No point in trying to write you a clever intro here, people. I’ve got a blind item for you, and it’s kinda-sorta almost too juicy. Ready? The male lead on a Big Five hour drama set to debut this fall is on the verge of being recast. How come? His behavior has been so over-the-top demanding that “diva” is just about the nicest thing anyone is saying about him.
Case in point: The star in question recently called an emergency meeting with the show’s writers—via speakerphone—to pitch the stories he wants the series to tell. “Few of them fit with the show that anybody else is interested in doing,” my on-set spy tattles. “Most of them focus on his character’s sex life.”
As the “discussion” went on (and on and on), “writers started getting up and leaving the room,” my mole adds. “There were long periods when only one person was present, and only so there’d be a voice if said troublesome actor asked for a response. Which he didn’t. He just talked and talked and talked.”
A big clue for you: The legend-in-his-own-mind has a long history of being high-maintenance—so long a history, in fact, that it’s more than a little shocking that he continues to get hired. Oh, and another clue: Johnny Difficult’s leading lady has been, I’m told, his polar opposite, a dream to work with.
And that, Ausholes, is all you’re getting out of me… at least for now. Guesses below.
TV scoop is best served instantaneously, so follow me on Twitter via @michaelausiello
Michael Chiklis. Next!
Is that show a straight up drama though? It looks like it has enough comedy elements that Ausiello would have at least described it as a dramedy.
Never mind, Wikipedia calls it a drama, that’s good enough for me. Chiklis is still a possibility.
My guesses are Jesse Metcalfe on Chase, Michael Imperioli on Detroit 1-8-7, Boris Kodjoe on Undercovers, Skeet Ulrich on Law & Order: Los Angeles, or either Tom Sellack or Donnie Wahlberg, both on Blue Bloods.
Scratch the rest of those. I’m going with Boris Kodjoe FTW.
I follow Boris Kodjoe so trust me when I say it is not him. He wouldn’t pull a stunt like that. Plus I don’t think JJ would take that he would replace him in a second.
Alex O’Loughlin- no lead actress and seriously why would CBS keep calling him to do shows if he acts this way
Jon Voight- no lead actress and seriously who would want to see him doing sex scenes…eww
Jason Ritter- the show is about his fiancée disappearing so i doubt they would focus on his sex life
Blair Underwood- possibility if you go down the Clinton road BUT I don’t think he’s the lead male, wouldn’t Jason Ritter be?
Michael Chiklis- are you even suppose to have a sex life when you’re married, I thought that automatically went away, no? plus there is a whole lot more to focus on with his character than that
Michael Imperioli- I got nothing on him does anyone? he does have a female lead…so possibility
Boris Kodjoe- yea right never heard anything bad about him…if he is it would blow my mind plus JJ wouldn’t be havin’ it
Rob Morrow- most likely suspect has history of being bad and has a female lead who’s a doll…BUT he’s kept steady jobs but that doesn’t mean he’s not actin’ like a fool on them
Jerry O’Connell & Jim Belushi- description of Jerry’s character “a free-wheeling playboy” that just screams sex life to me and Jim’s character is estranged from his wife…maybe because he’s been sexting? either way the show has no female lead
Skeet Ulrich- I don’t know why he is even a candidate for you people. Is there even a female lead yet? the casting isn’t complete so how can you say the female is the opposite of him?
Shane West- I really don’t see it being him but I can see why BUT I think of him more as supporting than leading. I think you guys are giving him too much credit calling him the male lead
Tom Selleck- has no female lead unless you count his daughter but…sex…eww
Jimmy Smits- has no female counterpart, no female lead, no soup for you…you’re out
Please stop guessing William Shatner (he’s on a COMEDY) and Forest Whitaker (show doesn’t start ’till midseason) If I missed anyone tell me. Now Guess
It has to be someone who isn’t secure in their estimation of being considered a sex symbol. Smits & Selleck are (were?) genuine sex symbols, so I’ll eliminate them. Who on the list above is not really a sex symbol, and/or has low self-esteem? That’ll be the Diva.
Oh please! CLEARLY this is about Charles Nelson Reilly.
HA HA!!! That made my day.
And his female costar being “a dream to work with” was the dead giveaway. Bret Summers is a class act. You should learn something from her Charles!
Win!
who died in 1973?
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA
youo could see that comming all the way back on Lidsville. tsk tsk tsk
I *blanking* love Charles Nelson Reilly. My *blank* is definitely on him. What an homage. RIP, you 70s legend.
LOL. My coworkers now want to know what’s so funny. I am completely busted. Thanks!
I wouldn’t call Chiklis “Legendary.”
he said, “The legend-in-his-own-mind”
I’ll go with calling Chiklis legendary. Vic Mackey was the charismatic stuff of nightmares.
I doubt its michael chiklis because it says it was talking about his Sex Life and isn’t chiklis married in the new show i have no clue who it is but i would be guessing it isn’t chiklis
i agree Bob he is married so what sex life would he have thats so adventurous other than with his wife?
Agreed. Because of his married character and family-oriented premise, I think that eliminates him.
From Chiklis’ Twitter: “Meeting with No Ordinary Family writers today! Very excited to talk about the direction of the show!”
Hmm, when did he tweet that? That would seem to be the giveaway.
Well, sounds like actually meets them and doesn’t have a phone conversation, like Michael writes.
also from chilkis’ tweet, that sounds like a planned meeting. ausiello said it was called up as an emergency meeting.
I don’t think it’s Chiklis… he’s a great actor so there is no surprise he is hired EVEN if he is a diva. Mandy Pantinkin would be my guess.. does he have a show coming out?
The big FIVE makes me think Hawaii Five O.. does anyone know if Alex is a nightmare diva?
I thought Alex because of the long talks to get him on a new series, but they would never have worked that hard to get him in a series if he was like that. It’s not like he has *that* huge of a following because he doesn’t. So they just must really like working with him, see his talent and that he is good to work with.
Hawaii 5-0 doesn’t really have a leading lady. Grace Park has a supporting role.
I hate how this blind item is smearing the reputations of some really nice (totally undiva) actors. People are guessing Alex O’Loughlin and Peter Selleck, and I’ve heard that both of them are super super nice. I’m sure many of the other actors who have the audacity to lead a new show next fall are also very chill, nice people. Ausiello shouldn’t start rumors about people who have nothing to do with this. We’ll never know the answer, so all of these actors’ names will be associated with ‘out of control diva’ in at least a few people’s minds. Not cool.
the big five refers to the five main big television networks
i agree about mandy patinkin. he is a great actor but whines about everything
I haven’t heard about Alex being a diva but things could change. He hasn’t been corresponding with his fans like he used to. At all. Then there was the BIG FIVE — H50 and Aushole’s. Humm, I don’t think Ausiello was referring to his name but maybe an Aussie. The only other leading Aussie I can think of is Simon Baker but his show isn’t new and I’ve never heard of him being like that.
That is funny because Mandy Patiin was the first one that came to my mind too. He is talented but seems pretty demanding.
I agree with mandi, blind items suck. It’s freaking rude all around – to the fans and the stars.
Count me as another who lept to the Patinkin conclusion…don’t know why, maybe it ISN’T fair, but I think I remember hearing some things (didn’t he quit a show not too long ago?), and I’m also not even sure he’s cast in something coming up. I loved him so much in “Princess Bride” I’m almost willing to give him a pass. P.S., maybe someone’s mentioned this already, but when referring to a male, shouldn’t the term be “divo”?
I thought of Mandy Patinkin right away. I don’t know that he has show coming out, though.
“Divo” lol.
whats a big five hour drama? you mena the major studios like NBC ABC?
The big five ABC NBC CW FOX and CBS
I cannot see CW as part of “the big five.” Maybe USA or TNT??? IMO, it could not possibly be Alex! I couldn’t take it!
I would jump at the suggestion it’s Mandy, but is he in a new drama?, and don’t think he would approve of sex scenario for himself.
What’s on Rob Lowe’s slate?
Next time, I’ll read a few pages before I put in by two cents worth. (At least on the right track.)
Has to be a show on CW or Fox; otherwise he’d just have said the Big 4.
That’s kind of a stupid assumption Shiny.
Its got to be Alex O’Laughlin from Hawaii Five-O…why else can’t he keep a show? And with all the talk about how gorgeous he is he beleives it himself and wants to show it off…
Could it really be said that Alex O’Loughlin has a “long history” of being a diva? H5-0 will be only his third series in the U.S., and if he were that difficult, would CBS be pushing to put him in a show, especially one that high-profile?
Melinda85, I’m not saying I disagree with your assessment, but Alex probably has a 3 series contract with CBS, which they have to fufill. Like Milo V had with the WB/CW (where he was on three different shows)
Compared to Matt Bomer alex is a mutt.
Matt Bomer is a poodle.
Alex is a golden retriever.
(If you don’t get the difference, I don’t want to ruin it for you, but I adore them both!)
AOL has not had that many shows under his belt, and this seems like a star who’s been around the block; also sounds like a long time American star, not European. Sex life=Rob Lowe maybe? He’s been let go from so very many shows for diva-ish behavior, and lord knows his sex life has been a doozy.
I don’t like Alex O. just like I don’t like Bradley Cooper: more hype than actual appeal. That said, the mystery actor might as well be David Caruso or Denis Leary – more because I think they’re jerks more than being on target with what Ausiello has in mind.
Considering that it’s a “new” show what makes you think that it would be either of those people?
I’ve followed Chiklis for years and never once heard of any diva antics. In fact, my understanding he is a consummate pro and easy to work with.
I totally agree with you, Zack, about Chiklis. Anyway, further down in this stream, I think you’ll see many of us have concluded it’s Billy Shatner!
BUT, of course, Shatner will be starring in a comedy, so it IS NOT him!!!
Well, it has to be a veteran actor that’s coming to television; I’m guessing Dustin Hoffman? Although he’s never been that way from the past.
Oh well, a veteran actor for sure; not a newby.
It is Shane West see Prada’s comment below. Gotta go with that reasoning and also the words used in the post: “emergency” = ER, “spies” = Nikita, “Legend” = play on league of extraordinary, gentlemen also only in his own mind. Seems he would also be replaceable as Maggie Q is the lead and he is just chump change. I say hire Brian Hallisay in his place (aka Will from Privileged)
I don’t think Shane West would be considered a legendary actor by anyone. Even though it might be a clue … I somehow doubt he’s the one we’re talking about.
Also, the idea of it being Nikita is the only reason I could see him saying “Big 5″ instead of “Big 4″ or “Big 3″.
Right-o! Man, I think you’re right.
The other clue is Nikita being on CW; AUS made a point of saying “Big 5″ instead of “Big 3″…interesting!
But does Shane have a “long history” of being a diva?
As much as it would kill me if West were true there is one other thing… when he was on ‘Once and Again’ he started a band that had two different names (not sure which one was first) – Average Joe and … Johnny Was.
That said, I really don’t remember hearing about him being a diva during O&A or A Walk to Remember. If he had been, then the ‘long history’ would make sense, but I just don’t remember it.
Also there’s the fact that the Diva was on a conference call with the writers – Nikita is filmed in Canada while the writers would be in LA, hence the conference call. Most of the other potential people are filming their shows in LA and would have better access in person to harass the writers.
I remember reading that Shane was a “diva” on ER that is why he was off the show.
Doesn’t “Big FIVE” imply the CW, hence “Nikita”?
@anna (same Reply list):
“Average Jo” was Shane West’s first band and they did “A Walk to Remember.”
Changed their name to “Jonny Was” performing in Los Angeles and Orange County clubs.
He also replaced somebody in legendary punk band “The Germs.” Don’t know when or for how long.
Who is the lead in the new Law & Order:LA?
If you took out “new show” from the list I’d have guessed David Caruso
I have to agree if it wasn’t a new show I would have gone with David Caruso because of his NYPD Blues days or Mandy Patinkin because of how he acted during his last season on CM. But a new show I don’t know there are a lot of new shows coming out.
I’m thinking it might be
Tom Selleck on Blue Bloods?
Do I have the right show?
Ausiello, you REALLY freak me out with this random scoop. I’m terrified it’s NCIS…
I doubt it, since he said the drama was debuting this fall.
its a new show.
He said it’s set to debut this fall. So you’re safe with NCIS for now!
He said a “drama set to debut this fall.”
D Hoffman has a drama to debut this fall.
Not NCIS as this BI is about a show that will debut this Fall.
The show is set to debut this fall.
He said it was set to debut this fall. NCIS is ancient.
how could it be NCIS when he said a debut
AND, Mark Harmon has never once been thought of as “Diva-like”, to the contrary, he’s thought of as one of the nicest guys in the business.
AND once again, it’s a new show and “NCIS” is heading into Season 8.
Loves2Sleep is right. Mark Harmon hasn’t always gotten along with the producers (for other completely understandable reasons), but he is far from being a diva. I couldn’t see him wanting them to focus on Gibbs sex life. But it doesn’t matter because it’s a new show… I’m going with Mandy Patinkin. He’s ALWAYS been known for being hard to work with.
I think Olivia got it now, guys.
haha!!!
ISN’T THIS WHERE YOU WISH YOU COULD COLLAPSE ALL THE REPLIES?
(don’t get upset – it was a fun read – but a long scroll for just a few words – lol)
Oh even me – who didn’t think was it because it refers to a new show and NCIS it’s in 8th season- got it loud and clear.
Once again, the reading comprehension levels of some people stupify me.
Once again, the horse has been beat into oblivion by stupified people.
You know what cracks me up even more, is even after you guys wrote this, people still keep posting it’s a new show..I needed this laugh today!!
I swear you just want to tell them did you not see the other 15 people that posted it GEEZ ..
I totally agree. It’s like people don’t even read.
Wait, when is the new show debuting?
Olivia, can you help out whatevs with this one? lol
The horse is dead. Put the stick down!
Seriously guys, I think she got it. She doesn’t need 10 different responses saying the same thing.
What’s an NCIS?
NCIS is a show on CBS. It stans for Naval Criminal Investigative Service.
No kidding!!!! Hey Rogue: You’ve got a great sense of humor. NCIS really stands for…
N – Not
C – Completely
I – In
S – Synch
OMG!!! Now I know how Piven’s character feels. Soooo purrfect!
I thought that was just something my grandmother made up.
Hmm… Jeremy Piven? I can see him being this douchy.
It’s about a NEW show.
And a drama to boot. Having a character named Drama doesn’t count.
Never heard anything to suggest Piven isn’t a great guy…and he has no sex life on Entourage…outside of his wife.
Really? Where have you been, under a rock?
My first thought was Michael Chiklis, but I hope not. I really like him. and Olivia, this is about a new show. It can’t be NCIS.
Plus Julie Benz is known to be wonderful to work with.
Which is exactly what Michael said. The leading lady is wonderful to work with.
I think dream is a key word.
@ Olivia:
No need to worry, Ausiello pretty clearly stated the show is debuting in the fall. As in new. As in not a show already on the air.
Rob Lowe?
i second that.it was my first thought
This was my first thought too…but I can’t remember for the life of me what the new show is or who is cast with him
My first thought as well
He is joining Parks and Recreation a comedy and not a new show so he is out
Ummm Olivia he said it was set to debut this fall, not a standing show. I think your beloved NCIS is just fine.
omg!really? it’s so funny that you are all still making fun of Olivia for not reading when CLEARLY none of you have read the other about 20 posts telling her that it’s a new show. As another reader already poined out, I THINK SHE’S GOT IT NOW! Maybe one of you could write somehing interesting or usefull next time instead of being hypocritical towards fellow readers
It’s Rob Lowe.
He’s not on a new drama, though, is he? He’s doing Parks & Rec, a returning comedy.
That was my first thought too.
Rob Lowe for sure.
lonestar maybe?
Jon Voigt?
Clearly this is about Charles Nelson Reilly.
this is a joke right? He died three years ago.
That’s never been proven.
Um, I don’t know how to say this, but he’s dead; he died three years ago.
jesus christ – its a joke, and one that was already told at the top of this thread, you bonehead.
I’d have to go with Shatner from Sh*t My Dad Says…..I bet that guy can be a real diva.
He said DRAMA, read the whole thing before randomly guessing.
I thought Shatner, but that’s a comedy.
I realize it says drama but reading this thing I was thinking Shatner too.
I guess Michael Chiklis or Rob Morrow.
chicklis isn’t continues to get hired. nor morrow.
shatner is in a comedy.
male. new drama. fall start?
tom selleck. jerry o’connell. jim belushi. alex o’laughlin. rob morrow. michael imperioli. michael chiklis. jason clarke. delroy lindo. david lyons. blair underwood. scott patterson. jimmy smits. skeet ulrich. cole hauser.
there’s no other choice. make a guess.
Don’t forget the mid-seasoners like Criminal Minds spinoff (can’t be Forest Whitaker) or the lead guy in The Cape….
*****************
@buccs
Wed 07/21/10 1:38 PM
chicklis isn’t continues to get hired. nor morrow.
shatner is in a comedy.
male. new drama. fall start?
tom selleck. jerry o’connell. jim belushi. alex o’laughlin. rob morrow. michael imperioli. michael chiklis. jason clarke. delroy lindo. david lyons. blair underwood. scott patterson. jimmy smits. skeet ulrich. cole hauser.
there’s no other choice. make a guess.
Rob Morrow is a good guess as he was a d-bag on Northern Exposure when he wanted off but I have not read anything bad about him on Numbers.
That was my guess too. Either Morrow or Smits.
I guess Morrow then, because Maura Tierney is the female lead, and everyone seems to like her. She was on ER for years (mostly all of it), so she couldn’t be much of a diva, rather a team player.
I don’t think there is any chance its Jimmy Smits. He seems to be a very humble and easy going guy. Morrow seems a good bet though. Are we completely convinced that it can’t be Shatner? No chance that Ausiello just used the word ‘drama’ in a loose sense? Nah… guess he wouldn’t.
(started to put my comment on Pg 11, but those people are any fun at all!)…
I can’t believe Rob Morrow didn’t learn his lesson from when he was last blackballed. I’m qualified to recognize male menopause, and some of these guys are going through it, so they would be likely candidates, and a few ARE NOT even big stars.
At this point, my guess is Bill Shatner who will be 81 next year! He probably thinks he’s still got “IT”. He should go no further than the innuendos he left us with in Boston Legal!
Shatner’s on S*** my dad says. Which I suppose is a comedy… Also, I totally agree with you about the whole p. 11 thing. I left my comment as a reply too! I mean my other one….other than this one.
It’s not NCIS, he said it was a new drama that will debut this fall.
I’m guessing Grey’s Anatomy. Or Law and Order SVU. Or The Sopranos. It HAS to be one of them, right? Cause they fit ALLLLLLL the criteria?? Bring on the onslaught of responses. I am hoping for at least 17. Go!
Or you could read and learn that he said “new show”
allie, if it weren’t for the last sentence, I’m sure you would have gotten a ton of responses.
Apparently Bob didn’t see the last sentence… still fun.
allie, I happen to be a personal friend of Ausiello’s. He tells me that you are right on the money, and from the hints he was dropping I’d put my bet on the Sopranos. In fact, it sounds like none of last years cast will be returning at all.
Ben, you are totally my new best friend!
Rob Morrow in The Whole Truth. His female colleague: Maura Tierney.
This seems like a valid possibility.
Morrow did a film in my hometown, Nashville, several years back with Sharon Stone and his diva-esque behavior gossip was all over the place. Could be Morrow!
Now that I’m half asleep, I realize Billy Shatner WAS NOT a viable conclusion. I just cannot go with Rob Morrow. Maybe he didn’t learn his lesson from the Northern Exposure fiasco. There’s at least 6 candidates on the list that I wouldn’t call “stars”, so I’m off to go check their bio’s.
(Where’s my friend Allie when I need her??)
This crazy lady just spent the last 3 hours with IMBD. IMHO, if it’s not Rob Morrow, it could be….
Jerry O’Connell. He played Jim Belushi’s partner in The Defenders pilot, but not listed for the remaining episodes. O’Connell a diva? Never! It could be….
Michael Imperioli. Only the pilot was listed. It could be….
Skeet Ulrich, L&O LA. No one has been cast EXCEPT Skeet!
It gets curiouser and curiouser….
BTW, BIG THANKS to “buccs” for coming up with the list of candidates. It was kind of fun researching these guys and their pilots. GOOD NIGHT!
BTW, when I woke up about 7 hours ago, I knew it had to be Rob Morrow!!! They have only shot Episode #1. I honestly hoped he had learned his lesson after his shenigans with Northern Exposure. I was told it resulted in his being black listed, but I see from his bio he’s been working steady.
Think I’ll go to pages 16-17 and see what the newbies are up to.
It’s been fun folks!
good call on Morrow. Known diva starring opposite very pro Tierney. This is my vote, too.
Very possible. I’ve heard nothing but good things about Tierney, which fits the scenario.
Rob Morrow is my vote as well – Maura Tierney seems to best fit the bill of the debuting leading ladies as described.
I sure hope not because I looooove Rob Morrow, he is a sexy beast.
This is definitely my guess.
First person I thought of.
Rob Morrow FTW.