UPI VIDEO ENTERTAINMENT NEWS 02.05.08

Robert De Niro campaigns for Obama.

Stars are stepping out on the campaign trail to show support for presidential candidates. Robert DeNiro joined Democratic hopeful Barack Obama on stage yesterday at a rally in New Jersey. The actor said Obama has inspired him and is the one person he believes can bring change to the U.S. The Illinois Senator has also had continued support from Oprah Winfrey. Other celebrity endorsements came from Jack Nicholson...he announced his support for Hillary Clinton on a morning radio show yesterday.

Britney Spears' father is staying in control of her wealth for now. A Los Angeles court ruled yesterday to keep Jamie Spears as the conservator of her affairs...which apparently includes her 40 million dollar fortune. Her Dad will hold onto control until the pop star is healthy. This comes after a Spears lawyer argued against the decision. He said the pop star was strongly opposed to the decision, fearing it may cause more tension and estrangement.

Heath Ledger's family is now back home in Australia after an emotional week. The actor's father Kim and other relatives reportedly solemnly walked through an airport in Perth yesterday. Ledger's family was in Los Angeles for several memorial services in honor of the actor. He'll now apparently be buried in a family plot near the family's home. Ledger was found dead in his Manhattan apartment last month. The cause of death is still unknown.

Sean "Diddy" Combs is taking on acting and producing in a new made for TV film. He stars and was the executive producer for "A Raisin in the Sun"...a film version of a 1959 Broadway play. The actor attended the premiere for the new release last night in New York. His co-stars Phylicia Rashad and Audra McDonald were also at last night's event. "A Raisin in the Sun" will air on ABC February 25.

Amy Winehouse apparently still plans on making an appearance at the Grammy Awards. The singer reportedly took a break from rehab to visit the U.S. Embassy in London...She was accompanied by her father and a nurse from the facility. Her rep says she was looking to get a Visa in order to attend the Award ceremony on Sunday. Winehouse is nominated in six categories. The singer checked into rehab for substance abuse treatment last month.

UPI VIDEO ENTERTAINMENT NEWS 01.29.08

Britney Spears seeking help.

Britney Spears is apparently now seeking treatment. On ABC's "The View" yesterday, Barbara Walters recounted a conversation she had with Spears' friend Sam Lutfi. Walters said Lutfi told her the pop star suffers from "mental issues which are treatable." Walters says Spears is now seeing a psychiatrist and is reunited with her mother Lynne. The singer has reportedly been having mood swings and trouble sleeping.

Michelle Williams' film is being postponed for now as she copes with the death of Heath Ledger. The actress and Ledger dated for about 3 years before separating last summer. They also have a two-year old daughter Matilda together. Williams was supposed to start working on the film "Blue Valentine" next month, but it's reportedly been put on hold until she's ready to return to work.

Led Zeppelin is considering getting back on the road. The British rock band is reportedly talking about reuniting for a world tour. This comes after they had an extremely successful one night show in London last month. Guitarist Jimmy Page says that performance got him geared up for a full tour with singer Robert Plant and bassist and keyboardist John Paul Jones. But because of busy schedules, the band would likely not hit the stage until next fall at the earliest.

The Writer's Guild of America have reached an agreement with Grammy producers. The deal allows striking to work on the upcoming Grammy Award ceremony on February 10. This comes following an earlier decision from the WGA, choosing not to picket in front of the event. The WGZ has been on strike against TV and film producers since early November.


The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists is recognizing those who've made an impact on the entertainment world. Soap opera star Susan Lucci was honored a ceremony last night for her years on television and contributions to the community. Veteran journalist Sam Donaldson was also given an award for his 40 years covering the news. And singer Maureen McGovern was recognized for her years on Broadway, recording hit CDs and work in TV and radio.

UPI VIDEO ENTERTAINMENT NEWS 01.24.08

Police still investigating Heath Ledger's death.

Officials are still looking for answers to the cause of Heath Ledger's death. Police say a rolled up twenty-dollar bill was found near his body and will be tested for narcotics. But authorities added that there were no illegal drugs found in the actor's apartment. This comes after autopsy results came back inconclusive yesterday. Apparently more extensive tests need to be done now. Meanwhile, friends and fans are continuing to pay tribute to Ledger outside his New York apartment. The young actor was found dead in his Manhattan apartment earlier this week. He was only 28.

Britney Spears is still being barred from seeing her children following yesterday's custody hearing. The pop star showed up at the courtroom but then left before it even began. Spears was apparently the one to request the emergency hearing, asking for time with her kids. A court representative says custody orders will remain as is and Spears will continue to have no visitation rights.

A New York judge is sentencing Busta Rhymes to three years probation for several charges. The rapper pleaded guilty to two counts of assault, driving under the influence, and driving with a suspended license. In addition, he's been ordered to pay a fine of more than 1200 dollars, perform community service and attend a Driving While Intoxicated treatment program.

Alicia Keys is topping the charts. Her album "As I am" grabbed the number one spot of the Billboard 200 list. It's her third non-consecutive time at the top. In second is the soundtrack for the film "Juno," starring Ellen Page and Michael Cera. Coming in at third is Mary J. Blige's CD "Growing Pains."

Former "Dancing with the Stars" contestants are putting their dancing shoes on again...this time for a nationwide tour. Several of the show's contestants made a stop in Sunrise, Florida for the 2008 "Dancing With the Stars Tour." Joey Lawrence took the stage alongside Edyta Silwinski. Former champ Drew Lachey also impressed fans dancing with partner Cheryl Burke. Last season's winners, racecar driver Helio Castroneves and Julianne Hough are on the tour as well. The tour started a few days ago and will go on through next month.

UPI VIDEO ENTERTAINMENT NEWS 01.23.08

Heath Ledger found dead in New York

Hollywood is mourning the loss of a loved and admired star. Australian born actor Heath Ledger was found dead at his New York apartment yesterday. He was only 28 years old. There's no confirmation on the cause of death but police say the Oscar nominated actor apparently died of an accidental drug overdose. Ledger was found with prescription drugs near his body.

The actor first emerged into the entertainment scene at age 16. He appeared in the Australian show "Sweat." In 1998 he played a heartthrob alongside Julia Stiles in "10 Things I hate About You." He's also known for his roles in "The Patriot" and "A Knight's Tale." Two years ago he was for an Academy Award for "Brokeback Mountain." On the set of that film, he and actress Michelle Williams began dating and soon after had a daughter Matilda. The pair split last September but friends say he stayed in close contact with his daughter.

In other news, Amy Winehouse's rep is denying rumors that the singer is in rehab. Her spokesperson says Winehouse only visited a doctor whom she sees regularly and did not check in anywhere overnight. There's no indication of the type of treatment she received. Recently, a British newspaper posted tape showing the singer allegedly smoking crack. That video prompted rumors that she was now seeking help. Friends of Winehouse tell People magazine everyone knows she should get treatment.

Some stars are promising not to cross writer's picket lines at the Oscars. Nominee Viggo Mortenson says he won't attend the ceremony if the WGA is striking out front. But the "Eastern Promises" star is confident they'll strike a deal with TV and film Producers soon. Others like Director Tony Gilroy, nominated for "Michael Clayton," agrees...he says he would never cross a picket line. The strike shut down the Golden Globe Award ceremony after most stars refused to attend.

Soccer star David Beckham is working to help children around the world. The athlete reportedly visited Sierra Leone last weekend with the children's charity UNICEF. Beckham made the trip to bring attention to the impoverished country, where child deaths are reportedly the highest in the world. In a statement, the soccer player says helping the kids there is as simple as a mosquito net to help them avoid malaria or a measles vaccination.