While many in Hollywood were spending Saturday night frantically squeezing in a few final Botox injections or miles on the treadmill in preparation for the Emmy Awards, a select crowd gathered at the hillside home of James Denton (aka Mike Delfino on DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES) for a fundraising cocktail party for Presidential hopeful Senator John Edwards. I'm a big admirer of the Senator's, so I convinced my friend/colleague Louise Pennell to join me for the swell-egant affair. James had emailed us earlier in the day to warn that Edwards would be arriving directly from a "farm event," so to dress casually. We had a great time and there was definitely a showbiz presence among the attendees. Some other Wisteria Lane residents like Brenda Strong and Nathan Fillion were there, and it was impossible not to notice Teri Hatcher in a sexy, skin tight silk dress (deep purple...suspiciously resembling one she wore in a 2004 photo shoot. Glad to know the girl recycles!). Her hair was inky-blue black and must have been freshly coloured or weaved, because she couldn't stop fussing with it. And after finishing her Chardonnay, off came the beige pumps...well, the dress code WAS casual, after all! Other film & TV notables gathered to meet Edwards included CSI's Marg Helgenberger & William Petersen, Screen Actors Guild President Alan Rosenberg, BROTHERS AND SISTERS' Ron Rifkin, Heartthrob-turned-director Shaun Cassidy, WEST WING's versatile Gary Cole, film star Madeleine Stowe, the "First Lady" of the hit show 24--gorgeous (and enthusiastic) Jean Smart and liberal activist/DHARMA & GREG's Mimi Kennedy (a longtime pal who is the life of every party she attends). Mrs. Denton, aka Erin O'Brien, is a buddy of mine from back in my fitness days and she commandeered the whole affair like a four star general! If Edwards DOES win the White House, he'd be wise to appoint her Chief of Staff! 

It was especially meaningful for me to meet the Senator and hear him speak, right on the heels of my cast interviews with the sublime director and Australian cast of the new grand motion picture from Working Title, ELIZABETH: THE GOLDEN AGE. In chatting with Shekhar Kapur, Cate Blanchett, Geoffrey Rush and Abbie Cornish, it became so fascinating to think about the iconic world leaders who shaped history because of their patriotic self sacrifice.

John F. Kennedy may have said, "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country," but leaders like Elizabeth I, Ghandi and Nelson Mandella actually LIVED it. It is this sense of selflessness that seems to be sorely lacking from contemporary politicians and we're finally starting to take notice of it...as evidenced by the many political changes afoot all around the free world. This is what struck me about Edwards...he is a self made multimillionaire who tragically lost a son and is helping his wife in her ongoing battle against cancer. He doesn't NEED the job of President...he is pursuing it because of his obvious desire for public service and philanthropy. While Oprah Winfrey and George Clooney may be making headlines in their endorsements of candidates like Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, it is John Edwards who most impresses me as a leader with the qualities America needs to redeem its tattered global image. I hope more of Hollywood (and the USA) will take note when it comes time to cast votes.

As for ELIZABETH: THE GOLDEN AGE, history buffs and film fans alike will be enthralled by this epic installment in the life of the Tudor monarch. It's simply impossible not to be captivated by every moment Cate is onscreen and there is, of course, the bonus of sumptuous sets and costumes (by Balenciaga, no less!). Clive Owen is a swarthy, sexy Sir Walter Raleigh in this thrilling epic.

What are they like in person? Cate is easy going, affable and energetic. Geoffrey is funny as hell. Abbie, taller and even prettier in person, has a serious side that tells you she is here to stay and sure to be as important an actor as her costars. Director Kapur is eloquent, soft spoken and fascinating. I wish I could put them all into the same room with John Edwards...I think they'd have a lot to agree on!

I guess my point is that, no matter how much times change, people and politics remain the same. So use your voice and your vote to help elect leaders whom you feel can sacrifice for the greater good.