ROLL CALL: Simon, Britney, Eva, ‘Indy 4’ & More!

Your Daily Dispatch of Celebrity Shenanigans by Tommy Vergason

March 16, 2007

DEAR BRITNEY: Fans of Britney Spears take note: you now have the chance to send a personal message to her via her official website, and the notes of encouragement have been pouring in from not only here in the U.S., but from across the globe. As “Laura” from the UK writes, “I hope you are feeling better in yourself, i have been thinking about you and praying for you. You are the best female artist ever, all your fans are missing you and want the best for you. Relax and don’t rush yourself, we are here for as long as it takes for you to get better.” Check out the other entries from concerned fans, or write a note to Britney yourself here.

LET MODELS BE MODELS: Rachel Hunter is showing support for fellow models by denouncing the usage of professional singers and actors in fashion campaigns, according to VH1’s BEST WEEK EVER. The article states that Hunter spoke to the press as she premiered her new Lola line of swimsuits in New Zealand on Wednesday, and reportedly had this to say about famous celebs substituting for models in the media: ?For years now we have seen people on the covers of magazines that aren?t models, they are actresses and it?s disappointing. Sports Illustrated this year had Beyonce Knowles on the cover. What?s left for young girls to aspire to if they want to be models?? Incidentally, singer/actress Carmen Electra reportedly tried her hand at modeling at a Max Factor event last night, but ended up falling on her behind due to the slippery runway, reports E! ONLINE’s MARC MALKIN.

INDIANA CATE: An Oscar winning actress who is no stranger to fashion has been cast in a much-anticipated sequel, says THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER. Cate Blanchett has reportedly signed on to costar in “Indiana Jones IV” alongside Harrison Ford. Details of her role are being kept under wraps, but sources indicate that her part is substantial. Director Steven Spielberg made headlines himself today, as VARIETY announces that cable channel Showtime is fast-tracking a comedic series developed by Speilberg called “The United States of Tara.” The series is about a seemingly ordinary wife and mother who suffers from multiple personality disorder, and the family who has to cope with her various personas that emerge when she’s under stress. The role of Tara, said to be a potential “tour de force” for the right actress, has yet to be cast.

More Celebrity Scoop After the Video!

SIMON GETS JUDGED: “American Idol” judge and music/TV producer Simon Cowell seems to think of himself as a “tour de force,” as his statement about being more valuable to SonyBMG than Bruce Springsteen attests. The people at US WEEKLY wonder if Cowell sometimes goes too far with his blustery statements, including his recent “jab” at “Idol” host Ryan Seacrest about coming out of the closet. An online poll shows that 57% of over 700 voters feel that he did go too far in that instance, and you can add your two cents to the debate here.

DON’T CRY FOR SINBAD: While it’s a wonderful notion that everyday joes can influence online content in various ways, it sometimes leads to misinformation. Such is the case for comedian Sinbad, who had a false report of his death posted on user-edited online encyclopedia wikipedia.com, reports THE ASSOCIATED PRESS. According to the report, someone edited Sinbad’s entry to say that he had died of a heart attack. A very-much alive Sinbad proved the report wrong and has reportedly laughed it off, noting that things like this are inevitable in this day and age: “It’s gonna be more commonplace as the Internet opens up more and more. It’s not that strange.” As ACCESS HOLLYWOOD reported last week, actress Winona Ryder and singer Amy Grant have had false reports of their deaths surface recently as well.

EVA HAS HER CAKE AND EATS IT TOO: And finally, a happy occasion for the lively and dynamic Eva Longoria, as she celebrates her 32nd birthday. PEOPLE reports that Eva celebrated her birthday and her new gig as spokeswoman for Bebe Sport at the Skybar at L.A.‘s Mondrian Hotel on Wednesday. “Tomorrow is the actual birthday,” she told PEOPLE. “I spent my birthday with Tony [Parker] already so that was the romantic birthday. Now it’s just fun.” Other celebrating celebrities at the birthday bash reportedly included Katharine McPhee, Hilary Duff, and Willa Ford.