Columnist Kate Maddox: Sahara, MTV promote stunts’ growth

Kate Maddox

Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2000 | 8:27 a.m.

Kate Maddox's column appears Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Reach her at kmaddox@lasvegassun.com.

MTV comes to the Sahara hotel-casino next week. The music channel, which today is more popular for its shows than for its videos, will tape a segment for yet another prime-time series. "Senseless Acts of Video" will showcase daredevils and athletes attempting some, well, senseless stunts.

The Sahara project will feature MTV's Rocket Man (propelled by booster rockets) as he jumps from the top of the hotel marquee, through the roller coaster tunnel and into the NASCAR Cafe.

Although the "cast" of "Survivor" has yet to be allowed to pocket profits from potential endorsement deals (at least while the show is still running), Kelly Wiglesworth is prepping for a little national exposure. No, it's not Playboy -- at least not yet. Something much healthier is in her future: milk.

Wiglesworth, and perhaps the entire crew of the island reality show, has been tapped to wear the infamous milk moustache, which has been sported by some bona fide celebs over the past few years.

Most people are guessing she'll get the boot on Wednesday, but that doesn't mean she's walking away empty-handed. Those endorsement deals can yield bundles of cash, if properly milked, of course.

In other reality-TV news: It looks like there are some scary/depraved/ apocalyptic series in the planning stages for the networks this fall. Hollywood types are buzzing about 10 or so voyeuristic game shows. Here are two that put fear in my heart and make me want to toss the TV at the next Tribal Council: "Big Diet" and "Chains of Love."

"Big Diet," which is being batted around by execs at ABC, follows 10 overweight participants sequestered in a hotel with a state-of-the-art gym. The portly prisoners must take it upon themselves to slim down -- and the one who loses the most pounds wins his/her weight in gold (not sure if that's pre- or post-diet weight).

And "Chains of Love" portrays the wacky antics of five guys who have opted to chain themselves to one woman for five days. The woman will cut one person loose each day until she ends up chained to her true "winner." "Chain of Fools" might be a better moniker here.

Add comedienne Rita Rudner to the list of stars who have purchased a piece of luxury living. Rudner and her husband, director Martin Bergman, recently bought one of the swanky new pads at Turnberry Place. After playing to sell-out crowds at the MGM Grand for the past six weeks, the hotel made a smart move and extended her contract through Dec. 31.

The Orleans is still being tight-lipped as to what Jerry Lewis will announce at his much-hyped press conference this afternoon at the hotel. To make the guessing easier, I can squelch some of the rumors and reveal what he won't be talking about, if that helps.

No, he won't be bringing his MDA telethon to Las Vegas next year. Some insiders were speculating that the cantankerous comedian wanted to bring the yearly charity event to his hometown -- not gonna happen.

And no, the Orleans will not be announcing the creation of a Jerry Lewis Theater. Some were guessing the hotel would secure Lewis' love by naming a new theater after him. Not going down today.

So, most bets are on Lewis announcing a long-term deal with the hotel in the form of multiple yearly appearances and (this we can guess) a lucrative contract.