Legendary Sophia Loren recently turned 90 in Rome, surrounded by loving family, friends and fans. Several weeks earlier she was honored by well-known Italian tenor Pasquale Esposito when he serenaded her with a special rendition of the classic Italian song O Sole Mio while her very proud son Maestro Carlo Ponti conducted his Los Angeles Virtuosi Orchestra at the famed Theatre Raymond Kabbaz. I love going to shows at Theatre Raymond Kabbaz - it's like a European oasis in Los Angeles. (Sophia with son, Carlo Ponti and grandchildren Vittorio and Beatrice.)
Legendary Shirley Jones also turned 90 and was honored by the city of Pittsburg as she was Miss Pittsburg 1952 and was born nearby in the town of Smithton PA. Shirley is very happily retired and loved around the globe and has a loving and dedicated family. (Shirley and daughters-in-law.)
Legendary Julie Andrews seen here with director/writer Danny Gold and co-producer Frankie Montiforte on the set of the very entertaining, interesting, and surprising new doc Blake Edwards: A Love Story in 24 Frames which can be seen on American Masters on PBS. It features Andrews, Bo Derek, Robert Wagner, children Jennifer and Geoffrey Edwards, Lesley Ann Warren, Rob Marshall, Rian Johnson, and many others. Julie Andrews says, "I don't think I ever met a man as charismatic, as wicked, as funny, as vulnerable, as angry at times, as adorable and sweet as Blake."
Legendary Cybill Shepherd lends her voice to narrate the great new doc Celebrating Laughter which is about her late great friend Collin Higgins the legendary genius behind Harold & Maude, 9 to 5, Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Silver Streak, Foul Play , Out on a Limb directed by his friend Nicholas Eliopoulas who was his film editor. Collin's brother Brian Higgins co-narrates. The honorary executive producer is the legendary Dolly Parton. She's featured in the doc along with legends like Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Shirley MacLaine, Goldie Hawn, Dudley Moore, Gene Wilder and many more. Dabney Coleman also appears in the film which is dedicated to the recently deceased star. By the way it was a pleasure to see Goldie's super star daughter Kate Hudson at The Grammy Museum recently. Besides being a great actress Kate is a wonderful singer/songwriter!
Celebrating Laughter recently won the Stanley Kramer MAD WORLD Comedy Award at Paul Cruz's exciting Palm Springs International Comedy Festival and Cybill also won the PSICF Hall of Fame Award. I think this movie should be an Oscar contender so I'm keeping my fingers crossed. (She's pictured above with Karen Sharpe Kramer and daughters Kat & Jennifer.)
Legendary funny lady Geri Jewell who was discovered by the late great legend Norman Lear recently launched her new book Geri's Jewels and Gems at Barnes and Noble at The Grove. It was well hosted by BJ Korros. Many great peeps appeared to show their support including Kate Linder of The Young and the Restless, Little House on the Prairie star Allison Arngrim, Fritz Coleman, Ann Benson (Robbie Benson's Mom), Roslyn Kind and producer David Zimmerman, Daniel Boone's Darby Hinton & the legendary Jerry Mathers with lovely wife Teresa. Leave It to Beaver recently celebrated its 64th anniversary! Congratulations! Geri's other mentor and inspiration legendary Carol Burnett celebrated her hands and feet ceremony in Hollywood. in a very happy ceremony during the summer.
Legendary Mamie Van Doren is finishing up her new very spicy book Secrets of The Goddess...It promises to make her first hit book Playing the Field sound like a guide to Amish farmers... ha ha ha.
Legendary Joan Collins is always on the go... After finishing a new TV movie in Europe called "Murder Between Friends" starring as Francesca Carlyle she vacationed in the south of France with loved ones and friends and Dame Joan is now waiting to mount her hit one woman show "Joan Collins Behind The Shoulder Pads" at the Adelphi on the Strand in London. I hope she will someday bring this show to Los Angeles where the superstar will undoubtedly pack theatres full of fans. The Daily Mail says it is "sophisticated, feisty and funny as ever."
A very happy 40th birthday to popular host/actor/producer Kash Hovey.... Always great to see this enterprising and talented guy! Seen in photo with mom Michelle Beaulieu and aunt Priscilla Presley.
Cinecon 60 had another smash run this year at the Writers Guild Theatre in Beverly Hills. Legendary trio of Stefanie Powers, Russ Tamblyn and Tommy Cook were happily honored and presented awards by the legendary duo of George Chakiris and Neal Adams, widow of Steve McQueen. The opening night soiree was a big hit attended by Teresa Ganzel, husband Billy Van Zandt, prior honoree Patty McCormack with nephew Fred Cerullo plus film historian Alan Rode and wife Gemma. The late great casting director Marvin Paige's name was on many attendee's lips that night.... "This would have been the kind of party Marvin would love" reminisced many guests ... Marvin's close friend and former assistant Rachel Uher also attended. Thank you to Cinecon's Brian Cooper and Stan Taffel for a great event with excellent food catered by Bacon Babe Catering owned by Jodi Taffel who is Stan's sister.
Legendary Theodore Bikel now has a square named after him. We celebrated the centennial of the late great star, labor union leader and humanitarian a few days ago. Theodore Bikel Square is located on the corner of Curson and Wilshire Boulevard near the SAG AFTRA building at 5757 Wilshire Boulevard. It was one of the happiest events I've attended in a long time, full of good cheer and camaraderie like Mr. Bikel was himself. 
Aimee Ginsburg-Bikel & company coordinated a great tribute. It was nice to run into Pink Lady and Kate Linder at the event. Said Pink "This gathering brought tears of joy and laughter into the souls of his many wonderful friends and fans. Wonderful musical entertainment by the Rolling Steins led by Mike Stein and Craig Taubman and the fabulous VOPA singers. Thank you, Katy Yaroslavsky!" And thank you to publicist Harlan Boll for the invitation!
The celebration of life for the late great agent Henry Tirre was emotional and full of camaraderie. Henry is remembered as a hardworking, very nice person who cared a lot about people. He is now with his lovely wife actress Fay Tirre who like Henry was hard working, very kind and beloved by many. They were a wonderful couple and wonderful friends to me and will always be missed and remembered fondly. Amen...
RIP Legends Maggie Smith & Kris Kristofferson.... We also say goodbye to the late great legendary Peter Marshall who I consider to be one of the best TV hosts of all time. The multi-talented host, singer and actor had a great career and was always kind, down-to-earth and personable. Our condolences to his lovely wife Laurie Stewart Marshall, his beloved large family, his menagerie of pets, many many friends, and millions of fans around the world. He will be missed.
And lastly...
HH
Note: Photos courtesy of Carlo Ponti, Ryan Cassidy, Felicia Michaels, Gregg Felsen, Rebecca Sapp, Harrison Held, Thomas Dixon, Gary Robinson, Arnolds Edwards & Mary Jane Chesire