Thursday

06-05-2025 Vol 1982

Celebrity News: From Warhol’s Priceless Polaroids to Chris Sain’s Philanthropy

The art world is abuzz with the impending showcase of Andy Warhol’s renowned Polaroid snapshots, valued at an astonishing $25,000 each.

Galerie Gmurzynska in Zurich, Switzerland, will unveil these iconic images, featuring legends such as Mick Jagger, Grace Jones, Jim Morrison, Lou Reed, Christina Onassis, Keith Haring, and Candy Darling next month.

This exhibition is not just a one-time event; it’s headed to New York in the fall, further solidifying the enduring legacy of Warhol’s oeuvre.

Accompanying the Polaroids will be paintings by Ronnie Cutrone, a former protégé who spent a decade collaborating with Warhol.

Cutrone, known for his playful depictions of beloved cartoon characters including Woody the Woodpecker, Bart Simpson, and Bugs Bunny, reflects on New York’s transformation: “New York was elegant and sleazy. Now it’s a shopping mall for dot-commers. We need our crime rate back. I want my muggers and hookers back.”

His unexpected meeting with Warhol at age 16 sparked a whirlwind career, which included writing for Interview magazine about figures like Nancy Reagan.

In a different vein of celebrity news, Chris Sain is making headlines for his extraordinary philanthropic efforts.

A former Michigan State football player turned financial educator and bestselling author, Sain is giving away $1 million across the country by distributing $25,000 checks to deserving causes.

“I’m just giving money away,” Sain stated, invoking a biblical sentiment, “To whom much is given, much is required.”

Sain and his wife, Corinthia, a college sweetheart, proudly declare their financial independence as they live debt-free, crediting their frugality: “Instead of going out to dinner, we’d stay home and cook.”

With nearly 1 million YouTube subscribers, Sain draws thousands to his speeches, but he’s gearing up for even greater ambitions.

Meanwhile, the world of theatre is set to embrace the chaotic memoir of Steve Grillo, a former intern on the Howard Stern radio show.

Grillo is transforming his life story, titled “Gorilla Parts,” into a musical filled with escapades and celebrity encounters.

At just 19, he navigated a tempestuous path through the lives of the rich and famous, enduring unforgettable moments such as getting assaulted by Spike Lee’s bodyguards and losing a girlfriend to Steve Martin, while also partying with the likes of Ron Jeremy and John Wayne Bobbitt.

The musical will feature lively songs like “Welcome to Canarsie,” reflecting his childhood neighborhood, and “They’re Gonna Put You in the Trunk,” which humorously highlights dodging a mobbed-up execution.

Grillo’s show promises a dynamic experience with a rotating cast of celebrity guests, ensuring that each performance remains unique.

At The Whitney Museum of Art’s Spring Gala, a star-studded lineup gathered to honor acclaimed painter Amy Sherald, whose celebrated works capture the richness of the contemporary African American experience.

Among the attendees were Claire Danes, Hugh Dancy, Andie MacDowell, Stephanie March, and Michelle Monaghan and Leslie Bibb from “White Lotus.”

Sherald humbly shared, “When I first began painting portraits, I wasn’t trying to make history. I just wanted to offer images that looked like the world I came from — ordinary and extraordinary at the same time.”

The night of celebration saw record-breaking fundraising efforts, garnering $6 million; a significant portion will now enhance the museum’s free admission program for younger visitors, thanks to an additional $1 million donation from songwriter Judy Hart Angelo.

Parties also echo the creativity of renowned interior designer Katherine Bryan, who celebrated her new book, “Great Inspiration,” at her Park Avenue residence.

Friends joining the festivities included her son George Gurley, author Candace Bushnell, Susan Gutfreund, and political strategist Ed Rollins, amidst a jovial atmosphere where the underlying sentiment seemed clear: “Living well is the best revenge.”

Finally, the upcoming Holiday House Hamptons Designer Showcase promises to attract a high-profile crowd keen to support the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Celebrities like Justin Timberlake, Jessica Biel, Drew Barrymore, Vera Wang, and Thom Filicia will be in attendance for the event opening on July 12.

Hosted in a luxurious Water Mill estate, the showcase will feature the work of over 15 of the top designers in the industry, united for a noble cause.

As the vibrant world of celebrity continues to unfold, from art galleries to philanthropic acts and theatrical innovations, each story captures the extraordinary tapestry of contemporary culture.

image source from:https://www.nydailynews.com/2025/06/01/richard-johnson-warhol-polaroid-exhibit-nyc/

Abigail Harper