Hollywood Exclusive by Marilyn Beck & Stacy Jenel Smith

Dyan Cannon's "Dear Cary" memoir, covering her life as the 33-years-younger wife of screen legend Cary Grant, has only been out since Sept. 20, and it's not only landed at number 18 on the New York Times' Best Seller list of hardcover/ebook nonfiction, it's also elicited interest from — where else? — Hollywood.

"We've had nibbles for television, but I will not let it be made for TV," says the actress, who tells us she spent 25 years thinking about writing the book and six actually penning it. Given her late ex-husband's place in the firmament of big-screen immortals, she won't consider even cable TV, she insists. "We have heard from (cable). No, I'm not going to go there."

Dyan has been questioned at length about her depiction in the book of Grant pushing her to use and love LSD, as he did. And she's been asked about the persistent rumors about his sexuality. She must have seen it all coming when she agreed to a book tour, correct?

"No. I didn't know they were going to ask me that question," replies Dyan, speaking of "The Today Show's" Ann Curry broaching the talk of Grant being bisexual or gay. "Of course, I was prepared for it. I write about it in the book. I never saw any evidence to make me think that might be so. We were too busy mmm-mmm-mmm ," as she puts it.

As far as the "mind-expanding" hallucinogenic drug of which Grant was an open proponent, Dyan considers her terrible experience (that ended in hospitalization) an object lesson. "If you have to go against something you know intrinsically is wrong for you in order to keep a relationship, there's something wrong with the relationship ... I was a baby. I didn't understand. I just wanted to make him happy."

Dyan is soon to head to the U.K. on the next leg of her book tour, where she returns to the land of Grant's sad childhood. If response there mirrors what she's experienced stateside so far, she'll be thrilled.

"People have told me that it's life-changing," she says, with a tone of surprise. "People have said that they're looking at relationships differently. So many are afraid to love again if they get their hearts broken." She also says, "I really wrestled with what to put in and what to take out, and I wanted to write a book that was helpful. My goal was just to make sure that the love for Cary wasn't dampened by anything I went through ... This was not a vendetta."

UPS AND DOWNS: What a rollercoaster of emotions for Sean Maher. The "Playboy Club" actor chose to come out as gay as the new season was being launched. He was in the midst of a heady swirl of "a ton of positive response," as he told us.

Ironically, Sean's storyline — as a closeted gay man in the '60s with a lesbian Playboy bunny wife — was probably the most interesting thing about "Playboy Club."

Sean doesn't have to wonder what will come next work-wise because he's already doing an indie film he's not at liberty to discuss as yet.

"I'm still overwhelmed by outpouring of love and support I've received," says the actor, who answered emails and texts for eight hours without a break the day his story came out. "I did not expect the size and scale of it — even from the business as well. I've heard from studio executives and casting heads, commending me on my decision and saying they'd fight harder for me. I've also gotten Twitter responses from young people who said, 'I was so inspired by your story (that) I just came out to my parents, and it went so well.' Those were the most moving of all."

Maher, whose past credits range from "Firefly" to "The Street," can only guess as to how his announcement would have gone over 10 years ago as compared to now. "I think this response is proof that times have changed, but I wonder, are there some people out there who will shut the door on me?"

Maher says he and his longtime partner, Paul, with whom he's adopted two children (a 4-year-old daughter and 1-year-old son), "would love to get married. We want to plan it and have it be a party and an event. There was a fleeting moment when (same-sex marriage) was legal in California, and people were rushing to get married. But we didn't want to feel rushed. We have faith it's going to come back." For the time being, he says, they're putting their energies into planning their 4-year-old daughter's birthday party.

THE VIDEOLAND VIEW: Don't cry, "Dance Moms" fans. The first season ended yesterday, but the Lifetime show that brings us over-the-top, crazed stage mothers has become so successful that they're now planning another one.

Yes, "Dance Moms 2" is in the works, with producers already looking at submissions from dance studios across the country as well as from individual parents and dancers. Per casting notices, "dancers must be ages 3-13 and their moms and dads must be serious about competing and winning dance competitions." They've even asked for lists of awards and accomplishments from "Dance Moms" wannabes. Gluttons for punishment, these people.

They're getting ready to shoot the pilot for USA Network's "On We Go" — which has one of the most amusing premises we've heard in a while. This is the show in which Nathan Lane is playing an actor named Jasper Fallon, who has spent the last 30 years trying to make it on Broadway. Unfortunately for him, his resemblance to Nathan Lane has ruined his chances, so now he's returning home to Texas to care for his ailing Pa. Now, if only the show can live up to that.

To find out more about Marilyn Beck and Stacy Jenel Smith and read their past columns, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

COPYRIGHT 2011 MARILYN BECK AND STACY JENEL SMITH

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