Jackson Jr. treated for ‘mood disorder’
U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. is under intensive medical treatment for a “mood disorder,” his office announced in a brief statement Wednesday, more than a month after the Chicago Democrat quietly went on medical leave of absence.
The statement gave no details about where Jackson was being treated. But Jackson’s office noted that reports about Jackson being treated for “alcohol or substance abuse” weren’t true.
“The Congressman is receiving intensive medical treatment at a residential treatment facility for a mood disorder,” the statement said. “He is responding positively to treatment and is expected to make a full recovery.”
Jackson, 47, went on medical leave June 10, but his office did not disclose it publicly until weeks later. Staff members initially released a short statement saying Jackson was being treated for exhaustion, but last week said his condition was worse than previously thought and required treatment at an inpatient facility.
Veteran O’Toole giving up acting
Peter O’Toole is retiring from show business, saying he no longer has the heart for it and that it’s time to “chuck in the sponge.”
O’Toole, who turns 80 on Aug. 2, said in a statement Tuesday that his career on stage and screen fulfilled him emotionally and financially. “However, it’s my belief that one should decide for oneself when it is time to end one’s stay,” he said. “So I bid the profession a dry-eyed and profoundly grateful farewell.”
In retirement, O’Toole said he will focus on the third volume of his memoirs.
An eight-time Academy Award nominee who never won Hollywood’s top acting honor, O’Toole shot to screen stardom 50 years ago in the title role of “Lawrence of Arabia.” In 2003, at age 70, O’Toole received an honorary Oscar.
Chenoweth injured on TV show set
Kristin Chenoweth was injured Wednesday on the New York City set of the CBS drama “The Good Wife” and has been taken to a hospital.
Her publicist, Jill Fritzo, says she was hit in the head by scaffolding and was taken to the hospital by ambulance. Her condition wasn’t immediately disclosed.
The 43-year-old Chenoweth won a Tony Award for her role in Broadway’s “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” and an Emmy Award for her work on “Pushing Daisies.” She has a recurring role on “The Good Wife” in the upcoming season.
The birthday bunch
Pianist Van Cliburn is 78. Comedian Bill Cosby is 75. Singer-musician Christine McVie is 69. Fitness guru Richard Simmons is 64. Actress Cheryl Ladd is 61. Gospel singer Sandi Patty is 56. Actor Topher Grace is 34.