Monday, October 18, 2010

TV veteran Ed Asner returning with a sitcom on CMT

Television veteran Ed Asner is coming back to series TV with the first scripted sitcom for CMT.

On the new show, "Working Class," Asner will co-star as the crusty but lovable neighbor to the blue-collar single mom played by series star Melissa Peterman.

The network announced Monday that the 12-episode multi-camera comedy will premiere in January on CMT.

Asner, who turns 81 next month, is beloved for his signature role as cranky journalist Lou Grant. His return to TV follows recent successes for two fellow cast-mates from the legendary "Mary Tyler Moore Show": Betty White on TV Land's "Hot in Cleveland" and Cloris Leachman on Fox's "Raising Hope."

Peterman previously appeared on the sitcom "Reba" and hosts CMT's "The Singing Bee."

CMT is a unit of Viacom's MTV Networks.

'Jackass' gang pulls biggest stunt with $50M debut

Johnny Knoxville and his "Jackass" gang are even bigger hits in three dimensions.

"Jackass 3D," their latest big-screen collection of crazy stunts and antics, opened with a whopping $50 million, soaring past the debuts of their first two movies, according to studio estimates Sunday.

It was the third-straight No. 1 opening for Paramount's franchise, which launched with a $22.8 million opening for 2002's "Jackass: The Movie" and continued with a $29 million debut for 2006's "Jackass Number Two."

This was the first 3-D outing for Knoxville and his pals, and it was a natural for "what they do. They don't use it as a gimmick. It's seamless in their stunts," said Don Harris, Paramount executive vice president for distribution. "When some guy gets hit in the crotch with a baseball in 2-D, it's one thing, but when he's kind of up in your face and it happens, it's another experience."

"Jackass 3D" set a record for biggest October debut, topping the $48.1 million opening weekend for "Scary Movie 3" in 2003. "Scary Movie 3" sold more tickets than "Jackass 3D," though, factoring in ticket-price inflation and the premium charge for 3-D screenings, which cost a few dollars more than 2-D movies.

Premiering at No. 2 with $22.5 million was Summit Entertainment's action comedy "Red," starring Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, Helen Mirren, John Malkovich and Mary-Louise Parker in the tale of retired black-ops agents targeted by the CIA.

While "Jackass 3D" cornered the market for young crowds, with two-thirds of viewers under 25, "Red" drew an older set, with 58 percent of the audience over 35.

"Between their audience and ours, I think we've covered the spectrum of potential movie-goers this weekend," said Richie Fay, head of distribution for Summit. "What was amazing about this cast was the chemistry and the obvious fun they had making the movie. Older guys and women are really capable of doing things more than sitting in rocking chairs and pushing the remote control."

Despite the huge opening for "Jackass 3D," Hollywood was unable to pull out of a box-office slide that has persisted this fall.

Overall revenues totaled $133 million, down 4 percent from the same weekend last year, when "Where the Wild Things Are" led with a $32.7 million debut and "Law Abiding Citizen," ''Paranormal Activity" and "Couples Retreat" combined to add nearly $60 million to the till.

"When you've got a $50 million gross and still can't eke out a win over the same weekend last year, that says a lot," said Paul Dergarabedian, box-office analyst for Hollywood.com. "We've been in a slump since Labor Day and even really before that, because we saw kind of a slow end to the summer."

So far this year, domestic revenue is at $8.5 billion, 3.2 percent above 2009's record pace. But adding in higher ticket prices, attendance is down 2.3 percent from 2009, according to Hollywood.com.

Sony's acclaimed Facebook drama "The Social Network," which had been No. 1 the previous two weekends, held up well as it slipped to third-place with $11 million. The film raised its three-week total to $63.1 million.

In limited release, Clint Eastwood and Matt Damon's "Hereafter" opened strongly with $231,000 in six theaters. That gave it an average of $38,500 a theater, compared with $16,228 in 3,081 cinemas for "Jackass 3D."

"Hereafter" follows three characters with unusual connections to the afterlife. Distributor Warner Bros. expands the film to nationwide release this Friday.

Hilary Swank's legal drama "Conviction," based on the real-life story of a woman who put herself through law school to clear her brother on a murder rap, opened with $110,000 in 11 theaters, for a $10,000 average.

Distributor Fox Searchlight expands "Conviction" to about 70 theaters on Friday.

Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Hollywood.com. Final figures will be released Monday.

1. "Jackass 3D," $50 million.

2. "Red," $22.5 million.

3. "The Social Network," $11 million.

4. "Secretariat," $9.5 million.

5. "Life as We Know It," $9.2 million.

6. "Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole," $4.2 million.

7. "The Town," $4 million.

8. "My Soul to Take," $3.2 million.

9. "Easy A," $2.7 million.

10. "Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps," $2.4 million.

Randy and Evi Quaid Face Arrest Warrants – Again

Another case, another missed court date.

Randy Quaid and his wife Evi once again face arrest warrants after failing to show up for a Santa Barbara, Calif., hearing on allegations they were squatting in the guest house of a Montecito home they once owned.

Santa Barbara Senior Deputy District Attorney Lee Carter tells the Associated Press that $50,000 warrants were issued after the couple failed to appear for the arraignment Monday on residential burglary charges.

As in their previous case, in which they were charged with defrauding an innkeeper and routinely missed schedule court dates, the two are free to turn themselves in before their case will be called again on Oct. 26.

Tyra Banks Sued for Featuring Girl in 'Sex-Addict' Episode

When 15-year-old Jewel Ciera Washington appeared on Tyra Banks's talk show in October 2009 as a self-proclaimed "sex-addict," no one was more shocked than her mother Beverly McClendon.

McClendon filed a $1 million lawsuit against Banks, 36, alleging negligence and violating a right of privacy. The lawsuit claims the mom never consented to have her daughter appear on the show. In fact, she says her daughter hasn't even been diagnosed as a sex-addict.

Stating McClendon "suffered damages as a result of the defendants' negligence," the court papers, filed Oct. 8, also allege the Atlanta-based mother "filed a missing person's report with the local police department" once she realized her daughter secretly fled her home.

A rep for Banks was not immediately available for comment.

Is Mel Gibson Getting a Cameo in The Hangover 2?

This may be just what Mel Gibson needs. With his personal life in turmoil recently, spending some time with the guys from The Hangover might do him some good.

According to the New York Post Gibson, 54, is set to do a cameo in The Hangover 2. A source also confirms to PEOPLE the actor will appear in the movie.

The film will feature the same crew from the original smash hit – Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zack Galifianakis and Justin Bartha and, notably, Ken Jeong as the wacky gangster – and will bring the pals to Thailand where the find danger lurking in Bangkok. Mike Tyson's cameo in the first installment tickled audiences and showed a comedic side to the controversial boxer.

NBC gives full-season pickup to 'Event,' 2 others

NBC is giving three freshman series, including "The Event," a full-season pickup.

Besides the much-hyped thriller "The Event," the network gave a vote of confidence Monday to "Law & Order: Los Angeles" and the sitcom "Outsourced."

None of the series has posted stellar ratings in a season in which new shows have struggled to attract viewers.

But NBC noted that "The Event" and the Los Angeles-set "Law & Order" have improved ratings in their time slots, while "Outsourced" is doing well with advertiser-favored young adult viewers. The network finished fourth last season.

NBC's "The Event" airs 9 p.m. EDT Monday, "Law & Order: Los Angeles" is on 10 p.m. EDT Wednesday, and "Outsourced" airs Thursday at 9:30 p.m. EDT.

NBC is owned by General Electric Co.

Lance Armstrong Welcomes Fifth Child

He's created his own cycling team! Lance Armstrong Tweets that he's welcomed his fifth child, a daughter.

"Olivia Marie Armstrong has arrived!" he wrote early Monday morning, keeping mum on the specifics.

"Thanks to you all for the support and well wishes. Momma and Olivia (@Cincoarmstrong!) are doing great. She's a beauty!"

This is the Tour de France champ's second child with Anna Hansen, with whom he also has son Maxwell Edward, 16 months. Additionally, Armstrong is dad to twin daughters Isabelle and Grace, 9 next month, and son Luke, 11, with ex-wife Kristin Armstrong.

Armstrong, 39, announced the pregnancy in April.

Céline Dion Enters Hospital

Céline Dion is preparing for the birth of her twin boys by checking into the hospital on the advice of her physicians, the singer's rep confirms to PEOPLE.

In a statement issued Monday morning, the hospital says, "Ms. Céline Dion has been admitted to St. Mary's Medical Center in West Palm Beach, Florida for observation at the recommendation of her doctors. She has been admitted to prevent the early delivery of her babies, which is the standard of care for any patient with twin pregnancy in this clinical setting."

The statement makes clear this is a preventive measure, "done to ensure the patient can be in close contact with their doctors and clinical resources, leading up to their birth," it says.

Last week, Dion's husband, René Angélil, told PEOPLE that, contrary to reports, his wife had not scheduled a C-section to deliver her twins on Oct. 22 – nor had she made outrageous demands of the hospital.

"There is nothing scheduled," he said. "We do not have a date" for the babies' birth.

Backs Husband's Statement
St. Mary's reiterated Angélil's statement, saying: "Céline and René have placed the health of their babies as their highest priority. Recently, rumors have circulated that Ms. Dion has made certain demands of St. Mary's Medical Center regarding the birth of her children. All of these rumors are false."

The hospital statement continued: "At no time did Ms. Dion or her husband make any special demands or requests of the hospital. She is not scheduled at any predetermined date for her delivery She has not requested or selected any particular staff or accommodations not available to other patients The patient is being treated as any other OB patient who comes to St. Mary’s Medical Center."

The medical facility also noted, "Although the family did not ask us to do so, the hospital has chosen to enhance our security efforts during this time for the convenience and safety of all our patients and their families within this same area of our facility."

In closing, the hospital said, "We look forward to the day of Ms. Dion's delivery of her twins. During this time, we ask the public and the media respect the privacy of all of our patients and their families at our hospital."

Friday, October 15, 2010

MTV Host Critically Injured in Dirt Bike Crash

Pro BMX dirt bike rider TJ Lavin is currently in critical condition at a Las Vegas hospital after attempting a dangerous stunt Thursday evening.

Lavin, an X Games star who hosted MTV's Real World Road Rules Challenge for 10 seasons, was attempting a "nac nac" jump combination and couldn't return his feet to the pedals before landing, ESPN reports.

The 33-year-old was competing in the Dew Tour Championships in Las Vegas, Nev., when the accident happened. He suffered a shattered right wrist and broken ribs and was knocked unconscious, it was reported.

In a statement to PEOPLE, a rep for MTV says, "Our thoughts are with TJ. He is an important part of MTV's extended family and we're all praying for him."

Rapper T.I. headed back to prison for 11 months

A federal judge revoked rapper T.I.'s probation Friday and ordered him back to prison for 11 months, according to a spokesman for the U.S. attorney's office.

The Atlanta native, whose real name is Clifford Harris Jr., was in federal court here following his arrest last month in Los Angeles on suspicion of drug possession. He was on probation after serving 10 months behind bars on federal weapons charges.

During the hearing, T.I. begged U.S. District Judge Charles Pannell Jr. not to send him back to prison, saying he needed to get help for drug addiction. He told the judge he "screwed up" and pleaded for mercy.

"I want drugs out of my life. If I can get the treatment and counseling I need ... I can beat this," T.I. told the judge, according to U.S. attorney spokesman Patrick Crosby. "I need help. For me, my mother, my kids, I need the court to give me mercy."

The Associated Press was relying on information from the spokesman because the judge closed the courtroom after it was filled and several media outlets, including AP, were not allowed in.

The Grammy Award-winning artist walked out of court with family and friends. Crosby said he will be allowed to voluntarily surrender.

As a condition of T.I.'s release earlier this year, he was ordered not to commit another federal, state or local crime while on supervised release, or to illegally possess a controlled substance. He was also told to take at least three drug tests after his release and to participate in a drug and alcohol treatment program.

Before heading to prison, T.I. spent dozens of hours of community service talking with inner-city children and juvenile offenders about the dangers of drugs and guns.

"While he was telling kids to obey the law, he was breaking it," U.S. Attorney Sally Quillian Yates told the judge Friday, according to Crosby. "There has to be a significant consequence for undermining the (plea) agreement."

Yates urged the judge to consider a sentence of two years in prison. She said T.I. submitted diluted urine samples and told his probation officer he had used ecstasy at least three times since leaving prison.

"He was supposed to be living what he was preaching," she said, according to Crosby.

During the hearing, T.I's attorney told the judge that his office had reviewed nearly 250 cases with similar charges and that none of the people were sent back to jail for violating probation, Crosby said.

Singer Alicia Keys gives birth to baby boy

It's a boy Alicia Keys and her husband, music producer/rapper Swizz Beatz (Swiss Beats).

Keys gave birth Thursday night in New York and the couple have named their son Egypt Dean. It's the first child for the superstar singer and the fourth child for Beatz, whose real name is Kaseem (KAH-seem) Dean. The couple was married July 31.

Swizz Beats took time to tweet on Friday: "I'm so thankful for everything I been blessed with in my life wowwwwww!

Singer Mary J. Blige also tweeted her congratulations on the birth.

Neil Patrick Harris Welcomes 'Happy, Healthy' Twins

It's a boy and a girl!

Neil Patrick Harris and partner David Burtka are officially fathers. The actors welcomed twins Gideon Scott and Harper Grace on Oct. 12, the How I Met Your Mother star announced on Twitter Friday.

"All of us are happy, healthy, tired, and a little pukey," he wrote.

Harris, 37, announced that he and Burtka, 35, were becoming parents in August. "We're super excited/nervous/thrilled. Hoping the press can respect our privacy," he wrote on Twitter at the time.

According to reports, the babies were born with the help of a surrogate.

At the Emmy Awards that month, Harris said he was getting excited about his new role – and doing research. "I'm trying to read as much as I can, and prep as much as I can," he said at the time. "But there's only so much you can do because each baby is super individual and totally their own person."

Hilary Duff: We Want Kids – Just Not Yet

Hilary Duff has been married since August – but she has a few things to cross off her list before she considers expanding her family.

Asked if she and husband Mike Comrie are talking about parenthood, Duff said on the Valentine in the Morning radio show Friday, "We're not. We're not thinking about it at all."

But, she added, that doesn't rule out a big brood down the road.


"We're excited to have kids," Duff, 22, said. "But we don't want to do it now. We've been married for six weeks. We haven't sent thank-you notes out yet. Can we get that out of the way before?"

Duff and Canadian hockey player Comrie, 29, exchanged vows in Santa Barbara, Calif., in August.

The singer, who started her career as a child star working with Disney, also spoke about the challenges today's young stars face. "It's hard," Duff said of the entertainment business. "I would never just march up to Miley Cyrus and say, 'I got some stuff to share with you.' I think they're doing a good job."