October 27, 2008 1:58 PM
by Jill Dobson

Jill Dobson gets spooked!
If you’re heading to a costume party this Halloween weekend – stay tuned – we’ve got some great ideas for you!
I headed to retailer Ricky’s NYC to scope out the hottest costumes. If you’ve ever wanted to become one of the biggest stars of TV and film – this is the time to do it! It seems like nearly every costume is inspired by Hollywood (and/or politics)!
From “The Dark Knight” to “High School Musical” and everything in between – there are a lot of fun options for adults and kids!
I started trying on costumes, but there were so many options I had to pull in the whole crew. A huge thanks to Fox Entertainment Producer Extraordinaire Ashley Dvorkin (Charlotte York, Miranda Hobbs); Fox web guru and VP Mike Straka (Batman, Indiana Jones, Iron Man); and Fox intern Kendall Green (Saw)!
Thanks also to the folks at Ricky’s for letting us ransack their store! We had a LOT of fun, as you can see from this clip:
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P.S. Ricky’s even has a Joe-the-Plumber costume! So grab a plunger and have fun trick-or-treating!
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Posted Under: Behind the Scenes, In Other News, In the Field, Personal Side
October 15, 2008 1:58 PM
by Jill Dobson
It is widely agreed that Madonna’s ability to shape her image is one of the main keys to her enduring success. In an interview earlier this year, she told me the key keeping her image fresh, saying, “I’m curious, I pay attention to what’s going on around me. I’m always looking for new energy, new talent.”
Here’s my full Madonna interview:
Madonna and publicist Liz Rosenberg are also very, very smart about the timing of any important image-shaping announcements. Of course, that includes today’s statement from Rosenberg to the AP that Madonna and husband Guy Ritchie have agreed to divorce. Full story here >>
Let’s take a look at Madonna’s past few days:
• Sunday: concert in NYC for her “Sticky and Sweet tour”
• Monday: premiere in NYC of Madonna’s directorial debut film “Filth and Wisdom”
• Tuesday: no major Madonna events
• Wednesday: announcement of the couple’s split
By waiting until after Madonna’s latest red carpet event, Rosenberg shielded her from being asked about the split – keeping the focus on her film instead.
Tonight, Madonna is expected to continue with her tour as planned, with a performance in Boston. She’ll show her endurance and will stay in the spotlight – but without any press lines to walk.
And the icing of the cake: the final Presidential debate is tonight – making the election, not Madonna’s divorce – the biggest story on the news and keeping the media at bay. Just where she wants it.
Well played, Madonna.
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Posted Under: Behind the Scenes
October 10, 2008 2:13 PM
by Jill Dobson
Bill Murray is suddenly everywhere! He was back on Saturday Night Live this week – as a guest on the special Thursday election episode last night. He’s on the bigscreen tonight – as his film, “City of Ember” opens nationwide. And he also sat down recently with me to discuss films, fitness, and… Ghostbusters!!
Amid rumors of an upcoming Ghostbusters 3 movie, he tells me he did recently step into the role of Dr. Peter Venkman again. But before that, he had to put on what he calls “a little Michelin Man kinda thing” around his belly to add weight for his “City of Ember” role. Check out the clip to see for yourself:
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Murray was very friendly and talkative during our interview, but sadly, the publicists wrapped me before I could ask him more Ghostbusters questions, or find out the SNL alum’s perspective on election season. Ahh, the fast-paced world of celebrity journalism… you get 4 minutes and then it’s on to the next one!
While I think up more questions I WISH I could’ve asked, you can grab the kids for the PG-rated “City of Ember,” in theaters this weekend!
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Posted Under: Behind the Scenes
October 5, 2008 12:27 AM
by Jill Dobson
Just another day at the office… I interviewed Angelina Jolie for the first time! Her latest film, “Changeling” premiered in New York City and she showed up on the red carpet with Brad Pitt on her arm.
She looked fantastic in her black strapless dress, and I’ve never heard the paparazzi go quite so crazy. They were SCREAMING at her throughout my interview, begging her to pose for more photos. She actually stopped answering my question for a second to say, “God, that’s annoying.” But she made everyone happy — giving me good soundbites, then heading over to give the photogs a few more shots.
While the event organizers literally rolled out the red carpet for Angelina, it wasn’t quite so glamorous for those of us in the media! We were smushed between a barricade and a tent, as you can see from my snapshot. And in case you ever wondered if all entertainment reporters look alike, just look at the CBS reporter on the left compared to me on the right!
“Changeling” director Clint Eastwood said Jolie was perfect for the film because, “She just captures the imagination. If I ran for office, she’ll be my VP!”
There’s a Vice Presidential choice that would get people buzzing!
The film tells the true story of a woman in the late 1920’s who fights the LAPD after her son is missing, and a different child is returned to her. As Jolie told me, “She fought the system,and it’s democracy in action and in the end, it’s great. In the end there’s a victory on one level and what she did for other women… so those justice issues I was drawn to but it’s also a very emotional story.”
The main emotion I’m feeling — gratitude for this awesome gig as Fox Entertainment Reporter. It’s not everyday one is face-to-face with Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie and Clint Eastwood!
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Posted Under: Behind the Scenes, National News
October 3, 2008 9:04 PM
by Jill Dobson
If you’re hoping for celebrity sightings during your next visit to the Big Apple, you might want to buy some Broadway tickets! Katie Holmes is starring in “All My Sons,” while Jeremy Piven has stepped off the “Entourage” set and onto the stage for “Speed-the-Plow.”
And “American Idol” fans can catch Season 5 standout Ace Young on Broadway’s “Grease” revival. He plays T-Bird leader Kenickie and brings down the house during his solo number!
Entertainment Producer Extraordinaire Ashley Dvorkin and I caught up with Ace for a backstage tour, a closeup look at Greased Lightin’… and some exclusive behind-the-scenes scoop! While he does a great job playing a tough guy, he’s definitely a nice guy in real life. Watch the clip to see for yourself:
You’ll have to visit New York soon to catch “Grease” during Ace’s 4-month run! Dvorkin and I can tell you that during the show we visited, the theatre was packed – so grab tickets while you can! And if you want Ace’s autograph, line up by the stage door early – as we found out, the Idol grad has a LOT of loyal fans!
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Posted Under: Behind the Scenes, National News