zwecker
Bill Zwecker biography
From the top stars of Hollywood to Chicago's best-known celebrities like Michael Jordan and Oprah Winfrey, Bill Zwecker is the expert when it comes to …Read More
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Sherman Hemsley remains unburied during estate fight
“The Jeffersons” star Sherman Hemsley died July 24, but his burial has been delayed as his named heir and girlfriend Flora Enchinton battles with a Philadelphia man claiming to be the actor’s brother. During his life, Hemsley always stated he was an only child. — …Read More
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NBC puts ‘The Farm’ out to pasture
Though Rainn Wilson tweeted that making the pilot of “The Farm” was “a blast,” the proposed spinoff of his Dwight Schrute character from the long-running “The Office” has not been picked up by NBC. “The Office” ends its nine-year run next spring. — B.Z. …Read More
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Bobbi Kristina battled family over big inheritance from Whitney
BILL ZWECKER: Executors of the Whitney Houston estate worry about how Bobbi Kristina Brown will handle the fortune she’s due to get in two years.
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Monster storm snarls shows for Kimmel, Letterman, Fallon
Hurricane Sandy led Jimmy Kimmel to cancel a Monday taping in his Brooklyn hometown, and he may repeat that Tuesday. The L.A.-based talker had planned five Brooklyn shows this week. David Letterman and Jimmy Fallon hosted new episodes, but without audiences. — B.Z. …
Daytime TV shuffle: Queen Latifah in, Anderson Cooper out
Despite a format overhaul, ‘Anderson Live’ had trouble breaking through in crowded talk-show marketplace, distributor says
Bonnie Hunt may be back in sitcom
Chicago native Bonnie Hunt is planning a return to ABC on a sitcom she’s creating with Ben Stiller’s new production company. In “compliKATEd,” Hunt will play what deadline.com called “a confidently insecure woman with a complicated life.” — B.Z. …
Madonna booed after plugging Obama in New Orleans
Controversy again hit Madonna’s “MDNA Tour” Saturday after the Material Mom urged New Orleans audience members, “I don’t care who you vote for as long as you vote for [Barack] Obama.” The remark drew boos and a walkout by a number of concertgoers. —B.Z. …
Jessica Simpson aghast at reports dad was seeing male model, 21
BILL ZWECKER: Jessica Simpson and sister Ashlee reportedly had no idea of Joe Simpson’s double life, and a family friend says they’re upset their parents’ breakup is so “tawdry.”
How Twitter brought ‘Gangnam Style’ to the masses
Psy’s YouTube sensation started with tweets from the stars.
Family’s worries about Bobbi Kristina get a public airing
BILL ZWECKER: Whitney Houston’s mother and others fret about the teen’s plans to marry Nick Gordon on the Lifetime reality show, “The Houstons: On Our Own.” Meanwhile, Bobbi Kristina’s father, Bobby Brown, is arrested on another DUI charge.
Jackman gets personal about his mother
Hugh Jackman tells Australian Women’s Weekly about his mother abandoning him at age 8, fleeing to Britain and breaking the news via telegram. The actor says he has long since forgiven his mom, knowing she suffered from post-partum depression after he was born. — B.Z. …
Greg Kinnear heads back to TV
Greg Kinnear is attached to star in “Rake,” a Fox pilot planned for a full series commitment. Based on an Australian show, it’s about a “House”-like antihero — a criminal defense attorney who is brilliant but self-destructive, abrasive and lacking in discretion. …
Lindsay Lohan friend fears she’s on a ‘downward spiral’
BILL ZWECKER: As Lindsay Lohan hits the clubs in New York, a source says she’s been partying L.A.-style, but apparently without the drugs or alcohol.
Oprah Winfrey chats up Justin Bieber at Chicago’s RL
Justin Bieber shares French fries with Oprah Winfrey and sings for fans outside in a visit taped for “Oprah’s Next Chapter.”
Three Angelina Jolie kids will join her in movie
First Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s daughter Vivienne was cast as the child version of Elle Fanning’s Princess Aurora in “Maleficent,” in which Jolie stars in the title role. Now Us Weekly reports the superstar couple’s kids Pax and Zahara also will be in the …Read More
Elle Macpherson replaced as ‘Fashion Star’ host
Louise Roe, who was on MTV’s “The City,” the CW’s “Plain Jane” and E!’s “Fashion Police,” replaces supermodel Elle Macpherson as host of NBC’s “Fashion Star.” Macpherson remains a producer, and Nicole Richie, Jessica Simpson and John Varvatos return as mentors. …
A small company beats Beyonce and Jay-Z
The U.S. Patent Office has ruled against Beyonce and Jay-Z’s attempt to trademark daughter Blue Ivy’s name for a line of baby products. The winner is Veronica Alexandra. She sued the superstars to protect her Boston-based Blue Ivy baby biz’s brand. It was founded in …
Jessica Biel let Justin Timberlake’s mom call the shots at wedding
BILL ZWECKER: Jessica Biel would have preferred a small wedding, a source says, but to get along with Justin Timberlake’s mom she let her have the big bash she wanted.
NBC puts ‘Animal Practice’ to sleep
Despite heavy promotion — including an episode that NBC cut into the closing ceremonies of the London Olympics (which infuriated many viewers) — “Animal Practice,” starring Crystal the capuchin monkey from “The Hangover,” has been quietly canceled. “Whitney” will replace it. …
Donald Trump to Robert Pattinson: Give up on Kristen
Robert Pattinson is sure to ignore Donald Trump’s Twitter advice to not take back Kristen Stewart. Always one to express his opinion — even if not asked — The Donald tweeted, “She cheated on him like a dog & will do it again — just …
