Disgraced former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich eagerly became a Hollywood high-flyer, but his hair paid the price. During filming Thursday of a promotional spot for the NBC reality series “I'm a Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here!” Blagojevich, who faces trial for trying to sell the Senate seat vacated by President Barack Obama, was strapped into a harness and hoisted in front of a blank “green screen” to simulate a parachute jump. Wind machines mussed his famous mop of hair for the spot filmed at the Los Angeles County Arboretum, standing in for the Costa Rican jungle. “I'm a Celebrity” will be shot in Costa Rica, but according to a federal judge's ruling this week in Chicago, Blagojevich won't be there. The ex-governor was refused permission to travel abroad while he faces trial on racketeering, fraud and other charges. “Perhaps I can play some other role in the show,” Blagojevich said, adding he was glad to support the series with promotional spots. He said he wasn't sure if his contract provided payment for the promo work. NBC declined to comment Thursday on what his other participation might include. During his California visit, Blagojevich was to take part Friday in a “I'm a Celebrity ...” news conference. Blagojevich, who said he had agreed to appear on “I'm a Celebrity ...” to help support his family, compared himself to other Americans who “have lost their jobs and are seeking to rebuild their lives.” He said he's looking for other opportunities, without offering details.
