March '09 Notes from Norm — Norm Clarke Column

Saturday 03-14-09

Steve, Elaine Wynn divorce-lawyer up

In one corner: Elaine Wynn's attorney Don Schiller, who represented Juanita Jordan in her divorce from NBA icon Michael Jordan.

In the other corner: Steve Wynn's attorney James Jimmerson, who handled Wayne Newton's divorce and Mike Tyson's bid to regain his boxing license.

At issue is one of the biggest divorce settlements in U.S. history.

The Chicago-based Schiller won a $168 million settlement for Juanita Jordan, ranked by Forbes magazine as the " the most expensive in entertainment history."

But Steve Wynn probably will give up more than that.

Billionaire Rupert Murdoch turned over $ 1.2 billion in assets to former wife Anna.

"Women are more assertive today," Schiller told the New York Times two years ago after representing Joan Stonecipher in her divorce from Boeing's former chief executive, Harry C. Stonecipher. "They are stronger about protecting their interest and less peacemakers."

Schiller, reached by e-mail, declined comment, saying he "does not discuss my clients." Jimmerson said he would have no comment.

Assisting Schiller will be Gary Silverman, a family law attorney from Reno.

Forbes, in its annual ranking of billionaires this week, estimated Steve Wynn's worth at $1.5 billion, down from $3.9 billion a year earlier. Maybe the Wynns will settle it by splitting up the two hotels they opened the past five years and renaming them Steve's and Elaine's.

Steve Wynn filed for divorce on March 5, about two months after reports surfaced that the duo had split and he had informed friends that he was in love with a British divorcee.

This one probably won't be as amicable as singer Neil Diamond's split from Marcia Murphey, who received $150 million. Diamond later told a reporter, "She has earned every penny."

SCINTAS SWAN SONG

The Scintas are ending their nine-year run as Las Vegas resident headliners where they started.

It's a far different economic situation than in 2000 when the popular family group from Buffalo, N.Y., opened at the Las Vegas Hilton.

"9/11 wasn't even close to this," said Frankie Scinta, who fronts the four-member group that includes brother Joey, sister Chrissy and longtime member Peter O'Donnell.

They're not leaving town, or giving up on Las Vegas. They're just taking their show on the road.

"Las Vegas is luxury money, and right now there's not a lot of it around," Frankie Scinta said. "With the economy where it is and people not traveling as much as before, we're going to go to the people."

They'll continue to be based in Las Vegas, where they are beloved for their community service.

"That's why we're not going to move. We're still going to be involved in all the community projects."

They're returning in April to the Suncoast. "That will be a thank-you to all our local fans for making us a part of this community for nine years, and I hope a lot longer."

They will continue to work on a sitcom pilot that features Steve Schirripa, Brad Garret, Mila Kunis and comedian Rich Little "who is my neighbor and who thinks he is going to have an affair with Mama Scinta."

The Scene And Heard

A film crew for the Playboy Channel is at the Palomino Club tonight to shoot "The King of Clubs," featuring owner Adam Gentile. The 12-episode reality focuses on how Gentile took over a club that had fallen on hard times and turned it around. The project came about after Gene Simmons of KISS shot some episodes of "Family Jewels" in the club more than a year ago. Tonight's episode features body painting and 12 women who made it through auditions. ...

The entertainment cutbacks continue: Purple Reign has been pink-slipped. One of the premier Prince tribute bands in the country, the group has been let go at Santa Fe Station and South Point. They were selected to perform on "The Late Show with David Letterman" during Tribute Week in November. You can still catch them at the House of Blues on Sunday night. ...

Legendary actor Tony Curtis is signing his new book "American Prince -- A Memoir" from noon to 2 p.m. today at Aurora in Luxor. The date was inadvertently omitted in Thursday's column.

Sightings

Singer Katy Perry, shooting a "Last Supper" scene Thursday for the finale of her music video "Waking Up In Vegas" at the Palms. With her: drag queens Larry Edwards as Tina Turner, Derrick Barry as Britney Spears, Kenneth Blake as Dolly Parton and Ryan Zink as Reba McEntire and four Elvi: Johnny Thompson, George Thomas, Paige Poole and Brad Collin. Clarification: Thompson, who was featured in Thursday's column about local Elvises hard hit by the economy, was in Asia four times in the past year. ... Pittsburgh Steelers running back Mewelde Moore was running in circles on Friday. He was at Pole Position Raceway with friends.

Sunday 03-15-09

Gary Lewis says he has no regrets

Gary Lewis prefers to think about it as "stepping forward" rather than betraying his famous father.

The son of comedy legend Jerry Lewis is back in the headlines after agreeing to submit to a DNA test on behalf of a woman who believed she was the biological daughter of the film star.

The DNA results indicated an 88.7 percent probability that the woman, Suzan Minoret, 56, who goes by Suzan Lewis, is related to Gary Lewis, whose band, Gary Lewis and the Playboys, churned out more than a half dozen hits in the '60s.

They met backstage about four years ago when the band was performing in Ocean City, Md. She told him, "I just wanted to talk to you because I'm your sister," Gary Lewis recalled in an interview on Saturday from his home near Rochester, N.Y. "She looked like him and she had some documentation."

Last year they met again in Florida and Gary Lewis said he was more and more convinced.

When she asked him if he would undergo a DNA test to prove her paternity claim, he agreed to it.

"I was willing to do that because nobody else was stepping forward," Gary Lewis said. "I knew how bad I would want to know if I didn't know who my father was. I'd want someone to help me. My dad may think of it as a betrayal, but I didn't mean to stir anything up.

"This is just one of those random acts of kindness. I thought she deserved to know where she came from.

"My mother used to say, 'I know your dad is with other women' and she would say 'The bigger the diamond the worst thing he did.'

"Dad told me himself he was a tremendous womanizer when he was on the road with Dean Martin," said Gary Lewis, who recalled spending his pre-teen years in Las Vegas when Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis performed at the Sands in the 1950s.

Gary Lewis acknowledged he hasn't talked to his father since Father's Day.

"It's been on and off all the time. Just one of those things. I know how he is," he said, adding, "I try to give him a break."

He has no regrets. "I've been getting tons of e-mail commending me for stepping up and doing this for her."

The Scene And Heard

Terry Fator had a surprise for his VIP-opening night crowd at The Mirage on Saturday. Fator had his characters sing with famous guests. Vikki "the Cougar," introduced the Commodores and sang "Brickhouse" with the hit-making group of the 1970s and '80s. And Fator surprised Lou "The Incredible Hulk" Ferrigno by calling him on stage and turning him into a "Cher" dummy so they could perform "I Got You Babe," with Fator playing Sonny and throwing Cher's voice from Ferrigno, who wore a dummy mask. ...

The first "Survive and Advance" March Madness show with Billy Packer and Bob Knight is being taped live today at the sports and race book at Wynn Las Vegas. Show guests will include some of Knight's best players at Indiana: Isiah Thomas, Quinn Buckner, and Steve Alford. The taping starts at 4 p.m. It's free and open to the public.

Sightings

At the opening of Fator's show Saturday, Jerry Mathers of "Leave It To Beaver" fame; Slash, formerly of Guns N' Roses and his wife, Perla; action film star Kevin Sorbo; Skip Martin of Kool & the Gang fame; Kathy Joosten of "Desperate Housewives;" Flamingo headliners George Wallace and Nathan Burton; drag queen Frank Marino, veteran entertainers Clint Holmes and Kelly Clinton and Alizma, the violin-playing triplets from Poland. ...

Dan Akroyd, drawing a large crowd to his bottle signing Saturday at Lee's Discount Liquors on West Lake Mead Boulevard. He made the five-hour drive from Los Angeles in his black Lincoln Navigator. ... Whitney Port, of MTV's "The City," hosting a bachelorette party Friday for sister Ashley at Tao in The Venetian. ...

Oscar Nuñez, who plays Oscar Martinez in the hit NBC show "The Office," having lunch Saturday with friends at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant (Paris Las Vegas).


Monday 03-16-09

Is Las Vegas an A's bargaining chip? The Oakland A's are reportedly looking at Las Vegas as a bargaining chip. There was buzz Sunday that baseball commissioner Bud Selig was meeting with Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman and A's executives. City spokesman Jace Radke said he was not aware of any meetings Sunday. The A's made it clear on Friday they are finished in Oakland. They have been working toward moving to nearby Fremont but that has unraveled in recent weeks. Team owner Lew Wolff said in a news release issued to the San Jose Mercury News on Friday: "We have fully exhausted our time and resources over the years with the city of Oakland, dating back to previous A's ownership. ... We recognize conditions have not changed. "Letters to Major League Baseball offer nothing new or of any real substance. Outside stimulation to have us continue to play in an aging and shared facility may generate press and 'sound-bite' opportunities, but do not provide any tangible alterations in the circumstances we face. "Our goal and desire for the organization is to determine a way to keep the team in Northern California. "That goal has not changed. We have no interest in covering old ground again, as we need to move forward in finding a future home for our team." The Scene And Heard Former UNLV star Greg Anthony, now a lead college basketball studio analyst for CBS, picked Louisville, Memphis State, Pittsburgh and North Carolina to end up in the Final Four during Sunday's NCAA Tournament selection show. He's taking Louisville to win it all. His co-analyst, Seth Davis, has Pittsburgh going all the way. ... Terry Fator is a marvel, a word I've not used in my 10 years of chronicling entertainment on the Strip. I can't remember an opening crowd that had so much fun. The hunch here is that he's going to be at The Mirage for a long time... Sightings At Cher (Caesars Palace) on Sunday: Encore headliner Danny Gans and Slash, lead guitarist for Guns N' Roses, in separate groups. ... Luxor headliner Criss Angel, taking in David Darkstone (Royal Resort) on Sunday. ... At Terry Fator's opening night show at The Mirage on Saturday: Former "American Idol" finalist Ace Young, Deborah Gibson, Kate Flannery, Mariette Hartley, Oscar Nuñez, Jennifer Finnigan, Jonathan Silverman, Fred Willard, Maeve Quinlan, Kathryn Joosten, Kristy Swanson, Lloyd Eisler, Billy Hufsey, Dee Wallace-Stone, Tony Denison, Eddie Mekka, Louie Anderson, Rasheda Ali, Scarlett Princess of Magic, and Val Valentino. ... Fuchsia shirts were all the rage Saturday at the roast of Mayor Oscar Goodman for the Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth, held at Green Valley Ranch Resort. Roasters included Clark County Commissioner Larry Brown, Las Vegas Mayor Pro Tem Gary Reese, and the mayor's wife, Carolyn Goodman. It's tradition for event guests to wear a shirt that's the favorite color of the person being roasted. ... Dan Aykroyd of "Saturday Night Live" fame, having lunch Sunday at Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab (Forum Shops at Caesars). ... Actor Kellan Lutz, who plays vampire brother Emmett in "Twilight," celebrating his 24th birthday Saturday at "Love" (The Mirage) with gal pal AnnaLynne McCord from the new "90210." Afterward, they went to dinner at Koi at Planet Hollywood Resort. ... Also at "Love" on Saturday: Home designer Eduardo Xol of "Extreme Makeover Home Edition, with a group of friends. He is in town with Ty Pennington for a makeover. ... At N9NE Steakhouse (Palms) on Saturday: Veteran NFL linebacker William "Willie" McGinest, of the Cleveland Browns, with friends. At another table: Pete Rose. ... At the Playboy Club (Palms) on Saturday: Baltimore Ravens defensive standout Terrell Suggs, who also showed up Poetry (Forum Shops at Caesars). ... Later, McGinest was at XS nightclub (Encore).

Tuesday 03-17-09

Norm took the day off

Wednesday 03-18-09

Fator was rejected just two years ago

Now that he's arrived as the $100 million man, Terry Fator is amazed at what's coming out of other people's mouths.

Overtures have come from Broadway and Hollywood, from people "who want to do my story."

In the works: development of a weekly network variety show that would be broadcast from The Mirage, he revealed Tuesday in an interview on KNPR-radio, 88.9 FM.

That variety show is part of the potential $100 million, five-year deal he signed with The Mirage.

Just two years ago, no one in Las Vegas was interested, he told Dave Berns, host of KNPR's "State of Nevada."

All three local producers he invited to a showcase at the Rio rejected the ventriloquist, who does singing impressions. All three "did top shows in town," he said.

"All three said, 'You will never work in Las Vegas,' " recalled Fator, who has opened to raves.

"One of them said, 'You'll never work Vegas because you're not good-looking enough to be up on a billboard.' "

Yes, his act needed tweaking, he acknowledged to Berns, but the talent was there for the taking, waiting for a visionary.

Several months after that deflating showcase, Fator won NBC's "America's Got Talent" and his career exploded.

His next dream, he said, is to host a TV show that would allow him "to focus on discovering new talent."

It would be a hybrid, Fator said, of "The Muppet Show," "The Ed Sullivan Show," "Sonny and Cher" and "Donny & Marie."

He would bring his characters to that TV show "and I would do all the talking" in the vein of Johnny Carson's show.

There would be no judges and 'I'm not going to let a producer tell me to dumb down."

RHUMBAR PARTY

It pays to be bold.

That's the marketing message behind the chrome fighting roosters prevalent in the design element at Rhumbar, the new rum lounge and patio at The Mirage.

Early last year, businessman Michael Frey was preparing to pitch Luxor president Felix Rappaport on a taco and tequila restaurant.

Spurring the process along, Rappaport, through an intermediary, had an e-mail sent to Frey saying he was losing his enthusiasm for the project.

"He was teasing. I wanted to tease back," Frey said.

When Rappaport and his vice president arrived for the presentation in a Luxor conference room, they were greeted by an all-female mariachi band and a live fighting cock in a cage.

"When the music started, the rooster started crowing and jumping around. We had a sign on the cage that said 'T & T legal counsel," said Frey, who gave designer Adam Tihany credit for the idea.

Co-owners Frey and Craig Gilbert decided the rooster was the perfect symbol for the Caribbean-themed Rhumbar.

Rhumbar's grand opening VIP party is from 6-8 p.m. tonight. It's located in the former Siegfried & Roy gift shop across from BLT Burger, the space formerly occupied by the white tiger exhibit. The patio features water on one side and The Mirage volcano on the other.

The Scene And Heard

Adult film star Jenna Jameson and former UFC star Tito Ortiz had twin sons on Monday. ...

Vera Goulet, widow of the late singing star Robert Goulet, is flying to Los Angeles today to attend the funeral of Altovise Davis, the widow of Sammy Davis Jr. She died Saturday in Los Angeles after suffering a stroke. She was 65. The Davises and Goulets were close friends for years and often traveled together. During one of their trips, a 1975 visit to rainy Paris, Vera Goulet said their limo pulled up to a stoplight. "Sammy got out of the limo and did his 'Singing In the Rain'" (song and dance routine) in front of a disbelieving crowd. "It was spontaneous. This was his personality. Altovise just laughed and laughed." When Robert died in October 2007, "the second call I got was Altovise. The first was Julie Andrews," Robert's Broadway co-star in "Camelot."

Sightings

Steve Wynn and his girlfriend, Andrea Hissom, attending a birthday party for the wife of South African hotel and gambling magnate Sol Kerzner at The Dorchester in London on Saturday night. Also in attendance: Sarah Ferguson, Simon Le Bon and Geri Halliwell. ... Famous sisters Joan and Jackie Collins, meeting with Cher backstage after her show Tuesday at Caesars Palace.

Thursday 03-19-09

Remembering Davis' 'jewel'

Altovise Davis was the light of Sammy Davis Jr.'s life, "his jewel," according to close friend Breck Wall.

"I don't think anyone loved life more than those two," said Wall, whose "Bottom's Up" burlesque show was one of the longest running acts in the entertainment capital of the world.

"We were like family," said Wall, who spent many a night in the Davis suite as Altovise's partner in a fierce game of charades with Sammy after his show.

The former chorus line dancer, who grew up in Brooklyn and was married to Sammy Davis for 20 years before he died in 1990, was buried in Los Angeles on Wednesday. She died Saturday from a stroke. She was 65.

Sammy and Altovise met in the mid-1960s while both were performing on Broadway. He was in the musical "Golden Boy" and she was in the chorus line of "High Spirits," according to published reports.

They started seeing each other in 1967, and she moved to London in the last 1960s to perform with him in "Golden Boy." She became his third wife in 1970 in Philadelphia.

After "Golden Boy" ended its run, she joined his nightclub act as a dancer. They adopted a son, Manny, in 1989.

"She was the best thing that ever happened to him," said Wall, now retired at age 73.

The last time many of us saw her was two years ago in February at Sammy's Walk of Stars ceremony at the Riviera. I had met her in February 2000, through a blind date arranged by her dear friends Robert and Vera Goulet.

Come over to the house, Robert said. "Don't bring a date. We have someone we want you meet."

Altovise arrived fashionably late and lit up the room with her smile and beauty. After our introduction and a glass of wine, Robert established the ground rules, no note-taking, no story, before we headed for Picasso restaurant at Bellagio.

The story swapping went on for three hours, and it was pure agony knowing I couldn't share their memories. It was a night of tears and laughter, often at the same time. A couple times her voice had a tinge of bitterness over the IRS mess she struggled with.

Near the end of the evening, I asked Altovise whether she had a special memory that linked Sammy with Las Vegas.

"Ohhhhh, yes," she said softly.

On the day of Sammy's funeral, the house had finally emptied of well-wishers, in time for a handful of family members to view the 10 p.m. telecast.

The lead story was Sammy's funeral, and at the end of it, the anchor noted that the Strip "had gone dark" to honor the legendary entertainer. Their adopted son turned to Altovise, uncertain of what it meant.

"Is that a good thing?" he asked.

"Yes, honey, that's a very good thing," she said.

I asked her whether I could print that story.

She agreed.

Sightings

Retired NFL legend John Elway, dining with friends Tuesday at Fix Restaurant & Bar (Bellagio). ... Michael Strahan, retired All-Pro defensive end from the New York Giants, shopping Wednesday at the Forum Shops with his girlfriend. ... Dr. Dre, who is in for a month to work on a project at the Palms recording studios, working out Wednesday at the Las Vegas Athletic Club at 215 and Flamingo. ... Paris Hilton and former Sugar Ray frontman Mark McGrath, announcing Lavo's sexiest leprechaun contest Tuesday. McGrath proudly showed his Irish by revealing several shamrock tattoos and his green shoelaces. She's in town shooting "My New BFF" with boyfriend Doug Reinhardt. ... At Planet Hollywood Resort: Sisters Joan and Jackie Collins, having dinner at KOI and playing some blackjack on the casino floor. They had heads spinning when they walked into Planet Dailies for breakfast Wednesday. ... Retired NFL quarterback Jim Plunkett, dining N9NE Steakhouse (Palms) on Tuesday with friends.

Friday 03-20-09

Mayor to ride in for 'Knight' stunt

When it comes to grand entrances, Mayor Oscar Goodman is the king.

At 6 tonight, he is arriving on the ride of all rides: K.I.T.T., the iconic talking car from David Hasselhoff's hit 1980s show "Knight Rider," will come down Fremont Street balanced on two side wheels.

It's known as the ski stunt and the last time it was seen on Fremont Street was 1971, when a yellow Mustang performed the maneuver during a race scene in the James Bond flick "Diamonds Are Forever."

K.I.T.T., a customized Shelby Mustang, will deliver Goodman to a First Street stage, where he will join 18 celebrities and designate Saturday as Knight Rider Festival Day. Some 50 K.I.T.T. cars, including the new one that appears in NBC's new "Knight Rider" series, will be on display on Fremont Street. Among the celebrities will be Justin Bruening, the star of the new series, and Catherine Hickland, who appeared in three episodes of the original series while engaged to Hasselhoff. The original "Knight Rider" ran from 1982 to 1986.

Also attending will be custom car icon George Barris, who created the Batmobile, the Ghostbusters Ecto-1 and flashy wheels for Zsa Zsa Gabor, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Bo Derek and David Lee Roth.

The event is part of a benefit for the Children's Miracle Network.

Paul Casey, a local Elvis impersonator and car enthusiast, organized and produced the event. The Children's Miracle Network is a nonprofit network that raises funds for children's hospitals. Casey got involved with the charity after after his daughter Jobyna, now 14 months old, was born with special needs.

PLAYMATE CORONATION IN LAS VEGAS

Playboy's Playmate of the Year coronation is moving from the Playboy Mansion in Los Angeles to Las Vegas this year.

It will be held at Palms Place on May 2, part of a Saturday night dinner instead of the luncheon format.

All the 2008 issue Playmates are scheduled to attend.

The after-party will be held at The Playboy Club. Playboy founder Hugh Hefner is scheduled to be there, but his two new girlfriends, Karissa and Kristina Shannon, won't be able to attend because they are not 21.

Hefner will be celebrating his 83rd birthday at The Playboy Club on April 2.

The Scene And Heard

A budding "American Idol" romance has a Las Vegas connection. We hear Kai Kalama, who made the Top 36 of Season 8, has been seen with finalist Megan Corkery, offering support. She's the tattoo-sleeved single mom from Sandy, Utah. Kalama's father, Ron Kalama, heads The Venetian's gondolier program for Best Agency. The son lives in San Clemente, Calif., where he cares for his mother, who has cancer.

May I Recommend

Vote early, vote often for the "Dancing with the Las Vegas Stars" charity competition, which is being held April 19 at the Palms' Rain nightclub. Goodman, Chet Buchanan of The Morning Zoo at KLUC-radio, 98.5 FM, and Chris Phillips of Zowie Bowie are among the contestants. A vote costs $1, and voting is under way at the Web site, dancingwiththelasvegasstars.com. Awards are $10,000 for first place, $5,000 for second and third, and $2,500 for fourth and fifth. All proceeds will benefit the Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada, American Cancer Society, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, The Caring Place and Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Sightings

NFL Hall of Famer Dick Butkus, getting a haircut at Primp salon at Palms Place on Thursday. ... At LAX nightclub (Luxor) on Wednesday: Busta Rhymes, former NFL star Marshall Faulk, former NBA standout Antoine Walker and San Diego Chargers wide receiver Vincent Jackson. ... Former NASCAR champion Rusty Wallace, relaxing at Drift Spa at Palms Place on Thursday. ... Retired New York Giants star Michael Strahan and Fox Sports writer/commentator Jay Glazer, with friends at Revolution Lounge (Mirage) on Wednesday night. ... UFC lightweight champion BJ Penn, dining at N9NE Steakhouse (Palms) on Wednesday.

Order Vegas Confidential: Sinsational Celebrity Tales

Norm Clarke's newest book, Vegas Confidential: Sinsational Celebrity Tales ($12.95, Stephens Press, February 2008), dishes up a feast from Sin City's Ace Insider on celeb's club hopping, spending sprees, outrageous behavior, feuds and meltdowns, and the best (and worst) tippers.