MISTER WONDERFUL
Things were hopping at the Playboy Mansion as the Thalians held its 55th anniversary and pulled in a million bucks. It wouldn’t be Hef’s party pad without his famous bunnies and there were plenty making the rounds in their teeny satin get ups, black bow ties, oversized ears and fluffy tails. Although he donned more formal attire for the affair, Hugh Hefner stepped into his role as this year’s honoree as easily as his trademark robe and slippers.
The Playboy founder was given the “Mister Wonderful” award for “a lifetime of philanthropy.” Veteran actor James Caan had words of praise and was on hand to present the honor. Hef called the Thalians a cause that is “close to my heart” adding that it was one of the first charity events he attended when he came out to Tinseltown for the very first time.
The Thalians always-effervescent Chairperson Ruta Lee was all smiles as she greeted old pals like Hugh O’Brian, who was one of the organization’s original founders more than five decades ago.
There were accolades all round for Dr. Timothy Miller. The executive director of UCLA’s Operation Mend was lauded for his work on behalf of soldiers and vets who have been injured in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Oscar winner Lou Gossett Jr. presented the top doc with his award. Doctor Tim called his work on behalf of Operation Mend “an honor and a privilege and one of the best things I’ve done in my professional life.” The two honorees join a long list of loyal supporters who help the Thalians crusade on behalf of mental health.
Old school comic Rich Little kept them laughing with his well-tested impression of Johnny Carson as Carmac the Magnificent while motor mouth John Moschitta conducted the live auction. John holds the Guinness Book of World Records title as the world’s fastest talker.
The evening ended on a high note with a musical performance by popster Taylor Dayne.
GET REAL
Reality bites in Malibu’s backyard as longtime resident Ryan O’Neal teams up with daughter Tatum for a new television series on Oprah’s OWN network. “Ryan and Tatum: The O’Neals” is set to premiere on June 19. The father-daughter duo will star in what reality producers now like to call a “docu-series.” The eight-episode order follows a reunion between Ryan and his “Paper Moon” co-star after a 25-year estrangement. OWN execs hope to hook viewers as Ryan and Tatum struggle to rebuild their family bond. Happy Father’s Day!