True Celeb Confessions, and Other Notes from Within the TMZ

Wait for it, wait for it: Life star Damian Lewis has a really nice smile. We swear. Adam Taylor, NBC

 

by Kim Masters

I have friends and colleagues who regard me with a jealous eye because I cover the Hollywood beat.

But it's not all red-carpet premieres and outrageous, Wolfgang Puck-catered parties (like the one I went to last week). Much of the time I'm wrestling with "suits" and other high-maintenance personalities who don't want to tell me anything — and who cannot be compelled to do so, because there's no Hollywood Freedom of Information Act. (If you've seen Ari Gold on Entourage, bear in mind that he's based on a real person.)

Sometimes I do get to have a little fun, though. When we noticed that there are a lot of actors from overseas starring as Americans on TV dramas, it seemed like an opportunity.

Who opened up when opportunity knocked, after the jump ...

We picked the NBC series Life for two reasons: My editor and I think it's a pretty fun show, and it's struggling in the ratings, so we figured we'd get a quick "yes" when we asked to come on the set.

Now, you might think a publicist on any television show or movie would say yes to publicity on NPR, but you'd think wrong. Often the reason has to do with reluctant "talent" — that is, stars.

I tell friends that if they have the opportunity to meet a star they really love, they should pass. Because often, stars aren't that fun to meet.

To be fair, it isn't easy to carry a film or television show on your shoulders. Many stars don't understand their own stardom — because it is a mysterious thing — and that makes them anxious and temperamental.

Many insist on being surrounded by sycophants, and are then suspicious that people aren't telling them the truth and don't have their best interests at heart. Of course, in a world that includes TMZ, they can't be blamed for being nervous.

If you do nonetheless meet a star, it's important to bear in mind that these are people who spend their careers pretending to be someone else, using words written by others. I've had experiences dealing with certain stars from which I may never recover. (I won't say which, so don't guess Bill Murray.)

I knew going in that I might not enjoy meeting Damian Lewis, the star of Life. But certain facts gave me hope. He went to Eton College and performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company, for example. So even though he pretends to be someone else, I presumed he could speak all on his own.

And he did, for about 15 minutes. He was polite and charming, and even spoke a few words in his native accent -- even though he prefers to stay in character when he's working (as does Hugh Laurie, we're told).

He also has quite a smile. So sometimes, those jealous colleagues are right.