Friday, May 1, 2009
When you think of Tony Parker and Eva Longoria Parker what comes to mind? Most likely a glamorous, high profile, in demand, seemingly down to Earth celebrity couple with fabulous friends and an affinity for margaritas, my home state of Texas, and each other? However, all of the fuss of day to day life in Hollywood was put aside for one of Eva’s favorite causes-children-and specifically, children with cancer. Last night, Eva graciously hosted The Rally for Kids with Cancer kickoff party presented by Wonderwall.com from MSN at the Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood, benefitting Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and PADRES Contra El Cancer (Parents Against Cancer with whom Eva has had a long time association). The main goal of this charitable event is to raise much needed funds in search of a cure for cancer, by having a scavenger hunt in which driver choose a celebrity and they make their way around Los Angeles hitting various pit stops and earning points in the process. Make no mistake-this night was special.The energy was palpable as celebrity guests made their way down the Red Carpet adorned with race cars and made merriment while lending their support. Chris Ashworth of “Terminator Salvation” and “The Wire,” was very excited to be a part of this special evening for children as well as his villainous role in the upcoming “Terminator Salvation” as Richter. When asked about Christian Bale’s infamous meltdown on set, he contended that Christian was “really nice guy that just had a bad day.” Yikes-I would hate to be in the receiving end of that kind of a tongue lashing! Listen up all you “The Wire” fans-he broke news to me that it might get made into a movie! So keep on the lookout!
Singer and “Dancing with the Stars” veteran Mario couldn’t have been more pleased about being present for this charity. I queried him as to who he his rooting for on “DWTS” and he responded,”I am rooting for Lil Kim right now.” He also revealed to me, “I hurt myself a couple of times on the show, but I never really showed it during the show.” Tough guy! He is looking forward to his new album, “And Then There Was Me” which drops in late summer, with the first single called “Break Up.” And as Mario indicated about the message of his song, “It’s summertime baby, so why would you want to break up?”
Brenda Strong, Eva’s fellow cast member on “Desperate Housewives,” joyfully posed on the race cars that lined the Red Carpet. She affirmed, “I have supported PADRES in the past. Rallying to get behind kids, so they can afford very expensive cancer treatments.” This cause has been very important to her. When questioned about the reports in which one of the Season 1 characters would be setting up house again on Wisteria Lane, she grinned and mentioned she wouldn’t mind welcoming back Roger Bart who played the creepy dentist, George Williams, once engaged to Bree. Stay tuned!
Boyishly charming and quick witted Zachary Levi who plays the title role of “Chuck,” gushed about his good friend Eva. In fact, he was friends with Eva before her exponential success and he stood firm saying that she hasn’t changed and has always wanted to make a difference. When I inquired if 6’4″ Zach had ever played Tony Parker in a game of one on one basketball, he orated that he hadn’t but, “I’d like to. That would be a cool idea. One on one raising funds for cancer research. I’m gonna work on that and get back to you!” Great idea Zach-let me know what you come up with. He also revealed to me that he had a “bucket list moment” when he went to the NBA All Star Game in Phoenix this past year. He expounded, “Tony ushered me onto the court during warm ups. I didn’t join in because I didn’t want to make a complete fool of myself.” Definitely a highlight he will never forget. Oh yeah he also had plenty of “PG-13” fun while in Phoenix! Use your imagination.
Never short on commentary, actor and reality show veteran Stephen Baldwin made no qualms that he wants Jesse James to win “Celebrity Apprentice.” He admits, “Clint’s cool, but he ain’t no Jesse James!” Don’t hold back Stephen! He is getting ready to travel to Costa Rica where he will join the cast of, “I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here” and he vowed, “I am pretty sure that once (the show) is over, I will be officially retiring from reality television.” You heard it here first-now let’s see if he keeps his word. Baldwin will be starring in an independent movie called “To the Wall” set for release in early Fall.
Uber popular celebrity couple and doting parents Gene Simmons, fresh from being on tour with KISS in South America, and Shannon Tweed revved up the the arrival line once they made their appearance. Echoing the shared sentiments of most of the party goers about cancer, Gene reflected, “It’s not a fair disease,” and they continue to keep their children involved with charity so they appreciate what they have and never forget those who don’t. “Family Jewels” which depicts their day to day life in front of the cameras and being one of my favorite shows, I pondered how they managed to keep the show so entertaining while maintaining the strength of their family unit. Shannon answered,”Editing. The editors take the best part of the days and make a show out of it.” Gene responded,”We’re blessed. We like each other and you can’t hide that.” Quizzed if Gene would be involved in any other wild business ventures like when he tried to capture and sell bull semen, Shannon jokingly surmised,”(After bull semen) you can only go up from there” to which Gene shot back,”Get it? Up (as in erection) from there?” These two are perfect for one another! I requested what they would want in life for their own children and Shannon replied,”Lots of philanthropy, charity, hard work, a great love life and I won’t go into the grown up stuff, but lots of that too!” Are they not some of the coolest parents?
The lady of the hour and hostess of the shindig, a glowing Eva Longoria Parker, complemented by her handsome San Antonio Spur husband Tony Parker, descended upon the Red Carpet amidst a flash bulb frenzy. Always close to one another side’s, the power duo made their way down the Red Carpet as they lovingly kissed and posed for pictures. Eva then stepped out and vocalized her purpose for the evening,”I love philanthropy and I think it is our responsibility to give a voice to those that don’t have one.” When asked about what she knew now that she was married, that she didn’t know before she got hitched, Eva joked,”Oh God, I knew everything before I was married! Just kidding!” Hmmm, I wonder if Tony would agree with that? Way to go Eva on a night dedicated to serving the children.
