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Access Atlanta > Blog > Archives > 2006 > March > 30
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Keeping track of the Matts
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
With “We Are … Marshall” set to begin filming here, Buzz readers can prepare for lots of celebrity sightings in coming weeks of the film’s stars, “Failure to Launch” actor Matthew McConaughey and “Lost” actor Matthew Fox.
For example, McConaughey and a guest were spotted lunching at a packed Buckhead Diner Wednesday. We’re told that chef Joey Riley, after hearing that the Texan had a “hankering’” for tuna, delivered a special appetizer to the VIP.
McConaughey and pal also noshed on a burger and shrimp salad before ducking out to their car. A report into Buzz Central indicated that “other guests in the restaurant were respectful, if a little starstruck. In fact, some ladies sitting near peeked around the actor’s booth and said a shy ‘hello.’ ”
Upon his exit, McConaughey shook the hand of general manager Shannon Dye, thanked him for his hospitality and promised he’d return.
Belle on Broadway
The first lines spoken by ex-Smyrna gal Julia Roberts in her Broadway debut were drowned out by applause at an eagerly awaited preview of “Three Days of Rain.”
The play, which started previews Tuesday and opens April 19 at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre, is Roberts’ first major project since the birth of her 16-month-old twins, Phinnaeus and Hazel.
A prop tomato fell onto the floor during the preview, making a noise that prompted laughter from the actress, the New York Post reported Wednesday.
Appearing in Richard Greenberg’s 1997 Pulitzer Prize nominee, Roberts plays a woman unraveling the truth behind her father’s death and in the second act plays the woman’s mother. Roberts co-stars with Paul Rudd and Bradley Cooper.
Music heavyweights light up Atlantic Station
The searchlights and the drama swirled on the red carpet Tuesday night at Atlantic Station as the stars of the new Chris Robinson-directed “ATL” gathered at the Regal Cinema for the film’s Atlanta premiere.
The comedy-drama, set and shot here, is loosely based on the childhoods of record producer Dallas Austin and TLC member Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins. The film’s star is Atlanta rapper and actor Tip “T.I.” Harris. And it was obvious from the start that the rapper, whose latest album, “King,” also made its debut Tuesday, was the reason most of the thousands of fans were screaming and pressing against the police barricades.
“I can’t tell you how thrilled I am that this night is finally here,” Watkins told Buzz. She serves as an executive producer on the film with her old skating pal Austin. Looking luminous in a shimmering gown as photographers snapped away, Watkins could have been mistaken for one of the film’s actresses. “It’s been a long 12 years. But it was worth it.”
OutKast member Antwan “Big Boi” Patton also had trouble getting down the carpet as fans and reporters screamed “Big Boi!” to him. Patton, who also stars with rap partner André Benjamin in the upcoming “Idlewild,” is enjoying his new career as an actor. In “ATL,” he plays a gun-toting drug dealer. “It was fun getting to play the villain,” he said.
The Buzz faux pas of the evening occurred when actor Mykelti Williamson, who plays the role of Uncle George in the flick, arrived. We flat out didn’t recognize the actor from the film that we caught at a press screening last week. So we stuck out our hand, introduced ourselves and told him: “Sorry, sir, didn’t catch your name.” Pulling his hand away, Williamson replied: “Well, if you don’t know who I am there’s no reason to do an interview” and walked off. Mind you, Williamson’s last major role was playing Bubba in “Forrest Gump,” which was released in 1994. Since then, Williamson has kept busy filming guest shots on “Third Watch,” “Touched By an Angel” and “Monk.”
Buzz felt a bit better when media reps from the far-cooler hip-hop mag Grip also had no clue who the star-tripping thespian was.
Dallas Austin could have given Williamson a few etiquette lessons. The always gracious Atlanta music mogul told us he’s grateful to finally have this piece of his childhood captured on celluloid. “I honestly never thought this night would come,” he said. “There were a lot of hills to climb, but it’s finally done, and it was important to me to have it done here in Atlanta, where it belongs.”
When T.I. finally appeared, the Atlanta rapper nearly missed the red carpet throng when his limo overshot it. After satisfying screaming fans who were waving “King” posters and posing for pictures, Harris dove into the media frenzy.
“Today’s been completely great,” he told us, smiling. “Between the album and this film, it feels like years of a lot of hard work is finally paying off.”
Other celebs spotted strolling on the red carpet: Atlanta Falcon Michael Vick, Jazzy Pha, V103 morning man Frank Ski and hip-hop stars Trey Songz and Young Jeezy.
Celebrity birthdays
Actor Warren Beatty is 69. Musician Eric Clapton is 61. Actor Robbie Coltrane (“Harry Potter”) is 56. Actor Paul Reiser is 49. Singer Tracy Chapman is 42. Singer Celine Dion is 38. Singer Norah Jones is 27.
Contributing: News services.
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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