THE MARRIAGE REF’S FIRST GUESTS…SALLY HAWKINS IS ‘MADE’ FOR OSCAR…BARBARA FAIRCHILD FREE AT LAST…
Jerry Seinfeld‘s “The Marriage Ref” is getting ready as a replacement series on NBC. There shouldn’t be too much trouble finding room for it. NBC is barely registering nighttime viewers at this point.
I’m told the first new show taped has these guests: Regis Philbin, Tracy Morgan, and Susie Essman. You’d think Regis would have a lot to say about marriage–after all, some of his funniest stuff is with his very patient wife, Joy. But a source from the show told me: “Regis was a little timid on the show, actually. He may have been intimidated by Tracy.” No word on Susie’s role in the trio, but she is side splittingly funny…
…Sally Hawkins is getting a big push for Best Actress in “Made in Dagenham,” which opens Friday. Earlier this week, Revive and Laura Mercier sponsored a lovely ladies lunch for “Made in Dagenham” stars Sally and Miranda Richardson at Rouge Tomate on East 60th St. Sort of the British take on “Norma Rae,” the film inspired a lot of discussion at lunch about the women’s movement. And director Nigel Cole, more importantly, told me an off the record story about two big name actors he directed in a sex scene — in recent years–who were too into what they were doing. “I had to tell them to stop,” he said. I can’t tell you the actors’ names. Sorry. “Dagnenham” should be a sleeper hit with the Academy. Sally is a doll. This could be her year…
…Barbara Fairchild, one of the great people in the media biz, leaves the editorship of Bon Appetit on November 23 after ten years. She was there for 22 years before that. Look, even murderers are pardoned in a shorter time! Barbara’s friends toasted her Monday night at the hot new Lambs Restaurant on West 44th St. (This is going to be ‘the’ place in the theater district very shortly. Sensational!) Once Barbara wraps up her term, she’s got websites cooking and lots of plans. She should be judging a show like “Top Chef” before too long. Congrats, Barbara. Conde Nast’s loss is our gain!
