OPRAH MAY GUEST STAR ON NBC'S 30 ROCK

Oprah Winfrey

Television talk show queen Oprah Winfrey is reportedly the latest star expected to appear in the hit NBC comedy 30 ROCK. The icon is allegedly in talks to secure a guest spot on the show, which stars Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin. Winfrey is rumoured to play herself in an episode scheduled to air in the Fall. Former Friends star, Jennifer Aniston has confirmed she will appear on the show, playing a woman obsessed with Baldwin’s character. We wonder at Times Square Gossip why Jennifer won't just play herself, a bitch !
Photo By: Steve Buckley/BuzzFoto

KID ROCK LASHES OUT AT OPRAH WINFREY

Oprah Winfrey

Rapper Kid Rock is hitting out at television talk show queen Oprah, because he "doesn’t believe" in her politics. TV icon Winfrey is urging her viewers to vote for Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama, and even turned up at last week’s Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado to support the politician. But Rock insists the media mogul’s rally around the Illinois senator has caused him to question his own vote. He says, "When they all go, ‘I’m voting for this guy,’ I go, ‘That’s not who I’m voting for!’ …I love Barack Obama. I hate Oprah Winfrey. (No), I don’t hate her. I just don’t believe in her."
Photos By: Justin Campbell/Steve Buckley/BuzzFoto

OPRAH'S AFRICA SCHOOL ABUSE TRIAL BEGINS

The ex. employee accused of abusing children at television talk show host Oprah Winfrey's all-girl academy in South Africa has pleaded not guilty to all of the charges. Former dorm matron Tiny Virginia Makopo was arrested in October on 14 charges including assault, indecent assault and soliciting underage girls to perform indecent acts. She is accused of committing the crimes at Winfrey’s Henley-on-Klip Leadership Academy over a period of four months in 2007.The trial opened in Johannesburg today with Makopo entering a not guilty plea to all charges against her.The judge overseeing the case has closed the court room to all the media and has moved to protect the privacy of the schoolgirls involved by allowing them to testify via video link. The windows at the city’s Sebokeng Magistrate Court have also been covered in brown paper and extra security has been hired to prevent the pupils from being identified.Winfrey was not present at the hearing but her lawyer, Elizabeth Wore, heard the evidence. If found guilty on all 14 charges, Makopo faces a minimum of 10 years in prison. The trial is expected to run until sometime in August. Winfrey co-founded the academy in 2006, and in late 2007, issued a heartfelt apology to the students who suffered at the hands of school officials.

TOM CRUISE ON HIS OPRAH COUCH JUMPING

Tom Cruise

Hollywood star Tom Cruise says his couch-jumping on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" seemed to set off a "confluence" of bad publicity for him, but he's not sure he would take it back if he could.
"That was a moment, and it was real, and I don't know if I would (do it differently). I really don't," Cruise said during an hour long interview with Winfrey taped at his Telluride, Colo. home. During the show broadcast Friday, Cruise said his antics on Winfrey's show three years ago were an authentic way of expressing his feelings for Katie Holmes. Holmes, now his wife, welcomed Winfrey to the couple's home at the beginning of the show. She then left Cruise to conduct a tour, which included a peek at daughter Suri's playrooms, the home's kitchen, Cruise's collection of bound film scripts, and stunning views of snow-topped mountains.Winfrey and a subdued, jeans-wearing Cruise conducted the interview on an overstuffed couch in the family's living room.About a month after his last appearance on Winfrey's show in May 2005, Cruise criticized Brooke Shields for taking anti-depression drugs after the birth of her child. He also berated "Today" host Matt Lauer for suggesting that psychiatric treatment might help some patients.

TOM CRUISE GIVES OPRAH MANSION TOUR

Oprah And Tom Cruise

Hollywood star Tom Cruise has got so much to say about life, faith and love on his upcoming new appearance on Oprah.The actor will show the talk show queen around his Telluride, Colorado estate during one segment, which will air today. He will return to the Chicago, Illinois TV set, where he made his now-famous couch-jumping proclamation of love to then-fiancee Katie Holmes, for an in depth interview that will be aired on Monday.The actor made a ass of himself with his loved-up antics on the talk show in 2005.The two shows have been arranged to coincide with the 25th anniversary of Cruise’s breakout movie, Risky Business.

OPRAH AFRICAN TRIAL TO BEGIN NEXT JULY

The former Oprah employee accused of abusing children at her all-girls academy in South Africa has had her trial postponed until next July. Former dorm matron Tiny Virginia Mokgobo was arrested last October on 14 charges including assault, indecent assault and soliciting underage girls to perform indecent acts. She is accused of committing the crimes at Winfrey’s Henley-on-Klip Leadership Academy over a period of four months in 2007. Mokgobo appeared in Sebokeng magistrates court, south of Johannesburg today when Magistrate Thelma Simpson set a new trial date of July 29th. The decision follows Monday’s court hearings, when Simpson granted a motion by Mokgobo’s lawyer to delay the trial until a further date to allow him more time to consult with his client. The trial was originally due to begin this week.Mokgobo, who has previously expressed her innocence in the charges, is expected to formally enter her plea when she next appears in court in July. Winfrey co-founded the academy in 2006, and in late 2007, issued a heartfelt apology to the students who suffered at the hands of school officials.

DREW BARRYMORE GIVES AWAY ONE MILLION

Drew Barrymore and Oprah Winfrey

Hollywood star Drew Barrymore is donating $1 million to the United Nations World Food Program to help feed children in impoverished Africa. The star announced her huge money gift on Monday's edition of Oprah Winfrey's hit television talk show. Barrymore has traveled to Kenya twice with the organization, which she has worked with since 2005, and last year she became a U.N. Ambassador Against Hunger. The 33-year-old told Winfrey, "I have seen with my own eyes what a difference a simple cup of nutritious porridge can make in a child's life. It helps them learn, stay healthy and sets them on track for a bright future."

OPRAH WINFREY OPENS CHICAGO STORE

The Oprah Store

Television talk show star Oprah Winfrey has opened her first store in her native Chicago, Illinois, packed with Oprah-branded products.Fans of the media tycoon can snap up the star’s favourite books, music, and clothes - all with the Oprah label.A statement from Winfrey’s publicist claims the shop is a "speciality store full of merchandise that represents the style and taste Oprah celebrates and shares on The Oprah Winfrey Show."

Editors Note: Let me know when they open The Jerry Springer Store or The Steve Wilkos Show Restaurant. Now thats shopping !

OPRAH TO LAUNCH TELEVISION NETWORK

Oprah

Talk show legend Oprah Winfrey is starting her own Television network. The talk show icon who is also a publisher, humanitarian and multi-media titan has teamed up with Discovery Communications to launch the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN). The new network will replace the Discovery Health Network in 2009.Oprah will be named chairman of the new network at the end of 2008.

OPRAH THROWS POWER BEHIND OBAMA

Oprah Winfrey is officially throwing her support behind U.S. presidential candidate Barack Obama, after joining the Democrat senator at a campaign rally in Iowa on Saturday. The talk show queen recently revealed her plans to back Obama as her choice to replace President George W. Bush when America goes to the polls next November. Winfrey told the crowd at Saturday’s rally at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines: "This is very, very personal. I’m here because of my personal conviction about Barack Obama and what I know he can do for America."For the very first time in my life, I feel compelled to stand up and speak out for the man who I believe has a new vision for America. I believe that Barack Obama will bring statesmanship to the White House. I believe that he will lead with strength, conviction, honor and compassion." Windfrey is also lives and tapes her hit show in the home state of Obama, Chicago Illinois.

DIDDY HIRES ASSISTANT ON OPRAH'S SHOW

The Diddy with Oprah and Heather Thompson

P. Diddy picked his "perfect" personal assistant on live TV yesterday.The 38-year-old music mogul, who ran on online video application process for the position, selected lawyer Heather Thompson from three finalists patiently waiting in the audience of Oprah Winfrey's chat show.Explaining his decision, Diddy said: "It was just a passion, it was the way she articulated herself. I think she understood what the job entailed. She had a background that was stellar. It was just the way she came across."Oprah's special YouTube-themed show also featured appearances from some of the stars of the video-sharing website, including a skateboarding bulldog and a British couple whose wedding video showing them re-enacting the final dance from 'Dirty Dancing' has been watched 2.5 million times.Diddy - real name Sean Combs - launched his search for a "perfect" personal assistant in July.The rap star posted a video advert on networking website MySpace asking potential applicants to upload their "video interview" for him to consider.Pictured in his New York office, he was shown saying: "Why you should be my personal assistant? What better job than to have me scream at you, go crazy, keep you up long hours, have you sleep deprived."If this job interests you upload your video interview saying what makes you my perfect assistant."

HILARY SWANK CUTS HAIR FOR OPRAH

Hilary Swank after haircut

Hilary Swank has had her hair cut off by Oprah Winfrey for charity.The Oscar-winning actress had nine inches sheared off her shining locks to be made into a wig by Pantene Beautiful Lengths, a charity which supports women who have lost their hair through cancer treatment. Hilary, 33, said: "I've been growing it for the last six months so I could donate it. I've been taking a lot of vitamins and taking really good care of it, knowing that it would go to a woman in need."Oprah brandished scissors and a ruler as she chopped off the 'Million Dollar Baby' star's hair for her Great American Haircut.The talk show host said: "It has taken months to get to this moment. It involves a two-time Academy Award winner, a sharp object, and me!"Hilary had been preparing for the big chop for some time. She said earlier this month: "I've been growing my hair for months, so it's super long and super healthy"I've gotten my conditioning treatments every four weeks. Everyone is commenting on my hair and how it's long and pretty and healthy and shiny."As another feature in the special show 100 viewers received 100 makeovers in one hour.

STARS NEW TOWN TO ESCAPE PAPARAZZI

Michael Jackson, Julia Roberts and Oprah Winfrey are all looking to buy homes in St. Michaels, Maryland, after it was made a "no-fly zone".The US seaside town has become a property hot spot for stars wanting to escape paparazzi helicopters after Vice President Dick Cheney imposed the ban when he bought a house there in 2005.However, determined paparazzi seem intent to ignore the ban after learning of the area's possible star residents.Jackson reportedly stayed at the town's luxury hotel the Inn at Perry Cabin last week and residents complained about a helicopter hovering nearby.St. Michael's store owner Rodney Whitacre said: "Maybe the helicopter has nothing to do with him, but if he has a house here, how long before the rest of the world finds out and finds us?"Local estate agent John Coile said: "Periodically, we'll hear about a big celebrity like this prowling around."Lately, the name that's been circulating is Oprah. That's one that'll get your attention."Legendary guitarist Eric Clapton enjoys yachting holidays in the town and both Jackson and 'Pretty Woman' star Roberts are said to be looking at beachfront homes.

CHRIS ROCK DENIES MARRAGE IS ON ROCKS

Chris Rock And Wife Malaak

Actor Chris Rock is getting serious with media reports his marriage is in trouble.
A day after his publicist denied New York newspaper reports about a rumored break-up between Rock and his wife Malaak, the comic has launched his own attack on the publications who are running the incorrect reports. In a statement Rock, who appeared on pal Oprah Winfrey's TV show on Wednesday with his wife and their two daughters, fumes, "Though we have tried in the past to take the high road and not comment on the tabloid media, we find it necessary to express on record how unfortunate it is that the Daily News , specifically, and other tabloid outlets have chosen to print untrue rumors and lies about our family and marriage. "It is extremely hurtful to us, our children, and our extended family. We remain, as always, very happy and committed to our marriage and the beautiful family that we have built." The comedian/actor refused to comment on reports from late last year, which stated that he had begun divorce proceedings. Meanwhile, Rock, who wed Malaak in 1996, told Winfrey, "Now that I have children, I realize taking care of my children is more fun than anything in the whole world."

KIRSTIE ALLEY TO STAR IN NEW SITCOM

Kirstie Alley is set to star in a US version of hit British comedy 'The Vicar of Dibley'.The former 'Cheers' actress, 56, will star in 'The Minister of Divine' as a preacher who returns to the small town where she was once a teenage rebel. Fox TV will make a pilot episode of the new comedy, co-produced by 'Vicar' creator Richard Curtis, before deciding whether to go ahead with a complete series. British comedienne Dawn French has played the lead role in 'The Vicar of Dibley' since it began in 1994. Since 'Cheers' ended in 1993, Kirstie has had roles in several comedy sitcoms including 'Veronica's Closet' and 'Fat Actress', which mocked her real-life battle with obesity. In November 2006 she appeared on 'The Oprah Winfrey Show' in a bikini to show off her new figure, having lost a total of 75lb.

Kirstie Alley With Oprah

OPRAH PUMPS GAS WITH GAYLE KING

The season premiere of "The Oprah Winfrey Show" started out with a bang... er... well, a rich person having a hard time doing a simple everyday task. To open the show, Oprah and her BFF Gayle King embarked on a cross-country road trip surprising unsuspecting Americans by dropping in unannounced at weddings and other events. The toughest part of the trip for Oprah however wasn't the road itself, but at the gas station. The Queen of TV had to be helped out as she fumbled with the pump, saying "I haven't pumped gas since 1983."Lucky for her, someone came to her rescue and demonstrated the proper technique for fueling your car. We aren't the only ones laughing as Oprah realized how silly the task was and said "I feel kind of stupid not being able to pump gas, but I thought, well maybe they've changed the pumps since I've last pumped."