New York to host 'King Kong' premiere

New York to host'King Kong' premiere
WELLINGTON, New Zealand -- New York will host the world premiere of Peter Jackson's mammoth update of "King Kong" in early December. The premiere will be held ahead of the movie's Dec. 14 release, Universal Pictures Vice Chairman Marc Shmuger said Wednesday. He was in Wellington for meetings with Jackson. The original 1933 movie starring Fay Wray featured New York's Empire State Building, the skyscraper that massive gorilla King Kong scaled while holding tight to Wray. Shmuger said the premiere was an opportunity for New York "to welcome Kong back."
"New York is very excited about the opportunity and the city is one of our partners on the film," he said. "They are lending extensive resources to really make the return of Kong to New York an official event." Jackson's film stars Naomi Watts, Adrien Brody and Jack Black. Andy Serkis provides the body motions for Kong.
Studdard files complaintagainst former manager
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- "American Idol" winner Ruben Studdard has filed a complaint with the Birmingham Police Department, accusing his ex-manager of identity theft and forgery. Studdard, 26, said in the complaint filed Monday that Ronald W. Edwards forged paperwork giving himself power of attorney. According to the report, the forgery took place between Aug. 1, 2003, and Nov. 30, 2004. The singer also claims Edwards used his credit cards to take $105,000 and had written checks for $150,000. The report says $22,000 in checks were stolen and deposited in Edwards' account. Studdard sued Edwards and his marketing company, SEZ Inc., in February, claiming Edwards misused more than $246,000 of his money. Edwards denied the allegations and has indicated Studdard owes him money. Edwards filed a petition for Chapter 7 bankruptcy on June 17, prompting a stay in the lawsuit. Vic Hayslip, a lawyer for Studdard, claimed that Edwards' bankruptcy filing was an effort to avoid giving a deposition in the lawsuit. Edwards' lawyer, Glennon Threatt, called the contention inaccurate. Studdard won Fox TV's "American Idol" talent competition in May 2003.
Melissa Joan Hartexpecting first child
LOS ANGELES -- Melissa Joan Hart, who starred in the TV series "Sabrina the Teenage Witch," is reportedly expecting her first child. Hart, 29, is married to Mark Wilkerson, 28, lead singer and guitarist for the rock trio Course of Nature. Their baby is due in January, People magazine says in its July 11 edition. Calls by The Associated Press Wednesday to Hart's representatives were not immediately returned. "I'm thrilled to death," Paula Hart, the actress' mother, told People. "Melissa is feeling great. So far, so good." Hart and Wilkerson were married in July 2003. Best known for her role as Sabrina on the WB sitcom, Hart also played the spunky namesake of Nickelodeon's "Clarissa Explains it All." Hart stars in the upcoming film "Jack Satin."
Today's birthdays
Country singer Marvin Rainwater is 80. Actor Brock Peters is 78. Former Philippine first lady Imelda Marcos is 76. Jazz musician Ahmad Jamal is 75. Actor Robert Ito is 74. Actress Polly Holliday is 68. Former White House chief of staff John H. Sununu is 66. Actor Ron Silver is 59. Writer-director-comedian Larry David is 58. Luci Baines Johnson, daughter of President Johnson, is 58. Actor Saul Rubinek is 57. Rock musician Roy Bittan (Bruce Springsteen & amp; the E Street Band) is 56. Rock musician Gene Taylor (The Blasters) is 53. Actress-model Jerry Hall is 49. Actor Jimmy McNichol is 44. Rock musician Dave Parsons (Bush) is 40. Actress Yancy Butler is 35. Singer Michelle Branch is 22. Actress Vanessa Lee Chester is 21. Actress Lindsay Lohan is 19.