Well, what do you now... I go away for a week and Jake Gyllenhaal appears on the Ellen Show, the show that I've been looking forward to more than any other for a Jake reappearance. It's with thanks to IHJ that I'm able to watch it on my return.
Otherwise, Jake has been moving between LA and New York City, fitting in a bit of househunting and looking like he's put back on some of the Nightcrawler weight. He also has been seen wearing The Jumper - it's been quite a while since we've seen it!
Jake has also reaffirmed his work with the New Eyes for the Needy charity, revealing he is driven by making his 96-year old grandfather proud. There is also an interesting new interview here.
WDW Tuscany Interlude
I have just got back from a wonderful trip to sunny and beautiful Tuscany, taking in Pisa, Florence, the stunning Cinque Terre seaside ports to the north of Pisa and the walled city of Lucca. I thought I'd post a few photos.
Wasting no time at all after his arrival back in LA, Jake Gyllenhaal took the earliest opportunity to look into the camera and shine and dazzle. The occasion was Elle's 17th Annual Women in Hollywood Tribute held yesterday (18 October) at The Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills. Women in Hollywood are a fortunate bunch indeed.
As well as taking to the stage (was Jake the prize I wonder...), Jake was able to catch up with Hilary Swank and, showing that he's managed to block Proof completely from his mind, there were kisses for Gwyneth Paltrow.
Admittedly they were funny kisses...
And there was much beauty. It's not known if there was any food available.
Many thanks to IHJ for the spectacular pictures! There are many more there.
The unexpected and premature loss of Heath has given the powers that be in Hollywood and the movie industry a dilemma over how best to honour this much-missed man and actor. The tragedy has also highlighted to the industry the significance of Heath's film Brokeback Mountain and reminded them that Heath must be remembered for his contribution to a film that continues to change lives and attitudes.
As MTV reports, awards bodies, such as the Independent Spirit Awards and the Screen Actors Guild Awards, are busy trying to find the most suitable way to pay tribute. 'Also planning to acknowledge Ledger is the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation Awards, a show that honors individuals and projects for their positive representations of the gay community. Along with co-star Jake Gyllenhaal, Ledger was lauded for his portrayal of a homosexual ranch hand in Ang Lee's "Brokeback Mountain." "GLAAD intends on acknowledging Heath Ledger's death at the 19th annual GLAAD Media Awards," publicist Nick Adams told MTV News. "We are still in the early stage of production, and do not know at this time what form that will take." Representatives for the Academy Awards could not be reached by press time.'
The Australian Foreign Minister has announced that, following a private service that was held yesterday (Friday) in New York, there will be a public memorial service for Heath next week in Los Angeles. The funeral in Australia will be strictly private, as all would wish.
A huge thanks to Get Real and Sass who were able to leave tributes to Heath in all our names.
Jake's Karaoke
I know I found some comfort last night laughing with and at Jake as he mimed and jigged his way through sections of Gloria Gaynor's I Will Survive for Ellen's 50th Birthday show. Judging by the outfit, this mut have been recorded when he was on Ellen's show back in October. Who some of the other stars were, I have no idea, but it was also good to see king of cool Jamie Foxx. I just about recognised Victoria Beckham. Thanks as ever to Stephanie at IHJ for getting this up so quickly for all of us to see.
With the tributes pouring in on a stream of love for Heath Ledger - from those lucky enough to have known him and from those who just wished they had - Heath's mother, father and sister today released their own tributes to their son and brother, just before leaving Australia to fly to the US to look after him.
'"You dreamed your dreams and lived them with passion and intelligent commitment. We have been privileged to accompany you on a ride through life that has simply been amazing and through it all we have loved each other beyond imagination," the notice added. "Our hearts are broken."'
There's also something very touching to hear Heath's nicknames - 'Roast' and 'Beef' - like being let into a family joke. One wonders what Heath called his sister in return.
Thanks to Pia for letting me know about this tribute to Heath from Rolling Stone's Peter Travers, who, like others in the movie world, heard the news at the Sundance Festival in Utah on the day of the Oscar nominations. Talk about putting things in perspective... Here is the original article about Heath, which put Heath on the cover of Rolling Stone back in the Spring of 2006.
Ellen Degeneres, a friend of Heath's, broadcast her own tribute to Heath, which includes footage from Heath's last appearance on her show. Watching this made me laugh and laugh and I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did.
Finally, it is Ellen's 50th birthday, today I believe, and her birthday show today contains a celebrity rendition of I Will Survive. One of the contributors is our very own Jake Gyllenhaal, of course recorded before Tuesday. Thanks to Neely who has just seen it, we know Jake is seen four times and he does the 'Just turn around now' line 'and he does a little hip shaking'. Now let's hope we can all get to see this as that would be a fine tonic, indeed.
I hope everyone has a peaceful and safe weekend.
Includes pictures from IHJ, Just Jared and Rolling Stone.
