Celebrities
Urban legends and Netlore about famous people: Bill Gates, the Antichrist; Celebrity Stomach Pump; The Elevator Story; Richard Gere and the Gerbil; 'Hanoi Jane' Fonda; Jennifer Lopez' Billion Dollar Booty.
Andrews, Julie (1)
Hung, William (1)
Burns, Steve (1)
Jones, Tom (1)
Carlin, George (3)
Leno, Jay (1)
Ciara (1)
Lopez, Jennifer (1)
Clapton, Eric (1)
Murphy, Eddie (1)
Curtis, Jamie Lee (1)
Princess Diana (8)
Dogg, Snoop (1)
Richards, Michael (1)
Ferrell, Will (1)
Rogers, Fred (1)
Fonda, Jane (3)
Sinbad (1)
Gates, Bill (4)
Spears, Britney (1)
Gere, Richard (1)
Spielberg, Steven (2)
Gibson, Mel (2)
Stewart, Rod (1)
Gore, Al (7)
Washington, Denzel (2)
Heder, Jon (1)
White, Jaleel (1)
Hilfiger, Tommy (1)
Williams, Robin (2)
Pop Quiz: Celebrity Urban Legends
Did Fidel Castro once try out for the Washington Senators baseball team? Was Frank Zappa the son of Captain Kangaroo's Mr. Green Jeans? What famous movie star was also an inventor and holder of a patent on a torpedo guidance system? Test your knowledge!
Did Fidel Castro once try out for the Washington Senators baseball team? Was Frank Zappa the son of Captain Kangaroo's Mr. Green Jeans? What famous movie star was also an inventor and holder of a patent on a torpedo guidance system? Test your knowledge!
About that Thing with Richard Gere and the Gerbil...
I don't mean to sound cranky, but it's a fact that every time I meet someone and tell them I write about urban legends, the first question that pops out of their mouth is: "What about that thing with Richard Gere and the gerbil? Is THAT true?
I don't mean to sound cranky, but it's a fact that every time I meet someone and tell them I write about urban legends, the first question that pops out of their mouth is: "What about that thing with Richard Gere and the gerbil? Is THAT true?
Bette Midler Letter to President Bush on Gay Marriage
A widely circulated email criticizing President Bush's stance on gay marriage is falsely attributed to singer Bette Midler.
A widely circulated email criticizing President Bush's stance on gay marriage is falsely attributed to singer Bette Midler.
Bill Gates' 11 Rules of Life
Circulating via email, the text of a speech allegedly given by Bill Gates in which he sets out 11 rules of life for today's high school students.
Circulating via email, the text of a speech allegedly given by Bill Gates in which he sets out 11 rules of life for today's high school students.
Bill Gates Is the Antichrist!
It all adds up... to 666.
It all adds up... to 666.
Boycott Dame Edna!
Email petition decries ethnically insensitive remarks about Hispanics in a satirical Vanity Fair column called "Ask Dame Edna."
Email petition decries ethnically insensitive remarks about Hispanics in a satirical Vanity Fair column called "Ask Dame Edna."
Britney Spears Is Dead .. Oops, Nevermind!
False reports of the deaths of singers Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake run rampant on the Internet
False reports of the deaths of singers Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake run rampant on the Internet
The Celebrity Heckler
'If you think you can do better, come on up here!' says Grand Funk Railroad's guitarist to a booing audience member. To his chagrin, the heckler turns out to be Eric Clapton...
'If you think you can do better, come on up here!' says Grand Funk Railroad's guitarist to a booing audience member. To his chagrin, the heckler turns out to be Eric Clapton...
Celebrity Stomach Pump
Did you hear that (Insert Name of Rock Star Here) collapsed onstage and had to be rushed to the emergency room, where a pint of semen was pumped from his/her stomach?
Did you hear that (Insert Name of Rock Star Here) collapsed onstage and had to be rushed to the emergency room, where a pint of semen was pumped from his/her stomach?
Charlie Daniels on Illegal Immigration
Forwarded email combines two op-ed pieces written by country singer Charlie Daniels on the hot topic of illegal immigration and what should be done about it.
Forwarded email combines two op-ed pieces written by country singer Charlie Daniels on the hot topic of illegal immigration and what should be done about it.
Charlie Daniels: Open Letter to the Hollywood Bunch
Circulating by email: Acrimonious open letter to antiwar celebrities penned by prowar celebrity Charlie Daniels. It's authentic.
Circulating by email: Acrimonious open letter to antiwar celebrities penned by prowar celebrity Charlie Daniels. It's authentic.
Churchill, Farmer Fleming and Penicillin
Did the son of a Scottish farmer who allegedly saved the life of the young Winston Churchill grow up to become the inventor of penicillin, which supposedly saved the life of the adult Churchill many years later?
Did the son of a Scottish farmer who allegedly saved the life of the young Winston Churchill grow up to become the inventor of penicillin, which supposedly saved the life of the adult Churchill many years later?
Ciara's Sex-Change Operation
Internet rumors are flying to the effect that hip-hop/R&B star Ciara was born a man and is either a transvestite or underwent a sex-change operation to become a transsexual
Internet rumors are flying to the effect that hip-hop/R&B star Ciara was born a man and is either a transvestite or underwent a sex-change operation to become a transsexual
Cindy Williams vs. Military Pay Raise
Did actress Cindy Williams, one of the stars of "Laverne and Shirley," pen an editorial decrying military pay increases?
Did actress Cindy Williams, one of the stars of "Laverne and Shirley," pen an editorial decrying military pay increases?
'Clothes' by Maya Angelou
"Poem" purportedly written by Maya Angelou criticizes African Americans for buying clothing manufactured by allegedly racist companies.
"Poem" purportedly written by Maya Angelou criticizes African Americans for buying clothing manufactured by allegedly racist companies.
Is David Bowie Really Davy Jones of the Monkees?
A reader writes: 'When I was in junior high school in Huntsville, Alabama, the story going around was that David Bowie was really Davy Jones of the Monkees... after he had been in a car wreck and needed extensive plastic surgery!'
A reader writes: 'When I was in junior high school in Huntsville, Alabama, the story going around was that David Bowie was really Davy Jones of the Monkees... after he had been in a car wreck and needed extensive plastic surgery!'
Denzel Washington Funded a Fisher House for Military Families
Email rumor claims actor Denzel Washington, after visiting a charity-funded 'Fisher House' provided for families of hospitalized American soldiers, wrote a check on the spot for the full amount to build a new one.
Email rumor claims actor Denzel Washington, after visiting a charity-funded 'Fisher House' provided for families of hospitalized American soldiers, wrote a check on the spot for the full amount to build a new one.
Denzel Washington, Meryl Streep Interview w/Katie Couric
Circulating via email: embellished version of a politically-charged TV interview hosted by Katie Couric and featuring 'Manchurian Candidate' stars Denzel Washington and Meryl Streep.
Circulating via email: embellished version of a politically-charged TV interview hosted by Katie Couric and featuring 'Manchurian Candidate' stars Denzel Washington and Meryl Streep.
Did Eminem Die in a Car Crash?
Web hoax claims famed rapper Eminem died in a car crash in December 2000
Web hoax claims famed rapper Eminem died in a car crash in December 2000
Eddie Murphy Mistaken for a Robber (The Elevator Story)
New email versions of this decades-old urban legend have both Eddie Murphy and Michael Jordan scaring the heck out of white folks on hotel elevators.
New email versions of this decades-old urban legend have both Eddie Murphy and Michael Jordan scaring the heck out of white folks on hotel elevators.
George Carlin: Bad American?
This politically incorrect email rant is attributed to famed comedian George Carlin. Some parts sound like him, but did he really write it?
This politically incorrect email rant is attributed to famed comedian George Carlin. Some parts sound like him, but did he really write it?
George Carlin's Hurricane Rules
A sarcastic rant purportedly authored by comedian George Carlin (or New Orleans musician Bill Boudreux, depending on version) outlining "rules" for coping in the aftermath of a hurricane.
A sarcastic rant purportedly authored by comedian George Carlin (or New Orleans musician Bill Boudreux, depending on version) outlining "rules" for coping in the aftermath of a hurricane.
George Carlin's Solution to Save Gasoline
Statement falsely attributed to comedian George Carlin says the best way to cut down on gasoline consumption in the U.S. is to deport 11 million illegal immigrants
Statement falsely attributed to comedian George Carlin says the best way to cut down on gasoline consumption in the U.S. is to deport 11 million illegal immigrants
Good Luck, Mr. Gorsky
What Neil Armstrong really said when he first set foot on the moon?
What Neil Armstrong really said when he first set foot on the moon?
The Good Samaritan
Bill Gates handsomely rewards a man for helping him fix a flat tire. So does Donald Trump, Perry Como, Mrs. Nat King Cole...
Bill Gates handsomely rewards a man for helping him fix a flat tire. So does Donald Trump, Perry Como, Mrs. Nat King Cole...
'Hanoi Jane' Fonda
Email rumors allege that Fonda purposely betrayed U.S. POWs in Vietnam to their captors.
Email rumors allege that Fonda purposely betrayed U.S. POWs in Vietnam to their captors.
Hillary vs. Arnold
Did Hillary Clinton and Arnold Schwarzenegger exchange insulting witticisms during a chance encounter at a party?
Did Hillary Clinton and Arnold Schwarzenegger exchange insulting witticisms during a chance encounter at a party?
Hunter Thompson: 'Where Thieves and Pimps Run Free...'
In which we attempt to nail down the origin of a quote attributed to Gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson and ascertain which of the many versions - if any - is authentic.
In which we attempt to nail down the origin of a quote attributed to Gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson and ascertain which of the many versions - if any - is authentic.
JFK: "I am a Jelly Donut"
Was John F. Kennedy's 1963 "Ich bin ein Berliner" comment at the Berlin Wall a linguistic flub?
Was John F. Kennedy's 1963 "Ich bin ein Berliner" comment at the Berlin Wall a linguistic flub?
Jaleel White ('Steve Urkel') Is Dead!
Bogus news story circulating via email claims actor Jaleel White, who played Steve Urkel on the TV show "Family Matters," is dead by suicide.
Bogus news story circulating via email claims actor Jaleel White, who played Steve Urkel on the TV show "Family Matters," is dead by suicide.
Jamie Foxx: NBC Refuses to Publicize All-Black TV Special
Email rumor claims NBC refused to promote Jamie Foxx's January 25, 2006 TV special, "Unpredictable," because no white entertainers were invited to guest star on the show.
Email rumor claims NBC refused to promote Jamie Foxx's January 25, 2006 TV special, "Unpredictable," because no white entertainers were invited to guest star on the show.
Janet Reno Defines 'Cultist'
Did Janet Reno suggest on national TV that virtually all practicing Christians are cultists?
Did Janet Reno suggest on national TV that virtually all practicing Christians are cultists?
Jane Fonda: 'Do You Know Who I Am?'
A story circulating since the mid-1990s claims Jane Fonda and Ted Turner were kicked out of a Montana restaurant by its owner, a Vietnam veteran.
A story circulating since the mid-1990s claims Jane Fonda and Ted Turner were kicked out of a Montana restaurant by its owner, a Vietnam veteran.
Jennifer Aniston Email
The truth about a set of photos (sorry, not posted here) taken at the christening of Courteney Cox Arquette's baby, allegedly emailed by Jennifer Aniston.
The truth about a set of photos (sorry, not posted here) taken at the christening of Courteney Cox Arquette's baby, allegedly emailed by Jennifer Aniston.
Jennifer Lopez's Billion Dollar Booty
From the mailbag: "Dear Guide: Is it true that Jennifer Lopez insured her butt?"
From the mailbag: "Dear Guide: Is it true that Jennifer Lopez insured her butt?"
Is John Dillinger's Preserved Willie on Display at the Smithsonian?
Dear Guide: I believe I read an article by Robert Anton Wilson a ways back regarding the Smithsonian or some D.C. museum housing private parts of famous people - John Dillinger, for example. Is there any truth to this folklore?
Dear Guide: I believe I read an article by Robert Anton Wilson a ways back regarding the Smithsonian or some D.C. museum housing private parts of famous people - John Dillinger, for example. Is there any truth to this folklore?
Johnnie Cochran's Headstone
Circulating via email: a photo purporting to show the headstone of famed lawyer Johnnie Cochran. The inscription reads: "O.J. DID IT."
Circulating via email: a photo purporting to show the headstone of famed lawyer Johnnie Cochran. The inscription reads: "O.J. DID IT."
Jon Heder ('Napoleon Dynamite') Is Dead
Phony Web page published in 2005 claims that "Naploeon Dynamite" star Jon Heder died in a car crash in Oregon.
Phony Web page published in 2005 claims that "Naploeon Dynamite" star Jon Heder died in a car crash in Oregon.
Kurt Vonnegut: 'Wear Sunscreen'
The commencement address that never was.
The commencement address that never was.
Lee Marvin & Bob (Captain Kangaroo) Keeshan
In a story supposedly told by actor Lee Marvin on The Tonight Show years ago, he recalls serving in combat with fellow U.S. Marine Bob Keeshan, whom he called "the bravest man I ever knew."
In a story supposedly told by actor Lee Marvin on The Tonight Show years ago, he recalls serving in combat with fellow U.S. Marine Bob Keeshan, whom he called "the bravest man I ever knew."
Lou Reed Is Dead?
Nah, it's just another Internet hoax – one that fooled several radio stations before they caught on.
Nah, it's just another Internet hoax – one that fooled several radio stations before they caught on.
Magic Johnson Is in a Coma, Near Death
Hoax email purporting to be a 'news item' from CNN claims famed basketball player Earvin 'Magic' Johnson is in a coma and dying in a Los Angeles hospital.
Hoax email purporting to be a 'news item' from CNN claims famed basketball player Earvin 'Magic' Johnson is in a coma and dying in a Los Angeles hospital.
Mel Gibson: Real-Life Man Without a Face?
Film about a disfigured teacher was allegedly based on Mel Gibson's own life.
Film about a disfigured teacher was allegedly based on Mel Gibson's own life.
Mel Gibson Movie Blames Jews for Christ's Death (2003)
(2003) Rumor has it that Mel Gibson secretly harbors anti-Semitic sentiments and that his upcoming film "The Passion of the Christ" blames Jews for the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ.
(2003) Rumor has it that Mel Gibson secretly harbors anti-Semitic sentiments and that his upcoming film "The Passion of the Christ" blames Jews for the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ.
Michael Moore vs. Bill Timmins on the Firing of Linda Ronstadt
Purported exchange of open letters between Michael Moore and Aladdin Casino and Hotel president Bill Timmins regarding the expulsion of singer Linda Ronstadt from the Las Vegas showplace.
Purported exchange of open letters between Michael Moore and Aladdin Casino and Hotel president Bill Timmins regarding the expulsion of singer Linda Ronstadt from the Las Vegas showplace.
Michael Richards' Self Defense
Circulating via email, a racist rant purportedly delivered by actor/comedian Michael Richards as his 'defense speech in court' for shouting racial epithets at black audience members during a 2006 incident at an L.A. comedy club
Circulating via email, a racist rant purportedly delivered by actor/comedian Michael Richards as his 'defense speech in court' for shouting racial epithets at black audience members during a 2006 incident at an L.A. comedy club
Monica Lewinsky Explains Post-Clinton Weight Loss
Here's what the former White House intern purportedly said on Larry King Live... and evidence that she didn't.
Here's what the former White House intern purportedly said on Larry King Live... and evidence that she didn't.
Mr. Rogers Was a Marine Sniper / Navy Seal
Was Fred Rogers, longtime host of the children's TV show "Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood," a trained sharpshooter with dozens of wartime kills to his credit as a Marine sniper or Navy Seal?
Was Fred Rogers, longtime host of the children's TV show "Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood," a trained sharpshooter with dozens of wartime kills to his credit as a Marine sniper or Navy Seal?
Pat Boone: CBS and 60 Minutes Are 'Modern Benedict Arnolds'
Did Pat Boone call CBS and 60 Minutes II "modern Benedict Arnolds" for their role in revealing the prisoner abuse scandal at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq?
Did Pat Boone call CBS and 60 Minutes II "modern Benedict Arnolds" for their role in revealing the prisoner abuse scandal at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq?
Penus Van Lesbian
Heartwarming tale of a talented young man who overcame his tragic christening to become a wealthy and famous TV personality.
Heartwarming tale of a talented young man who overcame his tragic christening to become a wealthy and famous TV personality.
Phil Mickelson's Gambling Debts
Did pro golfer Phil Mickelson really rack up a $200,000 debt betting on his own performance in a practice round against three other players?
Did pro golfer Phil Mickelson really rack up a $200,000 debt betting on his own performance in a practice round against three other players?
Robin Williams Paid Christopher Reeve's Medical Bills
Rumor circulating since 1996 claims that comedian Robin Williams, lifelong friend of actor Christopher Reeve, promised to pay all the medical bills resulting from the accident that left Reeve paralyzed.
Rumor circulating since 1996 claims that comedian Robin Williams, lifelong friend of actor Christopher Reeve, promised to pay all the medical bills resulting from the accident that left Reeve paralyzed.
Robin Williams' Plan for Peace
Sarcastic "peace plan" circulating by email since March 2003 is falsely attributed to comedian Robin Williams.
Sarcastic "peace plan" circulating by email since March 2003 is falsely attributed to comedian Robin Williams.
Ronald Reagan: Grace Under the Scalpel
"I hope you're all Republicans," said the president to the surgeons. Or did he?
"I hope you're all Republicans," said the president to the surgeons. Or did he?
Rumors of Celebrity Deaths Greatly Exaggerated
More reasons not to believe everything you read on the Internet.
More reasons not to believe everything you read on the Internet.
Rush Limbaugh on Compensation of 9/11 Victims vs. Military Families
Short text attributed to Rush Limbaugh points out the unfairness of 9/11 victims' families being paid greater benefits than family members of American military personnel killed in action.
Short text attributed to Rush Limbaugh points out the unfairness of 9/11 victims' families being paid greater benefits than family members of American military personnel killed in action.
Serena Williams Interview
Circulating via email: a purported interview with black tennis star Serena Williams in which she says dating white men is preferable to dating black men.
Circulating via email: a purported interview with black tennis star Serena Williams in which she says dating white men is preferable to dating black men.
Shakira's Anti-Israeli Slur
Did Latin American pop star Shakira really refer to Israelis as "pigs" during an MTV interview?
Did Latin American pop star Shakira really refer to Israelis as "pigs" during an MTV interview?
Snoop Dogg Converts to Mormonism
Text of Web hoax featuring a fake CNN news story claiming that rapper Snoop Dogg is converting to the Mormon faith.
Text of Web hoax featuring a fake CNN news story claiming that rapper Snoop Dogg is converting to the Mormon faith.
Is Steve Burns (the Blue's Clues Guy) Really Dead?
Did Steve Burns die of a drug overdose? Nope, he's alive and well. Internet rumors prove false once again...
Did Steve Burns die of a drug overdose? Nope, he's alive and well. Internet rumors prove false once again...
Steven Spielberg Letter to Mel Gibson
Circulating via email, a letter purportedly written by Steven Spielberg taking actor Mel Gibson to task for making anti-Semitic remarks during his arrest for drunk driving in August 2006.
Circulating via email, a letter purportedly written by Steven Spielberg taking actor Mel Gibson to task for making anti-Semitic remarks during his arrest for drunk driving in August 2006.
Steven Spielberg to Make Film on the Crusades
Forwarded email claims Jewish filmmaker Steven Spielberg has announced he will make a gory movie about atrocities committed by Christians during the Crusades in response to Mel Gibson's allegedly anti-Semitic film, "The Passion of the Christ."
Forwarded email claims Jewish filmmaker Steven Spielberg has announced he will make a gory movie about atrocities committed by Christians during the Crusades in response to Mel Gibson's allegedly anti-Semitic film, "The Passion of the Christ."
Did Tom Jones Insure His Chest Hair?
It must be true - I read it in the tabloids: singer and heartthrob Tom Jones has insured his graying chest hair for a cool $7 million.
It must be true - I read it in the tabloids: singer and heartthrob Tom Jones has insured his graying chest hair for a cool $7 million.
Tommy Hilfiger: Racist?
Did the hippest fashion designer of the '80s really say those horrible things on Oprah Winfrey's show?
Did the hippest fashion designer of the '80s really say those horrible things on Oprah Winfrey's show?
Will Ferrell Is Dead
March 2006 Web hoax declares comic actor Will Ferrell dead as a result of a paragliding accident.
March 2006 Web hoax declares comic actor Will Ferrell dead as a result of a paragliding accident.
William Hung Dead of Heroin Overdose
According to Internet rumors, American Idol reject William Hung was found dead of an intentional heroin overdose in Las Vegas, Nevada.
According to Internet rumors, American Idol reject William Hung was found dead of an intentional heroin overdose in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The Wonderful World of Disney
Legends about the amazing man who made a fortune off a cartoon mouse.
Legends about the amazing man who made a fortune off a cartoon mouse.
Of Party Poopers, Colo-Rectal Gerbils and Other Tales...
Salon Magazine's Catherine Seipp investigates "Hollywood urban legends" in their natural environs, Tinseltown.
Salon Magazine's Catherine Seipp investigates "Hollywood urban legends" in their natural environs, Tinseltown.