You might only recognize him if he is paired up with Julia Roberts or Madonna, but Rupert Everett is in his own rights a very successful and talented actor, although maybe not as easily recognizable as the aforementioned starlets.

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The irony is that his acting career was being forged at much the same time as the other two whose celebrity now precedes them with just the mention of their names.   Yet, because of his collaborative film works with these high-profile ladies during the nineties, his name and face are not so unknown to the general public anymore, at least here in the United States.  Rupert Everett is much more well-known in international circles not only for his acting but also for his forays into the world of modeling and also for his writing.

Currently he is promoting his new book called, Red Carpets and Other Banana Skins, an autobiographical look back at his life and career.  The book covers his early years as a privileged youth and his boyhood struggles with his sexual identity.   It sheds some light onto how he came to terms with it and worked it into his acting persona.  The book more importantly recounts his journey to becoming an actor, revealing his stint as a prostitute, as he fought to survive along the way.

Since those days, he has made a name for himself as an out, gay actor in Hollywood.  His breakthrough role as George Downes in 1997’s, My Best Friend’s Wedding, co-starring with Julia Roberts, helping elevate his celebrity status to where it is today.  But before all that, he also spent time as a model,  the face and the body for Yves Saint Laurent’s print ad campaign for Opium cologne for men during the early nineties.

Rupert Everett’s career easily spans two decades and is peppered with encounters of the rich and famous kind.  For those of us that enjoy insight into that star-studded world, galaxies away from our own, the book does not disappoint.  He discusses his celebrity friendships and dalliances with complete candor and aplomb probably much to the dismay of those he writes about.  But isn’t that what seems to make Rupert Everett so dangerously alluring?

The stories as they are retold capture the essence of Everett’s genteel sophistication while never letting the reader forget that, Rupert Everett, when at his best, is just as outrageously flamboyant and flippant in real life as he is on film. This is his charm and appeal and why his characters in My Best Friend’s Wedding and in The Next Best Thing are so easy to love.  He epitomizes that kind of best friend anyone would want by their side when life proves to be less than amenable.  Ask Madonna, Sharon Stone, Julia Roberts or Donatella Versace.  They are among the celebrity elite with whom he has close personal friendships.

Alas, that outrageously flamboyant and flippant character has gotten Mr. Everett into a bit of trouble as of late.

Taken from London’s Daily Mail, posted August 3, 2007:

“Actor Rupert Everett shocked viewers today by making a lewd comment on BBC Breakfast.

The star was discussing childhood visits to the cinema while plugging his autobiography.

He described the provincial theatres as “dark and sexy” - then went on to say rather crudely they were a “place where you got to finger your girlfriend a little bit.”

Presenters Charlie Stayt and Suzanna Reid looked horrified, and reminded Everett the interview was being broadcast live to a breakfast audience.  [read the complete article] “

Several members of the morning audience did find his comment inappropriate at the breakfast table.  Under different social circumstances, I am sure his comment would have made for an entertaining anecdote in a discussion of youthful indiscretions but in this case, it was not received well.  Such has been the way of Rupert Everett- always somewhere on the edge of reckless indecency regardless of his cultured up-bringing.  As he reveals in his memoirs, this has always been the impetus by which he lives his life.   What is refreshing about this is that, although he looks back upon his life with the wisdom of age, he retells the stories of his life while still maintaining a reverent tone, showing no remorse for having done things purely for the sake of his own personal amusement.

His new book provides for some very entertaining if not unabashedly bawdy story-telling of a life lived in the fast lane with irreverent disregard for the consequences.   Red Carpets and Other Banana Skins is an inspiration for anyone who dreams of becoming an internationally recognized film star.  Well, if you can get away with it like Ruprt Everett has, that is.   While running the streets as an impetuous, rebellious young man and then rising into the ranks of celebrity society where hob-nobbing and rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous become part of daily routine isn’t for everyone, it sure does make for great reading.

Rupert Everett has also previously published Hello, Darling, Are you Working? (1994), The Hairdressers of St. Tropez (1995) and That Day I Found Out (2006).

Orlando’s sweetheart Melissa Crispo has rocked Girls at Gay Days and Lilish Fair every year since 2004. Her band also opened for Betty (of L-Word acclaim) at the Florida AIDS Foundation Benefit, has played Central Florida Pride, Daytona Pride, and Flagstaff (AZ) Pride. She was a finalist in the Women Who Rock Florida Battle of the Bands 2006, and regularly plays full-band and acoustic shows at GLBT clubs throughout Florida. Her debut cd “A Break in the Clouds”, produced by Brett Hestla (Creed/Dark New Day) and Justin Thomas, serves up ten heart-felt and power-packed tunes, with a side of sarcastic humor and wit. This is one radio-friendly/pop-rock collection that will have you singing along in your car (and shower!) at the top of your lungs. Filled with heartache and discovery, these songs blend skillful songwriting and musical craftsmanship with catchy melodies and harmonies. Tasteful piano flavors many of the songs, particularly the ballad-esque “You’re Gone”, while the funk-infused “Your Place or Mine” dares you to keep your happy ass sitting still. The cd’s signature songs “How Crazy” and “Sweet Dreams” have a tendency to haunt you all day long after just one listen. The entire cd goes down smooth and easy, like a Corona with lime on a hot summer day. Melissa is currently on tour in IL, PA, and her home state of NY. She is opening for Sophie B. Hawkins Dec. 1 in Philadelphia.

Check out www.myspace.com/melissacrispo or www.melissacrispoband.com for more info.

Hook is an LA singer/songwriter/activist whose background includes writing and editing projects, indie film music licensing, studio work, and of course sordid band life. Her ‘outside the box’ approach to music and its influence in our lives is as unmistakable as the rainbow flag emblazoned on her forehead. All you lovely boyz and girlz can check her out at Q Radio or email her at hoeck@digital.net.