"As time has gone on, I think a lot of people on this issue have really changed their thinking here to, 'I don't ever want to stand in front of anybody's happiness.' That's not my job."—Caitlyn Jenner tells Ellen DeGeneres how her feelings about same-sex marriage have evolved. What a difference a couple decades ( and some estrogen ) make.
It's been a year since Joan Rivers' untimely death. As you know, I had a long relationship with Auntie Joan, so I'd like to relate two anecdotes that I don't believe I've ever shared before. When I first contacted her as a kid, the abbreviations for states had just changed to what are now the standard two letters—so Massachusetts went from Mass. to MA. She ended her first letter to me ( on Caesars Palace stationery ) saying, "It makes me feel so happy to know I have a fan in Maine." Over the years, Joan and I spent many memorable moments together on the red carpet. One that stands out was the 2005 Golden Globes. Joan had briefly left E! for the TV Guide Network. After the pre-show, we were walking by the now-deserted E! set. I mentioned how nice it looked, festooned with roses. "You should take the flowers," I quipped, knowing it never took much to goad her. Auntie Joan's eyes flashed, "Damn right! I put that network on the map—they owe me. Get out your camera." Not sure if I should take photos or a video, I did both. You can see this brief video and photos for the first time on BillyMasters.com .
Joan was taken from us at 81. Meanwhile, Marilyn Maye is still knocking 'em dead at 87! Although I've vacationed with Marilyn in P-town for most of the past decade, our dates did not coincide this year. At the last minute, I found myself available and snuck into town for her closing night. If anything, Maye's voice gets better and richer every year, like a fine wine. This year's show at the Provincetown Art House was devoted to love songs. Why? Maye explained, "With marriage equality now the law of the land, what else could I sing about in my favorite city?" God love her.
My sister in gossip, Michael Musto, reports that Miley Cyrus was in discussions to slip into Hedwig's stilettos on Broadway. Alas, that plan was thwarted since Hedwig and the Angry Inch will end its Broadway run on Sept. 13 with Taye Diggs. However, Miley would not have been the first female Hedwig. Way back when it was an off-Broadway sensation in 1999, the show briefly starred Ally Sheedy. At the time, rumors ran rampant that the first female Hedwig was going to be the sensational Sandra Bernhard—yet another lost opportunity.
Legendary Olympian Greg Louganis has signed with CAA to represent him in all areas of showbiz. This may seem trite—people switch agents all the time. But in Greg's case, it is quite significant. He's won numerous honors, written best-selling books and was even the subject of a documentary last year. But what does he want? To be on Dancing with the Stars. At least we've heard of him! And he's an Olympic legend, to say nothing of an HIV trailblazer. There's also talk of him finally getting onto a box of Wheaties. Baby steps...
You know how innocent young men often ask a famous person to a prom, or a ball or some other fabulous event? Well, we now have a first. Tanner White, a Marine, made a special video for Steve Grand, better known for posing in various forms of undress than for actually singing. "Steve, you are an amazing singer. I've seen some of your blog videos, and they were awesome. I would like for you to go with me to the 2015 Marine Corps Ball in Wilmington, North Carolina as my date. Hopefully you'll say yes. If not, it was worth a shot." Because apparently nobody can simply pick up a telephone, Grand posted a video of his own: "I want to say that I'm honored to accept your invitation to be your date at the Marine Corps Ball this November. Thank you so much for your service to this country, and I look forward to a really fun evening with you in November." I wouldn't be surprised if the date includes more servicing—to say nothing of a part of the anatomy turning purple, decidedly south of the heart.
One of my favorite events is fast approaching. Gay Days Anaheim will take place at Disneyland Oct. 2-4. In addition to the revelers descending on the parks in red shirts and dancing in Downtown Disney till dawn ( OK, till 1 a.m. ), there are a number of special additions this year. Audra McDonald will be performing a full concert on Friday night prior to the Wonderland party with DJ Ray Rhodes. Saturday night will be the big Kingdom party, featuring my pals Well-Strung alongside the phenomenal DJ Kimberly S. Miss Coco Peru will also be doing a show on Saturday. And then the PLUNGE! pool party will take place on Sunday at the Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel. I'm skipping lots of details, but you can get all of the information and buy tickets at GayDaysAnaheim.com .
Our "Ask Billy" question comes from Ryan in Tulsa: "I can't believe you never wrote about The D Train, with James Marsden and Jack Black. They have sex and everything."
I love when I learn something from my fans. James Marsden's career has always fascinated me. Rarely has someone had the whole package, such as it is. Looks, talent, charisma and, of course, that body. Although he's played gay several times, he is ( allegedly ) heterosexual. I remember being virtually tongue-tied when I met him at the Hairspray premiere. And, yet, Jack Black finds himself literally tongue-tied with Marsden in this film, which came and went in May. It made roughly $440K its opening weekend and then quickly disappeared—so quickly that I never even heard of it. The plot surrounds a nerd ( Jack Black ) trying to arrange his high school reunion and tracking down his hottest classmate ( James Marsden ). You'll have to watch the movie to see how they end up having sex, but you can see them in the act on BillyMasters.com .
When I'm jealous of Jack Black, it's definitely time to end yet another column. Here's something else I can't believe I'm saying: I'm glad the summer's over. I was getting a bit bored. Back to reality and Los Angeles—if that's even possible. For all your gossip needs, check out www.BillyMasters.com, the site that never takes a vacation. And if you have a question, send it along to Billy@BillyMasters.com, and I promise to get back to you before I record a video asking Marsden to be my date for Gay Days Anaheim! So, until next time, remember, one man's filth is another man's bible.
