Hey, this dame ain’t no lady
Barry Humphries – better known as his female alter ego, Dame Edna Everage – dropped his decorum to punch a photographer who pursued him outside a restaurant.
The 72-year-old Australian actor, who plays the purple-haired character with oversized rhinestone eyeglasses, admits striking celebrity freelance photographer Malcolm Ladd.
“I can confirm to you that Barry did hit him,” said his publicist, Suzie Howie. “He was obviously very upset.
“But at least he didn’t throw a phone,” added Howie, referring to fellow Australian actor Russell Crowe, who faced criminal charges after throwing a phone at a hotel receptionist.
Ladd said Humphries punched him in the face as he tried to take a close shot outside a Sydney restaurant.
“It knocked my glasses off. It was a good punch – it still hurts,” Ladd said, adding: “It’s the first time I’ve been attacked, and I’ve photographed just about everyone before.”
Bet he got the third degree
Jeff Timmons of ‘90s boy band 98 Degrees has been arrested on charges of drunken driving and driving without a valid license.
Florida authorities said they pulled over a white Mercedes that Timmons was driving on April 23 when they spotted him driving 60 mph in a 45-mph zone.
Officers said his eyes were “very glassy” and he told police he had “a lot” to drink, though he later claimed he only had two beers.
Whiling away those idle hours
Watching his “American Idol” contestant daughter from prison made the time pass faster, Clyde “Bo” Pickler says.
Kellie Pickler was dismissed from the Fox network talent competition last week when the finalists were narrowed to five. Her father was released from prison this week after serving three years for stabbing a man in Florida.
“It’ll be great to see her,” said the elder Pickler, who wrote to his daughter from behind bars. “I’m going to try to patch up a few burnt bridges and get some things back in order.”
Shipped out, deep-Sixxed
On the celebrity break-up beat, it’s apparently over for Paris Hilton and Greek shipping heir Stavros Niarchos.
“I’m not going to deny that there was a split,” admits Hilton’s publicist, who declined to provide further details.
And former “Baywatch” babe Donna D’Errico has filed for divorce from her husband of nine years, Motley Crue bass player Nikki Sixx.
No pity for these fools
If Dr. Phil can give advice, why not Mr. T?
The TV Land network in October will launch “I Pity the Fool,” in which “The A-Team” star travels across the country dispensing inspiration and advice.
“My show ain’t no ‘Dr. Phil,’ with people sitting around crying,” he says. “You’re a fool – that’s what’s wrong with you. You’re a fool if you don’t take my advice.”
The birthday bunch
Jazz musician Maynard Ferguson is 78. Surf guitarist Dick Dale is 69. Singer-songwriter Nick Ashford (Ashford and Simpson) is 64. Singer Jackie Jackson (The Jacksons) is 55. Country singer Randy Travis is 47. Actress Mary McDonough (“The Waltons”) is 45. Comedian Ana Gasteyer (“Saturday Night Live”) is 39. Singer Lance Bass (‘N Sync) is 27.