Gouw touts diversity at annual luncheon

EMMY-WINNING journalist and TV host Cynthia Gouw will serve as the mistress of ceremonies at tomorrow's PHLDiversity luncheon, which celebrates multicultural tourism in our town. "The Impact of Diversity" is the theme for this event, attended by people in the service and hospitality industries who know how to throw a good time when everyone's invited.

Last year, PHLDiversity, a division of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, helped book 29 conventions powered by minority spending, resulting in a $42 million economic impact for the region.

"I hope that [people] understand that when we include people who are different than ourselves, it can only lead to new ideas, which can then lead to innovation," Gouw said. "This luncheon gives us an opportunity to celebrate Philadelphia's diversity and to recognize the economic impact that multicultural meetings and groups have on our city."

The former actress ("Matlock," "China Beach"), who lives in Philly, said her favorite thing to do on a free day is to open her car sunroof and crank up the music while driving down the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

"Philadelphia's own Champs-Elysees," she said with a smile.

Tony-winning actor B.D. Wong was supposed to join in the fun as co-host, but when he canceled, local singer Kathy Sledge, late of Philly R&B group Sister Sledge, was added as a performer for the event, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown (1201 Market St.). Tickets start at $110 on ticketleap.com.

Actor Mario Bosco spoke with me over the phone yesterday following his weekend stop at the Plymouth Meeting Barnes & Noble (2300 Chemical Road) for a meet-and-greet and book-signing for his recent memoir, From Hopeless to Hollywood: The Mario Bosco Story, written with Caitlin Mitchell.

Bosco, 42, was born with panhypopituitarism, a condition that affects pituitary hormones and results in stunted growth. With a little help from Bill Cosby - that's right - and others, Bosco's been able to make a living playing younger roles in such shows as "The Sopranos," "The Cosby Show" and "NYPD Blue."

"I spent my childhood mostly in hospitals," he said. "But a lot of people like me believe in destiny, and that things are meant to happen for a reason."

The Brooklyn-born Bosco believes his affliction has been more blessing than curse, especially after he met Cosby on the set of "The Cosby Show" in 1987 and the two became friends. He acted on the show, which started his career.

"I learned a lot of techniques on 'The Cosby Show' about comical bits and stuff they used to rehearse. I'd pick up the script and follow along," he said. "A career in show business is exactly what I needed."

Congrats to NBC10's Rosemary Connors, who married Benjamin Daniel Cross at Our Mother of Good Counsel Chapel (31 Pennswood Road, Bryn Mawr), on Malvern Prep's campus, on Saturday.

Connors, 31, plans to keep her maiden name for professional purposes. Her husband is a project manager at D.J. Cross, a family owned chimney and masonry business based in Media.

Email: dehuffj@phillynews.com

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