People: Jul. 19, 1999

THE PIANO MAN

Will history ever run out of real-life weirdos for JOHNNY DEPP to play? He has already taken on angoraphile filmmaker Ed Wood and gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson. Now it seems he may consider portraying the original cape man himself, Liberace. Depp’s agent confirms only that the actor has read a script based on the flamboyant pianist’s life, but a revised version is currently being overseen by Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski, with whom Depp worked on Ed Wood. The screenwriters, no strangers to eccentricity, have also penned biopics on Hustler publisher Larry Flynt and oddball comic Andy Kaufman. Remember, Johnny, don’t get too close to the candelabra when wearing the wig. –Reported by Jeffrey Ressner

DID MARKO WEAR POLO?

He’s been accused of being a draft dodger, a smuggler and an all-around bully, but is MARKO MILOSEVIC just misunderstood? Last week in the town of Pozarevac, the son of Yugoslav President Slobodan cut the ribbon on Bambi Park, an amusement park he had built even as the air war raged. Marko says the park offers “proof of care for the young generation.” For the older generation, proof of Marko’s care can be seen at Madona, a nightclub enticingly advertised as the largest in the Balkans. It threatened to start its own skirmish when Liz Rosenberg, the other Madonna’s publicist, was quoted as saying the pop star might sue Marko for using her name. Before too much American ink could be shed, though, Rosenberg clarified her remarks as a joke.

IF IT’S THURSDAY, IT MUST BE TEA WITH THE QUEEN

What do you do when the Queen of England announces she’ll be popping in for a spot of tea? Dust off the best china, brew up some Tetley’s and just hope the phalanx of security men waiting outside don’t trample the petunias. For Susan McCarron, seated left, the Glasgow housewife tapped to entertain the Queen last week, the encounter went off without a hitch. Though the Queen declined to shed her coat and hat and politely refused a chocolate biscuit, McCarron pronounced the monarch “easy to talk to” and “very nice.” The painstakingly staged 15-minute visit, a first for the Queen, was part of the royal family’s ongoing effort to exhibit a common touch. After her refreshment, Her Highness witnessed a nearby soccer “display.” No word on whether she did the wave.

IS THERE A PART FOR HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN?

In the most inspired bit of casting since Joan and Melissa Rivers played themselves in a TV movie, WKRP alumna LONI ANDERSON has been selected to play PAMELA ANDERSON LEE’s mother in an upcoming episode of Lee’s show, V.I.P. The two share more than a name:

Loni Pamela

Raised in a cold climate? Yes, Minnesota Yes, British Columbia

Divorced a husband with Yes, Burt Reynolds Yes, Tommy Lee bad hair?

Made dismal movie Yes, 3 Ninjas Yes, Barb Wire and choices? and Stroker Ace her honeymoon video

Publicly declared Yes, after a 1996 Yes, after 1999 removal herself a C cup? breast reduction of breast implants

Fought hard to overcome No No blond stereotype?