HOLLYWOOD - Eastwood clears name as wife abuser
Clint Eastwood settled a libel lawsuit against the writer and publisher of an unauthorized biography he said portrayed him as a wife abuser, The Associated Press. Eastwood filed the $10 million libel action in 2002 against Patrick McGilligan, who wrote Clint: The Life and Legend. The book claims a former associate of Eastwood witnessed the Oscar-winning director physically abusing his former wife, Maggie Eastwood. The associate later recanted his remarks in a sworn affidavit, AP reports. As part of the settlement, any reference to such abuse, as well as other statements that Eastwood claimed were false and defamatory, are to be removed from the book.
Kilborn bids late-night talk show adieu
CBS' Late Late Show host Craig Kilborn is walking away from the job, Variety reports. After five successful seasons, Kilborn informed CBS execs Thursday that wanted to quit, even after he and CBS and Kilborn spent the summer hashing out a new multiyear deal. Now, however, Kilborn says he's ready to shift into a career behind the camera--at least for now. "It was easily the greatest job I've had, and CBS was very generous in their offer to re-sign me," Kilborn told Variety. "But I simply want to try something new. I can now focus on writing and producing different television projects I haven't had time for…And this is cool: I will continue to wear makeup in my everyday life," he quipped. The comedian probably will sign off by the end of this month or early next month, insiders told Variety. The show, which is produced by David Letterman's company Worldwide Pants, is expected to launch a search for a new host immediately.
Savage weds childhood friend
Fred Savage, best known for portraying Kevin Arnold on the hit TV show The Wonder Years, married his childhood friend, Jennifer Stone, Aug. 7 in Los Angeles, AP reports. They were neighbors until 1988, when Savage, then 11, moved from a suburb of Chicago to Los Angeles for his TV stint on The Wonder Years. The couple reconnected 11 years later at a birthday party for Savage. "We started talking and smooching and we've been together ever since," the 28-year-old actor/director told People magazine. Quipped Savage: "I promised to always bring up a glass of water to her before we go to bed, and she promised to never let me dress myself."
Jackson may attend a pretrial hearing
Michael Jackson could make an appearance at a pretrial hearing in which Santa Barbara County District Attorney Tom Sneddon, who is currently prosecuting the singer on child molestation charges, will be testifying, AP reports. Sneddon was subpoenaed by Jackson's defense team to testify about surveillance he personally conducted at the office of a private investigator, Bradley Miller, who was working for Jackson's former attorney, Mark Geragos. Santa Barbara County sheriff's officials already have testified that they searched Miller's office, breaking in with a sledgehammer and seizing videotapes and files relating to the Jackson case, AP reports. Jackson's current lawyer, Thomas Mesereau Jr., maintains that the Sheriff's Department and Sneddon violated the attorney-client privilege of confidentiality by invading Miller's office. They contend that everything seized from the office should be suppressed and not allowed in evidence at Jackson's trial.
Roy Horn getting therapy at spinal hospital
Nearly a year after being mauled by a tiger, illusionist Roy Horn of Siegfried & Roy was evaluated Thursday at a hospital that specializes in spinal cord and traumatic brain injury rehabilitation, AP reports. Horn was able to walk again in March, five months after being attacked by a 300-pound white tiger in Las Vegas, during a sold-out performance at The Mirage hotel-casino. Horn's partner, Siegfried Fischbacher, has minimized Horn's injuries, describing the illusionist's wound as "a little punch hole" on the left side of his neck, and said the stroke Horn suffered after the attack resulted from the blood pressure medication Horn was taking. A spokesman for Horn declined to comment on how long he was expected to stay at the facility or what treatment he was receiving.
Dawson's Creek star sues realtor
James Van Der Beek, the actor best known as the lead on the now defunct WB show Dawson's Creek, testified in a case in which he claims a real estate agent neglected to tell him about extensive water damage to a house he bought in Wilmington, North Carolina, in 2000 for more than $800,000, AP reports. The repairs cost more than $80,000, according to his civil complaint. Van Der Beek, 27, isn't named a plaintiff in court papers and for privacy reasons, a trust was set up to purchase the property, he said.
Lohan's dad treated for chest pains
Teen actress Lindsay Lohan's father collapsed in a Long Island, New York, courtroom Thursday, AP reports. Michael Lohan was in court on assault charges when he began complaining of chest pains. He is currently in stable condition. Michael Lohan is accused of attacking his brother-in-law with his shoe in May and assaulting a garbage man in Manhattan, and is additionally facing charges in Suffolk Virginia for allegedly stiffing someone $4,000. His attorneys say they are working to get all three cases cleared up quickly for their client's health purposes and so that Lindsay's movie star life would not be upset, AP reports.
Laverne and Shirley get stars
Flanked by friends and family, including Henry Winkler and Garry Marshall, Penny Marshall and Cindy Williams of the hit TV show Laverne & Shirley got their own stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame Thursday, AP reports. Marshall, 61, and Williams, who turns 57 this month, starred in the 1976 hit comedy about two single, working women in late 1950s Milwaukee. "We never got any Emmys, so this is great," Marshall said.