When I think of big movie stars, I always go right to the grand dames with long careers, like Meryl Streep, Helen Mirren, Susan Sarandon, Sigourney Weaver, Diane Keaton and Glenn Close, or to the supernovas who seemed to change the entire industry, like Barbra Streisand and Katharine Hepburn. I sometimes wonder: Do they make 'em like they used to? So I've been pondering the current crop of starlets, and am pleased to say that several babyfaces remind me of their more weathered forebears. Here are six pairs of actresses who have a lot in common despite their generation gaps.

1. The rebels: Ellen Page and Debra Winger

Both Page and Winger have that twinkle in their eyes that makes you wonder, each time they open their mouths to speak, whether you're about to be charmed or affronted. It's an edge that will keep me tuning in, even if somewhat trepidatiously. And Page, like Winger, seems inclined to do exactly (and only) what she wants to do.

2. The students: Lauren Ambrose and Jodie Foster … continue reading

To me, birthdays have always seemed an odd thing. I get celebrating a graduation or even an anniversary: These require hard work. But my birthday? I wasn't even there, at least not until the end of it. I just sort of showed up, like every day since.

But then there's a life like Lena Horne's. She marked her 90th birthday on Saturday, and that lady deserves a party.

Most of her online photos, even recent ones, are in black and white, and I think I know why. She personifies elegance. And wisdom. And old-fashioned class, unlike some young starlets we could name. … continue reading