Darwin Would Agree: Jim’s Best At Aping Andy
Demonstrating his attempts to evolve as a comedy actor, Jim Carrey went after the title role of the Andy Kaufman movie biography. And he got what he wanted.
Carrey, who commands as much as $20 million per picture, has signed to play the former “Taxi” comic, who died of lung cancer in 1984. Milos Forman will direct.
Carrey beat out the likes of Nicolas Cage, Gary Oldman, Edward Norton, John Cusack, Kevin Spacey and Hank Azaria.
The difference? One, Carrey is a student of Kaufman’s mannerisms, including his crazed bongo playing. Two, Carrey was willing to test screen, something that neither Cage nor Oldman agreed to do.
The fact that Carrey’s movies are nearly guaranteed to make at least $100 million had no impact on the decision, of course.
Loose talk
Father of Evolution Charles Darwin, probably describing movie-studio executives: “Man is descended from a hairy-tailed quadruped, probably arboreal in its habits.”
Solve the riddle: Who sings for the Citrusnoggins?
Evan Dando of the Lemonheads turns 31 today.
Face it: It’s a jungle out there
In a television example of survival of the fittest, “Ellen” apparently won’t. Survive, that is. Star Ellen Degeneres already has gone on record to say that she believes ABC will cancel the sitcom. And co-stars such as Jeremy Piven and David Anthony Higgins already have lined up other projects. ABC, though, has made no announcement.
Face it, II: Sometimes the wildebeest thrive
So, why did Warner Bros. Television agree to give Drew Carey a hefty raise (up to $300,000 per episode)? Because, so goes one report, the hefty comic talked longingly of packing it all in and heading back to the slow life in Cleveland.
Face it, III: Especially when he’s named Kramer
What is the secret to comedy writing for television? “Seinfeld” writer Greg Kavet put it this way in the Los Angeles Times: “We’ve learned the three rules of comedy writing - no bad lunches, three jokes per page, and always try to have a character named Kramer.”
Face it, IV: But the lions always win in the end
If you can’t get enough of awards shows, then tune into the cable network UPN on March 10 for the Blockbuster Entertainment Awards. In addition to Arnold Schwarzenegger winning the first Blockbuster World Artist Award, you’ll be able to see presenters such as Minnie Driver, Halle Berry, Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, Fran Drescher, Anthony Edwards, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Jamie Kennedy, Jennifer Tilly, Bill Pullman, Kathleen Quinlan, Laura San Giacomo, Jada Smith, Ben Stiller, Jean-Claude Van Damme and Billy Zane.
, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: 2 Photos
The following fields overflowed: CREDIT = Compiled by staff writer Dan Webster