NEWSMAKERS

August 12, 2010 at 12:00a.m.

NEWSMAKERS

‘Roots’ producer dies

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.

David L. Wolper, whose landmark 1977 miniseries “Roots” engrossed the nation with its saga of an American family descended from an African slave, has died. He was 82.

Wolper died peacefully in his Beverly Hills home Tuesday evening, said spokesman Dale Olson. Wolper died of congestive heart disease and complications of Parkinson’s disease, Olson said.

During his career, Wolper produced the children’s classic “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” and demonstrated his showman instincts with New York’s 1986 extravaganza celebrating the Statue of Liberty centennial and the 1984 Olympic Games ceremonies in Los Angeles.

But his TV work remained his best-known accomplishment, particularly “Roots,” based on the best seller by Alex Haley.

Kid singer from Pgh. stuns talent show

WEXFORD, Pa.

Watch out, Susan Boyle. Here comes Jackie. A 10-year-old girl from the North Hills of Pittsburgh who was chosen by YouTube viewers to compete on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” stunned the judges and audience Tuesday night with her big voice.

Jackie Evancho of Pine Township sang Giacomo Puccini’s aria “O Mio Babbino Caro” and received praise from the judges and overwhelming applause from the audience.

After the performance, Jackie said she was so happy she wanted to cry.

Jackie was one of 12 acts who performed. Four of those performers will join 20 other semifinalists who are competing for $1 million and a contract to perform in Las Vegas.

Lindsay Lohan judge removes herself

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.

The judge who sent Lindsay Lohan to jail has removed herself from the case after a prosecutor complained she improperly contacted a rehab center about the court-ordered treatment of the actress. District attorney spokeswoman Jane Robison said Wednesday that Judge Marsha Revel recused herself Friday. Robison says the contact with the rehab center was among several instances when Revel improperly communicated with participants and experts without the prosecutor present.

Superior Court Judge Elden Fox is handling the case.

‘Catfish’ Collins dies

CINCINNATI

R&B and funk guitarist Phelps “Catfish” Collins has died at 66 at his Cincinnati home. The older brother of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame musician William “Bootsy” Collins played with James Brown’s J.B.’s, Parliament/Funkadelic and his brother’s Rubber Band.

Phelps Collins died Aug. 6 of cancer.

Bootsy Collins’ wife, Patti Collins, described Phelps Collins as a “father figure” to her husband. The brothers played with James Brown and backed him up on classics such as “Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine.” They later joined Parliament-Funkadelic and played in that group with Rock and Roll Hall of Fame keyboardist Bernie Worrell.

Phelps Collins also performed on the soundtrack to the 2007 Judd Apatow comedy “Superbad” with his brother and Worrell.