Seacrest signs deal as ‘American Idol’ host

Seacrest signs deal as ‘American Idol’ host

NEW YORK — Ryan Seacrest has signed a lucrative new deal that keeps him hosting “American Idol” through 2012 as well as participating in new projects.

The partnership, announced Monday by 19 Entertainment, a wholly owned subsidiary of CKX Inc., provides an opportunity for on-air-personality/producer Seacrest and his Ryan Seacrest Productions banner to work with “American Idol” creator Simon Fuller on new entertainment endeavors.

Fuller’s 19 Entertainment has created and produced TV hits including “American Idol” and “So You Think You Can Dance.” Although the announcement specified no dollar figure, The Hollywood Reporter pegged the deal at $45 million.

Besides “American Idol,” Seacrest, 34, is host of the radio countdown show “American Top 40,” as well as a nationally syndicated radio show for Clear Channel’s 102.7 KIIS-FM. He also executive-produces and co-hosts “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest” and holds the titles of managing editor and lead anchor of E! Entertainment News. “American Idol” airs on Fox.

Tierney having operation to remove breast tumor

NEW YORK — Actress Maura Tierney says she’s having surgery to remove a tumor in her breast.

Tierney, who recently wrapped a long-running stint on the NBC medical drama “ER,” issued a statement about the surgery Monday, giving no details on her condition and when she’s due to have the operation.

Says Tierney: “I will not know either my exact diagnosis or course of treatment until that surgery is performed.” Tierney says her doctors assured her “this is a very treatable condition,” and she’s “very optimistic as to the outcome.” Tierney’s setback has delayed production on her new NBC series “Parenthood” for eight weeks. The network said the medical drama “Mercy” will premiere instead this fall

Portman joins ‘Thor’ cast

LOS ANGELES — “Star Wars” co-star Natalie Portman is storming back into action films with a role in the comic-book adaptation “Thor.”

The 28-year-old Portman has been cast as Jane Foster, who was a nurse and first love of the title character in the Marvel Comics. According to Marvel Studios, the character is being updated for the movie version of “Thor,” in which the Norse warrior is cast down to Earth to live among humans.

Chris Hemsworth stars as Thor in the movie, which begins shooting early next year. It is due in theaters May 20, 2011. Kenneth Branagh is directing “Thor.”

The movie is part of an ambitious schedule for Marvel Studios, including “Iron Man 2,” “The First Avenger: Captain America” and “The Avengers.”

Warhol’s Jackson portrait dropped from N.Y. auction

EAST HAMPTON, N.Y. — A New York art gallery has temporarily removed an Andy Warhol portrait of Michael Jackson from the auction block.

The Vered Gallery in East Hampton says enormous interest prompted the decision. The auction was to close Sunday.

The 30-by-26-inch painting shows a smiling Jackson in a red jacket from his “Thriller” days. Pre-sale estimates ranged anywhere from $1 million to $10 million.

There’s renewed interest in all things Jackson since his death. His albums are back at the top of the charts. Gallery co-owner Janet Lehr says in a statement she wants to offer the 1984 work to “the greatest number of prospective purchasers.” The portrait is reportedly owned by a New York collector.

3 years after injury, Woodruff returns to Iraq

NEW YORK — ABC News correspondent Bob Woodruff returned to Iraq on Monday for the first time since he was nearly killed there by a roadside bomb more than three years ago.

Woodruff is on a reporting trip that left Washington with Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The ABC newsman is staying on U.S. military bases while he is in Iraq.

Woodruff suffered a serious brain injury from the Jan. 29, 2006, bomb that exploded while he was riding in an Iraqi army tank, his upper body exposed as he stood in the hatch. He returned to ABC News after an arduous 13-month recovery, and he’s done extensive reporting on the plight of people who were severely injured in the war.

It wasn’t an easy decision to return, he said. Woodruff and his wife, Lee, wrote the book “In an Instant: A Family’s Journey of Love and Healing,” about his progression from not even remembering his twin daughters to being able to report again.

Today’s birthdays

Actor Dale Robertson is 86. Actor Harry Dean Stanton is 83. Actress-singer Polly Bergen is 79. Actor Vincent Pastore (“The Sopranos”) is 63. Actress Jane Lynch (“Glee,” “Talladega Nights”) is 49. Actor Matthew Fox (“Lost,” “Party of Five”) is 43. Keyboardist Ellen Reid of Crash Test Dummies is 43. Singer-guitarist Tanya Donelly (Belly) is 43. Actress Missy Gold (“Benson”) is 39. Singer Tameka Cottle of Xscape is 34. Country singer Jamey Johnson is 34. Musician taboo of Black Eyed Peas is 34.