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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Renee prefers life in the corner


Associated Press Renee Zellweger
 (Associated Press / The Spokesman-Review)
From Wire Reports The Spokesman-Review

Renee Zellweger proves that life in the Hollywood fast lane isn’t exactly as glamorous as we’ve been led to believe.

Example: What makes her most proud about her acting career is that she’s managed to keep from going insane.

“It’s weird to have fame precede you in any situation … and I’m very proud of myself that I’ve not been to Betty Ford (Center) yet,” Zellweger, 38, told Harper’s Bazaar magazine. “Never say never!”

The “Bridget Jones” star, who won a Best Supporting Actress for 2003’s “Cold Mountain,” prefers to avoid the bright lights. Though she’s been romantically involved with the likes of Jim Carrey, George Clooney and even Paul McCartney, she says an ideal night out could be a “really nice Christmas party.”

“I love to go to somebody’s house when it gets a little bit later and there’s dancing and laughter and nobody’s pointing at the weird actor-girl in the corner,” Zellweger said.

Osmond bravely dances on

Marie Osmond may have survived getting cut from “Dancing with the Stars,” but she has other problems. Her father, George Osmond, recently died. And she announced Wednesday that her 16-year-old son, Michael Osmond, has entered a rehabilitation facility for an undisclosed problem. Michael is one of the 48-year-old singer-actress’ five adopted children. She also has three other children from two marriages.

McPartland better, not older

At 89, Marian McPartland isn’t ready to slow down. “Retire?” she said. “Why retire? I’ve got a job, I’m making money, and I like what I do,” says McPartland, host of National Public Radio’s “Marian McPartland’s Piano Jazz.”

“I can’t walk,” she said. “I’m in miserable pain. But at the piano, I don’t feel a thing.” In fact, she said, when she turns 90 in March, “I think I’ll jump out of a cake, or something.”

Rumer is that hookups help

Rumer Willis, 19, whose parents are Demi Moore and Bruce Willis, was named on Wednesday as Miss Golden Globe, which means that she will assist in the Jan. 13 Golden Globes ceremonies.

Because the position is traditionally granted to offspring of well-known celebrities, Willis is “doubly qualified,” said Hollywood Foreign Press Association President Jorge Camara. Also at the ceremony, actor Josh Brolin announced that director Steven Spielberg would receive the Cecil B. DeMille Award for his “outstanding contribution to the entertainment field.”

Oprah loves longer Follett

Ken Follett is known for writing spy thrillers such as “Eye of the Needle.” But it was his 973-page historical love story “The Pillars of the Earth” that Oprah Winfrey chose Wednesday as her latest book-club pick. “(T)his novel is unlike any of his books he’s known for around the world,” Winfrey said.

The birthday bunch

Actor Steve Railsback is 62. Actor David Leisure (“Empty Nest”) is 57. Actress Marg Helgenberger (“CSI”) is 49. Country singer-guitarist Keith Burns of Trick Pony is 44. Jazz singer Diana Krall is 43. Actress Lisa Bonet is 40. Singer Bryan Abrams of Color Me Badd is 38. Actress Martha Plimpton is 37. Actress Maggie Gyllenhaal (“Secretary”) is 30. Actor Noah Gray-Cabey (“Heroes) is 12.