Star tries for comeback

Press, 19 December 1988, Page 19

Star tries for comeback

David Hartnell's

HOLLYWÒD

I’m not one to gossip but... James Arness is getting right back up in the saddle again. The “Gunsmoke” star is hoping to revive his career by starring in a made-for-TV remake of the classic western, “Ride the High Country.” Tom Cruise was not happy when he heard that his wife Mimi Rogers was planning to pose nude in her upcoming movie “Hider in the House.” Mimi told Tom it would be very brief and very tasteful, but Tom really put his foot down and said

“No!” Now Mimi will have a stand-in to do the nude scene. Remember Mitzi Gaynor. the bubbly song-and-dance actress of the 50s and 60s? Well, despite reports a few months ago that she was dying of a brain tumour, she is 100 per cent and making nightclub appearances all over America. She says the only operation she ever had was a hysterectomy, which kept her off work for six weeks. Mitzi, aged 55, has been married to the same man for the last 35 years. He is also her manager. They are not Hollywood socialites, but their friends include Eva Gabor, Jackie Collins and Burt Reynolds. “L.A. Law” star Blair Underwood has finally asked former Miss America Suzette Charles to marry him. But from what I hear Suzette isn’t rushing to the altar. Janie-Ash, ex-fiancee of a British lord, is running around England claiming that she is Elizabeth Taylor’s secret love child. But even though Janie bears a strong resemblance to Elizabeth not many people are taking a blind bit of notice of her claim.

Movie queen of the splash-musicals, Esther Williams, 64, has been turning down lucrative TV and movie offers for more than 25 years. While other ageing screen stars have taken up gruelling TV roles to boost their money, Esther has been quietly laughing all the way to the bank. Away from the spotlight Esther has always been a successful businesswoman. She poured her energies into her business after her husband, actor Fernando Lamas, died suddenly in 1982. Her business empire stretches from swimwear to swimming pools, to spa manufacturers, to restaurants, and a movie production company. Her latest venture is a video called “Swim Baby Swim,” which shows parents how to teach their infants to swim. It looks like love all over again for ageing screen beauty Ava Gardner and her ex-hus-band Mickey Rooney. There have been many secret meetings between them in London, where Ava has lived for the last 20 years. Mickey is there now, starring in the stage show “Sugar Babies,” and the two have spent a lot of time to-

gether reminiscing about the old days back in Hollywood. Tom Selleck and his wife Jillie can’t wait to become Mummy and Daddy. They have built a special wing on their house for their new arrival. Tom has also made a doll’s house for the daughter they both hope for. He says if it’s a boy he’ll give the doll’s house to his favourite charity... but my lips are sealed.