Ralph Waite, patriarch of TV’s ‘Waltons’ family, dies at 85

Ralph Waite starred as John Walton in the series that aired on CBS from 1972 to 1981. Richard Thomas played his oldest son, John-Boy, an aspiring novelist. The gentle family drama was set in the Blue Ridge mountains of Virginia. His co-stars on Thursday praised both the actor and the man. “I am devastated to announce the loss of my precious ‘papa’ Walton, Ralph Waite,” said Mary McDonough, who played daughter Erin Walton.

‘Back to the Future’ headed to the stage

NEW YORK — Director Robert Zemeckis is literally going back into the past for his next project — a stage musical of “Back to the Future.”

Producers said Thursday night that a show adapted from the sci-fi comedy franchise starring Michael J. Fox will open …

Mid-century home movies offer glimpse of Ralph H. Metcalfe’s family life

During the 1936 Berlin Olympics, future U.S. Rep. Ralph H. Metcalfe (D-Chicago) was considered the world’s fastest human. He was also pretty snappy with the movie camera.

The clock haunts Farmiga after ‘The Conjuring’

It’s exactly 3:07 a.m. Your eyes fly open. Is that a ghostly figure coming down the hallway? Or is it your dog Fluffy? You are not the only one who unexplainably wakes up and checks the clock at exactly 3:07 a.m. after watching “The Conjuring.” …

Kate Winslet makes eyes, makes pies in ‘Labor Day’

Her troubled character is “a woman with a very big heart,” the actress says.

Paul Walker car speed over 100 mph prior to crash

LOS ANGELES — The Porsche carrying “Fast & Furious” star Paul Walker may have been going 100 mph or more before it crashed, killing both Walker and the driver, according to a coroner’s report released Friday. Investigators found no mechanical problems with the 2005 Porsche …

Photos: The Golden Globes

From the red carpet - the hits and the misses - to the winners and losers, here’s a look at the Golden Globes.

Ke$ha in rehab for eating disorder

LOS ANGELES — Ke$ha has checked into rehab to treat an eating disorder. The “Tik Tok” singer said in a statement provided by her spokesman Friday that she’ll be unavailable for the next 30 days while she seeks treatment for an undisclosed eating disorder. “I’m …

Songs about bathrooms, and other Chicago creations in the age of industrial musicals

A key songwriter in the field of musicals for corporate events was Sid Siegel, who penned ‘The Bathrooms Are Coming!” and other works meant to get salesmen “all worked up.”

Leonardo DiCaprio sums up ‘Wolf’ as ‘debauchery’

Ask Leonardo DiCaprio to sum up his latest film, “The Wolf of Wall Street” in one word, and he doesn’t hesitate. “Debauchery,” he says.

Juanita Moore, Oscar-nominated actress, dies at 99

NEW YORK — Juanita Moore, a groundbreaking actress and an Academy Award nominee for her role as Lana Turner’s black friend in the classic weeper “Imitation of Life,” has died.

Eve announces engagement via the Web

What are you doing in the new year, Eve? Getting married, it looks like. The sparkler on her hand in an Instagram photo was the first clue about the actress-rapper’s happy news: She’s engaged. Fans chimed in with congratulatory tweets until Eve herself confirmed, “Thanku …

Bill Kurtis having a blast with ‘Anchorman 2’

The comedy movie’s narrator says the outtakes are just as funny and hopes fans will see them someday.

‘GMA’ anchor Roberts reveals same-sex relationship

LOS ANGELES — Robin Roberts thanked her longtime girlfriend, Amber Laign, in a year-end post published on the ABC News anchor’s Facebook page on Sunday, Heather Riley of ABC confirmed. The message comes after Roberts’ battle with a life-threatening illness.

Jet Li battling thyroid disease

HONG KONG — Jet Li says he’s being treated for an overactive thyroid, but he’s determined to fight the condition head-on. The Chinese action star known for his kung fu skills discussed his diagnosis during the taping of a talent show he’s judging in China. …