Ashley Olsen says twin sis is ‘hanging in there’
Ashley Olsen tells People magazine her twin sister Mary-Kate, who is seeking treatment for a health-related issue, is “hanging in there.” Both People and Us Weekly have reported Mary-Kate has an eating disorder. Although Ashley never named what condition Mary-Kate was being treated for, she said it was something her sister has been struggling with for quite a while before the family stepped in and got help for her. “She is taking the time she needs for herself right now,” Ashley told People. “Right now is especially a good time right before school so she can get healthy.” The twins, who turned 18 earlier this month, plan to attend New York University in the fall. Ashley recently canceled a trip to Australia to promote their first feature film, New York Minute, to be with Mary-Kate. But Ashley declined to describe their recent meetings to People, saying: “It’s private. I’m here for her whenever she needs me, and, you know, that’s how it works.” Ashley also added the family appreciates the support they have received from the public. “The support’s been really amazing,” she said.
Michael Moore says political opponents helped Fahrenheit 9/11 ticket sales
Filmmaker Michael Moore credited his political opponents for boosting ticket sales for his documentary Fahrenheit 9/11 at the box office this weekend, The Associated Press reports. “They’re all getting a Christmas card from me this year,” said Moore while greeting moviegoers at a downtown Manhattan theater Sunday. Moore said conservative groups helped draw attention–and viewers–to the documentary, which took in $21.8 million in 868 theaters in its first three days of release. Moore added Fahrenheit 9/11 sold out in Fort Bragg, N.C., and Peoria, Ill., states that went to Bush in the 2000 presidential election and said the film will convince “a lot of swing voters, independents and even Republicans.”
Bonham Carter, Burton have baby boy
Actress Helena Bonham Carter and film director Tim Burton welcomed a baby boy into the world Saturday in London, the AP reports. The actress’ agent said the couple had not yet named the boy. Bonham Carter, 37, and Burton, 45, met on the set of the remake Planet of The Apes four years ago. The as-yet-unwed couple lives in adjoining houses in north London that were recently connected with a door. “I don’t know if we’ll marry,” Bonham Carter told the magazine Radio Times. “I find it romantic bearing his illegitimate child and living next door.” Burton, who last directed Bonham Carter in Big Fish, is currently working on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory starring Johnny Depp.
Mira Sorvino gets hitched
Oscar-winning actress Mira Sorvino, 36, married her 22-year-old beau, actor Christopher Backus, in a private ceremony in Santa Barbara, Calif., AP reports. It’s the first marriage for both. Sorvino, the daughter of actor Paul Sorvino, won a best supporting actress Oscar for Woody Allen‘s 1995 film Mighty Aphrodite. Backus has appeared on the NBC sitcom Will & Grace.
Title of sixth Harry Potter book revealed
Author J.K. Rowling has announced the title for the sixth book in her popular Harry Potter series: Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, CNN/Money reports. Rowling made the announcement on her official Web site but it took dedicated fans with in-depth knowledge of the site to discover the path to the title, which was detailed on the fan site WizardNews.com. The Christopher Little Agency said the author is still in the process of writing the book and no release date has been set. Rowling seemed to confirm the Half Blood Prince title on her site’s main Daily News by adding, “The HBP is neither Harry nor Voldemort,” she wrote. Lord Voldemort is the series’ villain.
“Bam” Margera ordered to stop filming MTV series
Local officials in West Chester, Penn., have ordered Brandon C. “Bam” Margera to stop production and get rid of his TV gear and props for his MTV show Viva La Bam in 30 days, the AP reports. Margera, who starred alongside Johnny Knoxville in the defunct series Jackass, paid $1.2 million for the 13.8-acre property and moved there in February to film the series. Among other things, he’s staged a heavy metal concert, a helicopter landing, a demolition derby and an encampment of Civil War reenactors on the property. “The question is whether he is running a business in a residential neighborhood,” H. William Sellers, supervisors chairman in the township, told The Philadelphia Inquirer. Margera and MTV said they would appeal the June 16 letter from Pocopson Township.
Idol finalist DeGarmo releases first single
RCA Records is releasing American Idol runner-up Diana DeGarmo’s first CD single, “Dreams,” Tuesday, AP reports. “I know I’m probably going to have a heart attack,” DeGarmo told AP, about hearing her song played on the radio for the first time. The 17-year-old singer, who came in second to winner Fantasia Barrino (now known as Fantasia), is close to signing a record deal with RCA. “We’re doing a full album, and if all things go well, hopefully it will be out before the end of the year. I can’t wait to have everything finalized and in ink,” DeGarmo said.
Kelly Osbourne takes new spin on next album
Fresh off a concert tour with her father, Ozzy Osbourne, in London, Kelly Osbourne is excited about her next album. The singer told AP Radio she went in a whole new direction with her new album, taking a departure from her first album. “[I felt I needed] to fill the shoes of rock and roll because of the family I have [on the first album],” Kelly explained. “That’s not really my deal. I don’t really like rock. I like ’80s pop. I really went in an ’80s direction this time.”
Kit Bowen contributed to this report.
