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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Her Hollywood Address Is One Of Cinematic Style

Compiled By Staff Writer Dan Web

Most anytime you see a collection of Hollywood fashion photos, you’re likely to see Ashley Judd somewhere in the crowd.

It’s only natural. The movie star (most recently of “Kiss the Girls”) spent her childhood dressing up in her songbird mother’s country-music gowns.

“I loved going into my mother’s closet and trying on her secondhand ‘40s dresses,” Judd told In Style magazine. “While my girlfriends dressed as ladybugs at Halloween, I came as a full-grown woman in cocktail attire.”

Judd, 30, is the younger daughter of Naomi Judd, who once teamed with country singer Wynonna as The Judds. Ashley, the actress, refers to her Hollywood world as her “imaginary life.”

“Fashion may be irrelevant,” she said, “but it sure is fun.”

Loose talk

Oscar nominee Kim Basinger, on supporting President Clinton’s decision to neuter his dog (as reported by the New York Daily News): “Let’s celebrate that, and celebrate Buddy he’s doing a great job, too.”

Solve the riddle: He sings for Demolishing Yams

Billy Corgan of Smashing Pumpkins turns 31 today.

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern played by Jake and Elwood

While speaking admiringly of the classical movies made by such actors as Liam Neeson (“Les Miserables”) and Leonardo DiCaprio (“Romeo and Juliet”), comic Dan Aykroyd was asked by the New York Daily News if there were a “Hamlet” in his future. “Why not?” he said. “I can do anything. I’m an actor!”

Now there’s really reason for you to roll over, Beethoven

Michael Bolton has become classical music’s biggest fan. “What you could write on a piece of paper is not what’s valuable about classical music,” he told a reporter for the Biloxi (Miss.) Sun Herald. Hyping his new album, “My Secret Passion: The Arias,” Bolton said, “The dots on paper are the form, like a computer. The masters created an incredible wellspring for people who love the way the music makes them feel.”

In other words, it’ll be a night to remember

“Titanic” director James Cameron is taking Monday’s Oscar ceremonies fairly cavalierly. “I know I’m going to be celebrating with some people,” he said. “It’s either going to be fun and I’ll get drunk afterward, or I’ll lose and get drunk afterward. Either way, it’s going to be a great night.”

As in the prince and his favorite Parker Bowles

When fashion editor Liz Tilberis once complimented Princess Diana on a pair of shoes she was wearing - Chanels with an insignia of interlocking C’s - the princess drily told her, “I think of them as Charles and Camilla.”

Good to be there? At his age, it’s good to be anywhere

Milton Berle, answering the friendly barbs at a recent roast, commented on his retirement plans at age 89. “Waiting for me to retire,” he said, “is like leaving the porch light on for Jimmy Hoffa.”

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: 2 Photos

The following fields overflowed: CREDIT = Compiled by staff writer Dan Webster