Tina Does 'Playboy'
12/19/07

Tina Fey is featured in the January issue of Playboy. Settle down, slugger--it's just an interview.

Playboy published a handful of quotes on their website to drum up interest.

On 'Awful' Abdul

"Well, in late 2005 Paula Abdul did a guest bit on the show, and she was awful. I was pregnant at the time and probably a little moody, but I remember thinking, She's a disaster! I gotta prop this lady up and get her on TV."

"...It was an American Idol sketch, and she wanted to change parts. So Amy Poehler had to play her. A year later I saw her on a flight. We both looked at each other like, Do I know that girl? And then we both had the same moment of recognition, and she was like, Uuuggh. I saw it register on her face that she had had a terrible time with us."

On Will Ferrell

"Will Ferrell tried to stab me once. It was 'SNL,' so we were all hopped up on goofballs, out of our minds on quaaludes and horse antibiotics. I remember thinking, This guy's a genius. It would be an honor to be killed by him."

The Playboy issue featuring Tina is on newsstands now.

Wiig Hits the Target
12/19/07

The NY Post caught up with Kristen Wiig for a Q&A in their Sunday edition.

Kristen was asked if a particular "SNL" sketch upped her "buzz" factor amongst viewers.

"The first recurring character I had on the show was the Target Lady - that was huge for me because I did that character at the Groundlings [improv group in LA]. So to have a character that came back, that they wanted me to write, was a great feeling."

Kristen says she spends her post-"SNL" Sundays relaxing.

"We're out so late on Saturday, and then you're up at like 3 or 4 the next day. It's a lot of lying around and catching up on e-mails, it's a kind of restful day. I look forward to it every week."

Read the full article here.

Remembering Chris Farley
12/19/07

It's hard to believe it's been 10 years since Chris Farley untimely death. In observance, the NY Post put together a nice piece with interviews from friends, family, and colleagues. 

Among those interviewed: His brother, Kevin, and "SNLers" Ellen Cleghorne, Tim Meadows, Amy Poehler, and Molly Shannon.

"He was kind of shy," says Shannon. "Sometimes I'd peek into his dressing room, and he'd always kneel down and pray before he performed."

There's also some interesting speculation on why David Spade was a no-show at Chris's funeral.

Read the full article here.

'SNL' a Boost for Williams
12/19/07

Despite some reported trepidation going in, you can bet Brian Williams has no regrets about hosting "SNL" now.

After surprising many viewers with a polished turn as host, Williams has been the top news man in evening news NIelsen ratings in three recent weeks.

His "Nightly News" averaged 9.3 million eyeballs last week, up over the 8.9 million for Charles Gibson's second-place "World News Tonight." Gibson had been dominating the competition on most occasions earlier this year.

It is believed Williams' "SNL" appearance showed a side of of the newsman that some viewers may have warmed to.

Breuer Calls Celebrities 'Sad'
12/19/07

Former "SNLer" Jim Breuer is still making goat noises at age 40.

Pantagraph.com caught up with Jim before a recent stand-up gig at Illinois State University, and "SNL" was a frequent topic of conversation.

While Breuer says meeting the celebrity guests was the coolest part, he concedes that only a tiny fraction of them lived up to their image.

"Around 5 percent," he says. "The rest of them were miserable and sad individuals. Why anyone with way too much money would be that way, I don't know."

Read the full article here.

Ferrell Named Worst Signer
12/19/07

If you see Will Ferrell pass on the street, don't bother pulling out a pen.

In the 15th annual survey of best and worst autograph signers by Autograph magazine, Will Ferrell has landed at the top of the "Worst" category.

The magazine's editor and publiser, Steve Cyrkin, said in a statement: "What's so frustrating about Will Ferrell being the worst autograph signer this past year is that he used to be so nice to fans and collectors, and a great signer. What makes him so bad is that he'll taunt people asking for his autograph."

Joining Ferrell in the grumpy category are Tobey Maguire, Joaquin Phoenix, William Shatner, Renee Zellweger, John Malkovich, Julie Andrews, Bruce Willis, Teri Hatcher, and Scarlett Johansson.

And the "Best" autograph signer: Johnny Depp.