So Julia Roberts, a huge movie star (like the actress she portrayed in Notting Hill), with a history of retired relationships (and once a true life Runaway Bride), breaks up with her handsome boyfriend right before the premiere of her new film (just like Catherine Zeta Jones & John Cusack's characters in America's Sweethearts), is single again. What's the big deal? Jeannette Walls might have said it best in her scoop,"This Is Major," but if we look at Julia as a woman, not as a superstar, maybe we can understand.
Julia and I are both in our mid-thirties, with one brief marriage a decade ago. Julia and I have both had several short term relationships lasting from one to four years. This may not be how we want it but that's how it is. Maybe it's because of how we were raised, maybe it's because of our expectations. We are independent woman and though we love to feel 'drunk with joy' in a relationship, we haven't found the one that will last. At our age, we respect those who can commit to one person for a lifetime, admire those who found the soulmate that makes them 'whole.' We simply haven't connected with the one man that we can completely give our heart and soul to. But, just like finding the perfect pair of shoes, we won't stop looking, and we won't stop dreaming of the perfect fit. While Benjamin Bratt is no doubt a loyal and loving man, he knew it wasn't in the stars for him and Julia.
photo credit: USAWeekend 3/14/99
Speaking of Benicio, Ananova.com recently announced that he will again work with his Traffic co-star, Michael Douglas, in a remake of Burt Lancaster's first film, The Killers. The flick will co-star Minnie Driver, who is engaged to marry Josh Brolin. Ms. Driver will play Benicio's girlfriend, a role she reportedly portrayed in real life several years ago.
HOW SOME STARZ SPEND THEIR SUMMER VACATION
THEY VOLUNTEER TIME!
Carrying on the tradition launched by Bob Hope in 1941, actor and comedian Ron Lester is spending the summer on a USA good will trip through the Middle East. Ron joined fellow actors Melissa Joan Hart, Jenna Von Oy and Bill Brochtrup on the first-ever Starflight Over Southwest Asia Tour. From July 1st - 7th, 2001, the television stars traveled to several spots and entertained U.S. Troops in Bahrain and UAE.
Following the Middle East USO Tour, Ron Lester will be entertaining crowds in the London area. You can write to Ron Lester c/o Shobizzy@aol.com.
The Television Critics Association Awards ceremony will take place July 21st.
The Emmy Awards nominations were announced July 12th. Check our 2001 calendar for details.
Of course, Julia has the world in her hands while I have barely more than a keyboard. Rumors abound that Julia's association with the Frat Pack on the set of Ocean's Eleven and time spent with George Clooney may be involved in the breakup however both stars insist they are only good friends. Click here for all the stories going around.
photo credit: WireImage, 12/18/01
Josh Hartnett, EW's pick for 2001's "It Boy," (see below), may well be 2002's "It STAR." His movie Blackhawk Down is a hot contender for one of 2002's top movies and Josh is getting a lot of recognition for his dynamic talent.
