It's over for The Office actress Angela Kinsey and writer Warren Lieberstein.
Citing irreconcilable differences, Kinsey, 39, filed for divorce Thursday from her husband of 10 years in L.A. County Superior Court.
Kinsey, who split with Lieberstein in February 2009, requested joint legal and physical custody of their 2-year-old daughter Isabel Ruby, according to court documents.
At the time of their separation, Kinsey's rep said it was amicable and that the two would "continue to be friends and spend time with their daughter."
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Larry King Ending His Show After 25 Years
After 25 years on the air, Larry King says it's time "to hang up my nightly suspenders."
The talk-show host, 76, said Tuesday he'll end his run on Larry King Live in the fall but will remain with CNN for occasional specials, "giving me more time for my wife and I to get to the kids' little league games."
"With this chapter closing I'm looking forward to the future and what my next chapter will bring," says King.
A replacement for King's 9 p.m. ET slot will be made "in the weeks ahead," according to CNN.
"Larry King defined the art of the television interview," CNN says in a statement. "His candor, curiosity and compassion are legendary, and his ability to interview people from all walks of life – world leaders, celebrities and everyday people – has made him an icon."
King is stepping down during what he's called a "difficult time" in his marriage to Shawn Southwick King, 50.
They were involved in divorce proceedings but reconciled a week later. Then in May, his wife, who has a history of painkiller addiction, was found with empty pill bottles strewn on her bed in a possible suicide attempt.
The talk-show host, 76, said Tuesday he'll end his run on Larry King Live in the fall but will remain with CNN for occasional specials, "giving me more time for my wife and I to get to the kids' little league games."
"With this chapter closing I'm looking forward to the future and what my next chapter will bring," says King.
A replacement for King's 9 p.m. ET slot will be made "in the weeks ahead," according to CNN.
"Larry King defined the art of the television interview," CNN says in a statement. "His candor, curiosity and compassion are legendary, and his ability to interview people from all walks of life – world leaders, celebrities and everyday people – has made him an icon."
King is stepping down during what he's called a "difficult time" in his marriage to Shawn Southwick King, 50.
They were involved in divorce proceedings but reconciled a week later. Then in May, his wife, who has a history of painkiller addiction, was found with empty pill bottles strewn on her bed in a possible suicide attempt.
Zoe Saldana Gets Engaged To Longtime Boyfriend
"Avatar" actress Zoë Saldana is engaged, reports the new issue of Us Weekly (on newsstands now).
The actress, 32, "is thrilled" to tie the knot with boyfriend of 10 years, Keith Britton, a source tells Us. "They’ve been together forever. They’re a great couple."
But a low-key one!
Saldana has mostly kept quiet about her relationship with the 33-year-old actor and CEO of My Fashion Database.
"She doesn’t even introduce him as her fiancé," adds another insider. "She will just say, 'This is Keith.' She likes to keep her personal life to herself and wants people to focus on her as an actress."
The second source tells Us that Saldana isn't stressing about the wedding, either: "She hasn’t stopped working to plan anything."
The actress, 32, "is thrilled" to tie the knot with boyfriend of 10 years, Keith Britton, a source tells Us. "They’ve been together forever. They’re a great couple."
But a low-key one!
Saldana has mostly kept quiet about her relationship with the 33-year-old actor and CEO of My Fashion Database.
"She doesn’t even introduce him as her fiancé," adds another insider. "She will just say, 'This is Keith.' She likes to keep her personal life to herself and wants people to focus on her as an actress."
The second source tells Us that Saldana isn't stressing about the wedding, either: "She hasn’t stopped working to plan anything."
Bret Michaels' Health Problems Continue
Bret Michaels is suffering short-term memory loss following his near-fatal brain hemorrhage and subsequent stroke earlier this year.
The Poison star has endured a number of health scares in recent months - as well as the hemorrhage and stroke; he's also undergone an emergency appendectomy and was diagnosed with a hole in his heart.
During a concert in Mississippi last month, Michaels was seen walking with a slight limp, and he's also suffering tiredness, memory problems, and "chemical meningitis" - a rare side effect of body scans.
Michaels' road manager, Janna Elias, tells People.com, "He still has pain from the chemical meningitis, short-term memory loss and gets fatigued quicker than normal."
The Poison star has endured a number of health scares in recent months - as well as the hemorrhage and stroke; he's also undergone an emergency appendectomy and was diagnosed with a hole in his heart.
During a concert in Mississippi last month, Michaels was seen walking with a slight limp, and he's also suffering tiredness, memory problems, and "chemical meningitis" - a rare side effect of body scans.
Michaels' road manager, Janna Elias, tells People.com, "He still has pain from the chemical meningitis, short-term memory loss and gets fatigued quicker than normal."
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Oprah Is Still The Most Powerful Celebrity In The World
Oprah Winfrey has beaten Beyonce to the top of the Forbes magazine "Celebrity Power List."
The media queen lands at number one for the fourth time with an estimated $315 million fortune from the last 12 months, while Beyonce is a distant second with $87 million from tour and album sales, together with fashion and fragrance deals and endorsements.
Winfrey retains the top spot on the list from Angelina Jolie, who slips to 18th on the new Forbes countdown.
Lady Gaga also makes the top five for the first time with an estimated $62 million and "Avatar" director James Cameron and shamed golfer Tiger Woods also land at the top of the list.
The media queen lands at number one for the fourth time with an estimated $315 million fortune from the last 12 months, while Beyonce is a distant second with $87 million from tour and album sales, together with fashion and fragrance deals and endorsements.
Winfrey retains the top spot on the list from Angelina Jolie, who slips to 18th on the new Forbes countdown.
Lady Gaga also makes the top five for the first time with an estimated $62 million and "Avatar" director James Cameron and shamed golfer Tiger Woods also land at the top of the list.
Steve Carell is leaving "The Office"
Steve Carell confirmed that he will be leaving "The Office" after the 2010 season.
At the Sunday night premiere of his movie "Despicable Me," Carell told E! News that, "I just thought it was time for my character to go."
Carell signed on for seven seasons of the hit show and will not extend his contact when it expires in May.
While Michael Scott is retiring, Carell expects that "The Office" will be able to survive without America's favorite bumbling boss.
"It's just one part of that ensemble drifting off," Carell said. "They've incorporated so many new characters and so many new, great storylines that I have no doubt it'll continue as strong, if not stronger, than ever."
Carell has been nominated for a slew of awards for his work on the NBC series.
Increasingly, however, Carell has landed leading roles in movies, including "Little Miss Sunshine," "Get Smart" and "Date Night." He has more than 10 projects in the pipeline.
The success of "The Office" has also launched the feature film careers of John Krasinski and Jenna Fischer, who play fan favorites Jim and Pam.
At the Sunday night premiere of his movie "Despicable Me," Carell told E! News that, "I just thought it was time for my character to go."
Carell signed on for seven seasons of the hit show and will not extend his contact when it expires in May.
While Michael Scott is retiring, Carell expects that "The Office" will be able to survive without America's favorite bumbling boss.
"It's just one part of that ensemble drifting off," Carell said. "They've incorporated so many new characters and so many new, great storylines that I have no doubt it'll continue as strong, if not stronger, than ever."
Carell has been nominated for a slew of awards for his work on the NBC series.
Increasingly, however, Carell has landed leading roles in movies, including "Little Miss Sunshine," "Get Smart" and "Date Night." He has more than 10 projects in the pipeline.
The success of "The Office" has also launched the feature film careers of John Krasinski and Jenna Fischer, who play fan favorites Jim and Pam.
Megan Fox Marries Brian Austin Green in Hawaii
It took two engagements, but Megan Fox and Brian Austin Green finally made it legal.
Reports the couple were married at the Four Seasons Hotel resort last weekend while vacationing on the big island of Hawaii were confirmed to PEOPLE early Tuesday. "Yes they are married," a rep for Fox says.
Fox, 24, and Green, 36, who met in 2004, initially got engaged in November 2006, only to call it off in February 2009. At the time, a source said the decision was "mutual."
Despite their split, the two were regularly spotted together and earlier this month, the actress's rep confirmed to PEOPLE they were engaged again.
In 2009, before they called off their first engagement, Green told PEOPLE his ideal wedding would be "small."
"Originally we were talking elopement and now we might have a few people there," he said.
Reports the couple were married at the Four Seasons Hotel resort last weekend while vacationing on the big island of Hawaii were confirmed to PEOPLE early Tuesday. "Yes they are married," a rep for Fox says.
Fox, 24, and Green, 36, who met in 2004, initially got engaged in November 2006, only to call it off in February 2009. At the time, a source said the decision was "mutual."
Despite their split, the two were regularly spotted together and earlier this month, the actress's rep confirmed to PEOPLE they were engaged again.
In 2009, before they called off their first engagement, Green told PEOPLE his ideal wedding would be "small."
"Originally we were talking elopement and now we might have a few people there," he said.
Sandra Bullock and Jesse James Finalize Divorce
It's officially over for Sandra Bullock and Jesse James.
The pair filed papers under seal last week in Texas to finalize their divorce after their nearly five-year marriage crumbled amid reports of infidelity by James, PEOPLE confirms.
The Oscar-winning actress, 45, filed for divorce in April in Austin, where she has a home. The papers cited "discord or conflict of personalities" as the reason for the split.
Bullock's rep confirmed Monday that the divorce is now final.
The settlement was probably amicable "because there were no arguments back and forth in court or any filings," says Daryl Weinman, an Austin-based family law attorney who is not involved with the case.
Though it's unclear if the two had a prenuptial agreement, James won't be entitled to spousal support since in Texas a spouse must be married for at least 10 years to qualify for support.
The divorce helps clear the way for her to finalize the adoption of her son Louis as a single mother. The actress, who is now legally single and by law would have to wait 30 days before she can marry again, also "presumably worked out a private visitation agreement" for James's kids, Weinman says.
The pair filed papers under seal last week in Texas to finalize their divorce after their nearly five-year marriage crumbled amid reports of infidelity by James, PEOPLE confirms.
The Oscar-winning actress, 45, filed for divorce in April in Austin, where she has a home. The papers cited "discord or conflict of personalities" as the reason for the split.
Bullock's rep confirmed Monday that the divorce is now final.
The settlement was probably amicable "because there were no arguments back and forth in court or any filings," says Daryl Weinman, an Austin-based family law attorney who is not involved with the case.
Though it's unclear if the two had a prenuptial agreement, James won't be entitled to spousal support since in Texas a spouse must be married for at least 10 years to qualify for support.
The divorce helps clear the way for her to finalize the adoption of her son Louis as a single mother. The actress, who is now legally single and by law would have to wait 30 days before she can marry again, also "presumably worked out a private visitation agreement" for James's kids, Weinman says.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Mel Gibson's Lawyer Slams Oksana Grigorieva's Claims
Mel Gibson's lawyer has slammed Oksana Grigorieva's claims the Braveheart star was "cruel" towards her during their union and is failing to pay child maintenance for their daughter - branding them "sensational allegations."
Grigorieva opened up about their acrimonious split for a British tabloid on Sunday, insisting the actor wasn't paying towards the upkeep of their seven-month-old child Lucia. The former couple is embroiled in a battle over visitation rights, with the singer reportedly winning a restraining order in Los Angeles against Gibson last week, prompting the movie star/director's legal team to call for a modification so their client can spend time with his daughter.
However, Gibson is fuming over Grigorieva's allegations, and his lawyer, Stephen Kolodny, has spoken out to defend his client. Kolodny tells TMZ.com, "Oksana's deceitful conduct in trying to terminate Mel's access to his daughter continues. Having entered into an agreement that allows for overnight, unrestricted visitation, and would soon result in Mel having 50/50 custody of their daughter - an agreement reached after a two-day mediation with two retired Superior Court judges - Mel was hopeful that their break-up was behind them and Lucia would be the beneficiary of co-operative parenting. Apparently Lucia will be denied that good fortune."
"Making sensational allegations is not the way to resolve this."
Grigorieva opened up about their acrimonious split for a British tabloid on Sunday, insisting the actor wasn't paying towards the upkeep of their seven-month-old child Lucia. The former couple is embroiled in a battle over visitation rights, with the singer reportedly winning a restraining order in Los Angeles against Gibson last week, prompting the movie star/director's legal team to call for a modification so their client can spend time with his daughter.
However, Gibson is fuming over Grigorieva's allegations, and his lawyer, Stephen Kolodny, has spoken out to defend his client. Kolodny tells TMZ.com, "Oksana's deceitful conduct in trying to terminate Mel's access to his daughter continues. Having entered into an agreement that allows for overnight, unrestricted visitation, and would soon result in Mel having 50/50 custody of their daughter - an agreement reached after a two-day mediation with two retired Superior Court judges - Mel was hopeful that their break-up was behind them and Lucia would be the beneficiary of co-operative parenting. Apparently Lucia will be denied that good fortune."
"Making sensational allegations is not the way to resolve this."
Landon Donovan Got British Woman Pregnant: Report
His team crashed out of the World Cup this weekend, and now Landon Donovan faces a personal crisis: a forthcoming report from a U.K. newspaper in which a British woman claims she is pregnant with Donovan's child.
Donovan, 28, is separated from his wife, actress Bianca Kajlich, but they are not divorced – a fact the U.S. soccer star emphasized last week, after he and Kajlich shared an emotional phone call following his winning goal against Algeria.
Regarding the pregnancy report, Donovan did not deny it might be true, telling Sports Illustrated's Web site: "I was informed of the possibility during the World Cup, and if I need to take responsibility, then I will provide the appropriate support. This is a private matter, and I will refrain from further comment at this time."
Donovan has spent most of his pro career in the U.S., but played on loan for Liverpool club Everton for several months this past winter. He quickly became a fan favorite, and chants of "USA! USA!" were often heard in the stands.
He was also a hero for the USA at this month's World Cup, scoring three goals and guiding the team to the knockout phase, where they were eliminated on Saturday by Ghana.
Donovan's contact with Kajlich, 33, during the World Cup – he also blew her a kiss during a post-game interview – fueled speculation that they might reconcile. "It would surprise no one if Landon and Bianca were back together very soon," said one of Kajlich's friends. "They have remained in contact and are very close to one another."
Donovan, 28, is separated from his wife, actress Bianca Kajlich, but they are not divorced – a fact the U.S. soccer star emphasized last week, after he and Kajlich shared an emotional phone call following his winning goal against Algeria.
Regarding the pregnancy report, Donovan did not deny it might be true, telling Sports Illustrated's Web site: "I was informed of the possibility during the World Cup, and if I need to take responsibility, then I will provide the appropriate support. This is a private matter, and I will refrain from further comment at this time."
Donovan has spent most of his pro career in the U.S., but played on loan for Liverpool club Everton for several months this past winter. He quickly became a fan favorite, and chants of "USA! USA!" were often heard in the stands.
He was also a hero for the USA at this month's World Cup, scoring three goals and guiding the team to the knockout phase, where they were eliminated on Saturday by Ghana.
Donovan's contact with Kajlich, 33, during the World Cup – he also blew her a kiss during a post-game interview – fueled speculation that they might reconcile. "It would surprise no one if Landon and Bianca were back together very soon," said one of Kajlich's friends. "They have remained in contact and are very close to one another."
Angelina Jolie Doesn't Want Her Family to Get Too Big
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have built a large family, and despite the rumors, it's not likely to get too much bigger – as the actress is concerned about having enough time for each child as they grow up.
Asked if she and Pitt want a seventh child, Jolie, 35, tells Vanity Fair: "We're not opposed to it. But we want to make sure we can give everybody special time."
It's easy when they're small, she says, and don't require much emotional support. But as they get older, "they're going to need a lot more talking in the middle of the night, like I did with my mom for hours. We want to make sure we don't build a family so big that we don't have absolutely enough time to raise them each really well."
The children's personalities are all blooming, Jolie says – particularly Shiloh, who turned 4 last month and seems to be taking her cues from big brothers Maddox and Pax. "She likes to dress like a boy. She wants to be a boy," Jolie says. "So, we had to cut her hair. She likes to wear boys' everything. She thinks she's one of the brothers."
Among the other kids, Maddox is the intellectual, while Zahara has "an extraordinary voice and is just so elegant and well spoken." And the twins, Knox and Vivienne, who will turn 2 next month, "are classic boy and girl," Jolie says. "She's really female. And he's really a little dude."
While family has clearly become Jolie's top priority, acting has become a secondary pursuit – one she might give it up entirely in the not-too-distant future. "I don't think I'll do it much longer," she says. "Because I have a happy home. ... I got back from work last night, and everybody was playing music and dancing, and I suddenly found myself dancing around with a bunch of little fun crazy people."
And what about finally getting married to Pitt, 46, her longtime partner? Also not an issue on the front burner. They're not against it, Jolie says, but "it's just like we already are. Children are clearly a commitment, a bigger commitment [than marriage]. It's for life."
Asked if she and Pitt want a seventh child, Jolie, 35, tells Vanity Fair: "We're not opposed to it. But we want to make sure we can give everybody special time."
It's easy when they're small, she says, and don't require much emotional support. But as they get older, "they're going to need a lot more talking in the middle of the night, like I did with my mom for hours. We want to make sure we don't build a family so big that we don't have absolutely enough time to raise them each really well."
The children's personalities are all blooming, Jolie says – particularly Shiloh, who turned 4 last month and seems to be taking her cues from big brothers Maddox and Pax. "She likes to dress like a boy. She wants to be a boy," Jolie says. "So, we had to cut her hair. She likes to wear boys' everything. She thinks she's one of the brothers."
Among the other kids, Maddox is the intellectual, while Zahara has "an extraordinary voice and is just so elegant and well spoken." And the twins, Knox and Vivienne, who will turn 2 next month, "are classic boy and girl," Jolie says. "She's really female. And he's really a little dude."
While family has clearly become Jolie's top priority, acting has become a secondary pursuit – one she might give it up entirely in the not-too-distant future. "I don't think I'll do it much longer," she says. "Because I have a happy home. ... I got back from work last night, and everybody was playing music and dancing, and I suddenly found myself dancing around with a bunch of little fun crazy people."
And what about finally getting married to Pitt, 46, her longtime partner? Also not an issue on the front burner. They're not against it, Jolie says, but "it's just like we already are. Children are clearly a commitment, a bigger commitment [than marriage]. It's for life."
Vince Neil arrested on DUI charge in Las Vegas
Police say Motley Crue singer Vince Neil was arrested in Las Vegas on a drunken driving charge.
The 49-year-old rocker was being held at the Clark County jail pending a court appearance after his arrest early Monday. It wasn't immediatley clear if Neil had an attorney.
Las Vegas police Officer Barbara Morgan confirmed the arrest, but said she didn't immediately have details.
The 49-year-old rocker was being held at the Clark County jail pending a court appearance after his arrest early Monday. It wasn't immediatley clear if Neil had an attorney.
Las Vegas police Officer Barbara Morgan confirmed the arrest, but said she didn't immediately have details.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Britney Spears and Kevin Federline Reunite for Sons' Preschool Graduation
Helping celebrate their sons' latest milestone, Britney Spears and Kevin Federline put on a united front at their boys' preschool graduation.
The pop star, who was joined by parents Jamie and Lynne Spears, and her ex-husband arrived separately at a San Fernando Valley school Thursday, but met up briefly. Preston, 4, and Jayden, 3, were later treated to McDonald's Happy Meals after the ceremony, says a source.
Spears, 28, "was very excited about her boys' graduation and she dressed them up for the festive occasion," the source says.
The exes, who tied the knot in 2004, split in late 2006 before finalizing their divorce a year later. A custody settlement reached in 2008 gave Federline, 32, sole custody of the kids while Spears, who is under the conservatorship of her father, was allowed several weekly visits.
The pop star, who was joined by parents Jamie and Lynne Spears, and her ex-husband arrived separately at a San Fernando Valley school Thursday, but met up briefly. Preston, 4, and Jayden, 3, were later treated to McDonald's Happy Meals after the ceremony, says a source.
Spears, 28, "was very excited about her boys' graduation and she dressed them up for the festive occasion," the source says.
The exes, who tied the knot in 2004, split in late 2006 before finalizing their divorce a year later. A custody settlement reached in 2008 gave Federline, 32, sole custody of the kids while Spears, who is under the conservatorship of her father, was allowed several weekly visits.
'Toy Story 3,' Sandler are hot, Tom Cruise not
The "Toy Story 3" gang and Adam Sandler are finding plenty of playmates at movie theaters. Tom Cruise is not so popular, though.
The Disney-Pixar Animation smash "Toy Story 3" remained the No. 1 film with $59 million in its second weekend, raising its domestic total to $226.6 million, according to studio estimates Sunday.
Sandler's "Grown Ups" debuted at No. 2 with a healthy $41 million. Released by Sony, the comedy costarring Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade and Rob Schneider did well despite a thrashing from critics.
Cruise's thriller "Knight and Day" fizzled at No. 3 with $20.5 million. It was the worst result for a Cruise action flick in 20 years and a sign that audiences still have not forgiven him for erratic behavior a few years back, which included his couch-jumping incident on Oprah Winfrey's show.
"He's one of the biggest stars of all time, but no question, this has impacted him," said Paul Dergarabedian, box-office analyst for Hollywood.com. "It's not like it's irrevocable or unchangeable. Look at all the stars who have been jailed or caught in compromising sexual situations and then came back. Many stars do recover. It just may take a lot of time for him."
Reviews were fair for "Knight and Day," which features Cruise as a charming spy who finds romance with a civilian (Cameron Diaz) on a globe-trotting adventure. Yet distributor 20th Century Fox could not pull in a big audience despite a heavy marketing push that included sneak-peak screenings a week earlier and a Wednesday debut designed to build fan buzz for opening weekend.
Since Wednesday, "Knight and Day" has taken in $27.8 million. It added $12.6 million in 12 overseas markets, but the movie has a long road ahead to recoup a production budget of around $107 million.
Playing in 4,028 theaters, "Toy Story 3" maintained a strong average of $14,647 a cinema. That compared to an average of $11,602 in 3,534 theaters for "Grown Ups" and $6,617 in 3,098 cinemas for "Knight and Day."
Even so, Chris Aronson, head of domestic distribution for 20th Century Fox, said the studio was happy with the results.
"I do think with the excellent reviews we've caught along with its playability, that it's going to be the movie of choice for smart audiences and will be for a while," Aronson said.
At the height of the Cruise backlash four years ago — sparked by odd behavior including rants about Scientology and his couch-bouncing proclamation of devotion to Katie Holmes — his "Mission: Impossible III" debuted with $47.7 million, well over twice the take for "Knight and Day." Granted, the latter is a harder sell compared to an established action franchise.
Even Cruise's Nazi Germany drama "Valkyrie," which arrived with modest expectations two years ago, did better with $21 million in its first weekend.
"Knight and Day" had Cruise's lowest action debut since the 1990 race-car thriller "Days of Thunder," which pulled in $15.5 million while playing in 800 fewer theaters. Factoring in higher ticket prices, "Days of Thunder" would have debuted with about $29 million in today's dollars.
After just 10 days in theaters, "Toy Story 3" is about to hurtle beyond "Shrek Forever After," now at $229.3 million after five weeks in theaters, to become the year's top-grossing animated movie.
Though $300 million blockbusters "Iron Man 2" and "Alice in Wonderland" had bigger opening weekends, "Toy Story 3" now is outpacing both and could be on track to become the year's biggest hit.
"Though I would never try to call that prematurely, it certainly is the kind of movie that plays so well that you would expect the legs to put it into a pretty lofty position," said Chuck Viane, head of distribution for Disney. "The storytelling is so superb that I think it's going to play forever."
"Toy Story 3" has added $100 million in 32 overseas countries to raise its worldwide total to $326.6 million. The film has yet to open in many major markets, including most of Europe.
While Cruise once was one of Hollywood's most-dependable draws, Sandler remains a steadfast box-office earner. "Grown Ups" was his 10th film to open in a consistent range from about $34 million to $48 million, dating to 1998's "The Waterboy."
"Grown Ups" features Sandler and his pals as boyhood friends reuniting as adults for the funeral of their old basketball coach.
Critics usually hate Sandler's movies, while fans keep turning up.
"They realize that they're the final judge, and they've chosen Adam over and over," said Rory Bruer, head of distribution for Sony. "They know what they want to see."
Overall business was down again as Hollywood lapsed back into a box office slide that persisted from May into early June. Revenues totaled $160 million, down 20 percent from a huge weekend last year, when "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" debuted with $109 million.
Summer revenues are at $1.7 billion, down 5 percent from the record pace of 2009, while attendance is off nearly 11 percent, according to Hollywood.com.
Business should rebound as "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse" opens Wednesday for the Fourth of July weekend, one of the year's busiest times at theaters.
Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Hollywood.com. Final figures will be released Monday.
1. "Toy Story 3," $59 million.
2. "Grown Ups," $41 million.
3. "Knight and Day," $20.5 million.
4. "The Karate Kid," $15.4 million.
5. "The A-Team," $6 million.
6. "Get Him to the Greek," $3 million.
7. "Shrek Forever After," $2.9 million.
8. "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time," $2.8 million.
9. "Killers," $2 million.
10. "Jonah Hex," $1.6 million.
The Disney-Pixar Animation smash "Toy Story 3" remained the No. 1 film with $59 million in its second weekend, raising its domestic total to $226.6 million, according to studio estimates Sunday.
Sandler's "Grown Ups" debuted at No. 2 with a healthy $41 million. Released by Sony, the comedy costarring Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade and Rob Schneider did well despite a thrashing from critics.
Cruise's thriller "Knight and Day" fizzled at No. 3 with $20.5 million. It was the worst result for a Cruise action flick in 20 years and a sign that audiences still have not forgiven him for erratic behavior a few years back, which included his couch-jumping incident on Oprah Winfrey's show.
"He's one of the biggest stars of all time, but no question, this has impacted him," said Paul Dergarabedian, box-office analyst for Hollywood.com. "It's not like it's irrevocable or unchangeable. Look at all the stars who have been jailed or caught in compromising sexual situations and then came back. Many stars do recover. It just may take a lot of time for him."
Reviews were fair for "Knight and Day," which features Cruise as a charming spy who finds romance with a civilian (Cameron Diaz) on a globe-trotting adventure. Yet distributor 20th Century Fox could not pull in a big audience despite a heavy marketing push that included sneak-peak screenings a week earlier and a Wednesday debut designed to build fan buzz for opening weekend.
Since Wednesday, "Knight and Day" has taken in $27.8 million. It added $12.6 million in 12 overseas markets, but the movie has a long road ahead to recoup a production budget of around $107 million.
Playing in 4,028 theaters, "Toy Story 3" maintained a strong average of $14,647 a cinema. That compared to an average of $11,602 in 3,534 theaters for "Grown Ups" and $6,617 in 3,098 cinemas for "Knight and Day."
Even so, Chris Aronson, head of domestic distribution for 20th Century Fox, said the studio was happy with the results.
"I do think with the excellent reviews we've caught along with its playability, that it's going to be the movie of choice for smart audiences and will be for a while," Aronson said.
At the height of the Cruise backlash four years ago — sparked by odd behavior including rants about Scientology and his couch-bouncing proclamation of devotion to Katie Holmes — his "Mission: Impossible III" debuted with $47.7 million, well over twice the take for "Knight and Day." Granted, the latter is a harder sell compared to an established action franchise.
Even Cruise's Nazi Germany drama "Valkyrie," which arrived with modest expectations two years ago, did better with $21 million in its first weekend.
"Knight and Day" had Cruise's lowest action debut since the 1990 race-car thriller "Days of Thunder," which pulled in $15.5 million while playing in 800 fewer theaters. Factoring in higher ticket prices, "Days of Thunder" would have debuted with about $29 million in today's dollars.
After just 10 days in theaters, "Toy Story 3" is about to hurtle beyond "Shrek Forever After," now at $229.3 million after five weeks in theaters, to become the year's top-grossing animated movie.
Though $300 million blockbusters "Iron Man 2" and "Alice in Wonderland" had bigger opening weekends, "Toy Story 3" now is outpacing both and could be on track to become the year's biggest hit.
"Though I would never try to call that prematurely, it certainly is the kind of movie that plays so well that you would expect the legs to put it into a pretty lofty position," said Chuck Viane, head of distribution for Disney. "The storytelling is so superb that I think it's going to play forever."
"Toy Story 3" has added $100 million in 32 overseas countries to raise its worldwide total to $326.6 million. The film has yet to open in many major markets, including most of Europe.
While Cruise once was one of Hollywood's most-dependable draws, Sandler remains a steadfast box-office earner. "Grown Ups" was his 10th film to open in a consistent range from about $34 million to $48 million, dating to 1998's "The Waterboy."
"Grown Ups" features Sandler and his pals as boyhood friends reuniting as adults for the funeral of their old basketball coach.
Critics usually hate Sandler's movies, while fans keep turning up.
"They realize that they're the final judge, and they've chosen Adam over and over," said Rory Bruer, head of distribution for Sony. "They know what they want to see."
Overall business was down again as Hollywood lapsed back into a box office slide that persisted from May into early June. Revenues totaled $160 million, down 20 percent from a huge weekend last year, when "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" debuted with $109 million.
Summer revenues are at $1.7 billion, down 5 percent from the record pace of 2009, while attendance is off nearly 11 percent, according to Hollywood.com.
Business should rebound as "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse" opens Wednesday for the Fourth of July weekend, one of the year's busiest times at theaters.
Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Hollywood.com. Final figures will be released Monday.
1. "Toy Story 3," $59 million.
2. "Grown Ups," $41 million.
3. "Knight and Day," $20.5 million.
4. "The Karate Kid," $15.4 million.
5. "The A-Team," $6 million.
6. "Get Him to the Greek," $3 million.
7. "Shrek Forever After," $2.9 million.
8. "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time," $2.8 million.
9. "Killers," $2 million.
10. "Jonah Hex," $1.6 million.
Mena Suvari Weds In Italy
Actress Mena Suvari has married music producer Simone Sestito in an intimate ceremony in Italy.
The couple exchanged vows in a private church in Vatican City, Italy on Saturday followed by a reception for their closest friends and family.
A guest tells People.com, "The ceremony was truly unique and Mena looked breathtaking. They are very much in love."
The American Beauty star, 31, accepted Sestito's proposal during a Jamaican vacation in 2008 after a year of dating.
It is Suvari's second marriage - she was previously wed to German-born cinematographer Robert Brinkmann. They split in 2005 after five years of marriage.
The couple exchanged vows in a private church in Vatican City, Italy on Saturday followed by a reception for their closest friends and family.
A guest tells People.com, "The ceremony was truly unique and Mena looked breathtaking. They are very much in love."
The American Beauty star, 31, accepted Sestito's proposal during a Jamaican vacation in 2008 after a year of dating.
It is Suvari's second marriage - she was previously wed to German-born cinematographer Robert Brinkmann. They split in 2005 after five years of marriage.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Mel Gibson Files Restraining Order Against Ex-Girlfriend
Really putting a stamp on their split, Mel Gibson filed for a restraining order against Oksana Grigorieva, his ex-girlfriend and mother of his 7-month-old daughter, Lucia, PEOPLE has learned.
The Oscar winner, 54, and the Russian musician-singer, 40, had been together about a year by the time they broke up in April 2010.
While at the time of the split a friend of the couple told PEOPLE, "They're still friends and they'll both raise Lucia together," since then their relationship has become less amicable.
Though the legal documents, which were filed Thursday in Los Angeles Superior Court, are sealed, RadarOnline, which first broke the story, reports that the main issue involves Gibson's access to the child.
Gibson, who just completed filming How I Spent My Summer Vacation, resides in Malibu. Grigorieva, meanwhile, is still living in a Sherman Oaks, Calif., home owned by Gibson – and has been doing so since their split.
She was reportedly served the legal papers there.
Gibson's rep has no comment.
In April 2009, Robyn Moore, the actor-filmmaker's wife of 30 years, filed for divorce from Gibson, citing irreconcilable differences. Later that same month, he and Grigorieva made their first public appearance together as a couple.
In addition to Lucia, Gibson is the father of seven children – six sons and one daughter – while Grigorieva has a son, Alexander, with her former boyfriend, British actor (and short-term James Bond star) Timothy Dalton.
The Oscar winner, 54, and the Russian musician-singer, 40, had been together about a year by the time they broke up in April 2010.
While at the time of the split a friend of the couple told PEOPLE, "They're still friends and they'll both raise Lucia together," since then their relationship has become less amicable.
Though the legal documents, which were filed Thursday in Los Angeles Superior Court, are sealed, RadarOnline, which first broke the story, reports that the main issue involves Gibson's access to the child.
Gibson, who just completed filming How I Spent My Summer Vacation, resides in Malibu. Grigorieva, meanwhile, is still living in a Sherman Oaks, Calif., home owned by Gibson – and has been doing so since their split.
She was reportedly served the legal papers there.
Gibson's rep has no comment.
In April 2009, Robyn Moore, the actor-filmmaker's wife of 30 years, filed for divorce from Gibson, citing irreconcilable differences. Later that same month, he and Grigorieva made their first public appearance together as a couple.
In addition to Lucia, Gibson is the father of seven children – six sons and one daughter – while Grigorieva has a son, Alexander, with her former boyfriend, British actor (and short-term James Bond star) Timothy Dalton.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Former Manager Sues Joan Rivers For $2.2 Million
Joan Rivers' former manager is suing the comic for $2.2 million, alleging he is owed money for resurrecting her "dormant" career.
Billy Sammeth, who was hired by the outspoken "funnywoman" in 2002 and fired in 2009, filed a lawsuit in a New York court earlier this week claiming he is owed unpaid commissions. In the filed papers, the agent lists the jobs he allegedly landed Rivers and states he is still owed 10 per cent of her earnings, totaling $200,000.
He is also seeking $2 million in exemplary and punitive damages, accusing the star of defaming him in her recent TV documentary, Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work. Sammeth goes on to claim he rebuilt Rivers' career at a time when she was struggling to land jobs - insisting she went from working 12 shows a year to 40.
A rep for the comedienne says, "This is the claim of a former personal manager, who was properly terminated over one year ago. Billy Sammeth is now making claims for money to which he is not entitled, and I am confident that the judicial system will dispose of Mr. Sammeth's lawsuit in the appropriate manner."
Billy Sammeth, who was hired by the outspoken "funnywoman" in 2002 and fired in 2009, filed a lawsuit in a New York court earlier this week claiming he is owed unpaid commissions. In the filed papers, the agent lists the jobs he allegedly landed Rivers and states he is still owed 10 per cent of her earnings, totaling $200,000.
He is also seeking $2 million in exemplary and punitive damages, accusing the star of defaming him in her recent TV documentary, Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work. Sammeth goes on to claim he rebuilt Rivers' career at a time when she was struggling to land jobs - insisting she went from working 12 shows a year to 40.
A rep for the comedienne says, "This is the claim of a former personal manager, who was properly terminated over one year ago. Billy Sammeth is now making claims for money to which he is not entitled, and I am confident that the judicial system will dispose of Mr. Sammeth's lawsuit in the appropriate manner."
Mariah Carey In Doghouse With Veterinarian
Mariah Carey's vet is suing the superstar over allegations she failed to pay almost $30,000 in fees.
Veterinarian Cindy Bressler filed a lawsuit in a New York court on Wednesday accusing the Hero hit-maker of paying just $8,200 of a $37,800 bill for providing "extraordinary services" for her dogs Cha-Cha, JJ and Dolomite. The staggering sum is the fee for a month of care.
Carey is seemingly struggling to handle her three beloved pooches - she asked fans on Twitter.com earlier this week if they wanted to adopt Cha Cha's puppies.
Veterinarian Cindy Bressler filed a lawsuit in a New York court on Wednesday accusing the Hero hit-maker of paying just $8,200 of a $37,800 bill for providing "extraordinary services" for her dogs Cha-Cha, JJ and Dolomite. The staggering sum is the fee for a month of care.
Carey is seemingly struggling to handle her three beloved pooches - she asked fans on Twitter.com earlier this week if they wanted to adopt Cha Cha's puppies.
Al Gore Accused of Sexual Assault
An Oregon masseuse filed a complaint last year accusing Al Gore of sexual abuse following a nearly three-hour massage session at an upscale Portland hotel in 2006, reports the Portland Oregonian.
The alleged incident took place at the Hotel Lucia Oct. 24, after the masseuse, 54, was called by the hotel to administer a late night massage to a "VIP" client, who was later identified as Gore, 62, the former U.S. Vice President, senator from Tennessee and Nobel Prize-winning advocate for the environment.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office in Portland confirmed Wednesday that the woman reported unwanted sexual contact by Gore to police in 2006, and the prosecutor’s office was briefed by the Portland Police Bureau in late 2006 and January 2007.
"We were told the woman was not willing to be interviewed by the Portland Police Bureau and did not want a criminal investigation to proceed," Multnomah County D.A. Michael Schrunk said. The woman was reportedly considering suing Gore before last month approaching the National Enquirer, asking for $1 million for her story.
The unidentified woman, who has been a masseuse for 12 years, filed the accusations Jan. 8, 2009, alleging Gore, who checked into the hotel as Mr. Stone and was 30 minutes late for his 10:30 p.m. in-room appointment, sexually assaulted her in his hotel room by forcing repeated, unwanted sexual touches.
"He pleaded, groped me, grabbed me, engulfed me in embrace, tongue kissed me, massaged me, grabbed my breasts," the woman says in her detailed complaint to Portland police officers and posted by the Fox 12 Oregon TV station.
At one point, she says Gore pinned her down, resulting in an injury to her left leg and knee, and which required medical care for several months.
Gore, she says, was so persistent that she called him a "sex-crazed poodle" for being "out of control."
The woman, who says she notified two friends following Gore's alleged groping, also saved the black pants she wore after discovering stains following the session. Since the alleged incident, the masseuse says she has been traumatized, has trouble sleeping at night, and that her work has been "more stressful and frightening since the incident." She is also seeing a specialized counselor.
The woman, who did not respond to several attempted follow-up interviews with police, revealed in the complaint that she grappled with her decision to come forward – even consulting with attorneys – but ultimately decided to do so to protect other women who may have experienced the same trauma.
She told detectives she only wanted "justice" and that her complaint was not an attempt to receive money.
Gore family spokeswoman Kalee Kreider told the Oregonian that the former Vice President has no comment regarding the allegations. After 40 years of marriage, Gore and his wife, Tipper, announced their separation June 1. The Gores also had no comment for PEOPLE.
The alleged incident took place at the Hotel Lucia Oct. 24, after the masseuse, 54, was called by the hotel to administer a late night massage to a "VIP" client, who was later identified as Gore, 62, the former U.S. Vice President, senator from Tennessee and Nobel Prize-winning advocate for the environment.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office in Portland confirmed Wednesday that the woman reported unwanted sexual contact by Gore to police in 2006, and the prosecutor’s office was briefed by the Portland Police Bureau in late 2006 and January 2007.
"We were told the woman was not willing to be interviewed by the Portland Police Bureau and did not want a criminal investigation to proceed," Multnomah County D.A. Michael Schrunk said. The woman was reportedly considering suing Gore before last month approaching the National Enquirer, asking for $1 million for her story.
The unidentified woman, who has been a masseuse for 12 years, filed the accusations Jan. 8, 2009, alleging Gore, who checked into the hotel as Mr. Stone and was 30 minutes late for his 10:30 p.m. in-room appointment, sexually assaulted her in his hotel room by forcing repeated, unwanted sexual touches.
"He pleaded, groped me, grabbed me, engulfed me in embrace, tongue kissed me, massaged me, grabbed my breasts," the woman says in her detailed complaint to Portland police officers and posted by the Fox 12 Oregon TV station.
At one point, she says Gore pinned her down, resulting in an injury to her left leg and knee, and which required medical care for several months.
Gore, she says, was so persistent that she called him a "sex-crazed poodle" for being "out of control."
The woman, who says she notified two friends following Gore's alleged groping, also saved the black pants she wore after discovering stains following the session. Since the alleged incident, the masseuse says she has been traumatized, has trouble sleeping at night, and that her work has been "more stressful and frightening since the incident." She is also seeing a specialized counselor.
The woman, who did not respond to several attempted follow-up interviews with police, revealed in the complaint that she grappled with her decision to come forward – even consulting with attorneys – but ultimately decided to do so to protect other women who may have experienced the same trauma.
She told detectives she only wanted "justice" and that her complaint was not an attempt to receive money.
Gore family spokeswoman Kalee Kreider told the Oregonian that the former Vice President has no comment regarding the allegations. After 40 years of marriage, Gore and his wife, Tipper, announced their separation June 1. The Gores also had no comment for PEOPLE.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Kim Kardashian's New Boyfriend Is Dallas Cowboys Star Miles Austin
Kim Kardashian can't resist men in shoulder pads. On June 6 - more than two months after splitting from New Orleans Saints running back Reggie Bush - the E! Reality star cuddled up with Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Miles Austin, 26, at Casa Vega in L.A.'s Sherman Oaks. "They sat in the back drinking margaritas," says a witness.
A source says Kardashian, 29, is taking things slowly. "They are dating," says a source close to her, "but she doesn't want to rush anything." Another Kardashian friend tells Us Magazine, "Kim wants to date someone who gets her busy lifestyle."
Meanwhile, fans probably won't have to worry about Kardashian bringing bad luck to the Dallas Cowboys, like the so-called Jessica Jinx of 2007, when Jessica Simpson dated the team's quarterback Tony Romo.
"The Kardashians are good luck," says a source. "Reggie's team won the Super Bowl!"
And Khloe's husband, Lamar Odom, just won a Lakers championship. To celebrate, she bought him a $400,000 Rolls Royce.
A source says Kardashian, 29, is taking things slowly. "They are dating," says a source close to her, "but she doesn't want to rush anything." Another Kardashian friend tells Us Magazine, "Kim wants to date someone who gets her busy lifestyle."
Meanwhile, fans probably won't have to worry about Kardashian bringing bad luck to the Dallas Cowboys, like the so-called Jessica Jinx of 2007, when Jessica Simpson dated the team's quarterback Tony Romo.
"The Kardashians are good luck," says a source. "Reggie's team won the Super Bowl!"
And Khloe's husband, Lamar Odom, just won a Lakers championship. To celebrate, she bought him a $400,000 Rolls Royce.
Kellie Pickler Engaged to Songwriter Kyle Jacobs
Kellie Pickler has announced her engagement to songwriter Kyle Jacobs. He proposed to her on June 15 during a Florida beach vacation, according to an interview with People magazine. Pickler and Jacobs met about two and a-half years ago. She told the publication the proposal fell on the anniversary of her late grandmother's birthday. "It turned out to be the most amazing day of my life," she said. "My whole world changed. We both feel like we got my grandmother's blessing." Jacobs' songwriting credits include Garth Brooks' "More Than a Memory" and Tim McGraw's "Still," as well as cuts by Trace Adkins, Jo Dee Messina, Craig Morgan and Clay Walker, among others.
Ice Skater Scott Hamilton Undergoes Brain Surgery
Olympic champ Scott Hamilton underwent brain surgery Wednesday to remove the recurrence of a benign tumor near his pituitary gland, which first appeared in 2004.
"They're happy with the progress of the entry process, and now [doctors] can begin to get rid of the tumor," the figure skater's rep, Michelle Thornbury, tells PEOPLE of the procedure, which was halfway completed Wednesday morning.
Hamilton, 51, is undergoing the surgery in Boston, where he is surrounded by family, including his wife Tracie, their friends and his brother Steve. "They're all feeling the love coming from all of us," the rep says.
The athlete is expected to make a full recovery, and should be home next week.
In 2004, Hamilton first discovered he had the tumor, called craniopharyngioma. Although benign, if left untreated it could have caused him to go blind. He chose to treat it with Gamma Knife, a procedure that bombards the tumor with high, pinpoint doses of gamma radiation. At the time, doctors were able to virtually destroy the tumor.
After that procedure, Hamilton, who also underwent chemotherapy for testicular cancer in 1997, was upbeat about his life with son Aidan, now 6, and his wife, Tracie. (The athlete and his wife have another son, Maxx, born in 2008.)
"You think you love your life, but you're just scratching the surface," he told PEOPLE. "Now I look at my son and I realize I may not be able to spend much time with him. So my level of appreciation for what I've got now has gone to a whole other level."
"They're happy with the progress of the entry process, and now [doctors] can begin to get rid of the tumor," the figure skater's rep, Michelle Thornbury, tells PEOPLE of the procedure, which was halfway completed Wednesday morning.
Hamilton, 51, is undergoing the surgery in Boston, where he is surrounded by family, including his wife Tracie, their friends and his brother Steve. "They're all feeling the love coming from all of us," the rep says.
The athlete is expected to make a full recovery, and should be home next week.
In 2004, Hamilton first discovered he had the tumor, called craniopharyngioma. Although benign, if left untreated it could have caused him to go blind. He chose to treat it with Gamma Knife, a procedure that bombards the tumor with high, pinpoint doses of gamma radiation. At the time, doctors were able to virtually destroy the tumor.
After that procedure, Hamilton, who also underwent chemotherapy for testicular cancer in 1997, was upbeat about his life with son Aidan, now 6, and his wife, Tracie. (The athlete and his wife have another son, Maxx, born in 2008.)
"You think you love your life, but you're just scratching the surface," he told PEOPLE. "Now I look at my son and I realize I may not be able to spend much time with him. So my level of appreciation for what I've got now has gone to a whole other level."
CNN hires Spitzer, Parker to co-host new program
CNN is pairing former New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer and conservative columnist Kathleen Parker for a combative new prime-time program it insists won't be the second coming of "Crossfire."
The network is hoping for twin comebacks: for its own struggling nightly lineup and for the former Democratic governor who resigned in disgrace following a prostitution scandal. The new show will replace one hosted by Campbell Brown at 8 p.m. EDT, going against Bill O'Reilly at Fox News Channel and Keith Olbermann at MSNBC, the top personalities at CNN's competitors.
The two said they'll discuss the type of issues heard around the kitchen table at dinner, "minus the cocktails," Parker said.
"We will bring in interesting guests and some regular contributors and offer the television audience an alternative to the strictly ideological format," she said.
They took pains to distance themselves from "Crossfire," the original cable TV debate program that CNN U.S. President Jon Klein canceled in 2005, saying he was tired of the arguments. Since then, however, the big winners on prime-time cable news have been opinionated programs on Fox and MSNBC while CNN has struggled to hold a middle ground. Brown tried, then left because she said she couldn't hold up to her rivals in the ratings.
Spitzer said he and Parker hold strong views but aren't afraid to be persuaded to change them, and the public will find them agreeing in places they didn't expect.
"We respect all of the other shows out there, but we want to be different — a bit more upbeat, affirmative, funny and also informative," he said.
The former governor has emerged publicly in the past few months following his resignation two years ago, slowly becoming a go-to guest at cable news programs. Earlier this month he was guest host of an afternoon hour on MSNBC for a week.
Spitzer adroitly ducked a question about whether the show with Parker, which has no name yet and is expected to debut in September, is a waiting area for a return to politics.
"Every chapter is its own chapter," he said. "I try to succeed in whatever chapter I'm working on."
The Princeton and Harvard-educated Spitzer, a crusading attorney general against Wall Street abuses before being elected governor, will contrast with a South Carolina resident who has been a newspaper columnist for much of her life outside of the self-obsessed Northeast. Parker has won a Pulitzer Prize for commentary. She said she'll continue to write while hosting the New York-based show.
Veteran newswoman Connie Chung, who held that time slot on CNN for a year before being abruptly dropped in 2003, said she didn't understand what a show like Spitzer and Parker are planning has anything to do with journalism. She questioned giving a politician with little TV experience the prime-time platform.
"It's been very hard for CNN," Chung said. "I empathize with them because CNN's competitors have gone off in extreme directions and what is CNN going to do? But I don't understand this attempt at regaining viewers."
As someone watching, she'd much rather see an hour of witty television news like that hosted by Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert on Comedy Central, she said.
Klein said CNN had considered scores of different personalities for the time slot but Spitzer and Parker stood out as iconoclasts. CNN arranged a meeting between the two about three weeks ago and was impressed by "an organic chemistry" between them, he said.
Klein said he wasn't interested in becoming part of any comeback story for a fallen politician.
"I think Eliot is very focused on becoming a huge success on television," he said, "and so are we."
The network is hoping for twin comebacks: for its own struggling nightly lineup and for the former Democratic governor who resigned in disgrace following a prostitution scandal. The new show will replace one hosted by Campbell Brown at 8 p.m. EDT, going against Bill O'Reilly at Fox News Channel and Keith Olbermann at MSNBC, the top personalities at CNN's competitors.
The two said they'll discuss the type of issues heard around the kitchen table at dinner, "minus the cocktails," Parker said.
"We will bring in interesting guests and some regular contributors and offer the television audience an alternative to the strictly ideological format," she said.
They took pains to distance themselves from "Crossfire," the original cable TV debate program that CNN U.S. President Jon Klein canceled in 2005, saying he was tired of the arguments. Since then, however, the big winners on prime-time cable news have been opinionated programs on Fox and MSNBC while CNN has struggled to hold a middle ground. Brown tried, then left because she said she couldn't hold up to her rivals in the ratings.
Spitzer said he and Parker hold strong views but aren't afraid to be persuaded to change them, and the public will find them agreeing in places they didn't expect.
"We respect all of the other shows out there, but we want to be different — a bit more upbeat, affirmative, funny and also informative," he said.
The former governor has emerged publicly in the past few months following his resignation two years ago, slowly becoming a go-to guest at cable news programs. Earlier this month he was guest host of an afternoon hour on MSNBC for a week.
Spitzer adroitly ducked a question about whether the show with Parker, which has no name yet and is expected to debut in September, is a waiting area for a return to politics.
"Every chapter is its own chapter," he said. "I try to succeed in whatever chapter I'm working on."
The Princeton and Harvard-educated Spitzer, a crusading attorney general against Wall Street abuses before being elected governor, will contrast with a South Carolina resident who has been a newspaper columnist for much of her life outside of the self-obsessed Northeast. Parker has won a Pulitzer Prize for commentary. She said she'll continue to write while hosting the New York-based show.
Veteran newswoman Connie Chung, who held that time slot on CNN for a year before being abruptly dropped in 2003, said she didn't understand what a show like Spitzer and Parker are planning has anything to do with journalism. She questioned giving a politician with little TV experience the prime-time platform.
"It's been very hard for CNN," Chung said. "I empathize with them because CNN's competitors have gone off in extreme directions and what is CNN going to do? But I don't understand this attempt at regaining viewers."
As someone watching, she'd much rather see an hour of witty television news like that hosted by Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert on Comedy Central, she said.
Klein said CNN had considered scores of different personalities for the time slot but Spitzer and Parker stood out as iconoclasts. CNN arranged a meeting between the two about three weeks ago and was impressed by "an organic chemistry" between them, he said.
Klein said he wasn't interested in becoming part of any comeback story for a fallen politician.
"I think Eliot is very focused on becoming a huge success on television," he said, "and so are we."
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Jeremy London Kidnapped And Forced To Do Drugs?
According to CNN, Former 7th Heaven star Jeremy London was kidnapped while changing his tire in Palm Springs. Two men held him at gun point, made him do drugs, and then distribute alcohol in a "gang area."
The Former Party of Five escaped from armed carjackers who kidnapped him along a Palm Springs, California roadside last Friday, police said. The drama started when "several men" approached London, After they helped change the tire, London offered them a ride home, the statement said. "A short time later, he was held at gunpoint in the vehicle by one of the occupants," police said. "The gunman forced London to drive to various locations throughout the city, purchase alcohol and use illicit drugs."
London eventually escaped the vehicle and called police, they said. Police said they found London's vehicle in a residential area of Palm Springs and they arrested one suspect later that day.
The Former Party of Five escaped from armed carjackers who kidnapped him along a Palm Springs, California roadside last Friday, police said. The drama started when "several men" approached London, After they helped change the tire, London offered them a ride home, the statement said. "A short time later, he was held at gunpoint in the vehicle by one of the occupants," police said. "The gunman forced London to drive to various locations throughout the city, purchase alcohol and use illicit drugs."
London eventually escaped the vehicle and called police, they said. Police said they found London's vehicle in a residential area of Palm Springs and they arrested one suspect later that day.
Eddie Cibrian Cut from CSI: Miami
Here’s some not-so-celebratory news for birthday boy Eddie Cibrian.
The actor, who turned 37 on Wednesday, has been axed from CSI: Miami, a year after he joined the cast of the hit CBS show, according to reports.
Cibrian’s contract has reportedly not been picked up and sources say original cast member Adam Rodriguez — who, like Cibrian, had a stint on Ugly Betty — is returning full-time this fall, EW.com reports. CBS declined to comment.
The good news for Cibrian? Leaving Miami-Dade means he’ll have plenty of time for other TV projects.
As his girlfriend, singer LeAnn Rimes, Tweeted Thursday, “Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together. Every story has and end, but in life every end is just a new beginning.”
The actor, who turned 37 on Wednesday, has been axed from CSI: Miami, a year after he joined the cast of the hit CBS show, according to reports.
Cibrian’s contract has reportedly not been picked up and sources say original cast member Adam Rodriguez — who, like Cibrian, had a stint on Ugly Betty — is returning full-time this fall, EW.com reports. CBS declined to comment.
The good news for Cibrian? Leaving Miami-Dade means he’ll have plenty of time for other TV projects.
As his girlfriend, singer LeAnn Rimes, Tweeted Thursday, “Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together. Every story has and end, but in life every end is just a new beginning.”
America Ferrera Is Engaged!
Ugly Betty is going to make one beautiful bride!
Actress America Ferrera is engaged to marry longtime boyfriend Ryan Piers Williams, her rep confirms to PEOPLE.
Ferrera, 26, first met Williams at the University of Southern California when he cast her in his student film.
On Wednesday, the actress sported her new diamond on the red carpet at the Edinburgh Film Festival screening of The Illusionist in Scotland.
Actress America Ferrera is engaged to marry longtime boyfriend Ryan Piers Williams, her rep confirms to PEOPLE.
Ferrera, 26, first met Williams at the University of Southern California when he cast her in his student film.
On Wednesday, the actress sported her new diamond on the red carpet at the Edinburgh Film Festival screening of The Illusionist in Scotland.
Photo Controversy Hasn't Affected Miley Cyrus
As Miley Cyrus gears up to co-host the 2010 MuchMusic Video Awards on Sunday and continues to promote her new album, Can't Be Tamed, she's showing no signs of being hurt by a photo "scandal" earlier in the week.
On Wednesday, a smiling Cyrus was spotted with boyfriend Liam Hemsworth, 20, at LAX, and she told Ryan Seacrest on Tuesday that she's just focusing on "the positive and I hope this record does well."
Meanwhile, it seems blogger Perez Hilton, who came under fire for Tweeting an apparently explicit photo of the 17-year-old star, has a reason to smile as well.
Though Hilton (real name: Mario Lavandeira Jr.), 32, faced enormous public outrage for posting a revealing paparazzi shot of the young star climbing out of a car, Beverly Hills criminal defense attorney Howard Price tells PEOPLE the blogger will probably not face legal consequences.
"It seems unlikely Perez would be prosecuted for any criminal act in this case," Price says. "For this to constitute as child pornography it has to be a photo of actual sexual conduct or a more blatant exhibition of one's private parts for the purpose of sexually stimulating the viewer."
"Plus," Price adds, "prosecutors aren't going to waste their time trying to go after an isolated event like this. They are more concerned about more serious and widespread cases."
But Hilton isn't off the hook completely: "If Perez doctored the photograph however, that could be grounds for a civil defamation suit," according to Price.
Hilton's lawyer, Todd Rubenstein, tells PEOPLE that the blogger "did not create, post, Photoshop or alter the photos. From his Twitter account, he merely linked to and commented on someone else's photos, which is his First Amendment right and is lawfully done by thousands of bloggers all day long ... Furthermore, the photos are not pornographic by any legal, factual or common sense definition."
One repercussion of Hilton's actions: ABC reportedly pulled ads for The View from his Web site.
So what happens next?
Cyrus and Hilton are headed for a possible run-in on Sunday: The blogger is a presenter at the Toronto-based awards show.
On Wednesday, a smiling Cyrus was spotted with boyfriend Liam Hemsworth, 20, at LAX, and she told Ryan Seacrest on Tuesday that she's just focusing on "the positive and I hope this record does well."
Meanwhile, it seems blogger Perez Hilton, who came under fire for Tweeting an apparently explicit photo of the 17-year-old star, has a reason to smile as well.
Though Hilton (real name: Mario Lavandeira Jr.), 32, faced enormous public outrage for posting a revealing paparazzi shot of the young star climbing out of a car, Beverly Hills criminal defense attorney Howard Price tells PEOPLE the blogger will probably not face legal consequences.
"It seems unlikely Perez would be prosecuted for any criminal act in this case," Price says. "For this to constitute as child pornography it has to be a photo of actual sexual conduct or a more blatant exhibition of one's private parts for the purpose of sexually stimulating the viewer."
"Plus," Price adds, "prosecutors aren't going to waste their time trying to go after an isolated event like this. They are more concerned about more serious and widespread cases."
But Hilton isn't off the hook completely: "If Perez doctored the photograph however, that could be grounds for a civil defamation suit," according to Price.
Hilton's lawyer, Todd Rubenstein, tells PEOPLE that the blogger "did not create, post, Photoshop or alter the photos. From his Twitter account, he merely linked to and commented on someone else's photos, which is his First Amendment right and is lawfully done by thousands of bloggers all day long ... Furthermore, the photos are not pornographic by any legal, factual or common sense definition."
One repercussion of Hilton's actions: ABC reportedly pulled ads for The View from his Web site.
So what happens next?
Cyrus and Hilton are headed for a possible run-in on Sunday: The blogger is a presenter at the Toronto-based awards show.
Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart Get Married!
After more than eight years together, Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart have tied the knot, their reps confirm to PEOPLE.
Ford surprised Flockhart with a Valentine's Day wedding proposal in 2009. They were married Tuesday in New Mexico, where the actor is filming Cowboys and Aliens.
The wedding, which took place at the Governor's Mansion in Santa Fe, was performed by Governor Bill Richardson under the legal supervision of New Mexico's Chief Justice, Charles W. Daniels, who officially declared the couple legally wed.
Gov. Richardson and his wife, Barbara, who are friends of the couple, were witnesses for the bride and groom. The couple's son Liam, 9, was also in attendance, as was the governor's official counsel.
The mansion sits atop a hill north of downtown Santa Fe.
Ford, 67, and Flockhart, 45, began dating after meeting at the 2002 Golden Globes. They both have been raising Liam, whom Flockhart adopted in 2001.
This is the third marriage for Ford, who also has four older children, and the first for Flockhart.
Ford surprised Flockhart with a Valentine's Day wedding proposal in 2009. They were married Tuesday in New Mexico, where the actor is filming Cowboys and Aliens.
The wedding, which took place at the Governor's Mansion in Santa Fe, was performed by Governor Bill Richardson under the legal supervision of New Mexico's Chief Justice, Charles W. Daniels, who officially declared the couple legally wed.
Gov. Richardson and his wife, Barbara, who are friends of the couple, were witnesses for the bride and groom. The couple's son Liam, 9, was also in attendance, as was the governor's official counsel.
The mansion sits atop a hill north of downtown Santa Fe.
Ford, 67, and Flockhart, 45, began dating after meeting at the 2002 Golden Globes. They both have been raising Liam, whom Flockhart adopted in 2001.
This is the third marriage for Ford, who also has four older children, and the first for Flockhart.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Megan Fox, Brian Austin Green engaged again
Megan Fox is engaged again, reports the new Us Weekly.
On-again beau Brian Austin Green popped the question to Fox, 24, June 1.
But in all the excitement, the happy couple somehow lost the ring, sources tell Us Weekly.
"I saw her jumping up and down," a witness tells Us Weekly of the beachside proposal at the Four Seasons Hualalai hotel on the Big Island in Hawaii. "Later, I saw a half dozen staff sifting through the sand."
Alas, the 2-carat sparkler, which the pair picked out together from Excalibur jewelry store in Beverly Hills, remains MIA.
"Security and maintenance staff spent a couple of hours looking for it," another source tells Us Weekly. "No one found it."
Green, 36, and Fox began dating in 2004 but called off their previous two-year engagement in February 2009.
On-again beau Brian Austin Green popped the question to Fox, 24, June 1.
But in all the excitement, the happy couple somehow lost the ring, sources tell Us Weekly.
"I saw her jumping up and down," a witness tells Us Weekly of the beachside proposal at the Four Seasons Hualalai hotel on the Big Island in Hawaii. "Later, I saw a half dozen staff sifting through the sand."
Alas, the 2-carat sparkler, which the pair picked out together from Excalibur jewelry store in Beverly Hills, remains MIA.
"Security and maintenance staff spent a couple of hours looking for it," another source tells Us Weekly. "No one found it."
Green, 36, and Fox began dating in 2004 but called off their previous two-year engagement in February 2009.
Distraught Charlie Sheen's Wife Leaves L.A. with Their Twins
Charlie Sheen and Brooke Mueller have already been living apart, and now Mueller seems to be putting even more distance between them.
Overwhelmed with her husband's legal issues and her own shaky sobriety, Mueller has taken the couple's twin sons, Max and Bob, and moved more than an hour from Los Angeles, PEOPLE has learned. "Brooke is close to having a nervous breakdown over all that is going on with Charlie, so she took the boys to live in a rental house away from Los Angeles," the source tells PEOPLE. "She is still taking outpatient help with her addiction problems and would have totally relapsed if she had not gotten out of town."
Another source close to the situation confirms Mueller has in fact gone into rehab once again.
Mueller is trying out at least two rental homes and will stay in either Laguna Beach or Santa Barbara for several weeks, depending on which house she prefers. "Brooke intends to continue her health regimen from whatever rental house she is in," the source tells PEOPLE. "She goes to AA meetings and always has someone with her to help her cope with the current stress. This will not change."
Although Mueller, 32, and Sheen, 44, occasionally text each other over issues with the twins, their recent phone conversations have ended up in shouting matches. "Brooke often throws down the phone when she speaks to Charlie," the source continues. "Brooke is totally stressed and needs to stay away from him and L.A. and start a new life."
The Two and a Half Men actor's legal woes stem from a fight with Mueller on Christmas Day in Aspen, Colo., which led to charges of second-degree assault, menacing and criminal mischief.
Overwhelmed with her husband's legal issues and her own shaky sobriety, Mueller has taken the couple's twin sons, Max and Bob, and moved more than an hour from Los Angeles, PEOPLE has learned. "Brooke is close to having a nervous breakdown over all that is going on with Charlie, so she took the boys to live in a rental house away from Los Angeles," the source tells PEOPLE. "She is still taking outpatient help with her addiction problems and would have totally relapsed if she had not gotten out of town."
Another source close to the situation confirms Mueller has in fact gone into rehab once again.
Mueller is trying out at least two rental homes and will stay in either Laguna Beach or Santa Barbara for several weeks, depending on which house she prefers. "Brooke intends to continue her health regimen from whatever rental house she is in," the source tells PEOPLE. "She goes to AA meetings and always has someone with her to help her cope with the current stress. This will not change."
Although Mueller, 32, and Sheen, 44, occasionally text each other over issues with the twins, their recent phone conversations have ended up in shouting matches. "Brooke often throws down the phone when she speaks to Charlie," the source continues. "Brooke is totally stressed and needs to stay away from him and L.A. and start a new life."
The Two and a Half Men actor's legal woes stem from a fight with Mueller on Christmas Day in Aspen, Colo., which led to charges of second-degree assault, menacing and criminal mischief.
Jennifer Love Hewitt Advises Girls to 'Love the Way You Look'
In a world that's overly focused on body image, Jennifer Love Hewitt is urging young women not to obsess about weight – because it's simply not worth it.
"When I meet young girls, I'm always like, 'Just do me one favor,' " she tells PEOPLE in its new issue. "Love what you look like right now – and remember I said it 10 years from now because it's the greatest gift I can give."
Having already witnessed first-hand how tough it can be to love your own figure – the 31-year-old spoke out against critics in December 2007 when unflattering photos of her on the beach surfaced – Hewitt says she first focused on getting a mind makeover.
"I just really worked on my mental part for a couple of weeks, got myself in a really good mindset," she says, adding that she was "bummed out" and "had to get over the embarrassment of the photos.
Then, the Ghost Whisperer star decided to give up her beloved donuts and make time to squeeze in workouts during her busy schedule – to get healthier, but not slim down drastically.
"I think I'm a work in progress," she admits. "[But] I feel it's so much better than [it was] a year-and-a-half ago, and I feel like in another eight months, it's going to be so much better than it is today."
Even with her new-found confidence, the 5-foot-2-inch Hewitt, whose Lifetime movie The Client List airs July 19, still fesses up to dreaming about having a certain body type.
"I'd want to have Gisele Bundchen's body. Even though she's tall and skinny, she does have curves … and I think that's hot," says Hewitt. "Halle Berry also is kind of amazing."
"When I meet young girls, I'm always like, 'Just do me one favor,' " she tells PEOPLE in its new issue. "Love what you look like right now – and remember I said it 10 years from now because it's the greatest gift I can give."
Having already witnessed first-hand how tough it can be to love your own figure – the 31-year-old spoke out against critics in December 2007 when unflattering photos of her on the beach surfaced – Hewitt says she first focused on getting a mind makeover.
"I just really worked on my mental part for a couple of weeks, got myself in a really good mindset," she says, adding that she was "bummed out" and "had to get over the embarrassment of the photos.
Then, the Ghost Whisperer star decided to give up her beloved donuts and make time to squeeze in workouts during her busy schedule – to get healthier, but not slim down drastically.
"I think I'm a work in progress," she admits. "[But] I feel it's so much better than [it was] a year-and-a-half ago, and I feel like in another eight months, it's going to be so much better than it is today."
Even with her new-found confidence, the 5-foot-2-inch Hewitt, whose Lifetime movie The Client List airs July 19, still fesses up to dreaming about having a certain body type.
"I'd want to have Gisele Bundchen's body. Even though she's tall and skinny, she does have curves … and I think that's hot," says Hewitt. "Halle Berry also is kind of amazing."
Randy Jackson hospitalized for chest pains
Randy Jackson, brother of the late pop legend Michael Jackson, was hospitalized Tuesday in Southern California.
Jackson, 48, experienced chest pains around noon on Tuesday and was taken to Huntington Memorial Hospital in Pasadena, where he is currently awaiting the outcome of tests, a source close to the Jackson family who spoke only on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly said.
The source told The Associated Press that doctors at the hospital think it was a mild heart attack, but this has not yet been confirmed.
On Monday, Randy Jackson was in court with his family for a hearing in the involuntary manslaughter case of Dr. Conrad Murray who is accused in connection with Michael Jackson's death. Randy Jackson arrived after everyone else and stopped to hug his parents, his brothers and sister LaToya before the hearing began.
Last week, he made an appearance on CNN's "Newsroom" and expressed the opinion that Murray should be charged with first-degree murder. He also said he thought others were implicated in Michael's death.
In a series of posts on Twitter in the last few weeks, Randy Jackson said he had succeeded in stopping an unapproved tribute show to Michael in Rome which had been scheduled on June 25, the anniversary of his death. He said he also had been talking to officials at Forest Lawn Glendale in an effort to have fans admitted to the area near Jackson's tomb on the anniversary.
He said in his posts that the fans had been a great source of comfort to him.
"At times, I'm sad & broken," he tweeted. "But ur supprt helps 2 encourage me and fuel my motivation 2 continue this fight 4 truth&justice."
Jackson, 48, experienced chest pains around noon on Tuesday and was taken to Huntington Memorial Hospital in Pasadena, where he is currently awaiting the outcome of tests, a source close to the Jackson family who spoke only on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly said.
The source told The Associated Press that doctors at the hospital think it was a mild heart attack, but this has not yet been confirmed.
On Monday, Randy Jackson was in court with his family for a hearing in the involuntary manslaughter case of Dr. Conrad Murray who is accused in connection with Michael Jackson's death. Randy Jackson arrived after everyone else and stopped to hug his parents, his brothers and sister LaToya before the hearing began.
Last week, he made an appearance on CNN's "Newsroom" and expressed the opinion that Murray should be charged with first-degree murder. He also said he thought others were implicated in Michael's death.
In a series of posts on Twitter in the last few weeks, Randy Jackson said he had succeeded in stopping an unapproved tribute show to Michael in Rome which had been scheduled on June 25, the anniversary of his death. He said he also had been talking to officials at Forest Lawn Glendale in an effort to have fans admitted to the area near Jackson's tomb on the anniversary.
He said in his posts that the fans had been a great source of comfort to him.
"At times, I'm sad & broken," he tweeted. "But ur supprt helps 2 encourage me and fuel my motivation 2 continue this fight 4 truth&justice."
'American Pie' actor Chris Klein arrested on DUI
Actor Chris Klein has been arrested in Los Angeles on suspicion of drunken driving.
The California Highway Patrol says in a news release that the 31-year-old "American Pie" and "Election" star was pulled over early Wednesday in the San Fernando Valley after being spotted weaving across lanes on the westbound Hollywood Freeway.
CHP Officer Patrick Kimball says Klein was booked and released on his own recognizance.
Klein's publicist Jillian Fowkes did not immediately return a call seeking comment.
The California Highway Patrol says in a news release that the 31-year-old "American Pie" and "Election" star was pulled over early Wednesday in the San Fernando Valley after being spotted weaving across lanes on the westbound Hollywood Freeway.
CHP Officer Patrick Kimball says Klein was booked and released on his own recognizance.
Klein's publicist Jillian Fowkes did not immediately return a call seeking comment.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Is Parenthood in Cameron Diaz's Future?
Cameron Diaz is one of Hollywood's most successful stars, but there's one thing she admits she may never have a handle on: Parenthood.
"I can be a pretty good aunt, but whether I'm a good aunt or a crappy aunt is really not remotely the same question as me being a good parent or a crappy parent," Diaz, says in the July issue of InStyle magazine, on newsstands Friday. "It doesn't quite have the same impact."
The Knight and Day actress, 37, says she considers her family "the most important thing to me" – but she's thrilled with her life just the way it is and doesn't necessarily see kids in her future.
"Having children changes your life drastically, and I really love my life," she says. "Children aren't the only things that bring you gratification and happiness, and it's easier to give life than to give love, so I don't know. That kind of change would have to be either very well thought out, or a total mistake – a real oops!"
Diaz, who has most recently been linked to New York Yankees star Alex Rodriguez, is much less forthcoming when it comes to discussing her romantic life.
"It's one thing when I answer questions for myself – it's another thing when I answer questions and someone else is involved," she tells the magazine. "It's not fair to the other people in that equation."
"I can be a pretty good aunt, but whether I'm a good aunt or a crappy aunt is really not remotely the same question as me being a good parent or a crappy parent," Diaz, says in the July issue of InStyle magazine, on newsstands Friday. "It doesn't quite have the same impact."
The Knight and Day actress, 37, says she considers her family "the most important thing to me" – but she's thrilled with her life just the way it is and doesn't necessarily see kids in her future.
"Having children changes your life drastically, and I really love my life," she says. "Children aren't the only things that bring you gratification and happiness, and it's easier to give life than to give love, so I don't know. That kind of change would have to be either very well thought out, or a total mistake – a real oops!"
Diaz, who has most recently been linked to New York Yankees star Alex Rodriguez, is much less forthcoming when it comes to discussing her romantic life.
"It's one thing when I answer questions for myself – it's another thing when I answer questions and someone else is involved," she tells the magazine. "It's not fair to the other people in that equation."
Head Injury & Kidney Failure Led To Coleman's Death
A "closed head injury" complicated by "chronic renal failure" was listed as the cause of Gary Coleman's death by hospital staff who fought to keep the star alive after he suffered a brain haemorrhage.
TMZ.com has obtained the death certificate detailing the circumstances around the Diff'rent Strokes star's passing - and it shows Coleman's fall at his home in Utah last month and his congenital kidney disease both contributed to his death.
Coleman had two kidney transplants in 1973 and 1984, which required frequent dialysis and impacted his adult life, ultimately leading to his untimely death on 28 May.
The death certificate also lists the actor as being married, which contradicts recent reports he and partner Shannon Price divorced in 2008.
In another legal document, obtained by the website, Coleman signed healthcare papers stating he did not want to be taken off life support if he fell into a coma. In the 2006 document, he insists, "I want my life to be prolonged as long as possible within the limits of generally accepted health care standards."
It is not known whether these papers were still current at the time of Coleman's death. Price gave medics permission to turn off his life support system.
TMZ.com has obtained the death certificate detailing the circumstances around the Diff'rent Strokes star's passing - and it shows Coleman's fall at his home in Utah last month and his congenital kidney disease both contributed to his death.
Coleman had two kidney transplants in 1973 and 1984, which required frequent dialysis and impacted his adult life, ultimately leading to his untimely death on 28 May.
The death certificate also lists the actor as being married, which contradicts recent reports he and partner Shannon Price divorced in 2008.
In another legal document, obtained by the website, Coleman signed healthcare papers stating he did not want to be taken off life support if he fell into a coma. In the 2006 document, he insists, "I want my life to be prolonged as long as possible within the limits of generally accepted health care standards."
It is not known whether these papers were still current at the time of Coleman's death. Price gave medics permission to turn off his life support system.
Ryan Seacrest Stalker Gets Maximum Prison Sentence
He did the crime, he's doing the time. All of it.
Chidi Benjamin Uzomah Jr., the 26-year-old former Army reservist turned E! HQ bum rusher will serve the maximum sentence—two years in state prison—for stalking Ryan Seacrest.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge John S. Fisher handed down the sentence today, after Uzomah Jr. completed a 90-day psychiatric evaluation. He had entered a no contest plea for the felony stalking charge earlier this year and his other two pending misdemeanor counts, for violating his court order, were dismissed.
The judge also issued a protective order at today's sentencing requiring Uzomah Jr. to stay at least 500 yards away from Seacrest and any of his ever-multiplying workplaces for a whopping 10 years. On behalf of our fearless leader, let us be the first to say: thank you, judge.
Chidi Benjamin Uzomah Jr., the 26-year-old former Army reservist turned E! HQ bum rusher will serve the maximum sentence—two years in state prison—for stalking Ryan Seacrest.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge John S. Fisher handed down the sentence today, after Uzomah Jr. completed a 90-day psychiatric evaluation. He had entered a no contest plea for the felony stalking charge earlier this year and his other two pending misdemeanor counts, for violating his court order, were dismissed.
The judge also issued a protective order at today's sentencing requiring Uzomah Jr. to stay at least 500 yards away from Seacrest and any of his ever-multiplying workplaces for a whopping 10 years. On behalf of our fearless leader, let us be the first to say: thank you, judge.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
'Karate Kid' opens at No. 1 with $56 million kick
"The Karate Kid" has won a 1980s showdown at the box office against "The A-Team."
Sony's remake of 1984's "The Karate Kid" debuted at No. 1 for the weekend with a whopping $56 million, according to studio estimates Sunday. The big-screen adaptation of the 1980s TV series "The A-Team" came in at less than half that, the 20th Century Fox release opening in second place with $26 million.
After three weekends at No. 1, DreamWorks Animation's "Shrek Forever After" slipped to No. 3 with $15.8 million. The animated hit raised its domestic haul to $210.1 million, becoming the fourth movie released this year to top $200 million.
With a relatively modest production budget of $40 million, "The Karate Kid" far exceeded the studio's expectations. Early on, Sony executives would have been happy if the movie opened to half its $56 million debut weekend, said Rory Bruer, the studio's head of distribution.
Those expectations began to rise once the studio realized it had a crowd-pleaser on its hands, Bruer said.
"It's just an unmitigated grand slam hit," said Bruer, who also worked on distribution for the 1984 version. "I loved the original `Karate Kid,' but they took this beloved title, and they made it relevant, fresh and absolutely exciting."
The big opening for "The Karate Kid" gave Hollywood a boost after a weak start to the summer season. "Iron Man 2" opened big the first weekend in May, but the box office has lagged since then.
According to box-office tracker Hollywood.com, overall revenues came in at $153 million, up 11 percent from the same weekend last year, when "The Hangover" led with $32.8 million.
"The Karate Kid" stars Jaden Smith as an American boy who moves with his mom to China, where he takes on a bully under the guidance of an unassuming martial-arts master (Jackie Chan).
With his first lead role, 11-year-old Smith had an opening weekend that stacked up well against the track record of his superstar father, Will Smith, who has had only two debuts bigger than "The Karate Kid" ("I Am Legend" at $77.2 million and "Hancock" at $62.6 million). Will Smith and wife Jada Pinkett Smith are producers on "The Karate Kid."
"It's like, `Who's the biggest star now, dad?'" said Paul Dergarabedian, box-office analyst for Hollywood.com. "It proves the box-office apple doesn't fall far from the money tree in that household."
"The A-Team" features Liam Neeson, Bradley Cooper and Jessica Biel in a tale of former Army Rangers trying to clear their names after they are framed for a crime they did not commit.
Chris Aronson, head of distribution for 20th Century Fox, said the momentum of a strong weekend should benefit "The A-Team," which received high marks in exit polls from the under-25 crowd.
"It's good that the industry finally has an up weekend, so it's nice to be a part of that," Aronson said. "We're very optimistic that we're now in an upswing in the business and that we're going to play and play as our word of mouth spreads."
Hollywood looks to build on its momentum next weekend as Pixar Animation goes back to its roots with "Toy Story 3," the latest sequel to the 1995 hit that was the first feature-length computer-animated film.
In limited release, IFC Films' documentary "Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work" opened strongly with $171,500 in seven theaters, for an average of $24,500 per cinema. That compared to a $15,288 average in 3,663 theaters for "The Karate Kid."
Also debuting well in limited release was Roadside Attractions' drama "Winter's Bone," which took in $87,000 in four theaters for a $21,750 average. The top dramatic prize winner at January's Sundance Film Festival, "Winter's Bone" stars Jennifer Lawrence as a teenager desperately searching for her missing father in the backwoods crime culture of the Ozark Mountains.
Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Hollywood.com. Final figures will be released Monday.
1. "The Karate Kid," $56 million.
2. "The A-Team," $26 million.
3. "Shrek Forever After," $15.8 million.
4. "Get Him to the Greek," $10.1 million.
5. "Killers," $8.2 million.
6. "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time," $6.6 million.
7. "Marmaduke," $6 million.
8. "Sex and the City 2," $5.5 million.
9. "Iron Man 2," $4.6 million.
10. "Splice," $2.9 million.
Sony's remake of 1984's "The Karate Kid" debuted at No. 1 for the weekend with a whopping $56 million, according to studio estimates Sunday. The big-screen adaptation of the 1980s TV series "The A-Team" came in at less than half that, the 20th Century Fox release opening in second place with $26 million.
After three weekends at No. 1, DreamWorks Animation's "Shrek Forever After" slipped to No. 3 with $15.8 million. The animated hit raised its domestic haul to $210.1 million, becoming the fourth movie released this year to top $200 million.
With a relatively modest production budget of $40 million, "The Karate Kid" far exceeded the studio's expectations. Early on, Sony executives would have been happy if the movie opened to half its $56 million debut weekend, said Rory Bruer, the studio's head of distribution.
Those expectations began to rise once the studio realized it had a crowd-pleaser on its hands, Bruer said.
"It's just an unmitigated grand slam hit," said Bruer, who also worked on distribution for the 1984 version. "I loved the original `Karate Kid,' but they took this beloved title, and they made it relevant, fresh and absolutely exciting."
The big opening for "The Karate Kid" gave Hollywood a boost after a weak start to the summer season. "Iron Man 2" opened big the first weekend in May, but the box office has lagged since then.
According to box-office tracker Hollywood.com, overall revenues came in at $153 million, up 11 percent from the same weekend last year, when "The Hangover" led with $32.8 million.
"The Karate Kid" stars Jaden Smith as an American boy who moves with his mom to China, where he takes on a bully under the guidance of an unassuming martial-arts master (Jackie Chan).
With his first lead role, 11-year-old Smith had an opening weekend that stacked up well against the track record of his superstar father, Will Smith, who has had only two debuts bigger than "The Karate Kid" ("I Am Legend" at $77.2 million and "Hancock" at $62.6 million). Will Smith and wife Jada Pinkett Smith are producers on "The Karate Kid."
"It's like, `Who's the biggest star now, dad?'" said Paul Dergarabedian, box-office analyst for Hollywood.com. "It proves the box-office apple doesn't fall far from the money tree in that household."
"The A-Team" features Liam Neeson, Bradley Cooper and Jessica Biel in a tale of former Army Rangers trying to clear their names after they are framed for a crime they did not commit.
Chris Aronson, head of distribution for 20th Century Fox, said the momentum of a strong weekend should benefit "The A-Team," which received high marks in exit polls from the under-25 crowd.
"It's good that the industry finally has an up weekend, so it's nice to be a part of that," Aronson said. "We're very optimistic that we're now in an upswing in the business and that we're going to play and play as our word of mouth spreads."
Hollywood looks to build on its momentum next weekend as Pixar Animation goes back to its roots with "Toy Story 3," the latest sequel to the 1995 hit that was the first feature-length computer-animated film.
In limited release, IFC Films' documentary "Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work" opened strongly with $171,500 in seven theaters, for an average of $24,500 per cinema. That compared to a $15,288 average in 3,663 theaters for "The Karate Kid."
Also debuting well in limited release was Roadside Attractions' drama "Winter's Bone," which took in $87,000 in four theaters for a $21,750 average. The top dramatic prize winner at January's Sundance Film Festival, "Winter's Bone" stars Jennifer Lawrence as a teenager desperately searching for her missing father in the backwoods crime culture of the Ozark Mountains.
Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Hollywood.com. Final figures will be released Monday.
1. "The Karate Kid," $56 million.
2. "The A-Team," $26 million.
3. "Shrek Forever After," $15.8 million.
4. "Get Him to the Greek," $10.1 million.
5. "Killers," $8.2 million.
6. "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time," $6.6 million.
7. "Marmaduke," $6 million.
8. "Sex and the City 2," $5.5 million.
9. "Iron Man 2," $4.6 million.
10. "Splice," $2.9 million.
Kid Cudi Arrested In New York City
Rapper Kid Cudi has been arrested in New York and charged with felony criminal mischief and possession of a controlled substance.
The 24 year old smashed a woman's cellphone and broke the door of her apartment off its hinges, according to TMZ.com.
Cops found a glass bottle of a controlled substance at the scene.
Further details of the incident and the arrest were not available as WENN went to press.
The 24 year old smashed a woman's cellphone and broke the door of her apartment off its hinges, according to TMZ.com.
Cops found a glass bottle of a controlled substance at the scene.
Further details of the incident and the arrest were not available as WENN went to press.
Bam Margera Hospitalized After Getting Hit In The Head With A Bat
Jackass star Bam Margera has been hospitalized after a woman allegedly hit him around the head with a baseball bat.
Police were called to The Note bar in West Chester, Philadelphia, which is owned by the TV prankster, in the early hours of Saturday morning when a fight broke out between Margera and an unknown female.
Margera was reportedly struck with the bat and taken to a nearby hospital, while the woman was arrested and charged with assault, reports TMZ.com.
Margera's condition was not known as WENN went to press.
Police were called to The Note bar in West Chester, Philadelphia, which is owned by the TV prankster, in the early hours of Saturday morning when a fight broke out between Margera and an unknown female.
Margera was reportedly struck with the bat and taken to a nearby hospital, while the woman was arrested and charged with assault, reports TMZ.com.
Margera's condition was not known as WENN went to press.
Joe Jackson Blames His Wife For Michael Jackson's Death
Michael Jackson's father Joe blames his wife Katherine Jackson for the singer's death - because he's convinced she could have prevented his prescription drug addiction.
Joe Jackson has opened up about the King of Pop's passing in an interview with a British tabloid, insisting he begged Katherine to speak to the singer and help him overcome his personal issues. However, he claims she refused to follow his request and he's adamant Michael would still be alive now if she had.
Speaking to Britain's News of the World, he says, "Katherine was weeping uncontrollably and highly upset (when he died). But I didn't give her a hug because I was mad at her crying. I said, 'If you had listened to me Michael would be living now!' I kept thinking about the times I had stood in front of her saying something was wrong. I couldn't bottle up my feelings. Katherine didn't say a word - I had to get away from her. If she'd done what I asked Michael would be here today. I am incensed with her. She could have made a difference."
And Joe Jackson regrets not helping the Thriller hit-maker more: "I didn't shed any tears, but maybe I should have. I just felt furious that my son was gone. In Michael's final months alive I said to her (Katherine) many times that I couldn't get through to him - and that she needed to help her son. I had begged her to go over and stay with him, but she insisted he needed his privacy and gave him the slack she thought he needed. A child will listen to his mother more than his father - and Michael was a mummy's boy. He listened to her. I still haven't been able to talk about it to her as she doesn't want to hear what I have to say... He knew I loved him. I regret that I didn't say goodbye properly."
Joe Jackson has opened up about the King of Pop's passing in an interview with a British tabloid, insisting he begged Katherine to speak to the singer and help him overcome his personal issues. However, he claims she refused to follow his request and he's adamant Michael would still be alive now if she had.
Speaking to Britain's News of the World, he says, "Katherine was weeping uncontrollably and highly upset (when he died). But I didn't give her a hug because I was mad at her crying. I said, 'If you had listened to me Michael would be living now!' I kept thinking about the times I had stood in front of her saying something was wrong. I couldn't bottle up my feelings. Katherine didn't say a word - I had to get away from her. If she'd done what I asked Michael would be here today. I am incensed with her. She could have made a difference."
And Joe Jackson regrets not helping the Thriller hit-maker more: "I didn't shed any tears, but maybe I should have. I just felt furious that my son was gone. In Michael's final months alive I said to her (Katherine) many times that I couldn't get through to him - and that she needed to help her son. I had begged her to go over and stay with him, but she insisted he needed his privacy and gave him the slack she thought he needed. A child will listen to his mother more than his father - and Michael was a mummy's boy. He listened to her. I still haven't been able to talk about it to her as she doesn't want to hear what I have to say... He knew I loved him. I regret that I didn't say goodbye properly."
Bradley Cooper and Renée Zellweger Are Not Engaged
Hold the wedding bells!
Bradley Cooper and Renée Zellweger are not engaged to be married, their reps tell PEOPLE exclusively.
Rumors the couple were set to walk down the aisle swirled last week after reports surfaced that Zellweger was spotted allegedly shopping for wedding dresses and the two were seen dining with her parents.
The couple, who costarred in Case 39, have been dating since last July, but haven't spoken publicly about their relationship.
Cooper, who currently stars in A-Team, recently told PEOPLE he finds it "fascinating" to read about his romantic life in the press.
Bradley Cooper and Renée Zellweger are not engaged to be married, their reps tell PEOPLE exclusively.
Rumors the couple were set to walk down the aisle swirled last week after reports surfaced that Zellweger was spotted allegedly shopping for wedding dresses and the two were seen dining with her parents.
The couple, who costarred in Case 39, have been dating since last July, but haven't spoken publicly about their relationship.
Cooper, who currently stars in A-Team, recently told PEOPLE he finds it "fascinating" to read about his romantic life in the press.
Eddie Cibrian Wishes Wife Would Move On From Cheating Scandal
Eddie Cibrian has issued a public appeal to his estranged wife to stop "rehashing" his cheating scandal with Leann Rimes in the press, insisting her bitter comments make it "more difficult for everyone to heal."
Rimes fell for Cibrian on the set of TV movie Northern Lights last year and their romance hit the headlines when they were caught kissing on camera - while they were still married to their respective spouses. The singer subsequently split from her husband Dean Sheremet and Cibrian is currently locked in a divorce battle with his estranged wife, Brandi Glanville.
The stars have since gone public with their relationship and Rimes has filed a cease-and-desist notice, accusing Glanville of slander, in a bid to stop her airing her grievances in the public domain. And now Cibrian has spoken out about his ex, calling for her to move on from the scandal for the sake of their children.
He tells E! News, "As I've said before, my children and their well-being are my number one priority. I can't change the past and I'm truly sorry that people got hurt along the way but not everything reported in the media is reality and continuing to rehash things publicly only makes it more difficult for everyone to heal. I hope for the sake of our children we can all move forward and heal privately. I wish their mother nothing but the best."
Rimes fell for Cibrian on the set of TV movie Northern Lights last year and their romance hit the headlines when they were caught kissing on camera - while they were still married to their respective spouses. The singer subsequently split from her husband Dean Sheremet and Cibrian is currently locked in a divorce battle with his estranged wife, Brandi Glanville.
The stars have since gone public with their relationship and Rimes has filed a cease-and-desist notice, accusing Glanville of slander, in a bid to stop her airing her grievances in the public domain. And now Cibrian has spoken out about his ex, calling for her to move on from the scandal for the sake of their children.
He tells E! News, "As I've said before, my children and their well-being are my number one priority. I can't change the past and I'm truly sorry that people got hurt along the way but not everything reported in the media is reality and continuing to rehash things publicly only makes it more difficult for everyone to heal. I hope for the sake of our children we can all move forward and heal privately. I wish their mother nothing but the best."
Friday, June 11, 2010
Model Kate Dillon Is Pregnant!
Model Kate Dillon is expecting her first child this December, she tells PEOPLE exclusively.
“Every time I hear the heartbeat, I just start bawling,” says the 5’11″ beauty, who has been the face of plus-size modeling for over a decade.
With a tough first trimester already down, Dillon, 36, says she has definitely noticed a change in food cravings.
“I was a quinoa and kale type of person,” she says. “Now all I want is pizza, bagels and cream cheese!”
She and husband Gabe Levin have selected a few potential names while waiting to find out the sex of the baby. “I’d like it to be a little old fashioned, but not too much,” explains Dillon.
The size 10 model isn’t too worried about getting back into shape after her baby is born.
“I know the minute the baby comes out, I’ll be like, ‘When can I go for a run?’” She’s started with prenatal yoga and plans to start with light workouts on the bike and elliptical.
As for her real estate investor hubby’s participation in the pregnancy, Dillon laughs, “He can’t wait to put headphones on [my belly] and play Led Zeppelin for the baby!”
“Every time I hear the heartbeat, I just start bawling,” says the 5’11″ beauty, who has been the face of plus-size modeling for over a decade.
With a tough first trimester already down, Dillon, 36, says she has definitely noticed a change in food cravings.
“I was a quinoa and kale type of person,” she says. “Now all I want is pizza, bagels and cream cheese!”
She and husband Gabe Levin have selected a few potential names while waiting to find out the sex of the baby. “I’d like it to be a little old fashioned, but not too much,” explains Dillon.
The size 10 model isn’t too worried about getting back into shape after her baby is born.
“I know the minute the baby comes out, I’ll be like, ‘When can I go for a run?’” She’s started with prenatal yoga and plans to start with light workouts on the bike and elliptical.
As for her real estate investor hubby’s participation in the pregnancy, Dillon laughs, “He can’t wait to put headphones on [my belly] and play Led Zeppelin for the baby!”
Report: January Jones Blames Paparazzi in Hit and Run
Mad Men star January Jones, who plays Betty, the icy blonde (soon-to-be-ex) wife of Jon Hamm's Don Draper, was apparently involved in a car collision in Los Angeles Thursday night, the LAPD tells TMZ.
The actress, 32, was at the wheel of a Range Rover around 9 p.m. when she allegedly lost control and collided with three parked vehicles, resulting in major damage.
One witness is quoted as telling police that Jones left the scene on foot, having said, "I can't deal with this commotion."
Jones reportedly returned later and said she had left the scene – and her license in the Range Rover – because she was being followed by paparazzi. The report says she walked home to call 911 before returning to her vehicle.
She has not been cited or arrested in the case.
Police, who have impounded her car and launched an investigation, say no alcohol or drugs were involved.
The actress, 32, was at the wheel of a Range Rover around 9 p.m. when she allegedly lost control and collided with three parked vehicles, resulting in major damage.
One witness is quoted as telling police that Jones left the scene on foot, having said, "I can't deal with this commotion."
Jones reportedly returned later and said she had left the scene – and her license in the Range Rover – because she was being followed by paparazzi. The report says she walked home to call 911 before returning to her vehicle.
She has not been cited or arrested in the case.
Police, who have impounded her car and launched an investigation, say no alcohol or drugs were involved.
Katherine Heigl Hopes to Adopt Again
Motherhood is obviously agreeing with Katherine Heigl. Asked on Wednesday night's London red carpet for her movie with Ashton Kutcher, Killers, if she and husband Josh Kelley might provide daughter Naleigh – now 18 months old – with a sibling by adopting again, the actress replied, "I hope so."
Having brought home Naleigh from South Korea last September, Heigl said she's finding it "difficult" to combine childcare with a career.
"Like any working mom, I have to make some compromises, but it is so much easier said than done," said Heigl. "I knew that I wanted to keep working, because I love what I do. But it was really hard to leave her and go to work so far away."
The adoption of Naleigh – who is named after Heigl's mother Nancy and sister Margaret Leigh – was fast-tracked, as the baby was initially considered to have special needs. It was only after she underwent surgery for a congenital heart defect that the infant left for America. Naleigh is now 100 percent fine.
Having brought home Naleigh from South Korea last September, Heigl said she's finding it "difficult" to combine childcare with a career.
"Like any working mom, I have to make some compromises, but it is so much easier said than done," said Heigl. "I knew that I wanted to keep working, because I love what I do. But it was really hard to leave her and go to work so far away."
The adoption of Naleigh – who is named after Heigl's mother Nancy and sister Margaret Leigh – was fast-tracked, as the baby was initially considered to have special needs. It was only after she underwent surgery for a congenital heart defect that the infant left for America. Naleigh is now 100 percent fine.
Breaking Dawn Getting Broken Down into Two Films
Twilight fans have twice as many reasons to cheer. Summit Entertainment has confirmed that Breaking Dawn, the fourth novel in Stephanie Meyer's best-selling vampire series, will be released as two separate films.
The first installment will be released on the originally announced date of November 18, 2011. The second film's release date has yet to be announced. The production of both films will happen simultaneously and is expected to last four to five months, starting in the late fall.
Oscar winning director Bill Condon – best known for writing and directing Gods and Monsters, Chicago and Dreamgirls – will be directing both films. And stars Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner are of course back. However, it has not been confirmed whether Dakota Fanning (as Jane) and Michael Sheen (as Aro) will reprise their roles. And despite graphic scenes in the novel involving sex and childbirth, the film adaptations will have a PG-13 rating.
The biggest question now is where in the story the first film will end and the second film begin. Fans will surely start speculating as they wait in line to see Eclipse, which hits theaters June 30.
The first installment will be released on the originally announced date of November 18, 2011. The second film's release date has yet to be announced. The production of both films will happen simultaneously and is expected to last four to five months, starting in the late fall.
Oscar winning director Bill Condon – best known for writing and directing Gods and Monsters, Chicago and Dreamgirls – will be directing both films. And stars Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner are of course back. However, it has not been confirmed whether Dakota Fanning (as Jane) and Michael Sheen (as Aro) will reprise their roles. And despite graphic scenes in the novel involving sex and childbirth, the film adaptations will have a PG-13 rating.
The biggest question now is where in the story the first film will end and the second film begin. Fans will surely start speculating as they wait in line to see Eclipse, which hits theaters June 30.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Larry King's wife recovering from apparent OD
A spokesman for Larry King said the talk-show host's wife is recovering after an apparent prescription drug overdose last month in Utah.
Emergency medical workers were called to Shawn King's home in Provo on May 28. Her father dialed 911 after finding the 50-year-old woman in her bed, breathing but not responding when he tried to wake her, according to a transcript of the emergency call, which was released through an open-records request Wednesday.
Karl Engemann told the dispatcher that he thought she may have taken too much medication for anxiety or depression.
Officers who responded to the call found several prescription bottles, including Ambien and anti-anxiety medication, that had been filled within 10 days but were empty, according to a police report. It also said there was a handwritten note that indicated she had taken the pills intentionally.
Another note expressed Shawn King's desire to be buried in Utah, police said.
The report did not include any mention of why Shawn King may have wanted to harm herself. Engemann had told the dispatcher that he did not suspect it was a suicide attempt.
The Kings filed for divorce in April, but Larry King released a statement through his spokesman, Howard Rubenstein, saying "reports that we have fought are absolutely false."
Shawn King is Larry King's seventh wife. The couple has been married since 1997 and has two sons.
"Our marriage is still together, and I am staying very close to our children, who we love immensely," Larry King said. "We shall go through this difficult time intact as a family."
Emergency medical workers were called to Shawn King's home in Provo on May 28. Her father dialed 911 after finding the 50-year-old woman in her bed, breathing but not responding when he tried to wake her, according to a transcript of the emergency call, which was released through an open-records request Wednesday.
Karl Engemann told the dispatcher that he thought she may have taken too much medication for anxiety or depression.
Officers who responded to the call found several prescription bottles, including Ambien and anti-anxiety medication, that had been filled within 10 days but were empty, according to a police report. It also said there was a handwritten note that indicated she had taken the pills intentionally.
Another note expressed Shawn King's desire to be buried in Utah, police said.
The report did not include any mention of why Shawn King may have wanted to harm herself. Engemann had told the dispatcher that he did not suspect it was a suicide attempt.
The Kings filed for divorce in April, but Larry King released a statement through his spokesman, Howard Rubenstein, saying "reports that we have fought are absolutely false."
Shawn King is Larry King's seventh wife. The couple has been married since 1997 and has two sons.
"Our marriage is still together, and I am staying very close to our children, who we love immensely," Larry King said. "We shall go through this difficult time intact as a family."
Monday, June 7, 2010
Hills' Gals: Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag's Split Is a Lie
For those losing sleep over Speidi's separation, the joke may be on you. Several of Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt's Hills castmates say the duo's breakup is just another one of their publicity stunts.
"I think it's a joke," Audrina Patridge told PEOPLE at the MTV Movie Awards in L.A. Sunday. "I don't believe it. They're inseparable and in love."
Also questioning the validity of the split is Hills-turned-City gal Whitney Port. "I doubt they're really broken up," she said. "I'm sure they're still sticking together."
While there's no official word on whether or not the Pratts will return to The Hills for the final episodes, costar Lo Bosworth thinks Montag and Pratt are hoping a sham split gives them more tube time. "I don't buy it," she said. "I've worked with them for too long, and they haven't been filming, so I think this is a way they think they can get back on the show for the last few episodes.
One person definitely not coming back is the show's original star Lauren Conrad.
"She was on the show for awhile and it was her spinoff, so it'd be nice if she could come back for the finale and say one last goodbye," Patridge said. "But she doesn't want to, so that's fine."
"I think it's a joke," Audrina Patridge told PEOPLE at the MTV Movie Awards in L.A. Sunday. "I don't believe it. They're inseparable and in love."
Also questioning the validity of the split is Hills-turned-City gal Whitney Port. "I doubt they're really broken up," she said. "I'm sure they're still sticking together."
While there's no official word on whether or not the Pratts will return to The Hills for the final episodes, costar Lo Bosworth thinks Montag and Pratt are hoping a sham split gives them more tube time. "I don't buy it," she said. "I've worked with them for too long, and they haven't been filming, so I think this is a way they think they can get back on the show for the last few episodes.
One person definitely not coming back is the show's original star Lauren Conrad.
"She was on the show for awhile and it was her spinoff, so it'd be nice if she could come back for the finale and say one last goodbye," Patridge said. "But she doesn't want to, so that's fine."
Sandra Bullock Is 'Not Going Anywhere'
For the second time in as many days, Sandra Bullock stepped before the public, looking radiant and collecting awards.
Sunday night her prize was the Generation Award, presented at the 2010 MTV Movie Awards and marking her first televised appearance since the March 7 Oscars and the domestic drama that followed.
Defining the Generation Award as something that goes to "old people" who are clearing out to make way for younger ones, Bullock told the crowd inside Universal City's Gibson Amphitheater, "That's not going to happen. I'm staying. Because no matter what you might have seen or heard or read lately, I love what I do. And I'm not going anywhere."
Further clearing the air, Bullock, 45, said in response to what may have been reported about her, "One, I'm not dead. Two, everyone has cellulite, not just me. Paparazzi need more flattering lenses. And whoever established the high road and how high it should be should be fired."
All-Star Introduction
Scarlett Johansson, Bradley Cooper and Betty White introduced Bullock, with the very mention of her name receiving a standing ovation, followed by prolonged applause – all as Bullock was sitting in the audience.
"I'm not alone when I tell you I hope you know how loved you are," said Cooper, also acknowledging that their movie flop, All About Steve, had cleaned up at this year's Razzies – happily, the same week Bullock won her Oscar for The Blind Side.
White said of Bullock, "You are grace defined, and I adore you madly." Then, in keeping with the riotous nature of the MTV Awards, White made fun of Bullock's movies, twisting all their plots into pieces. (At the Jan. 23 Screen Actors Guild Awards it was Bullock who presented the Life Achievement Award to White.)
Finally, Johansson just stood on the stage and said nothing. Once Bullock got up to the microphone, she told Johansson that she loved her, but her presence was "a little weird," and asked what she was doing there. The tall blonde explained that she was there for her husband, Bullock's The Proposal costar Ryan Reynolds, who couldn't attend. Johansson also noted that Bullock and Reynolds should have won the MTV Award for Best Kiss (which instead went to Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson), because their kiss was "so sweet."
So Bullock lip-locked with Johansson. That accomplished, Bullock said, "Can we please go back to normal – because therapy is really expensive." She also asked for a prayer for those contending with the oil spill in the Gulf.
First Woman to Win
Bullock's win also marks the first time the Generation Award – MTV's version of the Life Achievement honor – has gone to a woman since the category was introduced in 2005. Previous winners, in chronological order, were Tom Cruise, Jim Carrey, Mike Myers, Adam Sandler and Ben Stiller.
Saturday night, at Spike TV's Guys Choice Awards in Culver City, Bullock made a surprise appearance – and received a standing ovation when she accepted the Troops Choice Award for Entertainer of the Year. Members of the military stationed around the world voted on the award, and the ceremony will be aired on Spike TV June 20.
Sunday night her prize was the Generation Award, presented at the 2010 MTV Movie Awards and marking her first televised appearance since the March 7 Oscars and the domestic drama that followed.
Defining the Generation Award as something that goes to "old people" who are clearing out to make way for younger ones, Bullock told the crowd inside Universal City's Gibson Amphitheater, "That's not going to happen. I'm staying. Because no matter what you might have seen or heard or read lately, I love what I do. And I'm not going anywhere."
Further clearing the air, Bullock, 45, said in response to what may have been reported about her, "One, I'm not dead. Two, everyone has cellulite, not just me. Paparazzi need more flattering lenses. And whoever established the high road and how high it should be should be fired."
All-Star Introduction
Scarlett Johansson, Bradley Cooper and Betty White introduced Bullock, with the very mention of her name receiving a standing ovation, followed by prolonged applause – all as Bullock was sitting in the audience.
"I'm not alone when I tell you I hope you know how loved you are," said Cooper, also acknowledging that their movie flop, All About Steve, had cleaned up at this year's Razzies – happily, the same week Bullock won her Oscar for The Blind Side.
White said of Bullock, "You are grace defined, and I adore you madly." Then, in keeping with the riotous nature of the MTV Awards, White made fun of Bullock's movies, twisting all their plots into pieces. (At the Jan. 23 Screen Actors Guild Awards it was Bullock who presented the Life Achievement Award to White.)
Finally, Johansson just stood on the stage and said nothing. Once Bullock got up to the microphone, she told Johansson that she loved her, but her presence was "a little weird," and asked what she was doing there. The tall blonde explained that she was there for her husband, Bullock's The Proposal costar Ryan Reynolds, who couldn't attend. Johansson also noted that Bullock and Reynolds should have won the MTV Award for Best Kiss (which instead went to Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson), because their kiss was "so sweet."
So Bullock lip-locked with Johansson. That accomplished, Bullock said, "Can we please go back to normal – because therapy is really expensive." She also asked for a prayer for those contending with the oil spill in the Gulf.
First Woman to Win
Bullock's win also marks the first time the Generation Award – MTV's version of the Life Achievement honor – has gone to a woman since the category was introduced in 2005. Previous winners, in chronological order, were Tom Cruise, Jim Carrey, Mike Myers, Adam Sandler and Ben Stiller.
Saturday night, at Spike TV's Guys Choice Awards in Culver City, Bullock made a surprise appearance – and received a standing ovation when she accepted the Troops Choice Award for Entertainer of the Year. Members of the military stationed around the world voted on the award, and the ceremony will be aired on Spike TV June 20.
Kim Kardashian To Play Lara Croft?
Kim Kardashian is reportedly in talks to replace Angelina Jolie in the "Tomb Raider" franchise.
Producer Dan Lin revealed last year Jolie would not be reprising her action role for the next installment of the action film because film bosses wanted to cast a younger actress.
"Transformers" star Megan Fox was said to be in the running for the role but she denied the rumors - and now the "Keeping Up With The Kardashians" star is the latest name linked to the project.
A source tells the Global Grind website, "Kim has wanted to play a far more comic-strip version of Lara, which would be shot in 3D and aimed at a teen audience."
Producer Dan Lin revealed last year Jolie would not be reprising her action role for the next installment of the action film because film bosses wanted to cast a younger actress.
"Transformers" star Megan Fox was said to be in the running for the role but she denied the rumors - and now the "Keeping Up With The Kardashians" star is the latest name linked to the project.
A source tells the Global Grind website, "Kim has wanted to play a far more comic-strip version of Lara, which would be shot in 3D and aimed at a teen audience."
'Shrek Forever After' Continues Box Office Domination
Animated 3D movie "Shrek Forever After" has held onto its reign at the top of the box office for the third consecutive weekend, adding $25.3 million to its domestic earnings.
The third sequel in the franchise, featuring Mike Myers voicing the beloved green ogre, has raised a three-week domestic total of $183 million.
In second place was Jonah Hill and Russell Brand's rock 'n' roll comedy "Get Him to the Greek," which debuted with takings of $17.4 million.
Opening at three with $16.1 million was Katherine Heigl and Ashton Kutcher's "Killers," while Jake Gyllenhaal's "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time" slipped down a spot into fourth position, earning $13.9 million.
The third sequel in the franchise, featuring Mike Myers voicing the beloved green ogre, has raised a three-week domestic total of $183 million.
In second place was Jonah Hill and Russell Brand's rock 'n' roll comedy "Get Him to the Greek," which debuted with takings of $17.4 million.
Opening at three with $16.1 million was Katherine Heigl and Ashton Kutcher's "Killers," while Jake Gyllenhaal's "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time" slipped down a spot into fourth position, earning $13.9 million.
Brandy & Flo Rida Split Up
R&B singer Brandy is a single woman again after ending her romance with rapper Flo Rida.
Brandy began spending time with the "Right Round" hitmaker last year, but admitted she was reluctant to "commit" to the rapper because she didn't want to end up heartbroken.
And now she's called off their romance in a bid to focus on her family and career.
She says, "I don't have a rapper boyfriend named Flo Rida. I am very much about myself. I have to focus on what I need to do."
Brandy has previously dated producer Robert Smith, with whom she has a daughter, and basketball player Quentin Richardson.
Brandy began spending time with the "Right Round" hitmaker last year, but admitted she was reluctant to "commit" to the rapper because she didn't want to end up heartbroken.
And now she's called off their romance in a bid to focus on her family and career.
She says, "I don't have a rapper boyfriend named Flo Rida. I am very much about myself. I have to focus on what I need to do."
Brandy has previously dated producer Robert Smith, with whom she has a daughter, and basketball player Quentin Richardson.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Dog Whisperer Star Cesar Millan and Wife Split
It's over for Dog Whisperer host Cesar Millan and his wife, Ilusion.
"We are sad to announce that after 16 years of marriage we have decided to file for divorce," reads a statement on posted Cesar's Web site Friday. "The decision was made after much consideration and time. We remain caring friends, and are fully committed to the co-parenting of our two boys."
Ilusion Millan filed for divorce at Los Angeles court Friday, citing irreconcilable differences, legal documents show. She is seeking primary physical custody of the kids with visitation for Cesar, 40, as well as spousal support.
Millan is the longtime host of the National Geographic Channel's Dog Whisperer. He famously came to the U.S. as a young man from his native Mexico with $100 in his pocket and a dream of becoming a famous dog trainer. He succeeded – with the help of some famous clients such as Jada Pinkett Smith. In addition to hosting his television show, Millan has authored several best-selling books.
"We are sad to announce that after 16 years of marriage we have decided to file for divorce," reads a statement on posted Cesar's Web site Friday. "The decision was made after much consideration and time. We remain caring friends, and are fully committed to the co-parenting of our two boys."
Ilusion Millan filed for divorce at Los Angeles court Friday, citing irreconcilable differences, legal documents show. She is seeking primary physical custody of the kids with visitation for Cesar, 40, as well as spousal support.
Millan is the longtime host of the National Geographic Channel's Dog Whisperer. He famously came to the U.S. as a young man from his native Mexico with $100 in his pocket and a dream of becoming a famous dog trainer. He succeeded – with the help of some famous clients such as Jada Pinkett Smith. In addition to hosting his television show, Millan has authored several best-selling books.
Sandra Bullock Makes Surprise Appearance for the 'Guys'
In her first public appearance since the back-to-back news of her divorce and the adoption of her adorable baby son Louis, Sandra Bullock returned to the spotlight Saturday night, making a memorable surprise appearance at Spike TV's Guys Choice Awards.
There to accept the "Troops Choice" Award for Entertainer of the Year, from presenter Robert Downey, Jr. – the honor was bestowed by members of the military – the Blind Side Oscar winner, looking stunning in form-fitting black, leather mini-dress, received a standing ovation from the audience inside the Sony Pictures Studios in Los Angeles.
"Let's be honest here, just for a moment. We're all going to be honest, right?" Bullock, 45, told the crowd. "Did I win this for being entertainer of the year, or did I win this because of the spectacular I.E.D. [improvised explosive device] explosion that became my personal life?!"
Once the laughter subsided, she added, "No, it's okay. Because I would do it over again if it was to entertain our troops , and our extraordinary troops deserve something much more than some actress in a tight dress talking about herself."
She also told them, "I would sing, but you've seen enough pain in your lifetime. I would dance – I'm a pretty good dancer, but as I mentioned, the dress is pretty tight."
America's Sweetheart
Members of the military stationed throughout the world were the only ones permitted to vote in the "Troops Choice" category, and did so via the Spike Web site. The crowd at the ceremony Saturday was made up of members of the U.S. Army, the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Coast Guard, as well as such entertainment stars as Robert DeNiro, George Clooney, Leonardo DiCaprio, Scarlett Johansson, Jessica Biel, Bradley Cooper, Jon Hamm and others.
Bullock's appearance was kept secret from even the show's staff and participants, PEOPLE was told. U.S. Army 1st Sergeant Nicholas McClain, who shared the stage with Bullock, told PEOPLE afterward, "Originally we were told she wasn’t going to be here at all, and somebody would be accepting on her behalf. So it was a great surprise to see her coming out on the stage."
The award went to Bullock, McClain, said, "Just because a lot of the movies that she does – they provide different venues for everybody to see us. And we know that she has a lot of great support for the troops. And she’s America’s Sweetheart, regardless of anything that’s been going on in her past."
As for sharing a stage with the Oscar winner, he said, "It was a great honor. She’s a beautiful woman and a great supporter of the military."
The Guys Awards show will air June 20 on Spike TV.
Sunday night, Bullock is also scheduled to appear at the MTV Movie Awards, where she is to receive the Generation Award.
There to accept the "Troops Choice" Award for Entertainer of the Year, from presenter Robert Downey, Jr. – the honor was bestowed by members of the military – the Blind Side Oscar winner, looking stunning in form-fitting black, leather mini-dress, received a standing ovation from the audience inside the Sony Pictures Studios in Los Angeles.
"Let's be honest here, just for a moment. We're all going to be honest, right?" Bullock, 45, told the crowd. "Did I win this for being entertainer of the year, or did I win this because of the spectacular I.E.D. [improvised explosive device] explosion that became my personal life?!"
Once the laughter subsided, she added, "No, it's okay. Because I would do it over again if it was to entertain our troops , and our extraordinary troops deserve something much more than some actress in a tight dress talking about herself."
She also told them, "I would sing, but you've seen enough pain in your lifetime. I would dance – I'm a pretty good dancer, but as I mentioned, the dress is pretty tight."
America's Sweetheart
Members of the military stationed throughout the world were the only ones permitted to vote in the "Troops Choice" category, and did so via the Spike Web site. The crowd at the ceremony Saturday was made up of members of the U.S. Army, the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Coast Guard, as well as such entertainment stars as Robert DeNiro, George Clooney, Leonardo DiCaprio, Scarlett Johansson, Jessica Biel, Bradley Cooper, Jon Hamm and others.
Bullock's appearance was kept secret from even the show's staff and participants, PEOPLE was told. U.S. Army 1st Sergeant Nicholas McClain, who shared the stage with Bullock, told PEOPLE afterward, "Originally we were told she wasn’t going to be here at all, and somebody would be accepting on her behalf. So it was a great surprise to see her coming out on the stage."
The award went to Bullock, McClain, said, "Just because a lot of the movies that she does – they provide different venues for everybody to see us. And we know that she has a lot of great support for the troops. And she’s America’s Sweetheart, regardless of anything that’s been going on in her past."
As for sharing a stage with the Oscar winner, he said, "It was a great honor. She’s a beautiful woman and a great supporter of the military."
The Guys Awards show will air June 20 on Spike TV.
Sunday night, Bullock is also scheduled to appear at the MTV Movie Awards, where she is to receive the Generation Award.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Bret Michaels Eager To Get Back On Tour
Bret Michaels is heading out on tour just a month after suffering a brain hemorrhage and weeks after a mild stroke alerted medics to the fact he has a hole in his heart.
The rocker returned to the stage in Mississippi last week and he performed a show in Minnesota on Thursday night - and now he's ready to pick up dates he had to postpone when he fell ill.
He tells Billboard.com, "I think this is good for my soul. Honestly, I'm taking every precaution. I'm not doing anything stupid. I'm going on stage and telling the fans that I'm going to give 100 per cent of everything I've got, but if it's only 75 or 80 per cent, I think they will understand."
Michaels' health crisis began in April when he underwent an emergency appendectomy. He suffered a brain hemorrhage as he was recuperating. And, as he was recovering at home after that he suffered a warning stroke and was diagnosed with a hole in the heart. The Poison star insists it's important for him to get back to what he does best: "I don't want my legacy to be that I had a brain hemorrhage. I want it to be that I rocked, I treated people with respect and I made a lot of good friends along the way."
He admits he will be taking special care to follow doctor's orders on the road - resting before and after concerts and taking blood-thinning medication to prepare for upcoming surgery to repair his heart condition. Michaels also plans to record a new album and he's also recording a reality TV series, Life As I Know It.
The rocker returned to the stage in Mississippi last week and he performed a show in Minnesota on Thursday night - and now he's ready to pick up dates he had to postpone when he fell ill.
He tells Billboard.com, "I think this is good for my soul. Honestly, I'm taking every precaution. I'm not doing anything stupid. I'm going on stage and telling the fans that I'm going to give 100 per cent of everything I've got, but if it's only 75 or 80 per cent, I think they will understand."
Michaels' health crisis began in April when he underwent an emergency appendectomy. He suffered a brain hemorrhage as he was recuperating. And, as he was recovering at home after that he suffered a warning stroke and was diagnosed with a hole in the heart. The Poison star insists it's important for him to get back to what he does best: "I don't want my legacy to be that I had a brain hemorrhage. I want it to be that I rocked, I treated people with respect and I made a lot of good friends along the way."
He admits he will be taking special care to follow doctor's orders on the road - resting before and after concerts and taking blood-thinning medication to prepare for upcoming surgery to repair his heart condition. Michaels also plans to record a new album and he's also recording a reality TV series, Life As I Know It.
Tyler Perry Wants a Doctor's Note from Mariah Carey
Note to Mariah Carey: Tyler Perry wants a note from your doctor.
After the singer dropped out of his latest movie, an adaptation of Ntozake Shange's 1975 play For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf, less than a week before filming was to begin, director Tyler Perry had to cut short his vacation and find a replacement.
"I said, 'What? You're kidding me?,' " Perry writes in a lighthearted new letter to his fans. "It's five days before she has to go to work; nobody does that. We have a deal."
Jetting back to Atlanta where the movie is filming, he selected Thandie Newton to fill Carey's role. (She will join Whoopi Goldberg, Kerry Washington and Janet Jackson in the cast.) Perry also discovered that the singer's doctor was to blame for her sudden departure.
"I was told that we got a call, saying that even though our deal was done, she had been advised by her doctor not to do the film," Perry writes. "I said, 'What? You know I want a doctor's note, don't you? LOL."
As pregnancy rumors surround Carey, her would-be director won't buy into any speculation. "All I know," he writes, "is that I’m waiting just like the rest of the world to find out what happened."
In the end, he doesn't hold Carey's decision against her.
"What I do know of [Carey] is that she is a professional and wouldn't back out of a deal unless it was a major issue," Perry writes. "So, whatever is going on, I wish her and Nick [Cannon] the best and she has all my love, prayers and support."
Jokes Perry: "I just wish I could have finished my Mai Tai before I had to get back and re-cast this role!"
After the singer dropped out of his latest movie, an adaptation of Ntozake Shange's 1975 play For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf, less than a week before filming was to begin, director Tyler Perry had to cut short his vacation and find a replacement.
"I said, 'What? You're kidding me?,' " Perry writes in a lighthearted new letter to his fans. "It's five days before she has to go to work; nobody does that. We have a deal."
Jetting back to Atlanta where the movie is filming, he selected Thandie Newton to fill Carey's role. (She will join Whoopi Goldberg, Kerry Washington and Janet Jackson in the cast.) Perry also discovered that the singer's doctor was to blame for her sudden departure.
"I was told that we got a call, saying that even though our deal was done, she had been advised by her doctor not to do the film," Perry writes. "I said, 'What? You know I want a doctor's note, don't you? LOL."
As pregnancy rumors surround Carey, her would-be director won't buy into any speculation. "All I know," he writes, "is that I’m waiting just like the rest of the world to find out what happened."
In the end, he doesn't hold Carey's decision against her.
"What I do know of [Carey] is that she is a professional and wouldn't back out of a deal unless it was a major issue," Perry writes. "So, whatever is going on, I wish her and Nick [Cannon] the best and she has all my love, prayers and support."
Jokes Perry: "I just wish I could have finished my Mai Tai before I had to get back and re-cast this role!"
Report: Chace Crawford Arrested
Chace Crawford was arrested early Friday morning for possession of marijuana, TMZ.com reports.
The 24-year-old Gossip Girl star was reportedly arrested in a pub parking lot in Plano, Texas, after police discovered less than two ounces of marijuana in the car he was in. The charge is a misdemeanor.
According to reports, Crawford has posted bond and is out of jail. Calls for comment have not been returned.
The 24-year-old Gossip Girl star was reportedly arrested in a pub parking lot in Plano, Texas, after police discovered less than two ounces of marijuana in the car he was in. The charge is a misdemeanor.
According to reports, Crawford has posted bond and is out of jail. Calls for comment have not been returned.
Miley Cyrus Declares She Never EVER! Broke Up with Liam
Don't believe recent chatter suggesting that Miley Cyrus and her Aussie hunk have split due to his rising popularity and her supposed jealousy. According to Cyrus, that is so not the case.
"Just wanna clear up a rumor. Liam [Hemsworth] and I did not break. EVER! We are so happy and a lot of that has to do with the amazing relationship he has with my family," she writes on her Web site.
The couple met in 2009 on the set of The Last Song, based on the Nicholas Sparks novel. They attempted to keep their relationship out of the spotlight, but in March, Cyrus admitted that she and Hemsworth had been dating for 10 months.
Hemsworth, 20, is currently in negotiations to star in the 3D action film Arabian Nights. And Cyrus's third album Can't Be Tamed drops June 22. With two demanding schedules and plenty of travel, no wonder rumors surface. But it's clear that family bonds help keep the couple in sync. "We are both so busy right now, so having them by our side supporting us and our career is such a blessing!" Cyrus writes.
"Just wanna clear up a rumor. Liam [Hemsworth] and I did not break. EVER! We are so happy and a lot of that has to do with the amazing relationship he has with my family," she writes on her Web site.
The couple met in 2009 on the set of The Last Song, based on the Nicholas Sparks novel. They attempted to keep their relationship out of the spotlight, but in March, Cyrus admitted that she and Hemsworth had been dating for 10 months.
Hemsworth, 20, is currently in negotiations to star in the 3D action film Arabian Nights. And Cyrus's third album Can't Be Tamed drops June 22. With two demanding schedules and plenty of travel, no wonder rumors surface. But it's clear that family bonds help keep the couple in sync. "We are both so busy right now, so having them by our side supporting us and our career is such a blessing!" Cyrus writes.
Mark-Paul Gosselaar and Wife Split
After 14 years of marriage and two children, Saved by the Bell star Mark-Paul Gosselaar and his wife Lisa Ann Russell have separated.
"They both remain focused on their family and are jointly committed to their children,” his rep tells PEOPLE.
Gosselaar, 36, and Russell, 38, met on the set of Saved by the Bell when she had a small role. They got married in 1996, and have children Michael Charles, 6, and Ava Lorenn, 4.
No reason for the split was given. But a source close to the couple refuted Internet reports that Russell's behavior was to blame.
"The reports saying that she’s out partying aren’t true," says the source. "She’s a great mom. The two of them couldn’t be more hands on with the kids. Their number one focus is definitely their family."
Gosselaar next will be seen on TNT's new legal show Franklin & Bash
"They both remain focused on their family and are jointly committed to their children,” his rep tells PEOPLE.
Gosselaar, 36, and Russell, 38, met on the set of Saved by the Bell when she had a small role. They got married in 1996, and have children Michael Charles, 6, and Ava Lorenn, 4.
No reason for the split was given. But a source close to the couple refuted Internet reports that Russell's behavior was to blame.
"The reports saying that she’s out partying aren’t true," says the source. "She’s a great mom. The two of them couldn’t be more hands on with the kids. Their number one focus is definitely their family."
Gosselaar next will be seen on TNT's new legal show Franklin & Bash
LeAnn Rimes: 'I Take Responsibility for Everything'
LeAnn Rimes believes everything happens for a reason.
"I did one of the most selfish things that I possibly could do, in hurting someone else," the country superstar says in the new issue of PEOPLE, speaking for the first time about the end of her 7-year marriage last year, following an affair with married actor Eddie Cibrian.
"I take responsibility for everything I've done. I hate that people got hurt," says Rimes. "But I don't regret the outcome."
Rimes, 27, who is now in a committed relationship with Cibrian, 36 (their respective divorces will be final soon), says they became friends while shooting the TV movie Northern Lights in November 2008, and it wasn't until several months later that their relationship "tipped over."
"It was very emotionally driven," says the singer, whose new single "Swingin'" off her upcoming covers album Lady and Gentlemen is out June 14. "I never once thought what I was doing was okay."
She says she and Dean Sheremet, 29 – a former dancer who is now a chef at Nobu in New York City and has been dating photographer Sarah Silver since last year – worked on their relationship after her infidelity became public, but ultimately decided that "it wasn't a marriage that fulfilled either one of us," says Rimes.
"I did one of the most selfish things that I possibly could do, in hurting someone else," the country superstar says in the new issue of PEOPLE, speaking for the first time about the end of her 7-year marriage last year, following an affair with married actor Eddie Cibrian.
"I take responsibility for everything I've done. I hate that people got hurt," says Rimes. "But I don't regret the outcome."
Rimes, 27, who is now in a committed relationship with Cibrian, 36 (their respective divorces will be final soon), says they became friends while shooting the TV movie Northern Lights in November 2008, and it wasn't until several months later that their relationship "tipped over."
"It was very emotionally driven," says the singer, whose new single "Swingin'" off her upcoming covers album Lady and Gentlemen is out June 14. "I never once thought what I was doing was okay."
She says she and Dean Sheremet, 29 – a former dancer who is now a chef at Nobu in New York City and has been dating photographer Sarah Silver since last year – worked on their relationship after her infidelity became public, but ultimately decided that "it wasn't a marriage that fulfilled either one of us," says Rimes.
Sheryl Crow Adopts Another Son!
Sheryl Crow is a mom again!
"I have some exciting news to share with you guys," the musician announced on her official Web site Friday, "Wyatt has a new little brother!"
Crow, 48, adopted now 3-year-old Wyatt in 2007, and also tells fans, "Levi James was born April 30."
"I have some exciting news to share with you guys," the musician announced on her official Web site Friday, "Wyatt has a new little brother!"
Crow, 48, adopted now 3-year-old Wyatt in 2007, and also tells fans, "Levi James was born April 30."
Kristen Stewart: 'I Made an Enormous Mistake'
No sooner did excerpts from July's British Elle make their way to the Internet on Wednesday than the blogosphere exploded in outrage.
In an offending quote, Twilight saga star Kristen Stewart compared paparazzi photos of herself to images of a woman being raped. Almost immediately, everyone from fans to spokespeople for rape victims' advocacy organizations were publicly criticizing the actress.
"I really made an enormous mistake – clearly and obviously," Stewart, currently in Korea to promote the new installment of the Twilight series Eclipse, tells PEOPLE exclusively. "And I'm really sorry about my choice of words."
Stewart, 20, is not known as one to mince words. "I've made stupid remarks before, and I've always reasoned: 'Whatever. They can think what they want,' " she says.
But in this instance, the Los Angeles-born actress feels compelled to address the situation. " 'Violated' definitely would have been a better way of expressing the thought," she notes.
In fact, the issue of violence against women is one that has been close to Stewart since playing a victim of rape in the 2004 film Speak. She has done public service announcements for the advocacy group RAINN and for SOC.
The irony of the situation in which Stewart now finds herself is not lost on the actress. "People thinking that I'm insensitive about this subject rips my guts out. I made a big mistake."
In an offending quote, Twilight saga star Kristen Stewart compared paparazzi photos of herself to images of a woman being raped. Almost immediately, everyone from fans to spokespeople for rape victims' advocacy organizations were publicly criticizing the actress.
"I really made an enormous mistake – clearly and obviously," Stewart, currently in Korea to promote the new installment of the Twilight series Eclipse, tells PEOPLE exclusively. "And I'm really sorry about my choice of words."
Stewart, 20, is not known as one to mince words. "I've made stupid remarks before, and I've always reasoned: 'Whatever. They can think what they want,' " she says.
But in this instance, the Los Angeles-born actress feels compelled to address the situation. " 'Violated' definitely would have been a better way of expressing the thought," she notes.
In fact, the issue of violence against women is one that has been close to Stewart since playing a victim of rape in the 2004 film Speak. She has done public service announcements for the advocacy group RAINN and for SOC.
The irony of the situation in which Stewart now finds herself is not lost on the actress. "People thinking that I'm insensitive about this subject rips my guts out. I made a big mistake."
Shauna Sand To Join 'Celebrity Rehab?'
TV executives have reportedly signed former Playboy Playmate Shauna Sand to appear on "Celebrity Rehab" in a desperate bid to save the shelved reality show.
The latest series of the program, fronted by celebrity drug and alcohol counsellor Dr. Drew Pinsky, was halted earlier this week after producers failed to draw enough big names to tackle their demons in front of the cameras.
TV bosses failed to persuade Liza Minnelli with a reported $500,000 fee to appear as the series' big name, after Lindsay Lohan also rebuffed a $1 million offer.
A rep for Minnelli says, "Liza Minnelli, who is beginning a national tour in St. Louis on June 5, is not now nor will ever be on Celebrity Rehab."
However, the show's producers have pressed ahead with signing up other talent for the reality hit and Sand is the latest to join the line-up, according to TMZ.com.
The website reports that the model/actress will enter a recovery center in Pasadena, California on Friday.
Tila Tequila, Jason Wahler and rapper Bizzy Bone have all so far agreed to appear on "Celebrity Rehab."
The latest series of the program, fronted by celebrity drug and alcohol counsellor Dr. Drew Pinsky, was halted earlier this week after producers failed to draw enough big names to tackle their demons in front of the cameras.
TV bosses failed to persuade Liza Minnelli with a reported $500,000 fee to appear as the series' big name, after Lindsay Lohan also rebuffed a $1 million offer.
A rep for Minnelli says, "Liza Minnelli, who is beginning a national tour in St. Louis on June 5, is not now nor will ever be on Celebrity Rehab."
However, the show's producers have pressed ahead with signing up other talent for the reality hit and Sand is the latest to join the line-up, according to TMZ.com.
The website reports that the model/actress will enter a recovery center in Pasadena, California on Friday.
Tila Tequila, Jason Wahler and rapper Bizzy Bone have all so far agreed to appear on "Celebrity Rehab."
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Lamar Odom Smiles Away Baby Rumors
As denials go, it wasn't exactly a slamdunk.
Choosing his words very carefully, Lakers star Lamar Odom says that if the online reports are true, and wife Khloe Kardashian is expecting a child, it would be news to him
"I can't confirm that," he told ESPN on Wednesday at practice for the NBA Championship Series. "I don’t think so."
ESPN notes he was smiling while he said this.
"She hasn't told me if she was pregnant," he added. "I probably would be the first to know."
Both Odom and Kardashian have made no secret of their desire to have a child. Earlier this year, she said she was "not doing anything" to prevent getting pregnant and that "we both want to."
Choosing his words very carefully, Lakers star Lamar Odom says that if the online reports are true, and wife Khloe Kardashian is expecting a child, it would be news to him
"I can't confirm that," he told ESPN on Wednesday at practice for the NBA Championship Series. "I don’t think so."
ESPN notes he was smiling while he said this.
"She hasn't told me if she was pregnant," he added. "I probably would be the first to know."
Both Odom and Kardashian have made no secret of their desire to have a child. Earlier this year, she said she was "not doing anything" to prevent getting pregnant and that "we both want to."
Golden Girls Star Rue McClanahan Dies at 76
Golden Girl Rue McClanahan has died at the age of 76.
"She passed away at 1 a.m. this morning," her manager, Barbara Lawrence, tells PEOPLE. "She had a massive stroke."
McClanahan, who played man-happy Blanche Devereaux on the still-popular '80s sitcom Golden Girls, had suffered a minor stroke earlier this year while recovering from bypass surgery. Lawrence adds that at the time of her death Thursday, McClanahan “had her family with her. She went in peace.”
Still in syndication, Golden Girls ran on NBC from 1985 to 1992. Only last year, McClanahan's costar, Beatrice Arthur, died from cancer. Estelle Getty died in 2008. Surviving star Betty White, 88, is currently enjoying a remarkable resurgence in her career, having recently hosted Saturday Night Live.
Born in Healdton, Okla., Rue lived in six towns by the time she was 8. Her father was a road builder who moved from one project to another. She found solace in acting ("the only thing I ever wanted to do") and after four years at the University of Tulsa moved to New York, where she worked as a part-time file clerk while trying to find jobs in the theater.
Her first job was off Broadway, in 1957, and she finally hit Broadway in 1969. TV work came from soap operas, until she made it on CBS's Maude, starring Beatrice Arthur, starting in 1972. She played Maude's best friend Vivian.
But it was Golden Girls that put her on the map and led to fame, fortune – and several husbands. In all, she had six, including actor Morrow Wilson, whom she wed in 1997 and who survives her, as does a son, Mark Bish, from her first marriage.
As McClanahan told PEOPLE in 1986: "I've always been lucky enough to marry good cooks. One cooked Greek. One cooked Tex-Mex – chili and stuff." Then, with a laugh, she added, "True, one needed a recipe to make a peanut butter sandwich ..."
"She passed away at 1 a.m. this morning," her manager, Barbara Lawrence, tells PEOPLE. "She had a massive stroke."
McClanahan, who played man-happy Blanche Devereaux on the still-popular '80s sitcom Golden Girls, had suffered a minor stroke earlier this year while recovering from bypass surgery. Lawrence adds that at the time of her death Thursday, McClanahan “had her family with her. She went in peace.”
Still in syndication, Golden Girls ran on NBC from 1985 to 1992. Only last year, McClanahan's costar, Beatrice Arthur, died from cancer. Estelle Getty died in 2008. Surviving star Betty White, 88, is currently enjoying a remarkable resurgence in her career, having recently hosted Saturday Night Live.
Born in Healdton, Okla., Rue lived in six towns by the time she was 8. Her father was a road builder who moved from one project to another. She found solace in acting ("the only thing I ever wanted to do") and after four years at the University of Tulsa moved to New York, where she worked as a part-time file clerk while trying to find jobs in the theater.
Her first job was off Broadway, in 1957, and she finally hit Broadway in 1969. TV work came from soap operas, until she made it on CBS's Maude, starring Beatrice Arthur, starting in 1972. She played Maude's best friend Vivian.
But it was Golden Girls that put her on the map and led to fame, fortune – and several husbands. In all, she had six, including actor Morrow Wilson, whom she wed in 1997 and who survives her, as does a son, Mark Bish, from her first marriage.
As McClanahan told PEOPLE in 1986: "I've always been lucky enough to marry good cooks. One cooked Greek. One cooked Tex-Mex – chili and stuff." Then, with a laugh, she added, "True, one needed a recipe to make a peanut butter sandwich ..."
Kevin Costner Is a Dad for Seventh Time
Kevin Costner is in seventh heaven.
The Oscar-winning director, 55, and his wife, Christine Baumgartner Costner, 36, welcomed a baby girl named Grace Avery Costner on Wednesday, the actor's rep tells PEOPLE. This is Costner's seventh child, his third with Christine.
Grace arrived at 5:46 p.m. in California. She weighed 7 lbs., 11 oz., and was 21 inches at birth.
Both mother and daughter are doing well, says the spokesman.
The baby's impending arrival was announced in March. The Costners have been married since 2004.
Grace's siblings are Hayes Logan, 16 months, Cayden Wyatt, 3, Liam, 13, Joe, 22, Lily, 23, and Annie, 25.
The Oscar-winning director, 55, and his wife, Christine Baumgartner Costner, 36, welcomed a baby girl named Grace Avery Costner on Wednesday, the actor's rep tells PEOPLE. This is Costner's seventh child, his third with Christine.
Grace arrived at 5:46 p.m. in California. She weighed 7 lbs., 11 oz., and was 21 inches at birth.
Both mother and daughter are doing well, says the spokesman.
The baby's impending arrival was announced in March. The Costners have been married since 2004.
Grace's siblings are Hayes Logan, 16 months, Cayden Wyatt, 3, Liam, 13, Joe, 22, Lily, 23, and Annie, 25.
Nikki Reed Dismisses 'Twilight' Pay Dispute
Actress Nikki Reed has dismissed claims she was embroiled in a pay dispute over the final installment of the Twilight movie series, insisting it was "obvious" she would return to the franchise.
The supporting cast was reportedly in negotiations to land better salaries for the final movie, The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, after it was revealed Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart were receiving multi-million dollar pay checks. Sources claimed film bosses at Summit Entertainment were willing to recast some roles if appropriate deals could not be reached, but the pay dispute was reportedly resolved last month.
However Reed, who plays vampire Rosalie Hale in the movies, is adamant she was always planning to shoot the final film.
She tells MTV.com, "I think it's kind of an obvious thing that we would all come back to do (Breaking Dawn). The media gets involved. I mean, I didn't really read anything that was printed. At least the things that were printed about me. Of course we're all going to do the fourth movie. We did the first, second and third, and it makes sense, because we love the books and we want to make these movies. I mean, I'm speaking for myself, I guess."
Shooting on Breaking Dawn is slated to begin in the autumn and movie bosses are rumored to be splitting the film into two installments, which will reportedly be shot back-to-back, ahead of possible releases in November 2011 and summer 2012.
The supporting cast was reportedly in negotiations to land better salaries for the final movie, The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, after it was revealed Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart were receiving multi-million dollar pay checks. Sources claimed film bosses at Summit Entertainment were willing to recast some roles if appropriate deals could not be reached, but the pay dispute was reportedly resolved last month.
However Reed, who plays vampire Rosalie Hale in the movies, is adamant she was always planning to shoot the final film.
She tells MTV.com, "I think it's kind of an obvious thing that we would all come back to do (Breaking Dawn). The media gets involved. I mean, I didn't really read anything that was printed. At least the things that were printed about me. Of course we're all going to do the fourth movie. We did the first, second and third, and it makes sense, because we love the books and we want to make these movies. I mean, I'm speaking for myself, I guess."
Shooting on Breaking Dawn is slated to begin in the autumn and movie bosses are rumored to be splitting the film into two installments, which will reportedly be shot back-to-back, ahead of possible releases in November 2011 and summer 2012.
Nick Cannon Won't Confirm (Nor Deny) Pregnancy Rumors
Nick Cannon refuses to deny reports his wife Mariah Carey is pregnant.
He tweeted, "If & when my wife is ready to make ANY announcements about private matters she will do it personally. Thanks for being respectful. God Bless."
The couple are expecting twins, according to a tabloid report. The R&B superstar has failed to put a stop to rumors she is pregnant with her first child after she was spotted leaving a fertility clinic in Los Angeles last month.
Carey further fuelled the reports by mysteriously dropping out of Tyler Perry's upcoming movie, "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf."
He tweeted, "If & when my wife is ready to make ANY announcements about private matters she will do it personally. Thanks for being respectful. God Bless."
The couple are expecting twins, according to a tabloid report. The R&B superstar has failed to put a stop to rumors she is pregnant with her first child after she was spotted leaving a fertility clinic in Los Angeles last month.
Carey further fuelled the reports by mysteriously dropping out of Tyler Perry's upcoming movie, "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf."
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley 'Confirmed' For 'Transformers 3'
Victoria's Secret bosses have unveiled one of Hollywood's biggest secrets by confirming one of their models, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, will make her acting debut as Megan Fox's replacement in the third Transformers film in 2011.
The lingerie firm's marketing experts have posted a 90-second highlights reel of the Victoria's Secret Angel online with a message of congratulations. They write, "Victoria's Secret would like to congratulate our Angel, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley starring in Transformers 3... Go get 'em, Rosie."
Paramount movie executives have yet to confirm the casting. The British model reportedly beat fellow catwalk star Tanit Phoenix for the role of Shia LaBeouf's love interest in the new Transformers film.
The lingerie firm's marketing experts have posted a 90-second highlights reel of the Victoria's Secret Angel online with a message of congratulations. They write, "Victoria's Secret would like to congratulate our Angel, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley starring in Transformers 3... Go get 'em, Rosie."
Paramount movie executives have yet to confirm the casting. The British model reportedly beat fellow catwalk star Tanit Phoenix for the role of Shia LaBeouf's love interest in the new Transformers film.
Kirsten Dunst: 'I Don't Smoke Pot'
Kirsten Dunst has told a court in New York she doesn't "smoke pot" after the trial of a man accused of stealing her bag revealed marijuana was found in her assistant's purse.
James Jimenez is facing charges of felony burglary after allegedly snatching the Spider-Man star's handbag from her suite at the SoHo Grand Hotel in Manhattan in 2007. The 35 year old is also accused of taking a purse belonging to Dunst's assistant, Liat Baruch.
A stash of marijuana was found in Baruch's bag, and Jimenez's defense attorney claimed his client was granted access to the suite along with an alleged drug dealer who was invited there - an allegation which was denied by the actress' rep. The issue was raised again when Dunst took the stand to testify on Tuesday, and when asked if she smokes marijuana, she replied, "No I don't."
However, Dunst admitted she was aware of her assistant's habit, adding, "I know she smoked pot," according to the New York Daily News. Jimenez was convicted on a charge of criminal trespass in October but is being retried at Manhattan Supreme Court after a jury failed to reach a verdict on the felony burglary charges. He has pleaded not guilty.
James Jimenez is facing charges of felony burglary after allegedly snatching the Spider-Man star's handbag from her suite at the SoHo Grand Hotel in Manhattan in 2007. The 35 year old is also accused of taking a purse belonging to Dunst's assistant, Liat Baruch.
A stash of marijuana was found in Baruch's bag, and Jimenez's defense attorney claimed his client was granted access to the suite along with an alleged drug dealer who was invited there - an allegation which was denied by the actress' rep. The issue was raised again when Dunst took the stand to testify on Tuesday, and when asked if she smokes marijuana, she replied, "No I don't."
However, Dunst admitted she was aware of her assistant's habit, adding, "I know she smoked pot," according to the New York Daily News. Jimenez was convicted on a charge of criminal trespass in October but is being retried at Manhattan Supreme Court after a jury failed to reach a verdict on the felony burglary charges. He has pleaded not guilty.
'Celebrity Rehab' Postponed Over Lack Of Star Power
The reality series fronted by celebrity drug and alcohol counselor Dr.Drew Pinsky has been shelved - because too many troubled stars refused to be a part of the show.
A week after Tila Tequila, Jason Wahler and rapper Bizzy Bone signed up for the new season of "Celebrity Rehab", the show has been postponed.
TMZ.com reports producers failed to land enough big name stars to front the hard-hitting show.
The program was scheduled to start shooting on Tuesday.
Reports also suggest Lindsay Lohan turned down $1 million to appear on the show.
Past stars who have checked in for "Celebrity Rehab" have included Daniel Baldwin, Gary Busey, Heidi Fleiss, Mackenzie Phillips, Dennis Rodman and Mindy McCready.
A week after Tila Tequila, Jason Wahler and rapper Bizzy Bone signed up for the new season of "Celebrity Rehab", the show has been postponed.
TMZ.com reports producers failed to land enough big name stars to front the hard-hitting show.
The program was scheduled to start shooting on Tuesday.
Reports also suggest Lindsay Lohan turned down $1 million to appear on the show.
Past stars who have checked in for "Celebrity Rehab" have included Daniel Baldwin, Gary Busey, Heidi Fleiss, Mackenzie Phillips, Dennis Rodman and Mindy McCready.
'Hairspray 2' Canceled
Film bosses have scrapped plans to bring movie-musical Hairspray back for a sequel. Executives at the New Line studio commissioned the screenwriter behind the 2007 film, John Waters, to create a script for a follow-up, with plans to bring Zac Efron back to star in a second picture.
In December, Waters revealed he had completed the job, telling Australia's The Herald Sun, "They liked it. They paid me. That's the last I've heard of it... They asked me to write the treatment but I'm so obsessive I wrote every single thing that could happen to every character. It's different. You can't tell the same Hairspray story again, it's been told three times."
However, Hairspray director Adam Shankman has now confirmed plans for a sequel have been dropped. He tells the Associated Press, "I'm going to kill that rumor now - that got killed. I was so happy with the first one, let's leave well enough alone. It's all good."
In December, Waters revealed he had completed the job, telling Australia's The Herald Sun, "They liked it. They paid me. That's the last I've heard of it... They asked me to write the treatment but I'm so obsessive I wrote every single thing that could happen to every character. It's different. You can't tell the same Hairspray story again, it's been told three times."
However, Hairspray director Adam Shankman has now confirmed plans for a sequel have been dropped. He tells the Associated Press, "I'm going to kill that rumor now - that got killed. I was so happy with the first one, let's leave well enough alone. It's all good."
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Source: Charlie Sheen Will Serve Jail Time in Plea Deal
Charlie Sheen will plead guilty to a misdemeanor offense and get 30 days jail time, says a source close to the negotiations in the star's ongoing domestic violence case.
"Charlie intends to go to court on June 7 [to] plead to a misdemeanor and immediately begin serving his 30 days in jail," says the source. "With good behavior, he could end up doing 15 or so days."
While Sheen, 44, had been charged with felony menacing, misdemeanor third-degree assault and misdemeanor criminal mischief following a Christmas Day fight with his wife, Brooke Mueller, 32, in Aspen, Colo., the source adds that Sheen would not be placed on probation once he completes his jail sentence.
It's not been an easy spring for Sheen or Mueller. In February, Mueller entered rehab for substance abuse with Sheen seeking treatment a week later as a "preventative measure." The couple have been living in separate homes for more than a month while they "work on their marriage," and are currently sharing custody of their twin boys, Max and Bob.
Earlier this month, Sheen agreed to return to his CBS hit Two and a Half Men for two more years. The plea deal would allow Sheen to serve out his jail sentence with time to spare before the new season starts shooting at the beginning of August.
"Charlie intends to go to court on June 7 [to] plead to a misdemeanor and immediately begin serving his 30 days in jail," says the source. "With good behavior, he could end up doing 15 or so days."
While Sheen, 44, had been charged with felony menacing, misdemeanor third-degree assault and misdemeanor criminal mischief following a Christmas Day fight with his wife, Brooke Mueller, 32, in Aspen, Colo., the source adds that Sheen would not be placed on probation once he completes his jail sentence.
It's not been an easy spring for Sheen or Mueller. In February, Mueller entered rehab for substance abuse with Sheen seeking treatment a week later as a "preventative measure." The couple have been living in separate homes for more than a month while they "work on their marriage," and are currently sharing custody of their twin boys, Max and Bob.
Earlier this month, Sheen agreed to return to his CBS hit Two and a Half Men for two more years. The plea deal would allow Sheen to serve out his jail sentence with time to spare before the new season starts shooting at the beginning of August.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
