Elizabeth deals with hearts in new role
Shannon Elizabeth, the knee-buckling sweetheart of the poker world, has a role in “Deal,” the latest poker film. But the sexy star of “American Pie” sticks to acting instead of chasing aces.
“It’s about a young boy who gets taken under the wing of an old poker pro,” she said, referring to characters played by Burt Reynolds and Bret Harrison.
She plays a young girl just out of college who becomes romantically involved with Harrison’s character.
“It’s kind of like ‘The Color of Money’ in the poker world,” she said during a red carpet appearance for Thursday’s “Ante Up for Africa” event at the Rio.
While most of the film was shot in Louisiana, her scenes were shot in Las Vegas earlier this year.
The film will be released this fall, she said.
Meantime, as one of the better celebrity poker players, she’s spending whatever free time she can in Las Vegas competitions to improve her game. She’s back for another try in the World Series of Poker’s main event. First-day celebs included “Everyone Loves Raymond” co-stars Ray Romano and Brad Garrett and “Spider Man” Tobey Maguire.
Other red carpet notes from Thursday: Don Cheadle, who co-hosted with Annie Duke the “Ante Up for Africa” benefit for Darfur victims, isn’t talking, for now, about his upcoming starring role as jazz icon Miles Davis.
During his red carpet stroll, Cheadle let it be known he isn’t happy with some recent articles about his involvement in the film.
“I’ll address it all live (on national TV) so no one can take it the wrong way,” said Cheadle, who was a jazz musician during his high school days in Denver.
Also on the red carpet, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck are collaborating on their first screenplay together since “Good Will Hunting” won them Oscars for Best Screenplay.
The biggest ovation of Friday’s opening round of the main event came when Brandon Moran was introduced. Moran and Dan Shak, the two finalists in the Darfur fundraiser, agreed to donate their entire winnings to the humanitarian crisis. Lumped together, that came to $386,738.
THE SCENE AND HEARD
Discount of the day: Tickets to “Defending the Caveman” (Golden Nugget) are going for $7.77 today at the 3 p.m. matinee and the 8 p.m. performance.
SIGHTINGS
Toronto Blue Jays slugger Frank Thomas, having a steak at the bar at N9ne Steakhouse (Palms) on Wednesday and Thursday nights with his brother Michael. Thomas, who last month became the 21st player to reach 500 home runs, took a redeye flight back late Thursday. He lives in Las Vegas in the off-season. … Actors/comedians David Spade, Adam Sandler and Kevin James, dining Thursday at Stack restaurant (The Mirage). … Rocker Tommy Lee, attending Thursday’s performance of “Stomp Out Loud” at Planet Hollywood Resort. Later, he joined Pamela Anderson at the Heart Bar after her performance in Hans Klok‘s “The Beauty of Magic.” … ESPN personality/betting analyst Hank Goldberg, dining with friends Thursday at Rao’s restaurant (Caesars Palace) as they celebrated Goldberg’s birthday. … Actor Milo Ventimiglia, from NBC’s hit show, “Heroes,” partying with friends on Thursday at the weekly performance of “Metal Skool” at Body English nightclub (Hard Rock Hotel). … Boxing champion Floyd Mayweather Jr., former UFC champion Chuck Liddell and actress Shannon Elizabeth, partying Thursday at Tao nightclub (The Venetian). Also there: poker stars Antonio “The Magician” Esfandiari, Phil Laak, Phil Ivey and 2006 World Series of Poker champion Jamie Gold. … NFL players Jared Allen (Kansas City Chiefs), Brian Kelly (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), James “Boomer” Grigsby (Kansas City Chiefs) and Chris Claiborne (New York Giants), partying Thursday at Tao nightclub (The Venetian).
THE PUNCH LINE
“US Weekly is reporting that Nicole Richie is pregnant. Apparently, they can tell that Nicole Richie is pregnant because she’s only throwing up in the morning.” – Craig Ferguson.
Norm Clarke can be reached at 383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com.
NORM CLARKEMORE COLUMNS
