People: Aug. 7, 2000

WHAT’S RUSSIAN FOR POINTS ON THE BACK END?

In America we know GARY HOUSTON as “Irate Customer” from Fargo or perhaps “Government Agent in Bar” from Hoffa. Or we don’t. But in Russia the Chicago-based character actor is nothing less than the new Lee Marvin. As “American” in the recently released Brother II–Russia’s biggest domestically produced box-office hit this year (and sequel to the summer 1997 hit Brother)–Houston plays a corrupt ice hockey agent/Mob boss who embodies all the evils of the capitalist Red, White and Blue. “News to me,” says Houston of his megahuge status in Murmansk. “I haven’t seen the movie yet.” Houston isn’t even 100% sure his nefarious character dies onscreen, but he definitely won’t be cruising to Moscow anytime soon to seek the trappings of fame. “No, I’m not that stupid,” he says. “I’d go over there if they’d offer me another job, though.”

BECAUSE CARVILLE IS NOT AVAILABLE

There’s a time to guard your privacy, and then there’s a time to win, dammit! Proving her parentage, CHELSEA CLINTON, 20, announced through a spokesperson this week that she will be taking a semester’s leave from Stanford University in the fall to help her mom get elected to the Senate. Chelsea–the most potent familial ornament in American politics since Jackie Kennedy–has proved to be a campaign crowd pleaser, though whether she will do any stumping of her own or merely accompany her mother on the New York trail is unclear. While sending Mom back to Washington is a top priority, Chelsea also hopes to spend some quality time with Dad, to “experience and enjoy the final months of her father’s presidency.” Dropouts beware: this excuse is nontransferable.

WHAT DID MADONNA DO TO THE MANDRELL SISTERS?

The old lady’s back again, and this time she looks a lot like a ghetto cowgirl. MADONNA, 41, releases her first single from her 14th album–both titled Music–on Tuesday, and Borderline it ain’t. Although most of the record-buying public has said heck no to techno, Music, partly produced by Frenchman Mirwais Ahmadzai, revels in the heretofore ignored world of Gallic dance-club music. The video for Music, also due out this week, places Madonna on more familiar ground, vamping around with girl pals DEBI MAZAR, right, and backup singer NIKKI HARRIS in the back of a limo. The footage was shot in April, long before Madonna was showing with her second child, which is due out in September. A video for that production is not expected.

MAYBE SHE HASN’T SEEN SEVEN

What finally gave it away? Was it the constant public displays of affection at awards shows and movie premieres? The gleaming diamond ring she has been sporting since last fall? Or maybe the giant tent erected on a Malibu estate and the stream of florists and caterers who had been ferrying in their goods all week? Whatever the case, JENNIFER ANISTON, 31, and BRAD PITT, 36, confirmed that they would indeed wed this past weekend, before 200 of their closest pals. Pitt’s ex-fiance Gwyneth Paltrow was not expected to be in attendance despite reportedly receiving an invitation. All the Friends, however, were due for the festivities, in addition to as many disruptive journalists and hovering helicopters as the tabloid press could round up on such short notice.