Celebrity Birthdays
Jon Hamm (30 Rock: Dr. Drew Baird)-39
Shannon Tweed-53 Timbaland (Rapper-producer)-38
Sharon Stone-52 Jerry Horton (Papa Roach)-35
Lance Burton (Magician)-50 Robin Thicke-33
Jasmine Guy (Vampire Diaries: Sheila)-48
Bree Turner-33 Emily Osment (Hannah Montana: Lilly)-18
Jeff Ament (Pearl Jam)-47 Shannon Miller (Gymnast)-33
Prince Edward-46 Carrie Underwood-27
Paget Brewster (Criminal Minds: Emily)-41
Celebrity News Producer Pleads Guilty In Letterman Extortion Case A television producer admitted yesterday to trying to shake down David Letterman, avoiding a long prison sentence by pleading guilty in exchange for six months in jail and 1,000 hours of community service. Robert “Joe” Halderman was charged last fall with demanding $2 million from Letterman to keep quiet about Dave’s love life. After the plot hit the media, Letterman told viewers he had several affairs with women on his staff. Halderman’s lawyers initially said he was just offering to sell Letterman a thinly veiled screenplay about the comedian’s life. Halderman is a producer for CBS’ “48 Hours Mystery.”
Lindsay Lohan Takes On E-Trade Babies Lindsay Lohan is feuding with the E-Trade babies. The actress has filed a $100 million lawsuit claiming a TV ad for the Wall Street firm that aired during the Super Bowl and Olympics was modeled after her. Talking babies in the ad engage in chatter that refers to “milkaholic Lindsay.” Lohan’s lawyer contends that “Lindsay” is an equally recognizable moniker for her client – like that of Oprah or Madonna. Lohan’s legal team is seeking an injunction to stop future airings of the commercial.
Man Pleads No Contest To Stalking Ryan Seacrest A man who has repeatedly shown up at Ryan Seacrest’s work and events has pleaded no contest to felony stalking. Chidi Benjamin Uzomah Jr. entered the plea yesterday in Los Angeles and was ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation. Uzomah was arrested October 30th after he showed up at E! Entertainment Television headquarters trying to contact Seacrest. The incident was a violation of a restraining order issued in another case in which Uzomah admitted attacking one of Seacrest’s bodyguards at an event. Uzomah will be sentenced on June 14th. He faces up to two years in prison.
‘Spartacus’ Star Has Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Andy Whitfield, who plays the title role in the Starz Original series “Spartacus: Blood and Sand,” has been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The network says the cancer was discovered during a routine checkup as Whitfield prepared to begin shooting the second season of the series, which is filmed in New Zealand. Production has been postponed while Whitfield undergoes treatment. According to Starz, the cancer was detected in its early stages and is “very treatable.”
Hilary Duff To Write Young Adult Book Series Hilary Duff is adding author to her résumé. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers said Duff will work on a series of young adult novels, starting with the October publishing of “Elixir.” Duff also plans a nonfiction book about children coping with divorce, scheduled for release in 2012. Duff has written about her own parents’ separation in the songs “Stranger” and “Gypsy Woman.”
‘Drew Carey’ Actress Nan Martin Dies Actress Nan Martin, who acted on the big screen, small screen and Broadway, died Thursday of complications from emphysema, according to her son, Casey Dolan. She was 82. Martin was perhaps best known for her recurring role on the ABC series “The Drew Carey Show,” in which she played ornery boss Mrs. Louder. However, Martin has also had roles on “The Twilight Zone,” “Perry Mason,” “Valerie,” “The Golden Girls,” “CSI,” “Six Feet Under” and “Nip/Tuck.”
‘Amazing Race’ Star Linked To Drug Investigation One of the Rhode Island police officers competing on the current season of “The Amazing Race” has been taken off the streets in the wake of an internal investigation into a major cop-operated cocaine ring. According to the Rhode Island State Police, Louie Stravato has been put on desk duty after his name came up in a four month investigation into a large-scale cocaine distribution operation. Three officers were arrested in a sting, but Stravato was not among them. The nature of Stravato’s involvement in the case was not reported.
Charlie Sheen To Resume Taping ‘Two And A Half Men’ Charlie Sheen will leave rehab and return to taping his CBS sitcom “Two and a Half Men” on March 19th, his rep said yesterday. Sheen’s mouthpiece announced on February 22nd that the actor was taking time off to enter rehab “as a preventative measure.” On February 8th, Sheen was charged in Colorado with felony menacing, third degree assault and criminal mischief. The charges are connected to the alleged Christmas Day argument between Charlie and his wife, Brooke Mueller. Sheen will be back in court on March 15th.
Dennis Hopper’s Wife Refuses To Leave Dennis Hopper’s wife Victoria is reportedly refusing to leave the actor’s property, despite a March 15th court-ordered deadline. According to TMZ, Victoria Hopper filed papers claiming she doesn’t have to leave because she’s living in another structure on the premises not mentioned in the original prenuptial agreement. Victoria also says that she believes Dennis is getting ready to die. “I believe in contemplation of death, Dennis Hopper may be intending to remove me as a beneficiary of any kind.” It was reported last month that Hopper was losing his battle with prostate cancer.
‘CSI’ Star Busted For Public Urination “CSI” actor Gerald McCullouch found himself on the wrong side of the law last week when cops busted him for public urination. McCullouch was partying with buddy Keith Collins at New York nightspot Amnesia when he was busted. “I asked my cab driver to pull over so I could relieve myself. Suddenly I was surrounded by three cop cars. I said, ‘Officer, at least let me finish!’” McCullouch said the judge sentenced him to an hour-long “quality-of-life counseling.”
Music News Sheryl Crow To Guest Star On ‘Cougar Town’ Sheryl Crow has signed on to play a recurring role on “Cougar Town.” ABC said, “In her first of three episodes, Crow guest stars as Sara, a confident wine rep who sets her sights on Grayson; but is he strong enough to be her man?” Crow’s first appearance on the show is scheduled for March 24th.
Goo Goo Dolls Name New Album The Goo Goo Dolls have announced the title of their upcoming studio album. “Something For The Rest Of Us” will be released before the end of the year. The Goo’s ninth studio album is their first in four years. Meanwhile, the band has announced dates for their spring tour, which begins April 6th in Augusta, Georgia, and runs through mid-June.
Scott MacIntyre Releases Album “American Idol” contestant Scott MacIntyre has a new album out titled “Heartstrings.” You can catch him on “Idol’s” results show tomorrow when the top 12 are revealed.
Justin Bieber On QVC Justin Bieber is going for the home-shopping audience. Bieber was on QVC last night and returns Friday to perform on the cable channel in support of his CD, “My World 2.0,” a collection of 10 new songs that follow his debut album, “My World.” The QVC version comes with a bonus DVD. “My World 2.0” drops at traditional retail outlets on March 23rd.
Taylor Launches ‘Fearless 2010 Tour” Taylor Swift’s “Fearless 2010 Tour” is underway and sold out in Tampa, Orlando and Ft. Lauderdale. In the new, high-voltage, two-hour show, Taylor plays seven different instruments in three acts with eight costume changes. The trek covers 31 North American cities over three months.
Corgan Launches Open Auditions Billy Corgan has launched open auditions to find a new bassist and keyboardist for The Smashing Pumpkins. Bassist Ginger Pooley quit the band last week to concentrate on being a mom. Electric Prunes star Mark Tulin will fill in until a replacement is hired. Hopefuls are being asked to send background info, photos and performance Web links via e-mail to PumpkinsBass@gmail.com or PumpkinsKeys@gmail.com. The final date for submission is March 31st.
Lady Gaga In 3D Lady Gaga, who is in the middle of the Australian leg of her “Monster Ball” tour, is considering a 3D concert and DVD “in the near future.” Last week, Gaga fan sites began speculating about plans for a 3D DVD after the singer released a deluxe edition of her “Fame Monster” album that included a pair of 3D glasses that she said would come in handy “for things happening soon.” Meanwhile, Gaga is gearing up for the debut of her “Telephone” video, which premieres tomorrow at 11:30 p.m. [ET] on E! A four-pack of songs from Gaga will be added next week to the Rock Band Music Store for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Wii. The “Lady Gaga Pack 01” will include “Bad Romance,” “Just Dance,” “Monster” and “Poker Face.” A special version of “Poker Face” that was made famous by “South Park” character Eric Cartman will also be available.
DMX Arrested DMX was arrested yesterday in Arizona for allegedly violating the terms of his probation by using illegal drugs. According to TMZ, DMX’s lawyer has asked Dr. Drew to help the rapper. Attorney Gary Jenkins said, “He’s been battling addiction for some time and he’s in need of treatment. We’re hoping that maybe Dr. Drew might be able to help him.”
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