Back in town
South Philly/Northeast-raised actor Scott L. Schwartz was in the area last week to visit family and friends before heading to Albany to play a security guard in "The Challenger." You may remember the 6-foot-10, 300-pound Schwartz, a George Washington High grad, from his role of Bruiser in "Ocean's 11" and "Ocean's 12." He says he hopes to return to the area soon to play in a hockey game to benefit Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
John's Roast Pork (Weccacoe & Snyder) opens Saturdays for the first time in years, starting April 7. Saturday hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Okie in the house
Oklahoma City Thunder star Kevin Durant stopped to sign autographs for fans while dining at Ruth's Chris Steak House (260 S. Broad) the other night while in town to play the Sixers.
All dressed up
Black Tie Formal Attire (1114 Walnut) will outfit Kevin McGuire free of charge for his Academy of Country Music Awards date with singer Taylor Swift.
McGuire, a patient at Children's Hospital, is battling cancer and was the subject of a recent campaign to get Swift to attend the Jersey teen's prom with him.
Swift said she couldn't make the prom and instead invited McGuire to the ACM Awards next month in Los Angeles.
Wanna be on 'Top'?
Attention, hot college girls: Representatives from "America's Next Top Model" will be casting students for the 19th cycle of the Tyra Banks series at Hollywood Tans (1692 Clements Bridge) in Deptford, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday. Women ages 18 to 27 who are at least 5'7" and participating in some type of schooling, college, beauty school, etc., are sought.
Download and complete an eligibility form at cwphilly.com, where you can also learn what else you need to bring with you.
New gig for reporter
Investigative reporter Jim Osman, who left CBS3 earlier this year after failing to reach terms on a new contract, has joined Scripps. He'll run the national news service's investigative bureau in Washington.
Raising the Bar
Mark Tarasiewicz, director of communications for the Philadelphia Bar Association, will be inducted into the Philadelphia Public Relations Association Hall of Fame May 7 at the Four Seasons.
NBC10's Aditi Roy emcees the ceremony.
For info, visit ppra.net.
Visit PhillyGossip.com for Dan's latest updates or follow @PhillyGossip on Twitter. Have a tip? Call 215-854-5963, or email grossd@phillynews.com. For recent columns, visit philly.com/DanGross.
