Damon is the sexiest

Damon is the sexiest

NEW YORK — Matt Damon has been named the “sexiest man alive” by People magazine, an honor that has been bestowed twice on his pals George Clooney and Brad Pitt. The 37-year-old actor is featured on the cover of People’s annual issue, on newsstands Friday. People’s “sexiest man alive” list began in 1985 with Mel Gibson. Others on the list: Clooney (1997 and 2006), Pitt (1995 and 2000), Denzel Washington (1996) and Johnny Depp (2003).

Oprah picks Follett novel

NEW YORK — Oprah Winfrey went for the big time Wednesday with her latest book club pick, choosing Ken Follett’s 973-page “The Pillars of the Earth,” an announcement that will likely mean hundreds of thousands more sales for an author with a huge, international following. Follett, 58, is a native of Cardiff, Wales.

Nancy Grace hospitalized

ATLANTA — Nancy Grace, who gave birth to twins earlier this month, has been hospitalized with blood clots in her lungs, a complication of her recent pregnancy. The 48-year-old Headline News talk anchor sought treatment Sunday after she experienced discomfort and began having trouble breathing while on her way to church, said CNN spokeswoman Janine Iamunno. She is expected to be released by the end of the week.

Warhol sells for $24M

NEW YORK — Andy Warhol’s turquoise-background Elizabeth Taylor portrait sold for $23.7 million Tuesday at Christie’s auction house, a spokeswoman said. An anonymous bidder bought the portrait, “Liz (Colored Liz),” from a private collector. The sale price, which included the auction house’s commission, fell below pre-sale estimates of $25 million to $35 million.

Today’s birthdays

Judge Joseph Wapner is 88. Actor Ed Asner is 78. Singer Petula Clark is 75. Actor Sam Waterston is 67. Pop singer Frida (ABBA) is 62. Actress Beverly D’Angelo is 53. “Tonight Show” bandleader Kevin Eubanks is 50. Country singer Jack Ingram is 37.