From PageSix.com by Liz Smith, June 29 2000, © www.pagesix.com

'GABRIEL, YOU need a haircut!" That's what actor Gabriel Byrne's mum said to him immediately upon regaining consciousness after a severe illness - one that doctors thought she might not survive. Last Wednesday, Gabriel, starring in "A Moon for the Misbegotten" learned of his mother's critical condition. He hastily arranged a flight to Galway, Ireland, but not before performing brilliantly in a matinee of "Moon." The audience never knew the stress he was under! After the actor ascertained that his mom was going to be OK - he stayed with her about an hour and a half - he got on a plane to New York and made it back in time for the Thursday evening performance! Talk about a trouper. This guy is one for the books! ("Moon" ends its Broadway run this Sunday.)

By the by, I received a sweet, funny note from Gabriel, who responded to my wondering in this column why he looked so glum at the Tony Awards telecast?

"Dear Liz: Tension, exhaustion, nerves, shyness, uncomfortableness, lead to a configuration of facial muscles resulting in the condition known as glumpussery. I'm now in a state of post-Tony contentment!! Kindest regards, Gabriel."

"Glumpussery" - I'll have to remember that one. What a guy!