UPI VIDEO ENTERTAINMENT NEWS 02.06.08

Jennifer Lopez pregnant with twins.

It's official...Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony are expecting twins. The singer's father David confirmed the rumors on a Spanish language TV show yesterday. He says it's hereditary and his sister also gave birth to twins. There's no word on an exact due date for the new additions. Lopez and Anthony first publicly announced they were expecting last November.

Britney Spears' mother says the pop star's sidekick and manager has been drugging her. Lynne Spears requested, and was granted a temporary restraining order against Sam Lutfi...barring him from being within 250 yard of the singer. Lynne says Lutfi admitted to crushing her pills and putting them in her food. The pop star's mom also says he has taken complete control over her life, including her finances and what goes on at home.

Rosie O'Donnell helped to kick off the annual Kid's Night on Broadway last night. The former talk show host was at Madame Tussauds in New York for the event. The Annual Kid's Night on Broadway allows young people to see several plays for free when with a paying adult. O'Donnell says she's excited to be involved with a program encouraging young people to appreciate Broadway.

Police are questioning Amy Winehouse about alleged drug use. Officials tell People magazine the singer was interrogated about the video posted by a British newspaper, allegedly showing her smoking crack cocaine. But for now no arrests have been made and police say they're looking into it further. The singer has been getting treatment at a London rehab facility since late last month.

"Sex and the City" actress Kristin Davis is working to bring attention to the AIDS epidemic in Africa. The actress was reportedly in South Africa last weekend with the group Oxfam. Davis is an ambassador for the organization. In a statement she says the heroes in the country, helping those suffering from HIV and AIDS, amazed her. But the actress adds that they can't do it on their own...they're in need of more doctors nurses and overall support.

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 01.25.08

Amy Winehouse check into rehab.

Amy Winehouse is spending time in rehab. Her record label says she checked into a treatment facility earlier this week to get help with her drug addiction. The singer has been making headlines recently after a British newspaper posted a video of her allegedly smoking crack. Her label says she hopes to make an appearance at the Grammy Awards next month. She's nominated in six categories.

Heath Ledger and actress Mary-Kate Olsen apparently had a close relationship before he died. One source tells People magazine the two had been dating casually about 3 months before his death. The masseuse who discovered Ledger's body reportedly used the actor's cell phone to call Olsen, knowing the two were close. Police say she called Olsen a total of four times...three of those calls were made before authorities were notified.

John Travolta is being recognized for his involvement in flying. The actor and pilot was honored at the "Living Legends of Aviation" last night in Beverly Hills. Travolta received the Ambassador of Aviation award. He was joined by other legends like Emily Howell-Warner...the first female airline pilot. Also at the event...Barrington Irving who is the youngest pilot to fly solo around the world. Former Astronaut Buzz Aldrin and his wife Lois were at the ceremony as well.

Scarlett Johansson is preparing to release her first album. The actress' debut CD "Anywhere I Lay My Head" will hit the shelves on May 20. Last spring Johansson reportedly spent a few weeks recording several covers of Tom Waits songs as well as one original track for the album. The actress sang on screen in the film "Lost in translation" and also appeared on stage at the Coachella music festival last spring.

Comedian Jimmy Fallon premiered his new film at the Sundance Film Festival yesterday. He stars alongside Tom Arnold in the comedy "The Year of Getting to Know Us." Other cast members like Illeana Douglas and Sharon Stone attended the premiere as well. The film is about a man who reunites with his estranged father. There's now word on when it will be released.

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.

UPI VIDEO ENTERTAINMENT NEWS 12.19.07

Jamie Lynn Spears is pregnant.

Britney Spears' sister Jamie Lynn is pregnant. The 16 year old actress and her mom Lynne first told OK magazine about the pregnancy. She's apparently about 12 weeks along with her boyfriend Casey Aldridge. Spears reportedly says she was shocked by the news as was the father. Spears stars in the show "Zoey 101" on Nickelodeon.

Actor Chris O'Donnell has welcomed his fifth child. His wife Caroline reportedly gave birth to a baby girl earlier this month. Her name is Maeve Francis and the actor's rep tells People magazine Mom and baby are doing great. The new addition joins one sister and 3 brothers. O'Donnell recently had a brief role on "Grey's Anatomy." He's also set to appear in the film "Kit Kittredge: An American Girl"... Fittingly playing a dad.

Actor Morgan Freeman is helping hungry families prepare for the holidays. Freeman passed out food to needy people at a food bank in Washington DC. He also helped volunteers pack up bags of supplies. The actor apparently chipped in to bring attention to the massive problem of hunger and poverty in the U.S. Many food banks are seeing lower than normal food donations this year.

Singer Amy Winehouse is reportedly in police custody in London. She was arrested Monday for allegedly interfering with her husband Blake Fielder-Civil's assault case. She apparently is facing charges for witness tampering but there are no exact details on why. Her husband is currently in jail, accused of assaulting a barman over the summer.

Pop icon Michael Jackson was reportedly seen wearing bandages on his face over the weekend. He was photographed while shopping in a Las Vegas bookstore with his kids. His spokesman tells the New York Post the singer hadn't had any surgical procedures and had no explanation for the photos. Experts have said Jackson looks like he's had several plastic surgery operations on his face since the 80's. The pop star has admitted to having only one...on his nose to improve his breathing.

UPI VIDEO ENTERTAINMENT NEWS 12.11.07

Regis Philbin to host Oscar pre-show.

Regis Philbin is reclaiming his role on the red carpet at the upcoming Academy Awards. Philbin will apparently host the half hour red carpet pre-show in February...just as he did 30 years ago. He has a history of hosting morning talks shows and is currently known for his post on "Live With Regis and Kelly." Oscar nominations are set to be announced next month and the awards ceremony will air on ABC on February 24.

Amy Winehouse says she hopes to attend this years' Grammy Awards. Her spokesperson tells People magazine she's "determined" to turn up for the event. The singer is nominated for six awards including best new artist and best song for "Rehab." Winehouse has made headlines recently...with reports of alcohol and drug use as well as some odd behavior. Her mom recently made a public plea for her to get help.

Oscar winners Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts are combining forces for a new film. The two attended the premiere of their new drama "Charlie Wilson's War" In Los Angeles. The director of the film, Mike Nichols was there along with his wife, TV correspondent Diane Sawyer. The movie is about Texas Congressman Charlie Wilson and his efforts with rebels in Afghanistan. It hits most U.S. theaters December 21.

Leonardo DiCaprio was honored at this years' Marrakesh Film Festival in Morocco. Martin Scorsese, who's collaborated with the actor for many films presented him with the Golden Star Award. Scorsese has directed movies starring DiCaprio like "The Departed" and "Aviator." He called him a quote "very good friend and wonderful actor." Director Shekhar Kapur who directed "Elizabeth: The Golden Age" also received a Golden star for his contribution to film.

British stars Rupert Everett and Colin Firth are gearing up for the release of their new film. They star in the comedy "St. Trinians"...a film about a school for girls. It premiered in London last night. Gemma Arterton is also in the movie as well as Amara Karan. The film hits British theaters December 21.

UPI VIDEO ENTERTAINMENT NEWS 12.07.07

Kanye West and Amy Winehouse lead Grammy nods.

Kanye West and Amy Winehouse are leading the way in Grammy nominations. West grabbed 8 nominations including album of the year for "Graduation." Winehouse earned herself six nods including best new artist and song of the year for "Rehab." Other artists like Justin Timberlake and Jay Z took 5 nominations. The Award ceremony will take place on February 10 in Los Angeles.

More celebrities are signing on to star in the new "X-Files" movie. Actress Amanda Peet, rapper Xzibit and comedian Billy Connolly are all on board for the sci-fi thriller. They'll join the original cast members from the popular TV series, David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson. But producers won't confirm the actors' roles yet. Filming is set to begin next month and it's set to be released in July.

Actress Scarlett Johanssen may take legal action against US Weekly magazine. In a statement to OK! magazine the actress says she feels compelled to sue the publication for misleading her fans. US Weekly featured pictures of Johansson's nose, suggesting she may have gotten plastic surgery...a claim that the actress firmly denies. The magazine says they never blatantly said she had gotten work done.

Rascal Flatts Guitarist Joe Don Rooney will soon become a Dad. The musician and his wife, former Playboy Playmate of the year, Tiffany Fallon, are expecting their first baby. The pair say they are so excited to be parents. Rooney and Fallon married in 2006 in Mexico.

Nicolas Cage is promoting his new film in Japan. He and his wife attended the Japanese premiere of "National Treasure: Book of Secrets" last night. Co-stars Justin Bartha and Diane Kruger also attended. The movie's producer Jerry Bruckheimer made the trip as well. The film is about a treasure hunter, investigating the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. It's set for a U.S. release December 21.

UPI VIDEO ENTERTAINMENT NEWS 12.05.07

Dennis Quaid and wife sue drug company.

Dennis Quaid and his wife Kimberly are taking legal action against the manufacturer of the drug Heparin. The pair are apparently suing the company after their twin babies became seriously ill from an overdose of the drug. They're reportedly seeking more than 50,000 dollars in damages, alleging the manufacturer did not properly label the doses. That resulted in the hospital giving the twins too much of the medicine. Luckily both children are fully recovered now.

Actress Jill Hennessy will now have to handle 3 men in her family. People magazine says the actress and her husband Paolo Mastropietro have welcomed a baby boy named Gianni. They also have a four year old son named Marco.

Amy Winehouse's rep is explaining some of her recent behavior. Winehouse's rep responded to a photo taken of her walking around outside in only a bra and jeans in the early morning hours. Her spokesperson says the singer was sound asleep when noises prompted her to go outside and see what was going on. Apparently she was greeted by a mass of paparazzi. Her rep says despite recent reports of Winehouse's drug use, she was only startled and half asleep.

Martha Stewart is giving gift wrapping tips for the holiday season. The domestic diva demonstrated several wrapping techniques at a K-Mart in New York yesterday. To name just a couple of her tips...buy a variety of wrapping papers that will match with any ribbon and decorate gifts with photos of family members or friends. Stewart has her own Everyday Holiday line at K-Mart stores.

Tom Petty and the heartbreakers are set to headline this year's superbowl halftime show. NFL has announced the band will play at the biggest day in football on February 3 at the University of Phoenix stadium. About 140 million U.S. viewers tuned in for last years' show. The rock band released their first debut album in 1976 and they're known for hits like "Free Fallin" and "Breakdown."