Saul Zaentz, known for producing intelligent, award-winning adaptations of novels, died on Friday at his San Francisco home. He was 92. Zaentz had won Best Picture Academy Awards three times over the years—for One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Amadeus, and The English Patient—and was awarded the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award in 1996. Other films he produced included Ralph Bakshi’s 1978 animated version of The Lord of the Rings, Peter Weir’s The Mosquito Coast, and the Daniel Day-Lewis-starring adaptation of The Unbearable Lightness of Being.
'That '70s Show' actress Lisa Robin Kelly died from multiple drug intoxication
Lisa Robin Kelly, best known for playing Eric Forman’s sister on That ’70s Show, died from multiple drug intoxication, the L.A. County coroner revealed Friday.
Specific drugs in Kelly’s system at the time of death were not noted, but the actress had a history with illegal substances. She was arrested at least four times over the past three years for DUI, spousal abuse, and assault.
Kelly’s agent spoke with People at the time of her death, saying Kelly had “addiction problems that have plagued her” for the past few years prior to her passing. TMZ was the first to report this story.
Judge tentatively rules against new Michael Jackson trial
A judge has issued a tentative ruling against granting a new trial in a negligence case filed by the mother of Michael Jackson claiming a concert promoter is financially liable for the singer’s death.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Yvette Palazuelos issued the lengthy ruling Friday but did not immediately finalize it after hearing more than two hours of arguments from lawyers.
A jury in October rejected Katherine Jackson’s lawsuit claiming AEG Live LLC negligently hired the doctor convicted of giving her son an overdose of anesthetic in 2009.
Her lawyers argued the verdict form didn’t allow jurors to fully consider evidence in the case.
AEG’s lawyers contend there was no basis for a new trial.
Paul Walker coroner's report reveals car was traveling over 100 mph
New light has been shed on the accident that claimed the lives of Fast & Furious star Paul Walker, 40, and his friend Roger Rodas, 38, thanks to a newly released coroner’s report that says the car was traveling in excess of 100 mph when it struck a tree in Santa Clarita, Calif., on Nov. 30.
The report specifies that Walker, who was riding in the passenger seat of the Porsche Carrera GT, is said to have suffered “thermal burns with diffuse charring” and his death was caused by the combination of extensive thermal injuries and multiple traumatic injuries. Rodas, who was driving the vehicle, also died of traumatic injuries. Neither drugs nor alcohol were found in either Walker’s or Rodas’ systems, according to a toxicology report.
According to witness reports, Rodas lost control of the vehicle, causing it to spin around into a curb. The driver’s side is said to have then struck a tree, then a light post, and then the passenger side careened into another tree, which is when it first burst into flames.
TMZ first reported the news, and the full report is available here.
'Top Chef' judge Gail Simmons and husband welcome baby girl
It’s a girl for Top Chef judge Gail Simmons and her husband Jeremy Abrams who welcomed their first child into the world on Sunday, Dec. 29.
Simmons’ reps confirmed the news of the couple’s new baby girl (named Dahlia Rae Abrams) to People and shared that Dahlia weighed 7 lbs., 3 oz., at birth.
“Mother, father and baby are doing wonderfully.” said Simmons’ reps.
'Sopranos' actor Lillo Brancato Jr. released after nearly 10 years in prison
Lillo Brancato Jr., best known for his roles in A Bronx Tale and The Sopranos, was released from prison Tuesday after spending nearly a decade in lockup, CNN reports. The Colombia-born actor, 37, was sentenced to 10 years in prison after attempting to steal drugs from a vacant house in New York City. When Brancato and his accomplice, Steven Armento, were confronted by off-duty police officer Daniel Enchautegui — who happened to live next door — Armento shot the cop in the chest. Enchautegui was later pronounced dead at the Bronx’s Jacobi Medical Center. Brancato was found guilty of attempted burglary; Armento was convicted for shooting Enchautegui and is serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
“I’m finally home!” Brancato tweeted Tuesday. “Thank you God for a second chance at life. I won’t let you down this time. HAPPY NEW YEAR 2014!”
Skype hacked by Syrian Electronic Army
They’re at it again: The Syrian Electronic Army, a group of online activists who support embattled Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, is apparently responsible for hacking Skype’s blog and social media accounts Wednesday.
NBC News reports that the Internet calling service’s Twitter account, Facebook page, and official blog were all infiltrated. Each posted messages advising readers not to use “Microsoft emails(hotmail,outlook)” because the company is “monitoring your accounts and selling the data to the governments.” Microsoft also owns Skype. READ FULL STORY
'Big Bang Theory' star Kaley Cuoco weds
Was it written in the stars? The Big Bang Theory actress Kaley Cuoco married tennis pro Ryan Sweeting on New Year’s Eve at the Hummingbird Nest Ranch in Santa Susana, Calif., People reports.
The courtship was quick — they were first spotted together earlier this fall. Back in September, Cuoco told People: ”I know that it seems a little crazy on paper but it works for us … From day one, I just knew immediately and it’s been magic.”
Cuoco wore a pink Vera Wang gown and posted a photo on Instagram of the big day:
READ FULL STORY
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