Writers strike put on hold for Taylor’s AIDS benefit

Writers strike put on hold
for Taylor’s AIDS benefit

LOS ANGELES — Elizabeth Taylor returned to the stage Saturday night, after persuading striking TV and film writers to briefly put down their picket signs. The Writers Guild of America agreed not to picket the Paramount Pictures lot when actress and AIDS activist Taylor gave a benefit performance of A.R. Gurney’s play “Love Letters” with James Earl Jones. The guild lowered the picket line because “this worthy event is happening solely through the efforts and underwriting of Dame Elizabeth Taylor, who is not only a longtime member of the Screen Actors Guild, but an outspoken supporter of the Writers Guild,” Patric Verrone, president of the western chapter of the guild, said in a statement. Taylor did not speak to reporters as she arrived in a wheelchair, wearing an orange gown and diamond earrings. She smiled for the cameras as her boyfriend, industrialist Jason Winters, wheeled her into the theater.

Taylor, 75, said she would not cross picket lines Dec. 1, which was World AIDS Day. She said she asked the writers union for a “one night dispensation” so she and her guests could enter the studio with a clear conscience. “The Writers Guild of America has shown great humanity, empathy and courage by allowing our little evening to move forward,” Taylor said in a statement. Writers have been on strike since Nov. 5. More than 500 people, including California first lady Maria Shriver, paid $2,500 per ticket for the one-night performance. The goal was to raise $1 million for The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.

Funds for fire relief

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Garth Brooks is more than a memory in Los Angeles. A series of concerts he’s giving to raise money for victims of recent wildfires sold out in less than an hour Saturday, according to his Web site.

The 85,677 tickets for five concerts went for about $45 each. They will be held in January at Staples Center. Proceeds will go to a fire relief campaign. The money will aid fire victims and provide equipment funding for fire departments around the state.

Brooks last appeared in Los Angeles in 2001.

The Grammy-winning singer has sold more than 100 million albums in the United States and has a string of hits, including this year’s single “More Than a Memory.”

Today’s birthdays

Country singer Ferlin Husky is 82. Singer Andy Williams is 80. Movie director Jean-Luc Godard is 77. Singer Jaye P. Morgan is 76. Actress Mary Alice is 66. Rock singer Ozzy Osbourne is 59. Actress Heather Menzies is 58. Country musician Paul Gregg (Restless Heart) is 53. Actor Steven Culp is 52. Actress Daryl Hannah is 47. Actress Julianne Moore is 47. Actor Brendan Fraser is 39. Singer Montell Jordan is 39. Actor Royale Watkins is 38. Actor Bruno Campos is 34. Actress Holly Marie Combs is 34. Actress Lauren Roman is 32. Actress Anna Chlumsky is 27. Actor Brian Bonsall is 26. Actor Michael Angarano is 20.