“When Barack Obama’s story is ready to be told, I’ll be too old to do it. And if it were made right now, he has too much to do to have me hanging around asking for tips on how to play him.” That’s Denzel Washington talking to Reader’s Digest. Denzel, who is Mr. Serious Intensity and considered a fearsome interview subject, is all warm and cozy for The Digest. (Well, after 85 years in publication, this little magazine still manages to make me feel warm, cozy and uplifted!)

RD tells Denzel how modest he is, and he replies, modestly, “I am who I am – a regular guy with a great job. How I’m analyzed belongs to somebody else. In a few minutes I’ve got a kid’s game to go to, and then I’m taking our daughter to auditions. Today, that’s my job.”

***

This ‘n’ That … On Memorial Day, Harrison Ford, movie star and pilot, flew his beloved Calista Flockhart; her son Liam; and his grandson, Ethan, to the Monterey Aquarium in Northern California. The zoo opened early so the Family Harrison could see the penguins and octopi as they awoke.

… After confronting an NYC mugger last week, Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick took a brief respite in Hollywood over the weekend. This is where Kyra’s smash hit series, “The Closer,” is filmed. The long-married couple also took in a movie – the new Jennifer Aniston flick, “Management.” The staff at the Landmark Theater in West Hollywood were impressed with how down-to-earth the Bacons are. And they are even more so when they are at home in the Connecticut River Valley.


Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick © AP

… Not so down-to-earth is “fabulous” Victoria Beckham, still trying to make the grade. She dropped $50,000 on some art at the Celebrity Vault gallery. An apt shopping outlet for the wafer-thin soccer mom.

Victoria Beckham © Robin Platzer/Twin Images

… Kate Beckinsale was being primped at a hair salon on Pacific Center Drive. As she exited, she overheard this exchange between a paparazzo and gregarious gossip stringer Robert DuPont: “Who are you shooting? Come on, I won’t tell.” 

“Kate Beckinsale. But don’t tell anybody. I’ve got the exclusive.” 

“OK.” (Cut to Mr. DuPont on his cell phone.)

Kate, who is one of the most charming (and charmingly profane) stars around, decided to be a sport and pose for the photog. She avoided talking to Mr. DuPont, however.

***

This is the kind of civilized reaction I admire: “For clarification purposes, our office, Ixtlan, does not know anything about this project.” This was in response to our item that Oliver Stone was considering a movie about the infamous Sharon Tate murders.

No hysteria, no demands for a retraction, no insults. We love Oliver Stone, no matter what he does (or does not) do. But maybe it is time for somebody to do the Manson story for the big screen.

***

I’ve known Larry King since he was a big radio name down in Washington, DC. What a ride he has organized for himself through life – and he knows it! 

Just fasten your seat belt and pick up his latest book, My Remarkable Journey. I thought I knew everything about my pal Larry but this book is a fast-paced rollercoaster ride through celebrity and it picks up speed as it goes along through presidents he has known (a lot of them), First Ladies who have adored Larry (Nancy Reagan), the days of Sinatra, OJ, Angie Dickinson, Ted Turner – you name your famous person. Larry’s many marriages come in for some minor examination: “Why have I married so many times? I don’t know.” 

Just loved reading this. Learned a lot. And picked up some brand-new VIP anecdotes along the way.