No one seems to know much about what happened, but actress Marta Heflin died on September 18th. She was 68. Someone put a paid obit in the New York Times but I guess no one bothered to make a real announcement. Heflin was a favorite of late legendary director Robert Altman. She was also a great friend (and I’m not sure but I think long ago ex girlfriend) of Al Pacino. Heflin was always invited to any Pacino opening and treated like a VIP. Her father, Martin Heflin, was a famous PR man. Her mother, Julia Heflin, was a rabble rousing journalist. Uncle Van Heflin, of course, was a famous actor. And aunt Frances Heflin was beloved by viewers of “All My Children” as Mona Kane, mother of Susan Lucci’s Erica Kane. She will be sorely missed.
EXCLUSIVE “How I Met Your Mother” Legendary “Bangity Bang” by Sam “Soul Man” Moore
At long last, ‘Bangity Bang” has been heard! On the second episode of “How I Met Your Mother” last night producers finally unveiled the song that’s been sung (and went viral on YouTube) made up by the cast as a gag. The show’s noted composer John Swihart wrote a whole, serious sort of tongue in cheek R&B ballad around what had been just a joke chorus that was previously sung by cast members.
The HIMYM producers wanted a real soul singer to record the song. So he reached out to R&B legend and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Sam Moore, whose hits include “Soul Man” and “Hold On I’m Coming.”
Ironically Moore, who’s 77 and often noted as Bruce Springsteen’s favorite singer, recorded the song in a Phoenix, Arizona studio–the same place where last night’s episode took place. Sources say Swihart played guitar, bass and piano on the track. The word is we’ll be hearing Moore’s “Bangity Bang” more during this final season of “Mother.” Maybe he’ll even sing it at Ted and the newly revealed Mother’s wedding at some point!
PS Thanks to the reader who sent this clip:
Nicole Kidman’s “Grace of Monaco” Moved to 2014: Too Many Best Actresses This Year
I told you last week that an early screening of “Grace of Monaco” was a big hit. Nicole Kidman is said to be incandescent as Princess Grace (Kelly). But now I’ve confirmed that “Grace of Monaco” will hold until 2014. The main reason besides the movie still needing a musical score? The Weinstein Company simply has too many women in the Best Actress category. Meryl Streep from “August Osage County” and Judi Dench as “Philomena” are front runners already.
The company still has to figure out what to do with Julia Roberts from “AOC.” They will also have major campaigns for “The Butler” and “Mandela.” On top of that, let’s not forget that Cate Blanchett remains the original front runner for “Blue Jasmine.”
As for Nicole: not only will she be in lead for 2014-15 with “Grace.” But she also has the highly praised “Railway Man” with Colin Firth for fall 2014, just seen in Toronto.
Good things are worth waiting for! “Grace of Monaco” will be one of them!
Exclusive: Jennifer Hudson Has a Breathtaking, Breakout Hit Single
Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson has three movies this fall: “Winnie Mandela,” and the forthcoming “Mister and Pete” and “Black Nativity.” She’s got one song out already from “Winnie,” a Diane Warren ballad. But now, in time to make the Grammy deadline, here’s her new old school release “I Can’t Describe the Way I Feel” with T.I. It’s breathtaking and a break out hit. Listen here:
Exclusive: Elton John’s Four Star Dinner with David Furnish, Lady Gaga, Johnny Depp
Monday night at Craig’s, by far the hottest restaurant in West Hollywood and where the stars go to dine on comfort food: Sir Elton John and partner David Furnish celebrated the release of Elton’s magnificent new album “The Diving Board” with two superstar guests: Lady Gaga and Johnny Depp. (Also at Craig’s last night: Fred Durst of Limp Bizkit.)
This may have been the biggest star wattage per square inch (or however it would be calculated) in some time. They sat in a secluded banquette with Gaga between David and Elton, and Depp to Elton’s left. Gaga wore a large flowing pink gown with a gigantic blond wig right out of Marie Antoinette. “Actually it’s two wigs,” she told me after I’d made it past the four huge bodyguards in tow.
I did not check their orders. But I do know that Craig’s famous truffled-oiled fried chicken with mashed potatoes and spinach was consumed. It’s the hot spot’s signature dish.
So what was going on? We talked about “The Diving Board,” Elton’s first solo album in 7 years (not counting “The Union” with Leon Russell). The album is released in the U.S. today and it’s already causing a stir. If it’s not nominated for Album of the Year at this year’s Grammys, something is very very wrong.
I was waxing on and on about it until Gaga. who was very amusing, said: “You know, we went to the listening party. I know you think we’re just a pop star and an actor but we did get invited.”
Gaga then showed David, Elton and Johnny– and yours truly by default — a picture of her album cover on her iPhone. It’s a collaboration with famed artist Jeff Koons, and quite stunning. She also told us a story about going to play at the original Cutting Room in New York, and realizing that she looked just like Amy Winehouse. I think that’s when she went blonde.
Johnny Depp mostly listened, and was incredibly polite. As a musician I think he was taking it all in, too.
Meanwhile, a table of twelve people in their 30s, almost all from the record industry, were celebrating a birthday at a long table that ran perpendicular to this star setting. Somehow they kept their cool. But it was probably a very memorable night.
And that’s a Monday night in La La Land at Craig’s. It reminded me of the old Mondays at Morton’s from the 1980s.
PS David showed me pictures of his and Elton’s two little boys, Elijah and Zachary. They are very very cute. And he did tell me that their Elton John AIDS Foundation has just gotten a huge donation in the United Kingdom to help them keep battling AIDS and various diseases. Bravo!
Emmy Ratings–Front Loaded– Got Big Boost from NFL Lead In, Then Fell Off
The Emmy ratings last night got a huge boost from the NFL. The spillover from the football game to the Emmy telecast gave the first hour of the show millions more eyes than in the past. But as you can tell, from half hour to half hour, the Emmys lost steam. Knowing that viewers would start leaving for the “Dexter” finale on Show time and “Breaking Bad,” CBS cut “60 Minutes” and threw in lots of big categories early. They also added non sequitur performances by Elton John and Carrie Underwood. There were several oddities including Jon Hamm’s beard, which he stole from Zach Galafinakis. Still, Neil Patrick Harris has now become the George Jessel of awards shows. They’re his for life.
Anyway here are the fast ratings. Cable ratings are coming soon.
-Total Viewers:
CBS: 16.28 million, NBC: 15.19, ABC: 3.28, Fox: 2,61
-Adults 18-49
NBC: 5.5 rating/15 share, CBS: 4.8/13, Fox: 1.1/ 3, ABC: 0.6/ 2
———-
7:00 p.m.
ABC – America’s Funniest Home Videos (R)
Viewers: 4.63 million (#3), A18-49: 0.7/ 2 (#4)
CBS – NFL Overrun
Viewers: 19.28 million (#1), A18-49: 6.2/20 (#1)
NBC – Football Night in America, Part 1
Viewers: 6.04 million (#2), A18-49: 1.8/ 6 (#2)
Fox – American Dad (R)
Viewers: 2.86 million (#4), A18-49: 1.1/ 4 (#3)
———-
7:30 p.m.
ABC – America’s Funniest Home Videos (R)
Viewers: 5.58 million (#2), A18-49: 0.9/ 3 (#4)
CBS – NFL Overrun
Viewers: 19.19 million (#1), A18-49: 6.0/18 (#1)
NBC – Football Night in America, Part 2
Viewers: 7.52 million (#2), A18-49: 2.5/ 7 (#2)
Fox – The Simpsons (R)
Viewers: 2.50 million (#4), A18-49: 1.1/ 3 (#3)
———-
8:00 p.m.
ABC – Once Upon a Time (R)
Viewers: 2.99 million (#4), A18-49: 0.6/ 2 (#4)
CBS – “The 65th Primetime Emmy Awards” (includes a few minutes of football)
Viewers: 19.28 million (#1), A18-49: 5.6/16
NBC – Football Night in America, Part 3
Viewers: 14.53 million (#2), A18-49: 5.0/14 (#2)
Fox – The Simpsons (R)
Viewers: 3.00 million (#3), A18-49: 1.4/ 4 (#3)
———-
8:30 p.m.
ABC – Once Upon a Time (R)
Viewers: 2.75 million (#3), A18-49: 0.6/ 2 (#4)
CBS – “The 65th Primetime Emmy Awards”
Viewers: 17.22 million (#2), A18-49: 4.9/13 (#2)
NBC – Sunday Night Football: Chicago Bears at Pittsburgh Steelers
Viewers: 19.68 million (#1), A18-49: 7.1/19 (#1)
Fox – Bob’s Burgers (R)
Viewers: 2.50 million (#4), A18-49: 1.2/ 3 (#3)
———-
9:00 p.m.
ABC – Revenge (R)
Viewers: 2.44 million (#4), A18-49: 0.5/ 1 (#4)
CBS – “The 65th Primetime Emmy Awards”
Viewers: 15.69 million (#2), A18-49: 4.4/11 (#2)
NBC – Sunday Night Football: Chicago Bears at Pittsburgh Steelers
Viewers: 20.30 million (#1), A18-49: 7.2/18 (#1)
Fox – Family Guy (R)
Viewers: 2.71 million (#3), A18-49: 1.2/ 3 (#3)
———-
9:30 p.m.
ABC – Revenge (R)
Viewers: 2.33 million (#3), A18-49: 0.5/ 1 (#4)
CBS – “The 65th Primetime Emmy Awards”
Viewers: 14.54 million (#2), A18-49: 4.0/10 (#2)
NBC – Sunday Night Football: Chicago Bears at Pittsburgh Steelers
Viewers: 19.58 million (#1), A18-49: 7.1/17 (#1)
Fox – Family Guy (R)
Viewers: 2.08 million (#4), A18-49: 0.9/ 2 (#3)
———-
10:00 p.m.
ABC – Revenge (R)
Viewers: 2.66 million (#3), A18-49: 0.6/ 1 (#3)
CBS – “The 65th Primetime Emmy Awards”
Viewers: 13.31 million (#2), A18-49: 3.8/10 (#2)
NBC – Sunday Night Football: Chicago Bears at Pittsburgh Steelers
Viewers: 17.23 million (#1), A18-49: 7.1/17 (#1)
———-
10:30 p.m.
ABC – Revenge (R)
Viewers: 2.89 million (#3), A18-49: 0.6/ 2 (#3)
CBS – “The 65th Primetime Emmy Awards”
Viewers: 11.72 million (#2), A18-49: 3.3/ 9 (#2)
NBC – Sunday Night Football: Chicago Bears at Pittsburgh Steelers
Viewers: 16.65 million (#1), A18-49: 6.5/18 (#1)
Source: Nielsen Media Research data
“Downton Abbey” Exclusive: Show Creator Julian Fellowes on Actor Dan Stevens (Matthew)
Sunday night in Britain: “Downton Abbey” returned for Season 4 with a huge 9.5 rating, up almost a million viewers from the UK season premiere. The show picks up six months after the death of Matthew Crawley, played by Dan Stevens. Viewers no doubt were curious to see what happened to Lady Mary and her baby. “Downton Abbey” season 4 doesn’t start in the US until January 5th.
Last night at the Emmys I talked to my old pal Julian Fellowes, the brilliant mastermind behind “Downton.” You know, the seeds of “DA” were in his Robert Altman film, “Gosford Park,” which every “Abbey” fan should rent or buy to see how all this started.
Fellowes was not pleased when Dan Stevens decided not to return as Matthew after three seasons. “We begged him to stay one more week, and film the Christmas episode. We could have a happy ending for Matthew and Mary. Then we would have started season with his death. But refused. To come back for a week!”
Despite killing Stevens’ Matthew off most graphically last year, Fellowes still wishes him well. Still: “I really think if he’d waited one more season, he would have left with a bigger following.”
Arrested Development News: Hurwitz Confirms Movie, More Slattery
Fans of “Arrested Development” take note: “Mad Men” star John Slattery will return for more episodes of “Arrested Development” in its next season on Netflix. Last night at the Governors Ball I ran into Slattery and Mitch Hurwitz, the show’s genius creator, having a splendid reunion from each of their shows.
Hurwitz told me the planned “Arrested Development” movie is going forward, and that Slattery will be included as Dr. Norman. Slattery appeared in three episodes of the concluded Netflix season 3. Who else would Hurwitz include in the movie? “Anyone! I’d like everyone,” he said.
And then “Arrested Development” will develop into a season 4 following the movie. At least that’s the plan now. Netflix is only going to continue to grow after its huge launch with “AD,” “House of Cards,” and “Orange is the New Black.” It looks like “AD” will be a brand component of the non-network TV channel for quite a while more.
Slattery, by the way, looked very Roger Sterling last night at the Governor’s Ball in a perfectly worn tux, and holding a martini glass with a swizzle stick. I lamented to a friend of his that the Emmys were ignoring his “Mad Men” performance. The friend said: “And you know the great thing? He doesn’t care.”
Slattery is not only doing other TV shows, he’s directed an indie film. He told me last night that he’s just finishing a cut of “God’s Pocket” based on a Pete Dexter novel, starring Christina Hendricks, John Turturro, and Philip Seymour Hoffman. We may see it in Sundance or Tribeca.
Emmys: “Mad Men” Brings Back Kevin Rahm, Harry Hamlin for Final Season
We all have our favorite shows. If you read this column you know my mine is “Mad Men.” So I’m happy to confirm what may or may not have been out there already: Kevin Rahm and Harry Hamlin will be back for the final season as Ted Chaough and Jim Cutler. They were the guys from the other ad agency who abruptly merged with Sterling Cooper to get the Chevy account. But then the characters merged right into the lives of the main cast seamlessly.
What this means, of course, is that no one is going to California. And that Peggy and Ted could still turn out to be something.
Rahm is thrilled. Even though he’s been acting for years, he acknowledges “Mad Men” has changed his life. He’s waiting now for word on a movie role. We did discuss his character’s name, which he pronounces “chaw” even though it sounds more like “chow” in the show. “It is totally made up,” he confirmed with a big grin. And no, he has no idea what happens next for Ted.
And Hamlin? He was also at the Governor’s Ball with wife Lisa Rinna. Hamlin has been very involved with the Creative Coalition since it began more than 20 years ago. The former “LA Law” actor told me he knows next to nothing about Jim Cutler, who may or may not be gay. “He’s an enigma to me,” says Hamlin, who also knows nothing of his character’s fate. But series creator Matt Weiner has resurrected Hamlin in a way no one, including the actor, could have imagined.
Jeff Daniels Analyzes Emmy Upsets, Plus Stars Party
The biggest surprise at the 2013 Emmy Awards: that Jeff Daniels vaulted over Bryan Cranston, Jon Hamm and Damian Lewis to win Best Actor for “The Newsroom.” Even Daniels was stunned. At the Governor’s Ball he told me: “When Bobby Cannavale won Supporting Actor, all of a sudden I thought, someone really watches these shows. They were really paying attention. And that’s when I thought I had a chance.”
Suddenly “The Newsroom” has a new life. It seems certain to return for a third season. Show creator Aaron Sorkin told me: “I think I’m more excited about Jeff Daniels winning than Jeff Daniels, if that’s possible.”
Many of “The Newsroom” cast slipped from the Governors Ball at the LA Convention Center to the HBO bash at the Pacific Design Center. Jane Fonda was there with record producer Richard Perry. Michael Douglas, Matt Damon, and everyone associated with HBO’s “Behind the Candelabra,” especially exec produer Jerry Weintraub, celebrated their 11 Emmy awards.
The HBO party was sort of Ground Zero for just about everyone from the Emmys, as well as Mick Jagger. He’s producing an HBO pilot next year with “Boardwalk Empire” creator Terence Winter. And the HBO gang was further energized by not one but two wins for “Veep”–Julia Louis Dreyfus for Best Actress and Tony Hale for Best Supporting Actor.
But then of course there were the “True Blood” actors including Anna Paquin, and “Games of Thrones” stars, plus Lena Dunham from “Girls.” Tony Goldwyn, star of “Scandal” came with his 23 year old daughter. Sarah Paulson, Grace Gummer, and Lily Rabe– three great young New York actresses, hung out together with Hamish Linklater from “The Newsroom.” It was interesting to see the New Yorkers form one contingent at the massive party.
I told Paulson that there was a huge spike on Twitter claiming she should have won something for “American Horror Story: Asylum.” She said she’d heard about it. “I’ve gotten a lot of emails,” she said.