UPI VIDEO ENTERTAINMENT NEWS 02.01.08

George Clooney named UN Peace Messenger.

Actor and activist George Clooney is using his star power to promote peace. Clooney was named a UN messenger of peace yesterday for his efforts to shine light on war torn regions...particularly in Darfur. The actor spoke at the UN yesterday, urging them to take action in equipping a peacekeeping force in the Sudanese region. Experts predict more than 200,000 people have died and more than two million displaced have been from their homes since the conflict began.

"Grey's Anatomy" star Justin Chambers reportedly checked into the psychiatric ward at an LA hospital earlier this week. The actor's rep says he was treated for severe exhaustion and suffers from a sleeping disorder. He apparently entered voluntarily and has since checked out. It's the same facility where Britney Spears is currently on psychiatric hold.

Meanwhile Spears' ex husband Kevin Federline is supporting the pop stars' hospital stay. One source tells People magazine Federline is concerned for her well-being and thinks psychiatric treatment is the best option for now. He also apparently wants her to get better so she can eventually have a relationship with their sons. Spears was escorted to an L.A. hospital yesterday. Friends say she hasn't slept since Saturday.

Paris Hilton is apparently partying it up in Arizona this Super Bowl week. The hotel heiress hosted a bash last night, celebrating the 6 anniversary of the lifestyle magazine 944. The publication is the official magazine of the 2008 Super Bowl committee. Hilton is in town for all the festivities leading up to the big game. This Sunday the New England Patriots take on the New York Giants for the title.

Mommy-to-be Jessica Alba hit the red carpet last night for the premiere of her new film "The Eye." The actress, who's expecting a baby with her fiance Cash Warren, plays a blind woman who gets her vision back and starts seeing ghosts. Alba's stars in the thriller alongside Alessandro Nivola and Parker Posey. "The Eye" is out in U.S. theaters starting today.

UPI VIDEO ENTERTAINMENT NEWS 01.16.08

Matthew McConaughey to be a dad.

Matthew McConaughey is trying out a new role, as a dad. On his website, the actor says his girlfriend, Brazilian model Camilla Alves is pregnant. She's apparently three months along. The actor says they are both very excited to be parents. McConaughey and Alves met more than a year ago...they've been seen together constantly since then.

Hollywood has lost a young star. Actor Brad Renfro died yesterday at the age of 25. He was found dead in his Los Angeles apartment after spending a night with friends. The cause of death is not yet known but Renfro has a history of drug abuse. The actor is best known for his childhood role in "The Client"...he starred along with Susan Sarandon. Renfro recently finished filming a movie with Billy Bob Thornton and Winona Ryder.

"High School Musical" star Zac Efron is recovering from an appendectomy. His rep tells People magazine he was rushed to the hospital yesterday to get his appendix removed. Efron recently signed on for the third installment of the "High School Musical" series, along with the rest of the original cast.

Kevin Federline is speaking out about his problems with his ex Britney Spears. He tells Interview magazine his struggles with the pop star are really no different than anyone else's. But Federline says the media attention makes their situation unique. He tells the publication he thinks it makes people feel normal to watch the woes of public figures. Federline has been in a heated custody battle with Spears for months now. He currently has sole custody of their sons...Spears has no visitation rights.

A star-studded cast hit the red carpet last night for the L.A. premiere of a new romantic drama. Sarah Michelle Geller and Brendan Fraser star in the film "The Air I Breathe." The two attended the event along with other stars like Andy Garcia. The movie also stars Forest Whitaker and Kevin Bacon. "The Air I Breathe" was first released in Greece last month.

UPI VIDEO ENTERTAINMENT NEWS 01.03.08

Britney Spears' lawyers quit custody case.

Court papers say Britney Spears' lawyers want to quit. The law firm Trope and Trope apparently filed a request yesterday to withdraw from the pop star's custody case. The papers say the singer and law firm had a "breakdown in communications." Spears has also had two other failed relationships with previous lawyers. She and Federline have been battling it out for months for custody of their sons, 2 year old Sean Preston and 1 year old Jayden James.

The Late Night Kings of comedy are back. David Letterman returned with "The Late Show" last night...hosting comedian Robin Williams. Letterman struck a deal with the Writer's guild allowing him to return on air with his writers. Jay Leno, who had Republican presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee on "The Tonight Show," returned without writers. Conan O'Brien was also without writers, but he did sport a new red beard, saying it was a "strike beard." The WGA strike has been going on for two months now.

TV host Elizabeth Hasselbeck is returning to her spot on "The View." She'll reportedly be back on the ABC show on Monday after 2 and a half months of maternity leave. She and husband, football star Tim Hasselbeck welcomed a baby boy named Taylor Thomas in November. ABC says her comeback show will include a surprise guest.

Jessica Simpson is now working on a country album. The pop star, who grew up in Texas, says she's a true country girl and has always wanted to return to her roots. Simpson added that she'll even write some of the songs on the album. She says writing is a good way for her to tell her story. The singer has recently made headlines for her new romance with NFL football star Tony Romo.

Anne Hathaway is signing on to be Lancome's leading lady. The cosmetic company says the actress will be the newest ambassador for the brand. Hathaway will be a part of Lancome's ad campaign for a new fragrance...set to be released next September. She'll also likely appear in other print and TV ads for the company.

UPI VIDEO ENTERTAINMENT NEWS 12.13.07

Jessica Alba is pregnant.

Jessica Alba is going to be a mom. The actress' rep tells People magazine she and her boyfriend Cash Warren are expecting. Alba is apparently due in late spring or early summer. She and Warren have been dating since 2004...he was the director's assistant for "The Fantastic Four," which Alba starred in.

The music industry is mourning a rock legend. Musician Ike Turner, former husband of Tina Turner, died yesterday at the age of 76. He reportedly passed away in his San Diego home but there's no word yet on the cause of death. Turner emerged into the music scene in the 40s and then went on to form a successful act with his then wife Tina Turner. The pair split in the 70s. Turner was inducted into the rock'n roll hall of fame in 1991.

Britney Spears was a no-show at a court ordered deposition yesterday...apparently due to illness. An attorney for her ex Kevin Federline says she was unable to attend because of a medical condition. A friend of the pop star tells People magazine she's both physically and emotionally sick with anxiety. A new date has been set but there's no word on when. Spears and Federline have been in a bitter custody battle over their two sons....two year old Sean Preston and one year old Jayden James.

Velvet Revolver frontman Scott Weiland is facing time behind bars. The singer was formally charged yesterday with driving under the influence of drugs with a prior conviction. Weiland was arrested last month after failing a sobriety test. He also apparently refused to let authorities test his blood or urine for drugs. If convicted, he could spend a maximum of one year in jail.

Sharon Osbourne is opening up about happiness and heartbreak in her new book. The British TV personality attended a book signing for her new autobiography "Survivor" in London last night. In the book, she reveals details about recent trials in her life including the death of her father. She also reportedly opens up about her love for husband, rock star Ozzy Osbourne and about being a part of the Osbourne family.