Saturday, May 31, 2008

Pete Wentz explains pregnancy denials


Pete Wentz sent an email to MTV News explaining why he denied his new wife, Ashlee Simpson-Wentz, is pregnant. Just last month the Fall Out Boy musician denied the swirling rumors, but later the couple just refused to answer questions regarding an impending child.

The couple recently confirmed to FriendsOrEnemies.com that they are, indeed, expecting a baby, and they had wanted to wait until after the first trimester to confirm the news.

In the May 29 email, Wentz wrote: "Every woman, no matter who they are or what they do for a living, has the right to wait at least 3 months before sharing this very personal news. We wanted to wait until after the first trimester and get a clean bill of health from our doctors before confirming anything, just like any other couple."

Wentz said he was at a loss as to how to address the rumors and media attention. "Being a boy I have no idea how to respond to such things and my first instinct was to protect her and the baby."

"It's insane that you can't let happy news brew in Hollywood. This wasn't about press or anything. It was about the health of the baby and trying to find a way to be happy with what should be the most happy time of our lives in the middle of a press blitz," he said.

And while Wentz did apologize for lying to MTV News last month, he said his main concern is the baby.

"I apologize to anyone who felt misinformed but the truth is, the person and growing baby is who I felt most loyal to protect and defend."

Charlie Sheen marries again


Two and a Half Men's Charlie Sheen, 42, and real estate investor Brooke Mueller, 30, wed Friday in Los Angeles.

Approximately 60 guests were in attendance at the ceremony, held at a private estate in Beverly Park, including Sheen's two daughters with ex-wife Denise Richards. Sheen's father, Martin Sheen, was also present, as were Eric Dane and Rebecca Gayheart, who introduced the pair in 2006.

"They're well matched and incredibly happy," a friend of the couple said.

The affair was low-key, as per Sheen's request, and the bride wore a simple Reem Acra gown.

"Brooke really wanted to walk down the aisle in a big way, but Charlie insisted they keep it simple and small," a source said.

But Mueller's $500,000, 11-carat ring provided plenty of dazzle. Sheen gave her the ring when he propopsed last July during a trip to Costa Rica.

"It is a canary-yellow, flawless diamond," jeweler Lord Alon Barak, the designer of the ring, told E! "Charlie really went above and beyond."

This is the third wedding for Sheen. He was previously married to Donna Peele and Richards and was engaged to Kelly Preston. He has three children, two with Richards and one with former girlfriend Paula Profit. It is the first marriage for Mueller.

Lilo goes to ER for asthma attack


Lindsay Lohan's mother, Dina, informed People that her daughter went to the emergency room Thursday evening due to an asthma attack, despite statements from the actress' rep on Friday that she was visiting a friend in the hospital.

"She was losing oxygen. She couldn't breathe," Dina Lohan said.

"She was afraid to go the hospital because [the paparazzi] were gonna write about it. She was sick," she added. "If you were sick, and you're mother couldn't even take you to a hospital because paparazzi will fabricate some story, you know, it's sad. It's really sad."

Paparazzi had photographed 21-year-old Lindsay and her rumored girlfriend, DJ Samantha Ronson, going to the emergency room.

Dina Lohan said her daughter was lucky Ronson was there. "Samantha is an angel," she said.

Zac Efron talks about HSM3

Zac Efron spoke to Access Hollywood while filming High School Musical 3.

Today's Celebrity Birthdays 5/31

Clint Eastwood - age 78 - Oscar-winning American director of "Letters from Iwo Jima," "Flags of Our Fathers," "Million Dollar Baby" and "Mystic River"; producer; actor in the "Dirty Harry" films

Peter Yarrow - age 70 - American singer-songwriter and guitarist for the folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary, which was inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1999

Augie Meyers - age 68 - American keyboardist for the rock band Sir Douglas Quintet and the Tejano band Texas Tornadoes

Sharon Gless - age 65 - Emmy-winning American actress who played Sgt. Christine Cagney on CBS's "Cagney and Lacey"

Joe Namath - age 65 - American former professional football quarterback inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 1985

Tom Berenger - age 58 - American actor whose films include "The Big Chill," "Someone to Watch Over Me," "Major League," "Platoon" and "Sniper"

Gregory Harrison - age 58 - American actor who played Chandler in "North Shore" and Dr. 'Gonzo' Gates on CBS's "Trapper John, M.D."

Chris Elliott - age 48 - American comedian who wrote for and performed on NBC's "Late Night with David Letterman" and "Saturday Night Live;" creator and star of Fox's "Get a Life"

Kyle Secor - age 48 - American actor best known as Det. Tim Bayliss on NBC's "Homicide: Life on the Street"

Lea Thompson - age 47 - American actress and director in the "Back to the Future" trilogy and NBC's "Caroline in the City"

Corey Hart - age 46 - Canadian New Wave and pop singer and keyboardist

DMC - age 44 - American founder of the hip-hop group Run-DMC

Kid Frost - age 44 - Mexican-American rapper also known as The Frost

Brooke Shields - age 43 - American actress and supermodel known for her Calvin Klein ads; star of NBC's "Suddenly Susan" and "Lipstick Jungle"

Ed Adkins - age 41 - American bassist for the country music band The Derailers

Colin Farrell - age 32 - Irish actor whose films include "Miami Vice," "Alexander," "Daredevil," "S.W.A.T." and "Phone Booth"

Scott Klopfenstein - age 31 - American musician and vocalist for the ska-punk band Reel Big Fish

Andy Hurley - age 28 - American drummer for the rock band Fall Out Boy

Friday, May 30, 2008

Brangelina did not have twins yet


Representatives for Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie denied reports that the couple's twins have been born.

"Angelina has not given birth. She is fine, enjoying her home and her family in France," a rep for Jolie told People.

Brad Pitt's L.A.-based talent manager, Cynthia Pett-Dante, issued a statement to Reuters denying the reports, as well. "It's not true. It's a rumor," she said.

Entertainment Tonight was the first to announce the story that Angelina had given birth. Their web site posted the following at 8:16 a.m. PDT Friday: "Just this morning a source who says she was inside the delivery room tells ET yes, the babies were born and yes, mother and babies are fine!"

According to MSNBC News Service, "Entertainment Tonight" continues to stand by their report, as of 5:34 p.m. ET Friday.

A British publication, NOW Magazine, also reported that the twins had arrived and were named Isla Marcheline and Amelie Jane.

Numerous other sites have stepped up to deny the reports, including People, E! and US Weekly.

Although France has strict privacy laws regarding health matters, officials at the Etoile Maternite Catholique de Provence in Aix-en-Provence, one of southern France's top maternity clinics, said that Jolie had not been there. Town hall officials said that although they were aware of the media reports, they did not know if they were true.

Locals, including the mayor and an inn owner, confirmed that the couple recently moved to southern France, where they just bought a $60 million estate.

Amy Winehouse to perform for Nelson Mandela


British songstress Amy Winehouse has announced that she will perform at a concert next month in honor of Nelson Mandela's 90th birthday. The former South African president's birthday is July 18, but the concert will be held in London's Hyde Park June 27.

The concert will benefit Mandela's AIDS charity and features performances by Queen, Simple Minds, Leona Lewis and the Soweto Gospel Choir. Celebrities in attendance will reportedly include Oprah Winfrey and Bill Clinton.

It will be just one in a number of festivals Winehouse plans to attend this summer, as she tries to bring attention back to her music.

Jake wants a family with Reese


According to OK! magazine, Jake Gyllenhaal is not only interested in marrying Reese Witherspoon, he also wants to start a family with her, too.

"[Jake] knows he might be jumping the gun thinking of kids, but he knows that Reese is the one," a friend of the actor told OK! "He laughs and says he needs to propose and do this the right way. It really is first comes love, then comes marriage — cheesy as that sounds, it's the way he thinks!"

According to the magazine, Gyllenhaal has grown so fond of Witherspoon's children with ex-husband Ryan Phillippe, 8-year-old Ava and 4-year-old Deacon, that he wants to have his own kids with the actress.

"Reese has admitted that Jake has grown from when they first met into this very dependable dad type," said a friend of Witherspoon. "He's ready to have his whole life change."

Morgan Freeman, Carmen Electra, Christina Milian, Joe and Gavin Maloff, and NFL Great Lenoard Marshall Lend Star Power to Motivate Social Change!


YourCause.com Launches Online Celebrity Portal
for Hollywood Elite to Champion Their Causes


YourCause.com, a newly launched cause-focused social networking site dedicated to “Empowering Millions to Raise Billons,” announced today the official launch of their celebrity pages. To date, the site has raised over $20,000 for more than 600 passionate advocates for change.

The site currently boasts a handful of influential celebrities from the worlds of film, television, music, and sports. The site boasts profiles including actor Morgan Freeman, celebrity personality Carmen Electra, pop songstress Christina Milian, media personality Robin Leach, R&B crooner Jon B, singers Adina Howard and Jeff Timmons, NFL great Leonard Marshall, and Donnie Nelson, General Manager of the Dallas Mavericks, and successful entrepreneurs Joe and Gavin Maloof.

“We feel extremely privileged that these celebrities are lending their notoriety to raise both awareness and funds for their specific causes,” says site co-founder Matthew Combs. “One of the unique things about the site is that anyone can make it their own and promote the causes that THEY are most passionate about.”

Predicated by the $300 billion donated in the US each year to charities by approximately 192 million Americans, YourCause.com continues to provide a unique platform for the passionate, caring individuals to actively raise funds for the cause of their choice. The site caters to three primary audiences – the cause advocates, donors and non-profit organizations. YourCause.com allows registered members to securely connect and fundraise for a government approved non-profit organization, educate visitors about their cause, and generate awareness for causes closest to their hearts. YourCause.com has organized the more than 1.4 million US based 501(c)3 charities within their designated categories, such as animals, disease, health, environment, civil rights and more.

Spears unfit for court


L.A. Superior Court Commissioner Reva Goetz has decided that Britney Spears is still unable to participate "in any meaningful way" in ongoing court proceedings regarding her conservatorship case.

Spears' court-appointed attorney, Samuel Ingham, and attorney's for her father and conservator, Jamie Spears, met with Goetz Thursday to discuss the situation.

After the private, 90-minute meeting, Goetz said Spears' doctor had made a "differential dianosis" and "wants to do additional testing in the not-too-distant future – something we will need to address in June."

Ingham called Spears' medical condition "fluid" since her treatment is changing.

For the time being, though, Spears is unable to participate in the "litigation process or in discovery proceedings," Goetz said.

Jamie Spears and another lawyer have been the singer's conservators for four months.

In other news about the popwreck, several sources have said that Spears is in talks to star in the Broadway musical 'Grease' following the success of her stint on 'How I Met Your Mother.'

"The producers were bouncing around the idea of casting Britney in the role of Sandy," a source told the British newspaper Metro. "They're recasting the roles in July and they thought that Britney looked like a Sandy. She would be terrific."

Nicole Kidman denies nude photo shoot


Nicole Kidman has laughed off rumors that she posed for a pregnant, nude photo shoot a la Demi Moore and Britney Spears.

The actress, who is reportedly expecting a boy this summer with husband Keith Urban, said that while she did take part in a photo shoot with legendary photographer Patrick Demarchelier, the idea that it was nude was "hilarious" and "total nonsense."

"total nonsense. It was not that kind of a shoot," Kidman told the Daily Mail. "It's madness to think I did that or was even asked to do that. I'm just looking forward to having and caring for our baby."

Demi Moore posed while pregnant for the cover of Vanity Fair in 1991, and Britney Spears did the same for Harper's Bazaar in 2006.

Today's Celebrity Birthdays 5/30

Johnny Gimble - age 82 - American musician considered one of country music's most important fiddle players in history

Clint Walker - age 81 - American actor best known as the title character on ABC's "Cheyenne"

Keir Dullea - age 72 - American actor who played David Bowman in "2001: A Space Odyssey" and "2010: The Year We Make Contact"

Michael J. Pollard - age 69 - American actor who was in "Bonnie and Clyde" and the Tony-winning Broadway musical "Bye Bye Birdie"

Lenny Davidson - age 64 - British guitarist for the beat group The Dave Clark Five that was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2008

Colm Meaney - age 55 - Irish actor who played Miles O'Brien on the syndicated "Star Trek: The Next Generation" and "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine"

Ted McGinley - age 50 - American actor who played Jefferson D'Arcy on Fox's "Married... with Children" and Charley Shanowski on ABC's "Hope & Faith"

Ralph Carter - age 47 - American actor who played Michael Evans on ABC's "Good Times"

Wynonna Judd - age 44 - American country music singer in the duo The Judds with her mother, Naomi

Tom Morello - age 44 - Grammy-winning American guitarist for the hard rock group Audioslave and the rock band Rage Against The Machine

Patrick Dahlheimer - age 37 - American bass guitarist for the alternative rock band Live

Idina Menzel - age 37 - Tony-winning American actress and singer-songwriter who starred in the musicals "Wicked" and "Rent"

Cee-Lo - age 34 - American rapper, singer-songwriter and producer for the electronic duo Gnarls Barkley and the hip-hop group Goodie Mob

Remy Ma - age 28 - American rapper who is currently serving time in prison for assault and other charges

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Sarah Jessica Parker talks "Sex and the City"

Sarah Jessica Parker was on The Today Show this morning, and she talked to Meredith Viera about her role as producer and co-star of Sex and the City: The Movie, which opens in theaters tomorrow.

Harvey Korman passes away


Four-time Emmy-winning actor and comedian Harvey Korman passed away today at the age of 81.

Korman, known for his contributions to "The Carol Burnett Show" and the film "Blazing Saddles," died at UCLA Medical Center due to complications from an aortic aneurysm he suffered four months ago.

In a family statement released by the hospital, his daughter, Kate Korman, said it was a "miracle" her father had survived the aneurysm at all and that he also underwent several major surgeries.

"Tragically, after such a hard fought battle he passed away," she said in the statement.

Korman first came onto the scene on "The Danny Kaye Show" from 1964-1967. He was also a cast member on "The Carol Burnet Show," and he and Burnett paired up to perform burlesque versions of classic movies and soap operas.

According to Burnett's assistant, Angie Horejsi, the actress and comedian was devastated by the news of Korman's death.

"She loved Harvey very much," Horejsi said, noting that Burnett had not yet released a statement.

Korman is survived by his wife and four children.

2008 World Extreme Cagefighting: Faber vs. Pulver

VERSUS, the network that celebrates real competition and the exclusive cable television home of World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC), will televise the most anticipated fight in WEC history on Sunday, June 1, with a card that features a monumental battle between UFC® legend Jens “Lil Evil” Pulver and current WEC champion “The California Kid” Urijah Faber for the WEC Featherweight title. The championship bout will air live on VERSUS at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT from the ARCO Arena in Sacramento, Calif. In advance of the live event, VERSUS will air the one-hour fight preview show, WEC Outside the Cage: Faber vs. Pulver, on May 26 at 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. ET. All live WEC events are presented in HD and Spanish language SAP where available.

Current WEC champion and top-ranked featherweight in the world, Urijah Faber (20-1) captured the title in March 2006 with a decisive second-round stoppage of Cole Escovedo. Since then, he has continued to dominate the division by defending his crown four straight times, including three first-round wins. The Sacramento native has won 12 consecutive matches with his most recent victory coming against Jeff Curran in December, when he displayed top-notch submissions to earn the win after choking out Curran in the second round.

Jens Pulver (22-8-1), the UFC’s first-ever lightweight champion, is a true MMA pioneer who put the lighter weight classes on the map. Pulver recently reinvigorated his career with a return to the featherweight division and is currently undefeated in eight straight fights at 145 pounds, including a 35-second triumph over Cub Swanson in his WEC debut in December.
Check out the video:


The Sex and The City Premiere is almost here!


Are you looking for a fun way to celebrate the premiere of Sex and the City? Do it like the girls of SATC and connect with friends over a Cosmo and a movie! Enter the Sex and the City Party Idea Contest for a chance to win a private screening for you and 200 of your friends! One weekly prize winner will also be chosen at random for two free movie passes to see Sex and the City.

See Celebrations.com for entry details.


Don’t forget you can be the first to see Sex and the City on Thursday May 29th at the “Ladies’ Night Out” screenings in select markets. Check the links below to find a late night screening near you.

Movietickets - http://www.movietickets.com/movie_detail.asp?movie_id=60729
Moviefone - http://movies.aol.com/movie/sex-and-the-city-2008/30247/main
Fandango - http://www.fandango.com/sexandthecity_111021/movieoverview

Feeling especially daring? Our friends at Celebrations.com suggest playing hooky and having a Girls’ Day Out. We know you’ll be good girls like Charlotte and take a planned vacation day (wink wink). Check out Celebrations’ expert ideas and host your very own Sex and the City party!
http://celebrations.com/category/tv-theme-parties

For even more Sex and The City goodness here a few links to some very cool video to help you pass the time until the premiere!

Slide Show from iVillage about Carrie's many (many!) men on SATC

TODAY’s Meredith Vieira talks with Kim Cattrall about her role as Samantha in the new “Sex and the City” film.

Calista and Harrison to wed!

The British media is reporting that Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart are engaged!

Harisson reportedly popped the question this past April Fool's Day - but it was no joke.The couple is supposedly looking to get married as soon as Harrison's promo work for Indiana Jones 4 is complete.

The two have been dating for five years. It will be the third marriage for Ford, 64, and the first for Flockhart, 43, who has a 7-year-old son named Liam, whom she adopted.

Congratulations to the couple!!!!

Clay Aiken is going to be a daddy!!!!!


Celebrity blog TMZ has learned that Clay Aiken is going to be a dad. In case you didn't get that, CLAY AIKEN IS GOING TO BE A DAD.

Here is what the site knows. Multiple sources tell them that the momma to be is Jaymes Foster, a record producer and Clay's BFF. He stays at her house when he goes to L.A.

They were told that Foster, who produced several of Clay's CDs, is due to have the baby in August. She is the sister of record mogul David Foster. They were told that she is quite a bit older (late 40's), though they can't confirm her exact age. She got divorced a few years back and has no children. Aiken is 29.

They're told that Foster is pregnant by the means of artificial insemination. But Clay is a lot more than just a sperm-- apparently he will have a very active role in raising the child.

There was no immediate word from Aiken's rep.

An Inconvenient Truth on stage?


Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth is everywhere!

First we had the book and then came the film. And now...

An opera!!

The world-renowned La Scala opera house in Milan has stated that Italian composer Giorgio Battistelli has been recruited to produce and opera based on An Inconvenient Truth for the 2011 season.

Everyone really is going green...

Bill Murray's marriage is over


Bill Murray's wife of nearly 11 years, 42-year-old Jennifer Butler Murray, has sued for divorce in the state of South Carolina, where she resides with their four children.

She has asked that her marriage to the 57-year-old Oscar-nominee be dissolved due to his drug addiction, physical abuse, adultery and abandonment, People has stated according to divorce papers she filed May 12 in Charleston County. She has also asked that a restraing order be placed against the actor.

While the papers do not include specifics of Murray's drug use, they do allege that he often left without telling his wife to "travel[s] overseas where he engages in public and private altercations and sexual liaisons."

According to the Associated Press, the documents also say that last November, Murray "hit [his wife] in the face and then told her she was 'lucky he didn't kill her.'"

The divorce papers, which were initially obtained by The Post and Courier of Charleston, have since been sealed by the court.

John McDougall, attorney for Bill Murray, refused to comment on the allegations, but he did say the actor "is deeply saddened by the breakup of his marriage."

"He and his wife made loving parents and they are committed to the best interests of their children," McDougall added.

Jennifer Murray's attorney refused to comment.

The couple had signed a prenuptial agreement prior to their 1997 marriage. It was included as an exhibit with the divorce papers. The agreement stipulated that both parties would waive their right to alimony or support in the case of a divorce, but that Murray would pay his wife $7 million within 60 days of the finalization.

Bill Murray received an Oscar nomination for the film "Lost in Translation," and he also starred in "Ghostbusters," "Caddyshack" and "Groundhog Day."

Sharon Stone feels the hurt...


Sharon Stone is definitely feeling the hurt from the backlash of her comments made about China. Hard. And it's where it hurts the most...

Her bank account obviously!

Upscale French fashion house Christian Dior has just removed all of their ads featuring Stone from China due to what she said about the earthquake happening because of bad karma.

Stone had ads in the Dior cosmetics collection, which were displayed in all different parts of China.

In a recent statement, Christian Dior China stated, "In light of the negative reaction that Sharon Stone's inappropriate remarks have triggered, Dior China has decided to immediately cancel and stop any advertisements, marketing campaigns and commercial activities associated with Sharon Stone. We don't agree with her hasty, unreflecting remarks and we deeply regret them. We just want our customers and fans to realize that her personal comments are not related to the company and of course we don't support any type of commentary that will hurt the feelings of our customers."

It continues, "Dior was one of the first international brands to enter China and has won the affection and respect of the consuming public. We absolutely do not support any remark that hurts the Chinese people's feelings. We express our sorrow over the compatriots who lost their lives in the earthquake in Wenchuan, Sichuan, and we extend our sympathy and condolences to the people in the disaster area."

Stone has continued her apologies, being quoted by the Beijing news as saying, "In the course of the interview I made inappropriate remarks and for any harm created towards the Chinese people I am extremely sad and apologize."

A spokesman for China's Foreign Ministry, Qin Gang, said in a news conference, "We hope that as an American actress she can contribute to our two people's trust, understanding and friendship."

Maybe next time Stone is in China, she should hire some sort of security.

Just a thought.

Ashlee Simpson expecting



Ashlee Simpson and Pete Wentz have confirmed they are expecting their first child.

The couple - who married at Ashlee's parents' Los Angeles house on May 17 - wanted to wait until Ashlee had safely gone past her first trimester, three months, before announcing the happy news.

They wrote on Pete's website friendsorenemies.com: "While many have speculated about this, we wanted to wait until after the first trimester to officially confirm we are expecting our first child.

"This is truly the most joyous time in our lives and we are excited to share the happy news and start our family."

Meanwhile, Ashlee is set to officially change her surname in honour of her new husband.

The 23-year-old singer will be known to family and friends as Ashlee Wentz and professionally as Ashlee Simpson-Wentz.

She said: "I think it's something a woman should do when they're marrying a man. It's a tradition, and I think it's a great tradition."

Fall Out Boy rocker Pete, 28, insists he would never pressurise Ashlee to change her name, but was thrilled with the decision.

He told People magazine: "These decisions with Ashlee and her name are all completely up to Ashlee. I want her to do these kinds of things the way she wants to do them.

"But I was flattered. I was like, 'Upgrade me!' You know what I'm saying? The Wentz family, our Christmas card just got upgraded! It feels insane. It feels unreal."

The couple's baby is expected this autumn.

[Source]

Today's Celebrity Birthdays 5/29

Kevin Conway - age 66 - American actor and director best known for the films "Slaughterhouse-Five," "Funny Farm" and "Gods and Generals"

Gary Brooker - age 63 - British singer-songwriter and pianist who who founded the progressive rock band Procol Harum

Anthony Geary - age 61 - Daytime Emmy-winning American actor best known as Luke Spencer on ABC's "General Hospital"

Rebbie Jackson - age 58 - American singer and member of the former R&B group the Jackson Family

Danny Elfman - age 55 - Grammy-winning American musician and composer who has written the scores and songs for "The Simpsons," "Desperate Housewives" and Tim Burton's films, among others

Mike Porcaro - age 53 - American bassist for the Grammy-winning rock band Toto

LaToya Jackson - age 52 - American singer-songwriter, actress and bestselling author who was part of the R&B group the Jackson Family

Ted Levine - age 51 - American actor known as Buffalo Bill in "The Silence of the Lambs" and Capt. Leland Stottlemeyer in USA Network's "Monk"

Annette Bening - age 50 - American actress whose films include "The Grifters," "Bugsy," "American Beauty" and "Running with Scissors"

Rupert Everett - age 49 - British actor and former singer who was in "My Best Friend's Wedding" and the "Shrek" films, among others

Melissa Etheridge - age 47 - Grammy- and Oscar-winning American rock singer-songwriter, musician and activist

Lisa Whelchel - age 45 - American actress best known as Blair Warner on NBC's "The Facts of Life"

Jayski McGowan - age 41 - American rapper and producer who was part of the hip-hop group Quad City DJ's

Noel Gallagher - age 41 - British singer-songwriter and musician who is the frontman for the rock band Oasis

Chan Kinchla - age 39 - Canadian guitarist for the rock jam band Blues Traveler

Mark Lee - age 35 - American guitarist and founding member of the Christian rock band Third Day

Aaron McGruder - age 34 - American cartoonist best known for writing and drawing the syndicated strip "Boondocks"

Melanie Brown - age 33 - British singer-songwriter for the pop girl group the Spice Girls, actress and participant on ABC's "Dancing with the Stars"

Ana Beatriz Barros - age 26 - Brazilian supermodel who did ads for Victoria's Secret and was on the cover of Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit Issue seven times

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Baby Confirmation!


It's confirmed... like we needed it... Pete Wentz and Ashlee Simpson-Wentz are expecting a bundle of joy.

The newlyweds confirmed it this evening. Ashlee said that she wanted to wait until after the first trimester to report the happy news.

"While many have speculated about this, we wanted to wait until after the first trimester to officially confirm that we are expecting our first child," the couple wrote on the site FriendsOrEnemies.com. "This is truly the most joyous time in our lives and we are excited to share the happy news and start our family."

More racy Miley Cyrus pics


Disney star Miley Cyrus has not been able to keep her nose clean for long. More racy pictures of the 15-year-old teen icon have been making the rounds online. This time Miley is seen holding up her t-shirt and showing her bra, and also revealing lacy, red underwear.

Reports have stated that Cyrus sent the photos to former boyfriend Nick Jonas, who she was dating at the time.

The 'Hannah Montana' actress' father and co-star, Billy Ray, said his daughter will bounce back from the photo scandals despite the outrage because she is a positive person and is "too upbeat to stay down for long."

"The thing you got to look at in life, whether you're an entertainer or whether you're a farmer... whatever you do in life, there's going to be peaks and valleys. I think one of the things my dad taught me and hopefully I instilled in Miley, is that when you get knocked down, you got to get back up because it's not going to do any good to lie on the ground and cry about it," Billy Ray Cyrus said. I think she has a lot to be proud of. I think the positive far outweighs the negative."

But that isn't all the controversy for the teen queen. The Los Angeles-based rock band Lustra has accused Cyrus of plagiarizing and invited her to an onstage showdown.

Lustra claims Cyrus's "Rock Star" is an exact copy of their song "Scotty Doesn't Know," which was on the soundtrack for the 2004 film Europtrip.

But the band decided to deal with the situation outside of the courtroom. They invited Cyrus to perform her song at L.A.'s Viper Room on Thursday to let fans decide if the songs are the same.

"Lustra would play their song 'Scotty Doesn't Know,' followed by Ms. Cyrus' 'Rockstar,' and then let their fans decide," the group's spokesman was quoted on Contactmusic.com.

But the band also has another idea for repayment.

"Another way to rectify this is to have Lustra appear on 'Hannah Montana' as themselves," the spokesman added. "Lustra could appear on the show as Hannah's musical influence."

"We could share even more of our songs with Ms. Cyrus, just as long as we get credit for it, which is what we have wanted all along," said Lustra guitarist Nick Cloutman.

Is George Clooney single?


According to reports, George Clooney, 47, and his girlfriend of nearly a year, 29-year-old Sarah Larson, have ended their relationship.

"I do not comment on George's personal life," said Clooney's rep, Stan Rosenfield. But sources told In Touch Weekly and People that the two had called it quits.

"George is relieved to be single again," an anonymous source told In Touch, which was first to break the news. "He thinks Sarah is sweet and that is why it was so hard to break up with her."

The two reportedly met when Clooney was celebrating his birthday at the Green Valley Ranch in Las Vegas several years ago. Larson was a Vegas cocktail waitress and go-go dancer at the time. They started dating when Clooney returned to Vegas for the premiere of "Ocean's Thirteen" last June.

The insider told In Touch that it was their vastly different backgrounds that contributed to their decision to break up: "The truth is that they had little in common and he just doesn't want to be tied down," the source said.

Gary Dourdan makes plea deal, avoids jail


Former 'CSI' star Gary Dourdan, 41, pled guilty to two out of his three counts of felony drug possession - one count each of Ecstasy and cocaine possession, and one count of heroin possession was dismissed - this morning, but he avoided having to serve any jail time.

"Once Gary completes 30 hours of a diversion program, his case will be entirely dismissed," lawyer Shawn Chapman Holley told The Associated Press in an e-mail. "There is no jail time involved."

Although the actor faced up to three years and eight months in prison, he will only have to complete the court's diversion program, which entails the completion of a series of drug-education courses. He has until Nov. 20, 2009 to finish his part of the plea agreement, and then the convictions may be dismissed.

"As a result of today's proceedings, Gary has been given diversion," Holly said outside the courthouse. "He very much regrets what happened, and he's very embarrassed by what occurred, but he's looking forward to moving on and getting back to work.

"He is very grateful to the court for being understanding and giving him an opportunity to resolve the issue and move forward."

Ingrid Wyatt, spokeswoman for the Riverside District Attorney's office, told E! News that Dourdan will also have to pay a small fee as part of his restitution.

Dourdan was present for the Indio, Calif. hearing, although he did not speak to reporters. He was arrested April 28 in Palm Springs after police found him sleeping in his car, which was parked on the wrong side of the road with the interior light on.

The actor was charged with felony possession of heroin, cocaie and Ecstasy following a search of his vehicle, and he was released on $5,000 bail. Shortly thereafter, Dourdan denied the drugs were his.

The long-time 'CSI' star also opted not to renew his contract for the popular show. His character, Warrick Brown, was killed on the season finale.

Sharon Stone angers Chinese media, Rachael Ray ad upsets Arabs


Sharon Stone's films may be boycotted in China following comments she made last week at the Festival de Cannes regarding China's recent natural disaster that killed more than 65,000 people and left 5 million homeless.

"I'm not happy about the way the Chinese are treating the Tibetans because I don't think anyone should be unkind to anyone else," Stone said in a red-carpet interview with Cable Entertainment News of Hong Kong. "And then this earthquake and all this stuff happened, and then I thought, is that karma? When you're not nice that the bad things happen to you?"

Stone was a guest last year at the Shanghai International Film Festival, but her recent remarks angered Chinese media.

Ng See-Yuen, the founder of one of China's biggest urban cinema chains, called Stone's comments "inappropriate" and said his company would boycott all of the actress' films.

Stone has several films coming out this year.

However, the Chinese media did not latch onto another remark Stone made during the French film festival. She said she cried when she received a letter from the Tibetan Foundation asking her to help victims of the natural disaster.

"Sometimes you have to learn to put your head down and be of service, even to people who aren't nice to you. That's a big lesson for me," Stone said.

But Stone isn't the only celebrity who's made an international relations faux pas recently.

According to The Boston Globe, Dunkin' Donuts has decided to pull a TV commercial featuring Rachael Ray wearing what looks like a keffiyeh.

Fox News commentator and conservative columnist Michelle Malkin was the first to notice Ray's garb. She wrote on her blog:

"The keffiyeh, for the clueless, is the traditional scarf of Arab men that has come to symbolize murderous Palestinian jihad. Popularized by Yasser Arafat and a regular adornment of Muslim terrorists appearing in beheading and hostage-taking videos, the apparel has been mainstreamed by both ignorant and not-so-ignorant fashion designers, celebrities, and left-wing icons."

Although Dunkin' Donuts initially ignored the complaints and rumors of a boycott, they eventually chose to pull the ad.

"In a recent online ad, Rachael Ray is wearing a black-and-white silk scarf with a paisley design. It was selected by her stylist for the advertising shoot," the chain wrote in a statement via The Globe. "Absolutely no symbolism was intended. However, given the possibility of misperception, we are no longer using the commercial."

Vince McMahon wants to pay YOU!

With WWE One Night Stand looming, the richest man in sports entertainment, Mr. McMahon, has decided to brighten your day – by giving you a million bucks!

Check out the video below for Vince’s big announcement on Raw:




Stay tuned to WWE programming in the next few weeks to learn how Vince is going to be showing his appreciation by giving away truckloads of cash. Don’t forget that One Night Stand is this Sunday! The big show kicks this Sunday June 1st at 8e/5p PM only on Pay-Per-View.

Jessica Simpson's new single

Jessica Simpson's new single, "Come on Over," from her upcoming country music album was leaked over the Internet.



The 27-year-old talked to Billboard about recording the album, and said she is inspired by Martina McBride, Shania Twain, Faith Hill and Reba McEntire.

"I think there is a strength in female country artists," she added.

She said that she is a country girl and longtime fan of the genre.

"I grew up in Texas, and country music was what I listened to," she said. "I always wanted to make a country album, but I wanted to wait until the time was right."

Ashlee Simpson changes name


Ashlee Simpson has decided to change her name to Ashlee Wentz in honor of her recent wedding to Fall Out Boy's Pete Wentz, People reported.

"I think that that's something that a woman should do when they're marrying a man," the singer told People. "It's a tradition that I think is a great tradition."

She said that while she'll go by Ashlee Wentz in her personal life, professionally she'll be Ashlee Simpson-Wentz.

Her new husband said that he let Ashlee choose which name she would go by.

"These decisions with Ashlee and her name are all completely up to Ashlee," Wentz said. "I want her to do these kinds of things the way she wants to do them."

But he did say he was flattered by her decision to take his name.

"Oh man, I was like upgrade me! You know what I'm saying? The Wentz family, our Christmas card just got upgraded!" he added. "It feels insane. It feels unreal."

Spider-Man news circulating on the web - Tobey Macguire is getting too old, and I don't think he can sing.


Tobey Maguire is going to be 35-36 years old by the time a fourth Spider-Man film could be released in 2011. As a character Spider-Man has to be a 18,19 year old kid. Superman is always 29, Batman is always 27.
There are rules, because without rules there would be chaos!
So, Sony is probably looking to reboot the series with a new cast.
It will be hard to replace J.K. Simmons as J.Jonah Jameson, I think Elizabeth Banks made the perfect Betty Brant.

Kirsten Dunst, at Almost 30, will be too old for our teenage hero's love interest.

But Spider-Fans could be seeing the webslinger on Broadway by 2009.
Lion King's Julie Taymor is confirmed as director and Bono and The Edge have completed the musical score.

Marvel execs have seen the initial show and loved it.

Tori Spelling's Hills homecoming



Tori Spelling is to star in the 'Beverly Hills 90210' spin-off.

The actress will reprise her role as Donna Martin in the new series, alongside former co-star Jennie Garth who is returning as Kelly Taylor.

She said: "Donna Martin was such a huge part of my life. It's going to be so fun to work with Jennie Garth again and see where Donna is today. When they say you can't go home again, it's not true. I'm headed back to the zip code I know best and couldn't be happier!"

When asked about her character's role in the new show, Tori added: "Donna loved designing and wanted a career in fashion. It'll be fun to explore that storyline. And, I'm sure fans will be dying to know if she's still married to David!"

A spokesperson for the show revealed: "Donna Martin will be the owner of one of the coolest stores in Beverly Hills, a shopping hot spot that is frequented by the new cast of characters."

The original show was created by Tori's late father, Aaron Spelling. The hit series ran for ten years until 2000, and Tori recently insisted her dad would have loved to see her in the spin-off.

She said: "I would love to be a part of it. I think it's a really good idea. '90210' was really the first of its kind, the first teen drama. It kind of laid the way for other shows like 'Dawson's Creek' and 'The O.C.'

"Who would I play? I would play the sexy mom obviously! Every teen drama has a hot mom - a stepmother, of course, because I couldn't possibly have a teenage daughter!"

The season finale saw Tori's character, Donna, marry long-term boyfriend David Silver, played by Brian Austin Green.

[Source]

Today's Celebrity Birthdays 5/28

Carroll Baker - age 77 - American actress whose films include "Baby Doll," "Giant," "The Miracle," "How the West Was Won" and "The Carpetbaggers"

John Karlen - age 75 - American actor best known as Willie Loomis on ABC's "Dark Shadows" and Harvey Lacey on CBS's "Cagney and Lacey"

Beth Howland - age 67 - American actress known for playing Vera Louise Gorman-Novak on CBS's "Alice" and Amy in Broadway's "Company"

Gladys Knight - age 64 - Grammy-winning R&B and soul singer, actress and author who led the group Gladys Knight & the Pips

Billy Vera - age 64 - American singer-songwriter and leader of the R&B and soul band The Beaters; starred in CBS's "Wiseguy"

John Fogerty - age 63 - American singer-songwriter and guitarist who led the roots rock band Creedence Clearwater Revival, which was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993

Sondra Locke - age 61 - American actress and director whose films include "The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter" and several co-starring Clint Eastwood

Brandon Cruz - age 46 - American child actor who was in ABC's "The Courtship of Eddie's Father" and the film "Bad News Bears"

Phil Vassar - age 46 - American country music singer-songwriter and pianist

Christa Miller - age 44 - American actress who played Kate O'Brien on ABC's "The Drew Carey Show" and Dr. Cox on ABC's "Scrubs"

Chris Ballew - age 43 - American vocalist and musician who founded the alternative rock band The Presidents of the United States of America

Kylie Minogue - age 40 - Grammy-winning Australian pop and dance-pop singer-songwriter and actress known for her support of gay rights causes

Justin Kirk - age 39 - American actor best known as Prior Walter in the HBO miniseries "Angels in America" and Andy Botwin on Showtime's "Weeds"

Elisabeth Hasselbeck - age 31 - American former reality show contestant and current co-host of ABC's "The View"

Monica Keena - age 29 - American actress who played Abby Morgan on "Dawson's Creek" and Rachel on Fox's "Undeclared"

Colbie Caillat - age 23 - American pop singer-songwriter and guitarist

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Kirsten Dunst talks about rehab


Kirstin Dunst opened up to E! Online's Marc Malkin about her February trip to Cirque Lodge Treatment Center in Utah.

"I didn’t go to Cirque Lodge for alcohol abuse or drug abuse," Dunst said during filming for her new movie, All Good Things. "I went there for depression."

At the time, the actress's partying and drinking habits were topics of debate and tabloid fodder.

"She does drink and she does have wild nights, but that was never the root of her issues," a source close to Dunst told People. "She couldn't control her depression."

The 26-year-old actress said it was ultimately her decision to seek treatment, although she did receive advice from doctors, friends and family.

"It was a good six months before I decided to go away," she said. "I was struggling, and I had the opportunity to go somewhere and take care of myself. I was fortunate to have the resources to do it. My friends and family thought it was a good idea, too. But I didn't know where to go. My doctor recommended Cirque Lodge."

Dunst said she decided to reveal the information because of the speculation and negative press she has received.

"There's been a lot of misrepresentation about what is going on in my life, and it's been very painful for my friends and family," she said. "Everyone feels like they have to defend me. They hear the rumors, and it puts them in a defensive position. Now that I'm feeling stronger, I was prepared to say something."

She also said that depression can affect anyone, even wealthy starlets. Dunst has been acting since 1989 and has received media attention since 1994's Interview with the Vampire with Tom Cruise.

"We're all in the same boat together," Dunst said about people suffering from mental illness. "Depression is pretty serious and should not be gossiped about."

'Idol' reject disses show


'American Idol' contestant Josiah Leming, who was eliminated during the Hollywood Round and so did not make the Top 24, talked to MTV News about his opinions on the popular reality show.

The 19-year-old, who was living out of his car when he auditioned for the show, recently inked a record deal.

"I signed my deal with Warner Bros. about a month and a half ago, and I'm glad to finally announce it. The songs are written, the arrangements are done, and right now it's time to work with the producers," he told MTV News. "I'm so excited. I'm just beaming inside right now. Since I signed the deal, it's been a lot of wait, wait, wait. Now it's finally come. I'm in this awesome studio, working on songs... It's amazing. This is everything I ever wanted."

But Leming also had a few choice words about 'American Idol.'

"The fact is, it's like glorified karaoke," he said.

"[Producers] pick these good-looking people with voices, and they have them sing these songs that other people have written," he added. "And therefore, it lacks passion, it lacks emotion and it lacks the things that set an artist off from being good to being great. So that's my feeling on it."

But Leming acknowledged that the reality show kick-started his career.

"As everyone clearly saw, I poured my heart and soul into the process and into the competition," he said. "But looking back now, things could not have gone any better. Things happened perfect. I got the exposure... People liked me, which was amazing, and I love my fans more than anything. I'm happy I didn't make it. Looking back, it couldn't have gone any better.

Tori Spelling returns to 90210


Another 'Beverly Hills, 90210' alum is returning to the familiar zip code. This time Tori Spelling has signed on to reprise her character Donna Martin in '90210,' The CW's spinoff of the popular 1990's soap.

'Beverly Hills, 90210' was created by Spelling's father, Aaron, and the character Donna was a good girl whose 2000 wedding to high school beau David Silver (Brian Austin Green) capped off the show in the tenth season.

"Donna loved designing and wanted a career in fashion. It'll be fun to explore that storyline," Spelling told People. "And, I'm sure fans will be dying to know if she's still married to David!"

According to a show rep, Donna will "own one of the coolest stores in Beverly Hills."

Spelling joins 'Beverly Hills, 90210' actress Jennie Garth, who is reprising her role as Kelly Taylor, who becomes a counselor at their alma mater.

"Donna Martin was such a huge part of my life. It's going to be so fun to work with Jennie again and see where Donna is today," Spelling said. "When they say you can't go home again, it's not true. I'm headed back to the zip code I know best and couldn't be happier!"

Other cast members are Rob Estes, who plays the patriarch of the clan and the principal of West Beverly Hills High. Lori Loughlin will play his wife Debbie, and Shenae Grimes will play the central character, the couple's daughter. Ryan Eggold, AnnaLynne McCord, Dustin Milligan, Michael Steger, Jessica Stroup, Jessica Walter and Tristan Wilds also have roles.

The Cleveland Brown Show


Seth MacFarlane and crew have plans for a new show according to the New York Post. The Spin off series will star Cleveland Brown, a popular character from the successful animated sitcom “Family Guy.” The Post reports that " 'The Cleveland Show,' scheduled to debut in 2009, is the first series to come from McFarland's huge new $100-million, blockbuster deal with Fox.” MacFarlane, Rich Appel, and Mike Henry, will write the show.The Fox official Web site has a few details: Cleveland moves back to his hometown to be with his with a long-lost love. Together with their children from separate marriages, their family becomes and Brady Bunch like family.

Ray J busted with drugs


Kim Kardashian's "movie co-star", R&B Singer Ray J, was booted out of the Hyatt Regency in Washington D.C. on Saturday because of drugs, according to reports.

In response to complaints from guests about the singer, security went up to the room to check things out and discovered that he was stashing marijuana and a drug called "boat"

The police were called, but there were no charges formally filed

Sources also say that Ray J tried to bribe hotel security so he could stay at the hotel, which was to no avail, because he ended up at the Holiday Inn down the street for the night.

What the heck is Boat?

Another celeb on his was to rehab, perhaps????

Get ready Broadway...


Legendary karate master Bruce Lee will be the subject of a new production on Broadway production which is set to open in 2010.

This is big news for all you kung-fu junkies out there!

We're picturing Chicago meets Xanadu!!!

The show is titled Bruce Lee: Journey to the West and it will follow Lee's rise to the top.

You'll see his martial arts skills (obviously), Chinese opera, and some pop music as well.

The part of Bruce Lee has not been chosen yet.

The production team has nabbed Bartlett sher to direct the play. Sher has won a lot of acclaim this season for his direction of the Lincoln Center Theatre revival of South Pacific.

Yay!!! Music and Martial Arts...who could ask for more

Rapper Xzibit suffers a tragic loss


Rapper and MTV star Xzibit just suffered a terrible loss, the loss of his newly born son

Xzibit posted the following on hisMySpace blog:

AS you all know, I shared with you the announcement of my newborn son Xavier Kingston Joiner on may 15th and also informed you that he was born prematurely. well this week was extremly difficult for him because his lungs were not strong enough to handle regular oxygen on his own. Xavier passed away this morning at 3:30am and I must tell you this, It is unatural for a parent to bury a child. I am telling you this because of the same reason I tell you when im having great times, life is too short to be fake. Hold on to your kids if you have them, protect them and show them you love them everyday you wake up and see them, dont take a second you get to hug them teach them and care for them for granted. You can have all the material wealth in the universe but it is NOTHING compared to having your family. I am thankful for all of my blessings and im not one to question God's perfect plan, so I leave you with great love and thanks for the love that was sent earlier on my pervious blog to my son. Of course I need to take some time and handle my loss, STAY FOCUSED PEOPLE. Its not promised to any of us.

R.I.P Xavier May 15th 2008- May 26th 2008

Our prayers are with Xzibit and his family

Oscar winner Sydney Pollack dies


Oscar-winning director Sydney Pollack passed away Monday afternoon in his Pacific Palisades home in Los Angeles after a nine-month bout with cancer. According to his publicist, Leslee Dart, the 73-year-old Hollywood mainstay was surrounded by family at the time.

Also an occasional actor, Pollack's career reached its apex during the 1970s and 1980s. He achieved success with his gender-bending film "Tootsie" and the period drama "Out of Africa," and worked with some of Hollywood's best actors, including George Clooney.

"Sydney made the world a little better, movies a little better and even dinner a little better. A tip of the hat to a class act," Clooney said in a statement from his publicist.

"He'll be missed terribly," Clooney added.

Other A-list actors Pollack worked with include Sally Field and Paul Neman ("In Absence of Malice"), Nicole Kidman and Sean Penn ("The Interpretor"), Robert Mitchum ("The Yakuza"), Tom Cruise ("The Firm"), Robert Redford ("Three Days of the Condor" and "The Way We Were") and Barbra Streisand ("The Way We Were").

"Having the opportunity to know Sydney and work with him was a great gift in my life," Field said in a statement. "He was a good friend and a phenomenal director and I will cherish every moment that I ever spent with him."

In his later years, Pollack spent more time in front of the camera. He appeared in the films "Husbands and Wives," "The Player," "Death Becomes Her," "Eyes Wide Shut" and "Made of Honor." He also played Will's father on "Will & Grace" and made appearances on "The Sopranos," "Frasier" and "Mad About You."

Pollack is surved by his wife, Claire; two daughters, a brother and six grandchildren, according to MSNBC. His son Steven died in a 1993 plane crash.

Today's Celebrity Birthdays 5/27

Christopher Lee - age 86 - British actor who played Dracula in the Hammer Horror films, Count Dooku in the "Star Wars" prequel trilogy and Saruman in the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy

Ramsey Lewis - age 73 - Grammy-winning American jazz pianist and composer

Lee Meriwether - age 73 - American actress best known as Betty Jones in CBS's "Barnaby Jones" and Catwoman in the film "Batman"

Louis Gossett, Jr. - age 72 - Oscar- and Emmy-winning American actor whose films include "An Officer and a Gentleman," "Jaws 3-D" and the TV miniseries "Roots"; former professional basketball player

Don Williams - age 69 - American country music singer-songwriter and musician

Cilla Black - age 65 - British pop singer-songwriter and TV personality who had several situation comedies for ITV and the BBC

Bruce Weitz - age 65 - Emmy-winning American actor best known as Sgt. Michael "Mick" Belker on NBC's "Hill Street Blues"

Bruce Cockburn - age 63 - Canadian folk-rock singer-songwriter and guitarist

Richard Schiff - age 53 - Emmy-winning American actor best known as Toby Ziegler on NBC's "The West Wing"

Siouxsie Sioux - age 51 - British singer-songwriter, musician and producer who led the punk-rock group Siouxsie and the Banshees

Neil Finn - age 50 - New Zealand singer-songwriter and frontman for the pop-rock group Crowded House and the former pop band Split Enz

Peri Gilpin - age 47 - American actress best known for playing Roz Doyle on NBC's "Frasier"

Cathy Silvers - age 47 - American actress who played Jenny Piccolo on ABC's "Happy Days"

Adam Carolla - age 44 - American comedian, actor and writer who co-hosted radio/MTV's "Loveline," co-created and performed on Comedy Central's "Crank Yankers" and is the host of the syndicated "The Adam Carolla Show"

Todd Bridges - age 43 - American actor best known as Willis Jackson on NBC/ABC's "Diff'rent Strokes"

Sean Kinney - age 42 - American drummer for the hard rock and grunge band Alice in Chains

Joseph Fiennes - age 38 - British actor best known as Will Shakespeare in "Shakespeare in Love" and Sir Robert Dudley in "Elizabeth"

Paul Bettany - age 37 - British actor whose films include "A Knight's Tale," "A Beautiful Mind," "Master and Commando: The Far Side of the World," "Wimbledon" and "The Da Vinci Code"

Andre "3000" Benjamin - age 33 - American singer-songwriter, rapper, producer and actor who is one-half of the Grammy-winning hip-hop duo Outkast and the creator of the Emmy-winning Comedy Central show "Class of 3000"

Jadakiss - age 33 - American rapper who is part of the rap group D-Block, also known as The L.O.X.

Ethan Dampf - age 14 - American actor who played Will Pryor on NBC's "American Dreams"

Monday, May 26, 2008

Jolie-Pitts buy $60 million French estate


Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have put down roots in the south of France. The wandering couple, who has four children and twins on the way, reportedly bought a $60 million estate that takes up 1,000 acres and includes 35 bedrooms, a vineyard, lake, forest and a moat.

Although reps for the duo have yet to comment, an insider confirmed the purchase to E! News.

"It's called Chateau Miraval in a village called Brignol, which is near from Aix-en-Provence," the source said. "And it's absolutely unbelievable."

"Brad and Angelina are thrilled, they love the place and have already been furniture shopping to fill the place as it's massive...The whole family can't wait to move in."

Apparently the sprawling estate features stone-walled terraces with 13 varieties of olives, 20 fountains, aqueducts and a stream that traverses through hidden tunnels and leads to the lake.

The source said that the Jolie-Pitts will have privacy in their new home, as it is surrounded by forests. Although ponies and goats graze in nearby fields, paparazzi should not be able to take pictures of the growing brood.

The family hopes to move within the next several months, but since their April arrival in France, they have been staying in a villa in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat that belongs to Paul Allen, cofounder of Microsoft. He is a friend of Jolie, who met him while filming 2004's Shark Tale.

Pitt and Jolie had been searching for a house in the area for the past year. Other famous residents are U2 frontman Bono, whom the couple recently visited, and Johnny Depp and his partner Vanessa Paradis.

Indy delivers big, angers Russian communists


'Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull' met expectations, accounting for nearly 60 percent of the holiday weekend ticket sales. The film grossed $101 million from Friday to Sunday, and $126.1 million from Friday to Monday. Including its Thursday debut of $25 million, the movie delivered $151.1 million in the first five days, Exhibitor Realtions Co. announced.

Although the film did not set any records or meet the highest projections of a $175 million debut, it did surpass all but four other movies in ticket sales in its first 120 hours in theaters.

'Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull' ranks 10th in three-day weekend openings, just ahead of the recently released 'Iron Man,' according to Box Office Mojo. It is seventh in the annals of four-day Memorial Day weekend debuts.

However, not everyone is rushing to theaters to see the film. According to news reports, members of Russia's Communist party have called for the movie to be banned throughout the country.

In the film, Cate Blanchett plays the leader of a Russian communist organziation that is in the United States in 1957. Present day Russian Communist party members claim the movie inaccurately portrays the party during that time period, and have said it will provide youngsters an inaccurate view of history. They have said the movie needs to be banned to prevent "ideological sabotage."

"Our movie-goers are teenagers who are completely unaware of what happened in 1957. They will go to the cinema and will be sure that in 1957 we made trouble for the United States and almost started a nuclear war," Communist party chief Sergei Malinkovich said. "It's rubbish. In 1957 the Communist party did not run with crystal skulls throughout the US. Why should we agree to that sort of lie and let the West trick our youth?"

Kim Kardashian visits the Hamptons



HAMPTON BAYS, NY - When the Whitehouse Nightclub of Hampton Bays hired Kim Kardashian to kick off the Memorial Day weekend hey had a large sedan pick her up at the airport but it wasn't big enough. The Beverly Hills diva had 7 large suit cases for a 24 hour stay in New York before flying back. The club had to hire another limo just to handle all the luggage. Over 1000 fans lined up to see the popular socialite.

Cannes Film Festival wrap-up


The Cannes Film Festival wrapper up Sunday with the announcment of winners.

The top honor, the Palme d'Or, was awarded to the French film, 'The Class.'

'The Class' was directed by Laurent Cantet and was based on the real-life memoir of a teacher and her multicultural students in a Parisian school. Real students and teachers at a junior high school were used in filming the story, which unfolds over an entire school year.

Like jury foreman Sean Penn said at the opening day press conference, the jurors opted for a movie that dealt with contemporary social issues rather than art house or commercial flicks.

Also recognized were Benecio Del Toro, who won a Best Actor award for playing the title role in 'Che,' and Clint Eastwood, who whose 'Changeling' was well-received. The director was also was recognized with a special lifetime achievement award.

Click here to see a full list of winners at the film festival.

Whoopi will look "fierce" for Tonys


Whoopi Goldberg will be hosting the Tony Awards for the first time this year - and she plans to look fierce!

E! has exclusively revealed that Project Runway winner Christian Siriano will be dressing Goldberg. Reps for the Tonys and Goldberg confirmed the news.

The Tonys will be telecast live on CBS from Radio City Hall in New York City June 15.

Goldberg has revealed some of her plans for the show that celebrates the best of Broadway. She told her co-hosts on 'The View' that she has been shooting spots in Times Square, as well as other iconic areas around Gotham.

She also told the New York Daily News that Big Apple's Mayor Bloomberg will be joining her in a skit to start the show.

"He's my friend, and who better to start the night than the mayor of New York City?" Goldberg told the paper.

The Oscar-, Emmy-, Grammy- and Tony-winner actress got her start in theater, and she has been using her clout on 'The View' to help hype the Tony Awards and some of the nominees.

Today's Celebrity Birthdays 5/26

James Arness - age 85 - American actor who portrayed Marshal Matt Dillon on CBS's "Gunsmoke"

Brent Musburger - age 69 - American sportscaster for ABC and ESPN

Levon Helm - age 68 - American musician and actor who was a drummer and vocalist for the rock band The Band

Gates Nichols - age 64 - American guitarist for the country music band Confederate Railroad

Garry Peterson - age 63 - Canadian drummer for the rock band The Guess Who

Stevie Nicks - age 60 - American singer-songwriter for the Grammy-winning rock band Fleetwood Mac; inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998

Philip Michael Thomas - age 59 - American actor best known as Det. Ricardo Tubbs on NBC/USA Network's "Miami Vice"

Pam Grier - age 59 - American actress whose films include "Coffy," "Foxy Brown," "Sheba, Baby" and "Jackie Brown"

Hank Williams, Jr. - age 59 - Grammy- and Emmy-winning American country music singer-songwriter and musician

Margaret Colin - age 51 - American actress who was in CBS's "As the World Turns," "Three Men and a Baby" and "Independence Day," including others

Dave Robbins - age 49 - American keyboardist and vocalist for the country music band BlackHawk

Genie Francis - age 46 - American actress best known as Laura Spencer on ABC's "General Hospital"

Bobcat Goldthwait - age 46 - American actor, comedian, director and screenwriter whose films include "Burglar," Scrooged" and "Hot to Trot"

Lenny Kravitz - age 44 - Grammy-winning American rock singer-songwriter, musician producer and arranger

Helena Bonham Carter - age 42 - British actress best known for her roles in "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," "Fight Club," "A Room with a View," "The Wings of the Dove" and "Sweeney Todd"

Phillip Rhodes - age 40 - American drummer for the alternative rock band Gin Blossoms

Joey Kibble - age 37 - American gospel singer and member of the Grammy-winning a cappella gospel sextet Take 6

Matt Stone - age 37 - American animator, writer, director, producer, actor and musician who co-created Comedy Central's "South Park"

Nathan Cochran - age 30 - American guitarist for the Christian band MercyMe

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Laugh-In's Dick Martin has passed away


Dick Martin, the former co-host of the ground-breaking comedy show “Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-in,” died on Saturday at the age of eighty-six from respiratory complications.

Martin and Rowan, the Laugh-In comedy Duo, met in 1952 and worked up the night-club circuits before making it to television. Martin described their earlier acts as “raw” but “funny,” and their popular TV show lasted from 1968 to 1973. The pair continued to do performance until 1977 when the parted amicably.

Martin, who is responsible for coining the phrase “Sock it to me,” went on to become a successful director, taking part in television shows such as “In the Heat of the Night,” “Archie Bunker’s Place,” and “Family Ties.”

As a teenager Martin lost one of his lungs and needed oxygen in the latter part of his life. During his 80th birthday, he fainted from his condition, but always in good humor, remarked “Boy, did I make an entrance!”

Dick passed away at 6:PM in a Santa Monica hospital surrounded by family, and will not be having a funeral, as per his request.