Giving a noteworthy performance

A year ago, Chris Colfer was just a kid from Clovis, Calif., who got his first professional acting break with a role on a new Fox TV show about the trials of a high school glee club.

Now he’s a star thanks to the popularity of “Glee,” the top-rated, critically acclaimed series that took home this year’s Golden Globe for best comedy and musical.

He’s had to hire two publicists to juggle the requests for interviews, photo shoots and public appearances.

“There has been so much attention for everyone on the show we have bonded together, sort of like a good hostage situation,” Colfer quips.

“But when it comes to the attention from the press, I don’t know if you can ever get used to this kind of attention.”

What’s brought Colfer all of the attention is his character Kurt Hummel, a gay teen who has a flamboyant fashion sense and precarious emotional connection to his father.

Despite the large cast, the show’s writers have developed Kurt’s character, giving Colfer the chance to shine with performances of “Defying Gravity” and Beyonce’s “Single Ladies.”

Those Beyonce moves didn’t come easy; previously he’d only danced in high school productions or community theater. He’s proud it took him only three days of rehearsals to get the moves down.

He’s curious about how his role on “Glee” has been received with a certain group. Smiling, he jokes about counting the days until his 10th high school class reunion:

“I can’t wait to say, ‘You remember this whole acting gig you laughed at? I told you so.’ ”

The birthday bunch

Actor George Takei is 73. Actor Ryan O’Neal is 69. Actress Jessica Lange is 61. Actor Clint Howard is 51. Actor Crispin Glover is 46. Actress Carmen Electra is 38. Actor Joey Lawrence is 34.