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Emmy Central: Bits and Bites From 2004 Emmy Night

Sep 27, 2004  •  Post A Comment

Stewart: No `Late Late Show’ for Me

Backstage at the Emmys “Daily Show” host Jon Stewart denied rumors that he might replace Craig Kilborn, who has stepped down as host of CBS’s “Late Late Show.” “I can categorically tell you how false that is,” Mr. Stewart said. “Three cheers for basic cable!” But when E!’s Ted Casablanca took him to task for having only one woman among his cadre of writers, Mr. Stewart turned the tables. “I have always admired your work on women’s rights,” he told Mr. Casablanca, who writes the E! online column “The Awful Truth.” “I cannot stand up under your muckraking.”

Howard’s Surprise

At the Fox after-party at Spago, Imagine’s Ron Howard said he initially was unsure if “Arrested Development” was going to pick up any trophies. “When Jeffrey [Tambor] didn’t win, I thought, `Oh, they are going to salute the shows that have been on or going off or something like that,”‘ he said. “But then when the Russos won, I thought, `OK, they respect the show.”‘ Mr. Howard said he already knew where he will put his Emmy. “I’m going to put it up there next to the Oscars, ” he said.

No Complaints From de Matteo

When asked which she liked better, cable or broadcast, former “The Sopranos” cast member and current “Joey” star Drea de Matteo said, “I’m brand-new on network now, so I don’t have anything to complain about.” She also said she was disappointed that she missed seeing her “Sopranos” co-star Michael Imperioli accept his Emmy. “They wouldn’t let me in, and I didn’t get a chance to see him win,” she said. “I’m more excited about that than me.”

The La Cerva Curse?

Drea de Matteo, who played Adriana La Cerva, said backstage there is a possibility she could show up on future “The Sopranos” episodes. “I’m sort of under a small contract with them,” she said. When a reporter suggested she could appear as a ghost or in a dream sequence, she said, “I’d love to.” “Sopranos” creator David Chase also said it was “possible” she could return.

Long Live Adriana

Talking to reporters, “The Sopranos” writer Terence Winter tried to put to rest a lingering question among “Sopranos” viewers about whether Drea de Matteo’s character, Adriana La Cerva, survived her off-camera execution. “I’ve heard that before too,” Mr. Winter said. “She’s dead.”

Bursting Into Song

“It doesn’t seem like they got together and thought this vote out,” said Emmy winner and “Arrested Development” creator Mitchell Hurwitz to reporters after winning for best comedy writing. He also joked that he really was going to finish his acceptance speech in song once the move-it-along music cue came up. “I was trying to rhyme,” he said. “But it’s hard to find something that rhymes with [Fox Entertainment President] Gail Berman.”

Parker: `Sex’ Partners Not Awkward

Sarah Jessica Parker denied that sharing the Shrine Auditorium with her “Sex and the City” co-stars was awkward, despite press reports of Kim Cattrall single-handedly killing the planned “Sex and the City” movie.” “It’s wise to leave people wanting more,” she said.

Firing Line

“Amazing Race” executive producer Bertram van Munster, who won for outstanding reality competition program, took the bait when a reporter asked whether he was tempted to tell Donald Trump he’s fired. “I think it’s quite obvious,” Mr. Munster said.

Richie Goes `Under’

At an after-party, “The Simple Life” star Nicole Richie said she enjoyed her cameo appearance on the season finale of HBO’s “Six Feet Under.” “I actually haven’t seen the episode, but doing it was really cool, because I watch that show all the time,” she said. “It was very easy to slip into character because I know all their characters so well.”

One Twisted `Development’

Portia de Rossi didn’t wait for a reporter to finish asking the question which show is more warped-“Ally McBeal” or “Arrested Development”-“Arrested Development,” said Ms. de Rossi, who co-stars on the sitcom. “I think the characters are so interesting and well written. These people behind me are the funniest people in the world.” Meanwhile, co-star Jason Bateman was asked what the Emmy win could mean for the show. “Hopefully, anybody’s who on the fence about trying us out will hopefully have more impetus next year,” he said.

Berman as Cheerleader

Fox Network’s Gail Berman could barely speak, thanks to her enthusiastic response to the “Arrested Development” best comedy win. “I thought it would be like `Malcolm,’ win best director, win best writer and not win best show,” she said with a rasp. “I was screaming, as you can tell.”

Wright on AIDS

“Angels in America” winner Jeffrey Wright continued talking backstage about the scourge of AIDS, the role of television and how the epidemic has changed since the 1980s, “particularly in the African American community,” he said. “There are things that need to be addressed and spoken about. What held true then holds true now-silence equals death. We know it’s an incredibly powerful medium.”

Chase Is On

“It can get worse,” said “The Sopranos” creator David Chase on why the show will conclude next season.

Stritch Gets Real

Outstanding variety or music program winner Elaine Stritch weighed in on the reality genre. “I don’t watch it,” she said. “I’m having a hard time with reality in life. I hope it doesn’t get too big for its britches.”

Last Word

At the TV Guide party, Velvet Revolver lead singer and former Stone Temple Pilots frontman Scott Weiland was the most brutally honest of Emmy entertainers. “I’d rather be playing for my fans,” he yelled at the crowd. “Let’s face it, we’re all here for the same reason-the money!”

-CHRISTOPHER LISOTTA and JAMES HIBBERD