ANDREW DALTON Entertainment Writer, Author at The Rapid City Post

As head of the actors guild, Sean Astin brings a little Rudy, a little Samwise, and a lot of fight

February 9, 2026

Sean Astin says he is happy to be at the head of the actors union at a vital moment. The 54-year-old actor from “The Lord of the Rings” films is the new president of the The actors union SAG-AFTRA. He’ll be leading the group as it begins contract talks with studios that last time led to a long strike. Astin says the union’s negotiators can’t give up any of the ground they earned during the 2023 strike, including higher wages and artificial intelligence protections. Astin says he intends to represent every member, from the biggest movie star to the most anonymous puppeteer.

Sean Astin’s takes on the threat of AI, Fran Drescher and a ‘Goonies’ sequel

February 9, 2026

Quotes from SAG-AFTRA president Sean Astin in an interview with The Associated Press. Astin, the newly elected head of the actors’ union, will be part of forthcoming negotiations with studios and streamers less than three years after the last strike. He says the thread of artificial intelligence has only become graver. He commends his predecessor Fran Drescher on her conflict resolution skills and says the rebranding of what was once the SAG Awards to the Actor Awards makes the point of the show more obvious. As for a “Goonies” sequel? Steven Spielberg is the decider.

Host Trevor Noah takes aim at Nicky Minaj, goes easy on Kendrick Lamar at Grammys

February 1, 2026

Hosting the Grammy Awards for the sixth and final time, Trevor Noah poked fun at stars but went light on politics. During his monologue, he joked about Nicky Minaj meeting and praising Donald Trump at the White House, getting a big cheer when he said Minaj was not at the Grammys. He mostly avoided controversy, focusing on light-hearted humor. He praised Olivia Dean for her fight against Ticketmaster, and congratulated Kendrick Lamar, the night’s biggest nominee. Noah reflected on Lamar’s beef with Drake, and said he would steer clear of roasting Lamar and getting on his bad side.

Chaka Khan, Cher, Whitney Houston, Fela Kuti get Grammys Life Achievement Awards

January 31, 2026

Chaka Khan, Cher, Carlos Santana, Paul Simon, Fela Kuti, and Whitney Houston have received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy at the Grammys Special Merit Awards. Chaka Khan was the only recipient present at the ceremony Saturday in Los Angeles. She reflected on her career and thanked her collaborators. Family members accepted awards for Kuti and Houston. Cher and Santana spoke via video. Bernie Taupin, Elton John’s lyricist, praised Simon and received the Trustees Award. Eddie Palmieri, Sylvia Rhone, and John Chowning were also honored. Jennifer Jimenez won the Music Educator Award, and Raye’s “Ice Cream Man” received the Song for Social Change Award.

Former soccer player David Beckham leaves after a podcast during of the Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Brooklyn Beckham accuses David and Victoria of putting branding before family and sabotaging wedding

January 20, 2026

Brooklyn Beckham has accused his parents, David and Victoria Beckham, of trying to sabotage his marriage and putting branding ahead of family. In a series of Instagram posts, the eldest of their four children says his parents have above all sought to control narratives in the press throughout his life. He says he doesn’t want to reconcile with them. Brooklyn married actor Nicola Peltz in 2022, and many of his grievances stem from their wedding. He claims his mother bailed on designing Peltz’s dress and “hijacked” their first dance to his great embarrassment.

Nikki Glaser takes swings at CBS and Leo, goes gentle on Julia in Golden Globes monologue

January 11, 2026

Nikki Glaser opened Sunday’s Golden Globes with a sharp monologue. She joked about stars possibly being in the Epstein Files and took a jab at CBS for editing a critical “60 Minutes” story. Glaser avoided topics like Venezuela, which she considered already too dated. She told the Associated Press she was struggling to find a joke about Julia Roberts but succeeded with a clever line. Glaser, hosting for the second time, balanced kindness with biting humor. She poked fun at Leonardo DiCaprio’s dating habits, then apologized for making such an obvious joke, saying she had no choice because “we don’t know anything about you!”

‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ tops box office for fourth straight week with newcomer ‘Primate’ second

January 11, 2026

“Avatar: Fire and Ash” continues to dominate the box office, holding the top spot for a fourth consecutive week. The film earned $21.3 million in North America over the weekend, bringing its total to $342.6 million domestically and $888 million worldwide. Paramount’s horror film “Primate” was the top new release, earning $11.3 million domestically. Disney’s “Zootopia 2” remains a global hit, nearing Disney’s highest-grossing animated film record with $1.65 billion globally. Lionsgate’s “The Housemaid” also performed well, earning $11.2 million. Hollywood’s focus is on the Golden Globe Awards, with “Avatar” and “Zootopia 2” each nominated for two awards.

FILE - Kennedy Center Honors recipients from left; filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola, the legendary American rock band the Grateful Dead band members Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann Bob Weir and blues rock singer-songwriter and guitarist Bonnie Raitt, applaud at at the 2024 Kennedy Center Honors reception in the East Room of the White House, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta,File)

Grateful Dead founding member Bob Weir dies at 78

January 10, 2026

Bob Weir, guitarist, singer and founding member of the Grateful Dead, has died at age 78. Weir’s death was announced Saturday in a statement on his Instagram page. The statement says said Weir had beaten cancer but succumbed to underlying lung issues. Weir joined the Grateful Dead in 1965 at just 17 years old. He’d spend the next 30 years playing on endless tours alongside fellow singer and guitarist Jerry Garcia, who died in 1995. Weir wrote or co-wrote and sang lead vocals on Dead classics including “Sugar Magnolia” and “Mexicali Blues.” In the decades since he kept playing with other projects including Dead and Company.

Sarah Jessica Parker gets Golden Globes’ Carol Burnett Award and Helen Mirren gets DeMille prize

January 8, 2026

Helen Mirren has received the Cecil B. DeMille award for career achievement from the Golden Globes, and Sarah Jessica Parker got the Carol Burnett Award for a life in television. The prizes were presented at a new event called Golden Eve that aired on CBS on Thursday night ahead of Sunday’s Golden Globe Awards. Mirren got her DeMille Award from fellow winner and frequent co-star Harrison Ford at the Beverly Hilton hotel. Parker’s husband of nearly 30 years Matthew Broderick presented her with the Burnett Award. The 92-year-old Burnett, who was in the audience, told Parker “welcome to the club.”

Golden Globes host Nikki Glaser struggles with Julia Roberts and Venezuela while building monologue

January 7, 2026

Golden Globes host Nikki Glaser is struggling to figure out the right joke to make about Julia Roberts. The comedian is hosting the Globes for the second straight year on Sunday and has her monologue set for stars like Timothée Chalamet and Leonardo DiCaprio. But Glaser can’t seem to find a Roberts line that won’t anger a crowd that adores her. Glaser has been working her monologue jokes in comedy clubs in the run-up to the show to see what works. She tells The Associated Press she’s also having to consider whether to mention Venezuela during the show.

FILE - Betty Boop collapses on Broadway near 49th Street as handlers work to raise the deflated helium balloon during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York. (AP Photo/Ron Frehm, File)

Betty Boop and ‘Blondie’ enter the public domain in 2026, accompanied by a trio of detectives

December 31, 2025

Betty Boop and “Blondie” are among the highlights of titles entering the public domain with the arrival of 2026. The first cartoons that feature Boop and the first “Blondie” comic strips debuted in 1930, and with the passage of 95 years, their U.S. copyrights expired as of Thursday. The first novels featuring teen detective Nancy Drew and the first book featuring Agatha Christie’s investigator Miss Marple also become public domain as do William Faulkner’s novel “As I Lay Dying” and Dashiell Hammett’s “The Maltese Falcon.” Films becoming public property include the Marx Brothers’ “Animal Crackers” and early best picture winner “Cimarron.”

FILE - Rob Reiner arrives at the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network's Respect Awards, in Beverly Hills, Calif., Friday, Oct. 8, 2010. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles, File)

Rob Reiner once made film with his son Nick, now suspected of killing parents

December 15, 2025

A decade ago, Nick Reiner and his father Rob Reiner seemed to have mended their strained relationship through the film “Being Charlie,” which they made together. Nick Reiner has now been booked on suspicion of killing both his father, the actor-director Reiner, and his mother, Michele Singer Reiner. “Being Charlie,” released in 2016, was directed by Rob Reiner and co-written by Nick Reiner. It included elements of their lives and helped them understand each other better. Nick Reiner spent years struggling with addiction and had periods of homelessness. He led a largely private life both before and after the film’s release.

AP Breakthrough Entertainer: Owen Cooper goes from ‘Adolescence’ to new ‘Heights’

December 10, 2025

Owen Cooper has been named one of The Associated Press’ Breakthrough Entertainers for 2025. Cooper was just 15 when he won an Emmy for best supporting actor for his astonishing performance as a murder suspect in the British Netflix drama “Adolescence.” Now 16, Cooper tells the AP that not long ago he spent most of his time playing soccer and dreaming of becoming a professional. But when some casual acting classes revealed his gift, he recalibrated his future plans. Next year, he’ll make his movie debut in director Emerald Fennell’s adaptation of “Wuthering Heights.” He says he wants to be fearless as an actor and try everything.

Actor Danny Masterson asks for rape convictions to be tossed over lawyer errors

November 17, 2025

Danny Masterson has filed a petition to overturn his two rape convictions and long prison sentence. He claims his trial lawyer failed to call key witnesses and present crucial evidence. The motion, filed Monday, argues that lawyer Philip Cohen did not properly represent Masterson at his 2023 retrial. Masterson was convicted of raping two women in 2003 and sentenced to 30 years to life. The petition also claims the trial judge showed bias against the Church of Scientology, which played a major role in the trial. Masterson’s new motion is separate from his main appeal, which is still pending.

Tom Cruise finally gets his Oscar moment with a lifetime achievement trophy at the Governors Awards

November 17, 2025

Tom Cruise finally has an Academy Award. He received an honorary Oscar at the Governors Awards. Cruise, 63, was celebrated for his four decades at the peak of the movie industry. He talked about his lifelong devotion to cinema, saying “Making movies is not what I do, it’s who I am.” The ceremony also honored production designer Wynn Thomas, choreographer Debbie Allen, and Dolly Parton for her philanthropy. Cruise has been nominated for competitive Oscars four times without a win. Director Alejandro González Iñárritu, who has been shooting a film with Cruise, presented the award. He suggested this might not be Cruise’s last Oscar.

Tory Lanez performs at HOT 97 Summer Jam 2019 in East Rutherford, N.J. on June 2, 2019, left, and Megan Thee Stallion attends the 5th annual Diamond Ball benefit gala in New York on Sept. 12, 2019. (Photos by Scott Roth, left, Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)

Court denies Rapper Tory Lanez’s appeal of his conviction in Megan Thee Stallion shooting

November 12, 2025

A California court has denied rapper Tory Lanez’s appeal of his guilty verdict for firing a gun at Megan Thee Stallion. On Wednesday, a three-judge panel affirmed the conviction on three felony counts. Lanez was convicted in December 2022 of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, having a loaded, unregistered firearm in a vehicle, and discharging a firearm with gross negligence. Megan testified that in July 2020, Lanez fired at her feet after a party. Lanez is serving a 10-year sentence at the California Men’s Colony. He was moved there after being stabbed by another inmate.

A look at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2025 inductees and how they were honored

November 8, 2025

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has inducted its 2025 class, celebrating influential musicians and figures. The ceremony took place Saturday at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater, featuring tributes, speeches, and performances by artists like Soundgarden, Salt-N-Pepa, and Big Boi of Outkast. Artists become eligible for induction 25 years after their first release. This year’s inductees include Outkast, Bad Company, Salt-N-Pepa, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Cyndi Lauper, Soundgarden, Warren Zevon, Thom Bell, The White Stripes, Carole Kaye, Nicky Hopkins, and Lenny Waronker.

Chappell Roan appears during the 67th annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on Feb. 2, 2025, left, and Cyndi Lauper appears at the MTV Video Music Awards in New York on Sept. 12, 2021. (AP Photo)

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ceremony will induct Outkast, Cyndi Lauper, Salt-N-Pepa, the White Stripes

November 7, 2025

Outkast, Cyndi Lauper, Salt-N-Pepa, Soundgarden and many other music stars are set to join the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame during Saturday night’s induction ceremony. Artists from every decade, from the 1950s to the 2000s, will be honored as part of the 2025 class. Chappell Roan is set to induct Lauper, with Avril Lavigne performing alongside her. Donald Glover will induct Outkast, and Elton John will pay tribute to Brian Wilson. The ceremony takes place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles and will be livestreamed on Disney+. It will also be available on Hulu starting Sunday.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ceremony is this weekend. Who’s getting in, and who’s honoring them?

November 6, 2025

Chappell Roan will induct Cyndi Lauper, and Donald Glover will induct Outkast at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ceremony on Saturday. Elton John will perform a tribute to the late Brian Wilson. The event will be held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles and streamed live on Disney+. Inductees include Bad Company, Chubby Checker, Soundgarden, Joe Cocker, Salt-N-Pepa, The White Stripes, and Warren Zevon. The ceremony often features performances and tributes, with guests like Missy Elliott, Beck, and Brandi Carlile expected to participate. Fans are curious about potential reunions and special performances.

‘Predator: Badlands’ sticks its 2 stars together to take the franchise to new places

November 5, 2025

The seventh “Predator” film takes the franchise to new places by sticking its two stars together. “Predator: Badlands” opens Friday. It features Elle Fanning as a broken android who rides on the back of a young Predator played by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi and makes common cause with the killer. Director Dan Trachtenberg says there were many inspirations for the film, but the central concept comes from C-3PO strapped to Chewbacca’s back in “The Empire Strikes Back.” “Predator: Badlands” is the first real foray into sci-fi for the 27-year-old Fanning and one of the first films of any kind for the 24-year-old Schuster-Koloamatangi.

FILE - Kevin Federline appears on MTV's "Total Request Live" in New York on Nov. 2, 2006. (AP Photo/Stephen Chernin, File)

Kevin Federline says his sons with Britney Spears are the reason for his new memoir

October 17, 2025

Britney Spears’ ex-husband Kevin Federline is telling his side of their time together in a new memoir being released Tuesday. Federline says in an interview with The Associated Press that he remained silent because of their two sons, but now that they’re adults he feels an obligation to tell the whole story. In the book he describes the media frenzy that came with their two-year marriage. He writes that Spears called her ex Justin Timberlake the night before their wedding. He writes that she frightened their sons with erratic behavior that sometimes tipped into abuse. Spears says Federline’s book is full of “white lies” aimed at making money.

Marc Maron to drop one last ‘WTF’ podcast after 16 years and more than 1,600 episodes

October 12, 2025

Marc Maron is ending his podcast “WTF With Marc Maron” after 16 years and over 1,600 episodes. The final episode is set to drop Monday, but the guest list remains a mystery. On Thursday, Maron recorded his last episode from his home studio, reflecting on the show’s long run. He expressed gratitude to his listeners, acknowledging the shared experiences over the years. The podcast began in 2009 with a focus on stand-up comedians and grew into a platform for interviews with authors, artists, and political leaders. Maron announced the show’s end in June, citing satisfaction with the work he and his longtime producer had done.

Marc Maron’s ‘WTF’ podcast ends soon. Here’s a look at 7 essential episodes

October 11, 2025

The final episode of comic and actor Marc Maron’s influential podcast drops Monday. It’ll be the last of more than 1,600 shows. Some key moments in his 16-year run include a long and emotional interview with Robin Williams in 2010 that gained more attention when Williams died four years later. The episode would enter the National Recording Registry at the Library of Congress. Then-President Barack Obama took the show to another level in 2015 when he came to Maron’s garage studio for an interview. Stand-up comic Todd Glass used the show to publicly come out as gay in 2012.

Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner sue Ray J for defamation over racketeering claims

October 2, 2025

Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner are suing Ray J for defamation. They claim he falsely said they are under federal investigation for racketeering. The lawsuit, filed Wednesday in Los Angeles, calls Ray J’s allegations baseless. They say he has harassed them for years. The lawsuit highlights recent statements by Ray J, including a livestream on Sept. 30, where he claimed federal charges were imminent. Kardashian and Jenner argue these claims are false and damaging. They say no investigation exists, and the comments have harmed their reputations. Ray J has not responded to requests for comment.

Emmy Awards ratings up 8% with CBS audience of 7.4 million

September 15, 2025

The Emmy Awards have seen a ratings boost as the television industry aims to recover from recent disruptions. About 7.4 million viewers watched the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards on CBS, hosted by Nate Bargatze. This marks the most-watched Emmys since 2021, showing an 8% increase from the previous year’s ABC telecast. Sunday’s show was up more than 70% from the -time low of 4.3 million from the Fox telecast of January 2024, which was delayed by months because of Hollywood’s writers and actors strikes. The Emmys last attracted over 10 million viewers in 2018, and nearly 22 million in 2000.

Emmys arrive with ‘The Studio,’ ‘Severance,’ ‘Adolescence’ and ‘The Penguin’ vying for top honors

September 13, 2025

The Emmys are here. The 77th edition of the awards honoring TV’s best airs on CBS at 8 p.m. Eastern, hosted by comedian Nate Bargatze. “The Studio” is a heavy favorite to go big in categories including best comedy series and best actor in a comedy for co-creator Seth Rogen. “Severance” brought in the biggest number of nominations this year and is competing in the top drama categories. Noah Wyle could become a first-time Emmy winner for “The Pitt.” And 77-year-old Kathy Bates could become the oldest woman ever and the first woman from a network in a decade to win best actress in a drama.

Steven Spielberg celebrates ‘awesome’ 50th anniversary ‘Jaws’ exhibition at Academy Museum

September 12, 2025

“Jaws” is the subject of the first ever large-scale exhibit devoted to a single film at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles. At a media preview, director Steven Spielberg and museum officials introduced the 50th anniversary show that opens Sunday and runs through July. Spielberg says at the time he was making the movie, he had no idea that any prop from it would be worth keeping, but he’s glad others did. The exhibit includes the buoy that marks the film’s ominous opening shark attack and the dorsal fin that struck terror in beachgoers in the film and moviegoers in theaters.

Sterling K. Brown has 3 Emmys, but Dan Fogelman has a bottle of scotch and a story

September 12, 2025

Sterling K. Brown and Dan Fogelman are heading into Sunday’s Emmy Awards with nominations for the first season of their show, “Paradise.” Brown has three Emmys, while Fogelman has none despite nine nominations. Fogelman jokes he’s not jealous because he cherishes a pricey bottle of scotch Brown gave him without realizing an Emmy Awards engraving on it would out him as regifting. “Paradise” is a major departure from the men’s previous show, “This Is Us,” which won Brown one of his Emmys. Brown is nominated for best actor, and the show is up for best drama, which would mean Fogelman finally gets a trophy.

Jimmy Kimmel says he’s not defending democracy. But he’s standing up for fellow Emmy nominee Colbert

September 10, 2025

Jimmy Kimmel says he doesn’t see himself as a defender of democracy. Backstage at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards this weekend, he said he’s just a guy who pokes the president. Kimmel had just won his fourth Primetime Emmy for hosting “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” He also supports Stephen Colbert, whose “Late Show” is being canceled. Kimmel put up a billboard endorsing Colbert in their Emmy race and the hosts will find out Sunday who won. Kimmel has hosted “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” for 22 years but hasn’t won an Emmy for it. He’s keeping plans for the show’s future vague.

Cardi B wins case filed by security guard who claimed rapper assaulted her

September 2, 2025

A jury has ruled in favor of Cardi B in a lawsuit where a security guard accused her of assault during the rapper’s first pregnancy. On Tuesday, the jury in Alhambra, California, deliberated for about an hour before finding Cardi not liable. Emani Ellis claimed Cardi cut her face with a fingernail and spat on her in a Beverly Hills doctor’s office in February 2018. Cardi admitted they argued but denied it turned physical. Ellis sought damages for medical expenses and emotional suffering. A receptionist supported Cardi’s account, and the jury sided with the rapper.

Cardi B testifies she didn’t touch security guard who’s suing her alleging assault

August 27, 2025

Cardi B has testified in a Los Angeles County court, denying allegations that she injured a security guard during her first pregnancy. The rapper says she didn’t touch Emani Ellis, who claims Cardi cut her face with a fingernail and spat on her. Cardi admitted to being angry during the heated argument because she believed Ellis was outing a pregnancy that was still a secret, but insisted it never turned physical. The incident occurred in February 2018 when Cardi was four months pregnant with her first child with rapper Offset. A receptionist from the doctor’s office supported Cardi’s account, saying she saw no physical fighting.

A new ‘Toxic Avenger’ emerges from the ooze

August 26, 2025

“The Toxic Avenger” is emerging from the muck. A reboot of the 1980s cult superhero franchise is getting a theatrical release two years after its festival premiere. It struggled to find a distributor, but will finally come to movie screens in all its gory glory Friday. Director Macon Blair says he always believed his take on the character would find a way to come out, and he was thrilled that it got the blockbuster treatment at San Diego Comic-Con in July. The film stars Peter Dinklage as the tutu-wearing, mop-wielding title character, and Kevin Bacon and Elijah Wood as its villains.

Lil Nas X jailed on suspicion of charging at police on LA street where he walked nearly naked

August 21, 2025

Police say rapper Lil Nas X has been jailed on suspicion of misdemeanor obstructing a police officer after a run-in with police in Los Angeles. Police say officers responding to reports of a naked man in the street found him walking on a busy boulevard early Thursday. They say he was arrested after charging at the officers. Suspecting a drug overdose, police took him to a hospital before booking him into jail. The 26-year-old Grammy nominee Lil Nas X is best known for his record-setting 2018 hit “Old Town Road.” The rapper’s representatives did not immediately reply to requests for comment.

Raymond Boodarian, charged with the fatal shooting of "American Idol" executive Robin Kaye and her husband Thomas Deluca, appears in court on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

Man charged with killing an ‘American Idol’ exec and husband will undergo mental evaluation

August 20, 2025

A man accused of fatally shooting an “American Idol” music supervisor and her husband in Los Angeles will undergo a mental evaluation to determine if he’s fit to stand trial. A judge ruled Wednesday that 22-year-old Raymond Boodarian will be examined by a psychiatrist. Boodarian faces two counts of murder for the deaths of Robin Kaye and Thomas Deluca, who investigators say were shot during a burglary on July 10. The judge will consider the evaluation to decide if Boodarian will proceed to trial or be placed in a state hospital. Boodarian’s attorney and the district attorney’s office have not commented.

Dr. Salvador Plasencia leaves federal court on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 in Los Angeles, after pleading guilty to giving ketamine to Matthew Perry, leading up to the actor's 2023 overdose death. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

Learn about the 5 people charged in connection with Matthew Perry’s death

August 18, 2025

It has been one year since authorities announced that five people had been indicted for their alleged roles in the overdose deaths of “Friends” star Matthew Perry. All five have now agreed to plead guilty in deals with prosecutors. The most recent was Jasveen Sangha, who who prosecutors say was known as the “Ketamine Queen.” She admitted to selling Perry the lethal dose. Another defendant is Perry’s personal assistant who admitted to acting as a drug messenger and injecting Perry with the ketamine that killed him. Another is a doctor who admitted to illegally providing Perry with large amounts of ketamine in the weeks before his death.

Danielle Spencer, left, and Cheryl Pelt rest at home in Malibu, Calif. after Spencer's release from Santa Monica Hospital on Friday, Sept. 16, 1977. (AP Photo/Nick Ut)

Danielle Spencer, who played little sister Dee on ‘What’s Happening!!,’ dies at 60

August 12, 2025

Known for her role as Dee Thomas on the 1970s sitcom “What’s Happening!!,” Danielle Spencer has died at age 60. A family spokesperson said Spencer died Monday after battling cancer for several years. As Dee, she was a deadpan, wisecracking younger sister with a memorable catchphrase, “Ooh, I’m gonna tell mama.” The show aired from 1976 to 1979 and was one of the first on TV to focus on Black teenagers. A major car accident that killed her stepfather left Spencer in a coma for weeks during production of the show. Spencer also appeared in the 1980s reboot “What’s Happening Now!!” and later became a veterinarian.

‘Ketamine Queen’ accused of selling Matthew Perry fatal dose gets September trial date

August 5, 2025

A woman charged with selling Matthew Perry the ketamine dose that killed him is headed for trial in September. Jasveen Sangha’s trial is the only one forthcoming over the “Friends” star’s death after four other defendants reached plea agreements and are cooperating with prosecutors. A federal judge set the trial date for September 23. Sangha, who prosecutors say was known to customers as “The Ketamine Queen,” faces five counts of ketamine distribution, including one resulting in death. She has pleaded not guilty. Sangha was a major target in the investigation, along with Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who pleaded guilty last month.

George Lucas tells Comic-Con crowd his new museum will be ‘a temple to the people’s art’

July 27, 2025

George Lucas has made his first appearance at Comic-Con in San Diego. The 81-year-old got a big ovation from thousands of fans when he took the stage. But he was quietly passionate during the panel on the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, which he co-founded with his wife, Mellody Hobson. The museum, set to open next year in Los Angeles, will feature its share of “Star Wars” art, but original comics art and populist paintings will also be essential to it along with many other historic pieces of culture. The panel included director Guillermo del Toro and was moderated by rapper and actor Queen Latifah.

Ryan Gosling and faceless alien named Rocky wow crowd at ‘Project Hail Mary’ Comic-Con panel

July 26, 2025

Comic-Con has been treated to a sneak peek of “Project: Hail Mary” and got a heavy dose of star Ryan Gosling. A rowdy crowd of thousands in the convention’s Hall went crazy for Gosling and the scenes they saw from the space adventure that’s heavy with science and comedy. Amazon MGM Studios showed the first five minutes and other unfinished scenes from the film, which is set for release in March. The movie features Gosling as a middle school teacher turned reluctant space hero. He partners with Rocky, a stone-shaped alien, on a universe-saving mission. The Comic-Con crowd got a glimpse of Rocky too.

Alec Baldwin talks his love for ‘Peanuts’ and the ‘immeasurable’ effects of his trial

July 25, 2025

Alec Baldwin says the year since his trial ended has been a lot better than the years before it. The actor spoke to The Associated Press at San Diego’s Comic-Con International, where he was part of a panel on 75 years of Charlie Brown and “Peanuts.” Baldwin says he still can’t believe what happened on the day when his trial for involuntary manslaughter in the shooting of a cinematographer fell apart and his case was dismissed. He says he’s become especially philosophical about the things he wants, and that many of them are embodied by Charlie Brown and “Peanuts.” The characters remain a big part of the actor’s life since he still has young children.

President Donald Trump visits the Federal Reserve, Thursday, July 24, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

‘South Park’ co-creator jokes he’s ‘terribly sorry’ over premiere that drew White House anger

July 25, 2025

“South Park” co-creator Trey Parker has briefly responded to anger from the White House over the season premiere of the animated series. The episode showed a naked President Donald Trump in bed with Satan. Parker said, “We’re terribly sorry,” followed by a long, deadpan-comic stare. Parker was asked for his reaction to the fracas as he sat on the stage at San Diego’s Comic-Con International on Thursday. Earlier in the day, a White House said in a statement that the show “hasn’t been relevant for 20 years” and is “desperate for attention.”

FKA Twigs agrees to settle lawsuit alleging abuse from Shia LaBeouf

July 22, 2025

FKA Twigs and Shia LaBeouf have agreed to settle her lawsuit alleging he was physically and emotionally abusive to her during their relationship. An attorney for the 37-year-old English singer and actor FKA Twigs filed a request Monday in Los Angeles Superior Court to dismiss her case against the 39-year-old American actor. The terms of the agreement were not disclosed. The two said in a joint statement that they are committed to forging a constructive path forward. The two met when she was cast in his 2018 autobiographical film “Honey Boy” and began a relationship.

Jane’s Addiction bandmates sue each other over onstage fight that ended tour

July 17, 2025

The members of alternative rock band Jane’s Addiction have filed dueling lawsuits after an onstage scuffle last year prompted the cancellation of the band’s tour. Guitarist Dave Navarro and two other members sued singer Perry Farrell in Los Angeles Superior Court. They say Farrell’s behavior on tour was unacceptable and that he punched Navarro both on stage and backstage at a Boston concert in September. Farrell sued in the same court Wednesday, alleging a “yearslong bullying campaign” against him by the other band members. The singer says he was blindsided by the other members’ decision to cancel the remaining 15 shows of the tour and break up.

Disney sues Hong Kong company it says is selling illegal Mickey Mouse jewelry

July 16, 2025

The Walt Disney Co. is suing a Hong Kong jewelry company it accuses of selling illegal Mickey Mouse jewelry. The international entertainment conglomerate filed a lawsuit on Wednesday against the Red Earth Group, which sells jewelry online under the name Satéur. Disney says the marketing and branding of the rings, necklaces and earrings in Satéur’s “Mickey 1928 Collection” violate its trademark rights. The lawsuit alleges the Hong Kong company is trying to fool customers into thinking the pieces are official merchandise. A message seeking comment from the Red Earth Group wasn’t immediately answered. Although the earliest version of Mickey Mouse entered the public domain last year, the company still holds trademarks to the character.

The Emmy nominations are here. ‘Severance,’ ‘The White Lotus’ and ‘Adolescence’ could have a big day

July 14, 2025

The Emmy nominations are nearly here, and “Severance” seems to be the show to beat. The Apple TV+ split-personality series is very likely to get nominations for best drama with lead acting nominations for stars Adam Scott and Britt Lower. “Severance” could get serious competition from fellow dramas “The Pitt” and “The White Lotus.” On the comedy side, another Apple show, Seth Rogen’s Hollywood satire “The Studio,” will vie for reconition with Emmy veterans “Hacks” and “The Bear.” And among limited series, Netflix’s acclaimed “Adolescence” seems likely to dominate both nominations and the awards when they’re handed out on CBS in September.

FILE - This undated photo combination provided by the Los Angeles Police Department shows Mei Haskell, left, and her parents, YanXiang Wang and Gaoshan Li. (Los Angeles Police Department via AP, File)

Los Angeles man dies in jail while awaiting trial for killing and dismemberment of wife, her parents

July 14, 2025

Authorities say a Los Angeles man accused of killing and dismembering his wife, her mother and her stepfather has died in jail while awaiting trial. The LA County district attorney says in a statement Monday that 37-year-old Samuel Bond Haskell was found dead Saturday in his cell in a downtown Los Angeles jail and died by suicide. Haskell is the son of Sam Haskell, a prominent television producer. He had pleaded not guilty to three counts of murder. Prosecutors say he killed the three family members in a house they all shared with his three children. They say Haskell dismembered the bodies and disposed of them in trash bags.

FILE - Former President Barack Obama speaks at the Obama Foundation Democracy Forum, Dec. 5, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley, File)

Larry David teams with the Obamas for HBO US history sketch show for the nation’s 250th

July 10, 2025

Larry David will bring his grumbly sensibility to U.S. history in a team-up with Barack and Michelle Obama for an HBO sketch show. The network announced the new, not-yet-named limited series on Thursday. David, the “Curb Your Enthusiasm” creator and “Seinfeld” co-creator, will act as executive producer, writer and star of the limited series. It will consist of six half-hour episodes and be produced by the Obamas’ company, Higher Ground. David’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm” showrunner Jeff Schaffer will co-write and direct episodes. HBO did not give a premiere date, but the show is meant to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary next year.

FILE - Attorney Tom Girardi smiles outside the Los Angeles courthouse, July 9, 2014. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File)

Former celebrity lawyer Tom Girardi gets 7 years in prison for stealing millions from clients

June 3, 2025

A federal judge sentenced disbarred celebrity lawyer Tom Girardi to seven years and three months in prison for embezzling tens of millions of dollars from his clients, including several with severe physical injuries and families of people killed in accidents. The judge also ordered the 86-year-old Girardi to pay a $35,000 fine and $2.3 million in restitution to former clients. A jury in August found him guilty of four counts of wire fraud. He could have been sentenced to up to 80 years. Girardi is the estranged husband of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Erika Jayne and appeared on the show himself dozens of times.

Marc Maron to end his ‘WTF’ podcast after 15 years of interviewing comics, actors, musicians, Obama

June 2, 2025

Comic and actor Marc Maron says he’s ending his popular and influential podcast “WTF with Marc Maron” after nearly 16 years. Maron said on the show released Monday that the final episode will drop in the fall. Maron says he and longtime producing partner Brendan McDonald are “burnt out” but “utterly satisfied with the work” they’ve done. Maron was a veteran standup comic who had dabbled in radio when he started the show in 2009. It stood out with its thoughtful, probing longform interviews of cultural figures and reached a peak when then-President Barack Obama visited Maron’s makeshift Los Angeles garage studio for an episode in 2015.

Alf Clausen, Emmy-winning composer who wrote music for ‘The Simpsons’ for 27 years, dies at 84

May 30, 2025

Al Clausen, the Emmy-winning composer who provided the music for “The Simpsons” for 27 years, has died at age 84. Clausen’s daughter says he died in Los Angeles on Thursday. Clausen began providing the music for the animated antics of “The Simpsons” in its second season in 1990, and wrote the scores for nearly 600 episodes. He won two Emmys and was nominated for 30. He also composed the music for the TV series “Moonlighting” and “Alf.” “Simpsons” creator Matt Groening once called Clausen “one of the unacknowledged treasures of the show.”

Jimmy Wayne Carwyle appears during an arraignment in Los Angeles, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, Pool)

Judge finds man charged with stalking Jennifer Aniston is mentally incompetent to stand trial

May 29, 2025

A man charged with stalking Jennifer Aniston and crashing his car through the front gate of her home has been found mentally incompetent to stand trial. A Los Angeles County judge made the ruling at a hearing Thursday. It came after a second doctor found 48-year-old Jimmy Wayne Carwyle not mentally fit to face charges of felony stalking and vandalism. Carwyle has pleaded not guilty. He’ll now undergo more comprehensive examinations to determine how and where he’ll be held and treated, and Aniston or her lawyer will be able to speak at a hearing in June. The incompetence finding is not permanent. A standard criminal process can resume later.

Man charged with stalking Jennifer Aniston found mentally incompetent for trial

May 22, 2025

A man charged with stalking Jennifer Aniston and crashing his car through the front gate of her home has been found mentally incompetent to stand trial, but he has demanded a second opinion at a court hearing. Jimmy Wayne Carwyle a 48-year-old from Mississippi, appeared at a Hollywood courthouse that specializes in mental health cases on Thursday. He had a long, gray beard and wore blue suicide-prevention jail clothing. He has pleaded not guilty to felony stalking and vandalism. His attorney told a judge that one psychiatrist found Carwyle incompetent, but he’s exercising his right to an evaluation from another doctor.

ANDREW DALTON Entertainment Writer.