Statham praises J-Lo for film role
Jennifer Lopez was in the middle of a divorce and could have crumbled.
Her ability to push through tough times while filming "Parker" impressed her co-star, Jason Statham.
"You know what, I've always respected her as an actress," Statham said during a red carpet interview at the Las Vegas premiere of the action film Thursday evening at Planet Hollywood Resort.
What got his attention, Statham said, was how "she comes to the table and puts all that aside."
Statham said Lopez won his respect in the role as a character "at a dead end."
Also on the red carpet: Lopez's manager Benny Medina, chef Carla Pellegrino, who appeared on "Top Chef Seattle" late last year, and Claire Sinclair, who opens her burlesque show next month at the Stratosphere. Pellegrino was a proud mom after learning her daughter, Brazilian model Marcella Braga, who lives in Hollywood, is on the cover and featured among USL Magazine's sexiest people of 2013.
THE SCENE AND HEARD
The wife of a rock 'n' roll icon was a handful over the weekend. Spies say she attempted to break into the Dolphin Habitat pool at The Mirage and later threatened to fire the butler assigned to her VIP quarters.
SIGHTINGS
J-Lo and dancer/beau Casper Smart, having a late lunch with a trio at Social House (Crystals at CityCenter) on Thursday. At the Meatball Spot (Town Square) on Wednesday: Planet Hollywood International CEO Robert Earl, dining with Sean Stewart, son of music legend Rod Stewart. Sean Stewart has been dating Adrienne Maloof of "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills." Tropicana headliner Roseanne Barr, dining at Ferraro's on Paradise Road with family and friends on Monday. Her son, Jake, and his wife, Alicia, made a surprise appearance at the show. Barr had fun with them, telling the audience that sons always look for wives who remind them of their mothers. "He married a woman who is opinionated, not at all like me," said Barr, who is at the Laugh Factory through April. Retired baseball great Cal Ripken Jr., with a group at Joe's Stone Crab (Forum Shops at Caesars) on Tuesday. At 1 OAK (Mirage) on Wednesday: Managing partner Eli Pacino, celebrating his birthday with 2 Chainz, Lil Jon and Chris Tucker. ... Rock icons Roger Daltrey and Dave Navarro will participate in a photo opportunity today at the MGM Grand Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp Studio, located near Rouge Lounge. The red carpet starts at 12:30 p.m. Daltrey and Navarro are headlining the January camp session, which ends Sunday.
THE PUNCH LINE
"Arnold Schwarzenegger signed on to a brand-new 'Terminator' film. Now, due to his age, this one features the catchphrase, 'I'll be back, right after 'Wheel of Fortune.' " - Conan O'Brien
Norm Clarke's column appears Sunday, Wednesday and Friday. He can be reached at 702-383-0244 or email him at norm@reviewjournal.com. Find more online at www.normclarke.com. Follow Norm on Twitter @Norm_Clarke. "Norm Clarke's Vegas," airs Thursdays on the "Morning Blend" on KTNV-TV, Channel 13.
