Jodie Turner-Smith and Ashlee Simpson-Ross hit the town with their biggest, most dazzling smiles—because, let’s be real, who doesn’t love a good Hollywood party with a side of philanthropy? The two were on hand to celebrate Hollywood Virgin, a brand-new book by marketing whiz Jason Felts, who somehow managed to rope Sir Richard Branson into writing the foreword. (Seriously, how do we get Branson to co-sign our life choices?)
But this wasn’t just another celebrity book launch with overpriced hors d’oeuvres—no, no! The event also supported the LAFD Foundation, because, in case you forgot, California basically lives in a state of permanent wildfire season. So, between sips of cocktails and air kisses, guests were also reminded to, you know, help save the planet.
A-List, B-List, and a Little ‘Malcolm in the Middle’ Nostalgia
The star-studded crowd included Ashlee’s husband Evan Ross, reality TV royalty Lisa Vanderpump, former boy band enthusiast Lance Bass, and Beverly Hills, 90210 heartthrob Brian Austin Green. But the real surprise? A blast from the early-2000s past: Justin Berfield, aka Reese from Malcolm in the Middle!
Now, with every single TV show ever getting rebooted, naturally, someone had to ask Justin the million-dollar question: “Are you coming back?” His response? A classic Hollywood non-answer: “While it would be such fun to reunite with the cast, I’m not sure if I’ll be returning.” (Translation: Call my agent and offer me a ridiculous amount of money, and we’ll talk.)
Ashlee, a certified Malcolm in the Middle superfan, was not about to let him off that easy. She pressed him for details, reminding him that “Reese and Hal (Bryan Cranston) were the funniest characters from the original show.” Justin, possibly realizing he was in too deep, laughed and responded, “Tell Disney+ that.” Then, like a true Hollywood pro, he made a swift escape inside—where the real action (and probably better appetizers) awaited.
What’s *Hollywood Virgin* About Anyway?
Dropping this Tuesday (February 11), Hollywood Virgin promises to spill all the Tinseltown tea. Think: the hustle, the heartbreak, the overnight success, the inevitable existential crisis, and the moment when you either cash in or walk away before the industry chews you up and spits you out. Also, expect some jaw-dropping celebrity stories, because let’s be honest—that’s the only reason we’re reading.
It was a night of glitz, gossip, and good intentions—where the champagne flowed, the nostalgia was real, and Justin Berfield may or may not have accidentally agreed to a Malcolm in the Middle reboot.
