By Lynn Elber, The Associated Press “The First Lady” presents three influential women, three acclaimed actors playing them, and a century of history encompassing wars, presidential scandals and America’s stubborn gender and racial fault lines. The ambitious Showtime drama series proved an irresistible challenge for Oscar-winning director Susanne Bier. While the show’s subjects — Eleanor […]
Author Archives: LYNN ELBER
AP Television Writer
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Will Smith resigns from film academy over Chris Rock slap
By LYNN ELBER, AP Entertainment Writer LOS ANGELES (AP) — Will Smith resigned Friday from the motion picture academy following his Oscars night slap of Chris Rock and said he would accept any further punishment the organization imposed. Smith in a statement released Friday afternoon said he will “fully accept any and all consequences for my conduct. […]
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If Proven, Smollett Allegations Could Be a ‘Career Killer’
By LYNN ELBER , AP Television Writer LOS ANGELES (AP) — Jussie Smollett has been enmeshed in weekly drama on the set of “Empire,” the Fox TV series that gave the actor a breakout role and the fame to advance his social activism. Or at least he has been. Friday’s news that Smollett will not […]
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Wendy Williams To Take Health-Related Break From TV Show
By LYNN ELBER , AP Television Writer LOS ANGELES (AP) — Wendy Williams is taking an extended break from her TV talk show to deal with health issues related to her immune system disorder, her family said. The family wrote in a statement that Williams has suffered complications from Graves’ disease in the past few […]
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT, ENTERTAINMENT, National News, NEWS, TV and Film
First African-American Top Network Executive Exiting ABC
By Lynn Elber, AP Television Writer LOS ANGELES (AP) — ABC Entertainment President Channing Dungey, who created a deep bench of ethnic diversity in the network’s shows and fired Roseanne Barr for a racist tweet, will be stepping down. Her decision announced Nov. 16 comes amid ABC corporate parent Walt Disney Co.’s pending acquisition of 21st […]
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HBO Exec: Slave Drama ‘Confederate’ Announcement Mishandled
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) — HBO’s programming chief said the cable channel erred in how it unveiled plans for a series envisioning modern Southern slavery, but he defended “Confederate” against sharp criticism it drew on social media. “I would file this under, ‘hindsight is 20-20,’” programming president Casey Bloys said Wednesday. HBO was misguided in […]
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Fox Business Host Suspended During Investigation
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A Fox Business Network host has been suspended after a contributor reportedly accused him of sexual harassment. The network said Thursday it suspended “Making Money” host Charles Payne pending an investigation, but didn’t provide any details. FILE – In this April 11, 2011 file photo, Charles Payne, of the Fox Business […]
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Drama ‘Shots Fired’ Takes Reversed Layered Look at Police Shootings
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The title of “Shots Fired” makes it clear the new drama series is treading on contentious turf. Yes, a police shooting of an unarmed youth is at the center of the story, paired with a previous death by gunfire. But it’s an African-American sheriff’s deputy who has killed a White college […]
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Actress Debbie Reynolds Has Died at Age 84, Son Says
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Actress Debbie Reynolds, the star of the 1952 classic “Singin’ in the Rain,” has died. She was 84. FILE- In this Feb. 15, 1984, file photo, actress Debbie Reynolds appears at Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremonies in Los Angeles. Reynolds, star of the 1952 classic “Singin’ in the Rain” died Wednesday, […]
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TV Academy Gets First Black CEO in its 70-Year History
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A veteran producer is the newly elected chief executive of the Television Academy and the first African-American to hold the post in the organization’s 70 years. This undated photo provided by courtesy of the Television Academy shows Hayma “Screech” Washington. The veteran producer is the newly elected chief executive of the […]
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Dave Chappelle, ‘SNL’ Give Thoughtful Finale to Election
LOS ANGELES (AP) — “Saturday Night Live” called on host Dave Chappelle’s wit and Kate McKinnon’s performance of “Hallelujah” for a thoughtful finale to a divisive presidential campaign. Chappelle, claiming to be rusty after a decade largely out of the TV spotlight, proved ready and eager to offer his take on Donald Trump’s victory over […]
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Late-Night Hosts Mark Trump’s Election with Jokes, Therapy
LOS ANGELES (AP)–-Late-night hosts pivoted from candidate Donald Trump to President-elect Trump, combining punchlines and audience group counseling after the billionaire’s defeat of Hillary Clinton. “For years I’ve come out every night and asked how you’re doing, but I’ve never meant it. Tonight I actually mean it. Does anyone need a hug?” Conan O’Brien said […]