Friday, December 19, 2025
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Shock: The Great Marianne Faithfull Has Died at 78, Influential Singer Performer, Girlfriend of Mick Jagger

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Marianne Faitfull has died at 78. The rock and roll world is in tears. Known for being Mick Jagger’s girlfried in the 60s, Marianne went on to become a hugely influential singer and performer. This is tragic.

Her family sent an announcement to the BBC: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of the singer, songwriter and actress Marianne Faithfull,” a statement said. “Marianne passed away peacefully in London today, in the company of her loving family. She will be dearly missed.”

She was the Stones’ muse, getting a hit with “Ruby Tuesday.” But she also had her own career and was celebrated for her own contribution to the canon of rock music. Her solo album, “Broken English,” remains a classic.

I only met Marianne once. My friend, Kathy Schenker, spotted her in an optique store in Paris. We were overcome, but the great icon was so nice to us, and we never got over it.

Condolences to everyone.

RIP John Doumanian, Longtime Rep for Close Friend Woody Allen, Appeared in 16 of His Films

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Fans of Woody Allen’s movies all know the name John Doumanian.

A close friend of Woody’s, agent for Woody’s jazz band with Eddy Davis, John appeared in 15 Allen films and his TV movie, “Don’t Drink the Water.” In “Annie Hall,” he played the coke dealer.

Peter Wolf of the J Geils Band, another close friend, announced John’s passing today.

From 1959 to 1991, John was married also to Woody’s long time producer Jean Doumanian. Seeing his Hitchock type cameos in Woody Allen movies was very comforting. He’s what binds them all together.

Jack Nicholson’s Son, Ray, Stars in a RomDram Co-Directed by Larry David’s Daughter, Cazzie (Trailer)

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Ray Nicholson is up and running with his movie career.

Jack Nicholson’s youngest son (his mom is Rebecca Broussard) has made a bunch of smaller movies already.

Now he stars in “I Love You Forever,” starring Larry David’s precocious daughter, Cazzie. She co-wrote and co-directed it and appears in it with Sofia Black-D’Elia, Jon Rudnitsky, and Raymond Cham Jr.

“I Love Your Forever” was seen at last year’s SXSW Festival but for some reason not seen at Tribeca, Toronto, or Sundance. The movie has a very healthy 89% on Rotten Tomatoes.

WarningL this is not a straight on comedy. It’s a Rom Com that turns into a Rom Dram.

“SNL” with Timothee Chalamet Scores Highest Ratings Since John Mulaney Back in November

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Timothee Chalamet proved pretty popular with “Saturday Night Live” fans.

His episode last Saturday as host and musical guest rose 100,000 viewers from the previous week to 4.598 million.

That’s the best rating the show has had since 7 weeks ago, when John Mulaney blew the place out at 6.5 million viewers.

Probably more people were exposed to Chalamet’s movie, “A Complete Unknown,” than ever before. The ratings certainly are the cause of Bob Dylan’s music rising quickly on the charts.

For Chalamet, “SNL” was an important building block toward the Oscars. As I reported a couple of days ago, Chalamet’s next stop is “60 Minutes.” There may one other high exposure moment in between. Stay tuned…

PS According to reports, the UK broadcast once again excised one of the two musical numbers of the night. UK fans of “SNL,” Dylan, and Chalamet will have to watch him sing “Tomorrow is a Long Time” on YouTube. Or here.

When Harry Met Sally The First Time at Katz’s, There Was No Mayonnaise — Now There Is, in Super Bowl Commercial!

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The first time Harry met Sally at Katz’s Deli there was no mayonnaise on the table. Meg Ryan had a turkey sandwich, true. But the idea of mayonnaise on a Katz’s table — in proximity to pastrami or corned beef — is unthinkable.

But now, for a Super Bowl commercial, Ryan and Billy Crystal have re-created the famous “I’ll have what she’s having” scene. It’s for Hellmann’s mayonnaise — gasps of horror — something I can’t believe is actually available to Katz’s, home of meat and mustard.

The actors were surely paid a fortune. But isn’t this blasphemy? I know they have Russian dressing at Katz’s, but ugh ugh ugh mayonnaise. It’s a shanda.

You’ll notice, by the way, the people at the other table do not have Hellmann’s sticking out like a goysiche thumb. People in the know will be reaching for Alka Seltzer when this commercial plays. All that should be on that table is mustard!

Woody Allen, 89, Brings His Jazz Band Back for Charity Show at New NY Hot Spot (Video)

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It’s been quite a while since Woody Allen and his jazz band played a show at NY’s Cafe Carlyle. Five years to be exact since bandleader Eddy Davis passed away.

Last year I asked Woody if he would play live again. He said it was unlikely. With Davis gone, Woody was pessimistic there would be a return.

But there he was Monday night at Cafe Bouloud on the East Side, wailing away on his clarinet with the whole band. The club inside Cafe Bouloud is called Maison Barnes, and it’s a winner. Wow. Maybe NYC is back!

At least Woody is back, which is very reassuring in this insane moment in American history.

Special thanks to Woody and Soon Yi’s daughter Bechet for capturing the moment on video.

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Guy (@woodyallenfilms)

Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock to Lead Grammys All-Star Tribute to Quincy Jones on Sunday

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The late great Quincy Jones is going to get a huge tribute from the Grammy Awards on Sunday night.

Stevie Wonder and Herbie Hancock lead the all star list of performers that includes Brad Paisley, Brittany Howard, Coldplay’s Chris Martin, Cynthia Erivo, Quincy’s protege Jacob Collier, Janelle Monáe, John Legend, Lainey Wilson, Sheryl Crow, and St. Vincent.

Sunday night’s line up is pretty amazing. It already includes Benson Boone, Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, Charli xcx, Doechii, RAYE, Sabrina Carpenter, Shakira, and Teddy Swims. Both Taylor Swift and Beyonce were also featured in a Grammys promo that aired Sunday.

Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars are not confirmed but it’s likely they will be there as well. They may be the Gramamys “special guests” that were billed during the promo. But there’s always a chance Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr will show up. The Beatles have two nominations for “Now and Then.”

As for Quincy, or Q, as he liked to be called, it’s impossible to overstate his influence on the history of popular music. He deserves a big send off.

PS Q is also getting a big tribute on Saturday night at Clive Davis’s pre-Grammy gala. That night is said to already so jam packed with performances I’ve heard they’re going to start the music during the dinner!

Watch CNN’s Jim Acosta Exit CNN After 18 Years: “Don’t give into the lies, don’t give into the fear”

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Jim Acosta was a beacon of light at CNN for 18 years.

Today, this fine journalist exited the network after they demoted him and offered him a midnight spot. Acosta said No thanks. He will run a Substack for the time being. But I’ll bet he has a great broadcast job soon.

CNN, it’s felt, bowed to pressure from the Trump administration to muzzle their attack dog. We live in a vicious time since Trump has taken over the White House again. Tonight, I watched police cars descend, lights blazing, on a car that had dark colored people in it. The cops pulled it over, got everyone out, demanded IDs. They were ready to pounce. Fortunately, all the passengers and the driver had their paperwork. I wonder if CNN will ever report the Nazi tactics being used now on minorities.

Acosta insists that the powerful people answer for the damage they’re doing to all of us. I look forward to seeing him soon, and reading him now.

To paraphrase James Earl Jones, THIS is not CNN.

Caroline Kennedy Disembowels Cousin RFK Jr on Eve of Cabinet Confirmation Hearing (Watch Video)

Most of the Kennedy family has turned against Robert Kennedy Jr.

Now it’s Caroline Kennedy’s turn. In the video below she labels him a predator. And that’s compliment.

Caroline, twice an ambassador, is a measured person. She’s not given to hyperbole. She joins RFK Jr’s sisters and other cousins in pleading with the Sebate Confirmation Committees not to let Bobby Jr. anywhere near the government.

Of course, Bobby’s worst ally is his wife, Cheryl Hines. She’s become a Stepford wife. From the Inauguration pictures, it’s clear she’s completely down with her husband’s idiotic stands and theories. I think she has been for a long time.

See below

Exclusive: “60 Minutes” Picks Timothee Chalamet as Their Oscar Pick with February 16th Profile

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Seen on the street yesterday in NY: Timothee Chalamet cavorting with Anderson Cooper and a film crew.

What does it mean? Sources tell me Timmy has been chosen by “60 Minutes” as their Oscar pick for this year. Cooper’s piece on him will air on February 16th, already a busy night with “The White Lotus” premiere and “SNL 50” on NBC.

Chalamet’s Oscar chances have improved greatly over the last couple of weeks. “A Complete Unknown” is on track for $80 to $100 million. Audiences love it. The Academy and SAG love it. Bob Dylan couldn’t be happier.

Timmy’s “SNL” performance this past weekend also went over like gangbusters. He sent an old, obscure Dylan song on to the iTunes charts.

The “60 Minutes” piece comes right in the middle of Oscar voting. Between now then there will be a couple more PR hits, too.

Nothing guarantees the Oscar. Adrien Brody is right there in the race although “The Brutalist” hasn’t had made much money, less than $10 million in a month of release. Also, the movie is tough going.

Stay tuned!