Florence Henderson: Brady Bunch matriarch dies at 82

Florence Henderson: Brady Bunch matriarch dies at 82

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-38102188

Florence Henderson, known to millions for her role as matriarch Carol Brady in The Brady Bunch, has died aged 82.

According to her representatives, she died on Thursday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre in Los Angeles, a day after being admitted to hospital.

First shown in 1969, The Brady Bunch told of single parents with children who marry to form a "blended" family.

Born in 1934 in southern Indiana, the actress began her career in theatre before turning to television.

She made her first stage appearance in New York at 19 - a one-line role in a play called Wish You Were Here.

She went on to land the female lead in a tour of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical Oklahoma!, which eventually took her to Broadway in 1954.

She subsequently played Maria in The Sound of Music and Nellie Forbush in South Pacific.

But her career nearly ended in 1965 when she suddenly lost her hearing while appearing in The King and I in Los Angeles.

She was diagnosed with a hereditary condition called osteosclerosis and had corrective surgery in both ears.

The Brady Bunch, which initially ran until 1974, brought her and her co-stars international fame.

"We had to have security guards with us," she later recalled. "We couldn't go out by ourselves. We were like the Beatles!"

The show went on to return in various forms, among them a 1995 film in which she played the mother of her former character.

"It's such a gentle, innocent, sweet show, and I guess it proved there's always an audience for that," the actress said in 1999.

Oscar-winning actresses Marlee Matlin and Patricia Arquette are among those who have marked her passing on Twitter.

Pop star Boy George has also paid tribute, saying he "grew up with the Brady Bunch", while talk show host Larry King described her as "America's mom".

Maureen McCormick, who played Brady's oldest daughter Marcia in the hit TV series, said she had been "a dear friend for so very many years".

Henderson was a contestant on Dancing in the Stars in 2010 and appeared on the show days before her death in support of McCormick, a contestant in the most recent series.

The actress made numerous TV appearances outside of The Brady Bunch and was the first female guest host of The Tonight Show.

She also made cameo appearances in such comedy films as Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult, Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star and Fifty Shades of Black.

Jackie Chan is honored with a Lifetime Achievement Oscar at the Governor's Ball

After 56 years, 200 films and innumerable injuries, Jackie Chan wins an Oscar

Courtesy of https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/nov/14/jackie-chan-wins-honorary-oscar-at-governors-awards

The Hong Kong actor Jackie Chan had star billing at the Governors awards on Saturday night, in which the Academy of Motion Pictures and Sciences handed out four honorary Oscars.

Introducing Chan, Tom Hanks acknowledged that the blend of slapstick comedy and martial arts virtuosity for which the star became famous was “historically underrepresented at the Oscars”.

“Standing here is a dream,” said Chan at the podium. “After 56 years in the film industry, making more than 200 films, breaking so many bones, finally this is mine.”

The actor, 62, said winning the award marked the fulfilment of an ambition he’d conceived 23 years ago when touching one of the statuettes at Sylvester Stallone’s house. Stallone was in attendance at the event, alongside Denzel Washington, Lupita Nyong’o, Nicole Kidman, Emma Stone, Ryan Reynolds, Judd Apatow, Helen Mirren and Amy Adams.

Other honorees included documentary maker Frederick Wiseman, 86, for his work including Titicut Follies, High School, Public Housing and La Danse. “I think it’s as important to document kindness, civility and generosity of spirit as it is to show cruelty, banality and indifference,” said Wiseman in his speech.

Speaking to the LA Times after the event, Oscar-winning documentarian Alex Gibney said Wiseman’s observational accounts of everyday people were ever more important. “[His work] is really a revelation, and, even after Trump’s election, it gives you a tremendous sense of hope,” said Gibney. “Because you see this kind of willingness on a local level to get together and solve some problems.”

Editor Anne V Coates, 90, and casting director Lynn Stalmaster, 88, also picked up awards; the latter, who worked on West Side Story, The Graduate, Harold and Maude and Tootsie, among others, was introduced by actor Jeff Bridges as “the master caster”. Meanwhile, the British-born Coates, 90, whose work includes Lawrence of Arabia, The Elephant Man and Out of Sight, said she had enjoyed a career that involved staring into the eyes of leading men.

Last year’s awards – honouring Spike Lee, Debbie Reynolds and Gena Rowlands – were dominated by talk of diversity, ahead of the resurgence of the #OscarsSoWhite controversy. This year, Academy president Cheryl Boone Isaacs flagged the changes that had been made over the summer to try to address what some see as an overly white and male make-up of the membership.

“We’re not at the mountaintop yet, but we can see the peak up ahead,” she said. “Imagine the difference it will make when we open our industry to reflect the complete mosaic and diversity of our world and the movements and conversations it can trigger.”

Robert Vaughn, Man from UNCLE actor, dies aged 83

Robert Vaughn, Man from UNCLE actor, dies aged 83

Courtesy of: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-37957088

Actor Robert Vaughn, best known as the secret agent Napoleon Solo in The Man from UNCLE, has died aged 83.

Vaughn was also famous for his role as Lee in the Magnificent Seven, and television roles in Hustle and Coronation Street.

The iconic actor died after a battle with acute leukaemia, his manager, Matthew Sullivan, told the BBC.

Vaughn died in New York on Friday morning surrounded by his family, he said.

Hollywood Actor, Will Smith's dad dies

'You truly were one of a kind': Will Smith's father Willard Carroll Smith Sr dies... as actor's ex-wife Sheree Fletcher pays touching tribute

Courtesy of: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-3915844/Will-Smith-s-father-Willard-Smith-Sr-dies-actor-s-ex-wife-Sheree-Fletcher-pays-touching-tribute-Daddio.html#ixzz4PRmTGfnp 

Will Smith's father Willard Carroll Smith Sr has died.

The 48-year-old actor's ex-wife Sheree Fletcher - who he was married to from 1992 to 1995 - confirmed the passing of Willard Carroll Smith, Sr., on Monday.

Posting a picture of Will and his father along with Will and Sheree's son Trey, 23, she paid a touching tribute, while Will is yet to confirm the news himself.

She wrote on Instagram: 'We're gonna miss you Daddio! You lived & played by your own rules...

'You truly were 1 of a kind! You instilled discipline, and a work ethic that has created a legacy in your honor!'

The picture shows Hollywood actor Will on the right of his father, and 23-year-old Try in the middle. 

Will also has two children Jaden, 18, and Willow, 16, with his second wife Jada Pinkett Smith.

Willard was a refrigeration engineer and a former member of the US Air Force. 

In the book Will Smith: A Biography, it claims Will's dad put him off doing drugs when he was younger by driving him to tough neighbourhoods in Philadelphia to show him what it was like for people on such substances.

On the fear of his father if he ever took drugs, he is quoted as saying: 'I felt my father would kill me. Literally.' 

Will has also previously praised his dad as a 'steady and positive figure' in his life. He once said: 'Dad was tough but not tyrannical. 

'He kept me in line. He'd get this look that said, 'One more step, Will, and it'll get ugly. 'He was an independent businessman - he set up refrigeration in supermarkets - and he always provided for us. He's a steady and positive figure in my life.' 

The Royal Family: Kensington Palace releases a statement on Prince Harry and Megan Markle

Photo Credit: E Online

Kensington Palace has issued a statement this morning about the harassment currently being experienced by Meghan Markle and her family including 'racial undertones'

Read the statement in full here → http://bit.ly/2ezyNzq

Since he was young, Prince Harry has been very aware of the warmth that has been extended to him by members of the public. He feels lucky to have so many people supporting him and knows what a fortunate and privileged life he leads.

He is also aware that there is significant curiosity about his private life. He has never been comfortable with this, but he has tried to develop a thick skin about the level of media interest that comes with it. He has rarely taken formal action on the very regular publication of fictional stories that are written about him and he has worked hard to develop a professional relationship with the media, focused on his work and the issues he cares about.

But the past week has seen a line crossed. His girlfriend, Meghan Markle, has been subject to a wave of abuse and harassment. Some of this has been very public - the smear on the front page of a national newspaper; the racial undertones of comment pieces; and the outright sexism and racism of social media trolls and web article comments. Some of it has been hidden from the public - the nightly legal battles to keep defamatory stories out of papers; her mother having to struggle past photographers in order to get to her front door; the attempts of reporters and photographers to gain illegal entry to her home and the calls to police that followed; the substantial bribes offered by papers to her ex-boyfriend; the bombardment of nearly every friend, co-worker, and loved one in her life.

Prince Harry is worried about Ms. Markle’s safety and is deeply disappointed that he has not been able to protect her. It is not right that a few months into a relationship with him that Ms. Markle should be subjected to such a storm. He knows commentators will say this is ‘the price she has to pay’ and that ‘this is all part of the game’. He strongly disagrees. This is not a game - it is her life and his. 

He has asked for this statement to be issued in the hopes that those in the press who have been driving this story can pause and reflect before any further damage is done. He knows that it is unusual to issue a statement like this, but hopes that fair-minded people will understand why he has felt it necessary to speak publicly.

MOBO AWARDS 2016 WINNERS - and Craig David Makes a comeback!

MOBO AWARDS 2016 WINNERS 

Courtesy of  http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-3907372/MOBO-outrage-award-handed-wrong-winner-blaming-production-error.html#ixzz4P9olFk31 

BEST MALE ACT

Craig David - WINNER

Kano

Skepta

Tinie Tempah

Stormzy

BEST FEMALE ACT

Lady Leshurr - WINNER

Katy B

Laura Mvula

Little Simz

Nao

BEST NEWCOMER

WSTRN - WINNER

Nadia Rose 

67

AJ Tracey

Avelino

Izzy Bizu

MoStack

Kojey Radical 

RAY BLK

Anne-Marie 

BEST ALBUM

Kano – Made In The Manor - WINNER

Laura Mvula – The Dreaming Room

Giggs – Landlord 

Michael Kiwanuka – Love & Hate

Skepta – Konnichiwa

BEST HIP HOP ACT

Section Boyz - WINNER 

Giggs 

Little Simz

Fekky

Wretch 32

BEST SONG

Abra Cadabra Feat. Krept & Konan "Robbery (Remix)"

(Produced by Yamaica) - WINNER

WSTRN In2

(Produced by PRGRSHN for PARALLEL) - WINNER

Craig David x Big Narstie “When The Bassline Drops”

(Produced by White N3rd)

Kano Feat. Giggs & Wiley “3 Wheel-Ups”

(Produced by Swifta Beater)

Tinie Tempah Feat. Zara Larsson “Girls Like”

(Produced by NANA ROGUES) 

Jorja Smith “Blue Lights” (Produced by Joice)

Naughty Boy Feat. Beyoncé & Arrow Benjamin “Runnin’”

(Produced by Naughty Boy) 

Chase & Status Feat. Frisco “Funny”

(Produced by Chase & Status)

Ghetts – “You Dun Know Already”

(Produced by Sir Spyro)

M.O “Who Do You Think Of”

(Produced by FRED)

J.Hus "Friendly" (Produced by J5)

Lethal Bizzle “Wobble” (Produced by Diztortion) 

BEST VIDEO

Nadia Rose – Skwod (Directed by Reece Proctor) - WINNER

Laura Mvula – Phenomenal Woman (Directed by Alex Southam)

Kojey Radical – Footsteps (Directed by The Rest)

M.I.A – Borders (Directed by M.I.A)

Bugzy Malone – Moving (Directed by Bugzy Malone)

Michael Buble's son Noah diagnosed with cancer at the age of three

Photo Credit: Michael Buble instagram

Courtesy of the Mirror http://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/michael-bubles-son-noah-diagnosed-9194235

Michael Buble's son Noah diagnosed with cancer at the age of three

Michael ichael Buble's son Noah has been diagnosed with cancer after an unexpected trip to the doctor took a shocking turn for the worse.

Little Noah, who just turned three in September, had travelled to the US with his mum, Luisana Lopilato, and dad Michael after they raised concerns about his health.

In a statement posted on Luisana's Facebook, Michael said: "We are devastated by the recent cancer diagnosis of our eldest son Noah who is currently in treatment in the United States.

"We've always talked a lot about the importance of the family and the love we have for our children.

"Luisana and I are going to spend all our time and attention to help Noah to get better, by suspending our professional activities for now.

"During this difficult time, we ask that you pray for him and please respect our privacy. We have a long road ahead of us and we hope that with the support of our family, friends, fans around the world and our faith in God, we can win this battle."

It comes a year after Noah was hospitalised with serious burns after he climbed on their kitchen worktop and poured boiling water over himself.

Michael, who was in the US at the time, dropped everything to fly home to Argentina to be with his family.

Noah luckily avoided having skin grafts to treat his six per cent burns, but still needed daily dressings to heal his scalded skin.

After Noah's recovery, Luisana admitted that she often asks herself how the accident happened, and said the little boy "complains" every day when she's dressing his wounds.

"At one point the doctors told me they'd have to do skin grafts but thank God it started healing little by little. For a long time he has to use elastic bands pressed tight so he's not left with scars," she added.

Since then, Michael and Luisana have had their second baby boy , Elias Buble, born in January 2016.

In an interview earlier this year, 29-year-old Lopilato said she and her husband are "a little weird about our kids".

She told PageSix.com: "We love to be with our kids a lot. When we are out for one hour, we miss them."

Lopilato added that she and Buble do not work at the same time, and that she goes everywhere with her children.

In Buble At The BBC, the singer told host Claudia Winkleman he "just didn't know that level of love existed".

He said of his sons: "I just love them so much that part of loving them so much is not giving them everything they want and that is a tough thing for me."

In Buble At The BBC, the singer told host Claudia Winkleman he "just didn't know that level of love existed".

He said of his sons: "I just love them so much that part of loving them so much is not giving them everything they want and that is a tough thing for me."

But in this sweet clip, we see the wonderful bond between Michael and his eldest son.

The singer said: "Ladies and gentleman, I promised I'd get someone out to do a bit of a duet with me.

"I promised him, I said. 'dude if you have your nap I'll let you sing'."

Fans in the crowd guessed what he was getting at and starting shouting, "Noah, Noah, Noah".