Wife of comic Lopez gives hubby a kidney
Wife of comic Lopezgives hubby a kidney
LOS ANGELES -- George Lopez has undergone a kidney transplant with an organ donated by his wife, reports The Associated Press. George and Ann Lopez "are resting comfortably in their Los Angeles home and are both expected to make a full recovery," according to a statement released Monday by a publicist for the actor-comedian. The operation was performed last week at an undisclosed hospital in Los Angeles. Lopez, star of the television comedy "The George Lopez Show," had a genetic condition that caused kidney deterioration, the release said. Further information on the condition was not available. Lopez and his wife, a producer, have been married 12 years and have one child, a daughter. Meanwhile, Sandra Bullock, who is the executive producer of Lopez's show, sent her best wishes via the syndicated entertainment show "Extra." "The love and respect I have for Ann and George has doubled knowing how they have struggled with this quietly for the past several years," Bullock said in a statement. "I'm relieved that they are now on their way to recovery. ... George has seen the bright side of this ordeal ... as he said himself, he is now officially 'half-Cuban' given that he is now in possession of one of Ann's kidneys."
'Primetime Live' plansexpos & eacute; on 'Fallen Idol'
NEW YORK -- ABC News has discovered "startling" information about Fox's singing competition series "American Idol" -- just in time for May sweeps, reports the Washington Post. In a news release Monday, ABC News announced that an hourlong "Primetime Live" report "will explore explosive claims about behind-the-scenes activities at 'American Idol,' the hit television show that became a cultural phenomenon." The special edition has been titled "Fallen Idol." The release gave no hint of what these "explosive claims" might be, but there has been talk of a book proposal from Corey Clark -- an "Idol" contestant a few years back who was booted after the Smoking Gun Web site posted a report saying he was due in court that month for allegedly assaulting his teenage sister and resisting arrest. Clark claims in his book proposal that he had an affair with show judge Paula Abdul and that she promised to help him pick tunes to sing during the competition and to spend millions promoting his career. The Globe quotes TV critic Marc Berman as saying, "If the charges are true, then this is a huge scandal that could kill 'American Idol.' If a judge and a contestant have an affair, the future of the entire show is in jeopardy." A call placed late Monday to Abdul's publicist was not returned. But asked about Clark's allegations, "Idol" judge Simon Cowell told Extra: "I do think they're rubbish. I think this guy's out there to publicize a book." "Fallen Idol" is scheduled to air at 10 p.m. May 4.
Carnie Wilson has girl
LOS ANGELES -- It's a girl for singer Carnie Wilson and husband Rob Bonfiglio, reports The Associated Press. Lola Sophia was born Friday in Los Angeles and weighed 7 pounds, 2 ounces. The couple's first child has brown hair and blue eyes and was born in the company of Wilson's father, former Beach Boy Brian Wilson, while the band's "Pet Sounds" played in the background.
O'Brien finishes rehab
NEW YORK -- Pat O'Brien, host of "The Insider" syndicated entertainment news magazine, has exited an alcohol rehabilitation program. O'Brien left Sunday, Manfred Westphal, a spokesman for Paramount Domestic Television, which produces the syndicated TV program, told The Associated Press on Tuesday. There were no details about the recovery facility or when the 57-year-old O'Brien entered the rehab program. Westphal didn't say when O'Brien would return to the show. Last month, O'Brien announced that he "had a problem with alcohol" and that "overcoming this problem is a top priority in my life and I am excited to return to work as soon as I am able." "We support Pat's decision to seek treatment and look forward to welcoming him back on the air at the appropriate time," Westphal said, when O'Brien announced his plans for treatment. O'Brien's image has recently taken a beating after obscene phone messages left by what sounds like his voice were distributed on the Internet. The show's New York host, Lara Spencer, has taken over the show during O'Brien's absence.
Notable death
PHILADELPHIA -- Richard "Rick" Lewis, a member of the doo-wop group the Silhouettes whose song "Get A Job" soared to the top of the charts in 1958, died April 19. He was 71. Lewis died of multiple organ failure at Albert Einstein Medical Center. Lewis wrote "Get a Job," the group's one big hit. It sold nearly 2 million copies and led to tours and appearances on Philadelphia's "American Bandstand."
Today's birthdays
Author Harper Lee is 79. Former Secretary of State James A. Baker III is 75. The former president of Iraq, Saddam Hussein, is 68. Actress-singer Ann-Margret is 64. Actress Marcia Strassman is 57. Actor Paul Guilfoyle ("CSI") is 56. Actor Bruno Kirby is 56. "Tonight Show" host Jay Leno is 55. Actress Mary McDonnell is 52. Rock singer-musician Kim Gordon (Sonic Youth) is 52. Rapper Too Short is 39. Actress Simbi Khali is 34. Actor Chris Young is 34. Rapper Big Gipp is 32. Actress Elisabeth Rohm is 32. Actress Penelope Cruz is 31. Actor Nate Richert is 27. Actress Jessica Alba is 24. Actress Aleisha Allen is 14.