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Fox pulls first 2 episodes of ‘Our Little Genius’
Fox pulls first 2 episodes of ‘Our Little Genius’
NEW YORK — Fox won’t be starting its kiddie quiz show, “Our Little Genius,” next week as planned. The first two episodes have been yanked by producer Mark Burnett. He says he discovered what he termed “an issue” with how some information was relayed to the show’s young contestants. Burnett said in a statement Thursday that this led to his request that Fox not air those episodes.
“Our Little Genius” was set to premiere after Wednesday’s edition of “American Idol.” Fox instead will repeat the milestone 450th episode of “The Simpsons.” It was not immediately clear when, or if, Burnett will tape new episodes and proceed with the series. The prolific producer is known for such shows as “Survivor” and “The Celebrity Apprentice.”
Marvel sues to keep rights to superheroes
NEW YORK — Marvel is suing to keep the rights to superheroes including Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four and X-Men.
The federal lawsuit filed Friday in Manhattan asks a judge to invalidate notices sent by the heirs of artist Jack Kirby to try to terminate Marvel’s copyrights.
The heirs notified several companies last year that the rights to the characters would revert from Marvel to Kirby’s estate.
The lawsuit says Kirby’s work on the comics were “for hire” and render the heirs’ claims invalid.
Comic-book characters such as Spider-Man and the X-Men have become some of Hollywood’s most bankable properties in recent years.
Marc Toberoff, an attorney for the Kirby heirs, said he hadn’t seen the lawsuit and had no immediate comment.
Impressionist Rich Little becomes US citizen
LAS VEGAS — A Canadian impressionist famous for his takes on American presidents and celebrities is becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officials said Rich Little was to become an American on Friday at a ceremony in Las Vegas.
The 71-year-old Little mimics more than 200 voices, including Johnny Carson, George Burns, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Clint Eastwood and Jack Nicholson. He lives in Las Vegas.
The Canadian toured the United States in 2003 with his show “The Presidents,” offering impressions of John F. Kennedy, Richard Nixon, Bill Clinton and both Bushes.
Citizenship officials say Little was to be naturalized along with six military members, three from Mexico, and others from Kenya, the Philippines and El Salvador.
Revlon mogul ordered to pay production company
NEW YORK — A New York judge has ruled that Revlon cosmetics mogul Ronald Perelman must pay more than $3.4 million to a production company he started with his ex-wife, actress Ellen Barkin.
The couple divorced in 2006. Since then, they have been embroiled in various lawsuits relating to the company, Applehead I.
Manhattan state Supreme Court Justice Debra A. James ruled on the breach of contract case Dec. 21. Perelman must repay the money with 9 percent interest dating to Jan. 1, 2007.
Barkin and her brother George continue to operate the production company.
Perelman has sued the siblings, claiming they siphoned money from Applehead to form another company. That case continues to be litigated.
Today’s birthdays
Singer Joan Baez is 69. Actress Susannah York is 69. Guitarist Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin is 66. Singer Buster Poindexter is 60. Singer Crystal Gayle is 59. Guitarist Eric Erlandson (Hole) is 47. Actress Joely Richardson is 45. Guitarist Carl Bell of Fuel is 43. Singer Steve Harwell of Smash Mouth is 43. Singer Dave Matthews of the Dave Matthews Band is 43. Singer A.J. McLean of the Backstreet Boys is 32. Guitarist Drew Brown of OneRepublic is 26. Singer Paolo Nutini is 23.