Gielgud kept gay support a secret

Sir John Gielgud made secret payments to Stonewall, the British campaign group for homosexual rights, but insisted that his support was not revealed because he did not want to encourage speculation about his private life.

The actor, one of Britain's greatest theatrical talents, made several donations to the organisation to help campaigns for a reduced age of consent for homosexuals.

The 96-year-old Oscar-winner continued his support right up until his death in May, but told Sir Ian McKellen - the actor and founder-member of Stonewall - that his contributions should not be made public.

Sir Ian, who is filming Lord of the Rings in Wellington, noted Sir John's support for Stonewall in a tribute he has placed on his Internet Website.

He wrote: "Privately Sir John sent regular contributions to Stonewall. I had asked him to allow Stonewall to publish the fact that he was a benefactor. He replied: 'No, no, no, no.' What a pity that he couldn't accept his honoured position as one of the most distinguished gay men who contributed so much to world theatre and the film industry."

Joely Fisher says her mother, singer-actress Connie Stevens, knew how to balance her career and personal life. Her playboy crooner father, Eddie Fisher, did not.

Fisher, who played Paige on the sitcom Ellen, said show business and her father, who also was married to Liz Taylor and Debbie Reynolds, were a toxic mix.

"It was a destructive relationship. It's the opposite of how I was brought up, this feeling that the only way you could receive love was through being popular," said Fisher, who is starring in Cabaret on Broadway.

She said she inherited her wit and warmth from her mother.

Sharon Stone, an outspoken advocate for the Tibetan cause, has appeared onstage in Los Angeles with the Dalai Lama after the dedication of a rare Tibetan mandala.

An audience of more than 1000 had gathered at Forest Lawn Memorial Park to see the artwork and hear the teachings of the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader.

The mandala, created by artist Pema Namdol Thaye, is a work that represents a Tibetan art form said to be nearly extinct.

- NZPA