Michael Jackson reflects at age 50


Michael Jackson reflects at age 50

NEW YORK — Michael Jackson marked a personal milestone Friday: his 50th birthday.

The 13-time Grammy winner, who has sold more than 750 million albums, told ABC News’ “Good Morning America” that he’s “looking forward to doing a lot of great things. ... I think the best is yet to come in my true humble opinion.”

Jackson talked to ABC by phone Thursday.

“People see some of the things I do and they say, ‘Why don’t you show this to the world? People don’t know you do these things.’ And maybe I will,” he said.

Jackson said recording the blockbuster albums “Thriller” and “Off the Wall” were the happiest times of his life.

As for his birthday plans, “I’ll just have a little cake with my children and we’ll probably watch some cartoons,” he said.

Jackson, a twice-divorced father of three, said he aims to provide a normal life for his children.

“I am letting them enjoy their childhood as much as possible. ... I let them go to the arcade and go to the movies and do things. I think that comes naturally. I want them to get to do things I didn’t get to do,” he said.

Duchovny in rehab for sex addiction

LOS ANGELES — David Duchovny, who plays a sex-obsessed character on Showtime’s “Californication,” has entered a rehabilitation facility for sex addiction.

The 48-year-old actor said he did so voluntarily, in a statement released Thursday by his lawyer, Stanton Stein. He added: “I ask for respect and privacy for my wife and children as we deal with this situation as a family.”

Duchovny’s publicist, Flo Grace, confirmed the report, which first appeared on the Web site People.com. She and Stein both declined further comment.

Duchovny and his wife, actress Tea Leoni, have two children. The couple married in 1997.

Today’s birthdays

Actress Peggy Lipton (“The Mod Squad”) is 61. Comedian Lewis Black (“The Daily Show”) is 60. Actor Michael Chiklis (“The Fantastic Four,” “The Shield”) is 45. Actress Cameron Diaz is 36. Guitarist Ryan Ross of Panic At The Disco is 22.