Star Magazine

from hunk to chunk!

WHILE many are battling the “pandemic 15,” Mark Wahlberg has actually been trying to pack on the pounds. On May 4, the 49-year-old posted before-and-after shots on Instagram, showing off his 20-lb weight gain over the course of three weeks — and he’s got 10 more to go! Known for his bulging biceps and washboard abs, the former underwear model told Jimmy Kimmel the transformation is for a role. As a boxer–turned–priest in Stu, he explained, “After we do the boxing scenes, I get to put on as much weight as possible over the course of the film. So I’m challenging myself to put on 30.” Challenge accepted! The dad-of-four revealed he owes his dad bod to chicken nuggets, hot wings and the other kind of six packs. “Dude, I’ve been…

teresa & melissa finally, forgiveness!

From sprinkle cookies to Christenings to stripper accusations, insults, fists — and this season a cheese plate — are frequently flying on The Real Housewives of New Jersey. And just as often Teresa Giudice and Melissa Gorga are at the center of the fray. So it was notable when the two looked chummy flying back from shooting The Real Housewives All Stars in Turks and Caicos May 2. Now a source tells Star the famously feuding sisters-in-law are getting along better than ever. “They’re finally on good terms,” says the insider. “All has been forgiven.” There was a lot to forgive. The most recent spat stemmed from Teresa’s ex-husband Joe Giudice bashing Melissa’s husband Joe Goraga as “fake” in the press. But the bad blood goes way back, beginning even before…

julianne’s spiritual quest

Gonna wash that man right out of her …doshas? Seven months after filing for divorce from Brooks Laich, Julianne Hough looked stunning during a recent getaway to Tulum, Mexico, where she was snapped flirting with a hunky surfer. While in the Caribbean paradise, the 32-year-old also underwent a head-to-toe Panchakarma Ayurvedic cleanse — that was definitely not for the faint of heart. The five-step process can include purging, induced vomiting, nasal cleansing and two types of enemas! It’s all part of a quest for “physical, mental, emotional and energetic health,” revealed the dance pro May 1. (Both she and her ex also questioned their sexuality as their marriage ended.) “She’s the first to admit the split from Brooks was hard on her and she can get overwhelmed and stressed,” an…

jeff bridges: how i’m staying strong

The Dude abides! Fans were dismayed when Jeff Bridges revealed a cancer diagnosis in October. Yet in the months since, the Oscar winner has remained upbeat, sharing his progess as he battles lymphoma. The 71-year-old debuted his newly shaved head — and a new puppy — on Instagram in December, while in January he reported back after a CAT scan that his tumor “drastically shrunk.” Now, sources tell Star the Big Lebowski actor is basking in the support of his wife of 43 years, Susan Geston, as well as his three grown kids. And he has a new appreciation for the small things in life. “He’s eating sweet treats like cake and ice cream and booked massages, spa treatments and yoga healing sessions to lift his spirits,” says an insider.…

battling over bee gees!

Maybe they’ll have a disco dance-off! With Kenneth Branagh signed on to direct the upcoming Bee Gees biopic, all of young Hollywood wants in on the white suit and feathered hair action. At the top of the list are Liam Hemsworth, 31, and Garrett Hedlund, 36, who a source tells Star are vying to play Barry Gibb (above, center), the only surviving brother of the “Stayin’ Alive” and “Night Fever” group. “The producers are zeroing in on actors who can pull off the complicated dance numbers the film requires,” notes the source. They’re not just looking for mirror-ball glory, either. With the recent success of the Elton John biopic Rocketman and Bohemian Rhapsody, about Queen, adds the insider, “They’re looking at Oscar buzz.”…

gwyneth always a diva!

Goop, she did it again! Gwyneth Paltrow — purveyor of $398 serums, $145 tee shirts and that infamous “vagina” candle — gave folks another reason to mock her for being above it all. On May 3 the Oscar winner was seen cutting the line at the Santa Monica, Calif, DMV, jumping ahead of some 50 people. “I make an appointment and still end up waiting,” griped one Twitter user. “The rich are different from you and me.” The 48-year-old is accustomed to such preferential treatment, an insider tells Star. “She likes to be waited on hand and foot when she’s out shopping,” dishes the insider. “And expects her assistant to handle the ugly business of payment.” Still, the mom of two, who was instrumental in launching the investigation into media mogul Harvey…