: When Did The View Become a Nursing Home?
Tag: ABC
Dave Letterman Accosts Michael Douglas About his Cancer
I have to give Michael Douglas credit. Douglas discussed his cancer while promoting Wall Street on Letterman, and Letterman basically asked him if he was going to die in fifty different ways. I wonder if Letterman would have asked the same questions had Douglas been over his house for brunch. “Hey, pass the lox, and by the way . . . are you going to die?” Michael Douglas’ forthright answers amazed me. Unlike many A-listers, he never puts restrictions on interview questions, no matter how uncomfortable. He openly discussed his son’s arrest on The View, and he also discussed his Cuckoo rift with his father, Kirk Douglas while on Letterman years ago. I’ve officially added him to my favorite-actors-in-Hollywood list. Watch below.
Edyta Sliwinska Quits Dancing With the Stars — Bye Bye Hot Dancers
First Karina Smirnoff, now Edyta? Because I’m superficial, and I like my female professional dancers to emit the long-legged hotness that I can never match, Edyta was a personal favorite. She’s quit the show due to a spat with producers, because they did not feature her husband, Alec Mazo, as much as she would have liked. This feud does answer my plaguing question about what ever happened to Alec Mazo, who I figured just did not want to appear on the show. After all, the man won the first season of Dancing With the Stars, so why wouldn’t the show keep him around? The only thing I can think of, is that the producers no longer want their professional dancers to be in relationships, because they like when the press speculates that they are romantically involved with their celebrity dance partners. That would also explain why Jonathan Roberts was fired, and his wife, Anna Trebunskaya, remains with the show. Keeping the husbands away perpetuated the ruse that both Anna and Edyta are hot, single ladies.
Today’s Question: What’s Wrong With Being a “Fame-Whore?”
Today is a new day, and it’s therefore time for a new pet-peave. Both Bristol Palin and Levi Johnston are throwing the word “famewhore” at each other, amidst Bristol joining Dancing With the Stars and Levi’s bid for Mayor of Wasilla. I think it’s fair to say they are both famewhores. But this isn’t the first time I’ve seen famewhore name calling. Remember when douchey bachelor Jake Pavelka called Vienna a famewhore? Last time I checked Jake, there are many ways to meet “the one,” which don’t include starring in an ABC television show, and crying over a balcony like a woman. The truth is, just about everyone on the planet is a “famewhore,” and it’s only a rare few that have both fame and talent. So what’s wrong with a blind quest for fame? If you have ever gone to a show taping, you will see the crew, working tirelessly for an inordinate amount of hours, while the actors just loaf around and wait for their moment to robotically spit out their lines. I realize that acting is an art-form and I don’t mean to insult it. That being said, it would certainly be a nice life to get paid an excessive amount of money to sit around in your trailer while everyone else is doing the heavy lifting.
Tribute to Christina Hendricks — I Love Her
I’m admittedly not an avid Mad Men fan, but Christina Hendricks has been on my radar since her interview on Chelsea Lately, when Chelsea called her voluptuous, and Hendricks appeared annoyed. Now, she’s learned to take it as a compliment, and represents all curvy-girls across America. In an interview with Deadline, she furthered my affection for her, by saying that she would stay on Mad Men forever if she could, and has no desire to leave the show for films. It’s refreshing to hear an an actress appreciate of the role that makes them famous, unlike every cast member of Grey’s Anatomy that has bashed their show in interviews. It’s also refreshing to see a beautiful woman on television that isn’t either overweight, or an underweight stick-figure. Here, you’ve got a sexy, humble actress that looks like a normal human being.
Whoopi Goldberg Might be Too Good for The View
I watch The View daily, and yesterday’s show painfully reminded me that it might be time for Whoopi to leave. When Bachelor Jake Pavelka told her he was “star-struck” by her, she looked very unimpressed — and rightfully so. Bachelor Jake is a giant douche, and I am sure Whoopi was fantasizing about polishing her Oscar while interviewing him. She often discusses how she isn’t part of “social media” and how she avoids many of the television shows that are sadly part of our current pop-culture. Although that’s precisely why I love her perspective, it also makes her slightly beyond the chat-fest. When I saw the Real Housewives of DC on the show, I shed a little tear for the good old days of cinema and television, and I thought of Ghost and Sister Act. I imagine Whoopi did too.
Has Dancing With the Stars Helped Anyone’s Career?
Washed-up celebrities are always scratching at ABC’s door for a spot on Dancing With the Stars, in hopes that the insane ratings will give them a much needed career boost. But reality shows very rarely propel a has-been back into the spotlight. And for those looking for their first break in the industry, it’s almost impossible to start in reality television and move to a scripted show. So have any of the contestants benefited from the exposure? I’ve done my research, and the results are pretty pathetic. Below is a list that I’ve compiled of the only contestants on DWTS who have managed to gain success once the show ended. I would post every person whose career went nowhere, but here at The Dishmaster I try to avoid negativity. Read below.
Brooke Burke is a personal favorite. She took over from Samantha Harris as co-host of DWTS, and I think she’s doing a great job.
Gilles Marini was the best choice in DWTS history. He was an unknown actor that appeared in the first Sex and the City film, and the show helped him gain further attention. No word yet on whether he’s been able to land acting gigs because of it, but he sure is nice to look at.
This Saved By the Bell alum gained hosting success after the show. Mario Lopez is currently hosting Extra, and has filled in for Larry King on CNN in the past. No return to acting though.
Stacy Keibler went from wrestler, to dancer, to “actress.” She appeared on the short-lived series, What About Brian, and she currently has another TV series in the works. We’ll see how it goes.
Many people think that Hannah Montana became a success because of Miley Cyrus. The truth is, the show didn’t become a smash hit until Billy Ray Cyrus discussed it while appearing on DWTS. So yes — you can blame Billy Ray Cyrus for all things Miley.
I already regret adding Chad Ochocinco to this list, but I’m too lazy to delete him. He has one of those terrible VH1 reality dating shows. I guess it’s better than nothing?
Chuck Wicks is a country music singer that surfaced on the pop culture radar after appearing on the show. He also dated his dancing partner, Julianne Hough, which certainly helped. Lucky for him, he was out for more radio play and album sales, and not an acting career.
Nicole Scherzinger already had success with the Pussycat Dolls when she appeared on DWTS. She’s rumored to be the new judge for the UK ‘X-Factor,’ which may or may not be a step up from her singing group.
I put Erin Andrews on this list because I respect that she wanted to be known for something positive, instead of the terrible stalker-incident. Good for her! Plus, she has a great personality.
Melissa Rycroft might be the only person in history that has turned a bad-breakup into an incredible career boost. She went from The Bachelor, to DWTS, to television host for Entertainment Tonight. That’s quite the corporate ladder.
John O’Hurley was a favorite of mine from Seinfeld. He also did a great job on DWTS, and was robbed of the trophy. He now hosts Family Feud, which is quite possibly the best job on the planet. Little hours, high pay.
Actress that Must Make Comeback: Yasmine Bleeth
During her Baywatch heyday, Yasmine Bleeth went toe-to-toe with Pamela Anderson, and proved that the prettiest brunette will always win-out over the prettiest blond. Sure my hair color makes me biased, but I’m The Dishmaster and favoritism is allowed. So what happened to Bleeth’s career? At the height of her success, she suffered from cocaine addiction, which resulted in a rehab stay followed by an arrest, along with a much-publicized mug shot. She later wrote an article for Glamour Magazine detailing her plight into cocaine addiction, but her career never seemed to recover. That’s either because she did too much damage, or because most of the Baywatch babes had a short shelf-life. But Bleeth’s recent Milk ad proves she’s still got it — so I’d like to officially submit my vote for Dancing With the Stars. If anyone can use that reality show to resurrect their career, it’s her.
When Did The View Become a Nursing Home?
You wouldn’t think that Barbara Walters’ absence from The View would not have aged the show by 100 years — but it did. For some reason, the show that I love, has turned into a Joy Behar/Whoopi Goldberg gab-fest about how their breasts have fallen, what menopause is like, and how some women suffer from urinal leakage (no I’m not kidding). What on earth has this turned into? Everyone always complains about Elizabeth Hasselbeck, but at least she brings a hot, youth factor to the show. But there’s only so much she can do. When Queen Babs was there, you barely ever heard this talk. That’s either because Babs know what makes a good show, or she’s so concerned with being perceived as youthful, she avoids these topics altogether. Get your act together, ladies!
Elisabeth Hasselbeck on Kathy Griffin: “She’s Scum”
The ladies of The View discussed Kathy Griffin’s joke about Scott Brown’s daughters being prostitutes and, true to form, Elizabeth Hasselbeck got her panties in a twist. Aside from the obvious points about how Hasselbeck has no sense of humor, she needs to be more professional. The ladies are supposed to be discussing “hot topics,” not “make-your-head-explode” topics. Hasselbeck’s hatred for Griffin is so intense that she’s practically yelling across the table. If you cannot be an adult, and remain calm while talking about things that bother you, get off the panel. Additionally, in response to the argument in question, Scott Brown invited that joke when he told the press his daughters are single (in his own feeble attempt at a joke). Furthermore, this whole “my children are off-limits” nonsense, refers to direct criticism, such as jabs at Chelsea Clinton’s appearance, or questioning Bristol Palin’s morals. This joke in no way directly attacked them. Oh yeah — did I mention that Hasselbeck needs to lighten up?