DreamWorks Animation’s action comedy “Monsters vs. Aliens,” which features creatures from 1950s flicks in a showdown with invading extraterrestrials, launched itself into the No. 1 spot with a $58.2 million debut, according to studio estimates Sunday.
It was the biggest debut so far in 2009, topping the $55.2 million first weekend of “Watchmen” in early March.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
TIM ALLEN
Tim Allen and wife Jane Hajduk added a new addition to their family over the weekend.
The couple welcomed baby Elizabeth, 5-pound, 13-ounces, on Saturday in Los Angeles, the Associated Press reported.
A rep for the actor said the couple is extremely happy with the new baby and both mom and child are healthy.
MADONNA
Madonna has confirmed her attempts to adopt a young Malawian girl and said through a spokeswoman that she is following standard procedures in adopting the child amid criticism by some that she was using her fame to quicken the process.
The 50-year-old pop superstar also confirmed she took her 3-year-old son David, also adopted from Malawi, to visit with his biological father Yohane Banda for the first time since she and David left the country in 2006.
BILLY BUSH
Access Hollywood's Billy Bush is heading to the Miss USA Pageant 2009.
Billy will host the pageant,a joint venture from Donald J. Trump and NBC Universal, from Las Vegas on April 19. He previously hosted Miss Universe and Miss USA in 2003, 2004 and 2005.
Billy’s co-host will be Nadine Velazquez from “My Name Is Earl.”
Billy will host the pageant,a joint venture from Donald J. Trump and NBC Universal, from Las Vegas on April 19. He previously hosted Miss Universe and Miss USA in 2003, 2004 and 2005.
Billy’s co-host will be Nadine Velazquez from “My Name Is Earl.”
NICOLE KIDMAN
Nicole Kidman will star in the new Woody Allen film, Variety reported on Thursday.
Nicole joins the already announced Naomi Watts, Antonio Banderas, Josh Brolin, Anthony Hopkins and “Slumdog Millionaire” star Freida Pinto in the as-of-yet untitled film.
T.I.
A judge sentenced Rapper T.I. to one year and a day behind bars on federal weapons charges last Friday.
The 28-year-old rapper, whose real name is Clifford Harris, entered court smiling as he greeted his lawyers and family members. He wore a dark gray suit and black dress shirt and tie for sentencing.
Harris pleaded guilty last March after he was arrested in 2007, attempting to buy unregistered machine guns and silencers. The arrest on Oct. 13 of that year occurred blocks from where he was to headline the BET Hip-Hop Awards in Atlanta hours later.
He will have between 30 and 60 days to report to prison. Harris already has completed about 1,000 hours of community service and has warned youths about the pitfalls of guns, drugs, violence. He will need to complete 470 additional hours.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
MARG HELGENBERGER
“CSI” star Marg Helgenberger has filed for divorce from her husband, fellow actor and Screen Actors Guild President Alan Rosenberg.
She filed her petition Tuesday in Los Angeles, citing irreconcilable differences.
The couple got married in 1989 and have a son together.
BOB BARKER
Bob Barker returned to “The Price Is Right”, this time he was the showcase.
After nearly two years in retirement, the 85-year-old former game show host was invited to come on down to “The Price Is Right” to promote his upcoming memoir, “Priceless Memories,” due out April 6.
NATASHA RICHARDSON
Natasha Richardson was laid to rest over the weekend, but before her tragic death, the result of a freak ski accident, her family had her organs donated.
According to People, Richardson’s family, which includes grieving husband Liam Neeson, the couple’s two sons, Micheal, 13, and Daniel, 12, mother Vanessa Redgrave and sister Joely Richardson, made the decision to donate her organs.
REDMOND O'NEAL
Redmond O’Neal, the troubled son of actor Ryan O'Neal, pleaded not guilty to felony and misdemeanor drug charges on Wednesday in a Malibu, CA, courthouse.
The charges stem from a September 17 incident, when Redmond, 24, and Ryan, 67, were arrested at the actor’s home in Malibu.
Redmond, whose mother is Farrah Fawcett, entered the plea against one felony count of methamphetamine possession, two misdemeanor counts of possession of drug paraphernalia and one misdemeanor count of illegal possession of pepper spray.
His next court date is scheduled for May 14.
The charges stem from a September 17 incident, when Redmond, 24, and Ryan, 67, were arrested at the actor’s home in Malibu.
Redmond, whose mother is Farrah Fawcett, entered the plea against one felony count of methamphetamine possession, two misdemeanor counts of possession of drug paraphernalia and one misdemeanor count of illegal possession of pepper spray.
His next court date is scheduled for May 14.
VALERIE BERTINELLI
Valerie Bertinelli stripped down to a teeny bikini for the April 6 cover of People magazine, where she revealed she’s lost almost 50 pounds from her 5’4” frame.
In shape at 48, Valerie, belly button ring and all, unleashed to the world what nine months of hard work and losing 49 pounds looks like on the new mag cover.
“On Jenny Craig, she did lose 40 pounds to get down to 132 but for this bikini shoot she went even lower,” Galina explained. “Workout wise, she amped things up.”
Valerie lost an additional nine pounds before the shoot by lowering her 1,700 calorie per day diet to 1,200 calories. She also cut out salt and hit the gym for one hour, four to five times per week. Valerie believes a combination of cardio and strength training minimized her “jiggly bits,” as she called them.
Valerie will reveal her two-piece campaign next Wednesday on Oprah, a move reminiscent of her Jenny Craig counterpart Kirstie Alley.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Celebrity Birthdays & Trivia
March
30 – Norah Jones – 30 – Brooklyn, NY
30 – Celine Dion – 41 – Montreal, Quebec, CANADA
30 – MC Hammer – 47 – Oakland, CA
30 – Eric Clapton – 64 – Surrey, ENGLAND
30 – Warren Beatty – 72 – Richmond, VA
31 – Al Gore – 61 – Washington, DC
31 – Rhea Perlman – 60 – Brooklyn, NY
31 – Gabe Kaplan – 64 – Los Angeles, CA
31 – Shirley Jones – 75 – Charleroi, PA
APRIL
1 – Ali MacGraw – 71 – Pound Ridge, NY
1 – Debbie Reynolds – 77 – El Paso, TX
3 – Eddie Murphy – 48 – Brooklyn, NY
3 – Alec Baldwin – 51 – Massapequa, NY
3 – Tony Orlando – 65 – Manhattan, NY
3 – Wayne Newton – 67 – Norfolk, VA
4 – David Blaine – 36 – Brooklyn, NY
4 – Robert Downey, Jr. – 44 – New York City, NY
Trivia
RHEA PERLMAN
Rhea Perlman was born in Brooklyn, New York, the daughter of Adele and Philip Perlman, who was an actor as well as doll and toy part salesman.
She is the sister of Heide Perlman, who worked as a writer, story editor and producer on the television show Cheers. Her father, Philip Perlman was in the TV show Cheers as Phil, a bar patron. Along with Ted Danson and George Wendt, she is one of only three actors to appear in all 273 episodes of Cheers.
She married the actor Danny DeVito on January 28, 1982, who played her husband in the film Matilda. They have three children: Lucy Chet DeVito (born March 1983), Grace Fan DeVito (born March 1985) and Jacob Daniel DeVito (born October 1987).
Perlman is the author of the successful illustrated children's book series Otto Undercover, with six books which are Born to Drive, Canyon Catastrophe, Water Balloon Doom, Toxic Taffy Takeover, Brink of the Ex-stink-tion, and Brain Freeze.
March
30 – Norah Jones – 30 – Brooklyn, NY
30 – Celine Dion – 41 – Montreal, Quebec, CANADA
30 – MC Hammer – 47 – Oakland, CA
30 – Eric Clapton – 64 – Surrey, ENGLAND
30 – Warren Beatty – 72 – Richmond, VA
31 – Al Gore – 61 – Washington, DC
31 – Rhea Perlman – 60 – Brooklyn, NY
31 – Gabe Kaplan – 64 – Los Angeles, CA
31 – Shirley Jones – 75 – Charleroi, PA
APRIL
1 – Ali MacGraw – 71 – Pound Ridge, NY
1 – Debbie Reynolds – 77 – El Paso, TX
3 – Eddie Murphy – 48 – Brooklyn, NY
3 – Alec Baldwin – 51 – Massapequa, NY
3 – Tony Orlando – 65 – Manhattan, NY
3 – Wayne Newton – 67 – Norfolk, VA
4 – David Blaine – 36 – Brooklyn, NY
4 – Robert Downey, Jr. – 44 – New York City, NY
Trivia
RHEA PERLMAN
Rhea Perlman was born in Brooklyn, New York, the daughter of Adele and Philip Perlman, who was an actor as well as doll and toy part salesman.
She is the sister of Heide Perlman, who worked as a writer, story editor and producer on the television show Cheers. Her father, Philip Perlman was in the TV show Cheers as Phil, a bar patron. Along with Ted Danson and George Wendt, she is one of only three actors to appear in all 273 episodes of Cheers.
She married the actor Danny DeVito on January 28, 1982, who played her husband in the film Matilda. They have three children: Lucy Chet DeVito (born March 1983), Grace Fan DeVito (born March 1985) and Jacob Daniel DeVito (born October 1987).
Perlman is the author of the successful illustrated children's book series Otto Undercover, with six books which are Born to Drive, Canyon Catastrophe, Water Balloon Doom, Toxic Taffy Takeover, Brink of the Ex-stink-tion, and Brain Freeze.
PRINCE
Prince fans will find a nice bang for your buck in his “Purple Majesty’s” latest musical offering. It’s a three disc set including two of Prince’s latest discs, “LOtUSFLOW3R” [Lotus flower], “MPLSoUND” [Minneapolis Sound], and a disc titled “Elixer,” the debut album from Prince’s protégé, Bria Valente. The discs won’t hit Target stores exclusively until March 29, but you will be able to get digital downloads from LOTUSFLOW3R.COM, Prince’s Web site.
MATT LAUER
Matt Lauer is recovering from surgery to repair the shoulder he separated when he fell off his bike while avoiding a deer that jumped in his path.
“Today” show news anchor Ann Curry says the operation went “very well,” but Lauer is probably in “a lot of pain.”
Lauer was riding his bike on Long Island last weekend when a deer jumped in his path. The 51-year-old “Today” show host flew over the handlebars. NBC says Lauer was wearing a helmet.
“Today” show news anchor Ann Curry says the operation went “very well,” but Lauer is probably in “a lot of pain.”
Lauer was riding his bike on Long Island last weekend when a deer jumped in his path. The 51-year-old “Today” show host flew over the handlebars. NBC says Lauer was wearing a helmet.
DAVID LETTERMAN
Letterman and longtime girlfriend Regina Lasko tied the knot last week in Montana, the “Late Show” host announced during the taping of Monday’s show.
“On Thursday, at 3 PM, March 19, 2009, at the Teton County Courthouse in Choteau, Montana, I was married to Regina Lasko,” he told the audience.
The couple began dating in 1986 and, as Letterman explained, he clearly wasn’t in a rush to the altar.
Letterman, 61, and Lasko, 48, have a son, Harry, who was born in November 2003.
ANNE HATHAWAY
The Oscar-nominated actress, Anne Hathaway, is set to play Judy Garland in both film and stage adaptations of Gerald Clarke’s 2000 biography. It’s titled “Get Happy: The Life of Judy Garland.”
The announcement was made Monday by Weinstein Co. boss Harvey Weinstein.
Garland is perhaps best known for starring in 1939’s “The Wizard of Oz” and singing its Oscar-winning ballad “Over the Rainbow.” She died in 1969 at age 47.
GEORGE LOPEZ
Comic George Lopez is getting into the late-night talk show game.
TBS says Lopez will start a new talk show in November. It will air Monday through Thursday at 11 p.m., and Lopez promises an outdoor street-party atmosphere.
Lopez’s show, which will be based in Los Angeles, will feature celebrity guests, comedy and music.
ROBIN WILLIAMS
Robin Williams was recovering at the Cleveland Clinic after heart surgery that his doctors deemed successful, his publicists said Monday.
The 57-year-old actor had an operation to replace an aortic valve on March 13, publicists Mara Buxbaum and Chris Kanarick said. He was expected to make a complete recovery in the next eight weeks.
Williams was initially treated at the University of Miami Hospital before being transferred to Cleveland. He had been in Florida earlier this month when he was forced to cancel the remainder of his one-man comedy show, “Weapons of Self-Destruction,” after experiencing shortness of breath.
DANICA MCKELLAR
Danica McKellar, who played Winnie Cooper on the hit TV series “The Wonder Years,” walked down the aisle on Sunday with composer Mike Verta.
The bride and groom exchanged vows in front of 150 people at an ocean-side church at sunset in La Jolla, Calif., in what the bride called an intimate ceremony.
McKellar, 34, and Verta, 36, began dating in 2001 and got engaged last August in Chicago.
In addition to playing Winnie Cooper, McKellar is also a mathematician — she graduated summa cum laude from UCLA in 1998 with a BS in mathematics and is the author of two best-selling books: “Math Doesn’t Suck” and “Kiss My Math.”
The bride and groom exchanged vows in front of 150 people at an ocean-side church at sunset in La Jolla, Calif., in what the bride called an intimate ceremony.
McKellar, 34, and Verta, 36, began dating in 2001 and got engaged last August in Chicago.
In addition to playing Winnie Cooper, McKellar is also a mathematician — she graduated summa cum laude from UCLA in 1998 with a BS in mathematics and is the author of two best-selling books: “Math Doesn’t Suck” and “Kiss My Math.”
LANCE ARMSTRONG
Lance Armstrong was taken to the hospital Monday with a possible broken collarbone after falling during a pileup in the first stage of a race.
Organizers of the five-day Vuelta of Castilla and Leon race said Armstrong has a “suspected bone fracture” after his tumble 12.5 miles from the finish.
The 37-year-old Texan is making a comeback to cycling and is riding with the Astana team as he prepares for another possible shot at a Tour de France title. He had not raced in Spain for five years.
HARRISON FORD
Longtime couple Harrison Ford & Calista Flockhart are engaged!
The “Indiana Jones” and “Brothers & Sisters” stars have dated since 2002. Harrison surprised Calista on a Valentine’s Day vacation with a ring.
NATASHA BEDINGFIELD
British singer Natasha Bedingfield has gotten married in Malibu.Natasha wed California businessman Matthew Robinson in a 30-minute outdoor ceremony overlooking the Pacific Ocean on Saturday.
About 150 guests watched Bedingfield walk down the aisle in a Vera Wang dress beside the chateau at the Church Estates Vineyards.
BRUCE WILLIS
Bruce Willis, 54, and model/actress Emma Heming, 30, wed in a small, private ceremony on Saturday.
The wedding was held at Bruce’s Parrot Cay home on the Caribbean islands of Turks & Caicos.
His ex-wife, Demi Moore, attended with husband Ashton Kutcher and the former couple’s children, daughters Rumer, Scout and Tullalah.
Bruce and Emma, who met through mutual friends, had dated for over a year.
"KNOWING"
Summit Entertainment’s supernatural thriller “Knowing,” which stars Nicholas Cage as an astrophysics professor who figures out how to predict monumental catastrophes, debuted as the No. 1 movie at the weekend box office with $24.8 million in ticket sales, according to studio estimates Sunday.
“Knowing” easily foiled “I Love You, Man” and “Duplicity,” the other films opening in wide release. “I Love You, Man” was second with $18 million and “Duplicity” was third at $14.4 million.
JADE GOODY
Jade Goody’s family asks for “privacy at last” after the death at 27 of the brash former dental assistant who turned her tumultuous life and struggle with cervical cancer into a one-woman reality show.
Goody gained fame in 2002 at age 21 when she joined the British version of the reality television show “Big Brother,” in which contestants live together for weeks and are constantly filmed. She became a highly divisive star and something of a national touchstone who sparked debate about race, class and celebrity.
During filming of an Indian version of “Celebrity Big Brother” in the summer of 2008, Goody received a diagnosis of cervical cancer by telephone from a doctor in Britain. The camera captured the deeply personal moment, which was shown repeatedly on TV.
ELLEN DEGENERES
Oprah Winfrey offered to share the cover of O magazine with Ellen DeGeneres, and DeGeneres,who’s been campaigning for the spot, has accepted.
Winfrey surprised DeGeneres with a video telephone call on Friday’s episode of “The Oprah Winfrey Show.” She told a shocked DeGeneres that she was “calling to officially invite you on the cover of O.”
Winfrey had gone solo on the cover of O magazine for nine years before sharing the spot with first lady Michelle Obama.
RUN DMC
Rapper Eminem, guitar legend Jimmy Page and Ron Wood of the Rolling Stones are among the presenters for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
Run-DMC will be inducted by Eminem, Jeff Beck will be inducted by Page, and Wood will induct Bobby Womack.
The ceremony will be held April 4 at Public Auditorium in Cleveland.
Run-DMC will be inducted by Eminem, Jeff Beck will be inducted by Page, and Wood will induct Bobby Womack.
The ceremony will be held April 4 at Public Auditorium in Cleveland.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
NATASHA RICHARDSON
Natasha Richardson died Wednesday following a serious head injury on a Canadian ski slope on Monday. She was 45.
Richardson was the elder daughter of Oscar-winning Redgrave and the late director Tony Richardson. Her sister, Joely, is also an actress, best known for starring in the TV series “Nip/Tuck.”
Richardson and Neeson wed in 1994. Their first son, Micheal Richard Antonio, was born in 1995, and their second, Daniel Jack, the following year.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS & TRIVIA
Celebrity Birthdays & Trivia
March
22 – Reese Witherspoon – 33 – New Orleans, LA
22 – William Shatner – 78 – Montreal, Quebec
25 – Sarah Jessica Parker – 44 – Nelsonville, OH
25 – Elton John – 62 – London, England
25 – Aretha Franklin – 66 – Memphis, TN
26 – Keira Knightley – 24 – London, England
26 – Kenney Chesney – 41 – Knoxville, TN
26 – Vicki Lawrence – 60 – Inglewood, CA
26 – Diana Ross – 65 – Detroit, MI
26 – Leonard Nimoy – 78 – Boston, MA
27 – “Fergie” Ferguson – 34 – Hacienda Heights, CA
27 – Marie Carey – 39 – Long Island, NY
28 – Julia Stiles – 28 – New York City, NY
28 – Vince Vaughn – 39 – Minneapolis, MN
28 – Reba McEntire – 54 – McAlester, OK
Trivia
REESE WITHERSPOON
Reese Witherspoon was selected as a model for a florist's television advertisements at age seven, which motivated her to take acting lessons. At age eleven she took first place in the Ten-State Talent Fair. Witherspoon received good grades in school; she loved reading and considered herself "a big dork who read loads of books."
Witherspoon owns a production company called Type A Films. She is a long-time supporter of Save the Children, an organization that helps children around the world through education, health care, and emergency aid. She also serves on the board of the Children’s Defense Fund, a child advocacy and research group. In 2006, Witherspoon was among a group of actresses who went to New Orleans, Louisiana in a CDF project to bring to light the needs of Hurricane Katrina victims. In this trip, she helped open the city's first Freedom School, as she met and talked with the children. Witherspoon later called this an experience that she would never forget.
In 2007, Witherspoon made her first move into the world of endorsements, as she signed a multi-year agreement to serve as the first Global Ambassador of cosmetic company Avon Products.
March
22 – Reese Witherspoon – 33 – New Orleans, LA
22 – William Shatner – 78 – Montreal, Quebec
25 – Sarah Jessica Parker – 44 – Nelsonville, OH
25 – Elton John – 62 – London, England
25 – Aretha Franklin – 66 – Memphis, TN
26 – Keira Knightley – 24 – London, England
26 – Kenney Chesney – 41 – Knoxville, TN
26 – Vicki Lawrence – 60 – Inglewood, CA
26 – Diana Ross – 65 – Detroit, MI
26 – Leonard Nimoy – 78 – Boston, MA
27 – “Fergie” Ferguson – 34 – Hacienda Heights, CA
27 – Marie Carey – 39 – Long Island, NY
28 – Julia Stiles – 28 – New York City, NY
28 – Vince Vaughn – 39 – Minneapolis, MN
28 – Reba McEntire – 54 – McAlester, OK
Trivia
REESE WITHERSPOON
Reese Witherspoon was selected as a model for a florist's television advertisements at age seven, which motivated her to take acting lessons. At age eleven she took first place in the Ten-State Talent Fair. Witherspoon received good grades in school; she loved reading and considered herself "a big dork who read loads of books."
Witherspoon owns a production company called Type A Films. She is a long-time supporter of Save the Children, an organization that helps children around the world through education, health care, and emergency aid. She also serves on the board of the Children’s Defense Fund, a child advocacy and research group. In 2006, Witherspoon was among a group of actresses who went to New Orleans, Louisiana in a CDF project to bring to light the needs of Hurricane Katrina victims. In this trip, she helped open the city's first Freedom School, as she met and talked with the children. Witherspoon later called this an experience that she would never forget.
In 2007, Witherspoon made her first move into the world of endorsements, as she signed a multi-year agreement to serve as the first Global Ambassador of cosmetic company Avon Products.
STACEY KEACH
Stacy Keach has been hospitalized and was replaced by his understudy in a Los Angeles stage production of “Frost/Nixon.”
Dick Guttman, a spokesman for the 67-year-old actor, says Keach was in stable condition. He didn’t say why Keach was hospitalized or provide further details.
Dick Guttman, a spokesman for the 67-year-old actor, says Keach was in stable condition. He didn’t say why Keach was hospitalized or provide further details.
NATASHA RICHARDSON
Natasha Richardson has been flown to New York following her skiing accident in Montreal, Canada, the NY Daily News reported. Members of Natasha Richardson’s family gathered at a New York hospital where the Tony-winning actress was reportedly taken with a serious head injury.
Richardson, the wife of “Taken” star Liam Neeson and daughter of Vanessa Redgrave, was reportedly flown home earlier Tuesday, March 17th. The couple have an apartment in NYC. She reportedly left the Sacre-Coeur Hospital in Montreal on Tuesday and left the country at 12:30 PM local time, Josee-Michelle Simard, a hospital spokesperson, told the paper.
Richardson’s skiing accident occurred on Monday at Station Mont Tremblant near Montreal while the 45-year-old Tony-winning star was taking a lesson. Liam Neeson rushed to the side of his wife, Natasha Richardson, after the actress was involved in an accident, according to Canadian Television.
DON IMUS
Don Imus said he has prostate cancer, but the radio personality expressed confidence in a full recovery.
Imus, 68, made the announcement Monday on his morning show from New York, which airs on ABC Radio Networks and cable’s RFD-TV. He said he wrestled with the idea of making it public, but figured he should because he might have to miss some work due to treatment.
Imus, 68, made the announcement Monday on his morning show from New York, which airs on ABC Radio Networks and cable’s RFD-TV. He said he wrestled with the idea of making it public, but figured he should because he might have to miss some work due to treatment.
ANDY SAMBERG
“Saturday Night Live” star Andy Samberg will host the 2009 MTV Movie Awards.
It will be Samberg’s first time as host of the event, to air live from the Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City, Calif., on May 31.
The MTV Movie Awards are presented in unconventional categories including “best villain” and “best kiss.”
ANNA NICOLE SMITH
Los Angeles police say psychiatrist Khristine Eroshevich has surrendered to face charges of excessively prescribing drugs to Anna Nicole Smith before the former model’s overdose death in 2007.
Police spokeswoman Rosario Herrera says Eroshevich turned herself in around 11 a.m. Monday at the Van Nuys station.
Eroshevich is charged with conspiring with another doctor and Smith’s lawyer-turned-boyfriend Howard K. Stern.
CHARLIE SHEEN
Charlie Sheen and his wife, real estate investor Brooke Mueller, welcomed twin boys -- Bob and Max -- Saturday in Los Angeles.
The new arrivals are the couple's first children together.
RON SILVER
Actor Ron Silver, who won a Tony Award as a take-no-prisoners Hollywood producer in David Mamet’s “Speed-the-Plow” and did a political about-face from loyal Democrat to Republican activist after the Sept. 11 attacks, died Sunday at the age of 62.
“Ron Silver died peacefully in his sleep with his family around him early Sunday morning” in New York City, said Robin Bronk, executive director of the Creative Coalition, which Silver helped found. “He had been fighting esophageal cancer for two years.”
“Ron Silver died peacefully in his sleep with his family around him early Sunday morning” in New York City, said Robin Bronk, executive director of the Creative Coalition, which Silver helped found. “He had been fighting esophageal cancer for two years.”
ANDREW MARTIN
Authorities say former professional wrestler Andrew Martin, who was known as “Test” and “The Punisher” to fans, has died at his Tampa home. He was 33.
The former World Wrestling Entertainment champion was found dead at his apartment Friday night. Police say a neighbor reported that she could see into his apartment window and that Martin appeared motionless for several hours.
Police say there was no indication of foul play. A cause of death will be determined after an autopsy.
The former World Wrestling Entertainment champion was found dead at his apartment Friday night. Police say a neighbor reported that she could see into his apartment window and that Martin appeared motionless for several hours.
Police say there was no indication of foul play. A cause of death will be determined after an autopsy.
"RACE TO WITCH MOUNTAIN"
Disney’s “Race to Witch Mountain” raced to No. 1 at the weekend box office, bypassing expectations with $25 million in ticket sales.
The PG-rated sci-fi flick starring Dwayne Johnson as a cab driver with a pair of alien teenagers along for the ride topped the R-rated superhero epic “Watchmen,” which earned $18.1 million in its second week.
The PG-rated sci-fi flick starring Dwayne Johnson as a cab driver with a pair of alien teenagers along for the ride topped the R-rated superhero epic “Watchmen,” which earned $18.1 million in its second week.
RIHANNA
Despite a report that Rihanna was in New York City over the weekend taking meetings for various movie projects, reps for the pop star denied she was in town looking to land a movie role.
According to The New York Daily News' Gatecrasher, Rihanna had multiple meetings for potential features while in New York, one of which is a remake of 1992’s “Bodyguard,” which starred Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner.
LINDSAY LOHAN
Lindsay Lohan is wanted by the Beverly Hills Police Department in connection with a 2007 DUI.
According to the Associated Press, a warrant was issued for the star’s arrest on Friday. Police Sargeant Mike Foxen told the AP on Saturday that the police had not yet been in touch with Lindsay. Linsay's weekend legal woes came to an end Monday morning at the Beverly Hills courthouse, when the actress resolved the warrant for her arrest issued on Friday.
Lohan’s attorney, Shawn Chapman Holly, said the actress switched her alcohol program but did not notify the court of the change. Judge Marsha N. Revel, who presided over the hearing, said it was the actress’ responsibility to inform the court of any changes related to her three years probation sentence.
HULK HOGAN
An attorney for Hulk Hogran's wife got into a verbal sparring match with the former professional wrestler outside a courtroom and asked if Hogan was going to wrestle him.
The spat started when lawyer Ray Rafool was answering questions about the divorce case for television cameras. He spoke after a hearing Thursday in which a judge granted the release of $225,000 in frozen assets for Hogan, whose real name is Terry Bollea.
GEORGE CLOONEY
George Clooney led a parade of old favorites back to “ER” as the medical drama nears the end of its 15-year run.
Clooney, who left the show in 1999 to pursue movie stardom, reprised his character Dr. Doug Ross. Now in Seattle, Ross works with wife Carol Hathaway (Julianna Margulies) to persuade a grandmother played by Susan Sarandon to donate the organs of her grandson. One of those organs, the kidney, went to “some doctor in Chicago,” Hathaway said. Neither she nor Ross knew the transplant patient was their old colleague John Carter, played by fellow “ER” original Noah Wyle.
The finale of the NBC drama is scheduled for April 2.
Once televison's most popular show, “ER” anchors a diminished NBC lineup with about one-quarter the audience it had during its peak.
MICHAEL JACKSON
Tickets for Michael Jackson's 50 London concerts sold out within hours of becoming available, organizers said Friday.
The shows are scheduled to kick off in July and stretch into February. The pop singer has said the series, entitled “This is It,” will be his last in the British capital.
After 360,000 advance tickets sold out earlier this week, roughly 500,000 tickets were made available Friday, organizers said. Hundreds of people waited outside the arena for the chance to buy them.
CHANDRA WILSON
Three-time Emmy nominee Chandra Wilson is returning to Broadway this summer. She’ll spend her four week hiatus from the hit ABC TV show, "Grey's Anatomy", on the Great White Way, slipping into the role of Matron “Mama” Morton in the long-running hit “Chicago.”
It’s the same role, which Queen Latifah played in the 2002 Oscar-winning film.
This will be Wilson’s first time on Broadway since “Grey’s” got its start in 2005. Last time she appeared on stage was in the Tony Kushner musical “Caroline, Or Change,” back in 2004.
SHANNEN DOHERTY
Shannen Doherty is reprising her role as Brenda Walsh on “90210.” Reps for the star and The CW network, which airs the show, have confirmed Shannen will return to the series.
Shannen will appear in the season finale of the show, which stars Ryan Eggold, Shenae Grimes and Shannen’s fellow original “90210” alum Jennie Garth.
Shannen appeared in several episodes of the new “90210” last fall.
ANNE HECHE
Anne Heche and boyfriend James Tupper have welcomed a baby boy. Atlas Heche Tupper was born weighing 6 lbs., 12 oz.
Atlas is the second child for Anne Heche. She also has a 7-year-old son, Homer, from her marriage to Coley Laffoon.
Anne and James met on the set of ABC’s “Men In Trees” in 2007.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS & TRIVIA
Celebrity Birthdays
March
16 – Jerry Lewis – 83 – Newark, NJ
17 – Bob Lowe – 45 – Charlottesville, VA
17 – Kurt Russell – 58 – Springfield, MA
17 – Patrick Duffy – 60 – Townsend, MT
18 – Queen Latifah – 39 – Newark, NJ
18 – Vanessa Williams – 46 – Tarrytown, NY
19 – Bruce Willis – 54 – Idar-Oberstein, West Germany
19 – Glenn Close – 62 – Greenwich, CT
20 – Holly Hunter – 51 – Conyers, GA
20 – Hal Linden – 78 – New York City, NY
21 – Rosie O’Donnell – 47 – Queens, NY
Trivia
After being discharged from the military in 1957, Bruce Willis' father took his family back to Penns Grove, New Jersey where he worked as a welder and factory worker. His parents separated in 1972 while Willis was in his teens. He was always an outgoing youngster, although he grew up with a stutter. Willis attended Penns Grove High School in his hometown. Finding it easy to express himself on stage and losing his stutter in the process. Willis began performing on stage and his high school activities were marked by such things as the drama club and school council president.
Willis learned to play the harmonica and joined an R&B band called Loose Goose. After a stint as a private investigator (a role he would play in the television series Moonlighting as well as in the 1991 film, The Last Boy Scout), Willis returned to acting. He enrolled in the drama program at Montclair State University, where he was cast in the class production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Willis left school in his junior year and moved to New York City.
Willis owns his own motion picture production company called Cheyenne Enterprises which he started with his business partner Arnold Rifkin in 2000. He also owns several small businesses in Hailey, Idaho including The Mint Bar and The Liberty Theater and is a co-founder of Planet Hollywood along with actors Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone.
Growing up in a military family, Willis has been publicly supportive of the United States armed forces. In 2002, Willis' youngest daughter, Tallulah, suggested that he purchase Girl Scout cookies to send to troops. Willis purchased 12,000 boxes of cookies, and they were distributed to sailors aboard USS John F. Kennedy and other troops stationed throughout the Middle East at the time.
March
16 – Jerry Lewis – 83 – Newark, NJ
17 – Bob Lowe – 45 – Charlottesville, VA
17 – Kurt Russell – 58 – Springfield, MA
17 – Patrick Duffy – 60 – Townsend, MT
18 – Queen Latifah – 39 – Newark, NJ
18 – Vanessa Williams – 46 – Tarrytown, NY
19 – Bruce Willis – 54 – Idar-Oberstein, West Germany
19 – Glenn Close – 62 – Greenwich, CT
20 – Holly Hunter – 51 – Conyers, GA
20 – Hal Linden – 78 – New York City, NY
21 – Rosie O’Donnell – 47 – Queens, NY
Trivia
After being discharged from the military in 1957, Bruce Willis' father took his family back to Penns Grove, New Jersey where he worked as a welder and factory worker. His parents separated in 1972 while Willis was in his teens. He was always an outgoing youngster, although he grew up with a stutter. Willis attended Penns Grove High School in his hometown. Finding it easy to express himself on stage and losing his stutter in the process. Willis began performing on stage and his high school activities were marked by such things as the drama club and school council president.
Willis learned to play the harmonica and joined an R&B band called Loose Goose. After a stint as a private investigator (a role he would play in the television series Moonlighting as well as in the 1991 film, The Last Boy Scout), Willis returned to acting. He enrolled in the drama program at Montclair State University, where he was cast in the class production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Willis left school in his junior year and moved to New York City.
Willis owns his own motion picture production company called Cheyenne Enterprises which he started with his business partner Arnold Rifkin in 2000. He also owns several small businesses in Hailey, Idaho including The Mint Bar and The Liberty Theater and is a co-founder of Planet Hollywood along with actors Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone.
Growing up in a military family, Willis has been publicly supportive of the United States armed forces. In 2002, Willis' youngest daughter, Tallulah, suggested that he purchase Girl Scout cookies to send to troops. Willis purchased 12,000 boxes of cookies, and they were distributed to sailors aboard USS John F. Kennedy and other troops stationed throughout the Middle East at the time.
CHRIS BROWN & RIHANNA
With Chris Brown's arraignment on charges of assault and criminal threats delayed until April 6, the singer is reportedly back at work in the studio, with Rihanna.
According to E! Online, Brown and Rihanna are working on a duet for the “Kiss Kiss” singer’s next album, which is slated to drop later this year.
JONAS BROTHERS
The Jonas Brothers announced the dates and cities for “The Jonas Brothers World Tour 2009,” on Wednesday.
The tour, which will take the band to three continents, will feature new music taken from the June 15 worldwide release of their upcoming as-yet untitled Hollywood Records album. “The Jonas Brothers World Tour 2009,” kicks off in Dallas at New Cowboys Stadium on June 20 and will take the band throughout the United States and Canada.
In addition to their 44-city North American trek, Jonas Brothers will also play three European dates including recently sold-out shows at Paris’ Zenith Arena and London’s Wembley Arena plus a just-added date at Madrid’s Palacio De Deportes.
JAY LENO
Michigan’s high unemployment is no laughing matter, but Jay Leno will offer a little comic relief with a free show next month at The Palace of Auburn Hills.
The NBC “Tonight Show” host, said on Monday’s show the April 7 performance will be for “anybody out of work in Detroit.”
FERGIE
Fergie, the Pussycat Dolls and Staind are among the musical acts scheduled to perform during three days of free music concerts tied to the Final Four in Detroit.
The NCAA and the local organizing committee on Monday announced the first part of the musical lineup for the event, which will take place Friday-Sunday, April 3-5, on the city’s riverfront.
The NCAA and the local organizing committee on Monday announced the first part of the musical lineup for the event, which will take place Friday-Sunday, April 3-5, on the city’s riverfront.
MELISSA RYCROFT
“The Bachelor" star Melissa Rycroft will join “Dancing With the Stars" for the ABC show’s Monday premiere.
The former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader, who was dumped on the “After the Final Rose” special by Jason Mesnick after he proposed to her in the “Bachelor” season finale, will replace Access’sNancy O'Dell, who had to leave the competition due to a torn meniscus in her knee. She’ll be dancing with pro Tony Dovolani.
In addition to her cheerleading skills, Melissa has a background in ballet, which could help the late addition make up for lost rehearsal time.
The former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader, who was dumped on the “After the Final Rose” special by Jason Mesnick after he proposed to her in the “Bachelor” season finale, will replace Access’sNancy O'Dell, who had to leave the competition due to a torn meniscus in her knee. She’ll be dancing with pro Tony Dovolani.
In addition to her cheerleading skills, Melissa has a background in ballet, which could help the late addition make up for lost rehearsal time.
U2
Irish rockband U2 has announced concert dates for a European tour.
The first stop will be Barcelona, Spain, on June 30. It’s the band’s first stadium concert since 2006 and follows the release last month of the group’s 12th studio album, “No Line on the Horizon.”
The band says it will head to North America after the European performances. The first stop on that leg of the tour is scheduled for Sept. 12 in Chicago.
COOLIO
Authorities say they have arrested, rapper, Coolio on suspicion of drug possession.
Coolio was arrested and booked after being stopped at Los Angeles International Airport on Friday morning. Jail records indicate the 45-year-old rapper was being held on felony narcotics possession. Coolio, whose real name is Artis Leon Ivey Jr., was being held on $10,000 bail.
"WATCHMEN"
The movie "Wathmen" earns 25.1 million on opening day at the box office for the highly anticipated superhero film.
Its grosses included $4.6 million from midnight previews. The two hour, 41 minute film opened on 3,611 screens, the most ever for an R-rated movie.
Based on Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ classic graphic novel, the journey of “Watchmen” to the big screen has been closely followed by fans.
Its grosses included $4.6 million from midnight previews. The two hour, 41 minute film opened on 3,611 screens, the most ever for an R-rated movie.
Based on Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ classic graphic novel, the journey of “Watchmen” to the big screen has been closely followed by fans.
MATTHEW SETTLE
Matthew Settle and his wife, actress Naama Nativ, welcomed the birth of their daughter, Aven Angelica Settle, on Thursday.
This was the first child for borth. Matthew is 39 and Nativ is 25. They were married in July of 2006.
ROBIN WILLIAMS
Robin Williams needs heart surgery and must cancel the remainder of his one-man comedy show, “Weapons of Self-Destruction,” his publicist said Thursday.
The 57-year-old actor needs an aortic valve replacement, Diane Rosen said in a news release. Williams’ representatives would not say when the comedian was admitted to the hospital or where he was.
Williams was already in Florida when he canceled four shows in the state earlier this week after experiencing shortness of breath.
VINCE VAUGHN
According to the newspaper, Vince, 38, recently made a romantic proposal to Calgary realtor Kayla Weber, her father confirmed.
Vince has kept his time with Kayla under the radar, following the spotlight on his previous, high-profile relationship with “The Break-Up” co-star Jennifer Ansiton. The former couple split at the end of 2006.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS & TRIVIA
Celebrity Birthdays & Trivia
March
9 – Juliette Binoche – 45 – Paris, France
9 – Mickey Gilley – 73 – Natchez, MI
10 – Carrie Underwood – 26 – Muskogee, OK
10 – Prince Edward – 45 – London, England
10 – Sharon Stone – 51 – Meadville, PA
10 – Chuck Norris – 69 – Ryan, OK
11 – Sam Donaldson – 75 – El Paso, TX
12 – Liza Minnelli – 63 – Hollywood, CA
13 – Rachael Bella – 25 – Vermillion, SD
13 – Adam Clayton – 49 – Chinnor, England
13 – William Macy – 59 – Miami, FL
13 – Neil Sedaka – 70 – Brooklyn, NY
14 – Billy Crystal – 62 – New York City, NY
14 – Michael Caine – 76 – London, England
14 – Quincy Jones – 76 – Seattle, WA
15 – Eva Longoria – 34 – Corpus Christi, TX
15 – Fabio – 48 – Milan, Italy
Trivia
SHARON STONE
Sharon Stone won the title of Miss Crawford County in Meadville, PA. One of the pageant judges said she should quit school and move to New York to become a fashion model. When her mother heard this, she agreed, and, in 1977 Stone left Meadville, moving in with an aunt in New Jersey. Within four days of her arrival in New Jersey, she was signed by Ford Modeling Agency in New York. After signing with Ford, Stone spent a few years modeling and appeared in TV commercials for Burger King, Clairol and Maybelline. While living in Europe, she decided to quit modeling and become an actress. "So I packed my bags, moved back to New York, and stood in line to be an extra in a Woody Allen movie," she later recalled. While auditioning, she met Michelle Pfeiffer, who recognized her from the pageant she competed in, and the two became friends.
Stone lives in Beverly Hills, California, and owns a ranch in New Zealand. In March 2006, Stone traveled to Israel to promote peace in th e Middle East through a press conference with Nobel Peace Prize winner Shimon Peres.
March
9 – Juliette Binoche – 45 – Paris, France
9 – Mickey Gilley – 73 – Natchez, MI
10 – Carrie Underwood – 26 – Muskogee, OK
10 – Prince Edward – 45 – London, England
10 – Sharon Stone – 51 – Meadville, PA
10 – Chuck Norris – 69 – Ryan, OK
11 – Sam Donaldson – 75 – El Paso, TX
12 – Liza Minnelli – 63 – Hollywood, CA
13 – Rachael Bella – 25 – Vermillion, SD
13 – Adam Clayton – 49 – Chinnor, England
13 – William Macy – 59 – Miami, FL
13 – Neil Sedaka – 70 – Brooklyn, NY
14 – Billy Crystal – 62 – New York City, NY
14 – Michael Caine – 76 – London, England
14 – Quincy Jones – 76 – Seattle, WA
15 – Eva Longoria – 34 – Corpus Christi, TX
15 – Fabio – 48 – Milan, Italy
Trivia
SHARON STONE
Sharon Stone won the title of Miss Crawford County in Meadville, PA. One of the pageant judges said she should quit school and move to New York to become a fashion model. When her mother heard this, she agreed, and, in 1977 Stone left Meadville, moving in with an aunt in New Jersey. Within four days of her arrival in New Jersey, she was signed by Ford Modeling Agency in New York. After signing with Ford, Stone spent a few years modeling and appeared in TV commercials for Burger King, Clairol and Maybelline. While living in Europe, she decided to quit modeling and become an actress. "So I packed my bags, moved back to New York, and stood in line to be an extra in a Woody Allen movie," she later recalled. While auditioning, she met Michelle Pfeiffer, who recognized her from the pageant she competed in, and the two became friends.
Stone lives in Beverly Hills, California, and owns a ranch in New Zealand. In March 2006, Stone traveled to Israel to promote peace in th e Middle East through a press conference with Nobel Peace Prize winner Shimon Peres.
SENATOR EDWARD KENNEDY
Sen. Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts is to be given an honorary knighthood by Britain's Queen Elizabeth, Prime Minister Gordon Brown's office has confirmed.
Kennedy, 77, is being recognized for services to U.S.-U.K. relations and to Northern Ireland, the Associated Press reports.
Kennedy, 77, is being recognized for services to U.S.-U.K. relations and to Northern Ireland, the Associated Press reports.
"HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL"
Disney’s “High School Musical" franchise will continue with a fourth installment due out in 2010.
“The ‘High School Musical’ trilogy introduced a new generation to the celebrated genre of movie musicals. In crafting this next iteration, we’ve challenged the entire creative team to raise the bar again — and create something truly worthy of this extraordinary global phenomenon,” Gary Marsh, president, Entertainment, Disney Channels Worldwide said in a statement released on Tuesday.
“The ‘High School Musical’ trilogy introduced a new generation to the celebrated genre of movie musicals. In crafting this next iteration, we’ve challenged the entire creative team to raise the bar again — and create something truly worthy of this extraordinary global phenomenon,” Gary Marsh, president, Entertainment, Disney Channels Worldwide said in a statement released on Tuesday.
BRITNEY SPEARS
Britney Spears delivered a tightly choreograph performance Tuesday night as she kicked off her first concert tour in five years.
The 27-year-old pop superstar’s “Circus” tour kicked off in her home state of Louisiana at the New Orleans Arena before a nearly sold-out crowd while singing some of her biggest hits, from the recent “Womanizer” to her first and now classic song, “Baby One More Time.”
Her “Circus” CD, released in December, has already sold more than 1.3 million copies, and she’s had two hits off the CD, the No. 1 “Womanizer” and the top five “Circus.”
OPRAH WINFREY
Oprah Winfrey has received a leadership award from Columbia University.
University officials say the talk show host received the 2009 Klingenstein Leadership Award Friday for her philanthropy in education and promotion of reading. The award is given by The Klingenstein Center for Independent School Leadership.
The center says Oprah’s Angel Network has helped open 60 schools in 13 countries while her foundation has awarded hundreds of grants and scholarships.
SIEGFRIED & ROY
Illusionists Siegfried and Roy and the Bengal tiger that ended their careers shared the stage again Saturday night for a haunting final performance.
The brief charity show saw Roy Horn and Siegfried Fischbacher side by side with Montecore, the massive white tiger that brutally mauled Horn during a 2003 performance.
In October 2003, the tiger sank its teeth into Horn’s neck, dragging him offstage in front of a horrified audience. The illusionist, now 64, was partially paralyzed, suffering a damaged neck artery and crushed windpipe.
After 13 years and more than 5,000 performance, “Siegfried&Roy” show at The Mirage immediately went dark, ending one of the most successful shows in Las Vegas history.
The Saturday performance at the Bellagio hotel-casino was the highlight of a lavish benefit for the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health. The center, which will treat brain disorders like those Horn now suffers, is set to open later this year in a building designed by architect Frank Gehry.
The brief charity show saw Roy Horn and Siegfried Fischbacher side by side with Montecore, the massive white tiger that brutally mauled Horn during a 2003 performance.
In October 2003, the tiger sank its teeth into Horn’s neck, dragging him offstage in front of a horrified audience. The illusionist, now 64, was partially paralyzed, suffering a damaged neck artery and crushed windpipe.
After 13 years and more than 5,000 performance, “Siegfried&Roy” show at The Mirage immediately went dark, ending one of the most successful shows in Las Vegas history.
The Saturday performance at the Bellagio hotel-casino was the highlight of a lavish benefit for the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health. The center, which will treat brain disorders like those Horn now suffers, is set to open later this year in a building designed by architect Frank Gehry.
CHRIS BROWN & RIHANNA
Just weeks after Chris Brown allegedly assaulted Rihanna, she is back together with the R&B singer, a source told People magazine.
Brown was booked by LAPD for making criminal threats but the case has not yet been presented to the District Attorney, who will ultimately determine which charges, if any, will be prosecuted.
"TYLER PERRY'S MADEA GOES TO JAIL"
“Tyler Perry’s Madea Goes to Jail” locked up $16.5 million in ticket sales to claim the top spot at the box office for a second straight weekend, beating out “Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience.”
The Jonas Brothers film, featuring the band on stage and off, took in $12.7 million, the second-biggest opening for a concert film behind 2008’s “Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert.”
The Jonas Brothers film, featuring the band on stage and off, took in $12.7 million, the second-biggest opening for a concert film behind 2008’s “Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert.”
ED MCMAHON
Ed McMahon has been hospitalized battling pneumonia and other illnesses in the ICU of a Los Angeles hospital.
McMahon, who was a Marine fighter pilot in the Korean War, has been hospitalized for the past month. Members of his family are at the ICU at his bedside around the clock.
ROBIN WILLIAMS
Robin Williams, the comedian, says he will perform his one-man show, “Weapons of Self-Destruction,” for five performances at the Neil Simon Theatre, April 28 through May 3.
Williams has been on an 80-city tour of the show.
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