At least that’s how Jimmy tried to get a laugh from a group of my friends on Saturday at a charity event when someone asked him why he was attending the 6th Annual Project A.L.S New York Block Party Benefit. Gotta give him credit for trying (apparently, ABC continues to give him a lot of credit)!
Set on the legendary New York City back lot at Paramount Studios in Hollywood, celebrities (other than Jimmy and Sarah) showed their support for the non-profit dedicated to raising funds for and awareness of Lou Gehrig’s disease. The gorgeous, sunny day was the perfect setting for carnival rides and games, yummy New York-style food, street performers and live music.
Jeff Garlin, Jon Tenney (Teri Hatcher's ex), Sharon Lawrence, Rob Morrow, Dana Delaney, David Krumholtz, Diane Farr, Julie and Rob Moran, Kyra Sedgwick (sans Kevin Bacon) and Nancy Travis all brought their families for the carnival.
My friend, a former New Yorker, summed it up perfectly: “It’s just like New York but without the humidity and without the people.” Combine that with L.A. weather and Pink’s hot dogs, and it was truly heaven on earth. Richard Kind from Curb your Enthusiasm and A Bug’s Life politely disagreed with me. Although his wife was involved in the planning of the event, he couldn’t help but express his disappointment. “Shame on them for having Pink’s hot dogs here on New York’s streets. I’d rather have Oscar Mayer! It is like going to France and having a taco!” Ricki Lake showed up with her two sons, Milo and Owen, looking superskinny and very happy. Her high ponytail was tied with a floral green tie and she wore jeans and a vintage cardigan. As I spotted her throughout the day, she looked anxious, shunning photographers and often sitting alone.
Surfer and Gabrielle Reece’s hubby, Laird Hamilton, signed autographs. Just down the “street,” Chris Black, a newbie who is starring in and co-wrote The House that Jack Built out in September, hung out in the Sentient Jet Services suite enjoying a Pebble Beach Seaside 12-year-old single malt whisky. I don’t know anything about his acting skills, but let me tell you right now, that boy is gorgeous!Jimmy and Sarah spent most of the day being very unfunny: playing with kids and eating.
While standing in line for soft serve, I caught up with Emerson Rose Tenney (Teri’s daughter). The girl is sweet, smart, and totally grounded. She loved talking about fashion and had a great time playing the dice game and ring toss. She said she won six toys but gave them all away to other kids who didn’t win.
What a relief to hear that Hollywood’s progeny are not all Paris Hiltons. They actually do care... and probably as much as Jimmy and Sarah do. http://hollywoodlife.ivillage.com/entertainment/2007/05/hollywood_does_nyc_and_jimmy_k.html