Billy Masters 12.15.23
"And haters, if you're watching this –because I know you are – you work hard, but I work harder!"
–Todrick Hall's message to critics. BTW, he's back on the air –with HGTV's "Battle of the Bling" with Kim Myles.
And now, time for a holiday recipe. I usually don't share my culinary secrets, but this one came to me when I was at a particularly festive soirée. The host had hired a barista to make hot holiday beverages. I got a cappuccino with eggnog foam topped with some crushed-up candy canes, and that's when inspiration struck. This is not so much cooking as arranging, or as they say on those food shows, "plating". First, buy a box of limited edition seasonal Pepperidge Farm Peppermint Milano Slices. You should also pick up a canister of peppermint whipped cream. Take one Milano slice, top it off with a generous amount of peppermint whipped cream, and lightly sprinkle with some crushed candy canes. And, voila, you'll see GOD! My name is Billy Masters, and I'm a peppermint-o-holic.
Brendan Fraser has received universal acclaim for his portrayal of "The Whale". Although he's a contender for a Golden Globe, he is still angry at how the Hollywood Foreign Press Association handled an incident in 2003. He claims that Philip Berk, the organization's head at the time, got a bit "handsy" with his posterior. "His left hand reaches around, grabs my ass cheek, and one of his fingers touches me in the taint. And he starts moving it around." I presume he means moving his finger around, because most taints are stationary. Fraser says, "I felt ill. I felt like a little kid. I felt like there was a ball in my throat." Wait, did he say he had a ball in his throat? The HFPA did an internal investigation and ruled that Berk did indeed "inappropriately touch" Fraser...but it "was intended to be taken as a joke and not as a sexual advance." This is why Brendan will not attend the awards. "I have more history with the Hollywood Foreign Press Association than I have respect for the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. No, I will not participate. It's because of the history that I have with them. And my mother didn't raise a hypocrite. You can call me a lot of things, but not that."
The Globes have always had a checkered history in Hollywood. From being a trifle, to being a joke, to being a harbinger of the Oscars, to being tossed off network TV. They are currently attempting to rise from the ashes and return to the airwaves. Yes, NBC will once again air the event formerly owned by Dick Clark (oh, the humanity). As if to conclusively prove that the HFPA is embracing diversity, the show will be hosted by Jerrod Carmichael –who is both black and gay! It's like a twofer –a two-for-one! Nominations will be announced later this week.
For months, all we heard about Anthony Rapp was that tawdry tale about that tawdry man. I'm delighted to report some good news. Anthony just became a father. He and fiancé Ken Ithiphol had a son via surrogate. Rai Larson (the middle name should be self-explanatory) was born on December 2nd. Congrats!
Another family is in the news –the Carters. Not Jimmy and Rosalynn. Our first story is about Aaron Carter. Lance Bass is joining forces with Aaron's twin sister Angel in "Songs for Tomorrow" at Bass' West Hollywood nightclub, Heart (formerly known as Rage), on January 18th. All of the proceeds will go to "On Our Sleeves", a charity focused on the mental health of young people.
And that leads to a story about Aaron's brother. Nick and his boys filmed "A Very Backstreet Holiday", a holiday special which was slated to air on ABC on December 14th. The network quietly dropped the show from its schedule while rape allegations continue to swirl around Nick. The incident in question happened in 2001 after a concert in Tacoma –and I think it goes without saying that nothing good happens after a concert in Tacoma. Allegedly, Nick invited Shannon "Shay" Ruth (who was 17 at the time) onto the band's tour bus, gave her an alcoholic beverage he called "VIP Juice", and sexually assaulted her. While it's easy to scoff at an allegation coming to light two decades later, three other anonymous women reported similar experiences with Carter between 2003-2006.
It's been a busy few weeks for "Billy Masters LIVE". I previously announced that Christine Ebersole would appear sometime in December. Sometime unexpectedly came last week! She had a break in her "Bob Hearts Abishola" schedule, so she joined me for an in-depth look at her career –and what a career she's had. When I asked what her big break was, Christine's first thought was to say "Grey Gardens"! We went back and learned that shortly after arriving in NYC, she was asked to learn the role of Guinevere in three days and star in a national tour of "Camelot" opposite Richard Burton! Another break was getting cast on "Saturday Night Live" –without an audition! Then there was the time she beat out opera great Dame Kiri Te Kanawa for "Amadeus". We also talk about her current CD, "After the Ball", and her upcoming New Year's Eve concert in Provincetown (details at Ptown.org). Definitely check it out on our YouTube channel, Billy Masters TV, or on BillyMasters.com/TV.
I don't like to play favorites with my guests, but this week I'll be joined by a member of my family. Jenifer Lewis is more than "the mother of black Hollywood" (also the title of her first memoir). She's also my Play Mama. The life she's led, the stories she shares, the lessons she's learned –well, it'll all be part of a special "Billy Masters LIVE". Join in the fun with us on Wednesday, December 14th at 7PM Eastern / 4PM Pacific on our YouTube channel, Billy Masters TV. By the way, that's where you can see all of the episodes from our three seasons.
And now, time for more of "Billy's Holiday Gift Giving Suggestions". With Jenifer Lewis on our show, it reminds me that her new book, "Walking in My Joy", would make a fantastic addition to everybody's library. And you know what's even better than reading about Jenifer's life? Hearing her tell the stories herself. Oh, it's a hoot! You can get the audio book on Amazon, on Audible, or wherever you buy audio books.
Do you have someone on your naughty (or nice) list who is crafty? Sexy diver Tom Daley is taking his knitting habit even further with his latest book –"Made With Love" –which is subtitled "Get hooked with 30 knitting and crochet patterns". Yes, Tom will show you how to knit or crochet 30 fantastic items. True, some of his creations –like that crocheted Speedo –might not be for everyone. But you'll definitely enjoy looking at the pictures.
Our "Ask Billy" question is a throwback. Karl in Baltimore writes, "I just read an interview with [director] Kay Cannon. She talked about doing a film with Gary Cole where he walked around naked. What was the film?"
Kay was talking about "Blockers" –the otherwise forgettable John Cena comedy. During the scene in question, Cole and his wife (the always appealing Gina Gershon) are engaging in some sexual roleplaying. He is walking around naked and blindfolded. "Gary Cole, God bless him, he was game. He thought it was so funny and I was happy that he was so willing to do it." Co-star Leslie Mann chimed in, "You made him a prosthetic and he didn't want to wear it. He wanted the real thing." If you wanna see the real thing, check out BillyMasters.com.
When Tom Daley's a hooker, we've definitely come to the end of yet another column. If you prefer people's privates made public, check out www.BillyMasters.com –the site that never blocks cocks...or anything else. If you have a question that requires my personal touch, send it off to [email protected] and I promise to get back to you before Tom knits something for Gary's nether regions! Until next time, remember, one man's filth is another man's bible.
