Chernin tribute raises $2.1 mil for MS
GOOD MORNING: "Rupert Murdoch is my daddy! I can't believe I found you!" exclaimed Byron Allen as he threw his arms about a stunned (but smiling) Murdoch onstage at the Century Plaza Hotel Monday night. Murdoch was about to make the presentation to Peter Chernin, honoree at the Dinner of Champions. The evening raised a record $2.1 million for the Southern California Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Comic Allen also noted that Murdoch has $4 billion -- that's billion -- "and he can give everyone here a million and still have a lot left over." Allen added, "If I can come back, I'd like to come back as Michael Jordan -- but if I can come back as a white man, I'd come back as Rupert Murdoch." The chairman and chief executive of News Corp. returned the evening to its serious purpose by saying, "I'm a very lucky man to have Peter (Chernin) as a colleague and aide." And Chernin, prez and COO News Corp., said it was "gratifying" to receive the award from him, saying his company "is the best in the business -- a testament to Rupert." He thanked Tom Sherak, chairman of 20th Domestic Film Group, for chairing the record-setting fundraiser. He also thanked the Sheraks' daughter Melissa (recent bride of Brett Resnick), afflicted with multiple sclerosis, for her participation and inspiring speech. Another emotional moment was the salute to Zoe Kaplowitz, afflicted for 22 years with MS but who has "run" the N.Y. Marathon (in 29 hours) for 10 years; now Doubleday publishes her book, "Winning Spirit." In addition to Allen's comedy, laughs were supplied by a reel tribute to Chernin produced by Roland Mesa and New Wave. KTLA's morning show anchor Carlos Amezcua, a Chernin lookalike (!), doubled on screen for the honoree. Amezcua was also on hand at the dinner, despite having to rise at 3 ayem for his early TV show. Grant Show of "BevHills 90210" was host of the taped reel that included caustic comments on Chernin from industry toppers including Aaron Spelling, Haim Saban (plus his cartoon characters), Bernie Brillstein, James Cameron, Sherry Lansing, Jan de Bont, Arnold Rifkin, Jeff Sagansky, etc. Of Spelling (in the audience with wife Candy), Allen noted, "His house is so big he doesn't even know I'm living in it!" Others in the audience toasting Chernin included Warren Beatty whose 20th film, "Bulworth" is still awaiting a release date. But "Titanic," with domestic release by Par, has a Dec. 19 opening set -- and word about it to me is repeatedly titanic! Co-chairs with Sherak were Arthur and Britta Schramm and hosts were United Artists Theatre Circuit, Planet Hollywood and 20th Century Fox. ... When Hanson was unable to appear, as promised, because of a European date, Tracy Lawrence and troupe winged in from Nashville. Gladys Knight headlined and closed the show following Chernin's acceptance speech, which also included a tribute to his wife, Megan. And as promised, everyone was home in time for the nightly news.
ANGIE DICKINSON'S APPEARANCES before congressional committees to champion support for people with Alzheimer's and other disabilities has won her a formal resolution of praise from the Assn. of Administrative Law Judges. Today H.R. bill 1544, the "Remedy '97" bill, is before the House Judiciary Committee -- under bipartisan sponsorship. Angie says, "It's to bring to the fore the plight of so many who don't even know their entitlements." Angie's older sister was stricken with Alzheimer's when only 35. Angie was also active in the Ronald & Nancy Reagan Institute. Coincidentally, she guestars on Thursday's "Diagnosis Murder," playing a wheelchaired police captain. ... Mel Torme, continuing to regain strength, celebrated his 72nd birthday, at home with wife Ali and his five children. He wrote new liner notes for Concord Records' collection of his favorite ballads, "My Night to Dream". ... Bernie Kopell and wife Catrina, married May 19, are expecting a son in November. It is the first child for both. Kopell (64) is also experiencing a new life after "Love Boat," he wound the feature "Blatella," guestars on "Boy Meets World" and "Head Over Heels". ... Next to place hand and footprints in the forecourt of Mann's Chinese: Al Pacino, on Oct. 16 in advance of his "Devil's Advocate" bow. ... Tonight is Rob Reiner's night in the Museum of TV & Radio's series of seminars. ... Larry Gelbart has a March publication date from Random House on "Laughing Matters," a collection of old and new matters. He promises "It is not my life as an inkwell". ... In the October George mag, Oliver Stone says, "If I Were President," the movie documenting his administration would be "Natural Born President". ... And Michael Douglas, a Stone alumnus ("Wall St.") and former movie President ("The American "), will be honored at the Chicago Film Fest Oct. 25 with a Lifetime Achievement Award. ... Leslie Caron is talking with Houston's Theater Under the Stars owner Frank Young, who wants her for a six-month tour in "Gigi" in which she would play the Hermione Gingold (Mme. Alvarez) role. Caron is very interested.
