Lea Michele of Glee is a very talented singer. She also inspires all kinds of hate because she is a consummate diva-in-the-making. Her tears for Chris Colfer and Jane Lynch at the Golden Globes were way over-the-top, and many were glad when she lost to Laura Linney.

It’s no surprise that Lea is becoming a diva. She idolizes full-fledged diva Barbra Streisand, not only for her voice but for her nose.

I grew up in this typical New Jersey town where everyone looked the same. If you didn’t have a nose job, you were about to. Agents and casting directors told me to get one, but my mother said, “Barbra Streisand never did — and neither are you.”

When I met [Glee creator] Ryan Murphy, he asked if I’d ever seen Funny Girl. I said no. When I did see it, I cried my eyes out. Her character felt and looked so much like me! From then, I’ve been obsessed with Barbra. Her voice is perfect. She doesn’t need any tricks. What makes her a rare talent is she can just stand there and sing.

On Glee I’ve sung four of her songs. Every time I do “Funny Girl” I cry. Singing her music [at the MusiCares gala on Feb. 11] isn’t about getting to be in the same room as her or having her hear my voice. (Though I’m nervous — hopefully I won’t vomit!) It’s about me just saying thank you.

[People, print edition, February 27, 2011]

I don’t feel the same hate for Lea as others do, but I don’t watch Glee so I’m not subjected to her every week. Her comments do have an undercurrent of ego in them. She says Barbra’s character “felt and looked so much like me,” not “I felt and looked so much like Barbra.” Plus, I think she’s relishing the opportunity to sing in front of Barbra at MusiCares. Expect more drama tears.

Note by Celebitchy: Lea Michele was seated next to True Grit star Hailee Steinfeld at the SAG Awards, and it looks like Lea and Hailee made up. Hailee told a story a couple of weeks ago about Lea snubbing her on set when she asked for an autograph, and Lea subsequently blamed someone else for it.

The 1963 film version of Cleopatra is infamous because the behind-the-scenes drama between Elizabeth Taylor and 2-time husband Richard Burton was more interesting than the movie itself. That film took two and a half years to film and cost $44 million, and was a huge flop.

Now, with every other Hollywood film a remake and the publication of Cleopatra: A Life by Stacy Schiff, Entertainment Weekly reports another Cleopatra film is in the works, with Angelina Jolie as the famous Egyptian queen.

While most Hollywood producers would probably regard Cleopatra as a cautionary tale — the kind of runaway fiscal sinkhole they’d want to avoid at, literally, all costs — Scott Rudin sees an epic opportunity. The prolific producer, who currently has two Oscar front-runners to his credit (True Grit and The Social Network), is nearing the starting line on a Cleopatra biopic for Sony. Brian Helgeland (L.A. Confidential, Mystic River) is finishing the script, and Rudin is now on the hunt for a director.

…Based on Pulitzer Prize-winning author Stacy Schiff’s New York Times best-seller Cleopatra: A Life, the big-budget, 3-D film will try to redefine what we’ve thought about the notorious woman who almost brought Caesar’s Rome to its knees.

“The story of Cleopatra has historically been told by men, starting with Cicero,” says Rudin, who’s been developing the project for the past four years… “This is a very different look at this woman. Cleopatra was a politician, warrior, soldier, and strategist — as opposed to just a seductress.”

But if you’re worried the film will be a snoozy, steam-free history lesson, think again: Angelina Jolie is attached to play Cleopatra. “It’s only a movie with her [in it],” says Rudin. “Who else could play it? Who do you get if not her? She’s a gigantic movie star, a great actress. She’s got an unbelievable variety of aspects to her.”

Schiff agrees. “This is a figure where you have to have someone who is almost larger than life — a goddess. She’s got to be able to leap off the screen. There’s only a couple of actresses who fit that description.”

Actually, Jolie has been involved with the project ever since Rudin snapped up the rights to Schiff’s book. And the actress has long been a favorite of Sony Pictures head Amy Pascal, who most recently constructed the studio’s female action tent pole Salt around her.

Of course, the biggest — and most tantalizing — question remaining before Cleopatra goes in front of the cameras is one that circles back to the infamous ‘60s version. With Jolie as one half of the most notorious love story ever filmed, who will be her Mark Antony? Brad Pitt, perhaps? Given the gallons of nasty gossip-column ink that were spilled chronicling Taylor and Burton’s offscreen exploits last time — and the near-bankrupting disaster that ensued — don’t bet on it.

[Entertainment Weekly, print edition, February 4, 2011]

Angie is a perfect choice to play Cleopatra. She already played ancient royalty in Alexander (complete with snakes). Scott Rudin is right. Angelina has the screen presence needed to pull it off, something very few actresses have; the only other actress I can think of would be Halle Berry. This film needs more than a good actress — it needs a movie star.

Brad Pitt as Mark Antony is a bad idea. They might have good chemistry like in Mr. and Mrs. Smith, but this film needs a stronger actor to go up against Angelina. I personally vote for Viggo Mortensen, but I’m probably in the minority. What about Gerard Butler? Sean Bean? Russell Crowe?

And why on earth does this film need to be 3-D? 3-D films give me migraines, and just because they can make it in 3-D doesn’t mean they should.

NOTE BY KAISER: I reported this back when Schiff was promoting her book, last June. Schiff seemed to be using Angelina’s name in interviews to promote the book, saying that Angelina was her (Schiff’s) personal idea of a modern Cleopatra. In interviews for Salt and The Tourist, Jolie got questions about playing Cleopatra, and she gave the impression that she’s interested in playing Cleopatra, but hasn’t signed on to anything yet, and that she wouldn’t sign on until she saw a script.

Promotional images from ‘Alexander’.

New parents Orlando Bloom and Miranda Kerr are known for their environmental activism. Orlando is involved with both UNICEF and Global Green, while Miranda has her own line of organic beauty products and gave birth to son Flynn without pain medications.

So it makes sense that the nursery for Flynn would be “green,” as in eco-friendly. But Mirlando have taken it a step further — the nursery is literally green.

Miranda Kerr and Orlando Bloom have spent the past few months renovating their home to make room for their new baby boy, Flynn!

“Miranda and Orlando have spent weeks decorating Flynn’s nursery, child-proofing and making it completely eco-friendly,” a source tells In Touch. “They painted it a pale green, and his mattress, blankets and clothes are all organic!”

[In Touch, print edition, February 7, 2011]

Orlando has taken a lengthy break from big Hollywood movies, playing supporting roles in independent films like Main Street and Sympathy for Delicious instead. But he will be back in blockbusters like The Three Musketeers (as the bad guy) and hopefully The Hobbit. He was also just announced as the lead in The Laureate, playing poet Robert Graves.

With her interest in health and beauty, Miranda should be back in bikinis for Victoria’s Secret soon too.

Their passion for the earth and interest in Buddhism are why these two seem to be a good match, and it’s nice to see them raising their son in the same way. But the Orly-loonie part of me is glad Orlando will be back on the big screen, especially as Legolas.

Photos courtesy of Fame and Miranda’s blog.

Reese Witherspoon seems to be a down-to-earth non-diva, like she’d browse the bargain rack at The Gap just as easily as she’d wear couture. But that doesn’t mean she doesn’t have expensive tastes, as her new fiance Jim Toth is finding out. Fortunately, Jim apparently doesn’t mind and makes enough money as an agent (for Robert Downey Jr. and Tobey Maguire, amongst others) to treat Reese in the manner she likes.

Jim Toth’s dream came true when his girlfriend of less than a year, Oscar-winning actress Reese Witherspoon, accepted his Christmas proposal. And he spares no expense in treating her as an A-lister should be treated. “Jim won’t let Reese pay for anything,” a friend of the Hollywood agent tells In Touch.

In a town where extravagant rings are the norm, Jim insisted on the best [engagement ring] money could buy for Reese. “He was drawn to the rarity of the stone,” says jeweler William Goldberg, who custom-designed the spectacular 4-carat sparkler.

While half a million may seem like small change to Reese, 34, who raked in $32 million in 2010 according to Forbes, the ring is an expression of the highly dedicated Creative Artists Agency employee’s love for Reese.

…Now that he’s marrying one of Hollywood’s highest earners, Jim wants to provide her with the things he feels she deserves. “Reese is one of those ladies you need to spoil,” explains the friend, although a rep for Reese denies the story. “She is not materialistic, but she is accustomed to the guy paying for things — she’s Southern and traditional that way.”

And chivalrous Jim is more than happy to oblige. “He opens doors for her, and he holds her hand,” notes the friend. “Jim thinks Reese is so amazing and believes she deserves the world. He knows she is a great woman and mom, so he tries to show her that in every way possible.”

[In Touch Weekly, print edition, February 7, 2011]

Although they say Reese’s rep denies it, this story is very sweet, making me think the rep isn’t entirely unhappy about it.

In Touch estimates that Jim spent $450,000 on Reese’s engagement ring. It’s a rare Ashoka cut-diamond — “only 10 percent of gems can be cut in the unique shape.”

He also reportedly spends $26,000 for front row Lakers seats; $15,000 on Reese’s favorite restaurants like Giorgio Baldi, Shutters and Red O; plus, he drives a leased $200,000 Mercedes-Benz.

These two seem like a good couple. Actresses usually have better luck with men who work in the industry but who aren’t actors, like Julia Roberts and her cinematographer husband. There’s less competition for the spotlight, I think, and there aren’t as many ego clashes. Hopefully, the money won’t run out!

Photos courtesy of Fame & WENN.

Jim Parsons of The Big Bang Theory is having a great run at awards ceremonies. He won the Emmy and he’s fresh off a win at the Golden Globes. Life is a bit bumpier in his private life. According to National Enquirer, Jim’s fiancé Todd Spiewak called off their wedding because Jim doesn’t want kids.

The wedding is off for Big Bang Theory star Jim Parsons!

The actor’s fiance, Todd Spiewak, put the brakes on their marriage plans after the couple disagreed on whether to adopt children.

“Jim and Todd have been together for quite a while, but never really talked kids. Todd always assumed that Jim wanted to have a family,” stated a friend of the couple.

“Jim recently made a joke about how he couldn’t handle being around children, and when Todd asked him about having kids together, Jim said ‘no way.’ Todd was heartbroken. They both love each other very much and are still living together, but their relationship is shaken up right now.”

…Jim, 37, proposed to 33-year-old Todd, an art director, and the two had been planning a Christmas wedding in Massachusetts, where gay marriage is legal. Those plans unraveled before the holidays when the men began serious discussions about starting a family.

However, in recent weeks Jim has started to reconsider his “no-kids” policy, says the friend.

“Jim loves Todd deeply and can’t imagine life without him, so he’s seriously rethinking his view on children. For now, everything is on hold.”

[National Enquirer, print edition, February 7, 2011]

Having or not having kids is a big deal in a relationship. With Neil Patrick Harris and Elton John both having children through surrogate mothers, Jim may lessen his view on not having kids. But it’s definitely something he and Todd should decide before getting married.

Don’t expect to see Jim and Todd at this Sunday’s SAG Awards. The Big Bang Theory was shut out of any nominations.

The Big Bang Theory airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. on CBS.

Note by Kaiser: In the photos below, I’m pretty sure that Jim’s boyfriend is the dude walking behind him!

Photos courtesy of WENN.

Finally, there will be a new episode of The Vampire Diaries on Thursday. It seems like it’s been years since they left us hanging.

I didn’t get into TVD at first. Then CW ran a week-long marathon of episodes and I got hooked, mostly because of Ian Somerhalder and his epic smarmy prettiness as Damon Salvatore. Turns out Ian is multi-talented.

What’s the hardest part about playing a vampire?

Night shoots. We’re all up working until 7 a.m., then we sleep all day and go back to work at night. It kicks our asses.

How do you impress a girl?

I cook for her. They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. It’s the same way with women…or at least the ones I want to be with. And I once flew to Paris to see someone for a matter of hours — just to have lunch.

What’s a dating deal breaker for you?

Someone who hates animals. I work with the Humane Society a lot and have three rescue cats. I don’t care how hot a girl is — if she doesn’t like animals, it would be a major, major problem.

Describe the most fearless thing you’ve ever done.

Shark diving in South Africa. Being in an 8-by-8-foot cage suspended over 3,000 feet of water with huge sharks swimming around is intense.

Do you have any hidden talents?

I can write with absolutely perfect penmanship with my feet. If I broke both my arms, I could still write a girl a love letter using just my toes.

[Cosmo, print edition, February 2011]

He is pretty, but he’s also serious about helping animals. He started a foundation, called the Ian Somerhalder Foundation, to help animals in his home state of Louisiana and aid other environmental causes. I love a man who loves animals.

CW is currently running billboards for the show with the slogan “Catch VD.” Oh, CW, you’re always so classy.

SPOILER ALERT: Ian tweeted a photo of Damon’s on-show girlfriend, and it’s not Rose. It’s the werewolf chick, Jules. END SPOILERS

Ian was also Boone on my beloved Lost. He was rumored at the time to be dating his co-star Maggie Grace. Now, he’s reportedly dating his co-star Nina Dobrev, roughly 10 years his junior. And if he cooks for Nina, she must have the metabolism of a hummingbird, because that girl is skinny.

The Vampire Diaries airs Thursdays at 8PM on CW.

Photos courtesy of WENN.

Simon Baker, 41, may look like a really hot cherub, but I have a feeling he’s one of those pretty men who swears like a sailor and is into all sorts of the kinkiest things Kaiser can imagine.

He is one of Cosmo magazine’s Fun Fearless Males. Russell Brand is the top male, but his interview is mostly about how wonderful marriage to Katy Perry is. Simon’s is juicier. Imagine him answering these questions in his real Australian accent and not the fake (but still good) one he does for The Mentalist.

What would you never want to hear a woman say?

I like a foulmouthed woman, so….

How did you know your wife was The One?

You know how after a certain period of time, you feel comfortable around someone? That didn’t happen with her. She’s always kept me on my toes. I still feel like I’m trying to pick her up.

What scares the hell out of you?

Power-walking women with big coffee mugs in their hands. They’re owning that sh-t and so caffeinated out of their brains, it’s not even funny.

Describe the most fearless thing you’ve done.

I’ve done a lot of things that make me think, Why the f–k did I do that? — like surfing naked in the middle of the night. But the most fearless was having my first kid. I was unemployed, and my wife and I were just kids ourselves.

[Cosmo, print edition, February 2011]

Simon and his wife Rebecca, 43, (presumably the lucky foulmouthed woman he likes), have three children together and have been married 12 years.

Maybe we should start a petition to make Simon this year’s Sexiest Man Alive? I think there are sexier men, but People will never put Viggo Mortensen or Gael Garcia Bernal on the cover, so I can get behind Simon for SMA.

Simon and Rebecca are shown on 1/22/11 and at the beach in June, 2010. Credit: WENN.com

Chris Noth is an underappreciated actor, probably because he seems like a bit of a prick in real life. Yet he still keeps getting plum roles, like in The Good Wife or as the iconic Big in Sex & the City. But to me, he’ll always be Detective Mike Logan from Law & Order. The original Law & Order, that is. I couldn’t watch him on that spinoff Criminal Intent because I really disliked the show, and it turns out Noth feels the same way.

I wasn’t happy on that show. I was a little happier when Julianne Nicholson joined me. But I found that show preposterous. Mind-numbing. I feel bad because I was one of the persons who helped start that thing originally, back with Jerry Orbach. I was unhappy on that show. I had a great deal, but it was torturous. Sometimes the actor in me says, “You’re getting way too comfortable.” And then I need to move on.

[Watch!, print edition, February 2011]

I miss Jerry Orbach.

Noth also admits he has no more interest in the character of Mr. Big, although that’s who he’s recognized as most on the street.

He’s much happier on The Good Wife.

Ah, The Good Wife is different. I’m part of a great show. I’m part of something bigger than myself. The atmosphere is great, the people are happy to be there, [show creators and executive producers Robert and Michelle King] are inclusive and approachable. Julianna Margulies has an impeccable work ethic. Alan Cumming, I’m loving working with him.

[Watch!, print edition, February 2011]

I never got into The Good Wife. I think it’s a good show, but it just didn’t pique my interest.

Chris got a Golden Globe nomination and the show’s cast is nominated for a SAG award, so that should hopefully keep him happy.

The Good Wife airs Tuesdays at 10PM on CBS.

Photo credit: WENN.com

How does a Hollywood actor in a business that frequently objectifies women teach his daughters not to be treated as objects?

That’s something Matt Damon addresses in an interview with Katie Couric in Glamour magazine. Matt has 4 daughters with his wife Lucy.

Katie Couric: What kind of message do you hope to impart to your daughters about their place in the world?

Matt Damon: I want them to know that their decisions matter and that their actions matter. I want them to have a sense of responsibility for the way they treat people. And I want to help them build an ethical framework with which to approach the world.

KC: …and girls are always trying to figure out what guys want, if you were editing a magazine for young women, what advice would you give?

MD: I can only speak to what attracts me. What attracted me to Lucy was her strength, her sense of herself. So I’d say don’t worry about what everybody else wants you to be. And don’t be afraid to be all those things I want for my daughters. There are always articles about what men want, but I guarantee you that any man worth his salt wants a woman who is smart and strong and secure in who she is.

[Glamour, print edition, February 2011]

How cool is he? I think he really means it too. Some actors might say they want strong, smart women but always leave the party with the shallowest dingbat in the shortest skirt.

Matt is the co-founder of Water.org, an organization “committed to providing safe drinking water and sanitation to people in developing countries.”

Matt is also teaching his daughters another important lesson in life. Matt is true to his Boston roots and promises that his daughter will support “the Red Sox, because they love their dad.”

These photos of Matt with his two middle daughters and wife at the airport is from October, 2008. Credit: Bauergriffinonline. He’s also shown on 12/14 with his wife, Luciana and on 1/17/11 on the set of We Bought a Zoo, an upcoming Cameron Crowe movie. Credit: Fame

Remember way back when Jennifer Lopez was the biggest star in the world? She was as big as Beyonce is now, except with Ben Affleck instead of Jay-Z. Now, J. Lo can’t buy a hit. Her latest endeavor, American Idol, debuted to lower ratings than hoped (although the show still topped of the night), and her new single “On the Floor” is getting poor reviews. Money problems are causing her and her husband, Marc Anthony, to drift apart, according to In Touch Weekly.

This was supposed to be one of the happiest times of Jennifer Lopez’s life. After suffering several career setbacks in recent years, she’s poised for a massive comeback as a new judge on American Idol. But as her good fortune increases at work, trouble is brewing at home.

Tension has been building between Jennifer and her husband, Marc Anthony, for a while. “They kept it bottled up while she was trying for the job on Idol, but now it’s all coming out,” an insider close to the pair tells In Touch. “Marc, especially, is cracking.”

At war over everything from money problems to Marc’s inability to stay in one place, the insider fears the once-close couple may be at the end of their rope. As In Touch has reported, Marc made the move to LA — a city he dislikes — to support his wife, but a friend admits he gets restless quickly. Now spending less time with their twins, Max and Emme, 2, Marc is so “money hungry,” the insider says, that he is heading on tour in February, just as Idol begins. And in their case, absence doesn’t make the heart grow fonder. Marc, 42, doesn’t communicate well with Jennifer, 41, on the phone, the insider shares: “He either yells at her or doesn’t take her calls. From what I can see, they just aren’t getting along.”

Marc’s recent troubles with the IRS have deepened the rift. Reports surfaced in December that he owed millions in unpaid taxes. Although a rep says he quickly came to an agreement with the IRS, the debacle surprised and angered Jennifer.

Marc’s response? He added more tour dates to his schedule, says the insider, essentially pushing his wife even further away. And the prolonged distance could be a recipe for disaster. “On tour, he’s always drinking and flirting with lots of women,” adds the insider — a situation that a strong, independent woman like J. Lo certainly wouldn’t tolerate for long.

[In Touch, print edition, January 31, 2011]

Jennifer and Marc are trying to put on a strong front, like at the Golden Globe awards, but a witness told In Touch that the two barely spoke at the Globe after-parties.

It’s interesting that Jennifer and Marc are fighting over money, despite rolling in dough. I guess money problems are a universal issue in all relationships, whether you make minimum wage or millions.

I think the bad karma of Jennifer’s diva antics when she was on top are coming back to haunt her on her way down. But for the sake of MY karma, I hope she and Marc are able to work things out for their children. Namaste.

Photos courtesy of WENN.