BaconBitsNews

The world of entertainment, sports related and late breaking news... also follow me on twitter @baconbitsnews for late breaking up to the minute news







Monday, May 23


2011 Billboard Music Awards red carpet pictures: Musician, California King Bed, Only Girl (In the World)2011 Billboard Music Awards red carpet pictures: Actress, country musician2011 Billboard Music Awards red carpet pictures: Musician, Right Thru Me, Super Bass2011 Billboard Music Awards red carpet pictures: Actress, musician, Wizards of Waverly Place2011 Billboard Music Awards red carpet pictures: Musician, Tik Tok, Blow2011 Billboard Music Awards red carpet pictures: Musician, Take Me As I Am, Someone to Love Me2011 Billboard Music Awards red carpet pictures: Actor on Glee, singer2011 Billboard Music Awards red carpet pictures: Musician, Hold My Hand, In the Air2011 Billboard Music Awards red carpet pictures: Musician, Destinys Child2011 Billboard Music Awards red carpet pictures: Musician, Destinys Child2011 Billboard Music Awards red carpet pictures: Musician, Black Eyed Peas
2011 Billboard Music Awards red carpet pictures: Musician, Black Eyed Peas2011 Billboard Music Awards red carpet pictures: Musician, The Jonas Brothers
2011 Billboard Music Awards red carpet pictures: Musician, Back to December, Mine2011 Billboard Music Awards red carpet pictures: Musician, Beautiful Monster, Champagne Life2011 Billboard Music Awards red carpet pictures: Albanian musician, Mandarine2011 Billboard Music Awards red carpet pictures: Musician, Hero, Hip Hop is Dead2011 Billboard Music Awards red carpet pictures: Musician, 2 Hearts, Locomotion2011 Billboard Music Awards red carpet pictures: Sinbad, entertainer, and wife Meredith


Randy Savage DiesWrestler, Macho Man Randy Savage died Friday in a car accident in Seminole, Florida. Randy's brother, Lanny Poffo, says Randy suffered a heart attack while he was behind the wheel around 9:30 in the morning and lost control of his vehicle. The 58 year old, whose catchphrase was, "Ooooooh Yeaahhhhh" had been in wrestling since 1985. Florida Highway Patrol reports Savage was driving his 2009 Jeep Wrangler when he veered across a concrete median, through oncoming traffic and "collided head-on with a tree. Savage's wife was a passenger in the vehicle during the collision -- but survived with "minor injuries." The couple celebrated their first wedding anniversary earlier in the month. Both were wearing their seatbelts at the time of the accident. An autopsy was performed on Sunday but cause of death is still pending.


Joseph Brooks, 'You Light Up My Light' songwriter, dies awaiting rape trialJoseph Brooks, the man who won an Academy Award and a Grammy for writing "You Light Up My Life" was found dead. Brooks' body was found in his New York City apartment by a friend, with a plastic bag tied around his head, connect to a helium tank. Police are also said to have found a suicide note, though the contents of it were not available. Brooks was 73. Though he had a great deal of success earlier in his life, writing the theme song to 1977's "You Light Up My Life" -- which he also wrote and directed -- Brooks' later life was marred by tragedy and scandal. He suffered a stroke that left him unable to play the piano. And in 2009, he was formally accused of raping 13 women, who he allegedly lured to his apartment and drugged. His trial had still not been set at his time of death.

TOP OF THE BOX

1  Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides $90.1 mil
2  Bridesmaids . $21 mil 

3 Thor . $15.5 mil
4  Fast Five $10.6 mil
5  Rio $4.7 mil



Oscar De La Hoya: Boxer enters rehab to work on 'issues' and 'certain flaws'

Though you wouldn't know it following his Twitter account, retired boxer Oscar De La Hoya has been in a California rehab facility for much of May. the 38-year-old is seeking help for substance abuse, though the De La Hoya camp remains mum on exactly what that entails. "After doing an honest evaluation of myself, I recognize that there are certain issues that I need to work on," De La Hoya says in a statement. "Like everyone, I have my flaws, and I do not want to be one of those people that is afraid to admit and address those flaws." De La Hoya is also trying to mitigate the media attention of his announcement, asking for "respect and privacy as my family and I go through this process."



Evangeline Lilly Gives Birth
"Lost" star Evangeline Lilly, has given birth to her first child..a boy! The 31-year-old and boyfriend Norman Kali were photographed toting their newborn at a supermarket, and though no details have been released about their new bundle of joy, except reports that it's a boy. Lilly and Kali met on the set of "Lost," where he worked as a production assistant.


Russell Brand Deported
British comedian and actor Russell Brand, was deported from Japan after arriving in the country to see his wife, Katy Perry, perform. He was detained due to prior incidents that occurred over ten years ago. Brand posted a series of messages and photos on his own Twitter account. "Planning escape from Japanese custody. It's bloody hard to dig a tunnel with a chopstick," he wrote. Perry is in Japan for a series of concert dates in Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya.



Jeff Conaway Not Doing Well

According to Dr. Drew Pinsky, his former "Celebrity Rehab" patient, Jeff Conaway, is not doing so well in the hospital. While he was heading for recovery from pneumonia, he has developed sepsis, which is very dangerous and his condition is tenuous. Jeff needs all the help and well-wishes he can get, tweets Pinsky. A rep for the actor says that it was "the use of painkillers and prescription drugs", not an overdose, that led to Conaway being found unconscious in his home.
Ginnifer Goodwin and Fiance' Split
After a brief engagement, actress Ginnifer Goodwin has split from actor Joey Kern. The former Big Love star, 32, and Kern, 34, reportedly broke up a few weeks ago.The actors were engaged last December after they were set up by a mutual friend.



Tree of Life Wins at Canne
"The Tree of Life," the film starring Brad Pitt and Sean Penn, took home the Canne festival's most coveted prize on May 22nd, the prestigious Palme d'Or. The film, told the story of a Midwestern family, starting with the father (Pitt) in the 1950s and ending with the son (Penn), at present time. "The Tree of Life" starts in limited release May 27th.



TV NEWS
Ugly Betty alum Ana Ortiz has booked a multi-episode arc on HBO’s Hung. The actress will play a woman with serious anger issues who becomes a client of part-time male prostitute Ray (Thomas Jane). Ray ends up helping her deal not only with her voracious sexual appetite, but also supporting her strong emotional needs.



British actor Rod Hallett, best known for his role on Showtime’s The Tudors, has landed a full-time gig on Fox’s upcoming prehistoric drama Terra Nova. The series revolves around an ordinary family — Jim Shannon (Jason O’Mara), his wife Elisabeth (Shelley Conn) and their kids — who go on a journey back in time as part of a daring experiment to save the human race.


The 36th season finale of Saturday Night Live – featuring Justin Timberlake and Lady Gaga – was the highest metered-market household average for an SNL season-ender in seven years.


Showtime comedy has tapped the hilarious and underrated Lindsay Sloane (Bring It On, Grosse Pointe) to join the cast as a love interest for Justin Kirk’s alter ego. Sloane — whose deal calls for her to appear in at least six episodes of the show’s upcoming seventh season — will play Maxeen, a quirky conceptual artist in New York who takes a liking to Andy.



MSNBC said Monday that it has added former Republican National Committee chairman Michael Steele as a political analyst. Steele has been a frequent guest on MSNBC and will now regularly appear across MSNBC programming.


Billboard Music Awards 2011 Winners:Top Artist:
Eminem

Top New Artist:
Justin Bieber

Top Male Artist:
Eminem

Top Female Artist:
Rihanna

Top Duo/Group:
The Black Eyed Peas

Top Billboard 200 Artist:
Taylor Swift

Top Hot 100 Artist:
Katy Perry

Top Digital Songs Artist:
Katy Perry

Top Radio Songs Artist:
Rihanna

Top Touring Artist:
U2

Top Social Artist:
Justin Bieber

Top Streaming Artist:
Justin Bieber

Top Digital Media Artist:
Justin Bieber

Top Pop Artist:
Lady Gaga

Top R&B Artist:
Usher

Top Rap Artist:
Eminem

Top Country Artist:
Taylor Swift

Top Rock Artist:
Train

Top Alternative Artist:
Mumford & Sons

Top Latin Artist:
Shakira

Top Dance/Electronic Artist:
Lady Gaga

Top Christian Artist:
Chris Tomlin

ALBUMS AWARDS:

Top Billboard 200 Album:
Eminem -- "Recovery"

Top Pop Album:
Justin Bieber -- "My World 2.0"
Katy Perry -- "Teenage Dream"

Top R&B Album:
Usher -- "Raymond v. Raymond"

Top Rap Album:
Eminem -- "Revovery"

Top Country Album:
Taylor Swift -- "Speak Now"

Top Rock Album:
Mumford & Sons -- "Sigh No More"

Top Alternative Album:
Mumford & Sons -- "Sigh No More"

Top Latin Album:
Enrique Iglesias -- "Euphoria"

Top Dance/Electronic Album:
Lady Gaga -- "The Fame"

Top Christian Album:
Skillet -- "Awake

SONG AWARDS:

Top Hot 100 Song:
Taio Cruz -- "Dynamite"

Top Digital Song:
Taio Cruz -- "Dynamite"

Top Radio Song:
Bruno Mars -- "Just The Way You Are"

Top Streaming Song (Audio):
Nelly -- "Just A Dream"

Top Streaming Song (Video):
Justin Bieber Feat. Ludacris -- "Baby"

Top Pop Song:
Taio Cruz -- "Dynamite"

Top R&B Song:
Usher Feat. will.i.am -- "OMG"

Top Rap Song:
Eminem Feat. Rihanna -- "Love The Way You Lie"

Top Country Song:
Lady Antebellum -- "Need You Now"

Top Rock Song:
Train -- "Hey, Soul Sister"

Top Alternative Song:
Neon Trees -- "Animal"

Top Latin Song:
Shakira Feat. Freshleyground -- "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)"

Top Dance Song:
Edward Maya &Vika Jigulina -- "Stereo Love"

Top Christian Song:
Chris Tomlin -- "Our God







Friday, May 20

Zsa Zsa Gabor in a Coma

Zsa Zsa Gabor was rushed to the hospital to have emergency stomach surgery and now, according to her husband, Prince Frederic von Anhalt, the 94 year old star has slipped into a coma. The emergency surgery was to repair a "major infection in her stomach" caused by a feeding tube.


Jeff Conaway, star of ‘Taxi’ and ‘Grease,’ hospitalized following apparent overdose

Jeff Conaway, the former star of Taxi and Grease who has a history of substance abuse problems, is currently in critical condition at an Encino, Calif., hospital after a suspected overdose. The 60-year-old actor has pneumonia and remains unconscious. In 2008, Conaway appeared on two seasons of Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew to get help for his addiction to cocaine, pain



Marion Cotillard Gives Birth to a Son

Inception star Marion Cotillard and her French actor-director beau Guillaume Canet are parents. Their son, named Marcel, was born in Paris, a source confirmed. "Mother and baby are fine," says the source, who adds that Cotillard is "very happy." Cotillard, 35, and Canet, 38, first starred together in 2003's Love Me If You Dare and began dating in 2007.



Arnold Schwarzenegger May Have Fathered More Children

Actress Jane Seymour told CNN she wasn't "even remotely surprised" upon hearing the news of Arnold's love-child with housekeeper Mildred "Patty" Beana. "The moment I heard it, that there was an announcement of their separation--he was obviously jumping the gun before everyone else told the world of the news." Seymour also revealed there's a possibility he's fathered some other children. "From what I gather, I think there will be lots of information coming people's way," she says. "I heard about two more [out of wedlock kids] somebody else knows about. I even met someone who knows him well."



Maria Hires Divorce Lawyer

Arnold and Maria originally announced that they’re separating and didn’t mention anything about a divorce, but Maria has gone ahead and hired one of the most powerful divorce lawyers in Los Angeles—Laura Wasser. "Maria hasn't decided yet if she wants to end her marriage," says one source. Wasser was hired before the news of the affair went public, sources say. Maria isn't Wasser's first famous client, she has worked with Angelina Jolie, Stevie Wonder, Nick Lachey and Britney Spears.



Arnold Schwarzenegger puts brakes on return to acting; concentrating on 'personal matters'

Amidst a still-unfolding scandal involving extramarital affairs and an out-of-wedlock child, Arnold Schwarzenegger has decided to put his not-yet-relaunched acting career on hold. "At the request of Arnold Schwarzenegger we asked Creative Artists Agency to inform all his motion picture projects currently underway or being negotiated to stop planning until further notice," Patrick Knapp, entertainment counsel to Schwarzenegger, wrote in a statement. "Governor Schwarzenegger is focusing on personal matters and is not willing to commit to any production schedules or timelines," the statement continues. "This includes "Cry Macho," "The Terminator" franchise and other projects under consideration. We will resume discussions when Governor Schwarzenegger decides."



Tim McGraw sued by record label

Country star Tim McGraw has been sued by bosses at his record label for breach of contract. Curb Records executives claim the singer handed over master recordings for his latest offering, "Emotional Traffic," too closely to the completion of 2009's "Southern Voice" and, as a result, the songs were not "topical and new." The lawsuit accuses McGraw of using a "transparent tactic to attempt to fulfill his contractual recording commitment to Curb prematurely in breach of the recording agreement." Curb says McGraw's contract stipulates that he must record albums "no earlier than 12 months and no later than 18 months" after delivering his previous album.But the Grammy winner, who has been with the firm since the start of his career, is adamant that "Emotional Traffic" fulfills his contractual obligation with the label. A statement from McGraw's camp reads: "Sadly, after a 20-year relationship which has provided unprecedented success for both parties, Curb Records has chosen to end its accord with Tim McGraw by filing suit against him. Tim McGraw delivered his new album, 'Emotional Traffic,' to Curb in the fall of 2010. ... The label is holding the album hostage from country music fans in an attempt to force Tim McGraw to serve perpetually under a contract that he has already fully and faithfully completed."



Cannes Film Festival bans Lars von Trier after Nazi comments

The Cannes Film Festival took the extraordinary step of banning filmmaker Lars von Trier in the wake of his remarks expressing sympathy for Hitler and Nazism.The board of directors of the festival issued the following statement on Thursday: "The Festival de Cannes provides artists from around the world with an exceptional forum to present their works and defend freedom of expression and creation. The Festival's Board of Directors, which held an extraordinary meeting this Thursday, 19 May 2011, profoundly regrets that this forum has been used by Lars von Trier to express comments that are unacceptable, intolerable, and contrary to the ideals of humanity and generosity that preside over the very existence of the Festival." "The Board of Directors firmly condemns these comments and declares Lars von Trier a persona non grata at the Festival de Cannes, with effect immediately." Trier said, "I'm known for provocations, but I like provocations when they have a purpose. And this had no purpose whatsoever. Because I'm not Mel Gibson. I'm definitely not Mel Gibson." And added "I'm very proud of being persona non grata. I've never been that before in my life, and that suits me extremely well."



Doherty jailed for 6 months for cocaine possession

Musician Pete Doherty has been jailed for 6 months after pleading guilty to possession of cocaine. The troubled British rocker was sentenced by an east London court. He had been arrested by police investigating the death of heiress Robin Whitehead, who died from a suspected drug overdose last year. The Babyshambles frontman — who has a history of drug use — had been due to perform a concert in Scotland Friday evening.



Titanic 3D Release Date

Titanic is sailing back into theaters around the world. In honor of the 100th anniversary of the Titanic’s doomed maiden voyage, Paramount Pictures, Twentieth Century Fox and Lightstorm Entertainment will release James Cameron’s Oscar winning movie “Titantic” worldwide on April, 6, 2012.



TV NEWS

One Tree Hill may not have seen the last of Lucas and Peyton after all. At a press conference following The CW’s upfront presentation on Thursday, network honchos expressed confidence that Chad Murray and Hilarie Burton would be back for the ninth and final season.



V stud Joel Gretsch has landed a guest spot on the upcoming season of USA Network’s In Plain Sight (premiering Sunday, July 10). The actor will play a JAG Corps attorney who comes to New Mexico to help Mary and Marshall with a decorated war-vet witness.



After just five years as the anchor of the "CBS Evening News," Katie Couric signed off Thursday (May 19) for the last time. Couric took over the network's top news spot after Dan Rather's unceremonious departure in 2006 after 44 years with CBS. "60 Minutes" correspondent Scott Pelley is scheduled to take over the nightly broadcast on June 6. "To all of you watching, thank you so much for coming along with me on this incredible journey," said Couric after showing a five-minute montage of her greatest hits -- including the disastrous 2008 Sarah Palin interview. Couric's next move isn't crystal clear yet, but she has reportedly been in talks with ABC to develop a talk show. "That's the 'CBS Evening News' for tonight," she said at the close of the broadcast. "I'm Katie Couric."
 


Olivia Munn is no longer one-half of a Perfect Couple, but rather a sassy financial analyst over on Aaron Sorkin’s new HBO new pilot.



Syfy has ordered a fifth season of Destination Truth, the globetrotting reality series that brings viewers along on adventures throughout the world.



Here’s another high-profile departure in the wake of Comcast’s takeover of NBC Universal: The New York Times is reporting today that NBC Sports guru Dick Ebersol resigned today after he couldn’t hammer out a new deal. Ebersol has been with the division since 1989 and was primarily reponsible for securing the rights for all those highly-viewed — but pretty pricey — Olympic telecasts. It is unclear what Ebersol’s departure means to the future of the Olympics on NBC, and whether Comcast is interest in going after the rights to the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, and the 2016 Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro. Ebersol will stay on the job until June.



When Kristin Cavallari gets married, there will be no MTV cameras and you won't find many of her "The Hills" castmates on the guest list.  The 24 year old, who will be marrying fiancee, Quarterback, Jay Cutler, in Chicago, says she just doesn't talk to those people on a regular basis anymore.  Audrina Patridge, Stephanie Pratt and her high school boyfriend Stephen Colletti are the only ones getting invites.



Danielle Staub has stopped stripping, opting to seek therapy. But what about the therapy we're all going to need after seeing those pictures? The Real Housewives of New Jersey star has sought out the assistance of Dr. Drew Pinsky, saying that she has problems with low self esteem that are rooted in sexual abuse. "Over the years I thought about getting help but pushed it deep into the depths of denial," Staub says. "Seeing how I have hurt myself and my family this time," she continues, "I can no longer push it behind me."



The cast of the "Jersey Shore" has been in Florence, Italy, for less than a week and they've already started a cross-town pizza war. Starting next week, Ronnie, Pauly D and the rest of the cast will work as apprentice pizzaioli at the locally popular O' Vesuvio Pizzeria. A rival pizzeria, however, is shunning the guidos and guidettes.  Italians are split on the motley crew...some are following them everywhere they go, but then there are others who are, like the mayor, are repulsed by the barbaric behavior of the cast.

Wednesday, May 18

Baseball Great Harmony Killebrew Dies

Baseball Hall of Famer and the most popular member of the Minnesota Twins, Harmon Killebrew, died Tuesday after battling esophageal cancer. He was 74. The Twins said Killebrew passed away peacefully at his home in Scottsdale, Ariz., with his wife, Nita, and their family at his side. He announced his diagnosis just six months ago, and last week Killebrew said he was settling in for the final days of his life after doctors deemed the disease incurable. Killebrew is 11th on baseball's all-time home run list after an exceptional 22-year career. is eight seasons with 40 or more homers still is tied for second in league history to Babe Ruth, and his swing formed the silhouette that inspired Major League Baseball's official logo. Killebrew's photo will remain under home base at Target Field for the rest of the season.




The Real Reason Arnold Schwarzenegger Confessed He Has a Love Child

After keeping his lovechild a secret for over decade, why did Arnold Schwarzenegger decide to come clean about his infidelities? If he hid it for this long, he certainly could have gone a few more, right? Apparently not. Mildred Patricia Baena, known as "Patty” worked as Arnold’s housekeeper/assistant for over 20 years. They would often have unprotected sex during the day when no one was home. Initial reports claim Arnold’s love child is 10 years-old, but now we’re getting word he’s actually 14. All was well between them until she was let go in January—right around the same time Arnold told Maria he had a secret love child. Conflicting reports say she was let go just a few weeks ago. "Mildred was furious that the father of her son would callously fire her from her job after decades of loyal service," one of the Mildred's closest confidantes said, speaking on the condition of anonymity. "She admitted to friends how she finally wanted to tell the secret -- that she had kept faithfully for 14 years -- to the world." Arnold and Patty reportedly had a big blowout recently and she threatened to go public with the news. So what did Arnold do? Beat her to the punch. Arnold and Maria released a statement saying they were separating and one week later he confessed he has a secret love child. Patty is expected to make the media rounds this week revealing more and more about their scandalous affair.



Kelsey Grammer Files for Sole Custody of Kids

The plot thickens in the heated split between Kelsey Grammer and ex-wife Camille Grammer. In court papers filed in L.A. County Superior Court, Kelsey, 56, is requesting primary physical custody of Mason, 9, and Jude, 6 – the two children he has with the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star, 42. The filing, which offers Camille time with the kids during half of their summer and half of their winter break, asks for the new custody agreement to begin after July 2, one year since the reality star filed for divorce from the now remarried actor.



Camille Grammer Is Ready to Fight for Her Kids

Camille Grammer is not taking her ex-husband's request for custody of their two children lightly. "She will fight like hell to keep her children with her, being raised by her, exactly where the children wish to be," a close friend of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star says. Kelsey Grammer, 56, filed for sole custody of Mason, 9, and Jude, 6, in L.A. County Superior Court last week. The filing offers Camille time with the kids during half of their summer and half of their winter breaks. Last year, Kelsey relocated to New York City where he starred in the Broadway musical La Cage Aux Folles. He met flight attendant Kayte Walsh during this time and announced his split from Camille last summer. The two were divorced in February and Kelsey married Walsh later that month. The couple reside in New York City, while Camille lives in Los Angeles with her and Kelsey's children. "He abandoned his family and got married within months of separating from Camille, all of which speaks volumes about his parenting and his respect for his current children," says the friend, who describes Camille, 42, as a "loving and compassionate mother." "Camille looks forward to a full and complete professional evaluation," the friend continues, "which she is more than confident will show her to be the more appropriate person to be primarily responsible for the custody of the children."


Minaj parts ways with manager Diddy

Nicki Minaj has parted ways with her manager, Sean 'Diddy' Combs, to work with the music moguls backing her labelmate Drake. The chart phenomenon, who is signed to Lil Wayne's Young Money Entertainment label, joined Combs' management roster last May. Minaj has left Combs to put her career in the hands of Gee Roberson and Kyambo Joshua, who have helmed the production company Hip-Hop Since 1978. The firm manages her mentor, Lil Wayne, as well as Drake, Kanye West and Young Jeezy.



Burton drops out of 'Sleeping Beauty' adaptation starring Angelina Jolie

Tim Burton has dropped out of directing Angelina Jolie as the evil Maleficent in a "Sleeping Beauty" adaptation. The filmmaker planned to put his Gothic twist on the story of the evil witch after his "Alice in Wonderland" adventure was a huge success for Disney last year. Jolie was eager to play the fairytale villain after learning Burton was on board to helm the project, saying, "Tim Burton, the chance to work with him would be extraordinary." The film is now without a director after Burton decided to focus on his pet project "Frankenweenie" for the studio instead. David Yates, who has directed the last four "Harry Potter" films, is in the running to take over.



TV NEWS

Actress. Lisa Edelstein has decided not to return for the eighth season of House.  Her long-term contract expires this month.  It's rather confusing or a ploy for a raise since Edelstein had been looking forward to season 8 which may be the last for the show.



CBS unveiled its 2011-12 fall lineup Wednesday morning and the big news is that the long-running CSI is shifting from its age-old Thursday slot to Wednesdays at 10 pm (replacing the axed Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior). The Good Wife is also on the move, relocating from Tuesdays at 10 pm to Sundays at 9 pm.


The CW has ordered a full second season of freshman spy-drama Nikita. The network has also picked up a 13-episode ninth season of One Tree Hill, set to premiere at midseason.


Following months of speculation, TNT formally announced on Wednesday morning its plan to follow The Closer‘s upcoming seventh and final season with a spin-off series titled Major Crimes. Touted by the cabler as “television’s next great crime drama,” Major Crimes will star Mary McDonnell (Battlestar Galactica), reprising her recurring Closer role of Captain Raydor.



CBS has canceled Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior after one season. CSI: NY was picked up for an eighth season.



"Glee" star, Matthew Morrison will join the NKOTBSB tour as a special guest instead of headlining his own solo tour. "I am so appreciative of my fans and I'm planning to give them a great show" he said. Matthew will join the tour on July 6th.



TNT has two new series premiering this summer: the alien invasion drama Falling Skies, exec-produced by Steven Spielberg, starring Noah Wyle (ER) and debuting June 19, and Franklin & Bash, a legal dramedy starring Mark-Paul Gosselaar (Raising the Bar) and Breckin Meyer (Road Trip) and launching June 1.

Tuesday, May 17

Schwarzenegger Fathered Out-of-Wedlock Baby

Arnold Schwarzenegger fathered a baby with a member of his household staff, and that is what sent Maria Shriver packing ... and right into the office of a powerful financial adviser to get her affairs in order to end her marriage. Sources say Maria was distraught after learning Arnold pulled a John Edwards. The baby mama worked for the family for two decades, retired and received a severance package. The baby was born more than a decade ago, but until recently Maria thought the father was the woman's husband at the time. Schwarzenegger told The Times, "After leaving the governor's office I told my wife about this event, which occurred over a decade ago. I understand and deserve the feelings of anger and disappointment among my friends and family. There are no excuses and I take full responsibility for the hurt I have caused. I apologized to Maria, my children and my family. I am truly sorry." Maria has no comment.  Maria was "completely distraught" yet determined to move on with her life.  She has not pulled the trigger to end her marriage on the legal side, but she has been working with a very powerful financial adviser who has been helping her position herself for a divorce. We believe -- though have not confirmed -- there is a prenup, but the couple has been together so long the effectiveness of it is problematic.



Carla Bruni Is Pregnant, Says Father-in-Law

Pal Sarkozy, the father of France's president Nicolas Sarkozy, has told the German newspaper Bild that his son and daughter-in-law, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, are expecting a baby. Rumors of a pregnancy have been circulating since late April, when the French press spotted the first lady doing some maternity shopping in Paris, although President Sarkozy's office has declined comment. Sarkozy, 56, and Bruni, 43, married in 2008. The former supermodel-turned-singer – who appears in Woody Allen's latest movie, Midnight in Paris, starring Owen Wilson – already has a 10-year-old son, Aurélian, from a previous relationship. Sarkozy has three sons between the ages of 25 and 13 from his two previous marriages. Last year, he became a grandfather for the first time. His office did not comment on Bruni-Sarkozy's pregnancy.




Rapper Cassidy Is Suspect in MURDER Case

Rapper Cassidy -- famous for his hit " I'm a Hustla " -- has been named a suspect in a murder case AND two attempted murder cases in Philadelphia ... this according to law enforcement. Cassidy was arrested in Hackensack, New Jersey this weekend on a probation violation ... and according to the Hackensack PD, the arrest was made in connection with the alleged crimes in Philadelphia. Police in Philly had phoned in a favor to the Hackensack PD -- telling them to arrest Cassidy on the probation violation ... and warned them "to consider [Cassidy] armed and dangerous,” saying it was a “high-risk warrant". Undercover officers with the Hackensack PD followed the 28-year-old rapper -- real name Barry Reese -- and arrested him during a felony motor vehicle stop. Cassidy previously did an eight month jail stint for involuntary manslaughter, aggravated assault and possession of an instrument of crime. He was released in 2006.


Jerry Lewis Retiring

Jerry Lewis has announced he's retiring as host of the annual Muscular Dystrophy Association Labor Day Telethon, saying "As a labor of love, I've hosted the annual Telethon since 1966 and I'll be making my final appearance on the show this year by performing my signature song, 'You'll Never Walk Alone'.  I'll continue to serve MDA as its National Chairman, as I've done since the early 1950's.  I'll never desert MDA and my kids."




Donald Trump Not Running For President, Will Remain at Helm Of Apprentice

Donald Trump confirmed at NBC’s upfront presentation in New York on Monday that he has decided not to run for president in 2012. The decision clears the way for him to stay on as host of Celebrity Apprentice next season. The announcement comes a day after NBC president Bob Greenblatt said he was prepared to replace The Donald on Celebrity Apprentice should he officially enter the race.



TV NEWS

ABC Fall Schedule Revealed: Charlie’s Angels has scored the Thursdays-at-8 time slot leading into Grey’s Anatomy. Extreme Makeover is moving its bus from Sundays to the Friday lead-off slot, where it will feed into Shark Tank. And claiming Brothers & Sisters‘ Sundays-at-1o spot is the new retro drama Pan Am, starring Christina Ricci.



Seth MacFarlane is bringing back the Flintstones... both on TV and for the movies. Fox entertainment president, Kevin Reilly, said production on the animated series will begin production in Fall 2011 for a 2013 premiere on the Fox schedule.  Seth says the very first cartoon he drew, at the age of two, was Fred Flintstone. MacFarlane says the characters  will look the same but he'll introduce new technology, like "What is the animal version of an iPad?



Evil "Survivor" player, Russell Hantz is getting his own show on A&E.  The program is called, "Flipped" and will follow the three-time Survivor contestant as he and his family attempt to buy Houston-area houses cheap and re-sell them at a profit during this tough economy.  Hantz says he expects to be one of the biggest flippers in Houston and will bring the city's economy back. A&E has ordered seven one-hour episodes and will premiere in the fall.



Season 8 of HBO's "Curb Your Enthusiasm" will premiere on July 10th.  Making guest star appearances this season will be Michael J. Fox and Michael Gross.  The two starred together in "Family Ties"   Fox will appear in the tenth episode as a lawyer who lives in the apartment above Larry who suffers from Parkinson's Disease, as Fox does in real life.  "I'm being symptomatic just to annoy him," Fox says. "He's complaining because I'm shuffling and making noise upstairs. It's very funny."    Earlier in the season, Fox's Family Ties dad, Michael Gross, plays Larry's dermatologist. He is in a funeral scene with comedian, Richard Lewis.  


Masi Oka — who began recurring on H5-0 as the socially awkward coroner in October  — will be returning next season as a full-fledged series regular. This marks Oka’s first full-time series gig since Heroes was put out to pasture by NBC in 2010.



Botox Mom Loses Custody of Daughter

The woman who admitted on national television that she injected Botox into her 8-year-old daughter ... has now lost custody of the girl.  Child Protective Services in San Francisco launched an investigation last week after Kerry Campbell went on " Good Morning America " and told the world she gave her daughter Britney the anti-wrinkle injections herself ... to help her compete in beauty pageants. According to ABC News , Britney has been removed from the home by CPS and taken into their custody while an investigation is conducted. Britney is reportedly "doing well."


Jermaine Jackson -- I'm NO LONGER a Deadbeat Dad

Jermaine Jackson is FINALLY caught up with his back child support payments -- after coughing up roughly $80,000 to his baby mama. As of January, Jermaine owed Alejandra Jackson $91,921 in unpaid child support -- but sources close to Jermaine say the former couple reached a settlement in April for an amount closer to $80k. And get this, Jermaine actually paid the settlement amount IN FULL -- according to new court docs filed last week.



Charlie Sheen Borrows $10 Mil From Warner Bros

Charlie Sheen -- who scored the biggest paycheck in TV before getting the boot -- had to borrow a huge amount of money from Warner Bros. during his last season on " Two and a Half Men ." Charlie's contract for Season 7 (2010 - 2011).  The document -- dated May 17, 2010 -- requires Warner Bros. to pay Charlie $10 million within 10 days of the date Charlie signed.  Charlie was then obligated to pay the money back during the first 13 episodes. To repay the loan, Sheen -- who was getting a base pay of $1.25 million a show -- had $769,230.77 deducted from each paycheck for the first 13 episodes.   But then there's this pesky issue of interest.  Under the deal, the interest -- calculated at the prime commercial rate -- would be deducted from the 14th paycheck. Charlie was fired after the 16th episode, so Warner Bros. got its $$$ back. As for why Charlie needed the money ... unclear.  With his profit participation, Charlie was raking in more than $2 million an episode, but it seems he was still burning a hole in his pocket.

Monday, May 16

Cali Swag District's M-Bone Shot And Killed

Rap group Cali Swag District's M-Bone was shot and killed late last night. While details have been kept brief, according to an Inglewood police spokesperson, the 22 year old group member sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the head while sitting in his vehicle on Le Brea Avenue. M-Bone was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. Fellow group member Smoove expressed his condolences in a recent tweet. "Ma life changed drastically in the. Blink of an eye rip mbone" tweeted Smoove. Cali Swag District made a major impact on the Hip-Hop market last year thanks to their catchy single "Teach Me How to Dougie." The track set off a rap sensation with the tune instructing fans how to perform the dance craze that sparked millions of followers. M-Bone was infamously known as one of the group's prime dancers along with members DJ C-Smoove, Yung and JayAre.



Olympic champ jumps to his death

Kenyan Olympic marathon champion Sammy Wanjiru died in a fall from a balcony after a domestic dispute involving his wife and another woman, police said Monday. One police official said Wanjiru committed suicide, while another said he jumped to stop his wife from leaving the house after she discovered him with another woman. Wanjiru became the youngest runner to win four major marathons. Along with the Olympics, he won in London in 2009 and in Chicago in 2009 and 2010, running the fastest ever time recorded in a marathon in the United States.


Weekend Box Office

Thor was #1 for a second week in a row, beating out new movie Bridesmaids.
1      Thor                $34.5 million
2      Bridesmaids   $24.4 million
3      Fast Five         $19.5 million
4      Priest               $14.5 million
5      Rio                      $8 million
6      Jumping The Broom   $7.3 million
7      Something Borrowed  $7 million
8      Water for Elephants    $4.1 million
9      Madea's Big Happy Family  $2.2 mil
10     Soul Surfer            $1.8 million



Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton Marry

Country music’s prince and princess – Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert – are now newlyweds, too. The couple exchanged vows Saturday night at the Don Strange Ranch in Boerne, Texas, north of San Antonio. Guests included Katherine Heigl and Josh Kelley, Reba, Kelly Clarkson, Dierks Bentley and Laura Bell Bundy. The award-winning singers have been together for six years. Shelton, 34, proposed last May in the woods near Lambert's Tishomingo, Okla., home. "I'm just excited to be married because I want to tell Blake I really can love him the rest of my life and be happy," Lambert, 27 said.



Tamera Mowry Gets Married

Tamera Mowry got her dream wedding on Sunday when she married Fox News Channel correspondent Adam Housley in Napa Valley. The Sister, Sister star, 32, and Housley, 39, tied the knot at an inn and vineyard surrounded by 300 guests. Mowry wore a wedding gown by Carolina Herrera as she exchanged traditional vows with Housley. Mowry, who starred with sister Tia on Sister, Sister, next appears on the reality series Tia & Tamera Take 2 this summer on the Style Network.



Tom Sizemore's Missing Female Friend Is Found

A friend of actor Tom Sizemore has been reunited with her family after she disappeared on March 31. Megan Wren, 25, was found in a home near downtown Los Angeles, Officer Sara Faden says. No reason for her disappearance was released. "I am relived and happy Megan is safe and sound. It is unfortunate that she did not come forward immediately as this has caused me a lot of concern," says Sizemore. "However, I am pleased no harm has come to Megan and I wish her and her family the best and I am putting this matter behind me." The actor's manager Charles Lago said that Wren was never Sizemore's girlfriend nor his assistant, as was rumored. Lago also denied she lived with Sizemore.



Disney Trademarks Seal Team 6

The Walt Disney Company has trademarked the phrase "Seal Team 6," which also happens to be the name of the elite special forces team that killed Osama Bin Laden. The trademark applications came just two days after the announcement of Bin Laden's death. Disney's trademark applications for "Seal Team 6" cover clothing, footwear, headwear, toys, games and "entertainment and education services," among other things.



Child Protective Services Visits Mariah Carey

Husband Nick Cannon told Piers Morgan in an interview, “It all started when a nurse suggested to my wife that if you drink Guinness, the dark beer, the yeast improves breastfeeding… I don't know if someone heard that, but then they were saying my wife was was drinking beer." “To even have to deal with that, my wife in the state that she's in, we're in the hospital, to even have to think about someone possibly wanting to investigate your children… it's sad at the end of the day,” Cannon continued. He also added that people have gone to ridiculous lengths to try to snap photos of the babies. “There’s been photographers actually in the hospital posing as different people or people trying to get pictures of the kids,” Cannon explained. “Which is really sad when you think about people trying to make a buck off newborn babies.”


TV NEWS

CBS has canceled William Shatner's sitcom," $#*! My Dad Says". Also axed after one season: The Defenders and Mad Love.



NBC canceled their freshman comedy, "Outsourced". The network also cancelled The Event, Law & Order: los Angeles.


NBC renewed chuck for 13 more eps.



Law & Order:SVU star Mariska Hargitay has closed a new deal to return for its upcoming 13th season — but there’s a catch. Around midseason, Hargitay’s Olivia Benson will pass the baton on to a new female detective — possibly played by Jennifer Love Hewitt. Meanwhile, SVU‘s leading man Christopher Meloni still has no deal for next season. Going into the contract negotiations, Hargitay had asked to scale back her workload on the show. The producers granted her request, reducing her hours but keeping her salary roughly the same at $385,000 an episode. For the first 13 episodes, Hargitay’s character will continue to solve sex crimes alongside Elliot Stabler, pending Meloni closing his deal. Then Benson will be promoted to a supervisor position, with a new female detective taking her place. That is the role that producers are eying for Hewitt, who, ironically, guest-starred on SVU last fall as a rape victim.


ABC has renewed "Body Of Proof" for a second season. 



ABC has cancelled "Brothers & Sisters," "V," "Better With You", "Off the Map", "No Ordinary Family," "Detroit 187," and "Mr. Sunshine."



HBO has officially ordered a third season of the acclaimed New Orleans-based drama, Treme.


Robert DeNiro is in talks to portray infamous swindler Bernie Madoff in an upcoming HBO film. The flick is based on the book The Wizard Of Lies: Bernie Madoff And The Death Of Trust.



Game of Thrones’ Lena Headey has been cast in an upcoming episode of USA Network’s White Collar. Headey will play a cyber hacker who “gets close” to Willie Garson’s Mozzie.



After well over 1,000 episodes -- and leading to the capture of just as many criminals -- the "America's Most Wanted" era is ending at FOX. The network announced the news during a call with reporters after releasing a schedule with its notable (partial) absence. "It's been an important show for us historically," FOX entertainment president Kevin Reilly said. "We haven't made money on the show in quite awhile. It wasn't particularly viable." "America's Most Wanted" has been on the air since 1988.



If Donald Trump ends up running for president, NBC will replace him at the helm of The Apprentice. “If he decides to run for president and is unavailable to do the show, we will bring the show back and there will be somebody else sitting at the head of the boardroom table,” confirmed NBC president Bob Greenblatt in a conference call with reporters following the release of the network’s new fall schedule. “Who that is, we’re not going to really entertain, because I’m still hoping well have Donald back in the seat. “The show will go on in his absence,” Greenblatt added. “If we had to address the issue of who it would be replacing him, we’d have to be confident we have another galvanizing presence. I’m hopeful we don’t have to go there, but if we do, it’s too strong a franchise to not consider that.”

Wednesday, May 11



Pacino joins Travolta and Lohan for Gotti film
Al Pacino is telling a new mob family story, joining John Travolta for the crime saga "Gotti: Three Generations." Pacino will play Gambino crime family underboss Neil Dellacroce, an associate and mentor to John Gotti Sr.(Travolta), according to the film's production company, Fiore Films.  "Gotti" reunites Pacino with Barry Levinson, who directed the actor in his role as Dr. Jack Kevorkian in last year's TV movie "You Don't Know Jack," for which Pacino won an Emmy. Levinson also was a producer on Pacino's 1997 crime drama "Donnie Brasco," and co-wrote his 1979 court saga "... And Justice for All." The cast also includes Lindsay Lohan, Joe Pesci and Travolta's wife, Kelly Preston.
William & Kate Honeymooning in Seychelles: Reports | Kate Middleton, Prince WilliamWilliam & Kate Honeymooning in Seychelles: Reports| Royal Wedding, Kate Middleton, Prince William Hot on the trail of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, British newspapers are feverishly reporting Tuesday that the newlyweds have quietly jetted to the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Africa for their belated honeymoon, 10 days after their Royal Wedding. William and Catherine were helicoptered to a private, unspecified island for an expected stay of 10 days in a secluded villa. (There are 115 islands in the Seychelles, so the paparazzi will have a tough time finding them.)


Black Eyed Peas guitarist sues their business manager -- claims fraud
Black Eyed Peas guitarist George Pajon sued the band's business manager, accusing him of breach of contract, professional negligence, fraud and other charges. In the lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court by attorney Richard A. Kolber, Pajon says that Sean Larkin and his company, Larkin Business Management, caused Pajon more than $1 million in damages. "Some or all of Defendants' actions were done with malice aforethought, fraud and oppression in that they never intended to perform their duties as Plaintiff's business managers," the lawsuit says. According to the lawsuit, Larkin, a certified public accountant and business manager, failed to file state or federal tax returns for Pajon and his company, El Cubano Music. It says that around July 2009, Pajon learned that Larkin hadn't paid the taxes, resulting in a large tax liability. The lawsuit claims that Larkin acknowledged that he had failed to file the returns. In 2009, a lawyer for the Black Eyed Peas accused Larkin of failing to file income tax returns for the band's touring operation. That lawyer, Helen Yu, made the allegations as a response to a defamation lawsuit that Larkin filed against her. Larkin claimed that "due to an inadvertent oversight," he failed to file the band's -- and some of its members -- tax returns and that Yu used the lapse to send letters about him "filled with venomous lies and fabricated accusations." Larkin sued Yu for defamation over the letters. A judge dismissed that lawsuit.


TV NEWS
Fox went on a killing spree, canceling five bubble shows including Human Target and Lie to Me. The network also axed freshman comedies Breaking In and Traffic Light as well as Shield creator Shawn Ryan’s rookie cop drama The Chicago Code. The cancellations come one week before Fox is set to unveil its fall schedule to advertisers.



Law & Order: CI‘s final season is officially underway, and a few good men are dropping by the long-running USA Network procedural during its swan song. Adrian Pasdar (Heroes) and Bryan Batt (Mad Men) are set to guest star on an upcoming episode of CI, titled “The Nose.”  


Lost‘s Nestor Carbonell will appear in an episode of FX’s buzzy new comedy, Wilfred.


Helena Cassadine, aka Port Charles’ baddest bitch in (and out of) town, is baaack. Constance Towers returns to ABC’s General Hospital the week of June 27.


A new season of CBS’ Big Brother premieres Thursday, July 7, and will run in its typical three-nights-a-week time slots on Wednesdays at 8/7c, Thursdays at 9, and Sundays at 8. Additionally, Same Name — a new series in which celebs trade places with strangers who have the (you guessed it!) same name — debuts Sunday, July 24.


WE tv has ordered a second season of Broxton Family Values, starring onetime R&B star, Toni Braxton.

Tuesday, May 10


Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver Split Up
Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver, an odd yet powerful couple if there ever was one, revealed Monday that they have separated after 25 years of marriage. "This has been a time of great personal and professional transition for each of us," the duo said in a joint statement. "After a great deal of thought, reflection, discussion and prayer, we came to this decision together. At this time, we are living apart while we work on the future of our relationship."  Shriver moved out of their Brentwood mansion a few weeks ago. "We are continuing to parent our four children together. They are the light and the center of both of our lives," their statement continued. "We consider this a private matter and neither we nor any of our friends or family will have further comment. We ask for compassion and respect from the media and the public."

 

Whitney Houston in Rehab for Drug and Alcohol Treatment

The singer, 47, who has struggled with substance abuse in the past, has recently entered an out-patient treatment program. "Whitney Houston is currently in an out-patient rehab program for drug and alcohol treatment," her rep said in a statement. "Whitney voluntarily entered the program to support her long-standing recovery process." Houston initially entered rehab in 2004, telling ABC News interviewer Diane Sawyer at the time: "I partied a lot. Trust me: I partied my tail off." But, the singer also admitted, "You get to a point where you know the party's over." She then received treatment again in 2005, this time with the help of her mother, Cissy Houston.

John Walker Dies

John Walker, one of the founders of the '60s music group the Walker Brothers, died in his Los Angeles home after a battle with liver cancer. He was 67. A songwriter, vocalist and guitarist, Walker, along with Scott Engel and Gary Leeds, struck it big with such songs as "Make It Easy On Yourself," "Love Her," "My Ship Is Comin' In" and "The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine (Any More)." Walker was born John Maus but started using the name Walker in his teens, the same time he picked up the guitar. Although no one in the group was related to one another, the trio called themselves the Walker Brothers when they formed in 1964. The Walker Brothers eventually disbanded by the end of the '60s, after having sold an estimated 23 million albums. On John Walker's site, it said, "He was a beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather, friend, and artiste." His cancer was first diagnosed last December, and among his survivors is his wife, Cynthia.


Golf Great Dies

Spanish golf great, Steve Ballesteros, has died from complications of a cancerous brain tumor. The 54-year-old had been resting at his home in Pedrena, northern Spain, where he has mostly been since undergoing four operations in late 2008.  Ballesteros won three British Open titles and two Masters. One of the best-known personalities in Spain and the golfing world, he also won 50 times on the European Tour and is widely credited with transforming European golf.


Kelly Brook Suffers Miscarriage

British actress Kelly Brook has suffered a miscarriage. "I can confirm that Kelly and Thom [Evans] have very sadly lost their baby. They request that everyone please respects their privacy at this very painful time and there will be no further comment," Brook's spokesman Jonathan Hackford said. The Piranha 3D star was five months pregnant with her first child, a girl who was due in August. Brook, 31, and her rugby-player boyfriend Thom Evans announced her pregnancy on Twitter on March 16, saying: "We are delighted." The actress was previously engaged to actor Billy Zane. 


Jermaine Dupri sued over child support payments

An Atlanta-area woman is suing music producer Jermaine Dupri over missed child support payments after a judge recently ordered him to pay her. Fulton County Superior Court Judge Margaret Dorsey told the Grammy-winning producer in March to pay $2,500 a month and an additional $7,500 to Sarai Jones, based on the results of a paternity test. Jones' attorney, Randy Kessler, said Jones hopes that she and Dupri "can work together to co-parent their beautiful baby girl," who is 7 months old. Dupri's lawyer, James Kane, declined to comment. The lawsuit was filed at a time when Dupri is facing financial troubles. His mansion was up for foreclosure and set to be auctioned last week, but the sale was canceled at the last minute. Dupri owes the state more than $493,000 in back taxes for 2007. Based off his 2006 income, Forbes.com said Dupri was one of hip-hop's top earners, taking home $12 million. Dupri has produced hits for artists including Usher and Mariah Carey, and had a seven-year relationship with R&B singer Janet Jackson that ended a couple years ago. He lives in the Atlanta area.


It's a Boy for Alicia Silverstone

The actress and author, 34, welcomed her first child with husband Christopher Jarecki on Thursday, May 5, her rep said. Son Bear Blu Jarecki arrived at 7:50 a.m. and weighed in at 7 lbs., 15 oz. The author of vegan cookbook The Kind Diet, Silverstone will next be seen in the films Vamps and Butter.


Justin Bieber: It's 'Lame' That I Was Called a 'Brat'

Justin Bieber probably won't be invited back to the CSI set if the show's star Marg Helgenberger has anything to say about it. Almost a year after Bieber, 17, filmed a guest spot on the hit CBS series, Helgenberger recalls the experience as less than pleasant. "I probably shouldn't say this, but he was kind of a brat," the Emmy-winning actress, 52, said Friday in an interview with the French radio show Le Grand Direct des Medias. Although Helgenberger admits the "Baby" singer was "nice" to her, she claims he "locked one of the producers in a closet and he put his fist through a cake that was on the craft services table." The actress's comments did not go over well with the Biebs, who took to his Twitter account to call her out. "It's kinda lame when someone you met briefly and never worked with comments on you," the pop star wrote on Monday. "I will continue to wish them luck and be kind." Calling Helgenberger's comments "rumors," Bieber added, "I know who i am and sometimes people r just going 2 say what they want. Keep ur head up and be the man ur mama raised. #killemwithkindness."

TV NEWS
Bristol Palin has finally landed her inevitable reality series -- with an unexpected twist. Cable channel BIO reveals, May 9, that the daughter of former Alaska governor Sarah Palin will star in an unscripted series... that chronicles her moving in with brothers Kyle and Christoper Massey.  "Dancing With the Stars" fans will recognize Kyle Massey as Palin's co-star from Season 11, who just edged her out to place 2nd to winner Jennifer Grey. BIO says the series will follow the three -- as well as Palin's two-year-old son Tripp -- cohabit in Los Angeles while working for a small, still unknown charity. The 10-episode season that promises "exclusive access" to her personal life is scheduled to premiere later in 2011.


"Gossip Girl" will be down two Brooklyn babes come Season 5. Taylor Momsen and Jessica Szohr will not be turning to the the CW drama as series regulars next season. Momsen and Szohr, who play troublemakers Jenny Humphrey and Vanessa Abrams, have been invited back on a guest star basis. "Gossip Girl" newbie Kaylee DeFer, who plays Serena's mysterious cousin Charlie, will return in Season 5 and has been promoted to series regular. Blake Lively, Leighton Meester, Penn Badgley, Ed Westwick and Chace Crawford are all set to return.



William & Kate star Camilla Luddington has nabbed an eight-episode arc on Californication‘s fifth season, playing a nanny who comes to work for Evan Handler‘s Charlie.


After five years on the Today Show, Meredith Vieira announced this morning that she's leaving the show next month to take care of her ill husband. Anchor Ann Curry will replace Meredith alongside Matt Lauer. So far no word on whether Matt will stay on board once his contract expires next year. "This is a difficult day for me. I'm trying hard to hold it together," Vieira said while laughing and holding back tears. Her final day will be "in a few weeks," said co-host Matt Lauer.

Glee guy Matthew Morrison will perform “Still Got Tonight,” the new single from his debut solo album, as part of the Fox musical’s Season 2 finale airing May 24.


FOX has renewed its animated series "Family Guy" and "The Cleveland Show" for one more season each. That will make 10 seasons for "Family Guy" -- and seven since it was brought back from the dead in 2005. The show, which was previously picked up for 2011-12, concludes its eighth season on May 22 with the third of its "Star Wars" parodies, the "Return of the Jedi"-skewering "It's a Trap!" "The Cleveland Show," meanwhile, was picked up for a third season way back last summer, so this renewal gives the green light for Season 4. The renewals ensure that both shows will stay on the air through 2012-13.


Well, the good news is, if you happen to be a Gwyneth Paltrow fan, that she's this close to joining up with the cast of "Glee" for their summer tour.  Paltrow was visiting the BBC show "Something For The Weekend," when she was asked if she would be involved with the tour. "Possibly," Paltrow said. "They've asked me to do a couple of little surprise things." The "Glee" tour kicks off on Saturday, May 21st in Las Vegas and dates are lined up through early July with dates also in Britain and Ireland.

 Scott Baio has landed the lead in Nick at Nite’s new sitcom, Daddy’s Home, says Deadline. There, he’ll play — you guessed it — a stay-at-home father. Baio will also executive-produce the project alongside friends Eric Bischoff (WWE) and Jason Hervey (The Wonder Years).