James Marsters

"Buffy" star James Marsters buzzes his locks. Plus, a big change for "Matrix" co-creator?

After nearly seven years playing the peroxide-blond, English-accented vampire Spike on both "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and the soon-to-be-dusted "Angel," James Marsters is ready to de-fang. On Tuesday’s episode of "The Ryan Seacrest Show," the actor shaved off his character’s trademark over-processed, Billy Idol-esque locks for charity.

His buzz cut raised $25,000 for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.

"I like radical change and I like situations where I can be embarrassed," joked the American-accented, razor-sharp-cheekboned Marsters, who assured fans that his "Blondie Bear" alter ego could still be resurrected. "Spike is not dead. If Joss [Whedon] wants to do something else I’m there for it. But for right now, I need to go audition for some human beings ... all I get called back for are vampires, rock stars and drug addicts."

By the way, one devoted fan ponied up a whopping $5,000 to ensure she’d be among the lucky few who received a lock of James’ hair and an autographed photo.

In less happy "Buffy" news, a former member of the Scooby Gang is battling some post-Sunnydale demons. Nicholas Brendon, who played cutie quipster Xander Harris during the show’s seven-season run, revealed this week he’s seeking treatment for alcohol abuse.

"After realizing that I had a disease that was taking control of my life, I decided that the best way for me to regain my health was to enter a treatment facility," Brendon candidly announced. "Over the past eight years I’ve discovered that Buffy fans are the most caring and supportive fans in the world. Knowing that they will be behind me, rooting for me as I go through this process, makes everything that much easier. I’m looking forward to leading a happy, sober life."

Big Changes for Wachowski? Ready for the gossip equivalent of gulping down the red pill? The Chicago Sun-Times reports that Larry Wachowski, co-creator (with his brother Andy) of the "Matrix" trilogy, is preparing to undergo a sex change operation.

Whoa.

According to the paper, which cites "several longtime friends," Wachowski has been living and dressing as a woman for a while and is now ready to take the plunge. The filmmaker, 38, is currently in the midst of a messy divorce from Thea Bloom, who is demanding a share of his "Matrix" millions (he insists he came up with the concept before they wed in 1993).

In divorce papers, she claimed "Larry has been extremely dishonest with me in our personal life" and said the decision to split was "based on very intimate circumstances concerning which I do not elaborate at this time for the reasons of his personal privacy."

So far there’s no word from Wachowski on the claims, which is hardly surprising given the fact the ultra-reclusive auteur is so media-shy he reportedly had a no-publicity clause added to his contract with Warner Bros.

But if the report does turn out to be true, let’s hope the fanatical "Matrix" fan base rallies behind Wachowski, who apparently realizes, to quote Morpheus, "there’s a difference between knowing the path and walking the path."

Mischa’s Diva Act Is Mischa Barton getting too big for her designer britches? The "O.C." starlet, 18, who has recently been spied all over town smooching new boyfriend Brandon Davis, refused to introduce Jessica Simpson at the VH1 Divas concert on April 18, reports Us magazine. "Mischa was definitely insulted and acted like she was too good for Jessica," an insider tells the mag. "She wanted to introduce Patti LaBelle or not participate at all."

Well, Barton went with "not participate at all," so the overexposed "Newlyweds" bombshell was instead brought on stage by "Sopranos" star Jamie-Lynn DiScala. Says another source, "It’s really ridiculous that Mischa would even think that she’s a big enough star to introduce someone like Patti. After all, Jessica and Mischa are technically peers — they have the exact same fan base." Barton’s rep tells Us that nothing was ever set in stone due to the super-skinny actress’ "commitments in Los Angeles."

Trump’s Ring Bling Donald Trump doesn’t mess around when he’s ready to seal the deal. When the twice-married "Apprentice" mogul, 57, recently popped the question to Melania Knauss, 33, his girlfriend of five years, he did it with a door knob-sized 12-carat diamond ring worth $2 million, reports the New York Post. The flawless, emerald-cut jewel, which makes the pink diamond Ben gave Jen look like the celebrity equivalent of cubic zirconia, is set in platinum and has tapered diamond baguettes on the side. Dazzled by the sensational sparkler, Melania immediately said yes to the Donald. "It was a great surprise," she told the Post on Thursday. "We are very happy together."

Quickies... Strained vocal cords have forced Christina Aguilera to cancel her upcoming 28-city North American tour with Chingy, which was set to kick off May 13 in Washington. "I’m extremely disappointed to have to cancel this tour," the pint-sized diva said in a statement. "I was looking forward to being on the road again and spending time with my fans."

John C. Reilly has quit director Lars von Trier’s "Manderlay" in protest after a donkey was killed during filming, says the Hollywood Reporter. The Oscar-nominated character actor was reportedly replaced by Zelijko Ivanek. "We tried very hard to use a puppet instead of a real donkey because we needed to show a donkey being killed for the film, but when that didn’t work we approached a vet and asked him to provide us with an animal that was due to be slaughtered anyway," a production rep tells the trade. "Because of the film, this poor donkey lived two more months than it would have otherwise." PETA, it’s your move.

Tom Hanks will play a charismatic thief and gambler who becomes sole caretaker to his son in the upcoming adaptation of Richard Russo’s novel "The Risk Pool," reports Variety. Lawrence Kasdan will direct and pen the script.

Sean Penn, Brad Pitt and Jude Law are being eyed for roles in the remake of "All the King’s Men," says the Hollywood Reporter, which also reports that Billy Bob Thornton, in a brilliant bit of casting, will take over the Walter Matthau role as a grumpy little league coach in the remake of the 1976 hit flick "The Bad News Bears."

And finally, don’t forget to watch (or TiVo) Loretta Lynn and Jack White on the "Late Show" with David Letterman on Monday. They’ll perform the blistering "Portland, Oregon" off Loretta’s new CD, "Van Lear Rose."

From Iol.ie :

Spike slays slicked-back locks

Former Buffy The Vampire Slayer star James Marsters has shaved off his famous peroxide locks for charity, according to IMDB.com.

The actor, who played vampire Spike on Buffy and spin-off Angel, is tired of his slicked-back blonde look and shaved it all off to raise cash for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation in Los Angeles.

Marsters raised $25,000 (€21,000) for the charity by auctioning off his locks, and is happy with his new buzz cut.

He says: "I’ve been looking forward to looking in the mirror and seeing the old James - the one I’m used to. I want him back."