A list of actors who quit or were fired over salary demands includes HILARY DUFF, who was at the height of her fame when “The Lizzie McGuire Movie” was released in 2003. But Hilary’s mom and her legal team tried to play hardball during negotiations for a sequel, and for a continuation of the TV series it was based on. Turns out Disney didn’t want to play . . . so they walked. In 1980, SUZANNE SOMERS left “Three’s Company”, because they refused to pay her as much as JOHN RITTER. Jenilee Harrison was brought in to replace her. ROBERT DUVALL refused to return for the third “Godfather” movie, because of how much more AL PACINO was making. Duvall later said he would have been fine with Pacino making twice as much, but it was actually three or four times more. MAGGIE ROSWELL was the voice of Maude Flanders on “The Simpsons” . . . until she asked them to raise her salary from $2,000 an episode to $5,000. That’s not even close to what other cast members were making. But instead of meeting Maggie’s price, they KILLED MAUDE in 1999. But they ended up reaching a deal in 2002, and Maude comes back sometimes in flashbacks and as a ghost.
The “Dirty Dancing” sequel will be set in the ’90s, with JENNIFER GREY’s “Baby” returning to Kellerman’s. PATRICK SWAYZE will have some kind of presence in the film, and talks are underway with his estate to make that happen.
CRAIG MORGAN announced the dates of his God, Family, Country 2022 Tour. There are 11 shows, starting on October 19th in Green Bay, Wisconsin . . . and wrapping November 11th at the Ryman in Nashville. All the dates are on Craig’s Instagram. November in Ohio
CARLY PEARCE and ASHLEY MCBRYDE’s “Never Wanted to Be That Girl” has reached Number One on the “Billboard” Country Radio chart. They’re only the SECOND female duet to top that chart in 30 years. Elle King and Miranda Lambert did it last fall with “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)”.
TYLER HUBBARD posted a clip of a new song. The full version might be here any day now. He wrote, “I can’t wait to show y’all what I’ve been working on. New music coming soon. Who’s ready?”
CountryNow.com has photos of country stars . . . some with their significant others . . . enjoying the Kentucky Derby. We’re talking Jason Aldean, Darius Rucker, Sam Hunt, Morgan Wallen, Chase Rice, Brittney Spencer, Travis Tritt, Jon Pardi, and Tanya Tucker. Several also attended the fancy Barnstable Brown Kentucky Derby Eve Gala.
COVID came to “American Idol” Sunday night. Two of the final 7 contestants tested positive, so their rehearsal footage was used inplace of a live performance. — And speaking of COVID . . . days after saying she was surprised she hadn’t caught it yet, Amy Schumer tested positive
Alec Baldwin and his wife are expecting their 7th child together and it’s a girl
Jay Demarcus’ wife Allison thinks Rascal Flatts will get back together “COVID caused the band to cancel their farewell tour and ultimately go in their separate directions. I do believe they’ll be back together once again because they’re all still friends and partners in business, and they’ve had such a strong run for so long.
A “Father of the Bride” remake with GLORIA ESTEFAN and ANDY GARCIA hits HBO Max on June 16th.
RAY ROMANO will star in a biopic about legendary college hoops coach JIM VALVANO.
Kenan Thompson is 44.
Linda Evangelista is 57. Supermodel
Bono from U2 is 62.
Mark David Chapman is 67. Killed John Lennon. He has been locked up in Attica State Prison in New York ever since.
Dave Mason is 76. Biggest hit: 1977’s “We Just Disagree
Donovan is 76.
