Man claims find of Monroe photo
A Las Vegas man plans to unveil on Wednesday what he says is a rare photo of Marilyn Monroe posing as a nude hitchhiker.
A 1 p.m. news conference has been scheduled at The Orleans.
Former service station owner Lawrence Nicastro, said to be in his 70s, says he found the photo last year while going through storage items at his home in Las Vegas, according to publicist Chris Harris.
If the photo is authentic, look for a bidding war in the multi-millions.
Nicastro was running a service station in the Bronx when a man dropped off a car for repairs on New Year's Eve 1962. When the man didn't return to pick up his car, a 1962 Ford Sunliner convertible, Nicastro opened the trunk and placed the contents in storage.
Nicastro moved to Las Vegas in 1995.
Harris said he thinks the photo was taken near Pyramid Lake, near Reno, in 1960. Monroe filmed "The Misfits" with Clark Gable in 1960 in Nevada.
It was the last completed film for both: Gable, 59, died a couple of months after finishing the film, and Monroe, 36, died of a drug overdose in August 1962.
FAREWELL TO BELL
Friends of rock 'n' roll pioneer Freddie Bell, who died Feb. 10, gave him a memorable musical send-off Sunday.
Several dozen local entertainers joined the Gary Olds Trio during a post-service sing-a-thon at the Italian American Club, on East Sahara.
Carme Pitrello delivered the eulogy Sunday, and Paul Xavier Campanella sang "River of God" during services at Palm Mortuary, 7600 Eastern Ave.
Among the group: Elvis drummer Bobby Morris, Sonny Charles of the Checkmates, Skip Trenier and Don Hill of The Treniers, Sammy Shore, Lon Bronson, former Nevada Lt. Gov. Lorraine Hunt, Dennis Bono and Bill Acosta.
THE SCENE AND HEARD
Penn Jillette of the Rio's comedy headlining team Penn & Teller, is among the celebrity lineup for the sixth season of ABC's "Dancing With the Stars." The announcement was made Monday. Others include actress Marlee Matlin, Tony-winning actress Marissa Jaret Winokur of "Hairspray," radio personality Adam Carolla, Olympic ice skater Kristi Yamaguchi, Latin actor Christian de la Fuente, tennis great Monica Seles, R&B singer Mario, Priscilla Presley, NFL star Jason Taylor, actress-poker player Shannon Elizabeth and Steve Guttenberg. The show premieres March 17. ...
We're hoping Rich Little is back on his feet soon after some health challenges that forced him to cancel his weekend shows at the Golden Nugget. Little, 69, reportedly has the flu and some other complications. His 20-week engagement was to run through April 6.
SIGHTINGS
More than a dozen local celebrities, judging a final episode Monday at Tryst, in the Wynn Las Vegas, for the Food Channel's search for another star chef. Among the celebrity judges: Mirage headliner Danny Gans; Frank Marino of "La Cage"; cast members from "Le Reve," "Spamalot," "Tony n' Tina's Wedding" and "Sirens of TI"; and showgirls for "Jubilee."... Country music star LeAnn Rimes, dining Sunday at CatHouse restaurant, in the Luxor, with her husband, Dean Sheremet. ... Paris Hilton, co-hosting the screening of her new movie, "The Hottie and the Nottie," at Brenden Theatres, in the Palms, on Sunday. Attendees included members of The Killers, Palms owner George Maloof, Luxor President Felix Rappaport and his family, Nicky Hilton, David Katzenberg, and co-hosts Jeff Beacher and Steve Davidovici. ... Motley Crue's Tommy Lee, checking out Ivan Kane's Forty Deuce nightclub, in Mandalay Bay, on Sunday with Maloof and Starlight Tattoo owner Mario Barth. Lee and Maloof dined at N9NE steakhouse, in the Palms, earlier in the evening. ... E! host Giuliana Rancic, dining Sunday at Social House restaurant, in Treasure Island, with husband and former "Apprentice" winner Bill Rancic. ... Members of music group Panic at the Disco, stopping by Moon nightclub, in the Palms, on Sunday. ... Hollywood heavyweight publicist Elliott Mintz, on a dinner date Saturday in the Fountain Room at Koi, in Planet Hollywood Resort. ... Mike Tyson's ex-wife Robin Givens at eyecandy sound lounge & bar in Mandalay Bay on Friday while her ex was spotted Sunday at Grimaldi's Pizzeria, 215 and Eastern, with friends. ... Also at N9NE on Sunday, Dallas Mavericks guard Jason Terry, the brother of UNLV basketball player Curtis Terry, in town during the NBA All-Star break.
THE PUNCH LINE
"A woman in California is being studied because she says she remembers everything from the last 12 years. And I'm thinking, 'Wait a minute -- isn't that every woman?'" -- David Letterman
Norm Clarke can be reached at (702) 383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com.
