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  • Liza Minnelli Fast Facts | CNN

    Liza Minnelli Fast Facts | CNN

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    CNN
     — 

    Here is a look at the life of Liza Minnelli, award winning singer and actress.

    Birth date: March 12, 1946

    Birth place: Los Angeles, California

    Birth name: Liza May Minnelli

    Father: Vincente Minnelli, director

    Mother: Judy Garland, actress and singer

    Marriages: David Gest (March 16, 2002-April 2007, divorced); Mark Gero (December 4, 1979-January 27, 1992, divorced); Jack Haley Jr. (September 15, 1974-April 9, 1979, divorced); Peter Allen (March 3, 1967-July 24, 1974, divorced)

    Nominated for four Emmy Awards and won once.

    Nominated for two Academy Awards and won once.

    Nominated for three Tony Awards and won two. Also received a Special Tony Award in 1974.

    Has struggled with addictions to alcohol and painkillers.

    Has suffered numerous health problems, including hip replacement surgery, throat surgery and encephalitis.

    1949 – Makes her first film appearance, uncredited, “In the Good Old Summertime,” playing Judy Garland’s daughter.

    1960s – Begins her cabaret career playing in nightclubs across the United States.

    1963 – Appears Off-Broadway in the musical, “Best Foot Forward.”

    1964 Appears onstage with her mother at the London Palladium.

    May 11, 1965 – Broadway debut in the musical, “Flora the Red Menace.”

    1965 – Wins Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for “Flora the Red Menace” and is the youngest actress ever to receive a Tony at the time.

    1968 Makes her first film appearance as an adult in “Charlie Bubbles.”

    1972Has a variety special on NBC called “Liza with a Z: A Concert for Television.”

    1973 Wins Best Actress Academy Award for “Cabaret.”

    1973 – Wins Emmy Outstanding Single Program-Variety and Popular Music for “Liza with a Z.”

    January 6-26, 1974 – Her one-woman show, “Liza,” runs on Broadway.

    1974 – Receives a special Tony Award for “adding luster to the Broadway season.”

    1978 Wins Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for “The Act.”

    1990 – Receives the Grammy Legend Award, a special merit award given out annually to members of the recording field for ongoing contributions and influence.

    October 23, 2000 – Is stricken with viral encephalitis.

    September 21, 2001 – During the first major sporting event in New York since the 9/11 attacks, Minnelli sings “New York, New York” during the 7th inning stretch at Shea Stadium.

    October 2003 – David Gest sues wife Minnelli for $10 million claiming lingering emotional and physical damage due to beatings he suffered at her hands. The case is dismissed September 2006.

    2004Minnelli is sued by her former bodyguard, M’Hammed Soumayah, for assault and battery, breach of contract and sexual harassment. She countersues claiming he violated the confidentiality terms of his employment. The case is settled out of court in November 2009 and all settlement terms are confidential.

    January 2007 – Ending months of acrimonious charges from both sides, Minnelli and Gest work out their differences and agree to divorce without fault on either side.

    December 13, 2007 – Collapses during a Christmas concert in Sweden and is flown back to the United States.

    July 11, 2011 – Receives the Legion of Honor award from France.

    March 2015 – Her spokesperson Scott Gorenstein announces that Minnelli has entered a treatment facility for her addictions. She is there through part of April, according to her publicist.

    March 27, 2022 – Minnelli and Lady Gaga appear on stage together to present the Oscar for best picture.

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  • Rick Perry Fast Facts | CNN Politics

    Rick Perry Fast Facts | CNN Politics

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    Here is a look at the life of former US Secretary of Energy and former Texas Governor Rick Perry.

    Birth date: March 4, 1950

    Birth place: Paint Creek, Texas

    Birth name: James Richard Perry

    Father: Joseph Ray Perry, a farmer

    Mother: Amelia (Holt) Perry

    Marriage: Anita (Thigpen) Perry (November 6, 1982-present)

    Children: Sydney and Griffin

    Education: Texas A&M University, B.S., 1972

    Military Service: US Air Force, 1972-1977, Captain

    Religion: Methodist

    Is an Eagle Scout.

    Met his wife, Anita, in elementary school.

    Has devoted years to supporting psychedelic-assisted therapies.

    Is the longest-serving governor in Texas history.

    1972-1977 – Serves in the US Air Force flying transport planes.

    1977 – Returns to Texas to live and work on his father’s farm.

    1978 Forms JR Perry Farms with his father.

    1985-1991 Member of the Texas House of Representatives as a Democrat from the 64th District.

    1989 Switches to the Republican Party.

    1991-1999 Commissioner of the Texas Department of Agriculture.

    1999-2000 – Lieutenant Governor of Texas.

    December 21, 2000 – Perry is sworn in as governor after George W. Bush resigns to become president of the United States.

    November 5, 2002 – Perry is elected to a four-year term.

    November 7, 2006 – Is reelected governor.

    2008Perry’s book “On My Honor: Why the American Values of the Boy Scouts Are Worth Fighting For” is published.

    November 2, 2010 – Perry is elected for a third term in office.

    August 13, 2011 – Declares his candidacy for president during a speech in South Carolina.

    January 19, 2012 – Suspends his presidential campaign and endorses Newt Gingrich.

    July 8, 2013 – Announces that he will not run for reelection as Texas governor in 2014.

    August 15, 2014 – A grand jury indicts Perry on charges of coercion of a public servant and abuse of his official capacity. He allegedly threatened to veto funding for a statewide public integrity unit run by Travis County District Attorney Rosemary Lehmberg unless she resigned following her arrest on a drunk driving charge. She stayed in office, and he later vetoed the funding.

    August 19, 2014 – Perry voluntarily appears at the Travis County Court house to be booked and fingerprinted and to have his mug shot taken. He pleads not guilty to charges of coercion of a public servant and abuse of official capacity. The next day he makes the first of six campaign style stops across New Hampshire.

    November 18, 2014 – A state district judge in Texas denies a defense motion to have two felony charges dismissed against Perry.

    January 15, 2015 – Delivers his farewell address as governor.

    June 4, 2015 – Announces he is running for president at a rally in Addison, Texas.

    July 24, 2015 – A Texas appeals court dismisses one of two criminal charges against Perry. The court agrees with the argument from Perry’s legal team that a Texas law concerning “coercion of a public servant” violates Perry’s First Amendment freedom of speech rights. The court is allowing a charge related to abuse of power to move forward.

    September 11, 2015 – Suspends his campaign for the presidency.

    January 25, 2016 – Perry endorses Ted Cruz.

    February 24, 2016 – The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals drops charges against Perry alleging he abused his power while in office.

    August 30, 2016 – Perry is revealed as one of the members of the upcoming 23rd season of reality television dance competition “Dancing with the Stars” on ABC.

    September 27, 2016 – Is eliminated from “Dancing With The Stars.”

    November 22, 2016 – Returns to “Dancing With The Stars” for the season finale. Perry dances with Vanilla Ice during a live performance of “Ice Ice Baby.”

    December 13, 2016 – President-elect Donald Trump announces he has selected Perry to be his nominee for energy secretary.

    January 19, 2017 – Perry says that he regrets recommending the elimination of the Department of Energy during a presidential debate in 2012.

    March 2, 2017 – Perry is confirmed as energy secretary with a 62-37 vote in the Senate.

    July 26, 2017 – Perry’s office acknowledges that he was the target of a prank call on July 19. During the 20-minute call from Russian pranksters, real names Vladimir Krasnov and Aleksey Stolyarov, respectively, one pretends to be Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman.

    February 5, 2019 – Is named the designated survivor for Trump’s second State of the Union address. As the one member of the Cabinet remaining outside the House chamber during the speech in case disaster strikes, Perry will remain in an undisclosed location.

    October 10, 2019 – House Democrats issue a subpoena to Perry for documents related to the Trump administration’s contacts with Ukraine as part of the ongoing House impeachment inquiry.

    October 17, 2019 – Perry says he plans to resign in a video posted to YouTube.

    November 20, 2019 – Ambassador to the EU Gordon Sondland testifies that he, along with special envoy for Ukraine Kurt Volker and Perry, worked with Giuliani on Ukraine at the “express direction” of Trump and against their better judgment. Sondland also tells lawmakers that he had discussed the investigation in a July 19 email sent to several top US officials, including Perry. In response, the Department of Energy releases a statement denying Sondland’s claims, saying he “misrepresented both Secretary Perry’s interaction with Rudy Giuliani and direction the Secretary received from President Trump.”

    December 1, 2019 – Perry resigns as US Secretary of Energy.

    January 1, 2020 – Perry is appointed as a director of the general partner that controls Energy Transfer LP, a pipeline company.

    February 17, 2021 – In a blog post on House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy’s website, Perry is quoted as saying “partly rhetorically,” that “Texans would be without electricity for longer than three days to keep the federal government out of their business.” Millions of Texans lost power as the state experienced a massive failure brought on by a historic freeze and a power grid that – unlike the other 47 contiguous states – is separated from the rest of the country and is not under federal regulatory oversight, which prevents Texas from being able to borrow power from other states.

    December 17, 2021 – January 6 House committee investigators believe that a November 4 text pushing “strategy” to undermine the presidential election came from Perry, three sources familiar with the investigation tell CNN. First presented on the House floor December 14, the text was included in about 6,000 documents turned over to the committee by former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows. Perry denies being the author.

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  • Justin Bieber Fast Facts | CNN

    Justin Bieber Fast Facts | CNN

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    CNN
     — 

    Here’s a look at the life of Grammy Award-winning singer Justin Bieber.

    Birth date: March 1, 1994

    Birth place: London, Ontario, Canada

    Birth name: Justin Drew Bieber

    Father: Jeremy Bieber

    Mother: Patricia Mallette

    Marriage: Hailey Baldwin (2018-present)

    Pattie Mallette was a teenage single mother who worked low paying jobs to support the family before her son became a star.

    Taught himself to play guitar and piano as a child.

    Fans of Bieber refer to themselves as “Beliebers” and describe themselves as having “Bieber Fever.”

    Nominated for 23 Grammy Awards, and winner of two.

    2007-2008 – Bieber’s mother begins posting videos of her son performing on YouTube. Record executive Scooter Braun sees the videos and flies Bieber and his mother to Atlanta and signs the teen to a contract.

    2008 Auditions for singer Usher and is signed to a contract on Island/Def Jam records.

    May 2009 – Releases his first single, “One Time,” which goes platinum in the United States and Canada.

    November 2009 – The seven-song EP “My World” is released, going platinum in the US.

    November 2009 – Bieber’s appearance at Roosevelt Field Mall in New York must be canceled due to an out-of-control crowd of teen girls.

    March 2010 – His first full-length album “My World 2.0” is released and debuts at No. 1 on the Billboard charts. It sells approximately five million copies.

    April 2010 Performs on “Saturday Night Live.”

    April 2010 Police in Australia cancel a Bieber appearance after several girls are injured in the unruly crowd.

    February 2011 A 3D concert film, “Justin Bieber: Never Say Never,” is released.

    November 2011 – Mariah Yeater, 20, files a lawsuit seeking child support, and a paternity test from Bieber. She alleges that she and the now 17-year-old Bieber had sex at a concert the previous year, and she now has a three-month-old son. The case is dropped a few weeks later.

    November 2011 Bieber’s second studio album, “Under the Mistletoe,” is released. It sells approximately two million copies.

    June 2012 His third studio album, “Believe,” is released and sells an estimated 2.7 million copies.

    July 2012 – Involved in a high-speed chase with paparazzi in California.

    March 4, 2013 Bieber reportedly shows up two hours late to a concert in London, angering fans.

    March 8, 2013 – Briefly hospitalized in London after feeling “light of breath.”

    March 2013 Bieber’s capuchin monkey, Mally, is confiscated by German customs officials. It is later taken in by a zoo in northern Germany.

    July 2013 – A video is leaked showing Bieber allegedly urinating in a mop bucket and defacing a photo of former US President Bill Clinton. Bieber later apologizes to Clinton.

    September 2013 Bieber is widely mocked when photos are released showing his bodyguards carrying him up the Great Wall of China.

    December 24, 2013 Bieber announces on Twitter that he is retiring but later backtracks on the statement.

    December 25, 2013 His new movie, “Believe,” opens in theaters.

    January 14, 2014 Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies execute a search warrant at Bieber’s home in Calabasas, in connection with an alleged egging of his neighbor’s home.

    January 23, 2014 Bieber is arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and drag racing in Miami Beach, Florida.

    January 29, 2014 – Bieber is charged with assault in Toronto for allegedly assaulting a limo driver on December 30. On the same day, Bieber’s attorney enters a written plea of not guilty on behalf of his client for charges he faces in Miami. He has been charged with DUI, resisting arrest and driving with an expired license.

    May 12, 2014 Los Angeles Police Department robbery detectives begin investigating a report of an alleged robbery “between an individual and Mr. Bieber near the batting cages” on Los Angeles’ west side.

    July 9, 2014 – Bieber accepts a plea deal to settle a misdemeanor vandalism charge for egging his neighbor’s home in January. He must serve two years’ probation, pay $80,900 restitution for damages, and stay at least 100 yards way from the victim’s family.

    August 13, 2014 Pleads guilty to careless driving and resisting arrest, without violence, in his Miami DUI case. The plea agreement includes a charitable donation and an anger management course.

    September 2, 2014 – Bieber is arrested on assault and dangerous driving charges stemming from an alleged fight after his ATV collides with a mini-van in Ontario, Canada. He is released on “a promise to appear” and is ordered to answer the charges at a later hearing in Stratford, Ontario.

    September 8, 2014 – It is announced that the charge that Bieber assaulted his limo driver in Toronto in December has been dropped.

    June 4, 2015 – Bieber is found guilty of assault and careless driving in Stratford, Ontario.

    September 10, 2015 – The Guinness Book of World Records representative presents Bieber with a plaque for becoming the youngest male artist to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts.

    February 15, 2016 – Wins the Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording for “Where Are Ü Now,” shared with Skrillex and Diplo.

    July 18, 2017 – The Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture releases a statement banning Bieber from performing in the Chinese capital. “His series of misbehaviors while living abroad and during his performances in China has caused public resentment,” reads the statement.

    November 22, 2018 – After months of speculation that the pair had quietly married, the singer confirms his nuptials to model Hailey Baldwin on Instagram.

    March 25, 2019 – In an Instagram post, Bieber announces that he’s taking time away from music to focus on his mental health.

    December 24, 2019 – In a video posted on his YouTube page, Bieber announces a new album, a new single, a 50-city tour and a docuseries.

    January 8, 2020 – Bieber reveals that he has been diagnosed with Lyme disease.

    January 27, 2020 – “Justin Bieber: Seasons,” a 10-part YouTube docuseries debuts.

    June 25, 2020 – Bieber files a $20 million defamation lawsuit against two women who accused him of sexual assault.

    October 13, 2020 – Bieber launches a collection of shoes with comfort footwear brand Crocs, the Crocs X Justin Bieber with drew shoe.

    March 14, 2021 – Wins the Grammy Award for Best Country Duo/Group Performance for “10,000 Hours,” with Dan + Shay.

    June 10, 2022 – Bieber announces he is taking a break from performing because he has Ramsay Hunt syndrome, which has left him unable to move half of his face and unable to take the stage.

    January 24, 2023 – Hipgnosis, the music rights investment company, announces its purchase of the rights to Bieber’s publishing and artist royalties from his song catalog, a deal valued at $200 million.

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  • David Geffen Fast Facts | CNN

    David Geffen Fast Facts | CNN

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    CNN
     — 

    Here is a look at the life of David Geffen, producer, studio executive and philanthropist.

    Birth date: February 21, 1943

    Birth place: Brooklyn, New York

    Birth name: David Lawrence Geffen

    Father: Abraham Geffen, pattern maker

    Mother: Batya (Volovskaya) Geffen, shopkeeper

    Education: Attended University of Texas, Austin; Brooklyn College, City University of New York; and Santa Monica City College.

    He dropped out of Santa Monica City College, Brooklyn College and the University of Texas.

    Lied on his William Morris Agency job application, saying that he graduated from UCLA.

    Under Geffen’s tenure, Geffen Records was home to popular artists such as Cher, Donna Summer, John Lennon and Yoko Ono, Elton John and Guns ‘N’ Roses.

    During the 1990s, Geffen was a top fundraiser for the Democratic party. He was rewarded with an overnight stay at the White House during Bill Clinton’s presidency.

    Prior to the 2008 presidential election, Geffen threw his support behind Senator Barack Obama, rather than Hillary Clinton. Geffen was quoted in the New York Times as saying, “Everybody in politics lies, but they (Bill and Hillary Clinton) do it with such ease, it’s troubling.”

    1964-1968 – Works as a mail room clerk and an agent at the William Morris Agency.

    1968 – Talent agent for Ashley Famous Agency.

    1969 – Executive vice president and talent agent for Creative Management Associates.

    1970 – Co-founds Asylum Records with Elliot Roberts.

    1971 – Sells Asylum Records to Warner Communications for $7 million.

    1975 – Becomes vice chairman of Warner Brothers Pictures.

    1976 – Is misdiagnosed with bladder cancer.

    1981 – Produces “Dreamgirls” on Broadway.

    1982 – Produces “Cats” and “Little Shop of Horrors” on Broadway.

    1982 – Founds Geffen Film Company.

    1983 – Geffen Film Company releases “Risky Business.”

    1990 – Sells Geffen Records to Music Corporation of America (MCA) for $550 million.

    1990 – Wins a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Animated Program, “Beetlejuice.”

    1994 – Co-founds Dreamworks Studio with Steven Spielberg and Jeffrey Katzenberg.

    1995 – Dreamworks signs a $100 million deal with ABC.

    May 2002 – Donates $200 million to UCLA in what is considered the largest single donation to a US medical school in history at that time. The David Geffen Medical School is named in his honor after this donation.

    January 2006Dreamworks is sold to Paramount Pictures.

    2008 – Leaves Dreamworks.

    March 5, 2010 – Is inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a “non-performer.”

    February 12, 2011 – Receives the Grammys President’s Merit Award.

    2012 – Donates $100 million to UCLA’s David Geffen Medical School.

    March 4, 2015 – Lincoln Center announces it will rename Avery Fisher Hall – best known as the home of the New York Philharmonic – David Geffen Hall in gratitude for the movie mogul’s $100 million gift.

    September 2015 – The David Geffen Foundation sells two paintings for $500 million to billionaire Ken Griffin in one of the world’s largest contemporary art deals.

    February 7, 2020 – The Motion Picture Academy unveils the David Geffen Theater at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.

    February 12, 2020 – The Wall Street Journal reports that Geffen has sold his Beverly Hills estate to Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos for $165 million, a price believed to be the highest ever paid for a home in a California real estate transaction.

    June 30, 2021 – In a statement, Yale University’s drama school announces a $150 million donation from Geffen, making tuition free for all current and future students. The gift is the largest donation in the history of American theater, according to Yale.

    December 12, 2023 – Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center announces Geffen and Ken Griffin will donate $400 million. This is the largest single donation in the hospital’s history.

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  • Dick Van Dyke Fast Facts | CNN

    Dick Van Dyke Fast Facts | CNN

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    CNN
     — 

    Here is a look at the life of award-winning actor Dick Van Dyke.

    Birth date: December 13, 1925

    Birth place: West Plains, Missouri

    Birth name: Richard Wayne Van Dyke

    Father: Loren “Cookie” Van Dyke, a traveling salesman, Sunshine Biscuit Company

    Mother: Hazel (McCord) Van Dyke

    Marriages: Arlene (Silver) Van Dyke (2012-present); Marjorie (Willett) Van Dyke (1948-1984, divorced)

    Children: with Marjorie (Willett) Van Dyke: Christian, Barry, Stacy, Carrie

    Military Service: US Army Air Corps, during World War II

    Married his childhood sweetheart, Marjorie, with a ceremony on a live radio show, “Bride and Groom.”

    Was the older brother of late comedian Jerry Van Dyke.

    Performs with an a cappella group, “The Vantastix.”

    Army radio announcer during World War II.

    Nominated for nine Emmy Awards and won four.

    Nominated for one Grammy Award and won one.

    Nominated for one Tony Award and won one.

    1940s Opens and closes an advertising agency.

    1947-1953 Tours the country with Philip Erickson, as the Merry Mutes and later Eric and Van. Their act is comedy-pantomime.

    1953-1955 Daytime television emcee in Atlanta for the shows “The Merry Mutes” and “The Music Shop.”

    1955“The Dick Van Dyke Show” airs locally in New Orleans.

    June 1955 Accepts a seven-year CBS contract as an emcee.

    1958 Is released from CBS’ seven-year contract.

    November 2, 1959 Broadway debut in a musical revue, “The Boys Against the Girls.”

    April 14, 1960 Stars in the Broadway musical “Bye Bye Birdie” as Albert Peterson. He reprises the role in the 1963 movie.

    1961 Wins a Tony Award for Best Actor, Supporting or Featured (Musical) for “Bye Bye Birdie.”

    October 3, 1961-June 1, 1966 – “The Dick Van Dyke Show” airs. He stars as Rob Petrie, a TV comedy writer balancing his career and family life in the suburbs. Mary Tyler Moore plays his wife, Laura.

    1964 – Emmy winner for Continued Performance by an Actor in a Series for “The Dick Van Dyke Show.”

    1964 – Grammy winner, shared with Julie Andrews, for Best Recording for Children for “Mary Poppins.”

    1965 Emmy winner for Outstanding Individual Achievements in Entertainment for “The Dick Van Dyke Show.”

    1966 Emmy winner for Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role for “The Dick Van Dyke Show.”

    September 18, 1971-March 11, 1974 “The New Dick Van Dyke Show” airs.

    September 2, 1976 and October 7, 1976 The only airings of “Van Dyke and Company,” a TV variety special.

    1977 Emmy winner, as executive producer of the Outstanding Comedy-variety or Music Series for “Van Dyke and Company.”

    October 26, 1988 – “The Van Dyke Show” premieres and runs for 10 episodes.

    October 29, 1993-May 11, 2001 – “Diagnosis: Murder” airs.

    1995 – Inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame.

    2006 – Begins a series of made-for-TV movies, “Murder 101,” based on the character Dr. Jonathan Maxwell.

    May 3, 2011 Memoir, “My Lucky Life In and Out of Show Business,” is published.

    February 29, 2012 At the age of 86, he marries makeup artist Arlene Silver, 40.

    2013 – The Screen Actors Guild presents Van Dyke with the 2012 Life Achievement Award.

    October 13, 2015 – Memoir, “Keep Moving: And Other Tips About Aging,” is published.

    December 12, 2015 – Van Dyke celebrates his 90th birthday by singing “Let’s Go Fly a Kite” with a costumed flash mob at the Grove shopping center in Los Angeles.

    December 19, 2018 – Makes a dancing cameo in “Mary Poppins Returns.”

    May 21, 2021Receives the Kennedy Center Honors.

    November 19, 2023 – Van Dyke attends the opening of the Malibu Arts Commission’s “Dick Van Dyke – Moments in Time” photography exhibition.

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  • Woody Allen Fast Facts | CNN

    Woody Allen Fast Facts | CNN

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    CNN
     — 

    Here’s a look at the life of Oscar-winning filmmaker Woody Allen.

    Birth date: December 1, 1935

    Birth place: Brooklyn, New York

    Birth name: Allan Stewart Konigsberg

    Father: Martin Konigsberg, worked various jobs

    Mother: Nettie (Cherry) Konigsberg, bookkeeper

    Marriages: Soon-Yi Previn (December 22, 1997-present), Louise Lasser (divorced), Harlene Rosen (divorced)

    Children: daughters adopted with Soon-Yi Previn: Manzie Tio Allen (2000), Bechet Dumaine Allen (1998); with Mia Farrow: Satchel Farrow (1987, now goes by Ronan), Dylan O’Sullivan Farrow (1985, adopted daughter), Moses Farrow (1978, adopted)

    Education: Attended New York University and City College of New York.

    He legally changed his name at 17 to Heywood Allen.

    Allen has worked as a comedy writer, stand-up comic, screenwriter, actor, playwright, musician and director.

    He has 24 Oscar nominations and four wins: 16 for writing, with three wins; seven for directing, with one win; and one nomination for acting.

    Allen has one Emmy nomination for writing.

    Allen has appeared in dozens of the movies he’s directed and claims to have never watched his films once they are released.

    Although Allen is best known for comedies, he has explored different genres including dramas (“Interiors”), thrillers (“Match Point”) and musicals (“Everyone Says I Love You”).

    Most of his movies have been filmed in and around New York.

    He plays the jazz clarinet and piano.

    1950-1960 Comedy writer.

    1961-1964 A standup comic.

    July 1964 Releases his first comedy album, “Woody Allen.”

    June 22, 1965 – The first movie he wrote and performed in, “What’s New Pussycat?” is released.

    November 17, 1966 “Don’t Drink the Water,” Allen’s first play, opens on Broadway.

    February 12, 1969-March 14, 1970 – “Play It Again, Sam,” his second play, runs on Broadway with Allen in the lead. In 1972, he reprises his role in the movie adaptation.

    1978 – “Annie Hall” wins four Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay Written for the Screen and Best Actress. Allen earns two of the four Oscars as writer and director. He is also nominated for Best Actor but does not win.

    1987 Wins the Academy Award for Best Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen for “Hannah and Her Sisters.” He is also nominated for Best Director for the same film.

    1992 His 12 year relationship with actress Mia Farrow ends when she discovers his affair with her adopted daughter, Soon-Yi Previn. Subsequently, allegations of sexual molestation are made by their adopted daughter, Dylan, 7. A two-year custody battle for their three children Satchel, Dylan and Moses ensues, which Farrow wins.

    April 1998 The documentary, “Wild Man Blues,” is released, showcasing Allen’s love for the jazz clarinet and his association with the Eddy Davis New Orleans Jazz Band.

    2002 – Makes his only appearance at an Academy Awards ceremony. He appeals for the continued use of New York as a setting for movies after September 11, 2001.

    2012 – Wins an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for “Midnight in Paris.”

    February 1, 2014 – An open letter written by Dylan Farrow is published in the New York Times, recounting her allegation that Allen sexually assaulted her when she was a child. A representative for Allen releases a statement the next day, denying the charges.

    February 7, 2014 – Allen responds in an op-ed column released by The New York Times. He says the allegations are untrue and rooted in his acrimonious breakup with Mia Farrow.

    September 30, 2016 – Allen’s first video streaming series, “Crisis in Six Scenes” debuts on Amazon.com.

    January 2018 – Several actors who appeared in Allen’s latest film, “A Rainy Day in New York,” announce they will be donating their salaries to charity amid questions about longstanding sexual abuse claims against Allen. The movie has yet to be released.

    September 16, 2018 – In a New York magazine profile, Soon-Yi Previn defends Allen against allegations of molestation.

    February 7, 2019 – Allen and his production company file a lawsuit against Amazon claiming the company backed out of a $68 million four-picture deal.

    November 8, 2019 – Allen and his production company reach a settlement with Amazon in a breach of contract lawsuit.

    March 23, 2020 – Allen’s memoir “Apropos of Nothing” is published by Arcade Publishing. Grand Central Publishing, a division of Hachette Book Group, originally acquired the rights to the book but canceled their plans to publish it after employees walked out in protest.

    February 21, 2021 –Allen v. Farrow,” a four-part HBO docuseries that examines Allen’s relationship with Farrow and sexual-assault allegations by their daughter Dylan premieres.

    March 28, 2021 – In an interview for “CBS Sunday Morning,” Allen denies the sexual abuse allegation by his daughter Dylan.

    June 7, 2022 – “Zero Gravity,” Allen’s new essay collection is published.

    September 27, 2023 Allen releases his 50th film and first French-language film, “Coupe de Chance.”

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  • Bette Midler Fast Facts | CNN

    Bette Midler Fast Facts | CNN

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    CNN
     — 

    Here is a look at the life of award-winning singer, actress, comedian and activist Bette Midler.

    Birth date: December 1, 1945

    Birth place: Honolulu, Hawaii

    Birth name: Bette Davis Midler

    Father: Fred Midler, house painter

    Mother: Ruth (Schindel) Midler, seamstress

    Marriage: Martin von Haselberg (1984-present)

    Children: Sophie

    Education: Attended the University of Hawaii at Manoa

    Named after actress Bette Davis.

    Nominated for 14 Grammy Awards and has won three.

    Nominated for nine Emmy Awards and has won three.

    Nominated for two Academy Awards and has not won.

    Nominated for one Tony Award and has won once.

    She was the valedictorian of her high school class.

    1965 – Moves to New York City after winning a small part in the movie, “Hawaii.”

    1966 – Makes her Broadway debut in “Fiddler on the Roof.”

    Early 1970s – Performs at the Continental Baths, a gay bathhouse in New York, with Barry Manilow as her pianist, arranger and musical director.

    1970 – Midler appears on “The Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson for the first time.

    April 28-May 16, 1971 – Midler stars as the “Acid Queen” in the first professional production of the rock opera, “Tommy.”

    November 1972 – Releases her first album on Atlantic Records, “The Divine Miss M.”

    March 2, 1974 – Wins the Grammy Award for Best New Artist.

    April 1974 – Receives a special Tony Award for “adding lustre to the Broadway season.”

    September 17, 1978 – Wins the Emmy Award for Outstanding Special in a Comedy-Variety or Musical for “Ol’ Red Hair is Back.”

    November 7, 1979 – Her first film, “The Rose,” is released. It is loosely based on the life of Janis Joplin.

    1980 – Simon & Schuster publishes her first book, “A View from a Broad.”

    February 25, 1981 – Wins the Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Performance, for her single, “The Rose.”

    January 28, 1985 – Midler joins 45 other stars to record “We Are the World,” USA for Africa’s fund-raising single.

    1985 – Forms All Girl Productions, with partner Bonnie Bruckheimer.

    November 22, 1988 – Releases the soundtrack to the film “Beaches.” The album goes triple platinum, and the title track, “Wind Beneath My Wings,” goes to number one.

    February 21, 1990 – Wins the Grammy Award for Record of the Year for “Wind Beneath My Wings,” with producer Arif Mardin.

    September 15, 1991 – Is presented with the Commitment to Life Award from AIDS Project Los Angeles for her work in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

    August 30, 1992 – Wins an Emmy Award for Outstanding Performance in a Variety or Music Program for her May 21, 1992, appearance as one of the two final guests of “The Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson.

    December 12, 1993 – Stars as “Mama Rose” in the television version of the famed Broadway play, “Gypsy.”

    July 7, 1995 – Midler begins The New York Restoration Project, a non-profit focusing on beautifying the open spaces in under-resourced communities in New York.

    September 14, 1997 – Wins the Emmy for Outstanding Performance in a Variety or Music Program for her HBO special “Diva Las Vegas.”

    2003 – Joins forces with Barry Manilow for the first time since the 1970s to record “Bette Midler Sings the Rosemary Clooney Songbook.”

    February 20, 2008 – “Bette Midler: The Showgirl Must Go On” debuts at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas. The show includes the Harlettes, the Caesar Salad Girls, and a 13-piece band. The show ends its run in January 2010.

    March 20, 2011 – “Priscilla: Queen of the Desert,” opens on Broadway. Midler is co-producer of the show which runs through June 2012.

    June 14, 2012 – Receives the Sammy Cahn Lifetime Achievement Award from the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

    April 24, 2013 – “I’ll Eat You Last: A Chat with Sue Mengers” opens on Broadway with Midler’s portrayal of the famous Hollywood agent. The show runs through June 2013.

    November 4, 2014 – Releases her 14th studio album “It’s the Girls,” a tribute to the music of famous girl-groups over the years.

    June 11, 2017 – Wins a Tony for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical for “Hello Dolly.”

    September 14, 2017 – Takes a tumble during a Broadway performance of “Hello Dolly” after two set pieces collide and gets back on stage after a short break to resume her performance.

    June 29, 2019 – Headlines New York’s Pride Main Event, celebrating the 50th anniversary of Stonewall at WorldPride NYC. The event is held at the Javits Center in Manhattan and includes performances by Cyndi Lauper, Billy Porter and Brandy.

    February 16, 2021 – Midler’s children’s book, “The Tale of the Mandarin Duck,” is published.

    December 5, 2021 – Receives the Kennedy Center Honors lifetime achievement award.

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  • Academy Awards Fast Facts | CNN

    Academy Awards Fast Facts | CNN

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    CNN
     — 

    Here is some background information about the Academy Awards, also known as the “Oscars.”

    March 10, 2024 – The 96th Annual Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place, with Jimmy Kimmel hosting.

    March 12, 2023 – The 95th Annual Academy Awards ceremony takes place, with Jimmy Kimmel hosting.

    Best Picture

    “Everything Everywhere All at Once”

    Actor in a Leading Role

    Brendan Fraser, “The Whale”

    Actress in a Leading Role

    Michelle Yeoh, “Everything Everywhere All at Once”

    Actor in a Supporting Role

    Ke Huy Quan, “Everything Everywhere All at Once”

    Actress in a Supporting Role

    Jamie Lee Curtis, “Everything Everywhere All at Once”

    Director

    Daniel Scheinert and Daniel Kwan, “Everything Everywhere All at Once”

    The full list of winners

    Best Picture
    “CODA”

    Actor in a Leading Role
    Will Smith, “King Richard”

    Actress in a Leading Role
    Jessica Chastain, “The Eyes of Tammy Faye”

    Actress in a Supporting Role
    Ariana DeBose, “West Side Story”

    Actor in a Supporting Role
    Troy Kotsur, “CODA”

    Director
    Jane Campion, “The Power of the Dog”

    The full list of winners

    PricewaterhouseCoopers accounting firm has tallied the ballots since 1934. Newspaper headlines announced the winners before the ceremony until 1941, when the sealed envelope system was put in place. Prior to a PwC envelope mix-up in 2017, when an error was made during the award announcement for Best Picture, only two partners from the firm knew the results until the envelopes were opened. After 2017, new procedures were adopted, which include adding a third balloting partner to also memorize the list of winners. The third partner sits with Oscar producers in the control room while the other two balloting partners are posted on opposite sides of the stage. Additionally, the PwC partners are prohibited from using cellphones and social media backstage during the show.

    Walt Disney is the most honored person in Oscar history. He received 59 nominations and 26 competitive awards throughout his career.

    Composer John Williams is the most nominated living person – 52 nominations (including five wins).

    Meryl Streep is the most nominated performer in Academy history with 21 nominations.

    Jack Nicholson is the most nominated male performer in Academy history with 12 nominations.

    Katharine Hepburn had the most Oscar wins for a performer, with four.

    Daniel Day-Lewis is the only person to have three Best Actor Oscars.

    Tatum O’Neal is the youngest person to ever win a competitive Oscar at 10 years, 148 days old.

    Only three films have won Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Writing: in 1934, “It Happened One Night”; in 1975, “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”; and in 1991, “The Silence of the Lambs.”

    No one film has ever taken home all six top prizes, Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress.

    Scientific and Technical Awards are given out in a separate ceremony for methods, discoveries or inventions that contribute to the arts and sciences of motion pictures.

    May 16, 1929 – The first Academy Awards are held in the Blossom Room at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. Tickets cost $5.

    1929 – The first Best Picture award goes to “Wings.”

    1929 – The first statuette ever presented is to Emil Jannings, for his Best Actor performance in “The Last Command.”

    1937 – The first presentation of the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award is given to Darryl F. Zanuck.

    1938 – Due to extensive flooding in Los Angeles, the ceremony is delayed for one week.

    March 19, 1953 – First televised ceremony is from the Pantages Theater in Hollywood.

    1966 – The awards are first broadcast in color.

    1968 – Due to the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., the ceremony is moved forward two days as the original date is the day of King’s funeral.

    1976-present – ABC broadcasts the Oscars.

    1981 – Due to the assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan, the ceremony is postponed 24 hours.

    2001 – The Best Animated Feature Film category is added.

    June 23, 2009 – The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announces that beginning in 2010, 10 films will receive nominations in the Best Picture category, instead of five.

    June 26, 2009 – The Academy announces that beginning in 2010, new rules governing the Best Song category may eliminate that category in any given year. Also, the Irving G. Thalberg and Jean Hersholt honorary awards will be given at a separate ceremony in November.

    June 14, 2011 – The Academy announces new rules governing the Best Picture category, the number of movies nominated may vary from 5 – 10 in any given year and will not be known until the nominees are announced. The new rule goes into effect in 2012.

    November 9, 2011 – Eddie Murphy drops out as host of the Oscars in February 2012, one day after producer Brett Ratner quits the show, because of a remark he made that was considered homophobic.

    January 18, 2016 – Following criticism two years in a row about the lack of diversity with Oscar nominees, Cheryl Boone Isaacs, the president of the Academy, issues a statement saying that “in the coming days and weeks we will conduct a review of our membership recruitment in order to bring about much-needed diversity in our 2016 class and beyond.”

    January 24, 2017 – The romantic musical, “La La Land,” picks up 14 Oscar nominations, tying the record held by “All About Eve” and “Titanic.” After complaints in 2016 about a lack of diversity, six Black actors receive nominations for their performances, a record.

    February 26, 2017 – Following the moment “La La Land” is mistakenly announced as best picture, “Moonlight” becomes the first film with an all-Black cast to win the Academy Award for best picture. Additionally, Mahershala Ali is the first Muslim actor to win best supporting actor.

    August 8, 2018 – In a letter to members, the Academy announces that it is adding a new category in 2019 for outstanding achievement in popular film. The letter doesn’t specify the criteria for a “popular” film.

    September 6, 2018 – The Academy announces that it is rethinking the decision to add a popular film category. Academy CEO Dawn Hudson says in a statement, “There has been a wide range of reactions to the introduction of a new award, and we recognize the need for further discussion with our members.”

    December 6, 2018 – Kevin Hart steps down from hosting the Oscars after past homophobic tweets surface.

    February 5, 2019 – ABC confirms that the Academy Awards will be hostless. This will be the first time in 30 years that the ceremony will be without a host.

    February 9, 2020 – “Parasite” becomes the first non-English film to win an Oscar for Best Picture. It is also the first film to win both Best International Feature and Best Picture.

    February 9, 2020 – The 92nd Academy Awards draws an average of 23.6 million views, the lowest ratings in the show’s history.

    June 15, 2020 – For the first time in 40 years, the Academy postpones the 93rd Oscars. The last time the Oscars were postponed was in 1981, when the ceremony was delayed 24 hours because of an assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan. In addition to the delay, the Academy agrees to extend the eligibility window for films, which usually corresponds to the calendar year. For the 2021 Oscars, the new window will be extended until February 28, 2021.

    September 8, 2020 – The Academy announces that movies must meet certain criteria in terms of representation in order to be eligible for the Academy Award for best picture beginning in 2024. Introduced under an initiative called Aperture 2025, the organization says the goal is to “encourage equitable representation on and off screen in order to better reflect the diversity of the movie-going audience.”

    April 25, 2021 – Yuh-jung Youn is named best supporting actress for her role in “Minari” and becomes the first Korean actress to win an Oscar. Chloe Zhao is named best director for “Nomadland” and becomes the first woman of color and the first woman of Asian descent to earn the award. She is also only the second woman to win.

    May 27, 2021 – The Academy announces that the 2022 Academy Awards ceremony will be held in March 2022, a month later than originally scheduled.

    March 27, 2022 – Will Smith slaps Chris Rock on the face after Rock makes a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head while presenting the award for best documentary. Smith then says “Keep my wife’s name out of your f***ing mouth!” twice. Censors muted the verbal part of the exchange for viewers at home in the United States.

    March 12, 2023 – Michelle Yeoh is named best actress for her role in “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” becoming the first woman of Asian descent to win the award.

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  • Grammy Awards Fast Facts | CNN

    Grammy Awards Fast Facts | CNN

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    CNN
     — 

    Here is a look at the Grammy Awards.

    February 4, 2024 – The The 66th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in Los Angeles at the Crypto.com Arena.

    February 5, 2023 – The 65th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony takes place in Los Angeles at the Crypto.com Arena.

    Album of the Year
    “World Music Radio,” Jon Batiste
    “the record,” boygenius
    “Endless Summer Vacation,” Miley Cyrus
    “Did You Know That There’s A Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd,” Lana Del Rey
    “The Age Of Pleasure,” Janelle Monáe
    “GUTS,” Olivia Rodrigo
    “Midnights,” Taylor Swift
    “SOS,” SZA

    Record of the Year
    “Worship,” Jon Batiste
    “Not Strong Enough,” boygenius
    “Flowers,” Miley Cyrus
    “What Was I Made For?,” Billie Eilish
    “On My Mama,” Victoria Monét
    “Vampire,” Olivia Rodrigo
    “Anti-Hero,” Taylor Swift
    “Kill Bill,” SZA

    Song of the Year
    “A&W,” Lana Del Rey
    “Anti-Hero,” Taylor Swift
    “Butterfly,” Jon Batiste
    “Dance The Night,” Dua Lipa
    “Flowers,” Miley Cyrus
    “Kill Bill,” SZA
    “Vampire,” Olivia Rodrigo
    “What Was I Made For?,” Billie Eilish

    Best New Artist
    Gracie Abrams
    Fred again..
    Ice Spice
    Jelly Roll
    Coco Jones
    Noah Kahan
    Victoria Monét
    The War And Treaty

    Complete List of Nominees

    Album of the Year
    “Harry’s House,” Harry Styles

    Record of the Year
    “About Damn Time,” Lizzo

    Song of the Year
    “Just Like That,” Bonnie Raitt

    Best New Artist
    Samara Joy

    Complete List of Winners

    1957 – The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, also known as The Recording Academy, is founded in Los Angeles.

    May 4, 1959 – The first Grammy Awards ceremony is held. Winners included Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie and Perry Como.

    1963 – Bing Crosby receives the first Lifetime Achievement Award.

    1971 – Andy Williams hosts the first live Grammy Awards telecast at the Hollywood Palladium.

    1973 – The Grammy Hall of Fame is established.

    1983 – The music video category is added.

    1984 – The Reggae category is added.

    1987 – The New Age category is added.

    1988 – The Rap category is added.

    1988 – The Grammy Foundation is established.

    1990 – The Alternative category is added.

    1993 – The Recording Academy opens its new national headquarters in Santa Monica, California.

    1994 – The Technical Award is established.

    1997 – The Latin Recording Academy is established.

    September 13, 2000 – The first Latin Grammy Awards are presented.

    December 2008 – The Grammy Museum opens in Los Angeles.

    June 2020 – The Recording Academy announces changes to its awards and nominations process, including no longer using the term “urban” to describe music of black origin in its awards. The changes are made as part of the organization’s “commitment to evolve with the musical landscape.”

    January 5, 2021 – According to a joint statement from the Recording Academy, CBS and show producers, the Grammy Awards, originally scheduled for January 31, are postponed until March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

    January 5, 2022 – Organizers of the Grammy Awards, scheduled for January 31, postpone the event for a second year in a row, citing the current Covid-19 surge.

    February 5, 2023 – Beyoncé becomes the most awarded artist in Grammys history, with a record 32 wins. The award that put her over the edge was best dance/electronic album, which she won for her record “Renaissance.”

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  • Sophia Loren Fast Facts | CNN

    Sophia Loren Fast Facts | CNN

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    CNN
     — 

    Here’s a look at the life of award-winning screen legend Sophia Loren.

    Birth date: September 20, 1934

    Birth place: Rome, Italy (grew up in Pozzuoli, outside of Naples)

    Birth name: Sofia Villani Scicolone

    Father: Riccardo Scicolone

    Mother: Romilda Villani

    Marriages: Carlo Ponti (April 9, 1966-January 10, 2007, his death; September 17, 1957-September 3, 1962, annulled)

    Children: Edoardo, Carlo Jr.

    At six, her chin was cut by shrapnel during a bombing in World War II.

    Other screen names used before becoming Sophia Loren were Sofia Lazzaro and Sofia Scicolone.

    Nominated for two Academy Awards and won one. She also received an honorary award.

    Nominated for eight Golden Globes and won five. She also received the honorary Cecil B. DeMille Award.

    Nominated for one Grammy Award and won.

    An accomplished cook, she has written three cookbooks.

    1949 – Enters the Queen of the Sea beauty contest and comes in second, winning a train ticket to Rome, where she begins modeling and acting in B-movies.

    Early 1950s – Is the runner-up in a nightclub beauty contest for Miss Rome. Movie producer Carlo Ponti is one of the judges.

    1951 – Makes her US film debut as an uncredited extra, with no lines, in the film “Quo Vadis?”

    Early 1950s – Adopts the last name Loren.

    October 23, 1953 – “Aida” opens; it’s her first major leading role.

    1957 – Loren appears in her first English-speaking leading role, “The Pride and the Passion.” She learns her lines by using cue cards of English words written phonetically.

    1962 – Wins the Best Actress Academy Award for “La ciociara (Two Women).”

    September 3, 1962 – Her marriage of almost five years to Carlo Ponti is annulled. Neither the Vatican nor Italian law recognizes Ponti’s 1957 divorce by proxy from Giuliana Ponti. Loren and Ponti are forced to annul their marriage after warrants for their arrest are issued.

    1964 – Stars in the movie, “Matrimonio all’italiana (Marriage Italian Style).” Nominated for an Academy Award.

    1964-1965 – Moves to France with Carlo Ponti and becomes a French citizen.

    1965 – Giuliana Ponti obtains a French divorce recognized by Italian law.

    April 9, 1966 – Loren and Carlo Ponti marry for the second time.

    July 24, 1968 – Loren and Ponti cleared of bigamy charges by Rome’s criminal court.

    January 23, 1979 – Loren is tried (in absentia), and acquitted, of complicity with Ponti in income tax evasion, misuse of government subsidies, and illegal export of Italian funds and artwork. Carlo Ponti is convicted and sentenced to four years in prison (two years were pardoned) and fined 22 billion lire ($24 million). All charges against him were cleared in 1987.

    1980 – Portrays both herself and her mother in the made-for-TV movie “Sophia Loren: Her Own Story,” based on her 1979 autobiography, “Sophia: Living and Loving, Her Own Story,” written with A. E. Hotchner.

    May 20, 1982 – Loren begins her 30-day jail term for tax evasion, for unpaid supplementary taxes for 1963-1964.

    June 5, 1982 – Serves 17 days of her 30-day jail term.

    1991Receives Honorary Academy Award for Lifetime Achievement.

    2003 – Winner, Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album for Children (along with Bill Clinton and Mikhail Gorbachev) for reading Prokofiev’s “Peter and The Wolf.”

    2009 – Appears in the movie “Nine,” her first role in five years.

    November 2014 – Loren’s memoir, “Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow: My Life,” is published.

    November 13, 2020 – “The Life Ahead” premieres on Netflix. The film stars Loren and is directed by her son, Edoardo Ponti.

    April 2021 – Loren opens Sophia Loren Original Italian Food, a restaurant and pizzeria, in Florence, Italy.

    September 24, 2023 – Is taken to hospital for surgery after falling in her home and suffering several fractures to her hip and thighbone.

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  • Screen Actors Guild Fast Facts | CNN

    Screen Actors Guild Fast Facts | CNN

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    CNN
     — 

    Here’s a look at the Screen Actors Guild. In 2012, a merger was completed between the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA). The SAG-AFTRA labor union has more than 160,000 members.

    June 30, 1933 – Articles of incorporation are filed. The guild is formed to get better working conditions for actors.

    1935 – Granted an American Federation of Labor charter.

    May 1937 – In order to prevent a strike, producers sign a contract with the guild ensuring minimum pay and recognizing the guild.

    1943 – Actress Olivia de Havilland sues Warner Brothers studio for extending her contract. She later wins her case.

    1945 – The US Supreme Court hands down the “de Havilland decision,” which declares that studios may no longer hold contract players for more than seven years. This breaks up the system of the studio maintaining control over an actor’s career.

    1952 – The Guild signs its first contracts for filmed television programs.

    December 1, 1952-February 18, 1953 – The first SAG strike is over filmed television commercials. The strike ends with a contract that covers all work in commercials.

    August 5-15, 1955 – SAG holds its second strike. This time for increased television show residuals.

    March 7, 1960-April 18, 1960 – Third strike over residuals for feature films sold, licensed, or released to television.

    December 19, 1978-February 7, 1979 – SAG strikes for better residuals on television advertisements.

    July 21, 1980-October 23, 1980 – SAG strikes with the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA). This strike centers on the distribution of profits from pay television and video cassette production.

    March 21, 1988-April 15, 1988 – SAG and AFTRA television commercials strike. The strike is over payment for commercials appearing on cable TV.

    February 25, 1995 – The first annual Screen Actors Guild Awards show is held.

    May 1, 2000-October 30, 2000 – SAG and AFTRA strike against the advertising industry over commercial work compensation for basic cable and internet.

    July 1, 2008 – SAG’s TV/theatrical agreement expires.

    November 22, 2008 – Talks between SAG and the Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers (AMPTP) end after federal mediation fails to jumpstart a five-month stalemate.

    January 26, 2009 – SAG chief negotiator Doug Allen is fired in a bid by the union’s moderate faction to re-enter contract talks with the studios.

    April 19, 2009 – SAG leadership split 53% – 47% to accept a new two-year contract with AMPTP.

    June 9, 2009 – Members ratify the two-year contract covering television and motion pictures.

    January 29, 2012 – Ken Howard, president of the guild, announces during the SAG Awards, that the merger between SAG and AFTRA has been approved by both groups.

    March 30, 2012 – The merger of SAG and AFTRA is completed with more than 80% approval from both unions. The one union is named SAG-AFTRA.

    January 27, 2013 – The first SAG Awards are held under the union banner “SAG-AFTRA One Union.”

    March 23, 2016 – SAG-AFTRA President Ken Howard dies. Executive Vice President Gabrielle Carteris assumes his duties until the regularly scheduled national board meeting April 9.

    April 9, 2016 – Carteris is elected president. She will serve the balance of Howard’s unexpired term, which ends in 2017.

    August 24, 2017 – Carteris is elected to a two-year term as president.

    February 10, 2018 – SAG-AFTRA introduces new guidelines for members, called “Four Pillars of Change,” aimed at fighting sexual harassment in the workplace.

    September 2, 2021 – Actress Fran Drescher is elected to a two-year term as president.

    July 14, 2023 – SAG-AFTRA goes on strike after talks with major studios and streaming services have failed. It is the first time its members have stopped work since 1980. On November 8, SAG-AFTRA and the studios reach a tentative agreement, officially ending the strike.

    Ralph Morgan 1933, 1938-1940
    Eddie Cantor 1933-1935
    Robert Montgomery 1935-1938, 1946-1947
    Edward Arnold 1940-1942
    James Cagney 1942-1944
    George Murphy 1944-1946
    Ronald Reagan 1947-1952, 1959-1960
    Walter Pidgeon 1952-1957
    Leon Ames 1957-1958
    Howard Keel 1958-1959
    George Chandler 1960-963
    Dana Andrews 1963-1965
    Charlton Heston 1965-1971
    John Gavin 1971-1973
    Dennis Weaver 1973-1975
    Kathleen Nolan 1975-1979
    William Schallert 1979-1981
    Ed Asner 1981-1985
    Patty Duke 1985-1988
    Barry Gordon 1988-1995
    Richard Masur 1995-1999
    William Daniels 1999-2001
    Melissa Gilbert 2001-2005
    Alan Rosenberg 2005-2009
    Ken Howard 2009-2016
    Gabrielle Carteris-2016-2021
    Fran Drescher 2021-present

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  • Chuck Schumer Fast Facts | CNN

    Chuck Schumer Fast Facts | CNN

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    CNN
     — 

    Here’s a look at the life of Chuck Schumer, the US Senate majority leader and Democratic senator from New York.

    Birth date: November 23, 1950

    Birth place: Brooklyn, New York

    Birth name: Charles Ellis Schumer

    Father: Abe Schumer, exterminator

    Mother: Selma (Rosen) Schumer

    Marriage: Iris Weinshall (1980-present)

    Children: Jessica, Alison

    Education: Harvard University, A.B., 1971; Harvard Law School, J.D., 1974

    Religion: Jewish

    He was valedictorian at James Madison High School in Brooklyn and received a perfect 1600 score on the SAT test. He edited his high school newspaper, and at one point considered pursuing a career in chemistry. His parents encouraged him to go to medical school, but he opted for law school instead.

    He funded his Harvard education by selling class rings while in school.

    For more than three decades, Schumer shared an aging row house in Washington with Congressional colleagues, including Dick Durbin and George Miller. He lived in the row house during the week and returned to his family home in Brooklyn on weekends.

    Writer/actress Amy Schumer is his second cousin, once removed.

    1975-1980 – New York state assemblyman.

    1981-1999 – US representative from New York 9th District (formerly 10th District and 16th District).

    1987-1988 – Sponsors the Fair Credit and Charge Card Disclosure Act, which requires credit card companies to list detailed information about fees and interest rates when soliciting new customers. The credit card disclosures are nicknamed “Schumer Boxes.”

    1993-1994 – Sponsors the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act, which requires background checks and a five-day waiting period for handgun purchases. Sponsors the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, meant to prevent the government from interfering with an individual’s right to express his or her faith. Also, cosponsors the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act, a measure that provides funding to expand police departments, increases prison capacity and allows judges to impose longer sentences for violent crimes. The crime bill includes an assault weapons ban, prohibiting the sale of certain types of military-style semi-automatic rifles for 10 years.

    1998 – Wins election to US Senate.

    2004 – Wins reelection to the US Senate.

    2004 – Leads an unsuccessful push to renew the assault weapons ban.

    2005-2008 – Chairs the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.

    2007-2008 – Introduces the Keeping the Internet Devoid of Sexual Predators Act, requiring registered sex offenders to give law enforcement their email addresses and social media accounts so their online activity can be tracked.

    2007-2010 – Chairs and vice chairs the US Senate’s Joint Economic Committee.

    2009 – Cosponsors the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Hate Crimes Prevention Act, broadening the definition of hate crimes to include acts of violence against individuals based on their actual or perceived gender, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity.

    2009-present – Serves on the US Senate Committee on Rules and Administration.

    2010 – Wins reelection to US Senate.

    2011-present – Chairman of the US Senate’s Democratic Policy and Communications Committee.

    2013 – Works on immigration reform as a member of the bipartisan “Gang of Eight.” The group’s bill, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013, passes the Senate. The House, however, declines to vote on the package, which creates a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants.

    August 3, 2015 – Holds a joint press conference with his cousin, actress and comedian Amy Schumer, to announce gun control legislation promoting stricter state background check laws. The press conference takes place 11 days after a deadly mass shooting at a screening of Schumer’s comedy, “Trainwreck,” in Louisiana. Schumer’s bill, the Fix Gun Checks Act of 2016, stalls in the Senate.

    August 6, 2015 – Expresses his opposition to the nuclear deal with Iran in a statement. He says that he is concerned about a 24-day delay for inspectors to access facilities and other limitations on inspections.

    November 8, 2016 – Wins reelection to the US Senate.

    November 16, 2016 – Senate Democrats choose Schumer to succeed Harry Reid as leader in the chamber.

    January 3, 2017 – On his first day as Senate minority leader, Schumer tells CNN that Senate Democrats plan to hold President-elect Donald Trump accountable but will also work with him if he supports legislation that is true to the Democratic Party’s principles.

    March 2, 2017 – Schumer calls on Attorney General Jeff Sessions to resign in the wake of a report that Sessions met with the Russian ambassador to the US during the presidential campaign, contradicting his testimony during his Senate confirmation hearing. Sessions does not resign but recuses himself from involvement in the investigation into alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 election.

    September 6, 2017 – Schumer meets with Trump and other congressional leaders in the Oval Office. During the meeting, Trump agrees to endorse a plan to attach hurricane relief money to a three-month extension of the debt ceiling that was proposed by Schumer and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi.

    January 19, 2018 – Schumer meets with Trump at the White House to discuss a deal that could avert a looming government shutdown. Schumer offers to increase military spending and fully fund border security measures in exchange for a pledge to protect beneficiaries of the Deferred Action on Childhood Arrivals program (DACA). Trump ultimately rejects the deal. The failed negotiations lead to a brief shutdown that White House officials label the “Schumer Shutdown.”

    June 27, 2018 Schumer introduces a bill, the Marijuana Freedom and Opportunity Act, that would decriminalize and regulate marijuana at the federal level.

    November 11, 2018 – Schumer says that Democrats may combine a must-pass spending bill with a measure protecting the Robert Mueller special counsel investigation into Russian election meddling.

    November 10, 2020 – Schumer is reelected as a Senate party leader.

    January 20, 2021-present – Senate majority leader.

    July 14, 2021 – Schumer and a group of other Senate Democrats introduce draft legislation that would decriminalize marijuana at the federal level by striking it from the federal controlled substances list.

    November 8, 2022 – Wins reelection to the US Senate.

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  • Billie Jean King Fast Facts | CNN

    Billie Jean King Fast Facts | CNN

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    CNN
     — 

    Here is a look at the life of tennis champion and LGBTQ activist Billie Jean King.

    Birth date: November 22, 1943

    Birth place: Long Beach, California

    Birth name: Billie Jean Moffitt

    Father: Willard J. Moffitt, engineer for a fire department

    Mother: Betty Moffitt, Avon sales representative

    Marriage: Ilana Kloss (October 18, 2018-present); Larry King (September 17, 1965-1987, divorced)

    Education: Attended Los Angeles State College (now California State University, Los Angeles), 1961-1964

    Has won 39 Grand Slam championships overall in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, including 12 Grand Slam singles titles.

    Is the founder and first president of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA).

    Threatened to boycott the 1973 US Open if equal prize money was not awarded. The fight she started for equal pay in the Grand Slams took 34 years to reach fruition when Wimbledon became the last of the four to fall into line in 2007.

    She remained friends with “Battle of the Sexes” opponent Bobby Riggs off the court until his death from prostate cancer in 1995.

    READ MORE: What you should know about tennis champ Billie Jean King

    1959 – Makes her tennis debut.

    1961 – Wins her first Wimbledon title, in doubles with Karen Hautze.

    1966 – Wins her first Wimbledon singles title.

    1966-1968, 1972, 1973, 1975 – Wimbledon singles champion.

    1967, 1971-1972, 1974 – US Open singles champion.

    1968 – Australian Open singles champion.

    1971 – Becomes the first female athlete to win $100,000 in a single year.

    1972 – French Open singles champion.

    1972 – Wins the US Open and threatens to bow out the following year if the prize money for the men and women is not equal.

    1973 – The US Open becomes the first major tournament to award equal prize money to men and women.

    June 30, 1973 – Establishes the WTA.

    September 20, 1973 – At 29, wins the “Battle of the Sexes” match in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3, 6-3, at the Houston Astrodome against 55-year-old Riggs. King earns the $100,000 winner-take-all prize.

    1973-1975, 1980-1981 – President of WTA.

    1974 – Is a founding partner, along with her husband Larry, of World Team Tennis, a competitive co-ed circuit league. She also helps establish the Women’s Sports Foundation.

    May 2, 1981 – Acknowledges that she is a lesbian after Marilyn Barnett files a palimony lawsuit against her. She becomes one of the first professional athletes to publicly disclose her homosexuality.

    1984 – Retires from professional tennis.

    2006 – The United States Tennis Association (USTA) National Tennis Center in Flushing, New York, is rededicated as the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. The Center is the home of the US Open.

    August 12, 2009 – Receives the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

    December 17, 2013 – Is named to the US delegation for the opening ceremony at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Russia by President Barack Obama. She later withdraws due to her mother’s illness.

    2014 – Establishes the non-profit, Billie Jean King Leadership Initiative.

    February 15, 2014 – King is named as part of the presidential delegation to the closing ceremony of the Winter Olympics in Russia, after having to withdraw from the opening ceremonies.

    September 22, 2017 – The film “Battle of the Sexes,” opens. The film is about King’s 1973 tennis match victory over Riggs.

    January 12, 2018 – Calls for the Australian Open’s Margaret Court Arena to be renamed because of the Melbourne Park champion’s views on homosexuality. During a media conference King states, “I was fine until she said lately so many derogatory things about my community. I’m a gay woman … that really went deep in my heart and soul.”

    September 21, 2019 – The city of Long Beach, California, opens the Billie Jean King Main Library. The building is located in the new $533 million Civic Center. The City Council voted unanimously to name the building after the famous native.

    September 17, 2020 – The International Tennis Federation (ITF) announces that the Fed Cup, an international women’s tennis team competition, has been renamed the Billie Jean King Cup.

    August 17, 2021 King’s memoir, “All In: An Autobiography,” is published.

    February 13, 2022 – King serves as the Honorary Coin Toss Captain for Super Bowl LVI and flips the ceremonial coin ahead of kickoff, helping the NFL mark the 50th anniversary of Title IX.

    June 3, 2022 – French President Emmanuel Macron presents King with the Legion of Honor, France’s highest civilian award.

    November 7, 2022 – In an interview with CNN, King reveals her “pet peeve” is Wimbledon’s “horrible” all white uniform policy. The next day in a statement to CNN, the All-England Tennis Club (AELTC) says: “Prioritising women’s health and supporting players based on their individual needs is very important to us, and we are in discussions with the WTA, with manufacturers and with the medical teams about the ways in which we can do that.”

    October 18, 2023 – King is revealed to be a contestant on season 10 of the show “The Masked Singer.”

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  • John F. Kennedy Assassination Fast Facts | CNN

    John F. Kennedy Assassination Fast Facts | CNN

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    CNN
     — 

    Here’s some background information about the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963.

    November 22, 1963
    – 11:37 a.m. – Air Force One arrives at Dallas’ Love Field with the President and his wife, Jacqueline Kennedy, Texas Governor John B. Connally Jr. and his wife, Idanell Connally. Vice President Lyndon Johnson and his wife, Lady Bird Johnson, arrive in a separate plane. It is a campaign trip for the coming 1964 election, although not officially designated as such.

    During a 10-mile tour of Dallas, the President and Mrs. Kennedy and the governor and Mrs. Connally ride in an open convertible limousine. The motorcade is on the way to the Trade Mart where the President is to speak at a sold-out luncheon.

    – 12:30 p.m. – As the President’s limousine passes the Texas School Book Depository, shots are fired from a sixth-floor window.

    President Kennedy and Governor Connally are both wounded and are rushed to Parkland Hospital.

    Wire services report three shots were fired as the motorcade passed under Stemmons Freeway. Two bullets hit the President and one hit the Governor.

    Emergency efforts by Drs. Malcolm Perry, Kemp Clark and others are unsuccessful at reviving the president. Governor Connally’s injuries are critical but not fatal. From one bullet, he sustains three broken ribs, a punctured lung and a broken wrist. The bullet finally lodged in his left thigh.

    – 12:36 p.m. – The ABC radio network broadcasts the first nationwide news bulletin reporting that shots have been fired at the Kennedy motorcade.

    – 12:40 p.m. – The CBS television network broadcasts the first nationwide TV news bulletin also reporting on the shooting.

    – 1:00 p.m. – Kennedy is pronounced dead by Parkland Hospital doctors, becoming the fourth US president killed in office.

    – 1:07 p.m. – News of the shooting causes the New York Stock Exchange to halt trading after an $11 million flood of sell orders.

    – 1:15 p.m. – Lee Harvey Oswald kills Dallas Police Patrolman J.D. Tippit approximately 45 minutes after the assassination.

    – 2:00 p.m. – A bronze casket carrying the President’s body, accompanied by Mrs. Kennedy and the Johnsons, leaves Parkland Hospital for Air Force One.

    – 2:15 p.m. – Oswald, a 24-year-old ex-Marine, is arrested in the back of a movie theater where he fled after shooting Tippit.

    – 2:39 p.m. – Johnson is sworn in on the runway of Love Field aboard Air Force One. Federal Judge Sarah T. Hughes, of the Northern District of Texas, administers the oath of office. Witnesses include Jacqueline Kennedy and Johnson’s wife.

    – 5:00 p.m. (6:00 p.m. ET) – Air Force One arrives at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland. The coffin bearing the President’s body is taken by ambulance to Bethesda Naval Hospital for an autopsy. The flag-draped coffin is taken to the East Room of the White House early the next morning following the autopsy.

    – 7:15 p.m. – Oswald is arraigned for the murder of Tippit.

    November 22-25, 1963 – Major television and radio networks devote continuous news coverage to ongoing events associated with the President’s assassination, canceling all entertainment and all commercials. Many theaters, stores and businesses, including the stock exchanges and government offices, are closed through November 25.

    November 23, 1963 – Oswald is arraigned for the murder of the president.

    November 23, 1963 – Johnson designates November 25 as a day of national mourning.

    November 24, 1963 – As Oswald is being transferred from the Dallas city jail to the county jail, nightclub owner Jack Ruby shoots and kills him. The shooting is inadvertently shown live on TV. Ruby is immediately arrested.

    November 24-25, 1963 – Kennedy’s flag-draped casket lies in state in the Capitol Rotunda.

    November 25, 1963 – Kennedy is buried at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors and representatives from more than 90 countries in attendance.

    November 26, 1963 – Ruby is indicted in Dallas for the murder of Oswald. He is later convicted, has the conviction overturned on appeal, and dies of cancer in 1967 awaiting a new trial.

    November 29, 1963 – Johnson appoints the President’s Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy. Commonly called the Warren Commission, its purpose is to investigate the assassination.

    September 24, 1964 – The Warren Report is released with the following conclusions: “The shots which killed President Kennedy and wounded Governor Connally were fired from the sixth-floor window at the southeast corner of the Texas School Book Depository.” And: “The shots which killed President Kennedy and wounded Governor Connally were fired by Lee Harvey Oswald.”

    October 26,1992 – President George H.W. Bush signs the President John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Collection Act into law. The law directs the National Archives to establish a collection of records consisting of any materials, by any state or federal agency, that were created during the federal inquiry into the assassination.

    October 26, 2017 – The US government releases more than 2,800 records relating to Kennedy’s assassination in an effort to comply with a 1992 law mandating the documents’ release. President Donald Trump keeps roughly 300 files classified out of concern for US national security, law enforcement and foreign relations. In a memo, Trump directs agencies that requested redactions to re-review their reasons for keeping the records secret within 180 days.

    April 26, 2018 – Trump extends to 2021 the deadline for the public release of files related to the assassination. More than 19,000 documents are released by the National Archives, in compliance with the records law and Trump’s 2017 order.

    October 22, 2021 – The White House announces that it will further postpone the release of more documents related to the assassination, pointing to the “significant impact” of the Covid-19 pandemic.

    December 15, 2021 – The National Archives releases almost 1,500 previously classified documents related to the assassination.

    December 15, 2022 – The National Archives releases over 13,000 previously classified documents collected as part of the government review into the 1963 assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

    June 30, 2023 – The White House announces the National Archives has concluded its review of the classified documents related to the assassination of President Kennedy, with 99% of the records having been made publicly available.

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  • Barbra Streisand Fast Facts | CNN

    Barbra Streisand Fast Facts | CNN

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    CNN
     — 

    Here is a look at the life of singer and actress Barbra Streisand.

    Birth date: April 24, 1942

    Birth place: Brooklyn, New York

    Birth name: Barbara Joan Streisand

    Father: Emanuel Streisand, a teacher

    Mother: Diana (Rosen) Streisand Kind

    Marriages: James Brolin (July 1, 1998-present); Elliott Gould (March 21, 1963-1971, divorced)

    Children: with Elliott Gould: Jason Emanuel Gould

    Changed her name from Barbara to Barbra.

    Her father died when she was 15 months old.

    Has suffered from severe stage fright.

    Nominated for 46 Grammy Awards and has won eight.

    Nominated for nine Primetime Emmy Awards and has won four.

    Nominated for five Academy Awards and has won two.

    Nominated for two Tony Awards, and has received a special Tony Award.

    1962 – Makes her Broadway debut in “I Can Get It For You Wholesale.”

    1962 Signs a contract with Columbia Records.

    1963 – Her debut album, “The Barbra Streisand Album,” is released and wins her two Grammy Awards.

    1964 The Broadway musical “Funny Girl,” in which Streisand plays Fanny Brice, debuts.

    1965 Her television special, “My Name Is Barbra,” airs. It earns Streisand an Emmy Award and a Grammy Award for the accompanying album.

    April 14, 1969 – Wins the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in the film “Funny Girl.”

    1970Receives a special Tony Award.

    1973 – The film “The Way We Were” opens.

    March 28, 1977 – Receives the Academy Award for Best Original Song, for the song “Evergreen (Love Theme From A Star Is Born)” from the movie “A Star Is Born.”

    1983 Streisand’s directorial debut, “Yentl,” opens.

    1986 – The Streisand Foundation is established.

    1991 – “The Prince of Tides” opens, a film in which Streisand produces, directs and acts.

    1995 – Receives a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

    2008 Receives the Kennedy Center Honors.

    September 2014 – Streisand’s new album, “Partners,” is released and goes to the top of the Billboard 200 album chart. This makes her the first artist to have a No. 1 album in each of the past six decades.

    November 24, 2015 – Is awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama.

    February 2018 – Variety magazine releases an interview in which Streisand reveals that two of her dogs are clones of her deceased dog Samantha, who passed away in 2017.

    November 2, 2018 – Streisand’s album, “Walls,” is released. Streisand says the album embodies her feelings about Donald Trump and his presidency.

    July 7, 2019 – Streisand reunites with her “A Star Is Born” co-star Kris Kristofferson on stage at London’s Hyde Park for a sold-out crowd of 65,000 – the biggest audience she’s performed for since a Central Park performance for 150,000 in 1968, according to Variety.

    October 18, 2021 – Streisand funds The Barbra Streisand Institute at UCLA. The institute’s goal involves “solving societal challenges” and will focus on four areas the artist and activist is most passionate about.

    November 4, 2022 – “Live at the Bon Soir,” a live album originally intended to be Streisand’s 1962 debut, is released for the first time.

    November 7, 2023 – Streisand’s memoir, “My Name is Barbra,” is published.

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  • Three generations of women under one roof raised an outgoing, curious boy. They’ll never see him graduate from high school | CNN

    Three generations of women under one roof raised an outgoing, curious boy. They’ll never see him graduate from high school | CNN

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    Editor’s Note: This story is part of a series profiling American youth killed this year by guns, a leading cause of death of children in the US. Read more about the project here.



    CNN
     — 

    “Hi Grandson, I started grief counseling today, I need to do this to help me with why you are not here, I yearn for you sooooooo much.”

    “Hi Grandson, I know you said YaYa don’t cry, but I am crying Bryson because my heart hurts so much for you, I miss you like crazy, I am so sad that you are not here.”

    “Hi Grandson, YaYa is fighting for you, because you did not deserve what has happened to you.”

    Erica Colbert texts her grandson, Bryson Hudson, almost every day. She gives him updates about his mother, Katika Travis, and younger brother, Drake. She tells him how she talks about him to everybody. She tells him he is her “everything.”

    The curious, rambunctious child was raised by his mother, his grandmother and great-grandmother, Colbert’s mother. When 19-year-old Travis learned she was pregnant with Bryson, her firstborn, the three generations of women were living under the same roof in Baltimore.

    The moment she laid eyes on her grandson, Colbert said he changed her life.

    She said they showered their outgoing boy with love and affection, instilled in him an infectious sense of humor, taught him and nurtured him from his birth to his senseless, violent death this year.

    “He was very much the light of where he stepped,” Colbert said.

    But now, Colbert spends her days trying to answer the “whys” surrounding her grandson’s killing, she said. She won’t see Bryson graduate from high school; she won’t see him have a girlfriend, wife, or children.

    He will always be 16 years old, Colbert said.

    On August 14, two months after his 16th birthday, Bryson was killed in the East Baltimore neighborhood where he grew up. He was two blocks from home when he was shot multiple times in broad daylight.

    Bryson was pronounced dead roughly 11 minutes after arriving at the hospital, according to his grandmother.

    His death came just two weeks before he would have started his junior year at Digital Harbor High School, a Baltimore City public college preparatory high school for students who desire to pursue a technology career. His mother had been planning to surprise him with driving lessons soon, Colbert said. Bryson had told his family he wanted to travel the country after graduation.

    Christopher McLean, 28, was charged in September with first- and second-degree murder in Bryson’s killing and faces additional charges related to the shooting, including first-degree assault and attempted murder, state charging documents show. Robert D. Cole, an attorney for McLean, declined to comment on his client’s behalf when contacted by CNN.

    A 28-year-old man was also wounded in the shooting, police said. It’s unclear whether Bryson was a bystander or targeted.

    More about Bryson

  • Died August 14
  • Shot by a 28-year-old suspect on the 900 Block of North Broadway in northeast Baltimore, near his home, police said.
  • The suspect, Christopher McLean, is scheduled to be arraigned on November 2, according to the office of the state’s attorney for Baltimore City.

Bryson is among at least 1,400 children and teens killed by a gun so far in 2023, according to the Gun Violence Archive. Firearms became the No. 1 killer of children and teens in America in 2020, surpassing motor vehicle accidents, which had long been the leading cause of death among America’s youth.

Read other profiles of children who’ve died from gunfire

“He should be looking at my death certificate, not me looking at his death certificate that says he died from multiple gunshot wounds,” Colbert said through tears. “That should not be a reality.”

The grandmother winces every time she hears the phrase, “He was in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

“Where was he supposed to be? Are all of us in the wrong place at the wrong time? He wasn’t in the wrong place. He was in his neighborhood,” she said.

Bryson Hudson, as a child, playing the flute.

Bryson loved to make jokes, his grandmother said, often causing belly-laughs just by being himself. His outgoing spirit and warmth helped even shyer children open up around him.

He also loved to dance, Colbert said, and they danced together often.

But she misses his deep, full-bodied laughter the most.

“I just want to hear him laugh. He had such a unique laugh and we used to have such a good time,” his grandmother said.

Bryson was also interested in fashion and liked to dress in his own way. He was known for his hair, Colbert said, so much so that his friends would tell her, “You know, YaYa, everybody wants to get their hair just like Bryson’s.”

But most of all, Bryson had a “heart of gold.”

Bryson Hudson

Colbert laughed when she recalled his 15th birthday, when he asked her for a Louis Vuitton belt as a gift. Though it was expensive, she bought it for him anyway.

Then, one day, she noticed Bryson’s friend wearing a very similar belt.

“‘Your friend got a belt like yours?’” Colbert recalled asking Bryson at the time. “He said, ‘Oh no, YaYa, I just let him use it. We borrow each other’s things.’”

“Anything he did – if he had $10, he was going to give a friend five,” she said.

Bryson’s friends are devastated by his loss, Colbert said. They grew up together and never missed the chance to celebrate each other’s milestones. As kids, they played football. As teens, they rapped and made music videos.

“He was definitely the light. His friends, everyone came around him,” Colbert added. “I could see my daughter’s house was the house that all the kids migrated to.”

But no one came between Bryson and his 12-year-old brother, Drake. Colbert described them as “two peas in a pod,” constantly playing, bickering and teasing each other.

Drake misses his brother, and it shows, she said.

Bryson Hudson, right, and his younger brother, Drake.

At the start of the school year, his mother bought Drake a new pair of shoes. But he chose to wear Bryson’s sneakers to school instead, even though they were a size too big.

“Anything he can still wear of Bryson’s, he’s wearing it,” Colbert said.

Gun violence is an epidemic in the US. Here are 4 things you can do today

Along with his younger brother, Bryson was especially close to his great-grandmother. One of the hardest moments in his young life, Colbert recalled, was when his “Granny” died. Bryson was 13 at the time.

They had a special bond, communicating often and effortlessly, despite their wide age gap, Colbert said of her grandson and mother. When the family all came together, the pair were always laughing and whispering to each other, Colbert said.

“It would just be them wanting to get a reaction from you,” she said. “Because my mom was a jokester, she always wanted laughter. She always felt like something was funny to laugh at, so she definitely passed that on to him and he carried it well.”

In her texts now to her grandson, Colbert tells Bryson she often thinks about him reuniting with his Granny.

“I want you here, but I feel Granny has you in her arms, Bryson you are my heart and not having you here my heart is broken.”

“I miss you Grandson #1, wyd? Are you and Granny whispering?”

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  • Britney Spears and Jada Pinkett Smith demonstrate the delicate dance of the celeb memoir | CNN

    Britney Spears and Jada Pinkett Smith demonstrate the delicate dance of the celeb memoir | CNN

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    CNN
     — 

    Would you want to revisit your life and your past in order to share it all, both the good and the bad?

    I certainly wouldn’t, but I’m not famous nor do I have famous people problems (knock on wood). Being a celebrity is something many people dream about, but while the riches certainly make life more comfortable, what comes a long with it probably isn’t what most of us would want.

    Let’s talk about it.

    Both Britney Spears and Jada Pinkett Smith grasp the concept that drama sells.

    Before their memoirs – Spears’ book is titled “The Woman in Me” and Pinkett Smith’s is “Worthy” – were recently released, there were plenty of tabloid treats from them teased throughout the media landscape.

    The two biggest revelations from the stars’ tomes both happened to involve their celebrity relationships.

    Spears shared that she had an abortion during her time with Justin Timberlake in the early aughts, while Pinkett Smith went public with the news that she and Will Smith have been living separate lives since 2016.

    While both of these revelations sparked conversation, they also showed how there’s a delicate dance when it comes to the art of publishing a celebrity tell-all.

    On the one hand, you have to share enough to get people excited for the book. Yet at the same time you don’t want to reveal too much, because then what is the incentive to purchase said book?

    It should be said, though, that both Spears and Pinkett Smith are most probably used to a lot of attention by now.

    David Beckham and Victoria Beckham in 2004.

    Another instance of a star laying it all out there for public consumption is the “Beckham” docuseries on Netflix.

    I am far from a soccer fan, but I greatly enjoyed visiting the highs – and lows – of David Beckham’s stellar career. The series is really well done and filmmaker Fisher Stevens got both Beckham and his wife, Spice Girls member Victoria Beckham, to open up about difficult times.

    One of those tough times featured in the doc is the decades-old alleged affair between David Beckham and his former personal assistant Rebecca Loos.

    In a recent interview, Loos complained that Beckham was portraying “himself as a victim” in the series. That’s another tricky area when it comes to celebs telling their life stories – it affects others who were also there, and who are portrayed via the star’s lens and recollections.

    Taylor Swift performs during the

    At this point I am aiming to see how many newsletters in a row I can talk about Taylor Swift.

    This time it’s the fact that she’s dropping “1989 (Taylor’s Version),” Swift’s latest rerecording of her old music after losing her masters.

    Yes, much of the recent attention paid to Swift has more to do with her love life than her love of music, but if you know Swift you know that there is a direct correlation between the two.

    I don’t even have to sell it here because it’s Taylor Swift, the star of the moment, and her music. Enough said – except that the new(ish) album debuted Friday.

    Fabrice Morvan attends the

    Reader you know it’s true – Milli Vanilli was the duo to beat back in the day. Rob Pilatus and Fab Morvan had hits in the late 1980s/early 1990s and were flying high in the music industry.

    Until they weren’t.

    A new self-titled documentary traces their rise and eventual fall when the world learned they weren’t actually singing on those songs. It’s a more tender look at the pair than one might expect, given the vitriol that was spewed about the controversy at the time which resulted in their best new artist Grammy being revoked.

    The “Milli Vanilli” documentary is streaming on Paramount+.

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  • Britney Spears Fast Facts | CNN

    Britney Spears Fast Facts | CNN

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    CNN
     — 

    Here is a look at the life of Britney Spears, pop singer and Grammy Award winner.

    Birth date: December 2, 1981

    Birth place: McComb, Mississippi

    Birth name: Britney Jean Spears

    Father: Jamie Spears, former building contractor and chef

    Mother: Lynne (Bridges) Spears

    Marriages: Sam Asghari (June 9, 2022 – present); Kevin Federline (September 18, 2004-July 30, 2007, divorced); Jason Alexander (January 3, 2004-January 5, 2004, annulled after 55 hours)

    Children: with Kevin Federline: Jayden James, September 2006 and Sean Preston, September 2005

    Number one hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart include: “Baby, One More Time” in 1999, “Womanizer” in 2008, “3” in 2009 (debut), and “Hold It Against Me” in 2011 (debut).

    Six albums have reached #1 on the Billboard 200 chart: “Baby One More Time” (1999), “Oops!…. I Did It Again” (2000), “Britney” (2001), “In the Zone” (2003), “Circus” (2008), and “Femme Fatale” (2011).

    Has won one Grammy and has been nominated for eight.

    1993-1994 – Cast member on “The Mickey Mouse Club.”

    1997 – Signs a contract with Jive Records at age 15.

    January 12, 1999 – Releases her debut album “…Baby One More Time.”

    May 16, 2000 – Releases her second album “Oops!…I Did It Again.”

    2002 – Is named Hollywood’s Most Powerful Celebrity by Forbes magazine.

    November 17, 2003 – Receives a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

    February 13, 2005 – Wins a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording for “Toxic.”

    February 16, 2007 – Shaves her head at a beauty parlor in Tarzana, California.

    October 1, 2007 – Temporarily loses physical custody of her children after failing to attend court hearings.

    January 3, 2008 – Spears is hospitalized over issues involving the custody of her children. Kevin Federline, her ex-husband, is awarded sole custody on January 4, 2008.

    February 1, 2008 – A Los Angeles court grants temporary conservatorship to Spears’ father, Jamie Spears, after Spears is taken to a hospital and deemed unable to take care of herself.

    July 18, 2008 – In a custody agreement, Spears gives Federline sole custody of the children, but retains visitation rights.

    August 2008 – Becoming Britney, a musical based on her life, debuts at the New York International Fringe Festival.

    October 28, 2008 – Jamie Spears is granted permanent conservatorship of his daughter’s affairs.

    February 3, 2009 – Sam Lutfi, Spears’ former manager, sues Spears and her parents for defamation and breach of contract in Los Angeles Superior Court. A judge dismisses the lawsuit on November 1, 2012.

    September 8, 2010 – Is accused of sexual harassment and sued by her former bodyguard, Fernando Flores. The lawsuit is settled in March 2012.

    January 11, 2011 – Her single, “Hold It Against Me,” is released and debuts at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

    March 30, 2011 – A $10 million lawsuit is filed by Brand Sense Partners against Spears and her father for breach of contract relating to a perfume deal between Spears and the Elizabeth Arden company. The lawsuit is settled in February 2012.

    May 15, 2012 – “The X Factor USA” announces that Spears, along with Demi Lovato, will join Simon Cowell and L.A. Reid on “The X Factor” judging panel. On January 11, 2013, Spears announces that she will not be returning as a judge.

    September 17, 2013 – Spears announces that she will do a two-year residency at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas with a show titled “Britney: Piece of Me.” The show begins its run December 27.

    September 2014 – Releases her own lingerie line, “Intimate Britney Spears.”

    November 5, 2014 – Clark County, Nevada, proclaims November 5th as “Britney Day” on the Las Vegas Strip.

    September 9, 2015 – Spears announces that she has extended her residency at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas for two more years.

    August 26, 2016 – Spears’ ninth studio album, Glory, is released.

    April 12, 2018 – Spears is honored at the GLAAD Media Awards as the recipient of the Vanguard Award, an award that goes to a performer for making a difference in promoting and supporting equality.

    January 4, 2019 – Announces that she is going on an indefinite work hiatus in order to focus on her family due to her father’s health issues.

    April 3, 2019 – Spears announces that she is taking “me time” after it is reported that she has checked into a mental health facility to cope with her father’s health issues. On April 25, Spears checks out of the mental health treatment facility after undertaking an “all-encompassing wellness treatment.”

    June 13, 2019 – Spears and her family are granted a five-year restraining order against Lutfi.

    April 29, 2020 – Spears announces that she accidentally burned down her home gym with candles.

    November 10, 2020 – Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Brenda Penny declines Spears’ application to remove her father as her conservator, but says she would consider petitions “down the road” to remove her father as the head of her estate. The move comes amid the #FreeBritney social media movement, driven by some fans who believe she is a prisoner in her own home because of the court-ordered conservatorship.

    June 23, 2021 – Spears appears remotely in court to request her court-ordered conservatorship be lifted, calling it “abusive.” During the hearing, she speaks for more than 20 minutes, saying she felt she had been forced to perform, was given no privacy and was made to use birth control, take medication and attend therapy sessions against her will.

    July 6, 2021 Spears’ longtime manager Larry Rudolph resigns, citing the singer’s desire to retire. On the same day, Samuel D. Ingham, a court-appointed attorney who has represented Spears for the entirety of her almost 13-year conservatorship, submits a petition to resign from his position, according to a court filing obtained by CNN.

    July 14, 2021 – Judge Penny accepts Ingham’s resignation, along with the resignation of Bessemer Trust, a wealth management firm that had been appointed co-conservator of the singer’s estate. Spears is granted permission to hire her own attorney. During a hearing, Spears calls for her father to be charged with conservatorship abuse.

    August 12, 2021 – Jamie Spears signals in a legal response that he intends to step down as conservator of the singer’s estate, according to a prepared copy of the response obtained by CNN.

    September 1, 2021 – The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office says in a press release they decline to file charges against Spears. Last month Spears’ housekeeper alleged that the singer struck a cell phone out of her hand during an argument over the veterinary care of her dog.

    September 7, 2021 – Spears’ father files a petition to terminate the 13-year court-ordered conservatorship. On September 29, a Los Angeles judge suspends Jamie Spears as conservator of his daughter’s estate, and designates a temporary replacement selected by the singer and her attorney to oversee her finances. On November 12, a Los Angeles judge terminates Spears’ 13-year conservatorship.

    September 12, 2021 – Spears announces her engagement to boyfriend Sam Asghari in an Instagram post.

    January 18, 2022 – Spears’ lawyer, Mathew Rosengart, sends a legal cease-and-desist letter to the singer’s younger sister, Jamie Lynn Spears, regarding her new memoir, “Things I Should Have Said.” In Rosengart’s letter, he calls the book “ill-timed” and that it makes “misleading or outrageous claims about her.”

    January 19, 2022 – Judge Penny rules against a request from Spears’ father to set aside money from her $60 million estate in a reserve to potentially cover legal fees, which would include her father’s.

    February 21, 2022 – It is revealed that Spears has signed a contract with Simon & Schuster to write a book about her life. The deal is valued at more than $15 million.

    April 11, 2022 – Spears announces that she and Asghari are expecting a baby. The following month, the pair announce the loss of the pregnancy.

    August 26, 2022 – Spears and Elton John release “Hold Me Closer,” an EDM reimagining of John’s 1971 hit “Tiny Dancer.” The song marks Spears’ first new release since her 13-year conservatorship ended.

    August 16, 2023 – Asghari files for divorce.

    October 24, 2023 – Spears’ memoir, “The Woman In Me,” is released.

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  • Jonathan Majors’ accuser arrested in New York, won’t be prosecuted | CNN

    Jonathan Majors’ accuser arrested in New York, won’t be prosecuted | CNN

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    CNN
     — 

    The woman who accused actor Jonathan Majors of assaulting her during a dispute in March was arrested Wednesday night on suspicion of assault and criminal mischief related to the same incident, according to a source with knowledge of the matter.

    Grace Jabbari, Majors’ former girlfriend, voluntarily surrendered to police in New York City and was given a desk appearance ticket to appear in court at a later date, the source said. The charges are both misdemeanors.

    Jabbari and her attorney have not publicly commented on the case, which will not be prosecuted. CNN has been unable to reach Jabbari.

    “The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office has officially declined to prosecute the case against Grace Jabbari because it lacks prosecutorial merit. The matter is now closed and sealed,” Doug Cohen, a spokesman for the Manhattan DA, told CNN in a statement on Thursday.

    In a Sept. 21 court filing in the case against Majors, the DA’s office said it did not plan to prosecute Jabbari.

    Majors is charged with assault and aggravated harassment related to the dispute with Jabbari on March 25. Through his attorney, Majors has denied the allegations against him, which, according to the complaint, include striking her “about the face with an open hand, causing substantial pain and a laceration behind her ear.”

    Majors filed a counter-complaint against Jabbari in June, claiming he was assaulted by her in the same March dispute, according to court filings obtained by CNN.

    A New York judge on Wednesday denied a motion to dismiss the case against Majors.

    His trial is set to start on Nov. 29.

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  • Maggie Smith, 88, is the face of Loewe’s new campaign | CNN

    Maggie Smith, 88, is the face of Loewe’s new campaign | CNN

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    CNN
     — 

    Dame Maggie Smith, the British actress acclaimed for her appearances both on stage and in cinema, has taken on a new role — and this time it’s in the world of luxury fashion.

    Loewe has cast the 88-year-old, known for roles such as Professor McGonagall in the “Harry Potter” film franchise, in its spring/summer 2024 pre-collection campaign.

    The pointed hat and cape of Hogwarts are a distant memory as Smith sports three cosy and stylish looks for the campaign. Shot by German photographer Juergen Teller, it also stars American actresses Dakota Fanning and Greta Lee, American actor Mike Faist, British actor Josh O’Connor, South Korean music artist Taeyong, British artist Rachel Jones and Chinese model Fei Fei Sun.

    In one image, she sits on a sofa wearing a black and white turtleneck dress, with a small, pleated, burgundy Loewe Paseo handbag.

    In another, Smith is adorned in a floor-length faux fur coat and holds Loewe’s signature Puzzle bag.

    “Heartstopper” actor Sebastian Croft commented under an Instagram post by Loewe Creative Director Jonathan Anderson in which he shared the looks, saying: “It’s so perfect.”

    Maggie Smith has swapped the stage and screen for modeling in this latest campaign.

    Smith — who is more recently known for her supporting role as Countess Violet Crawley in the British drama series “Downtown Abbey,” for which she won three out of her four Emmy Awards — garnered international acclaim and received a Best Actress Oscar for her portrayal of an eccentric schoolteacher in the 1969 romantic comedy “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie.”

    She won another Academy Award nine years later for her supporting role in the 1978 romcom “California Suite” and received a Tony Award for the Broadway production of “Lettice and Lovage” in 1990.

    The actress is one of several older women who have fronted fashion lines and magazine covers in recent years. In March, tattoo artist Apo Whang-Od became Vogue’s oldest cover star with her appearance for Vogue Philippines at the age of 106 and in 2020, aged 85, Oscar-winning actress Dame Judi Dench became the oldest person to ever grace the cover of British Vogue.

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