Lady Gaga and crew storm Hearst Castle
Tourists are giving way to dancers as a production crew takes over Hearst Castle on the California coast, where Lady Gaga is shooting a big-budget music video.
The San Luis Obispo Tribune reported filming is taking place this week at the indoor blue-and-gold tiled Roman Pool and the outdoor Neptune Pool.
The pop diva had yet to be seen as crewmembers carried in bags full of fake flowers and a giant plaster seashell Tuesday.
Shoots at the state historical site are rare. Lady Gaga is donating $250,000 to the Hearst Castle foundation in addition to underwriting a $25,000 water supply study and paying special fees.
She will also make a water conservation public service announcement and a short feature on the castle built by newspaper publisher William Randolph Hearst.
Deen set to bring home bacon again
Paula Deen has found a key ingredient to bringing some sizzle back to her career – a cash infusion worth at least $75 million from a private investment firm.
The Savannah, Ga.-based celebrity cook, whose fortunes took a dive last year because of comments she made in a lawsuit, announced Wednesday she has formed a new umbrella company for her restaurants, cookbooks, product endorsements and other media deals. The new company, Paula Deen Ventures, said private-equity firm Najafi Companies is investing $75 million to $100 million in Deen’s comeback effort.
Jahm Najafi, CEO of the Phoenix-based investment company, said he’s confident Deen’s new venture will succeed in part thanks to her “loyal fan base.”
In a statement, Deen also thanked fans “whose love and support have built my brands.”
Sinise to wave the flag at Daytona 500
Actor Gary Sinise will serve as honorary starter for the Daytona 500.
Sinise will wave the green flag to start the 56th running of “The Great American Race,” which is scheduled for Feb. 23.
Sinise, who earned an Academy Award nomination for portraying Lt. Dan in “Forrest Gump,” said the Daytona 500 is “celebrated tradition and an important occasion to raise awareness and support for the men and women who serve our country.”
Sinise’s foundation, the Gary Sinise Foundation, honors defenders, veterans, first responders and their families. One of its current projects is building a custom smart home for severely wounded veterans.
Last year, retired NFL star Ray Lewis waved the green flag.
The birthday bunch
Actress Kim Novak is 81. Actor George Segal is 80. Singer-bassist-actor Peter Tork (The Monkees) is 72. Actress Stockard Channing is 70. Talk-show host Jerry Springer is 70. Singer Peter Gabriel is 64. Actor David Naughton is 63. Singer Henry Rollins is 53. Singer Feist is 38. Actress Mena Suvari is 35.