Paul Newman’s Will Includes Wife, Foundation

November 21, 2008

WEST PORT, Conn.

Paul Newman has left the assets to his wife, the Oscars to his foundation and the race cars to the highest bidder.

Ben Affleck Tours War-Torn Eastern Congo

November 20, 2008

GOMA, Congo

Ben Affleck is visiting refugee camps in war-torn eastern Congo, where at least 250,000 people have been displaced by recent fighting, and says more aid money is needed.

The actor has visited the Central African country four times since 2007 and also has made a documentary about its problems.

Years of sporadic violence in eastern Congo intensified in August, when fighting heated up between the army and fighters loyal to rebel leader Laurent Nkunda.

More details about his trip, inside!

Dish of Salt: Top Ten TV Quotes Of The Week (11/14/08)

November 14, 2008

By Laura Saltman

LOS ANGELES, Calif.

From a ‘Gossip Girl’s’ devestation at her mom’s choice for a new boyfriend, to a mothers ultimate insult on “Brothers and Sisters”… our Dish of Salt, Laura Saltman, counts down the Top Ten TV Quotes of the week.

What had Tina Fey’s Liz Lemon calling “30 Rock” guest star Jennifer Aniston promiscuous? The details inside.

Access Star Sightings: November 14, 2008

November 14, 2008

By Jennifer Zweben

Hollywood, New York & Las Vegas

Thursday, November 13 in NYC — Harry Connick Jr. and Chris Meloni hanging out with the Muppets to help launch the Muppet Whatnot Workshop at FAO Schwartz… Julianne Moore and her husband Bart Freundlich at the Hugo Boss event chatting with “Mad Men” actor John Slattery and his wife, Thalia… Rosie O’Donnell on a special date out with her son at the premiere of “Billy Elliot” on Broadway.

Wednesday, November 12 in NYC — FORD Models Karla Devine, Sveva Alviti and Elena K along with actress Zoe McClellan, Rosario Dawson, Sabrina Bryan and others attended the launch of “Awareness: Inspiring Stories About How To Make A Difference” at the Kenneth Cole New York store in Grand Central…

And In LA -- Jessica Biel at the Heart of Los Angeles charity event at the Biltmore downtown — She was being honored for her service to the organization… Valerie Bertinelli eating at Katsuya in Studio City… Jamie Lee Curtis at eyebrow guru Anastasia’s in Beverly Hills explaining to the ladies at the reception desk how she plans to thwart the waiting paparazzi by sneaking out the back door and making her way through an alley to the parking garage.

Plus, many more!

Jennifer Hudson Thanks Fans For ‘Thoughts & Prayers’

November 14, 2008

CHICAGO, Ill.

Jennifer Hudson thanked her fans on Thursday for the support that she’s received since the tragic death of her mother, brother and nephew.

“Thank You All…I want to thank each and every one of you for your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time,” the 27-year-old Oscar winner wrote on her Celebrity MySpace. “My sister and I take great comfort and strength from your love and concern. jhud.”

Police: Paula Abdul ‘Fan’ Likely Died From Overdose

November 13, 2008

LOS ANGELES, Calif.

Paula Goodspeed, the former “American Idol” contestant who was found dead near Paula Abdul’s home earlier this week, may have died from an “overdose,” authorities have confirmed to Access Hollywood.

“It appears it’s an overdose,” LAPD Capt. James Miller told Access, adding that the coroner’s office is still conducting their investigation.

Woman Found Dead Near Paula Abdul’s Home Was Former ‘Idol’ Contestant

November 12, 2008

LOS ANGELES, Calif.

The woman who was found dead in a car parked near Paula Abdul’s Sherman Oaks, Calif., home last night has been identified as Paula Goodspeed, 30, a former contestant on “American Idol’s” Season 5.

Goodspeed was found shortly after 6 PM on Tuesday, after the Los Angeles Police Department received a tip from a neighboring agency, according to LAPD spokesperson Officer Karen Smith.

Paula Abdul ‘Shocked, Saddened’ By Woman’s Death

November 12, 2008

LOS ANGELES, Calif.

Paula Abdul has released a statement, after a fan of the “American Idol” judge was found dead near Abdul’s home on Tuesday night.

“I am deeply shocked and saddened about what transpired yesterday,” Abdul said in a statement to Access Hollywood. “My heart and prayers go out to her family.”

The 30-year-old woman was found dead in her car, which was parked near Abdul’s home in Sherman Oaks, Calif., on Tuesday night.