The 1989 film, “Steel Magnolias” depicts a group of women living through love and loss in the great state of Louisiana. The original movie cast a remarkable catalog of actresses including Sally Field, Julia Roberts, Dolly Parton, Daryl Hannah, Shirley MacLaine, and Olympia Dukakis. However, when the Lifetime Network had the opportunity to make a modern version of this iconic film, they jumped at the chance! The new version, which should premiere this year will feature an all African-American cast of equally fabulous talent. Actress and singer, Queen Latifah will take on the role of “M’Lynn”, with Alfre Woodard as “Ouiser”, Phylicia Rashad as “Clairee”, Grammy winner Jill Scott will be in the part of “Truvy”, Adepero Oduye will play “Annelle” and Condola Rashad will take on Roberts’ part of “Shelby”.  Sources are not certain if the film will still be set in Louisiana, but they are confident that it will shoot in Atlanta, GA.
       
Taking on the task of remaking such a famous, and favored film, poses many challenges. But the production staff for this film is equally as talented as the new cast. Sony Pictures Television will produce the new “Steel Magnolias”, and the movie will be executively produced by Craig Zadan and Neil Meron (of "Chicago" and "Hairspray"), as well as actress Latifah. The three have worked together before on several projects and are hopeful to sustain their creative chemistry. Kenny Leon of "A Raisin in the Sun" will be consulting on the script as it is adapted for television.

This incredible talent and exciting new project has audiences and industry experts all anxious for its’ release. Helen Verno, Vice President of Movies and Miniseries at Sony Pictures Television even said that it is “an honor… to be revisiting the classic Sony film Steel Magnolias under the creative auspices of our producing partners…acclaimed director…and  team of brilliant actors.”

For more on this story, visit CNN Entertainment.

Brad Pitt has been flaunting his celebrity, in a good way, here in New Orleans following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Using his fame, and also his funds to help rebuild the Lower 9th, Brad has successfully developed a housing project here called the Make it Right Foundation. This organization has built over 75 homes here since 2007, and recently hosted a gala to help raise funds for future developments.  

This gala featured A-list celebrity guests, hosts and performers to help raise the desired $4 million dollars needed to take the project to the next level. Guests included Ellen DeGeneres, Rihanna, Kevin Spacey, Spike Lee, and of course Angelina Jolie. Jolie and Pitt also own a home here in the French Quarter which they frequently visit.

In addition to addressing the homelessness here in the Lower 9th, Pitt’s charity also strives to prevent this type of catastrophe from happening again. The times reports, “Multi-angled steel roofs, windows of ultra-strong glass and tough siding materials are designed to withstand hurricane-force winds. Solar panels, rainwater collection systems and maximum air-circulation designs created homes with low utility bills.”. Brad’s “visionary” skills have earned him generous recognition as a New Orleans philanthropist, in addition to being a central figure in the Hollywood South.

For more on this incredible event, please visit the Times Online.

Metairie may be a small town, but some of its natives have gone on to big things. One local in particular just had the opportunity to join music megastar Justin Bieber for his 18th birthday! Television star and comedian, Ellen DeGeneres hosted the singer on her show today to talk about his new single, his role models, his fans, and, of course, his birthday presents. Justin was given a brand new, entirely eco-friendly luxury car by longtime friend and manager, Scooter. The car features an all electric engine and solar panels on the roof, not to mention an Ellen bobblehead for décor! Perhaps the best present of all was having one of his “superfans” appear on the show. The fan was picked up at her house, blindfolded and placed inside a present box to travel to the television studio. The best part was that she had no idea where she was headed or why. For a clip of her surprise arrival visit the Ellen show’s official website. The new single, "Boyfriend" is schedule for a March 26th release and has everyone talking! All of us at Southern Celebrity Gossip are wishing Justin Bieber a very happy 18th birthday, and are thrilled that he decided to spend it with someone right out of the Hollywood South!

_     Tim McGraw and Faith Hill are the king and queen when it comes to country music. The two have been married for the past 15 years and have three children between them. Faith Hill, a Mississippi native, has over two dozen music awards under her belt since she first captured the spotlight in 1993. So what does she credit as the inspiration behind most of her success? The singer opened up to People Magazine this month about how her husband is her inspiration “every day in many, many ways”.

McGraw, originally from Start, Louisiana, moved to Nashville when he was in college to pursue his career as a singer/songwriter. Since that time he has earned world-renowned success. Currently, McGraw is releasing his latest album “Emotional Traffic” on January 24th. The original launch was delayed after some legal difficulties with his former record label. But, now things are back on track! (Pardon the pun). The country super-star has also announced that he will begin a 20 city tour along with musician, Kenny Chesney, starting in June of 2012.

With his incredible library of music, as well as this new album which he calls “his best ever”, it is no wonder that his Faith is impressed! But in addition to his professional triumphs, wife Faith Hill also divulged his personal accomplishments as well. She says, “I’m inspired by watching him as a father and husband… He keeps his family first and wants to experience all the phases with his girls.” Despite the recording, performing, and other celebrity appearances, this Louisianian finds time for family, and his equally famous wife.

 For more on this story you can read the article through TasteofCountry.com

_ When this Southern Celebrity Gossiper hears the name “Lenny Kravitz,” she thinks one thing: eclectic. This artist has been rediscovering himself, redefining his genre, and redecorating his real-estate since he first rocketed into the public spotlight. This diverse background has certainly not gone unnoticed- nor unrewarded. Currently, the singer/songwriter/composer/designer owns several homes, and spreads his time between Miami, New York, and New Orleans. This French Quarter home has been featured in countless magazines showing off the unique historic charms of the building, and also the owner’s flair for decorating.

 Kravitz attributes a lot of his success to his ability to stay “in between”. Throughout his life, because off his parents, his up-brining, his talents, and even his real-estate, he has always been straddling different identities- which are what make him so accessible to the public. He says that he is part black and part white, mostly Christian but also Jewish, a musician and a designer, a New Yorker and a New Orleanian. Most recently, French Culture Minister Frederic Mitterrand paid tribute to this evolved sense of identity. Lenny Kravitz was awarded the Legion of Honor because he “freed [him]self of the barriers between black and white sound." Over the years, Kravitz has been able to transcend typical stereotypes and create art that relates to everyone. We’re happy that he decided to mix a little Cajun in there for the rest of the world to share!

 For more on the ceremony in Paris, visit luxist.com

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 For pics of Kravitz’s French Quarter pad click here!