‘Emeril Live’ will come to an end after 10 years

‘Emeril Live’ will come
to an end after 10 years

NEW YORK — Food Network is kicking Emeril Lagasse down a notch. The celebrity chef’s “Emeril Live,” which has been on the air for 10 years, will cease production Dec. 11, Food Network publicist Carrie Welch told The Associated Press. “However, Emeril is under contract with Food Network,” Welch said Tuesday. “We love him, we support him and look forward to a long partnership with him.” Welch wouldn’t comment on Lagasse’s contract. Asked why the show was canceled, she told the AP: “The only reason would be that it hit a ton of television milestones and, you know, all good things come to an end.” The Food Network will continue producing Lagasse’s “The Essence of Emeril,” and he will take part in “specials and other development opportunities in the future,” Welch said. The network will also air reruns of “Emeril Live.” “I am deeply appreciative to all the unbelievable staff — many who have been with the show since the beginning — and all the loyal viewers, and the many talented guests who have appeared on the show through the years,” Lagasse, 48, said in a statement provided by Welch. “I look forward to continuing my association with the Food Network with ‘The Essence of Emeril,’ and I have lots of new ideas cooking,” he said.

Estrada maintains
reserve officer status

MUNCIE, Ind. — Erik Estrada is back in Muncie this week for training to keep up the reserve police officer status he earned as part of the canceled CBS reality show “Armed & Famous.” “When I make a commitment to be somewhere, it’s done, like gold,” Estrada, 58, told The Star Press in an interview Monday. “And I’ll be here next year too, and the year after that. And I hope, 30 or 40 years from now, God willing, that when it’s time to put me in my grave, I’ll go in my Muncie uniform and badge,” he said. Estrada will spend the week participating in various training events and will ride with officers again while on duty, said Police Chief Joe Winkle. He said an eight-hour monthly service requirement would be waived for Estrada. The former “CHiPs” star also intends to help with the Muncie Police Department’s annual “Shop with a Cop” charity event. After filming for “Armed & Famous” wrapped, Estrada also received deputy status with the sheriff’s department in Virginia’s Bedford County.

Jersey rockers to give
concert for charity

RED BANK, N.J. — Bon Jovi fans will have a chance to see the group’s frontman perform at a charity concert next month. New Jersey native Jon Bon Jovi will headline “The Hope Concert III” on Dec. 21 at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, the theater said on its Web site. Other New Jersey artists slated to perform are Bobby Bandiera, Tim McLoone and The Shirleys, The Jersey Shore Rock-N-Soul Revue, Mark Pender & Richie “LaBamba” Rosenberg, Gary “U.S.” Bonds and Southside Johnny. Proceeds will go to The Valerie Fund, an organization that helps children with cancers and blood disorders. Jon Bon Jovi performed at a similar benefit concert last year at the Count Basie Theatre along with Bruce Springsteen. Ticket prices range from $100 to $500.

Today’s birthdays

Recording executive Berry Gordy Jr. is 78. Former Sen. Gary Hart, D-Colo., is 71. Singer Randy Newman is 64. “Late Show” orchestra leader Paul Shaffer is 58. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff is 54. Country singer Kristine Arnold (Sweethearts of the Rodeo) is 51. Actor Judd Nelson is 48. Movie director Alfonso Cuaron is 46. Rock musician Matt Cameron is 45. Comedian Jon Stewart is 45. Rhythm-and-blues singer Dawn Robinson is 39. Hip-hop musician apl.de.ap (Black Eyed Peas) is 33. Actress Aimee Garcia is 29. Rapper Chamillionaire is 28. Actress Scarlett Pomers (“Reba”) is 19.