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Bill Zwecker biography

From the top stars of Hollywood to Chicago's best-known celebrities like Michael Jordan and Oprah Winfrey, Bill Zwecker is the expert when it comes to …Read More

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Gwyneth Paltrow glows on the red carpet in Chicago

BILL ZWECKER: The screen beauty, a frequent visitor, lives up to her glamorous reputation while accepting a Gene Siskel Film Center award.

Unreal wedding for ‘Real Housewife’ Joanna Krupa

Ex-Chicagoan Joanna Krupa’s marriage to nightclub owner Romain Zago in Carlsbad, Calif., last Thursday cost a reported $1 million. Not surprisingly, the whole fete will be featured on the upcoming third season of Krupa’s “Real Housewives of Miami” on Bravo. — B.Z. …

Jeff Garlin curbed by cops

Things were far from funny in North Hollywood, Calif. Saturday when “Curb Your Enthusiasm” star and North Shore native Jeff Garlin was arrested and taken into custody, after a verbal altercation allegedly led the comedian to smash a Mercedes’ car windows. — B.Z. …

Jennifer Aniston, Justin Theroux: Did they postpone their wedding?

BILL ZWECKER: Buzz about a delay in getting hitched may be about her career, their home renovation ... or misleading the snoopy gossips.

Kate Upton, Maksim Chmerkovskiy: rumored star couple

So far, Kate Upton and Maksim Chmerkovskiy are keeping mum, but the swimsuit model/actress and “Dancing With the Stars” pro are said to have enjoyed an intimate dinner Monday. “It’s very new. They were set up with friends. They just started dating,” a source told …

Steve Harvey’s chatfest renewed

Comedian Steve Harvey’s Chicago-based talk show has been renewed through 2016. Valeri Staab, president of the NBC-owned TV stations, called Harvey’s “engaging, funny and warm style ... a hit.” “The Steve Harvey Show” airs weekdays at 2 p.m. on WMAQ-Channel 5. — B.Z. …

Katy Perry, linked again to John Mayer, seen with Robert Pattinson

BILL ZWECKER: The singer “is not interested in getting serious with anyone at this point,” a source says.

Mumford & Sons postpone shows after bassist’s surgery

Ted Dwane, 28, of Mumford & Sons underwent emergency surgery Tuesday to remove a blood clot on his brain. Band members issued a statement postponing three shows but said they “are being assured that [Ted] will recover quickly from surgery” and plan to continue their …

Oprah Winfrey’s historic gift to Smithsonian

After giving a $1 million gift in 2007, Oprah Winfrey now has donated $12 million more to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History & Culture in Washington, D.C. To recognize Winfrey’s generosity, a 350-seat theater will be named in her honor. — B.Z. …

Paris Jackson may be tormented about who will be her guardian

BILL ZWECKER: The teen has been seeing more of her biological mother, Debbie Rowe, but current guardian Katherine Jackson reportedly is resisting adding Rowe to the guardianship team.

Ratings rise for Neil Patrick Harris’ Tony Awards

The fact Broadway that showcased popular productions and had movie stars as both nominees and presenters — and another great performance by host Neil Patrick Harris — are all being credited for the 20 percent increase in viewership for the Tony Awards on CBS Sunday …

Amanda Bynes blocking out friends trying to help her

BILL ZWECKER: “Everyone has just given up,” says a friend of the erratic actress. Meanwhile, Bynes’ co-star from her Nickelodeon days, Drake Bell, insists, “She’s healthy.”

Erin Brockovich busted, accused of boating while drunk

Erin Brockovich, portrayed by Julia Roberts in her Oscar winning role in the 2000 film about the famed legal activist, was arrested at Lake Mead, Nevada Friday — charged with driving a boat while intoxicated, after seen having trouble docking, and failing a sobriety test. …

Finally, Kristin Cavallari is Mrs. Jay Cutler

After Kristin Cavallari married Jay Cutler in Nashville and tweeted a photo of their rings Friday, the couple said vows Saturday at the Woodmont Christian Church. “The Hills” star wore a white strapless dress while the Bears QB and their 10-month-old son, Camden, wore matching …

Paris Jackson has been under pressure from brother, bullies

BILL ZWECKER: In the weeks leading up to her suicide attempt, the 15-year-old argued with brother Prince about her closer relationship with their biological mother, Debbie Rowe.

Paul Giamatti to ‘treat’ John Cusack

Paul Giamatti has signed on to play Eugene Landy, the therapist who got into a complicated relationship with ex-Beach Boy Brian Wilson — portrayed by Chicago’s John Cusack in the upcoming “Love and Mercy” film. Paul Dano has been cast as the young Wilson. — …

Justin Bieber to space out on Virgin Galactic

While many of Justin Bieber’s California neighbors would love to see him leave the planet — permanently — the pop superstar is only the latest celeb to sign up for one of Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic suborbital flights, slated to be launched by year’s end. …