Roberts back on TV after transplant
Robin Roberts made her return to ABC’s “Good Morning America” Wednesday, five months to the day after receiving a bone marrow transplant and a year since she started feeling symptoms of the ailment that has sidelined her since August.
Roberts looked thin and didn’t bother to cover her hair loss with a wig. She wore a wide smile in taking her seat next to co-host George Stephanopoulos on TV’s top-rated morning show.
“I have been waiting 174 days to say this,” Roberts said. “Good morning, America.”
The bulk of the ABC show turned into a celebration of her return as she’s recovering from MDS, a blood and bone marrow disease. President Barack Obama, former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and basketball star Magic Johnson all sent taped greetings.
The plan is for Roberts to work two or three days a week initially and her health will be closely monitored.
Palestinian movie director detained
Immigration officials briefly detained the Palestinian director of the Oscar-nominated documentary “5 Broken Cameras” on his way into Los Angeles for Sunday’s Academy Awards.
Emad Burnat said that when he arrived at Los Angeles International Airport from Turkey with his wife and 8-year-old son late Tuesday, agents told them they didn’t have the proper proof that he was a nominee and would send them back if they couldn’t verify the reason for their visit. After about an hour of questioning, the agents allowed Burnat and his family to enter the country.
Oscar-winning documentarian Michael Moore said on his website that he helped clear up the matter. Moore, a friend of Burnat’s and a champion of his work, wrote on his website that Burnat texted him from an airport holding area seeking help. Moore said he made a few calls to leaders of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, who contacted some attorneys to clear up the matter.
The birthday bunch
Actor Gary Lockwood is 76. Film/music company executive David Geffen is 70. Actor Alan Rickman is 67. Actress Tyne Daly is 67. Actor William Petersen is 60. Actor Kelsey Grammer is 58. Singer Mary Chapin Carpenter is 55. Actor William Baldwin is 50. Actress Jennifer Love Hewitt is 34. Actress Ellen Page is 26.